Page 30 of Cowboy and the Convict

Finding out Maggie wasn’t happy with what they had was a huge blow to his confidence. Left him feeling unwanted and undesired. When Janie kissed him, it stoked a fire he hadn’t tended in years. If things had continued the way they were going, he would have likely kept her there until she couldn’t walk straight just to feed his own ego. To prove he was worth wanting. And whether she wanted to admit it or not, Janie wanted him. Just as much as he wanted her.

Not that it did either of them any good. He didn’t have time and she didn’t have the inclination to see where this might go. So they would just have to keep things friendly. Casual.

But as they entered the living room, it became clear that was going to be easier said than done, because they were about to be sharing much more than popcorn.

“We saved you seats.” Gwen motioned to the empty loveseat. All three of his daughters had monopolized the couch, leaving him and Janie no choice but to sit together.

Which was fine. They’d talked things out and come to an understanding that suited both of them. They were adults. They could spend an evening in close proximity. No problem.

It would be fine.

“Great.” Devon plopped down, making sure he was firmly planted within his half. “What are we watching?”

“Blended.” Riley gave him a bright smile. “It’s an Adam Sandler movie, so you’ll love it.”

Janie’s eyes slid his way as she settled into the spot next to him. “Big Adam Sandler fan, are you?”

“Don’t act like you weren’t around the same time I was.” He relaxed a little, stretching his legs out as he shifted lower in the seat. “You know damn well he was everywhere when we were young.”

“When we were young?” She scoffed. “Are you trying to get me arrested for assaulting a police officer?”

He grinned and popped another handful of the salty snack into his mouth. “I’d have to handcuff you this time.”

Gwen leaned forward, her brows pinched together as she watched their interaction. “Are you flirting with her?”

“What?” He straightened in his seat, posture going stiff. “No. We’re just friends.” It didn’t sound right coming out of his mouth, but that was what it had to be.

Even though the few seconds he’d had her close Monday were some of the most heated he’d ever experienced.

“Good.” Olivia shoved in a handful of popcorn, her eyes glued to the screen as Drew Barrymore chugged a bowl of French onion soup. “You need some friends. Your social life is mournful.”

“Mournful?” Of all the words she could have picked in the English language, she chose that one? “I have a social life.”

“Right.” His middle daughter snorted. “And I’m passing Algebra.”

“You aren’t passing algebra?” His voice was louder than he intended, but the immediate reaction only sent his daughter into a fit of laughter.

“Didn’t expect you to admit the truth so easily.” She blew out a long breath. “But I should actually go upstairs to study so I continue passing algebra.” Turning toward the stairs, she waved one hand over her head. “Enjoy the movie.”

“Now she’s making me feel bad about not studying.” Riley groaned. “I’ve got a test tomorrow and I’m not even close to being ready for it.” She stood, passing the bag of popcorn off to Gwen. “You guys have fun. Hopefully I can watch it with you next time.” She offered Janie a smile. “I’ll see you next week. Maybe you can show me how to do a messy bun that doesn’t make me look like the principal on Matilda.”

Janie grinned. “You got it.”

Riley was barely gone five minutes before Gwen jumped up from her spot on the couch. "This movie is stupid." She wrapped the blanket she’d brought down around her shoulders. "I'm gonna go read my book."

Janie watched his daughter go, her brows pinched together in confusion. Once Gwen was out of sight, she turned to him. "They ditched us."

"Welcome to the world of living with teenagers." He stretched one arm across the back of the sofa. "This is a pretty regular occurrence around here." He and his daughters had made plans to spend time together more times than he could count. And—also more times than he could count—those plans never ended up fully fleshing out. One of them always had to back out because of school or cheerleading or work or any other number of things, and he ended up doing whatever they'd planned on his own.

But not tonight. Tonight he had company.

Janie tipped her head to one side, eyes going back to the television. "At least they want to spend time with you enough to make plans." She snorted, shaking her head. "I'm pretty sure I stopped wanting to hang out with my mom well before my teenage years."

"I guess your mom's just not as cool as I am."

"That might be the understatement of the century." Janie’s mouth flattened.

Devon studied her face, looking over the suddenly hard lines of her expression. "That bad, huh?"

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