Page 24 of The Rogue

She sips her coffee, watching me like I’m keeping a secret. “Hmm…but you kept it. Could that be because you’re still hot for her?”

I scoff. “No, because cowboys reallydodo it better.”

She humphs. “Doubtful,” she says as the eggs, bacon and toast platter is placed between us.

I’m going to regret asking. “And why’s that?”

“Well…if you were really that good”—she points her fork at me—“she wouldn’t have bought you a parting gift.”

I laugh. “I can assure you, Lonnie’s breakup with me wasnotbecause of that.”

But apparently, my ex-wife’s was. Since I found out she was sleeping with anything that moved in between her sporadic appearances.

She holds up a hand. “Actions speak louder than coffee mugs.”

“False,” I say. “That coffee mug is still speaking. Through you…”

“Hmm… you’ve got a point.” She takes a bite of bacon, scrunching her nose at the eggs.

“You better eat these eggs, woman. I’m not having anyone pass out on my watch.”

“Maybe just a bite.” She pouts at the platter of four over easy eggs.

I lift my fork. “I’ll help.” My phone pings, and I lift it off the table.

Beau:Got a new estimate for you.

I clear my throat. “Excuse me,” I tell Tessa while I type out a response.

Levi:What do you mean new?

Unless there was more damage to the car after he left with it, there shouldn’t be anewestimate.

Beau:Part going to cost more. Not worth it in my opinion.

He sends me a figure that basically doubles what he told us initially. And if I remember correctly, Tessa’s jaw practically fell to the floor when she heard it.

Levi:I’ll send you the difference now if you get it done by tomorrow.

Beau:Tomorrow before supper.

Levi:Perfect.

"Everything alright?" Tess asks.

I set my phone down. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Your jaw is tight. Your body is tense, and well, you basically look the way you do when I walk into a room.”

I smirk. “You’ve noticed.”

“And yet you hide it so well.”

I lift my fork. “Good news is your car will be ready tomorrow.”

“And the bad news?” She winces.

I picture the figure Beau sent and he’s right; it’s not worth the extra cash to save that thing.

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