Page 31 of Loving Justice

“No?” Her pensive eyes skewered him.

He tore a hand through his hair. He was long overdue for a haircut and a shave. That was the least of his worries now though. “We had a good time. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

She blinked as the corners of her mouth dipped further. “For whom?”

Jinx started to open his mouth, probably with more wrong words when the door swung open like a saving grace. He thanked his lucky stars until he saw who it was. A warm tingle targeted his groin.

Justice stuck her head inside. “I saw Doc had left.” She saw that he wasn’t alone and her smile faded some. “Oh, sorry. I can come back.”

“Thanks. We were just talking,” Lanah said.

At the same time, Jinx asked, “Did you need something?”

Lanah’s annoyed gasp echoed through the room.

“I just wanted to stop and see how you’re doing.” Justice tucked a tendril of her soft wavy hair behind her ear. “I’ll come back.”

Jinx’s mind scrambled for something to say, anything to keep her from leaving, but he went blank. The door closed.

“Wow! Everything just became glaringly obvious to me,” Lanah said through pinched lips.

“It is?” If it made perfect sense to her then the conversation should have been over.

“Another cowboy bites the dust.” She gave her head a little shake. “Unbelievable.” She threw up her hands.

“I’m confused.” Had he missed something?

“I think we understand what’s happening here.” Lanah sat back down on the bed. “Another Rose has entangled herself with a ranch hand.”

“It’s not that way,” he groaned.

“But you are down for the count.” Lanah sighed. “It’s okay. If they had a brother, I’d be smitten too.”

“No hard feelings?”

She plucked a piece of lint off her blouse. “No. I forgive you. I’ve been seeing someone else too. We’re not relationship material, at least not right now, but who knows?”

He felt a sense of relief. “I’m glad. Hopefully, he’s worthy.”

She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. “Is any man ever really worthy?” She stood and ran her palms down her torso. “You don’t know what you’re giving up, handsome” She glided to the door and looked back at him. “Word to the wise. If you like Justice, tell her.”

Jinx gazed thoughtfully at the closed door, Lanah’s words resonating in his mind. “If you like her, tell her.” Reflecting on his feelings, he recognized that his crush likely ignited the moment he first saw her. An intense spark transformed into a deeper admiration. He found himself enchanted by her sweet mannerisms, her radiant smile, and the lively bounce of her hair. Each detail about her made his heart race with excitement. He realized how truly special she was, inspiring him to take the brave step forward.

****

Justice stood outside of Jinx’s room and breathed in a measure of bravery, exhaling all her concern.

She knocked and heard him call out, “Come in.”

Opening the door, she stuck her head inside. “Oh, Lanah’s gone?”

“She’s been gone,” he said.

“I brought you some dinner.” She carried the tray in. “Where would you like it?”

“Here’s fine.” He patted his lap. “Thank you.”

She set the tray on his lap and then stepped back. "That was very nice of Lanah visiting you," she remarked, potentially probing for more details. She doubted that he had any connection with Lanah... or was she mistaken?

---