Page 48 of Seized by the Lawman

He squinted. “My head isn’t made for a cowboy hat?” He touched the top of his head.

“No, sorry, it isn’t. Anyway, you wouldn’t want to hide all that pretty hair, would you?”

“You do make a good point.” His smile returned.

“Thank you for coming, but I should be going.” Tears burned the back of her eyes and she could barely breathe.

“Already? Before we eat?”

“You stay and eat.” She stood, grabbed her purse and stuck it under her arm. “They do have a great steak.”

He looked up at her. “If you’re okay.”

“Yeah, I’m great. I must be coming down with something.” If pregnancy could be considered coming down with something. Giving Nix one last glance, she said goodbye to her ex and headed for the door through a throng of people that didn’t make her exit easy. At the door, her gaze automatically glanced toward the bar, but Nix and the blonde were no longer sitting there. Her stomach twisted.

Outside, she took in fresh air and strolled across the parking lot toward her car.

“Do you know how many people in this town own a silver Lexus?”

The rich, husky voice stopped her in her heels. Looking up she saw the sexy cowboy leaning against the hood of her car, his ankles crossed and his hands pushed into his front pockets. He could certainly sell a few hundred Lexus’ with that body and smile. “No, I don’t, but if I had to guess I’d say one and that’s me.”

“That’s my guess. I like the flamingo air freshener hanging from the mirror.” He smiled wider.

Melly scanned the lot. “Where’s the blonde? Are you two playing hide and seek?”

“Hope? I don’t have a clue. She had plans.” He pushed off the car, dragged off his Stetson and a lock of hair dropped to his forehead, making him look younger.

“That didn’t include you and a sleepover?”

“What the hell? It wasn’t me having dinner with an ex. By the way, where’s the yuppie at?”

“Oh, I’d gander he’s eating his steak and drinking a margarita.” She fumbled in her purse for her keys and clicked unlock.

“So, it looks like we’re both alone tonight.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I see the for-sale sign in the window of the car. You’re really wanting to get rid of the Lexus?”

“I need something that can get around in the winter.” She looked him down from head to dusty boots. In all honesty, she couldn’t imagine wanting to be anywhere more than with him, but that put her at risk for telling him about her visitor who was trying to bleed her out of fifty grand. If she confessed, Nix would be in danger along with their baby. Being the daughter of a lawman, she knew crooks barely made a threat they didn’t mean. Nix pushed off the car and wobbled slightly. “Looks like one of us is tipsy.”

“Drinking isn’t healthy for the baby.”

“I’m not referring to me. I had water.”

“So, the getting back together thing didn’t work?” He was beside her now, still smelling like heaven and masculinity.

“It is possible that two people who have dated in the past can get together over dinner just to chat.”

“You’re funny.”

She couldn’t help herself. She smiled, even though her circumstances were dire. Something inside her pushed her to tell Nix everything.

~~~**~~~

Spider ripped open the paper to the candy bar and took a bite, then opened a window in the camper to let some cooler air in. The AC was broken and he was ready to set the tin can on fire. He was tired of living this way. “Where the hell have you been?” He turned to nail his visitor with a frown.

“I told you I couldn’t take any chances. I’m supposed to be home sick.”

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