Page 13 of Some Cowboys Brave the Flames

He twirled his hand in the air. “This and that.” His eyes landed on her. “You know something? You’re really pretty.”

She stiffened. “Thank you.” Her heart hammered, but not in the exhilarating way it did when she was with Ash. Charlie lifted the book again. “Well, I’m going to try to get into my book, so?—”

He took the book from her and flipped it over in his hands to read the title. She made a disgruntled sound to indicate she didn’t want him doing such a thing, but then he commenced flipping through the pages. His eyes found hers, and his smilestretched wider. “There are more interesting things you could be doing.” He leaned a little closer. “Like going out with me.”

“Thanks, but?—”

“Come on,” he purred with a voice that set her teeth on edge. “I don’t bite.”

Charlie frowned. If even one of her brothers were here, they’d pummel this guy. Unfortunately, she’d come to the park to get away from her overbearing brothers and the possibility of seeing Ash. She’d wanted to clear her head, but that wasn’t happening. She lunged for the book, but the man held it just out of reach. “I appreciate the invitation, but I’m not interested,” she insisted. “I didn’t come here for a date.”

He pouted. “That’s no fun. A girl like you? I’d think you’d want to get out and enjoy yourself.”

“Who said I wasn’t enjoying myself?” she snapped, surprising even herself with her terse tone.

His brow lifted, and he let out a dry chuckle. “Youdid—when you said you couldn’t get into your book.”

He had her there. Still, she wasn’t interested in a guy who didn’t know how to listen when she said no. Charlie got to her feet and snatched the book out of his hand, prepared to storm away. Unfortunately, he wasn’t ready to let her go. His hand wrapped around her free wrist, keeping her from making her escape.

“Please let me go,” she said, distracted by the anxiety that slowly woke from its chamber deep inside her.

The man tugged her closer, and she nearly fell into his lap. Her heart thundered as she looked around wildly, wondering if she screamed, would anyone come help her. He didn’t seem like the dangerous type—mostly just like someone who thought he could talk anyone into what he wanted.

As much as shewantedto scream or hit him over the head, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. On top of being a peoplepleaser, she had a hard time putting her foot down. Never wanting to step on anyone’s toes or offend them had gotten her into trouble more than once.

This was the reason she avoided the park and public places when she was alone. There were few moments in her life where she was willing to step out of her shell—out of the happy place she called home. A helpless-sounding sigh escaped her lips. “Another time, maybe.”

She couldn’t tell if he noticed the crack in her resolve or if it was something else, but he saw something. He rose to his feet, his hand still holding hers, his body too close for comfort. Charlie stared up at him expectantly, and he said, “One date. Coffee. Get to know me before you dismiss me.” This time his voice was less cocky and sweeter.

Her mouth went dry, and she couldn’t fight the words that started infiltrating her head—ready to accept the offer of coffee if it meant getting out of this awkward position.

Before she could utter a word, the man’s eyes lifted to a spot above her head. Surprise crossed his face first, followed by a narrowing of his eyes. “Can I help you?” he muttered, his hand tightening on hers.

Charlie didn’t have a chance to turn and take in whoever it was behind her before he spoke.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d release my girlfriend.”

She knew that voice. That voice haunted her dreams both night and day. It could send a ripple of chills or a flush of searing heat through her body. She stiffened, noting how the man before her set his eyes on her once more at the exact moment he released her hand.

Out of instinct, Charlie took a decided step backward, only to collide with Ash’s firm chest. His arm came around her waist, and his head dipped closer to her right ear as he murmured, “Go get in the car, sweetheart.”

Goosebumps accosted her arms and legs. She couldn’t move. Her legs refused to listen to the signals her brain sent down to them.

“Charlie,” Ash murmured, this time with a note of warning. “I’d like to have a word with this young man.”

She blinked, still too stunned to move. Then Ash moved out from behind her. He grasped her upper arms, staring into her face with concern. She could see the question in his eyes. He didn’t even have to speak it.

Did he hurt you?

She gave a sharp shake of her head.

Movement and shuffling behind him caught her attention. Her focus shifted to the man who looked like he was about ready to take off running.

“Don’t move.” Ash’s voice was commanding. From where Charlie stood, she could compare the two. Ash practically towered over the other. His muscular frame and height made the young man look like a scrawny teenager.

It didn’t help that Ash wore a white T-shirt that showed just what he was working with. Paired with his grey joggers, he was what fantasies were made of. Ash rubbed her arms up and down and peered at her closer. Then he jerked his chin to the left. “We’re parked by the restrooms. Go wait for me there.”

Charlie nodded, finally accepting the reality of what she’d been in the middle of. She took a stumbling step backward, then turned around and hurried in the direction Ash had told her to take. She knew what his truck looked like. It was a pewter Ford pickup. It had some black pinstriping along the sides, which made it stand out even more.

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