Page 50 of Dark Horse

I frown at how transparent we are and worry if everyone in this place knows that something’s up with us. His smirk just widens as the steam from his coffee wafts up and curls around it.

“To put it mildly.”

“And I’m guessing the fact he didn’t stop me outright means that whatever you two have going on is secret?”

I nod.

“Yeah… I’m all too familiar with that particular brand of situation.”

“And yet you’re here.” I give him a playfully accusatory look.

“Trying real fucking hard to be reformed.” He pours the espresso for me, pointing and adding the extras as I nod my head to them before he hands me the drink.

“I see.” I roll my lip between my teeth and lean forward on my elbows, cup in hand, as I study him. “She married?”

“Not exactly, but she’s as off-limits as they come. She doesn’t even really like me, if I’m being honest. She just likes what I can do for her.” The smirk reappears on his face, and he looks out the window. In the distance, I can see Kell taking some folks from the inn on an early morning trail ride.

“Hmm.” I nod. Sounds like me. No wonder we hit it off on New Year’s Eve. “That makes two of us familiar with that particular brand ofsituation,as you put it.”

“Ah well, then we can commiserate and share tips.” His smile is back, and it’s a brilliant boyish sort that would melt my panties off in about two seconds if someone else didn’t have ironclad control over them.

We hear voices trailing down the hall, the sounds of other people in the house waking up, and he turns back to me.

“How do you want to play this then?” he asks. I furrow my brows, and he continues, “Do you want me to back off or turn up the heat a little for his benefit? I can take care of myself if he gets a little punchy.”

“If he gets a little punchy, we’ll have bigger problems. But don’t back off. Hazel’s heart is dead set on this idea. I think she thinks we’ll fall in love this weekend, have a whirlwind wedding, and I can live part-time in Cincinnati with her.”

“What size ring? We can really get under his skin.” He chuckles as a mischievous look crosses his face, and I shake my head laughing.

“We can’t tease her like that though. She’d never forgive me. I just want to keep her happy for the weekend.”

“She wouldn’t be happy about the real guy?”

“I have no idea how she’ll react, but I don’t think it’s what she needs to hear right now.”

“All right. I got some tamer ideas. You have to take a picturein my lap later, though, so I can post it and see if my situation is still paying any attention.”

“You’ve got a deal.” I nod. The least I can do is help the guy out some.

“You better run and get some makeup or something on your neck, unless you want me to take credit for it.”

“If I can’t cover it up, would you?” I give him a pleading look.

“I got you.” He winks, and whoever she is—she’s lucky.

“Thank you. And for the coffee.” I hold up the cup. “It’s delicious.” Incredibly lucky.

NINETEEN

GRANT

Leviand I are sitting alone on the back of a couple of carts watching the competition taking place. Everyone’s paired up today to compete in Hazel’s wedding games for an all-inclusive resort vacation at the same couples-only place Hazel and Ramsey are headed to after the wedding. She’s not even trying to be subtle about how she’s paired them off either because she’s got all her friends paired up with her brothers, with the exception of Dakota, who she’s stuck with Hayden yet again.

Two of Hazel’s other college friends, conveniently for us the two we were supposed to be paired with, missed their flights last night and didn’t make it to town in time to get here. I’m not complaining because I’d much rather watch the competition from a distance than be involved, and it means I can keep an eye on where this asshole puts his hands.

I glare at the way Hayden helps line her up for her next shot. She’s probably twice the shot he is, just like she was twice the dancer. But she lets him show her the ropes anyway, and it fucking digs at my temper.

I pop a piece of gum in my mouth just as Dakota giggles and leans into Hayden as they practice another round on the targets. Despite our discussion last night, she’s playing coy and flirting with the damn football player who can’t seem to take his eyes off her. But she’s still got a bandana scarf wrapped around her neck, tied in a pretty little knot to cover up the marks I left there. Ones I might have to make more of if he keeps touching her hips and whispering in her ear as they rack up points in the target practice portion of the games.

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