Page 100 of Nate

Jarrett stared at her, then put his hand out. “Give it to me.”

“No.”

He stepped forward and put his hand around her throat again. “Give it me,” he snarled.

Taking a deep breath, she removed it from her pocket, handed it to him and saw Nate’s name and number on the screen. She saw Jarrett clench his jaw, then he dropped the phone to the floor, and smashed it with the heel of his shoe. Markie’s breath caught in her throat. Her mind raced as she tried to come up with a plan. She couldn’t let him have access to all those drugs.

****

Nate perched on the worn barstool, his fingers tracing the condensation forming on his cold beer bottle. The crowded bar pulsed with energy, the lively band playing from the stage adding to the buzzing atmosphere. But despite the good company and entertainment, Nate couldn’t help but miss Markie tonight.

“Your mind is elsewhere,” Rafe commented, taking a sip of his own beer.

“Yeah, sorry,” Nate replied.

Rafe chuckled. “Man, you’ve got it bad.”

Nate grinned. “Yeah, I can’t deny it. I’m ready to settle down.”

“Again,” Rafe reminded him with a playful smirk.

Nate nodded and took a swig of his beer. “Again. I loved Erin, but what I feel for Markie... it’s different.”

“Have you told her?”

“No.”

“What the hell are you waiting on?”

“I’m not sure how she feels.”

“Well, I hope she does feel the same. You deserve a good woman.”

“And you don’t?” Nate asked teasingly.

“Oh, I do, believe me. I just haven’t found one worth spending more than a night with,” Rafe replied with a shrug.

“Does Maggie still come around the ranch?” Nate asked curiously.

Rafe’s expression darkened slightly. “Don’t even go there.”

“Why not? She’s a beautiful woman,” Nate prodded.

“Her husband was an abusive prick. I’m sure she has some serious baggage,” Rafe said bitterly.

“He was an ass. Maybe she needs someone to show her that not all men are like that. And if she does have baggage, you can help her get rid of it,” Nate suggested.

Rafe hesitated before shaking his head. “I don’t know. It’s complicated. And besides, we don’t talk much.”

“Why not?” Nate pressed. “You’re never shy around beautiful women, Rafe. You have them at your feet.”

Rafe chuckled wryly. “Like you don’t? Or didn’t. But now, you only have eyes for Markie.”

“I do,” Nate admitted with a smile.

Their conversation was interrupted by a sultry female voice. They turned to see a stunning redhead standing in front of them. Rafe touched his hat politely while Nate couldn’t hide his amusement.

“I can’t decide which one of you is more handsome,” she purred, flashing them a flirtatious smile. “So maybe I could take both of you home with me.”

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