Page 7 of Nate

“Oh, trust me, I wouldn’t mind that. I haven’t had sex in... well, a long time. But I don’t want to risk ruining a good friendship. Nate is a great guy.”

“Then why isn’t he married?”

“He was married before, years ago. He told me they simply drifted apart, and he hasn’t found anyone since that he wants to marry.” Sydney shrugged. “He did mention that he would love to have kids someday though.”

Markie continued to watch him with the woman, then he looked toward the bar and their eyes met.Shit!She quickly looked away and turned around to face the bar.

****

Nate was surprised to see Dr. Russell here. She seemed a little snooty to him. Not the type to hang out in a cowboy bar, then he saw she was sitting with a friend of his.

“Hey.”

He looked at the woman he was dancing with. “Yeah?”

“Want to get out of here?’

“Uh…” He shook his head. “No.”

“Why not? We could go to your truck.” She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck.

“Not tonight, darlin’. I’ve had a long week and I’m tired.”

“Then why the hell did you ask me to dance?”

Nate unwrapped her arms from around his neck. “To dance. Have a good evening.”

“I can go home with just about any cowboy in here,” she snapped.

“Well, it won’t be this one.” He touched the brim of his hat when she gasped and walked off the dance floor. He pushed his way toward the bar, stopping to talk with people he knew before finally reaching it. He saw Sydney look at him, then she stood and hugged him.

“Nate, how are you?”

“I’m good, Sydney. You?”

“Fine. Do you know Markie Russell?” Sydney asked him and he noticed Markie glaring at her.

“We’ve met. How are you this evening, Dr. Russell?”

“Fine.”

Nate looked at Sydney to see her trying not to grin. He winked at her.

“Well, I’m fine too, in case you wanted to know.” Nate bit his lip to hold back a grin when she turned on the stool to face him.

“I don’t.” She looked at Sydney. “I’m going to the restroom.”

Once she disappeared into the crowd, Nate sat on the empty stool and waved for a bartender.

“Hey, Nate. What can I get you?” Laura Blackstone asked him.

“Just my tab, please, Laura.” He looked at Sydney. “So, you and Dr. Russell are friends, huh?”

“Yes. I met her when I found a stray kitten behind my store and took it to the hospital. Of course, I ended up taking it home with me.”

Nate chuckled. “Still a sucker for animals.”

“I think that’s why Markie and I hit it off. She’s a wonderful vet.”

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