Page 114 of Rough Ride

Sawyer’s lips pursed. “I wasn’t.”

“Surprised they let you in here,” Johnny said as he joined us. He waved to the bartender and turned back toward us. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Hell no!” Eli declared, wrapping an arm around Sawyer’s neck. “I’ll never complain about this sourpuss again. I want him on our side at every rodeo fight.”

“I’ll be there at Houston,” Sawyer said. “But I’d prefer it if Ididn’thave to save y’all’s asses this time.”

“You’ll be there?” Johnny asked. “I heard you got let go, so I was wondering.”

“My ranch dropped me, but I signed back up as an independent participant,” Sawyer explained. “Cost me a pretty penny, so hopefully I’ll walk away with some prize money.”

“If you’re tryin’ to guilt us into lettin’ you win, I have someverybad news for you,” Eli said. “Johnny and I are men of unimpeachable moral character.”

Sawyer sneered. “Don’t worry. I plan on putting you both in your place at Houston.” He glanced at me. “Just like I’ve put you in your place regarding Sophie.”

“I don’t know about that.” Eli removed his arm from around Sawyer’s neck, and slipped it around my waist. “Johnny and I have pleased this woman in ways previously unimaginable to the average cowboy. Together.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “We had a threesome.”

“Thanks for spelling it out,” Johnny said dryly.

“Hope you’re not jealous,” Eli told Sawyer.

I waited to see Sawyer’s reaction. This was the first time all three men had been together and discussed… well,me.

“No jealousy here,” Sawyer said genuinely. “I’m glad you two joined forces. If it takes two of you to do what I can do myself, then that’s just fine.”

I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh.

“That… we… I wasn’t…” Eli sputtered. “I’ve pleased Sophie just fine by myself! Tell him.”

I smiled innocently. “Sure you have, big guy.” I patted him on the back for good measure.

Johnny barked a laugh. Sawyer just smiled in satisfaction.

“Fuck all y’all,” Eli replied with his own laugh. “Our threesome was fuckin’amazing,and I won’t let you use it to insult my sexual prowess.”

“It wasfantastic,” I agreed, turning my eyes back to Sawyer. “If you ever want to try it, let me know.”

Something sparkled behind Sawyer’s eyes as he considered it. Curiosity mixed with lust.

“We’ll see,” was all he said, but I could tell he wasn’t opposed to it.

And I couldn’t wait to find out just how interested he would be.

50

Sophie

We drank, and danced, and drank some more. I was having a great time being onthisside of the bar, a sloppy customer who was enjoying herself, rather than being the bartender who had to deal with people like me.

Liz stuck out her tongue at me when I told her I was having a great time.

Johnny and I tried to show Eli how to dance, but he looked more awkward and uncoordinated after every suggestion we made. “I don’t know how someone with such great musical talent can havezero rhythmon the dance floor,” I said.

“I’m tryin’ my best!” Eli replied, tripping over his boot and quickly jumping back into his place on the line of dancers. “I’m havin’ fun, though. That’s the most important part, right?”

“Sure it is, buddy,” Johnny replied.

Sawyer claimed he didn’t dance, but after some coaxing and teasing—and a few more glasses of whiskey—even he joined us on the dance floor. His skill was somewhere between Johnny and Eli, though he looked extremely self-conscious about it.

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