Page 11 of Red's Revenge

Wow, this whole small-world vibe is not my thing at all.

“Sure did. Let me finish this sale, and I’ll grab it for you.” Misty hands me back my credit card and then wraps up my purchase.

“You remember what I said. He’s trouble you can’t afford no matter the limit on that card.” She walks into the back.

“I remember you! You were at The Courthouse last night. I’m Gretchen.” She offers me her hand, and I shake it politely.

“Here you go, Gretchen.” Misty emerges, holding a black lacy teddy on one of those satin hangers.

“Wow, lucky guy,” I comment to the ladies and then turn to leave.

“Gotta wear armor when you’re at war for a husband, and Red is number one on every woman’s list.” She practically bounces in place as she waits for Misty to wrap up her purchase.

Something doesn’t sit right with me about this whole vibe, and my curiosity gets the better of me.

“Is that actually his name? Red?” Gretchen rolls her eyes and shrugs.

“Yes and no. He’s like the third in his family, so everyone’s always called him that, but the Big Red happened during a high school baseball game.” I glance at Misty, who is hiding a grin.

“Ok, I’ll bite. What happened?” They all start to laugh.

“Red’s brothers are all pranksters, and one of them put itching powder in his jockstrap. Red tried to ignore it, but during the fourth inning, he lost it and pulled out his junk to alleviate himself.” I cover my mouth in shock at Gretchen’s words.

“NO!” She nods with a smile.

“BIG RED is a legend.” She winks and snatches her bag from Misty.” I watch them leave in disbelief.

“The entire town and half the state adopted the nickname. He’s never tried to discourage it.” Misty watches me closely.

“That is horrible.” I shake my head cause I can’t help but think if it’s true.

“I didn’t catch your name.” I look up, and she sees a large white pickup truck with the Justice Ranch emblem on the driver’s door.

The driver tilts his head at Gretchen, who waves enthusiastically. I want to smash her face into the hood of her car so that he tips his hat at me instead.

Where did that come from?

“Sorry, it’s Cami.” I turned back, and I could tell she didn’t miss a thing that crossed my mind or face, for that matter.

I was never any good at hiding my feelings.

“It is,” she says, confusing me.

“Big Red. It’s bigger than that man’s ego.” My eyes widen.

“Good to know. Thanks,” I lift the bag and make my escape.

I need a cold shower now.

Chapter Five

RED

When I ran into Gretchen in town earlier, I felt terrible about the way I ignored her last night. Which brought back the mystery woman again and the fact that my balls were too heavy for my liking. So when Gretchen asked me to join her for dinner, who was I to decline?

We’ve been sitting in the Italian restaurant for over an hour and having a casual conversation. This means she’s been going off at the mouth about all the local gossip, and I’ve been grinning and nodding while eating the pasta in front of me.

I’m tired and need a good romp to get me out of my foul mood.

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