Page 64 of Princess and the Ox (The Colby Brothers 1)

Jay turned abruptly and under his breath said, “I’m done.” Then marched off the stage. Erika sighed and followed him. But not before offering the audience one more bow.

She followed him into the tent that worked as the change room and watched him with disapproval as he removed his tunic and hung it along with the rest of the costumes. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?”

“You’re not leaving, are you?”

“That’s right.”

“Jay,” she said with disappointment. “You have to stay for the after celebration party.”

“I got things to do.”

Erika sighed, frustrated. Why was he doing this? “Surely they can wait?”

“‘Fraid not.”

She watched as he tugged off the silky shirt of his costume and exposed his back. A broad back that was sweating profusely from the evening heat and the heavy wear of the tunic. Yet for some reason, Erika found this sight appealing. She had an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch him.

There was a small towel nearby so she grabbed it and without any thought to her actions, stepped up to him and began wiping at the beaded moisture that had formed on his brawny back.

Jay flinched, and then spun around to glare at her. “What the hell are you doing?”

“You were sweating.”

His brows came together and he sighed with frustration, before reaching for the towel and snatching it out of her hand. “I can do that.”

“No you can’t,” she said, taking it from him again. “You won’t be able to reach.”

She knew she stunned him for he went blank and allowed her to remove the towel from his hand.

“I didn’t realize how hot you were under that costume.” Erika firmly turned him around and once again began to administer to his muscular back. “It must have been highly uncomfortable.”

She didn’t think he would respond. When he did go to speak, he sounded slightly groggy so cleared his throat and tried again. “Wasn’t the most comfortable thing I’ve worn—Erika, why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

He moaned and turned around taking the towel gently from her hand. His eyes searched hers and Erika eagerly stared back. “I shouldn’t have kissed you. I’m sorry. I know you were hoping to share the moment with Ryan.”

Again, a little part of her brain told her he was right. She should be upset. Angry. Insulted. Disappointed.

However, all she felt was a funny tingling sensation in her chest. “Don’t be silly. You took hold of the situation and decided it suited the scene so much better if it was included. Obviously, you were right. The audience loved it.”

Jay frowned and looked down at her. Perplexed by her attitude. This was not what he would have expected. Not that he was expecting anything. The very last thing he wanted to do was threaten Erika and Ryan’s relationship.

He looked at her face closer and if he wasn’t mistaken, there was clearly infatuation dancing happily within those sapphire depths. Apparently, the audience wasn’t the only ones to enjoy that kiss.

Turning bitterly from her, he squelched the voice that told him that made the three of them. What he wouldn’t have given to been able to take that kiss further. To hold her longer. To never let her go. But he knew he must.

“I’m tired Erika and am going home,” he told her, trying to sound as indifferent as he could. Which was immensely difficult, especially with those eyes of hers staring at him imploringly.

With an inward sigh, she let him go. Truth was he did look tired. Poor man. She longed to reach out and offer him a friendly hug. She settled with a hand to his shoulder. He recoiled immediately and Erika’s heart ached for him more.

“You’re far too tense, Jay. You really ought to relax,” she told him. “You would probably have enjoyed yourself at the party, but I understand.”

Then dropping her hand, she turned to leave the tent. “I’ll stop by your house tomorrow morning.”

“Why?” He sounded alarmed and Erika chuckled. My, he was acting jumpy tonight.

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