Page 36 of Make Me Crazy (Loco, Texas 2)

“Little beast!” She turned back to Red, who was bent over with mirth. “Good thing I made extra.”

Tears were pooled at the corner of Red’s eyes as he wheezed, “What are you doing, starving the poor thing?”

“No,” she cried. “She just thinks her bowl should be full at all times and if it gets below the rim, she cries until I give in.”

His chuckles subsided and he went to the stove, making “mmm mmm,” sounds.

She bumped him out of the way with her hip and laid his flowers down. “Go sit, I’ll make you a plate.”

He did as she said and asked, “So why do you look so nice. Were you expecting someone else?”

No, just hoping.

Damn it, she needed to get a grip and stop thinking about Jake. What they had was this crazy attraction, but it wasn’t anything more.

“I’m actually going out with your sister,” she said casually.

Red started coughing behind her.

Turning, she took one look at his red face and hurried to set both of their plates down before whacking him hard on the back.

He waved his hand as he sucked in air. When he finally seemed to get his surprise under control, he asked, “Which sister?”

“Tabitha. Tabby, I guess,” she said with a small shrug as she sat across from him.

He hiked an eyebrow. “Where are you going?”

“No idea,” she said, smiling at him sheepishly.

“Well, just be careful. Tabby can get rowdy.” Red said.

Rand laughed. “After twenty years with Jake and you, I figure I can handle it.”

“Speaking of Jake, what’s really going on with you? Cause last night, I know he wasn’t faking being pissed off. I thought he was going to tear me apart after you left.” Red took a bite of his chicken while he waited for her answer.

Rand felt heat spreading over her face and chest. “I have no idea.”

“But there’s something?” Red’s expression was grim.

“No…I mean…I have no idea. It’s like, one minute we’re fighting, or even just playing around and the next thing I know, he’s kissing me.” Talking about it was making her appetite dwindle and she pushed her peas around with her fork.

“Are you in love with him,” Red asked.

Rand dropped her fork and cried, “Of course not.”

“Hey, I’m asking as a friend. Jake’s not the most reliable guy when it comes to women.”

“I know that, Red. I’m not an idiot.”

“Okay, look, I’m not trying to give you shit. You’re a grown woman and it’s your business what you do. But you and I both know that casual things like this do not end well between friends, and the last thing I want to see is you getting hurt.” Red’s big hand reached across the table and grabbed hers, squeezing it, “I’m just saying, you should choose someone who appreciates you.”

Rand’s eyes widened. “Red-

“Just hear me out. I know we have our differences and I can be…difficult. But if you need to get married, wouldn’t you rather do it with someone who knows you and the inner workings of your dark and twisted mind?”

“My mind is not dark and twisted,” Rand argued.

“Okay, you aren’t any twistier than any other woman, but you still need to get married. And I think we could have a good life together.” Red ran his hands through his short hair and his next words had her catching her breath. “Lately, I can’t stop thinking about finding someone to share my life with, and when this whole thing with your Granddaddy’s will popped up, it really got to me. I mean…I moved out of my parents place a long time ago, but I find myself there more and more. I miss having a family, Rand. I miss living with someone and having someone to come home to.”

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