Page 56 of Make Me Crazy (Loco, Texas 2)

“Rand, you never told us how Jake asked you.”

Her mouth opened as she stared at Jamie, and remembering where they’d been when he’d asked, her cheeks turned scarlet.

“Isn’t that…ehem…private?”

Both women were silent until Tabby’s pealing laughter burst out loudly. “Normally, no, but I guess we’ll make an exception in your case.”

“Are Jake and you getting rings for each other?” Jamie asked.

Rand touched her naked ring finger. “I’m not sure. We haven’t talked about it.”

“We should go look. Maybe something will pop out at you.” Tabby suggested.

Rand slunk down in her seat. More shopping?

Jamie snickered. “I think she’s done.”

“She just needs a second wind. A little food and she’ll be right as rain.” Tabby started waving at their waitress and Jamie gave Rand a sympathetic look.

Tabby and Jamie dropped Rand off at six, and despite her bone deep aching exhaustion, she dropped her bags off inside and went to do her chores. Tabby had been right about getting food; she had definitely been less irritable after she’s eaten. They’d gone to the jewelry store, where Rand had wandered along the glass cases, avoiding eye contact with the sales man. She hadn’t wanted to waste his time.

Then she’d seen it. A dark metal circle, simple and masculine, and for the first time that day, she’d been excited. It was perfect for Jake and she couldn’t wait to show him.

She felt a little guilty when she saw that the cows had been brought in to the small pasture with the barn. She’d completely forgotten they were going to do that today.

She caught Andy leaving the barn and waved him to a stop. “Hey, I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help with the cows.”

Andy let out a raspy chuckle. “Hell, Rand, you think your granddaddy did everything around here? Hell, no. Lazy son of a bitch barely scratched his ass.”

Rand bit back a smile at the lie. Granddaddy had run the Double C with an iron fist of control which is why she’d worked so hard to prove she was worthy.

“I just meant that I know I’ve been distracted, but things will calm down after all this business with granddaddy’s will is over with.”

Andy patted her shoulder firmly. “You’re a good egg, Rand. R.E. would be proud.”

Rand’s eyes burned and she co

vered her emotions by clearing her throat. “Thanks, Andy. I’ll see ya later.”

Jake locked up the store a little after seven and walked to his truck, fiddling with the ring box in his pocket. He’d meant to give it to Rand last night, but been distracted by what had happened in the kitchen. He hadn’t meant to go all caveman on her, but even when he had been sick, he had wanted Rand. He’d stewed with his frustration for three days and when it had finally erupted, he’d been impatient. After they’d finally gotten around to dinner, he’d made love to her slower, and gentler until she’d been the one to surprise him.

“I’m not made of fine china, Jake. I don’t break easily.”

God, he loved that she was saucy. She wasn’t afraid to tell him what she thought to his face and he had always appreciated it.

“Well, look at you. You got tall, Jakers”

Jake froze at the door of his truck and turned to face his brother. “I’m the same as I was the last time you saw me.”

Dustin Hansen stood a few feet away and Jake hardly recognized his big brother. An inch or so taller than Jake, he was brawnier, and intimidating as hell. It wasn’t just the size of him though, it was also the lines on his face that hadn’t been there before, and the look in the dim lighting of the street light. His brother’s eyes looked haunted.

Dustin stuck his hand out and Jake took it, surprised when Dustin yanked him in for a tight, back slapping hug. “It’s good to see you, Jakers.”

Jake chuckled. “No one calls me Jakers, Dusty.”

Suddenly, Jake found himself in a headlock, on the receiving end of some painful noogies. “No one calls me Dusty, either.”

Jake cursed and squirmed away, laughing. “So let’s make a deal. No Dusty or Jakers.”

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