Page 21 of I Want Crazy (Loco, Texas 3)

“About the time you wet the bed and Mom hung your underwear from the antennae when she drove us to school.”

“Shut up. That never happened.”

“Sure it didn’t.” MJ disappeared into the house after giving Jessie a wink.

Red glowered at her. “It didn’t.”

“I believe you, really.”

Jessie fought hard not to laugh as Red scowled at her. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m good.” She shivered as a cool breeze brushed across the back of her neck. At least, that was what she told herself. It had nothing to do with Red’s proximity or the light, sexy

scent of him.

He ignored her and started down the stairs, waiting for her to follow, which she did. In fact, she kind of liked Red’s old-school insistence of walking her to her car and driving her home. He was a little bristly on the outside, but Jessie had a feeling he was a good guy.

Good guy or no, don’t start getting all enamored.

She could admire an attractive guy with good qualities without getting interested. She liked Red, despite his nosiness, and she really needed a friend.

He opened her door for her and stood behind it as she came around. Before she climbed in, she stopped and patted his hand. “Just so you know, I had a really good time. Your family is fantastic, and I like them.”

He stared down at her intensely before holding out his hand. “Let me have your phone.”

She frowned at him, and he rolled his eyes. “Come on, I was just going to put my number in for you.”

Reluctantly, she gave it up and watched as he typed on the pad. He handed it back to her, and when his hand squeezed hers, her heartbeat sped up double-time.

“If you ever need anything, I’m here. I figure you need at least one friend in Loco.”

Every smart-ass thing that came to mind froze on the tip of her tongue when she saw the sincerity in his gaze.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He continued to just give her that pensive glance, like he was trying to get to all her secrets. Nervously, she pulled her hand away. “Well, I guess I’ll talk to you later. Thanks for today and dinner and everything.”

She climbed in and waited for him to take his hand off the door before she closed it. As she pulled out of the driveway, he gave her a little wave, and she took off, cursing her heart. The stupid thing had hoped for half a second he would kiss her.

And that was the last thing she needed.

* * *

Red walked into his trailer, cursing. What had possessed him to give her his number?

If you ever need anything…blah…blah…you are a sap.

Could he have looked more like a desperate loser?

He sat down at his computer to write a scene where the hero looks like a complete ass, and his fingers flew across the keyboard.

Two hours later, he pulled his earbuds out and checked his phone. It was almost midnight, and the lack of sleep from the night before was definitely hitting him. His eyes hurt, he couldn’t stop yawning, and he needed to stretch.

There was a little number one on top of his text message icon. Gliding his thumb across it, he tapped on the envelope. Message from Unknown.

He opened the message.

Hey, it’s Jessie. I can’t sleep.

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