Page 28 of I Want Crazy (Loco, Texas 3)

“No way. I’m not going to be rude to your friend after she let me use her truck.”

Satisfied, Red hopped out just in time to see the headlights of Jake’s truck as he pulled in behind him.

He was hoping his buddy wasn’t in one of his let’s-push-Red-to-the-brink moods. The last thing he wanted was to be embarrassed in front of Jessie.

’Cause you like her.

“What are y’all doing with my wife’s truck?” Jake yelled as he climbed out.

“We borrowed it to get some stuff in Austin.”

“So, who’s the other half of this we?” Jake asked as he stopped in front of them.

“Jake Hansen, this is Jessie Dale. She just bought the Watering Hole.”

Red ignored Jake’s raised eyebrows as Jake shook Jessie’s hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Jessie. I hope this guy hasn’t been giving you too much shit.”

“Oh, just a couple of times, but he’s actually been a big help.”

“Standing right here,” Red grumbled. Putting his hand on the small of Jessie’s back he guided her toward the house. “Jake, can you help me bring the TVs in and tarp up the back?”

“TVs?” Jake’s eyes brightened.

“Yeah, Jessie is turning the Watering Hole into a sports bar and grill with flat-screens and greasy food.”

Jake turned toward Jessie and put his hand over his heart. “If I wasn’t married, I would be down on one knee right now.”

“Ha, I’m going to tell Rand you said that.” Red watched Jessie’s reaction to Jake. It was no secret women found Jake attractive. Before he’d married Rand, he’d been quite the heartbreaker.

“I’m flattered, but I’d have declined anyway.” Jessie walked up the steps to the house without explaining why, but before she went into the house, she looked over her shoulder at Red.

And something about that look made his heart stop.

When she disappeared from view, Jake pushed him. “Oh man, you are in trouble.”

“What are you talking about?”

“What I’m talking about is that very hot, available woman undressing you with her eyes.”

Red stilled and looked from Jake to the house before scoffing. “Yeah, right. I’ve had women interested in me before and she isn’t. I screwed up whatever chance I had with her the minute I met her.”

“Then what is this whole thing?”

“She doesn’t have anyone looking out for her, so I’m just being a friend.”

Red carried the TV up the porch stairs with Jake puffing behind him, carrying another.

“I don’t know, man,” Jake said. “I wouldn’t do this for a friend without getting something good in return.”

“That’s because you’re a selfish ass.”

Jake chuckled as Red kicked the door.

Jessie pushed it open with a smile. “Rand said to put them in the spare room.”

Red walked past her, and when her gaze caught his, heat spread down his neck and his foot caught on the front rug, making him stumble forward. Luckily, he regained his balance, but not before Jake hooted, “Whew, that was almost a disaster. Been walking long, buddy?”

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