Page 190 of Blue Collar Babes

“You went on a walk. Why?”

“My day had caught up with me, and I needed to walk off the beer.”

Remi’s lips turned up in a soft smile. “You are skilled at so many things. Lying is not one of them. Not to me, anyway. You ditched us. You needed to walk off what you were feeling about Jude.”

“No.”

“Yes. You are totally into him. I get it. He’s hot. Single. And if rumors are true … And there are grains of truth in rumors, right? Gifted in the intimacy department.”

“Jesus, Remi,” Nix said with more force than intended. She sat up and stretched. “I’m not into him.”

“Then having dinner at my place tomorrow won’t be a problem. You’ll be all relaxed from our day at the spa.”

“You mean …?”

“Yes. Chet, you, me, and Jude.”

Nix rubbed her forehead, inwardly groaning. “Whose idea was this?”

“Chet’s, and mine. Jude said he’d come too if you were there. He’s attracted to you.”

Oh, fuck me.“Remi.” Nix whined, drawing out her friend’s name.

“Where’s my curious and fearless friend?”

“Your curious and fearless friend is as frustrated as hell. There’s the larger issue. My great-grandfather bought most of the Carpenter mineral rights from Jude’s great-grandfather. Bad blood exists between our families.”

“Aha,” Remi said, nodding. “After you left trivia, Jude mentioned you showed up at the farm. Admitted he acted a little protective of his property.”

“That’s what he called it?”Get the fuck off my property. Right. “Unbelievable.”

“The Carpenter farm is one of the few remaining large farming operations in Oklahoma and is very profitable.”

“I know that Remi. I also know that drilling and exploration have been going on there for decades.”

“I’d bet he’s worried about future projects and how they impact the land.”

“I presume he is. We can address all of that in the lease. And if there are still sticking points, the Corporation Commission will mediate them.”

“It seems you and Jude got off on the wrong foot. You two need to talk. Resolve your contentious relationship.”

Nix countered. “Professionally, it could look bad.”

“Seriously? I disagree. You and Jude … The interest you have in each other deserves to be explored. It’s palpable, Nix. I mean, how long has it been since you and Johnny split?”

“A year.”

“What happened was during the Depression, almost a century ago. Time to bury that, don’t you think? C’mon. Let’s head to my place. Are you rested enough for our pajama party?”

“Yes.”

* * *

Saturday Night …

Jude brought her flowers. Cymbidium orchids, roses, viburnum, and hydrangeas emitting a fresh honey-vanilla scent.

“Thank you. These are beautiful.” Glancing up from the bouquet in shades of green, pink, and lavender, she couldn’t help but smile. Every time her eyes connected with his, Nix experienced something different. Happiness. Shyness. Intense desire. And for now, her frustration remained checked. “I’ll put these in water.” She floated into the open kitchen, her heart dancing, and looked over her shoulder.

---