Boots and Buckles

by Myla Jackson

  Grant pressed her foot to the hardening swell beneath his jeans. “I don’t think so.”

  Oh yeah, he was turned on, but then so was she and the restaurant seemed even smaller and more claustrophobic than usual.

  “Your steaks.” Mandy sailed to the rescue with a laden tray filled with plates of steaming food. “Just the way you ordered.”

  When Grant reached out to take a plate from the waitress, Mona snatched her foot away from his crotch, her toes tingling with awareness of just how much she was affecting him.

  Trouble was, it was equally affecting her, killing her appetite for food while intensifying her hunger for—her lower belly clenched—sex.

  She sank into silence, toying with her food, as the men dug into their steaks. When they’d cleared their plates, she asked Mandy for a box to take hers home.

  “I need to get back to my apartment and change into my work clothes.”

  Sam jumped up. “Grant, get the check, I’ll see Mona home.”

  Mona raised a hand. “No, if you don’t mind, I don’t want to hurry you two. Grant can give you a ride back to your truck. If you’re at the Ugly Stick later, I’ll see you there.”

  Sam grabbed her hand. “I’ll be there.” He shot a glance at Grant. “When can I see you alone?”

  “I don’t know, Sam.” Her head was in a whirl of passion and she had to get away from them to be able to think straight.

  “She’s going out with me next.” Grant took her other hand.

  Mona tugged her hand free. “Sorry, guys. I really have to go. And let me leave you with this.” She stood two feet away from them, out of reach. “I’m not sure I’m ready for either one of you, alone. But I might consider both.”

  “Mona, wait.” Grant reached out.

  “Mona, please.” Sam took a step toward her.

  “No.” Mona held up her hand. “I’m not going to be forced to choose between you two. I’m not even sure I want to be with either one of you. Frankly, I don’t want to be hurt again and all I can see at this moment is a whole lot of heartache.”

  She turned and ran out of the restaurant. Hot, horny, confused and needing a good unbiased shoulder to cry on.

  Sam started to go after her, but Grant hooked his arm. “Let her go.”

  “Why? You did that three years ago, and this is what happened.”

  Grant nodded. “She doesn’t trust either one of us.”

  “Thanks to you and Faulkner for walking out on her.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, she probably wouldn’t trust any man at this time.”

  Sam’s brows angled downward. “That’s supposed to make me feel better?”

  “No, but at least you know it’s not just you.” Grant tossed some bills on the table. “Come on.”

  “I’ll walk.”

  “Suit yourself. I’ll get to the salon before you either way.”

  “Like hell you will.” Sam burst through the door and ran all the way down Main Street to Mona’s place.

  Grant passed him and parked in front of her shop.

  Sam got there three minutes later, after Grant had already circled to the back.

  His heart hammering and out of breath, Sam rounded the corner to the stairs.

  “Don’t bother, she’s not letting either one of us in.” Grant descended slowly, taking one step at a time.

  “She and I had a beautiful night together…without you.” Sam stomped to his truck. “Then you walk back into her life and screw her up, and my chances with her.”

  “You just met Mona.”

  “Doesn’t matter. Have you ever heard of love at first sight?” Sam wasn’t even sure that’s what he was feeling, but he knew he liked being with Mona and wanted the opportunity to get to know her better.

  “Did you ever think that maybe she’s using you?” Grant said.

  Sam stopped and spun toward Grant, fists raised. “Take that back.”

  Grant held up his hands. “Look, I’m not trying to start a fight. But think about it. You two have had one night together, not a lifetime.”

  “You left her alone for three years.”

  “I know and I’ve regretted every minute of it. You also know what I was like when we met. A complete, fucked-up mess. I had to get my act together before I could come back here.”

  “Your point?” Sam unclenched his fists and crossed his arms.

  “She could be scared of a relationship with either one of us.” Grant dug his hands into his pockets. “She said it herself that she doesn’t want to be hurt again.”

  “And what’s this got to do with her using me?”

  “As a shield. Me too, for that matter. If she has both of us in the picture, she doesn’t have to choose. She can use me to shield her heart from you and vice versa.”

  Sam shook his head. “Sounds like psycho-bullshit to me.”

  “Yeah, but she didn’t want to be alone with either one of us tonight.”

  “She was alone with me last night.”

  “True. And she might like you enough to feel threatened.”

  “I’d never hurt her.”

  “I know that, and you know that, but she might not believe it.”

  Sam leaned back against his truck and raked a hand through his hair. “What do we do?”

  “Give her what she wants.”

  Before Grant finished talking, Sam was shaking his head. “You’re my friend, and I share a trailer with you, but damned if I’m gettin’ naked with you to win over Mona. She has to choose between me and you.”

  Grant shrugged. “I guess you aren’t as serious about winning her over as you think you are.”

  “I am, but I’ll do it on my terms.”

  “Good luck with that.” Grant turned toward his truck. “Let me know when you’re ready to work as a team.” He left Sam standing by his truck and drove away.

  His head whirling with what Mona had said, what Grant had reinforced and his own preferences, Sam glanced up at Mona’s door. Was she worth the trouble?

  His groin tightened at the image of her lying naked beside him in bed, her dark hair spilled out over the pillow, her smile and the way she laughed.

  Damn. He was too close to believing what he’d said to Grant about love at first sight. Torn between climbing the stairs to demand Mona make a choice, and leaving and never looking back, Sam stood for a long time, straddling the fence, half-hoping Mona would come out of her apartment and tell him she’d been pulling his leg about demanding a threesome or nothing.

  After ten minutes, he finally gave up, climbed into his truck and headed for his trailer. He’d sit this one out. No way in hell he was going to crawl in bed with Mona and his partner. It wasn’t right.

  The image of the three of them lying naked in bed grew in his mind and his body tightened, his cock swelling. Holy hell. Now he was lusting after something that would never happen. Not in a million years.

  Chapter Ten

  “Where’s Audrey?” Mona asked Libby as soon as she entered the Ugly Stick Saloon.

  Libby nodded toward the door to the back. “In the storeroom.”

  Without stopping to catch her breath, Mona burst through the door.

  Audrey was with her fiancé, Jackson Gray Wolf, her jean skirt hiked up to her waist, her legs wrapped around Jackson and her hands braced on a beam behind her. With her head tilted back, she had her eyes squeezed shut. “Come on, Jackson. Fuck me like there’s no tomorrow.”

  “Workin’ it, babe.” Jackson’s jeans hung loose around his waist and he held her hips, his cock pumping into her like a jackhammer. “Make some noise.”

  She moaned and rocked her hips. “Come on, stud. Use that cock like you mean it. Make my pussy hot.”

  “Oh.” Mona ground to a stop, her hand on the doorknob, her heart lodging in her throat.

  Audrey’s eyes opened and she tapped Jackson’s shoulder. “Honey, we have company.”

  “She’ll have to wait her turn,” he gritted out without breaking his rhythm, thr
usting into her, his body tensing. “Are you with me?”

  Audrey raised one finger. “Just a minute, Mona.” Then she was all attention on Jackson again.

  “I can come back when you’re not so…busy,” Mona whispered.

  “No, stay. It makes me hotter.” Audrey’s head tipped back again. “Flick my clit, honey. One more time and I’ll blow.”

  He reached between them and stroked her where she wanted.

  Audrey’s back arched against the pole and she cried out. “Oh, yes! There. I’m coming.”

  “I’m with you, babe.” Jackson thrust one last time and held her still, buried deep inside.

  Mona stood with her mouth open. She’d heard from others who worked at the Ugly Stick that Audrey and Jackson had numerous sessions in the storeroom or the costume room behind the stage, often interrupted by one of her staff. This was a first time for Mona to walk in on the pair.

  She’d never watched another couple making love. Audrey was right. It was damned hot and made Mona’s insides even more inflamed than when she’d left Sam and Grant at the restaurant. Without realizing it, one hand rose to press against her tingling breasts and the other cupped her denim-covered crotch. Her core ached for release and her pussy creamed as the couple disengaged.

  Jackson withdrew, letting Audrey’s feet drop to the ground.

  She handed him a towel, he mopped up his come and zipped his jeans before facing Mona. He winked. “Thanks. Couldn’t have done it without you.”

  Audrey slapped his arm. “Liar. But yes, it was nice to have an audience.” Audrey slipped her skirt down over her hips.

  Mona was a little shocked and turned on by the fact the owner of the saloon wasn’t wearing panties beneath her skirt.

  “I’m just leaving.” Jackson pressed a kiss to Audrey’s lips and ducked out of the storeroom.

  “Mona, I’m so glad you could help out tonight.” Audrey hugged her as soon as the door closed behind Jackson.

  Mona held on longer than normal, her body burning, tears welling in her eyes blurring her vision. “Holy crap, Audrey.”

  “I know.” Audrey giggled. “Jackson’s so damned hot I can’t keep my hands off him.” She pushed Mona to arm’s length and brushed her hair from her eyes. “What’s wrong, honey? You look tense and ready to cry.”

  “Oh, Audrey.” A single tear slipped down Mona’s cheek. “I don’t know what to do.”

  Her boss tipped her chin up. “Oh, baby, are you in trouble with the law?”

  Mona shook her head. “No.”

  “Oh dear. Are you pregnant?”

  A laugh bubbled up Mona’s throat. “No…no, I’m not.” Although the thought of being pregnant made her even more confused and kind of sad.

  Audrey shook her head. “If you’re not in trouble with the law and you’re not pregnant, everything else is easily handled. Spill it. What’s got your panties in a twist? Or should I say who?”

  “Grant and Sam,” Mona said in a rush. “I don’t know what to do about them.”

  “Honey, is that all?”

  “Is that all? After three years of being celibate, I have two men wanting to take me out.”

  “I’m sorry, I’m not seeing the problem here.” She rested her hands on her hips. “Sounds to me like you should be celebrating, not crying buckets of tears.”

  “I should, but I don’t know who to choose.”

  “Do you love them both?” Audrey asked.

  “I loved Grant three years ago.”

  “And now?”

  “Hell, I still love him, but I’m not sure I trust him.”

  “What about Sam?” Audrey gave her a direct stare. “Did you know him before last night?”

  “No.”

  “Have you even known him for twenty-four hours?”

  “Almost.” Mona knew how bad that sounded. “But we had sex last night.”

  “And?” Audrey prompted.

  “It was great.” Tears welled in her eyes. “He was gentle, considerate, passionate and wonderful.”

  “Did he ignite your flame, make your toes curl, get your motor running?” Audrey asked. “Did he make you want to do it in the storeroom?” She winked.

  “Yes, yes and yes.”

  “I hear a but coming.”

  “But Grant does too.”

  Audrey lifted her hands. “Then have them both.”

  “It’s not that simple.” Mona scuffed her leopard print heel on the sticky barroom floor. “I told them they had to be willing to work with me as a team.”

  Audrey threw back her head and laughed. “Good for you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If they love you enough to win your heart, they’ll do this.”

  “What if they decide they can’t?” Mona paced the short distance to a stack of boxes containing whiskey. “What if they both back out?”

  “Then your problem is solved and you move on to another man…or men.”

  “Audrey!” Mona flung her hands up. “I don’t want to lose them.”

  “Honey, my momma told me never to borrow trouble.” Audrey gave her a quick hug. “See what happens and go from there.”

  “I know. That’s about all I can do.” She wondered if she’d been stupid to demand they take her on as a team. If she could have only one of them, which would she choose?

  “In the meantime, work will help keep your mind off your troubles. I throw myself into the job when I’m worried. It helps.”

  “Yeah. Thank goodness we’ll be busy tonight.”

  “You still on for the private party at midnight?”

  “I am. I need the cash. I thought I had a month, but the bank called today and said the property owner has another offer. I only have two weeks to come up with the cash.”

  “My offer still stands.”

  “I’m close, Audrey. I think between tips tonight, the party and tomorrow’s tips, I’ll just about have enough.”

  “Don’t lose the shop because of your pride. I don’t want to have to drive all the way to Hole in the Wall for a haircut.”

  “Thanks, Audrey.”

  “Now get out there and smile.”

  “I don’t feel much like smiling.”

  “Then fake it ’til you feel it.” Audrey opened the storeroom door and sent Mona out into the crowded saloon.

  She really hoped Sam and Grant wouldn’t show up that night. Then again, if they didn’t, did that mean they weren’t going to play her game? That neither one of them was interested enough to play by her rules?

  Holy crap. Had she given up both of them because she didn’t want to choose? Or had she done it because she was afraid?

  Grant arrived at the Ugly Stick Saloon after ten o’clock. The place was packed. Many contestants had finished their events and were ready to blow off the steam from a stressful few days of events. Some of them were celebrating victory, others drowning their bad luck in whiskey and bourbon.

  He should have been celebrating with his team-roping partner. They’d placed first in their event, cause for major celebration. Instead he was there alone and he didn’t know Sam’s whereabouts. Probably somewhere in the crowded saloon.

  For the first couple hours after Mona left, Grant told himself to let her go. Sam wasn’t interested in making good her challenge. Without him, Grant didn’t have a chance at getting near Mona. Or did he? He’d convinced himself she was running scared and afraid to commit to either man. Which meant he’d have to try harder to woo her, to win her over, by showing her patience and understanding. He couldn’t expect her to trust him just because he said he was sorry. He had to earn back her trust.

  An evening that had started out on a bad foot could only get better. Moping around the trailer wouldn’t buy him anything. So here he was in a crowded saloon, hoping to catch a glimpse and maybe a dance with Mona.

  His gaze skimmed over the heads of the cowboys lucky enough to have snatched a seat in the place. A flash of dark shiny hair and the sway of smoothly rounded hips encased in a s
hort, denim skirt caught his attention.

  There she was, smiling at the customers, flirting and filling her pockets with tips. Damn, she was so pretty and natural, she made Grant’s groin ache. He’d have to wade through a sea of cowboys to get to her. Hugging the walls, he inched his way around the room until he made it to the bar. A cowboy got up, tossed down a twenty and left. Grant grabbed the stool and sat.

  “What can I getcha, cowboy?” Libby asked. “Oh, hey. Grant, right?”

  “Yeah. Sam Adams, if you have it.”

  “Coming up.” She turned to pull a beer out of a cooler, popped off the top and set it in front of him. “Just in time for the show.”

  The band in the corner announced that they would take a fifteen-minute break. Audrey climbed onto the bar, a microphone in her hand. “Are you ready to party?” she yelled.

  The room full of cowboys all answered as one, “Hell, yeah!”

  “Come on, girls. Show these fine men how it’s done.”

  Audrey reached down and grabbed Kendall’s hand, hauling her up onto the counter. Two other waitresses joined them and Mona was helped up by two swarthy-skinned cowboys, as the music started. Each woman wore a straw cowboy hat, short denim skirts and cowboy boots.

  “Thanks, Mark. Thanks, Luke,” she called out to them, twisting and kicking her heels up in step with the others on the bar.

  The men in the crowd clapped, whistled and shouted as the women danced.

  At the end of the dance, Audrey raised her microphone and, like the night before, she announced that whichever cowboy caught a hat, that cowboy got to dance with the girls on the bar.

  His pulse leaping, Grant stood, easing his way toward the end of the bar where Mona danced. So far, she hadn’t given any indication she’d seen him. Good. If he laid low until she launched the hat, he had a chance. If she saw him, she might throw it the other way.

  The music came to a stop and the ladies on the bar ripped their hats off their heads and threw them.

  Grant sprang into the air, his eye on the ball…or hat, in this case. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Sam leap into the air as well. A dozen other hands reached for the same hat. Just when he thought he had his hand on the prize, Sam snatched it from the other side.