Georgia’s jaw dropped and she shrank back in the booth.
“Is that such a repulsive thought to you?” he asked sharply.
“God no. Not at all. You’re just so—” Her mouth snapped shut on whatever she’d been about to say. “Who is gonna believe it?”
“Everyone, if we play this right.” He leaned in, trying to hard-sell it. “See, we’ve already got the ball rolling. We were seen in the park together today. We’re sitting in the Golden Boot right now. I told off my friends’ wives for their bitchy behavior toward you, and Leah and Roxanne are two of the biggest gossips in town. It’ll get around. Trust me.”
“You defended me?”
“That mean-girl shit don’t fly with me.”
When Georgia continued to stare at him without speaking, he started to get annoyed. “Why’re you so shocked?”
“Because I wasn’t expecting it.”
“You expected I’d be happy just holdin’ your hand and smelling your hair?” Had he really said that? Be a man. Be firm. You’re no longer that eager-to-please pup. “Wrong. Nothin’ comes for free. We’ll be lovers. Not friends. There’s your deal. Take it or leave it.”
“No room for negotiation?”
“Nope.”
Georgia’s chin came up and her eyes were pure skepticism. “Oh really? Not even when a no on my part could mean you don’t get assigned to more rodeos?”
“Yep.” He finished his beer and slid out of the booth. “Let me know what you decide, but I wouldn’t take too long to make up my mind, sweetness, because you are not the only woman who’s asked me to be her reunion date.”
Damn hard to do, but Tell walked away.
When did you turn into a mouse, Georgia Hotchkiss?
She’d scurried out of the bar and was pacing in the parking lot, a little shocked by Tell’s aggressive side. He’d always been so laid back. Then again… How well had she known him ten years ago?
Not well at all.
But she’d really like to get to know him now. On the most basic, carnal level.
What was the worst that could happen if she said yes to Tell’s demands? Sex would be bad with him? Doubtful.
Still, Georgia couldn’t shake the feeling this might be a game. He’d agree to attend the reunion with her, have sex with her beforehand, but back out at the last minute, just to get even with her.
She hated to think along those lines, but she had to put that possibility into the equation. Along with the fear that Tell was living out some high school fantasy. As soon as he bedded her, he’d revert to locker room behavior and brag that he’d nailed the homecoming queen.
Where did that leave her? Sorting fact from fear.
Fact 1: Tell McKay was undeniably hot.
Fact 2: He wanted her on his terms.
Fact 3: She could be the bold, sexually adventurous woman she’d always wanted to be.
Fact 4: She was leaving at summer’s end.
So why was she debating the pros and cons in the dark parking lot of a honky-tonk? Because he’d unnerved her? Or because he’d made her panties wet with one simple demand?
She had nothing to lose…and everything to gain.
That cinched it. She’d become Tell McKay’s lover for however long it lasted.
Mind made up, Georgia walked to the bar entrance. Who should wander out but Leah and Roxanne. They didn’t act nearly so confident without a bar full of people bolstering their courage.
“You know the funny thing about returning here?” Georgia sauntered forward. “The length of time away is disproportionate to the level of animosity I faced when I lived in Sundance. I get that neither of you liked me during our years together in high school. But did either of you really know me?
“Granted, I didn’t know you either, so I’ll give you both a pass on that one. But what I do know? I didn’t try and steal your boyfriends. I didn’t snub you because you wore a purity ring. I didn’t put gum in your hair. I didn’t X out your face in every homecoming and prom picture. But you know what? Every one of those things was done…to me. So remember that when you embellish the past and paint me out to be some nasty bitch. I wasn’t that way back then and I’m not that way now. It sucks if someone made your high school years hell, but that someone was not me. And my high school years weren’t a bucket of f**king roses either. Think about that.” She walked between them into the bar.
One monkey off my back.
The noise had increased exponentially. The lighting seemed dimmer. The air smokier. Technically smoking wasn’t allowed in the bar, but folks in Wyoming didn’t appreciate the government handing down decrees, so they ignored them.
Georgia scanned the line at bar. The dance floor. The pool tables. Then she saw him. Her belly swooped. Her mouth dried. Her sex clenched.
Even in a room full of hat-and-jeans-wearing cowboys, Tell McKay stood out. A prize bull, a top stud, a virile male.
He studied her nonchalantly, as if trying to gauge her intent. Waiting for her to make the first move.
So she did.
Squaring her shoulders, she offered him a sexy smile and started toward him.
Chapter Four
The neon glow from the bar lights created a blue halo above her shiny black hair.
But she didn’t look like an angel. She looked like a temptress.
Tell’s eyes ate up every inch of Georgia’s sexy body as she meandered toward him. He drained his beer and set the bottle aside, meeting her halfway. “You came back.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“There’s something…compelling about you, Tell. There always has been. I couldn’t stay away.”
He bit back a growl. “You know what that means.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Say it. Out loud.”
“You’ll be in my bed or I’ll be in yours. Either way, we’ll be lovers.”
He ran his palm down her arm, from her shoulder to her fingertips. Her skin beaded and a tiny shiver rolled through her.
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
Without asking, Tell clasped her hand and led her to the dance floor. Holding her felt as good as he’d imagined.
She was such a petite thing. The sky-high heels she wore put the top of her head level with his chin. She definitely had curves in the right places now, all luscious woman, not athletic girl.
“You haven’t said much, Tell.”
“Just thinkin’.”
“About?”