Page 2 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

The vein in the center of Lucas’s forehead throbbed. “It’s a bit soon to be counting your winnings, cousin, considering there are three riders yet to go.”

“I dunno,” Clyde countered, pursing his lips. “A score of eighty-eight is hard to beat.”

“Only because you got Blue Streak,” Lucas mumbled.

“Yep, I’m sure you’re right,” Jaxson said easily. All of Jaxson’s brothers and Zoe got along just fine with Lucas. Probably because Lucas didn’t try to compete with them 24/7. There had always been a friendly rivalry between Jaxson and Lucas. According to Daddy, the two of them used to follow each other around when they were kids, fighting. Things had gone sour in high school when they both fell for the same girl—Lemon Massey. Jaxson’s chest tightened. Strange that even now, after so much time had passed, he still thought of his former girlfriend on occasion. Lemon seemed to be doing well … living it up in LA with her business and her high falutin friends.

“Looks like you’ve got an admirer,” Clyde said looking in the direction of a striking brunette who was giving Jaxson the eye. When she realized he’d noticed her, a hopeful smile fluttered over her lips.

A casual smile drifted over Jaxson’s features as he tipped his hat. The girl blushed, her cheeks filling with color.

“Always the playboy,” Lucas scoffed.

Jaxson lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “You like her, cousin?”

Lucas blinked in surprise.

“Fine. I’ll bow out. I give her to you,” Jaxson said magnanimously.

Lucas’s face turned bright red, his eyes narrowing. “You never had her to begin with.”

Jaxson’s spine straightened. “Really? Care to place a wager on it?” He looked at the girl again, flashing her a dazzling smile.

“No thanks,” Lucas growled, turning his attention back to the rodeo.

The girl was beautiful. Maybe he’d meander over to where she was after the rodeo, talk to her a bit, get her number.

After the other three riders were done, it was official. Jaxson had taken first place with Lucas claiming second. Jaxson’s eyes wandered over to the brunette again. They shared another smile. He looked behind her. His heart nearly stopped when he caught sight of a familiar face. He’d seen it many times in his dreams. It taunted him, called to him, filled him with an inexplicable longing that whispered of things that might’ve been. His brain took a snapshot of what he was seeing. Stylish blonde hair that fell softly on delicate shoulders. Memorable blue eyes that had the power to pierce a man’s soul. High cheekbones as shimmery as polished apples. He looked, then looked again. It couldn’t be! His insides froze even though his heart sped to a gallop. He swallowed the dryness in his throat.

“Congratulations, man,” Clyde boomed, grabbing Jaxson’s arm.

“Thanks,” Jaxson said automatically, his eyes shifting to Clyde for a split second. His vision went immediately back to the spot. He barely gave the doting brunette a second look as he scoped the area behind her.

The blonde was gone. Disappointment settled in his gut like a block of concrete. Maybe it was a trick of the light. He’d just thought of Lemon … how the trouble over her was the start of the friction between him and Lucas. Yes, that had to be why he thought he’d seen her.

A hollow ache formed inside. The brunette was practically turning cartwheels to get his attention. He offered a courtesy smile, but her charms no longer had any allure. All he could think about was Lemon. He glanced at Lucas, resentment fanning a hot flame inside his chest. Time was supposed to heal all hurts, but that wasn’t necessarily true.

Lemon Massey would always be the girl who got away. Thanks to her, Jaxson had locked his heart, never to be hurt again. He clenched his jaw, forcing away the gloomy thoughts. A few minutes later, he turned his attention back to the brunette.

This time, his smile was genuine.

Chapter One

THREE WEEKS LATER …

It was good to see Ramsey so happy. Jaxson turned on the radio and whistled softly to the song playing. He still couldn’t believe his brother had gotten married so quickly … and so spontaneously. Ramsey was the quintessential planner, never making a move without looking ten steps ahead, but Hartley had changed everything. He chuckled.To each his own.

Evidently love was in the air because the Romeos were dropping like flies. Zoe and Briggs were getting married in December. Cash and Ava probably wouldn’t be far behind. Now that Ramsey was married, it left just him and Mason. Jaxson grimaced. Mason was young enough that no one would expect him to get married anytime soon. Jaxson, on the other hand, was the second oldest. Right after the wedding ceremony, Jaxson’s mama had caught his eye and given him a hopeful smile.You’re next, her expression seemed to be saying.

“Not anytime soon,” Jaxson said aloud. He’d settle down one day; but as of now, there were simply too many beautiful fish in the sea to get hooked on any particular one. He ran through a mental list of girls that he frequently dated, mildly wondering if any one of them could be suitable marriage material. Tillie was gorgeous but too showy with her short, tight skirts and low-cutblouses. Also, she was a bit of an airhead, which was annoying. Angelica was super intelligent, but she was too much of a know-it-all. Kat was super fun to be around. She loved the outdoors and was always up for a spontaneous adventure. However, Jaxson thought of her as more of a sister than a girlfriend.

He sighed. Once, long ago, he’d been ready to make a lifelong commitment, but fate had other plans. A feeling of nostalgia washed over him as an image of Lemon Massey floated before his face. He jerked, realizing the direction his thoughts were taking. Daydreaming about Lemon was futile. It had been happening ever since he thought he saw her at the rodeo.

He channeled his thoughts back to the wedding he’d just attended. Watching how Ramsey looked at Hartley as they cut the cake. Well, it kind of got to Jaxson. He pushed aside the despondency with a steely resolve. If he couldn’t have the woman he wanted, he’d just have to love all the rest. He grinned thinly at the thought. When he got home, he’d call Tillie, see if she’d like to go to dinner tomorrow night. Heck, maybe he’d even line up a date for Friday night as well. Angelica liked to dance. He could take her to Randy’s Dance Hall. Or better yet, he’d just go by himself and meet someone new. His spirits lifted. Yeah, that was the ticket … time to explore some new pasture. Maybe the grass really was greener on the other side.

Intermittent raindrops splashed on the windshield. He peered up into the dark sky. A second later, the ceiling gave way, and a solid sheet of water splashed down. He turned on the wipers, reducing his speed. The road was slick. He tightened his hold on the steering wheel, feeling a pinch of alarm when his tires lost traction with the road. An instant later, the tires connected again. His pickup truck didn’t handle great in rain. The bed was too light. Thankfully, he wasn’t far from home. He flinched, his head instinctively ducking into his shoulders, when a loud clap of thunder rattled the windows.

He rounded a corner. It ran through his mind that a woman was standing in the middle of the road, her wet clothes pressed to her slender body. The headlights illuminated the woman’s face. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.Not again!

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