Page 264 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Gracie’s head shot up. “I’m not an object,” she said hotly.

“Of course not, love. I wasn’t suggesting anything of the sort,” Sheldon countered smoothly.

“You need to leave,” Gertrude said in such an authoritative voice that Gracie couldn’t imagine anyone not complying.

His jaw went razor sharp as he looked at Gracie. “What do you want me to do?”

She felt torn and confused. Why was Sheldon putting her in this position? She gave him a pleading look, hoping he would understand. “I think it’s best if you leave,” she said quietly.

His eyes turned to marbles. “Have it your way, love.” He turned to Gertrude. “This is not over.” A cold smile spread over his lips. “Just remember, I tried to do this the easy way.”

As if on cue, Brooke stepped into the room. She was the quintessential picture of a Malibu Barbie with her long, blonde hair and stylish workout outfit that was molded like Saran Wrap to her toned figure. Sheldon turned his back on Gracie and Gertrude and sauntered towards her.

Recognition lit Brooke’s perfect features as she let out a squeal of delight and gave him a tight hug. “What’re you doing here?” she asked gleefully.

He motioned at his clothes. “Isn’t it obvious?”

She laughed. “No, I mean, what’re you doing here in Ft. Worth? You’re a long way from Utah, aren’t you?”

“I have some business in town.”

“Only business?” She gave him a seductive smile. “Well, I hope you’ll make time for pleasure too. I’d love to show you around town.”

He smiled. “It would be my pleasure.”

“To think, of all the gyms in Ft. Worth, and you happen to stroll into mine. What’re the odds? Fate must be trying to give us a hint.”

“Indeed.”

“Dinner tonight then?” she gushed.

“Most definitely.”

Infuriating tears gathered in Gracie’s eyes as she watched the exchange. It took every ounce of control she could muster to keep her feet rooted to the floor when what she wanted to do was rush up to them and scream that Sheldon was a big phony. With him on the scene, she had no hope whatsoever of finding someone for Brooke. Every guy on the planet paled in comparison to Sheldon. He was wrecking everything … just like he did at the inn.

Sheldon leaned in and whispered into Brooke’s ear. She tilted her head back and laughed. Jealousy stabbed through Gracie like a poisonous arrow, making her nauseous. Brooke put a proprietary hand on Sheldon’s arm and led him out of the room. He didn’t even give Gracie a backward glance.

Chapter 3

Gracie wandered aimlessly through the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens for several hours and had just taken a seat on a bench when Gertrude caught up to her. She motioned to the empty space beside Gracie. “May I?”

“Suit yourself.” A light breeze was blowing, raising goosebumps over Gracie’s flesh. She folded her arms tightly across her chest and turned her attention to the picturesque scene in the distance that was a stark contrast to the conflicting emotions rumbling in her gut. A wooden garden bridge, curving sharply across the placid creek, reminded Gracie of the top section of a waterwheel that had been cut out and artfully placed to serve as a focal point in the otherwise natural landscape. Sculpted bushes of varying heights framed the bridge, and lush trees provided the perfect backdrop. The scene was exquisite, even in early March when things weren’t in bloom. She could only imagine how magnificent the scene would be next month, when spring arrived.

“The Japanese Gardens are my favorite too,” Gertrude said, speaking in low tones, so as not to disturb the serenity. “I’m always amazed at how perfect everything looks. It takes an expert horticulturist to create such perfection in an ever-changing environment. It must require daily maintenance to keep everything trimmed so precisely.”

Gracie acknowledged the comment with a curt nod. Leave it to Gertrude to get all scientific. Why couldn’t she simply enjoy the beauty without analyzing it to death?

A heavy silence settled between them until Gertrude spoke. “We need to talk about what happened at the gym.”

She blew out a breath.

“Gracie.”

That’s all it took for everything to come tumbling out. She gave Gertrude an accusing look. “Why? So you can reprimand me some more? Tell me what I fool I am for having feelings for Sheldon?”

Gertrude let out a weary sigh. “That’s exactly what I would do … if I thought it would do any good.”

She thrust out her lower lip. “He’s not the devil you think he is.”

---