Page 280 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

She turned toward the familiar voice, her heart jumping into her throat. “Sheldon? What’re you doing here?” A few minutes earlier, a portly man had been sitting beside her. She’d been so caught up in Nash’s ride that she’d not even noticed that he’dleft. And she certainly hadn’t realized that Sheldon had taken his place. She looked him up and down, not surprised in the least that he was perfectly dressed for the occasion. He was wearing jeans, a black shirt, and low-heeled cowboy boots. How could a man look that good? It took effort not to gawk.

He pointed below to where another rider was atop a bull and holding on for dear life.

When the bull bucked the man off before the eight seconds were up, Sheldon shook his head, his mouth forming a mock frown. “Another second and he would’ve had it. Too bad.”

“Yeah,” Gracie agreed, “too bad.” She gave Sheldon a hard look. “So, why are you here?”

Rather than answering, he flashed a dazzling smile that had the power to make her lose her train of thought. She blinked and then looked adoringly at him as a heady warmth rushed over her. Being with Sheldon was like having access to an endless supply of blissful sunbeams, radiating over her.

He leaned in close enough for her to catch a tantalizing whiff of his masculine scent. “I see you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you, love.” He trailed the side of his finger along the curve of her collarbone.

Every inch of her body tingled, and she wanted to give in to the feeling of bliss, pulsating over her. Warning bells sounded in the back of her head. This was not right! She had to get a grip! Summoning all of the willpower she could muster, she backed away from him. “Stop it!”

“What?” he asked innocently, but she could tell from the glint in his eyes he knew exactly what he was doing.

“No more mind tricks!” she said, angrily.

He held up his hands, a playful smile curving his lips. “You can’t blame a guy for testing the waters.”

“Oh, yes I can,” she retorted and then turned her attention to the ride that was taking place below, pointedly ignoring him.

“If things keep going like they are, then your boy Nash is set to win.”

“He’s notmy boy,” she barked and then saw the amusement sparking in Sheldon’s blue eyes. He was thoroughly enjoying needling her, and she was certainly rising to the bait. Then she thought of something. “What makes you so sure that I’m here to watch Nash? I could be watching anyone. Or maybe I just like to watch bull riding in general.”

He laughed and casually draped his arm over the back of her seat. Her pulse jumped up a notch, making her feel like she was the one on a bucking bull, and all she could think about was how close he was to her. Luckily, before she could do anything stupid, Gertrude’s words flitted through her mind, reminding her to stop acting like a lovesick schoolgirl. She sat up taller in her seat.

Sheldon leaned in. “So, bull riding is your thing, huh? Is it the adrenaline rush you’re after? Because I can think of a few more things that would give you the same rush.” His eyes moved to her lips, as a thousand tingles pulsed over her.

Wow! He was good! Too good!“Not hardly,” she scoffed to cover up her longing. Could angels kiss? She’d never really thought about it. Would it be the same as mortals kissing? Then again, kissing Sheldon would be sublime in any state. She shook her head in an attempt to clear the treacherous thoughts from her head. She was here on a mission, and Sheldon was distracting her … AGAIN! She let out a deflated breath, feeling disgusted with herself.

“Come away with me,” he whispered into her ear.

The air left her lungs. “What?”

“I want to show you something.” He locked eyes with her, and she saw something unexpected—sincerity mixed with pleading. For a split second, she got the feeling that underneath the silky charm, the real Sheldon was crying out for help. Before she could analyze the feeling, it fled.

“I wish I could go with you, but I did come here for a reason.”

Disappointment settled over his features as he nodded. “I figured as much.” His voice grew practical. “Look, I know you’re here because you’re searching for a man for Brooke. And if it makes you feel any better, you’re on the right track.”

“Really?”

“Really.” A genuine smile broke over his face, causing her to soar. “Whether Brooke realizes it or not, she still has feelings for Nash. They have a long history together.”

“I know.” Her brows knitted together. “But how do you know all of this?”

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. I’ve spent enough time with Brooke to know the situation.”

She was unprepared for the scalding jealousy that popped through her like a firecracker. “That’s right. You’ve been going out with her.” She didn’t try to hide the bitterness in her voice.

He chuckled. “Not jealous, are you?”

“No!” she countered hotly. “But I’m furious that you’ve been interfering! The only reason you’ve been going out with Brooke is to thwart me. I’m sick of your games!”

He met her glare full on. “Okay, I’ll admit it. I have been going out with Brooke, but not because I want to thwart you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe you.”

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