Page 30 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

He gave her an apologetic look. “I’m not up to cooking steaks.”

“I didn’t figure you would be.”

“We could order pizza,” he suggested.

She pursed her lips. “Pizza sounds good. What kind do you like?”

A boyish grin stole over his lips. “Same as you—pepperoni and black olives.”

She crinkled her nose. “That’s my favorite?”

He nodded. “Well, it was when I knew you.”

She tucked her hair behind her ears. “Hmm … that does sound good. Can we add some green peppers and sausage?”

“Sure.” His eyes twinkled. “I see you’ve expanded your diet. You used to be so picky.”

“I did not,” she countered, even though she had no clue as to whether or not he was telling the truth.

He grinned. “In some ways you’re exactly the same.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Such as?”

Mischief streaked over his features. “You could argue with a fence post.”

She scoffed. “That’s not true.”

“Oh, yes it is.”

“No, it’s not,” she harrumphed.

“Case in point,” he laughed.

She rolled her eyes. “That’s enough, Mr. Hotshot Cowboy.”

He blinked in surprise.

“What?” she demanded.

His voice took on a note of enthusiasm. “That’s what you used to call me—Mr. Hotshot Cowboy.”

Laughter gurgled in her throat. “See, it fits.” She folded her arms, giving him a speculative look.

“What?”

“Tell me about Angelica, Tillie, Jessica—” she twirled her hand “—I can’t remember the rest of your deluxe, super-sized harem.”

Color crept into his handsome face as he coughed. “Lucas was exaggerating.”

“I don’t think so.” She pinned him with a look. “You’re a player, aren’t you?”

His eyes widened. “I plead the fifth.”

“Uh, huh.”

He spread his hands, a contrite smile moving over his lips. “So, I have a past. Big deal. What was I supposed to do? Just sit around and wait for you to come back?”

The hurt in his voice took her off guard. “What happened between us?” she asked quietly.

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