Page 43 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

Pushing away from him, she swung her legs over the bed and stood to find her clothes.

“I’m so sorry you went through that, but you do need to move on. Even if it’s not with me, I think you should.”

Jaxon sat up and reached for his jeans. “That’s big of you.”

“Don’t be a dick. It’s been two years. Do you want to be alone for the rest of your life?”

“It’s my fucking life. If I want to be alone, what is it to you?”

“You’re exactly right. It’s nothing to me. You need to go now.”

Pulling up his jeans, he zipped them, then pulled his T-shirt over his head.

“I’m so fucking tired of doing this again, and again with you,” he growled.

“Fine, then go and don’t come back. You think you’re tired? I’m tired of competing with a dead woman.”

Sucking in a breath, he glared at her. “You could never compete with her. Alive or dead.”

After pulling on his boots, he strode down the hallway. Presley listened to his boot heels clack down the hall and then the door opening and closing. Sighing, she headed for the bathroom to shower and try to talk herself out of going to the dance tonight.There were only two more dances for her but after the argument they’d just had, she wasn’t sure she wanted to see him again.

At nine that evening, she walked out of her cabin and headed down the road toward the barn. She could hear the band tuning up, and the aroma from the buffet had her stomach growling. The ranch seemed to love going all out for the guests’ last night. Would Jaxon show up? If he would just ask her to stay, but would she stay if he did? Shaking her head, she honestly didn’t know anymore. Every time she spent time with him, the thought of leaving ripped a little more of her heart out. Maybe ithadbeen fate that she came here and found him. Especially after the feelings she had when she first saw him in the ER two years ago. Her feelings had been so torn back then because she knew he’d just lost his wife but she had never seen a sexier man, and she wanted him the minute she’d set eyes on him. Entering the barn, she saw almost all the tables were taken. She saw Christina waving at her. Presley smiled and made her way through the tables. When she reached the table, a good-looking man stood.

“Hi, Presley. This is my husband, Brad. Hon, this is Presley Reynolds. Please sit with us,” Christina said as she smiled up at her.

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, Brad.”

“You too, Presley.” He sat after she did. He was tall, around six foot with dark blond hair and blue eyes. “Can I get you ladies something to drink?”

“I’d like a beer, hon. How about you, Presley?”

“I’m good, thank you. I’ll get something when I hit that buffet shortly. I’m starving.”

“I can’t believe all the food. This is so nice of the ranch to do this for the guests leaving. I hate to go.” Christina laughed.

Brad stood. “I’ll be right back.”

Presley glanced around but didn’t see Jaxon. Just like the first dance, she was here for. Did he like making an entrance or something? She noticed Devin and Willa entering the barn with several couples following them, and she knew they had to be Callahans. The men were all tall with black hair, same build, and gorgeous. They headed toward a table along the wall. Would Jaxon sit over there with them and ignore her? Nibbling on her lip, she really hoped not. She’d hate to be pissed with just two weeks left on her stay.

“Wow. Who are they?” Christina asked as she looked at the family.

“Those are the cousins of Jaxon and Devin Callahan. I’ve met the wives but none of the men. I believe the older couples areaunts and uncles. I did meet Jaxon’s parents recently.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband, but damn. Those are some gorgeous men. It must run in the family.”

Presley chuckled. “I totally agree.” She waved back when Willa waved to her.

Then she saw him. Jaxon came from behind the band stage like before and stopped to talk with his family then he glanced around. He turned back to Willa when she said something to him and pointed in her direction. Presley saw him frown then he spotted her. Her heart hit her stomach. How was she going to leave this man? She saw Willa wave for her to come over. Taking a deep breath, she stood.

“I’ll be back,” she told Christina.

Christina winked at her. “I somehow doubt that but have fun. We’re here if you want to come back. Though I don’t think I would.”

Presley smiled, then made her way through the tables. Willa met her halfway and took her hand.

“Come meet everyone,” she said, then led her to the table. All the men stood.

“These are the cousins and their wives, Roark and Priscilla, Reid and Lucy. Everyone, this is Presley Reynolds.”

---