Page 19 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

No, but you might be if you don’t shut up about Jaxon!

“I’m not here to look for a man.”

“More for me, then.”

Presley stood. “I think I’ll take a swim.” It was that or toss Bett in then drown her. Shading her eyes, she looked around and spotted Jaxon walking across the yard toward the lodge. She knew the minute he spotted her because he seemed to hesitate in his step and he turned her way but stopped, spun on his heel, and walked away.

“Damn man,” she muttered as she watched him striding away as if the hounds of hell were chasing him. Forgetting about her swim, she walked back to her chair, took a seat, and noticed Bett staring at her.

“Never noticed, huh? Hell woman. Go for it.” Bett laughed, making Presley laugh with her.

It was a perfect day to lounge around the pool. Presley and Bett lay side by side, with occasional dips in the pool, for hours. Presley was beginning to like the curvaceous blonde. She didn’t hold back about anything. Presley listened as Bett told her about going through a terrible divorce and the bravado everyone saw was a false one. Shewasactually terrified of being alone. Trixie was her best friend had convinced her to come to Bur Oak.

“I’m glad I did. You know, I flirt like crazy, but I seriously have no idea what I would have done if Jaxon had taken me upon it. I think I knew he wouldn’t, so it was safe.”

“You’re beautiful, Bett. You’ll find another man one day,” Presley said, hoping she would, too.

“I do like Rodney. I know he’s not much in the looks department, but he’s a really nice man. My ex wasn’t.”

“Rodney is very nice. You could do a lot worse.”

Bett laughed. “I have. So, tell me about you. Why are you here alone?”

“I have a decision to make about moving to another department at work. I’m an ER nurse, and I have the chance to go to work in the Recovery Unit. Better hours, more money…”

“But?”

Presley shook her head. “I don’t know.”

“If something is holding you back, then maybe you shouldn’t do it.”

“I know. It’s just that I thought I really wanted the job.” She exhaled. “I should be happy. I was offered the job, but something is holding me back.”

“Always trust your gut, Presley. I wish I had when I first met my now ex-husband, but I was young and in love.”

“How long were you married?”

“Only two years but it felt like a lot more. He used to hit me, and I finally got the balls to talk to the police about him.”

“I’m so sorry, Bett. I’ve seen a lot of battered women.”

“At least you aren’t judging me for not getting out.”

“No. A friend of mine was battered too. I know how scared she was of him. Too scared to stay and too scared to leave.”

“Exactly. If it hadn’t been for Trixie, I’d probably still be with him. She came to see me one day, and I had a black eye. She packed my bags and made me leave the apartment. She dialed the police then handed me the phone.” Bett laughed.

“Good for her. But you’re not afraid of all men, right?”

“I’m not. I know not all men are bad. I’ve met some really nice ones since my divorce. I’m just more cautious. I’ll flirt, but I don’t jump into anything quickly anymore.”

“I’m so happy to hear that. Let’s go get some lunch. I’m starving.”

The women stood, wrapped their towels around themselves, and entered the lodge for lunch.

****

Did she have any idea how good she looked in that swimsuit? Her cleavage had him salivating, and her hourglass figure hadhis dick wanting to burst the zipper out of his jeans. His damn cock was always at attention when she was around, and he didn’t want her.Liar! You do want her, you just don’t want to want her.

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