Page 28 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

Jaxon knew he was in for it by the looks on his parents’ faces. Taking a deep breath, he waited.

“We’ll see you when we get back, son,” Killian said as he turned away with his hand on Darcy’s elbow.

“That’s it?” Jaxon asked then could have kicked himself.

Darcy turned to look at him and smiled. “She’s lovely, and it’s time you moved on with your life. Nothing else needs to be said. Goodnight, hon.”

“Goodnight, Mom. Dad. Have a safe trip.” Jaxon shook his head in wonder as he watched his parents disappear into the night. Sucking in a deep breath, he blew it out then entered the barn and smiled when he saw Devin and Willa on the dance floor. The band sang another Brooks and Dunn song,Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You.They were so happy together, and they should be after all Devin went through to get her. She’d hated that she was older than him by nine years and she’d feared Devin would leave her eventually for a younger woman just like her ex-husband had.Fool!The stupid man had a good woman in Willa and lost her. At least Devin had her now, and he loved her more than anything.

Jaxon looked toward the table Presley had sat at earlier but didn’t see her. Glancing around, he looked for her but couldn’t find her. Had she left? He stiffened up when he spotted Bett striding toward him.Shit!He didn’t want to have to talk with her, but he knew he couldn’t be rude. She stopped in front of him and smiled up at him.

“Hello, Jaxon.”

“Ma’am.” He nodded.

“You just can’t seem to call me Bett, can you?”

“Sorry.”

“She went back to her cabin,” she said softly.

“What?” He frowned.

“Presley. She left to go to her cabin.”

“You’re telling me this, why?” When she snorted, he clenched his jaw.

“I’m sure few here noticed the way you two looked at each other while dancing, but I did, and I saw you follow her outside. You know, I like her, and if you’re smart, you’ll go, and make sure she’s all right.” She winked at him, then turned and headed back toward the dance floor.

Clenching his fists, he knew he shouldn’t have danced with her. Never, in the two years he’d been at the ranch, had he danced with a guest unless they asked. He never did the asking.What would Bethany think? She toldyou to find someone new! But he never wanted to…until now. Could he take a chance with Presley? What the fuck are you thinking?

“Hell, if I know,” he muttered as he leaned against the doorjamb of the barn and folded his arms. When the song ended, he saw Devin kiss Willa’s forehead then head toward him. Jaxon didn’t straighten up as his brother approached.

“Hey, Jax,” Devin said as he leaned against the wall close to him.

“You and Willa look like you’re having fun,” Jaxon said, smiling.

“We are. Where did Presley go?”

Jaxon shrugged and kept his eyes on the band. When Devin chuckled, Jaxon glared at him.

“You got something to say, Dev?”

“I’ve never seen you ask a guest to dance before.” Devin shrugged.

“Hell, I know. I shouldn’t have,” Jaxon mumbled.

Devin slapped him on the shoulder. “Isn’t it time you moved on? Obviously, she means something to you. Where’d she go, anyway?”

“I was told she went back to her cabin.”

“So, why are you still here?” Devin tilted his head.

“You know how I feel about the idea of another woman. I shouldn’t get involved with her.”

“You already are, Jax. Whether you want to be or not. Go. Willa and I will close this place down.”

Jaxon looked at him then blew out a breath. “Yeah, I’m crazy,” he said, then spun on his heel and headed for Presley’s cabin.

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