Page 19 of The Cowboy Contract
Carlton’s words hit a little too close to home, leaving Leland’s brain struggling to craft a worthy response.
Because they were probably true. Hehadwanted Paige for years. And if Carlton’s dumb ass figured it out, Paige’s brilliant mind surely knew.
A loud bang followed by the rattle of empty glasses nearly made him jump. He glanced over to see Paige had slammed her tray onto the table beside them.
She stepped around Leland’s side, shouldering him back a step. Her lip was twisted into what could most accurately be described as a snarl as she advanced on Carlton. “I know this might be difficult for your tiny little brain to understand, but some men value women. They see them as more than just a hole to shove their dick into. They’re willing to bide their time to preserve a friendship because it genuinely matters to them.”
Leland stiffened. If Carlton’s words were true, then Paige’s were accurate to a scientific standard. They also made it seem like maybe Paige did know how he felt for her.
And if that was the case, it meant his love was one-sided.
Proving just how dumb he was, Carlton laughed. “Men and women can’t be friends. One of them always wants to fuck the other one.” His eyes drifted to Leland. “He’s a perfect example, because he sure as hell wants to fuck you.”
Paige’s left hand shot out in the direction of the tray and glasses. Thankfully, Leland had been expecting her to start throwing things at some point, so he was able to block her attempt, his fingers wrapping gently around her wrist.
Undeterred, Paige decided to go after Carlton with her second most dangerous weapon.
Her tongue.
“Obviously, you aren’t paying as close attention as you thought you were, because it wasn’t Leland who wanted to fuck me.” Paige enunciated every word, making sure they were clear and concise as each one landed with the sharpness of a knife.
Carlton didn’t miss her meaning. His nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed as he leaned down. “I think you’re full of shit too.” His eyes flicked to Leland before going back to Paige’s face. “Because there’s no way in hell you would have picked him when you knew you could’ve had me.”
He held his breath, waiting to see what Paige would say to that. Worried that despite his best efforts, he was still going to end up knocking out Carlton’s front teeth.
But instead of arguing back, Paige turned away, dismissing the other man. Done with this conversation and done with Carlton.
He couldn’t blame her. The guy was an ass.
Leland started to step back, intending to give her room to leave, but Paige grabbed the front of his shirt, stopping his retreat. Herother hand clamped onto the back of his neck, pulling hard. In the blink of an eye his lips were against hers.
He was kissing his best friend. The woman he knew better than anyone. The woman he’d loved for as long as he could remember. And even though it wasn’t a real kiss—it was for demonstration purposes only—he was a big enough piece of shit to take advantage.
In under a heartbeat, his arms were around her, pinning Paige’s body close as he kissed her the way he’d always wanted to. Her lips were soft and warm as they parted beneath his. The hot slick of her tongue into his mouth inflamed every cell in his body, and shorted out the ones in his head. Before he even knew what he was doing, her hips were gripped in his hands as he lifted her up onto the table, shoving the tray and glasses right to the edge.
Fully committing to the bit, Paige wrapped her legs around his waist, nibbling at his lower lip as her soft breath came in sharp pants against his skin. Almost like?—
“Fucking sick.” Carlton made a sound of disgust. “You two deserve each other.”
He wanted to agree with Carlton on that one.
He’d been circling the truth for years, too chicken shit to make his move. But now, with Paige’s mouth on his, there would be no going back. No return to what was.
That meant his only choice was to move forward, and convince her to come with him. And that’s exactly what he planned to do.
As soon as he was done kissing her.
“He’s gone.” A familiar voice rang out right beside him. “And we want this table.”
Leland forced his lips away from Paige’s, pulling in a steadying breath before turning to the little lady staring at him expectantly.
Muriel’s brows lifted behind her glasses. “It was a good performance though.” She gave him an exaggerated wink. “Very convincing.”
“I know I was convinced.” Gertrude grabbed one of the chairs, pulling it out before plopping down. “Got me all hot and bothered.”
Holy hell. The last thing he needed tonight was the Bridge Bitches showing up. The women were nosy as hell and loved to gossip. He’d assumed him kissing Paige would be all over town by tomorrow morning. Now he’d be lucky if every person in the city limits didn’t hear about it before midnight.
And regret was already setting in.
