Page 53 of Cowboy's Last Stand
“I didn’t go home with her.”
She doubted he’d been abstinent since their hookup six months ago—and she didn’t care, regardless.A sense of calm settled over her.She wanted Jason, not Wade.“This might have made a difference if you’d told me earlier.”
“Now it’s too late?”
“Yes.”
Wade’s lips thinned with displeasure.“Are you sleeping with him?”
She stood abruptly.“None of your business.”
Wade stood with her, his tone conciliatory.“You just met this guy.He walked into town like a drifter.He could be a criminal or…evading child support.Why don’t you let me run a background check on him?”
“Absolutely not.He’s a war veteran, not a criminal.”
“There are men who pretend to be veterans.Men who prey on war widows.”
This statement gave her pause.Something was off about Jason, but it wasn’t that.“You’re paranoid.”
“I told Mike I’d take care of you.”
“Do you think he’d approve of the job you’ve done so far?”
His brow furrowed.“I’m sure he wouldn’t.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, contrite.“I’m sorry.That wasn’t fair.”
“It was fair.”
She wished she could take the question back.She watched while a middle-aged woman got into the green van and drove away.Then she broached another unpleasant subject.“Your father talked to Jason last night at the VFW.”
“What did he say?”
“He said he wanted Billy’s brass knuckles back.”
Wade dragged a hand down his face.
“He claimed they’re a family heirloom.”
“They are.”
“That’s appalling.”
“Yes.”
“He basically accused Jason of theft and told him to leave town.”
“What do you expect me to do, arrest my dad for being an asshole?”
She gave him an exasperated glance.“I didn’t ask you to do anything.”
“Good, because I’m not sticking my neck out for your new boyfriend.He looks like he can take care of himself.”
She sighed heavily.“I have to go get Marcus.”
“All right,” he said, squaring his shoulders.Although the conversation hadn’t gone his way, he wasn’t the type to dwell on disappointment.He’d never had trouble getting dates, either.He was one of the most eligible bachelors in town, hotly pursued by single women.“Call me if you need me.Think about installing a security system, and buy some pepper spray.”
“I will.”
