Page 23 of Rough Cowboy
Yup, there’s that damn jealousy again.
Sammy leans down and kisses Elsie—on the lips. The puzzle pieces fit into place. The cold shoulder. The distance. The lack of passion.
Fuck.
I should be happy for them. I am happy for them. Well, actually, I’m sort of pissed.
How dare Elsie get knocked up in the first place? Birth control, for shit’s sake. She’s wild and sex adventurous enough to know not to get drunk and fuck a couple of cowboys without being on the goddam pill.
Flashes of that night stir my dick. I try not to. I try to ignore how she boils my blood in a way I can’t describe—in a way no woman ever has.
But she’s having my brother’s baby. She’s my brother’s girl.
I hope my brother is up for the challenge of traveling the rodeo and being a father.
“Is that relief on your face, baby brother? It’s kinda hard to tell.” Dean’s arm squeezes around my shoulders before he steps up beside me and passes me a beer.
I need something more robust.
Whiskey. Vodka. Hard liquor.
“Relief.” I take the cold can. “I didn’t want no fucking kid.”
I take a long gulp, needing to restart my buzz. Someone slaps the back of my head, and I almost spit out the mouthful.
“Show a little respect.” Ford stands on my other side and sandwiches me between my brothers.
I remember an Elsie sandwich I rather enjoyed.
“I’m showing tons of respect. Respect the kid isn’t mind. Respect Sammy will step up. Respect Elsie is officially part of our lives, forever connected to Sammy.”
That entire sentence irritates me a bit.
“You think they’re gonna get hitched?” The question is out of my mouth before I can stop it.
“You sound jealous,” Dean says. “Doesn’t he sound jealous?” he asks Ford.
“He sounds hella jealous.”
I shove them off. “Fuck you both.”
A giant step lands me in my ma’s arms. She cradles me like she did when I was a kid. “He has a plan for you too, son.”
I roll my eyes. “Ma, I’m fine.”
“All things happen for a reason.” Her arms tighten around my middle.
I know better than to attempt to rush away from my mother. She’ll let me go when she’s good and ready.
“Elsie and I have another announcement.” My brother’s deliriously happy voice rises over the chatter of the crowd.
I’m at my capacity for announcements.
My ma lets me go but stands beside me to watch Sammy and Elsie.
“I have officially retired from the rodeo.” My brother’s statement punches my solar plexus. A sucker punch I’m not mentally prepared to receive.
What the fuck is he talking about?
