Read Online Boots and Buckles by Myla Jackson - Free Book Online Page B

Saloon last night.”
    “Lordy!” Lacey fanned herself. “If I didn’t have a hot cowboy of my own…”
    “Oh hush. You know you’re crazy about Nick.”
    “Yeah, but Sam…” Lacey’s gaze raked him from top to toe and she smacked her lips. “Yum.”
    Sam chuckled. “Thanks. I think.”
    “Are you here for a haircut, or to see this sexy hairdresser for something more exciting than a trim?” Lacey grinned. “Maybe a shave with her sitting in your lap? Naked?”
    Mona gasped, her cheeks flaming. “Lacey! I just met the man.”
    “Sorry.” Her smile remained, appearing anything but sorry. She patted the swivel chair beside her. “Sit.”
    “You don’t have to sit,” Mona said. “Ignore Lacey, she’s always thinking of sex. Why did you come by?”
    He nodded toward the clock. “It’s ten and I thought we were going for coffee.”
    Mona slapped a hand over her mouth, then ran her fingers through her hair. “That’s right. I forgot all about it after last n—” She bit down on her lip, her eyes rounding. “After I got to work this morning,” she added a little too late.
    Lacey stared from Mona to Sam and back. “Holy crap, you two did the nasty last night, didn’t you?” She practically bounced in her seat.
    “No, no.” Mona’s face was scarlet by now. She laid a hand on Lacey’s shoulder. “It’s not like that.”
    “Oh, honey, I know that look. I’ve seen it on my face too often in the mirror. You got lucky.” She reached out and clapped Mona on the back. “Now isn’t that just great?” Lacey leaned back in her chair and shoved the towel off her head. “Hang on to your belt, Sam. She’ll be ready to go as soon as she trims off the dead ends.”
    Mona was shaking her head. “I’m sorry, Sam. I have another appointment coming in—”
    The bell over the door jangled, announcing the arrival of another patron.
    “Mona, honey.” A pretty woman with pale blonde hair burst into the shop. “I know I’m a bit early, but since I got ready early, I thought I’d rather sit around your shop than at home. Connor’s at work and I was lonely for some girl-talk.”
    Grant recognized her as one of the waitresses from the Ugly Stick.
    “Hey, Charli.” Mona’s lips twisted at Sam, and she turned to the latest customer to enter. “Sure, come on in. We have plenty of girl-talk to spare.”
    Lacey giggled. “And how. Mona’s gettin’ some.”
    Mona’s eyes rolled toward the ceiling. “Really, Lacey?”
    Charli’s brows rose. “That’s juicy. With who?” Her gaze shifted to Sam. “Him?” She squealed and hugged Mona. “I’m so happy for you.”
    Feeling a little like he was a meaty steer being eyed for choice cuts, Sam winked at Mona, hiding his disappointment over missing out on their coffee date. “You’re busy. I can come by at lunch, if you’re not busy.”
    She shook her head. “Sorry. I just made a lunchtime appointment. I don’t have another break until around three.”
    “I’ll be at the rodeo competin’ about then.” He fiddled with the brim of his hat. “Guess I’ll see you at the Ugly Stick tonight.”
    Mona sighed. “I’ll be there. We can talk then.”
    Sam took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Until then.” He’d rather have kissed her lips, but with two customers waiting, he didn’t want to embarrass her or have his performance graded. He spun on his boot heels, plunked his hat on his head and stepped out into the warm Texas air, the bell over the door jangling at his exit.
    He’d gone all of two steps when the bell rang again.
    “Sam.”
    His heart stuttered then raced ahead as he turned back.
    Mona walked toward him, a comb in one hand as if she didn’t realize it was there.
    In a movement as natural as breathing, he swept her into his arms, his lips crashing down over hers.
    Mona gasped, her mouth opening wide enough his tongue slipped inside to caress the length of hers. His hands circled her waist, drawing her close until her hips fit