Read Online Miss Firecracker: Wild West Boys, Book 2 by Lorelei James - Free Book Online Page A

to play Bunko. I thought I’d sneak in for a nip and a peek at the game before I head home.” He frowned at the blank TV screen. “What is wrong with you people? Why isn’t the Rockies game on?”
    “Sorry. I forgot,” Blake said. “I had other things on my mind.”
    Mr. D. sent Blake a sly look. “Well, I can see what kind of ‘things’ might’ve been distracting. I don’t much blame you.”
    Blake grinned. “What’ll you have?”
    “Michelob Ultra. Gotta watch my damn carbs. The wife says I’m getting pudgy.”
    She let Blake handle the order while she picked up her tools and set them in the storeroom. She’d barely unscrambled her brain when Blake spun her around and pinned her against the wall. “What was that kiss about, Will?”
    “Didn’t you like it?”
    “Of course I liked it. I just don’t…get you. One minute you’re banging my brains out in your shower. The next you’re standing twenty feet away from me practically shouting to your ‘employee’ that we’re just friends. Then you’re sucking my tonsils out of my throat in full view of anyone who’d happen to stroll by the bar. So, yeah, I’m a little confused.”
    Join the club.
    “What’s going on between us?”
    “Do we have to put a name to it, Blake? Can’t we just…I don’t know, have a good time with each other while you’re here?”
    “And you’re fine with us just havin’ a good time?”
    It was cute how his cowboy accent became more pronounced when he was angry. “Yes. Aren’t you?”
    “I’m gonna hafta be, aren’t I?”
    What was that supposed to mean?
    Before she could ask him, he ducked out the door.

Chapter Six
    Blake dumped a bucket of ice in the bin, a little harder than necessary.
    Dammit. Didn’t it just figure?
    Can’t we just have a good time while you’re here?
    For the last couple years Blake had been that guy, searching for a good time with a woman who wasn’t looking for a permanent relationship. A woman who’d walk away with a smile.
    He’d sworn that’s what appealed to him, even when he’d never quite found it.
    But meeting Willow, the real Willow, not the drunken spitfire but the funny, honest, caring, and capable woman had turned him inside out. She was a woman who wanted to fit in as much as she wanted to set herself apart. She was a woman with spirit and loyalty. She was a woman who was tough as nails, yet as sweet as pie. She was a woman who owned her passionate nature without apology.
    Yet, she was also a woman who was looking for a good time. A woman who wasn’t looking for a permanent relationship. A woman who’d walk away with a smile.
    Didn’t it just figure he’d found what he thought he’d wanted…only to realize that wasn’t what he wanted at all?
    Blake slammed the metal cooler lid and swore again.
    Mr. D. blasted him with a stern look over the top of his beer bottle. “Son. That’s not helping your situation any.”
    “What situation would that be, sir?”
    “The fact you’re nuts about that little gal back there.” He lifted a hand, waving off Blake’s objection. “Don’t bother denying it.”
    “I’m not.”
    “That liplock sorta indicated to me she feels the same way about you.”
    “Maybe she would if she didn’t believe I was just Good Time Charlie, the loafing bartender, about to skip outta town when my gig is done.”
    “Aren’t you?”
    “No.”
    “Then don’t you think you oughta be telling her that, not me?”
    He snorted. “Like it’d matter.”
    “It might. Then again, it might not.” Mr. D. finished his beer and shoved the empty bottle across the bar. “You met her dad yet?”
    Blake shook his head.
    “You will. If nothin’ else, that’ll cool your ardor for her right quick. Big Kenny Gregory is an ornery S.O.B., especially when it comes to his baby girl—or should I say, when it comes to men and his baby girl.”
    “Great.”
    “Between us?” Mr. D. leaned closer. “It about killed Big Kenny when Willow won the Miss