Sharp Shootin' Cowboy (Hot Cowboy Nights, #3)(31)

Yolanda smirked. “You got it bad for him, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t. It’s just a fling. That’s all,” she said, still trying to convince herself.

“Then why are we going to meet his sister?”

“Because he invited us, and I thought it would be fun. I haven’t been to Disney since I was a kid.”

“But you hate crowds and never go on the rides.”

“Only because I don’t like those crazy ones you always want to go on. I’m afraid of heights. A lot of people are,” she added defensively. “But you’re right. Maybe we shouldn’t go. I’m starting to think this is a bad idea.”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Yolanda laid a hand on her arm. “I’m not going to let you back out just because you’re getting cold feet.”

“I don’t have cold feet. I just have more important things to do than cavorting at an amusement park.”

“He scares you, doesn’t he?”

Haley scowled. “What do you mean?”

Yolanda’s gaze held hers. “I mean, you really like him and don’t know how to deal with it.”

“There are a few things I like about him,” Haley hedged. “But I’m not in any danger of falling in love, if that’s what you think.”

“Why?” Yolanda asked. “Because he doesn’t fit your ideal?”

Haley laughed. “Reid? Not at all. He’s about as far from my ideal as I can imagine.”

Reid was far more complex than she’d ever imagined. It would be all too easy to lose herself in a man like that, but logic insisted that he was all wrong. Totally wrong for her.

“Why? Because he’s a marine and not some university geek? When did you become such a snob?”

“I’m not. But maybe if Reid was in school we’d at least have something to talk about.”

“First off, men aren’t good talkers, Haley. Save the talking for your girlfriends. Men excel at other things.”

Haley heaved an exasperated sigh. “You’re missing my point. I’m saying we have nothing to build a relationship on.”

Yolanda cast a slow gaze over the rumpled bed. “Several orgasms in one night? It seems to me you have more than enough. And you’re still here, aren’t you?”

“We’re all entitled to a few stupid mistakes, aren’t we? It’s not like I plan on making a habit of it…of him.”

“Don’t underestimate him, chica.” Yolanda grinned knowingly. “I think your cowboy has very different ideas.”





Chapter 12


Figuring Reid would want to spend the remainder of the weekend with his sister, Haley insisted on driving separately to Anaheim. She still had serious qualms about meeting his ex-girlfriend, but curiosity about Reid ate at her. She wondered what he was like with Krista and the rest of his family. She knew so little about him and couldn’t help wanting to know more.

When she and Yolanda pulled into the Hilton, he and Garcia were just climbing out of Reid’s truck. By the time she and Yolanda parked, two young women had appeared. The first, a curvy redhead, threw herself into Reid’s arms with a squeal.

“That must be Krista,” Haley remarked. Reid’s grin was blazing white as he spun his sister in the air, completely indifferent to passersby. Haley’s chest squeezed at the happy reunion. She’d always dreamed of that kind of family.

“Yeah?” Yolanda elbowed her in the ribs. “And who’s the muchacha morena making sheep’s eyes at my Rafi?”

Haley covertly eyed the second girl, who slouched against the truck beside Garcia. Long, straight, blue-black hair hung over her shoulders and tight jeans and cowboy boots showcased lean legs, making Haley self-conscious of her barely-over-five-foot frame. She wore a straw hat that shadowed the upper half of her face, but revealed an indulgent smile on full lips as she watched the brother–sister reunion. Tonya.

“You can relax, Yo,” Haley said. “I don’t think she’s after Rafael. That’s Reid’s ex-girlfriend.”

“Really?” Yolanda’s gaze narrowed in speculation. “Is she Latina?”

“I don’t know. Reid never said.”

When Tonya tipped her hat back and looked Haley’s way, her Native American heritage was clear. She gave a half nod as if in recognition, then her gaze swept slowly over Haley as if sizing her up. She murmured something to Garcia, pushed off the truck, and approached with lithe, confident strides.

She extended her hand with a smile. “Hi. I’m Tonya Rivers, a close friend of Krista…and Reid.” Haley noted the emphasis on the last two words. Tonya was staking her claim.

“Nice to meet you, Tonya.” Haley accepted her hand. Tonya’s grip was surprisingly firm, more like a man’s than a woman’s and nearly as callused. But aside from her brusque manner, there was nothing remotely masculine about her. Their eyes locked for a long moment. Hers were black as agate under finely arched brows. With sculpted features and flawless mocha skin, she was a stunning woman. “I’m Haley, and this is my best friend, Yolanda.”

Before introductions were completed, Garcia and Reid appeared beside them. Reid was still beaming and holding his little sister in his arms. He tossed her once more in the air before setting her back on her feet. “Krista, Tonya”—Reid nodded to the latter—“I’d like you to meet Haley and Yolanda.”