Sharp Shootin' Cowboy (Hot Cowboy Nights, #3)(8)

“The drink is really mine,” Haley blurted to the cop.

“She with you?” he asked Reid.

“Yeah. She’s with me.” He volunteered his military ID card.

The cop’s expression softened infinitesimally. “What company you with?”

“The one-three, officer. Just finished scout sniper training and getting ready to redeploy.”

“Oh yeah? You’ve already done a tour?

“Two. The last was in Anbar province, Iraq. Looks like we’re going back for another round of that shit.”

“Yeah? I was a gunnery sergeant with the one-one in Desert Storm.” He shone the light on Haley again. “Your boyfriend here just saved your ass, girlie, but you’ll both be leaving now. See them out,” he instructed the bouncer and then moved on to another table.





Chapter 3


“But—but I still have a friend inside. We came together,” Haley protested.

“C’mon.” The * bouncer took her by the arm.

“Big mistake.” Reid stepped in. He had little tolerance for bullies, let alone one who’d lay hands on a woman. “Hands off her. Now. I already told you what I’d do, and I’m about itchin’ to make good on my promise.”

Chest puffed, the bouncer moved into Reid’s space. “All you marines think you’re such badasses, don’t you? The minute you put on the uniform, you’re f*cking Superman.”

Reid shrugged. “The Corps’ reputation speaks for itself. A marine is your best friend or your worst enemy…and I ain’t exactly feeling the love right now.” He wasn’t the brawling type, but Reid never backed down when pushed to the wall. “This is your last warning,” Reid threatened.

The bouncer met him stare for stare. “You’re gonna have to knock me down.”

Reid tensed. He knew the musclehead had a good forty pounds on him, which might give him the advantage of brute strength, but he’d be slow and clumsy. He’d have to strike first and fast. The dumbass would never know what hit him.

He was about to do just that when Haley interposed herself between them, hands anchored on her hips. “This is ridiculous. Do heightened testosterone levels kill brain cells or something?”

Both men stared down at her dumbfounded, their mutual antagonism temporarily forgotten.

“Let’s just go, Reid.” She grabbed his arm, dragging him in the direction of the door. Reid hesitated, his eyes never leaving the bouncer. For a moment the * looked like he’d follow them out, but then turned away with a shrug.

Once outside, Reid shook his head with a chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” she demanded.

“Just taking a mental inventory,” he replied. “First, I get my ass kicked at pool. Then, I barely escape arrest for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. After that, I’m harassed by an overzealous, steroid-enhanced gorilla looking for a brawl, which by the way, would have landed me in the brig. All this within two hours of meeting you. You are a whole lot of trouble in a tiny little package, Haley Cooper.”

“I never should have involved you,” she replied, looking contrite.

“It’s all right,” he said. “To be honest, I can’t even remember the last time I got thrown out of a bar.”

“It wasn’t my intention to cause you any trouble. I’m really sorry.”

“I’m not,” he countered. “Just wish I’d gotten at least one punch in. That bouncer deserves to get his ass kicked.”

“Let it go. It’s bad enough as it is. They’re not going to let either of us back in that place for at least six months.”

“Does that bother you?”

“Well, no,” she confessed. “I hate clubs. I’m just glad Yolanda wasn’t there. She would have throttled me if she got banned from her favorite trolling spot.”

“Then it is all for the best,” Reid said.

“Why’s that?”

“Now she can’t drag you back here again. Problem solved.”

His answer elicited a laugh. He liked the sound.

“But what about you?” she asked. “You can’t come back either.”

“Doesn’t matter to me. I don’t dance, and there’re plenty of better drinking holes a lot closer to base. Besides, I’m gonna be gone for the next eight months anyway.”

“Iraq?” she asked. “I heard what you told the cop. You’ve already been there?”

“Yeah. I’ve been to that hellhole.”

“And now you’re going back again?”

“Yup. Jarheads are all stupid as shit like that. We believe in completing the mission. Can I drive you somewhere?”

She considered the offer. “Yolanda brought me, but I’d hate to ruin her night by asking her to take me home so early. On the other hand, I live forty-five minutes in the opposite direction from you.”

“I don’t mind.”

“What about Garcia? Didn’t you ride together?”

“He’s smart enough to dial a taxi. Where do you live?”

“San Jacinto.”

“My truck’s over there.” He pointed and then settled his hand on her lower back for the second time that night. Her skin was warm through the cotton dress, yet she shivered.