Broken(38)

Stone returned to the table and took the seat opposite Kyla. “Well this is a pleasant surprise. What brings you ladies to the Drunken Lizard tonight?”

“We thought we’d have ladies night out. And I was promised ribs,” Kyla answered.

Stone grinned. “The portion sizes are pretty big here. Do you think you can handle it?”

“You’d be surprised with what I can handle,” Kyla returned, glancing at her menu.

“Oh yeah? Think you can handle a dance?” Stone’s eyes twinkled mischievously.

“Believe it or not I can’t dance.”

“Can’t or won’t,” Stone challenged.

“A little of both. I’m unfortunately a rare breed: a black woman who has no rhythm. So I’ll do you a favor and save your toes from getting stepped on.”

“What happened to Tootie?” Ridge asked. “She was clinging to you like a cheap suit on the dance floor. How did you manage to get rid of her?”

“I told her I had a contagious rash.” Stone returned his attention to Kyla. “While I appreciate your concern for my toes, I’ll take the chance.”

Kyla raised her head from the menu. “No.” It was a simple declination but there was an undercurrent to her tone that brooked no further discussion.

“Maybe another time, then.”

“I doubt it, cowboy.”

The easy smile on Stone’s face fell and Jocelyn would have felt sorry for him if she weren’t so anxious about Cade’s return to the table. How would he act when he saw her?

No sooner did the thought enter her head than Cade came back to the table with two pitchers. He stopped short when he saw Jocelyn sitting at the table.

Though he didn’t say a word, his blue gaze said it all: what the hell are you doing here?

Jocelyn wanted to flee, but realized by doing so she’d cause a scene. The only seat open was the one between her and Misty, and Cade didn’t seem as if he wanted to take it.

“Put the beers down,” Ridge demanded.

Cade hesitated for another moment before complying. “Jocelyn. Kyla.” He gave each woman a curt nod before taking the empty seat.

Misty, who had been sitting quietly, became animated. She pushed out her boobs and pouted. “What took you so long, baby? I thought you’d never return.”

Cade chuckled. “Sweetheart, I couldn’t stay away from you if I tried.”

Decker leaned forward. “It’s been like this all night. I have a barf bag for you if you need it.”

Jocelyn knew Decker was attempting to lighten the mood for her, but seeing Cade flirt with Misty didn’t sit well with her. The more she attempted to ignore it, Cade seemed to increase the intensity, leaning over to whisper in the blonde’s ears, making the woman giggle in an annoying high-pitched squeal.

Stone stood abruptly. “Jocelyn, how about a spin on the dance floor?”

She was grateful for an opportunity to escape Cade and Misty.

“He’s hurting, you know,” Stone said once they were away from the others. “Cade’s probably not handling it in the best way, but give him some time.”

“I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I know I have no right to be jealous of him with another woman and I shouldn’t expect him not to be angry with me. I did end things between us, and I wasn’t exactly nice about it.”

“But you see, Jos, this is the thing I don’t get. Why? I mean I’ve been watching you and I’ve noticed how you react whenever someone so much as mentions his name and the way you look at him when he’s around when you think no one else notices. You still love him, don’t you?”