Cowgirls Don't Cry(10)

Casper had always condemned any activity that took his sons away from the ranch. She remembered Luke saying that Tell could’ve gone pro in saddle bronc or bareback riding, but Casper wouldn’t allow it.

Of all Casper’s sons, Tell was the peacemaker. So this new direction in his life, against his father’s wishes, surprised her and she said as much.

“After Luke died, I realized that Dad wouldn’t ever be happy again about anything any of us did. I decided to do what I want and he can deal with it.”


Jessie studied him. Tell resembled Luke more than either Brandt or Dalton, but he had the same world-weary look she’d seen on Brandt. “Are things any better between you guys and your dad?”


He shook his head. “Worse, actually.”


“I’m sorry.”


“I know you are.” Tell smiled. “So let’s look like we’re havin’ a blast out here on the dance floor, eh?

That oughta really piss Casper off good.”


She laughed.

As soon as the dance ended, she booked it to the women’s bathroom. Halfway down the hall, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t have to turn around to know it was Brandt.

Why wouldn’t he just leave her alone?

“Jessie. Wait.”


She spun to face him, shrugging out of his hold. “What do you want now?”


“We need to talk.”


“I’m talked out.” She wheeled back around…and found herself pushed against the wall with Brandt in her face.

“Goddammit, this is really important.”


“So is the fact I was on my way to the bathroom.”


His eyes darkened and his grip on her biceps increased. “I’m serious.”


“Fine. Spit out what is so important that I’m not even allowed to pee first.”


He stared at her with that wordless threat.

She’d had enough of his tough guy attitude. “Let me go…or I’ll punch you in the stomach.”


His shock gave way to a smarmy grin. “Punch me? You? Sweet Jessie? I’ll bet you’ve never hit another person in your life.”


Mistake.

Jessie released a fast, hard uppercut to his solar plexus that immediately had him falling back to clutch his gut. She leaned closer and hissed, “I might not’ve hit a person, but I own a punching bag now, so back off.”


A gasp echoed and she looked up to see Keely and AJ McKay staring at them in openmouthed horror.

Shit. “Sorry, Keely. I didn’t mean…”


“To punch Brandt in the stomach? That was an accident?”


“Umm. No. I meant to do that. I didn’t mean to cause a scene and I…really have to wash my hands.”


Keely’s gaze darted between them. “Okay. Don’t be too long. I’m about to throw the bouquet.”


Like that was an incentive not to run out of here screaming. Jessie watched Keely and AJ disappear into a dressing room and hightailed it to the ladies room, not sparing Brandt a second glance.

She hid out as long as she could—or at least until all the wedding guests were occupied with the tossing of the bouquet.

As soon as the coast was clear, she snuck out the back door and drove straight home.

Take that, Brandt McKay. I won’t talk to you if I don’t want to and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.

Chapter Two