Holding You (Love Wanted in Texas #3)(60)

Scott closed his eyes and let out a pain filled moan. “Oh, son-of-a-bitch. I was not ready for that one.”





SPINNING MY ALEX and Ani bracelet on my wrist, I closed my eyes and felt the heat move across my body. Colt had given me the locket bracelet the night before I left for Colorado after we had made love in the bed of his truck. Letting out a long sigh, I felt someone bump my shoulder.

“Daydreaming of a certain blue-eyed cowboy?” Alex asked with a smile.

Nodding my head, I let out a chuckle. “Oh, Alex. I’m so afraid I’m going to wake up and this is all going to be a dream.”

Grinning, Alex looked out at the beautiful Colorado countryside that was passing by us. We were riding the Durango train back down the mountain after spending the day on it. We had stopped at a few little towns to shop along the way.

“It’s not a dream, Lauren.” Turning back to me, she took my hands. “I’ve never seen my brother so happy, Lauren. It’s almost like you can feel the love just pouring off his body. He was actually singing in the shower the other day. My mother and I walked into his room and stood there giggling as we listened to him singing. It was kind of cute.”

Feeling my cheeks blush, I squeezed Alex’s hands. “What about you and Will? How are things going?”

The smile that spread over Alex’s face was contagious. I smiled back at her. “The wedding?”

Letting out a sigh, Alex’s face lit up. “I’m so excited, Lauren. Everything is just falling into place.”

My heart was bursting with happiness for Alex and Will. They went through a lot the first year they were together, but their love pulled them through it all.

“I think it is so romantic that you’re getting married under the same tree your parents did.”

Placing her hand over her mouth, tears formed in Alex’s eyes as she stifled her sob. “Me, too. It’s beyond perfect. I mean, when my parents got married there, our house wasn’t there, but there is something magical about that tree. I feel it in my heart.”

Reaching up, I wiped a tear from Alex’s cheek. “Why are you crying, Alex?”

“Because I’m so happy, Lauren and at the same time I’m so afraid the floor is going to fall out from underneath me because I’m so happy.”

Pulling her into my arms, I held her tight. “Alex, everything is going to be perfect. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Sniffling, Alex nodded into my chest. “I’m so scared, Lauren.”

“Oh, honey. Why? Why are you scared?”

Pulling back some, Alex worried her lower lip. “I don’t know. I love Will so much and I really can’t wait to start my life as his wife but at the same time . . . I’m getting married in a little over a month.” Letting out a nervous giggle, her eyes widened. “Married. As in Mrs. William Hayes.”

Staring at Alex I tried to hold it back, but I couldn’t. I busted out laughing. It didn’t take Alex long to start laughing also. Before long, we had tears streaming down our faces and I wasn’t even sure why we were laughing. Grace and Maegan walked up and looked at us with smiles.

“What’s so funny?” Grace asked as she walked up to us.

Wiping my tears away, I winked at Alex. “Just being silly and we lost control of our giggles.”

We spent the rest of the train ride planning our evening. We were going to dinner, then dancing at a local club that would allow Taylor and me in.



THREE HOURS LATER, Grace was grinding up against yet another cowboy as we all sat at the table and watched. After the song ended, she meandered her way back over to us.

“Whew. Damn, that boy was hot! I was pretty sure I was one move away from getting his number.”

Maegan jumped up. “That’s it! Okay, the first one to get a guy’s number wins!”

We all looked around at each other and then back to Maegan. “What in the hell are you talking about, Meg? I thought we all agreed no getting wasted tonight,” Libby said with a wink.

“I’m not wasted, I’ve only been drinking water all night. Come on y’all! It’s innocent fun.”

Taylor shouted over the loud music. “What do we get if we win?”

Maegan looked around at each of us. “If we all chip in fifty bucks, that would be three hundred dollars.”

Alex jumped up. “I’m in! I have a wedding to pay for.”

Libby started laughing. “Okay, but for those of us with guys, no kissing is allowed so those who are single, no kissing either.”

Grace rolled her eyes. “That is totally not fair, Libby.”

“The only lips my lips touch are Colt Mathews.’”

Alex gave me a wink and mouthed, thank you.

The air in the dance club suddenly became thick. The music was a mixture of country, hip-hop, and pop. My stomach tightened and I wasn’t too thrilled about this bet, but the way Maegan was eyeing me was starting to piss me off. Turning to Grace, Maegan said, “This is in the bag for either you or me. Let’s do this.” They both slapped hands and I seethed with anger.

How dare Maegan think that just because we had boyfriends we couldn’t still pull a number from a guy.

“Who’s up first?” Grace asked.

Alex jumped up. “Me. I’ve got this. I see my victim, too.” Taking a drink of her lemon drop, Alex started walking over to the blond-haired guy who had been sitting at the bar with three other good-looking guys. Alex walked up and placed her hand on his shoulder and whispered something into his ear.