Playing With Fire (Tangled in Texas, #2)(3)
Only after did I realize Cowboy still eyed me from across the room. And maybe it was the moronic way I always overanalyzed everything, but he seemed to be staring at me rather strangely. His eyes glazed over and the corner of his mouth twitched into a smirk, as if he were observing me with some sort of curious fascination or…interest?
For a brief second, I may have considered stealing the baby’s soothing ring for myself. “Um, Bobbie Jo, why is Cowboy looking at me like that?”
She peered in his direction and shrugged. “Who knows why that man does anything. Wouldn’t surprise me if he’s over there imagining you naked.”
My mouth fell open. “What? That’s ridiculous,” I said as my face burned with the heat of embarrassment. “I’m not the kind of woman men like him go for.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Simple reasoning. Don’t strapping young cowboys usually prefer their women how they like their horses—sleek, fast, and with a touch of wild?”
She laughed. A lot. “You’ve been reading too many of those romance books of yours. Sweetie, you’re female and breathing. I’m pretty sure those are his only requirements.”
I grinned at that, remembering my earlier thought about Cowboy’s most recent conquest. “Well, he’s not my type.”
“What, you don’t like hot, well-built men?”
“No. Um, yes. I mean…” I shook my head to clear the confusion I was feeling. “It’s not that. I just don’t like men who regard women as sheep. And knowing Cowboy, I bet he probably lines them up and shears the clothes right off them.”
“Can’t argue with that,” she said, nodding in agreement. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already imagined you naked twenty different ways by now.” My stomach clenched tightly, and I frowned at the unwelcome sensation, making her laugh.
I shook my head adamantly. “Well, it’s not going to happen. Not with me, anyway.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you’re immune to Cowboy. That would be a first. Most girls have to claw through the hoards of women just to get him to notice them. After all, he’s in the bachelor calendar, you know.” She giggled at that.
“Bachelor calendar?”
“The local newspaper runs a contest where men from Liberty County compete to be in next year’s calendar. Cowboy won a spot as May’s bachelor.”
“Like a beauty contest for men?”
“Basically,” she said with a grin. “I mean, the winners get a photo shoot and everything. I’m surprised you haven’t seen them yet. The calendars were released yesterday and the whole town has been talking about them.”
“I guess I don’t get out enough.”
“Wait until you see what Cowboy… Uh-oh,” she said, glancing over my shoulder with a grin. “Speak of the devil. Look who’s coming.”
Terrific.
He sauntered across the room, smiling at his five-month-old godson still cradled in my arms. Cowboy leaned lazily on the counter, gave me a quick nod, and turned his attention to Bobbie Jo. “Hey, beautiful. How’s the little turtle doing?”
She heaved out an exasperated breath. “Would you please stop referring to Austin as a turtle?”
“Sure I will. Just as soon as he grows some hair.”
I wanted to laugh, but bit the inside of my cheek instead. Cowboy’s assessment of Austin’s bald head and bug eyes was quite accurate—he did look like a turtle. Though I wouldn’t dare tell his mother that.
Bobbie Jo rolled her eyes. Apparently, she was used to the insulting nickname. “What are you doing here, anyway? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a library before. You lose a bet or something?”
“Very funny,” Cowboy said, though he wasn’t laughing. “No, Miss Nosey. I’m doing research.” He held up the book I’d helped him locate.
“On household chemicals?” She shook her head. “Cowboy, when are you going to stop looking into that case? Don’t you think it’s time you let it go? It’s been months already. There’s nothing more you can do.”
“Well, if I don’t investigate that goddamn fire, then who will?”
My ears perked up. “Isn’t that what the fire marshal is for?” I said it without thinking, then looked down quickly, keeping my gaze from meeting his. It wasn’t like I couldn’t speak around him. Basically, everything just came out sounding as awkward as I felt.
Cowboy’s hand fisted on the counter. “I’m captain of the fire department, so that makes it my job. Besides, that jackass couldn’t find his balls with both hands. He damn sure isn’t going to solve this case.”
Bobbie Jo touched his hand, offering him comfort. “I know you don’t feel like he’s doing enough,” she murmured. “But your department’s already so thinly staffed. And with the loss of your chief…”
I cringed, realizing which fire they were talking about.
“I hate to see you working so hard,” she added. “You need to take a day off and catch up on your sleep.”
I’d noticed the dark circles under his eyes, but had attributed them to late night bar outings I imagined he was accustomed to. But hell, what did I know? I also thought his nose looked a little more crooked than the last time I saw him.