The Bet (Blazing Hearts, #1) (5 page)

“I’m not,” he said, his tone off. “When it comes to them.”

She watched him, unsure of exactly what he was saying.

“They’re not you, Lexie. They never have been you. That was the problem.”

Her heart soared. “That’ll do, cowboy. That’ll do.”

He retrieved his towel and wrapped it around his waist. “Then you’ll stay the night and you won’t go on a date with Kaleb?”

“Yes.”

L
exie hummed softly as she walked with a tray of food towards Tyson’s place. His refrigerator was decently stocked, but the one at the main house was more so. The tray had a breakfast casserole on it that the housekeeper had clearly made since her father wasn’t much of a cook. A pitcher of orange juice sat on the edge of the tray and she smiled to herself, remembering dumping the iced tea all over Tyson the day before.

They’d spent the night holding one another. He’d rolled over and made love to her sweetly and slowly before he’d gotten up to tend to whatever it was he did at first light on the ranch. He’d promised he wouldn’t be gone long, so she’d snuck off to the main house to gather food for fuel.

Already her body hummed with desire for more of Tyson. The man knew how to please a woman. There was no denying that fact. She rounded the edge of the front barn and stalled as she heard the telltale sounds of Jake Earhart laughing. She’d grown up with Jake around the ranch, much the same way Tyson had been, but under slightly different circumstances.

She smiled as she heard Tyson’s laugh join in.

“I know,” he said. “I can’t believe it. It finally happened.”

“Took long enough,” said Jake with a snort. “Tell me, was it worth the wait?”

She tensed, wanting to hear Tyson’s answer.

“And then some.”

Jake mumbled something she couldn’t make out. When he next spoke she clutched the tray. “How was the sex? Did she freak when you went kinky on her or did you stay below the vanilla radar with her?”

“I spanked her,” Ty answered, surprising her by being so open about what had happened between them behind closed doors. “She got off on it. Kept askin’ me to tie her up.”

“Did you?” Jake asked.

Ty snorted. “Hell no. She’s not ready for that.”

“Oh man, do you ever owe me a thank you for betting you that you couldn’t get Lexie into bed,” razzed Jake playfully. “Guess I owe you that gelding I promised you. Dammit, I’d been hoping to get a shot at Lexie, but you won fair and square.”

Lexie’s hand shook so hard that the juice pitcher fell and crashed on the ground, breaking into too many pieces to count. There was a slight commotion before Tyson and Jake appeared around the corner.

The second she met Tyson’s turquoise gaze his eyes widened.

Lexie released the tray, letting the casserole fall to the ground as well. “I was just a bet to you?”

“What? No.” He took a step towards her, but she backed away. “Lexie.”

“Don’t speak to me. The sound of your voice makes me sick.” She pivoted on her heels and ran back towards the main house, ignoring Tyson’s calls.

T
yson attempted to run after Lexie, but Jake tackled him, nearly slicing the hell out of him on the broken glass on the ground. “Let go of me!” he shouted.

“Let her go. She’s pissed. Let her cool off before you try talkin’ to her,” reasoned Jake. “She’s mad enough to shoot fire out of her eyes. Give her a bit, Ty.”

Tyson struggled more and then stilled, his gaze locked on the screen door to the main house as she slammed it shut. Jake was right. Lexie wasn’t in any mood to hear him out. A spasm crossed his face as he stopped fighting against Jake’s restraint. “I stepped in it with her. What if she doesn’t forgive me?”

“She will,” Jake soothed. He took a step back from Tyson. “Just give her a minute to think...”

Lexie’s sports car that was rarely used while she was away zipped out of the garage and tore down the long drive. Tyson looked to his friend for wisdom.

Jake raked a hand through his hair. “Shit.”

“What?”

“She can’t very well be reasoned with if she isn’t here.”

Tyson’s blood ran cold. “You think she’ll leave town?”

Jake shrugged. “Let’s take my truck. We’ll follow her.”

“What happened to letting her calm down?”

Jake licked his lower lip. “That was before she was mobile.”

Tyson understood then. Jake was worried because his love interest had skipped town when the going got tough. It took all of him, but Tyson faced his friend and put his hands on his shoulders. “Jake, Lexie is different. She won’t leave. If anything, she’ll stick around to kick me in the junk or something. She has a surprising temper.”

“You sure?”

“Oh, I’m sure.” He wasn’t, but he didn’t need Jake’s panic on top of his own. “I’ll give it a bit and then track her down. I’ll make her see reason.”

D
owntown Middlefield was alive with people. The high school band played off to the side under the shade of a large tree. The women from the historical society were up front, manning their booth, asking for volunteers. Lexie was there, smiling and assisting taking names. Her green gaze wavered when it came to him. Her cheeks flushed.

He stepped forward, removed his hat and held it in his hands. Tension rose through his body with each step he took. He nodded his head to the other older women at the table. “Howdy.”

The women shared a look and then turned their attention to Lexie. She squared her shoulders. “Are you here to volunteer? If not, the armadillo racing sign up table is over there.” She pointed to the right and then turned her head as if to dismiss him.

Tyson huffed. “I’m here to speak to you.”

She leveled her gaze on him. He’d never seen such fire behind those eyes before. “You should hurry to the sign up table. You might have time to squeeze a bet in.”

The verbal punch to the solar plexus hit its mark. He drew in a sharp breath and nodded. “I deserve that and more. Yeah, I accepted a bet, but not for the reason you’re thinkin’.”

“You wanted the horse and to get laid.”

Tyson waited for the women from the historical society to appear shocked and horrified by Lexie’s words. The woman to her left, Mrs. Timeston, nodded and then
tsked
Tyson. “You young men thinking you can barter women. Shame on you. You tell him, Lexie.”

Lexie offered a tight lipped smile. “Go away.”

“No.”

She blinked. “What?”

He set his hat on the table. “Lexie Garnes,” he said as loud as he could, drawing attention from all around. “I’m not taking one step away from this table until you agree to be my wife.”

The historical society ladies smirked, as if they’d suspected he’d say as much. He wasn’t sure how the old goats got so damn wise. He looked at Mrs. Timeston. “Tell her to marry me.”

“Do you love her?” Mrs. Timeston asked.

“No,” Lexie said.

Tyson leaned in and put a hand over her mouth. “Yes, ma’am. I’ve been in love with her for years.”

Lexie grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand off her mouth. “Tyson?”

He stayed close to her. “I love you.”

She teared up. “No you don’t.”

“Dammit, woman. Stop bein’ so stubborn and admit you love me too.” He leaned all the way over the table and put his mouth to her ear. “If you don’t admit it, I’ll spank that sexy lil’ ass of yours for all to see right here and right now. And, I’ll hogtie you. See, I know you want tied up. You begged me. I’m not above doin’ here and now. Best you admit I love you and that you full well know it. Better admit to lovin’ me too or else.”

Mrs. Timeston tossed her head back and laughed. “Oh sugar, you best tell that boy the truth.”

Lexie was a deep shade of crimson as Tyson drew back from her. She shook as she stood. She looked around at the crowd they’d gathered and then bit at her lower lip. She nodded. “I love you, too.”

With a hoot, Tyson rushed around the table and pulled her into his embrace. It suddenly sounded as if the entire town erupted into applause.

THE END

S
mall Town Romances with Big Time Spice!

Kennedy Kovit loves real men. Men who are raw, sexy, say what they want and know how to please a woman. She loves crafting stories surrounding them and enjoys sharing her views on living in a small town. When not writing, Kennedy can be found enjoying the outdoors. You can read more about Kennedy and her upcoming releases by visiting www.kennedykovit.com