Chapter Nine

      Colton sat across from Stacey in the Two Moon Saloon while a trio played. They might not win any awards, but folks got up to dance every now and then.

      “This is fun,” she said as she took a sip of her mixed drink.

      Colton had smuggled in some cranberry juice for her to mix with vodka and ice. He’d known the bar wouldn’t keep much juice on hand. If they did, their supply would quickly deplete on a busy night like tonight, with more women asking for mixed drinks instead of beer or straight liquor. It appeared many Horseback Hollow men had viewed the live music at the bar as a good date-night opportunity, so more women took part in drinks with their men.

      “I’m glad you like it,” he said, taking a long swallow from his beer.

      “You don’t like the group?” she asked.

      “I like them fine,” he said. “It’s nice to hear some live music here for a change.”

      “I agree,” she said, and the trio began to play a slow song. “Any chance you would dance with me?”

      “Sure,” he said, his body tightening at the sexy expression in her eyes.

      Colton led her onto the tiny dance floor and pulled her against him. “You feel good,” he whispered into her ear.

      “You feel good, too,” she said, and stretched her body so that it molded against his.

      Colton couldn’t help wishing they were both naked. Stacey was so sweet and inviting. He couldn’t resist her. With every beat of the song, he felt the gentle friction of her feminine body against his. He grew harder with each touch.

      She lifted her head, and it was the most natural thing in the world for him to take her mouth. She slid her sweet, silky tongue in his mouth, and his internal temperature turned hotter and hotter. He couldn’t help but return her kiss.

      His heart slamming against his chest, he squeezed her against him, and she stroked his jaw. The music ended, but he didn’t want to release her.

      She breathed against his throat, and it was all he could do not to lead her out of the bar and take her in his truck. He took a deep breath to pull himself under control. “I guess we should sit down now,” he said in a low voice.

      “I guess we should,” she said, looking up at him with wanting for him in her eyes. “But that’s not what I want.”

      “Me neither,” he said. “It stinks.”

      She gave a slow smile that sizzled with sexuality. “Yes, it does,” she said and pulled back.

      Colton prayed that his arousal would calm down. He still wanted her, but his mind knew this wasn’t the place or the time. They returned to the table and he took a drink of his beer while she took a sip of her cocktail.

      She met his gaze with an alluring smile. “This makes me feel young again. Lately, I’ve been feeling kinda old and tired.”

      “You need to give yourself a break. Piper’s got that kick of Fortune Jones in her. She’s going to let you know when she wants something, and she’ll try to make you race to get it for her.”

      Stacey lifted her eyebrows in surprise and took a sip of water. “What makes you say that? Are you implying that she’s spoiled?”

      “Not at all,” Colton said. “I’m just saying she’s—assertive. Isn’t that what everyone is supposed to be these days?”

      Stacey pressed her lips together, then let out a big laugh that filled him all the way up inside. “That sounds mighty close to calling my baby a brat.”

      “She’s not a brat,” Colton said. “Not yet.”

      Her eyebrows flew up to her hairline. “Not yet?” she echoed.

      “Right,” he said. “She’s not even walking. She won’t turn bratty until she’s three.”

      Stacey gave a slow nod. “Good to know.”

      “Do you really disagree?” he asked.

      “I just hope I do this parenting thing right. I don’t want to be too harsh or too permissive. It’s not as easy as it looks,” she said.

      “You’re doing great,” he said, and put his hand over hers.

      “Thanks,” she said, and her smile made his gut do strange things.

      “Well, well,” a male voice said. “A new couple. What would Joe say?”

      Colton glanced up to see Billy Hall, Joe’s best friend, sneering at Stacey and him.

      “Hey, Billy. How are you doing?” Colton asked as politely as he could manage.

      “I’m doing great. I just wonder what Joe would think if he found out one of his groomsmen was kissing his ex,” Billy said.

      “Joe is history,” Stacey said. “He hasn’t been around for over a year.”

      Billy pursed his lips. “Oooh, that’s harsh. He might not like that.”

      “How would you know?” Colton asked.

      “We talk every now and then,” Billy said.

      “You ever tell him what a useless piece he was to leave Stacey and his child?”

      Billy gave an awkward shrug. “Well, no. He’s my friend. I couldn’t call him names.” Billy paused. “But I could tell him his ex was taking revenge on him by getting involved with one of his best friends. How you like those leftovers?”

      Without a pause, Colton rose and shook Billy hard.

      Stunned, Billy stumbled backward. “What the—”

      “Don’t insult Stacey again,” Colton said, clenching and unclenching his fist. “Ever.”

      “Hey, I was just taking up for Joe,” Billy said.

      “He doesn’t need you to take up for him. He’s doing fine,” Colton said. “He isn’t getting up in the middle of the night to take care of a baby. He’s not giving Stacey one dime of support.”

      Billy’s eyes widened, and he lifted his hands. “Okay, okay. I get your message.” He turned toward Stacey. “Sorry,” he said and walked away, wiggling his shoulders as if he were trying to straighten out his spine.

      His heart still slamming against his rib cage, he sat down and took another long sip of beer. “Sorry about that,” he said.

      She pulled his hands into hers. “That was very nice of you. Not necessary, but—”

      “Very necessary,” he said. “You don’t deserve that. Joe’s not here. He hasn’t done anything to redeem himself in this situation.”

      She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it. “I’m not thinking about Joe anymore.”

      Colton felt a dozen emotions slamming through him, but