Part 7 (1/2)

There was some laughter now. His face burned with anger and embarra.s.sment.

”Are you making fun of me?”

”No, not at all, I prefer a challenge. Making fun of you would be like hunting a dairy cow with a high-powered rifle and scope.”

”Why, I'm gonna-”

”Get your a.s.s kicked in about ten seconds,” Rachael interjected.

She had just seen Joshua, James, and another heavily muscled man heading quickly toward them.

”What?”

”Five, four, three, two, one.” Rachael sang the countdown.

Before Roy had time to make a getaway, a big hand clamped down on his shoulder.

”We want a word with you,” James snarled in a menacing voice Rachael couldn't imagine belonging to him.

”Outside now,” Joshua ordered, his tone was cold and brooked no resistance. They hustled Roy quickly out of a side door.

”d.a.m.n it, Mitch,” Janet said to the guy who had arrived with her brothers. ”You're the deputy. Shouldn't you go with them to make sure nothing too bad happens?”

Rachael's attention snapped back to the big guy standing close to Janet. He was about the same height as James and had to be one of the broadest men she'd ever met. She found it hard to see past his frame.

He'd be a good guy to hide behind in a gunfight. To ”serve and protect,” all he would need to do was stand there.

57.

”I'm off duty, so I'm giving them two minutes. Why didn't you come and tell me about Roy?” He stood in front of her with his fists and teeth clenched. ”I'd finish him myself if he'd hurt you.”

”You would?” Janet timidly asked.

”You know I would.” His face softened.

”At the time, I felt that I was overreacting.”

”Yeah, Josh said something about a boiling frog.” He looked slightly puzzled. ”I'd better go rescue Roy, though it irks me to do it.”

Watching the deputy leave, Rachael raised an eyebrow at Janet.

”What?” she said all wide-eyed and innocent.

”I think the deputy's smitten and I think you don't mind.”

”It's complicated,” sighed Janet. ”Mitch is a really great guy, and I think he likes me, but he always holds back. I'm not sure why, but I think he still sees me as a little girl.” She snorted. ”It's a common problem with the men in my life and it's very frustrating.”

”I'm sorry I can't help. I'm no expert on men. They surprise me all the time.”

By the time Rachael and Janet sat down at Susan's table, Mitch and Joshua had returned to the room and were obviously looking for them. Janet frantically waved them over.

”You weren't hurt, were you?”

”No. James took a few swipes, but Roy was no match for him. He was fairly riled up by whatever you said to him, Rachael.” Joshua looked admiringly at her and sounded positively cheery. ”I stayed on the sidelines watching just in case.”

”That's not like you.” Janet looked suspicious.

”I didn't trust myself to not go too far. Anyway, two against one isn't our style.”

Isn't it? Rachael couldn't help seeing a double entendre.

”Where's Roy?” Janet asked.

”Probably limping home with his tail firmly between his legs. He won't bother you again, munchkin.”

58.

”Thanks, but don't call me that.” Janet grumbled. ”I'm not twelve anymore.” She looked at both Joshua and Mitch.

”Where is James?” Rachael asked.

”Pursuing a woman with Luke, as usual.”

Oh my G.o.d, they share with others as well. Astonished, Rachael took a long swig of her beer. Lost in dark thoughts, she hadn't noticed that the music had changed. The band was now playing a lively country number.

”Let's dance,” said Janet as she bounced up.

Rachael could see people forming lines. ”I've never line danced before, but I'll have a go,” she said, hardly catching a breath as Janet and Susan dragged her on to the floor with Colin and Mark. Rachael noticed that Joshua stayed put, talking to Mitch but often glancing her way. The deputy seemed similarly distracted, watching Janet.

It was a lot of fun, and her mood lifted a little. She found herself giggling as she messed up the steps. Lance and Paul were standing behind her in a line and kept pretending that she was stomping on their toes. It was very funny, and Janet was laughing heartily. Toward the end of the song, despite the boys clowning around, she was getting it right. After another lively number, the music changed to a slow country tune. Lance and Paul stepped in closer, but before they could say anything, a strong arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back against a hard body.

”The lady's taken,” a deep male voice rumbled.

There was no mistaking the possessive power in those three words. Lance and Paul hesitated briefly then good-naturedly backed away. Towering over her, Joshua bent his head to whisper in her ear.

”Dance with me.”

It wasn't a request.