Texas Two Step Read Online Free PDF Page B

first time since she’d met him, Shooter didn’t have a ready smile or a playful tone in his voice.
    She hadn’t cried when Robert admitted to having an affair, but the kindness of these two men who’d been perfect strangers to her just hours ago brought her to tears now. She swiped at her eyes as they began to brim. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m crying.”
    “Don’t you apologize.” Shooter wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her tight against him. “You can cry or cuss at him all you want. We don’t mind.”
    Being in his arms seemed to bring on more emotions and Maryann started to shake.
    “Ellen said on the phone if we wanted to stay out we should. She was going home to get some sleep and would see you in the morning. So…”
    To her embarrassment when she tried to breathe in, it became more of a huge trembling sob.
    “Aw, darlin’. I’m so sorry.” Shooter wrapped his other arm around her and rubbed her back.
    Maryann pulled back enough to glance at Wes through her the tears she couldn’t seem to stop. “I’d rather not meet her like this.”
    Wes nodded. “Shooter, is it all right if we all hang at your place for a while?”
    “Of course.” He wiped her face with one hand. “That okay with you? It’s nothing special.”
    “I’m sure it will be perfectly lovely. Thank you.” She forced a smile and let Shooter pull her head against his chest. She closed her eyes. For once she was going to sit back and let someone else take care of her. It felt nice.
     

Chapter Five
    “Hey, Ellen. We’re going to hang out at Shooter’s place for a little bit. I didn’t want you to worry about us.”
    “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Oh God, Maryann’s not into him, is she? Dang it, Wes. You had to take her out with him? A sweet British girl like her has no chance against a man like Shooter.”
    Wes glanced over at Maryann, half-asleep on the couch while Shooter sat next to her, rubbing her back. Yeah, she was into him. It killed him to admit it, but the proof was right there in front of his eyes, snuggling like a kitten into his best friend’s lap while Wes wished it was him sitting there with her instead. “I’m doing my best here, Ellen. It’s been a hell of a night.”
    “What happened?”
    He explained it all as quietly and quickly as possible. It wasn’t exactly his place to tell Ellen about Maryann’s situation but he didn’t have much choice in the current situation.
    When he’d finished, Ellen responded with a shocked, “Wow.”
    Wes let out a short laugh. “Yeah, hell of a thing to have happen on her first night here.”
    “Yeah, really. Poor thing. Thank you for taking care of her. I mean it, Wes. I really appreciate it.”
    “It’s okay, El. She’s sweet. I like her.” Wasn’t that an understatement. He eyed Shooter, who’d moved on to stroking Maryann’s hair. “Listen. I’m gonna go get back to Maryann. I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”
    “Okay, but try to get some rest. You’re competing tomorrow night.”
    So was Shooter. Wes would be damned if he went to sleep before Shooter did. Not with Maryann lying in his lap. “I know. I’ll grab a nap tomorrow if I have to.”
    “All right. Night, Wes.”
    “Night, sis.” Wes disconnected the call and shoved the phone in his pocket, but then wasn’t sure what to do with himself.
    He was debating when Maryann lifted her head. “Is Ellen angry?”
    “Not at all.” Wes walked around to the front of the couch and sat on the tiny space on the end. He pulled Maryann’s legs onto his lap. “You look like you’re feeling a little better.”
    Better enough for Wes to get her out of there before Shooter made any more headway.
    “I am. Thank you. Drinking the water helped.”
    “I think he was talking about how you’re feeling in there.” Shooter smiled and laid his hand on her chest, just above where her heart—and not coincidentally her breast—was.
    Wes could hear her quick intake of