shoulders that tapered down to a lean waist. A muscular butt that perfectly filled out the faded Levi’s he wore. This man did not neglect his squats.
It had been a long time since I’d admired a man’s body. Too much work. Not enough time to daydream. Maybe it was the crisp clean air clearing out my clock that made me notice. Maybe this three-day trip would do me some good. Minutes later I was sliding my keycard in the door of my south-facing room. The bed was a fluffy masterpiece that put a smile on my face. I had a feeling I’d be dreaming about cowboys tonight.
Chapter Three
Scott
She stood at registration looking at her phone as she spoke to the girl who worked behind the desk. She was taller than I remembered. More beautiful too. Bringing the IPA bottle to my lips, I tried to act casual about spying, to be as inconspicuous as much as any guy measuring six foot three and two hundred and ten pounds could. Though, I didn’t think she’d recognize me that easily. Last time she’d seen me, I was carrying party weight, the telltale sign of too much booze and too little exercise. No facial hair either.
Jimbo had called from the airport as soon as the Blackstone company jet landed. I had eyes and ears everywhere. The permanent residents of Jackson Hole were a close bunch. After that, it didn’t take much to track her down. There was no doubt where Little Miss Junior League would be staying. Which is how I ended up in the lobby bar of the Four Seasons, doing recon on the wannabe Mrs. Blackstone.
Sweet Jesus, was this really happening? Darth Vader’s voice clamored in the back of my mind and a clammy chill rippled over my skin.
“Hey, handsome.” A familiar female voice yanked my attention forward. Misty’s smiling dark eyes met mine while she wiped down the bar. Misty with her curves for days and laughing eyes and curtain of black hair. My kind of woman. We’d hooked up a few times, but she was more wary of repeat performances than I was, so it never went past a few casual encounters.
“To what do I owe this pleasure?” she said, smiling coyly.
Misty had always been an easy read for me and right now her eyes questioned whether I was there for a hookup. The last time had been several months ago, seven to be exact, when calving season started at the Lazy S. I’d barely had time to shower and sleep from March to September. And with the new turn of events, I definitely was not here for that purpose now. Another wrinkle that needed to be ironed out with my new bride. I figured we could come to some agreement; both get what we needed elsewhere as long as we kept it discreet. Regardless, I liked Misty a lot and treating the situation with care was paramount.
Finishing my beer, I placed the bottle down gently and leaned forward, elbows on the bar as I rubbed the lingering shock and confusion off my face. “Ryan wanted to meet for a drink, but I’m getting the impression I’m being stood up.”
I hadn’t told a single soul yet. Not Laurel. Not Ryan Sutter, my best friend and ranch manager. Not even Devyn. Though she’d be my first call tomorrow. First, I needed to talk to Sydney, feel her out. Then I’d decide how to proceed.
In the marked pause, Misty jumped in without any prompting, “I’m seeing someone.”
As her bright gaze held mine, I felt a stitch of discomfort in my chest. I wasn’t jealous. That’s not how I rolled. But I’d be lying if the look on her face didn’t needle me because for the first time since I’d met her eight years ago, Misty looked…vulnerable. She’d never looked that way over me. And that’s when the lightbulb went on. There went any chance of a future hookup.
“You really like this guy.” No need for questions when I could see it for myself.
Her brows drew together. Misty had never liked being such an easy read. “What makes you say that?”
I shrugged, the answer a foregone conclusion. “Your face.”
Exhaling roughly, she leaned back against the counter of the bar with her hands tucked under her ass. The black tank top she wore showcased her athletic biceps, her strong thighs stretched taut her gray jeans. Misty had sex appeal in spades. “I guess so.”
“Don’t look so happy,” I teased, and chuckled when a