Chapter Two #2
Although the easy banter was delicious, she needed to be cautious. He affected her in indescribable ways. “Then you should heed your own concern.”
“Aren’t we past ignoring the obvious?” The light danced in his eyes.
She understood his meaning. They’d been skirting around an attraction for months, but until the kiss—that amazing, wonderful kiss—they’d kept things at an innocent flirtation, skipping over rocks but not jumping into the water.
The kiss and her attraction for Bear was a big reason why when she and Bentley decided to start talking again she didn’t put the engagement ring back on.
Honestly, she’d never liked the oversized extravagant diamond.
She was much simpler than a two-carat ice rink on her fourth finger.
Aasia told him they needed time before they moved back into where they’d been before the breakup. Things were…different. She couldn’t just ignore that she’d kissed Bear and liked it. A lot. “Bentley and I…” She couldn’t finish the sentence. What were she and Bentley? Lost lovers? Oil and water?
Bear leaned in closer, bringing the scent of sagebrush with him. His gaze swept over her before coming back to her eyes. A quiet strength radiated from him. A calm she gravitated toward. “How are things between you two these days?”
“I might know if he ever stayed put long enough to have some questions answered.” She forced a smile to her lips but it felt exaggerated.
“It must be tough running for political office,” he said in a low rasp. “He should have chosen to be a cowboy. Cows don’t care if it’s Monday or Sunday.”
“Bentley and cows?” She laughed. “I can’t picture Bentley in a Stetson.”
Bear swiped off his hat and hooked it on his bent knee. His hair had grown to touch his collar since he’d moved to Fin’s Creek. The black mass was threaded with silver that set off the color of his eyes. “I don’t see the ring.”
Automatically she touched her bare hand. “You’re very observant.”
“It’s part of the job.”
“I’m sure a cowboy needs to rely on his instincts and senses.”
“Why are you and Bentley back together?” Bear eyed her, not with judgement but curiosity. “Are you a glutton for punishment.”
“News certainly does travel fast in this town.” She reached up and curled that mischievous strand of hair that didn’t want to stay off her cheek around her knuckle. “I wouldn’t say we’re back together.”
“Would Fletcher agree?”
She let go of that strand of hair and lowered her hands to the bar. “Bear, what Bentley and I share…it’s complicated.”
“It would appear so.” He finished his beer and set the bottle down with a resounding click. “The man’s a dick.”
“You dislike him that much?”
“Have I minced my words?” Bear said without any hesitation.
“You might be a bit prejudiced.” She swallowed hard.
“How I feel for Fletcher has nothing to do with what you and I shared. He doesn’t treat you how you deserve to be treated. You said yourself, he doesn’t care about anything but his campaign.” There was a new tension in Bear.
Aasia sighed, a long shaky exhale. She’d heard the same from all her friends, not just Bear. “He’s stressed. He has a lot on his plate. Running for senator requires commitment.”
“You’re making excuses for him,” Bear said in a firm tone.
“I’m not making excuses for him. I’m just pointing out the truth.”
“You’re being delusional.”
“And you’re being judgmental,” she retorted.
The rigidness of his features relaxed. “I’m just looking out for you. You’re not the type to contort yourself to meet any man’s needs. Fletcher’s a user, or as I like to call it, he’s a real piece of shit.”
The sting of his words sunk in. “Bear? Do you know something that you’re not telling me?”
“Do you need me to point out his discrepancies?” he said sarcastically. “He stood you up how many date nights? How many times has he disrespected you by leaving you sitting alone in a bar?”
“I see your point, but…” She lost track of her thoughts. Defending Bentley had become a job and she was growing tired.
“I’m tired of watching you become a smaller version of yourself to fit perfectly into his life. How many times has he asked you what you want? He doesn’t, does he?”
She watched the amber liquid swirl in her glass. “I’m not delusional.” Her voice was shaky. “He’s not changing me.”
“He’s not a partner, Aasia. Look at me,” his words were demanding and she couldn’t resist. “Fletcher is an oxygen drainer. He’s treating you like an option. How many times are you going to allow him to sweep in and turn your world upside down?”
She turned her cheek to look into the crowded bar but not seeing anyone. “You don’t know him and anything about my relationship.”
“I know you aren’t a repair shop,” he said stiffly, tapping the polished wood to get her attention. “He’s a liar. A manipulator, and a fucking coward. You deserve to be with someone who appreciates you and never questions your worth.”
“Like who, Bear? Someone like you?” She watched for any emotion to flit over his rugged features.
“Aasia…”
“Stop. Pretend I didn’t ask that question.” She picked up her whiskey and took a long sip, coughing against the sting.
“He’s not a good man,” Bear said in a lowered voice.
“Tell me why. What are you not telling me.”
“You should know that—”
“Aasia! What are you doing here?” The robust greeting from Tansy, Aasia’s best friend, stopped any chance he had to answer.
“Tansy!” Aasia welcomed the woman in for a tight hug. “You’re finally back from your trip. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’ve only been back a few days and swamped with work.” Tansy was a tall, beautiful woman with remarkably blue eyes which happened to settle on Bear in semi-curiosity. “Hi. Am I interrupting?” She offered Aasia a subtle smile.
“I was having a drink with Bentley, but he got called away,” Aasia answered a little too abruptly.
“Bentley? What?” Tansy’s groan garnered the attention of a few passersby. “I thought you two were through?”
“Long story,” Aasia muttered.
Bear slipped off the stool. “Ladies, it was nice seeing you, but I have an early morning. You enjoy your evening.” He grabbed his hat and planted it on his head while he worked to not look at Aasia while digging money from his pocket. He tossed it onto the bar.
“We’ll talk later?” She wished they could have finished their discussion. She swore he had something he wanted to tell her about Bentley.
“Sure.” He didn’t sound too committed.
Aasia watched him stride across the bar. His jeans fit his bottom perfectly and the shirt stretched across his wide shoulders. Several women sitting at a table near the door nearly broke their necks to get a better look as he passed.
Tansy took the stool he’d been occupying. “What the hell was that?” she said.
“Calm down. We were just having a drink.” Aasia tore her attention away from the retreating cowboy and onto Tansy.
“You do realize I know you better than anyone, right?” Tansy reminded Aasia. “Tell me everything.”
“There’s nothing to tell.” When Tansy had her cornered, Aasia sighed. “Fine. Bear and I kissed but nothing more.”
Tansy’s eyes widened. “I knew it! I knew you two were keeping secrets.”
“Shh! Let’s not tell the whole town.”
“If you and Bear kissed, why are you still sitting here and not leaving with him?”
“Like I said, I was here having a drink with Bentley and when he left, Bear and I had a drink and talked. It was innocent.” Aasia felt her stomach flutter. The response wasn’t innocent.
“Speaking of Mr. Fantastic…,” Tansy rolled her eyes “I thought you said you and Bentley were done? Let me guess, he begged you to forgive him. Promised he’d be better.”
“He didn’t beg.” Aasia pushed her glass away. “He and I have a history, Tansy. It’s not easy to give up on someone you’ve shared a lot with.”
“A history of him being a jerk,” she said in a lowered voice.
“Sorry, but you know what I think of him. He’s a liar.
He couldn’t keep a promise if his life depended upon it.
As long as you’re allowing him back into your life he’s going to continue to wreak havoc and keep you from experiencing friends with benefits with Bear. ”
“Bear isn’t…” She stopped.
“Bear isn’t what?”
“He would be fun, and I enjoy his friendship, but he’s mysterious.” Aasia turned her attention back to the door.
“And?”
“He could be hiding something.”
“Yeah, presumably he is. In his pants.” Tansy wagged her brows. “You can’t tell me you’re not the least bit curious.”
“Does everything evolve around a man’s anatomy with you?” Aasia waved a hand. “I need to go.” Aasia was already off the stool and plucking money out of her purse for Wendi’s tip.
“Aasia! Don’t go. I’m sorry,” Tansy whined.
“It’s okay, sweetie.” Aasia gave her a tight hug. “It’s been a long day and I’m tired. Call me tomorrow and let’s catch up. You need to tell me everything about your trip.”
It wasn’t a lie. Aasia was exhausted.
Once she was inside her car, she pulled her phone out of her purse and glanced at the screen. Bentley had sent her a message…
“Don’t wait up for me. Long night here.”
Typical text.