She put her wine down and gestured to herself. “And this body? It rocks and rolls for both of them. How can I do that?” She drew in a deep breath and picked up her glass.
Sarah spoke up. “Well, my body revs for Ethan, too. Whose wouldn’t? The same goes for you and your handsome cowboy. That’s nature, baby.”
Kate asked, “You told them you’re dating someone else, right?”
Dallas nodded. “No real specifics, but yes.”
Sarah said, “Well, I don’t see your problem, worrywart. You’re being honest, and these guys are really into you.”
Dallas grimaced. “The other night, after I kissed Ethan, I felt somehow disloyal to Cash.”
Kate plopped her wine glass down. “Well, that’s crap. You don’t have a commitment with either guy. You’re just getting to know them. It may turn out that one of them is the man of your dreams, and maybe not. But, right now, you’re exploring. If the shoe was on the other foot, they’d do the same damn thing with you.”
Sarah raised her glass. “You tell ’em, girl!”
Dallas laughed. “I love you both. You know that, don’t you?”
To a chorus of damned straight and hell, yeah, they tapped their glasses together.
Chapter Six
Cash pulled into Jesse’s driveway and parked behind his truck. Jesse said he’d be home this evening, which was surprising for a Friday night. As crazy as it sounded, Cash had actually come by for some relationship advice from his free-wheeling bachelor friend.
Jesse answered the door with a cold unopened beer in his hand. He thrust it forward. “Here, let’s get this party started.”
Cash laughed. “I’m not up for a party tonight, partner. But I’ll take the beer.”
Jesse walked over and slouched down on the couch, picking up his longneck. “So, what does my best bud want to talk about? You’ve had me guessing ever since I got your text.”
Cash sat in the opposing chair. His forehead wrinkled as he considered what to say. How could he bring this up without sounding like a pussy? “Uh ... I was wondering. What would you do if someone you liked—a girl—was seeing someone else? I mean, at the same time as you?” Heat rushed to his face. This was bad. He so regretted coming over.
Jesse, watching Cash’s face turn red, cracked up. “We’re talking about you, right? Oh, man. I never thought I’d see the day. The mighty Cash Powers is getting two-timed.” Jesse slapped his thigh and chugged his beer.
Cash scowled. “Ha-ha. Very funny. Are you going to answer me, or do I walk out the door?”
Jesse quit grinning and took another gulp from his bottle. “Sorry, bud. You got to admit, though, this is kind of hilarious.” He rubbed his hand across his jaw. “I wouldn’t like it, I know that. I expect my women to be faithful. The question is, though, is she your woman?”
Cash heaved a gusty sigh. “Not really. We talk on the phone, and we’ve done a few things together. But I like her a lot and her daughter’s a great kid. I want her to be my girl.”
Jesse smiled. “Wishing and being are two different things, bro. Sounds like you two are just getting to know each other. There’s no commitment yet. So, no harm, no foul. Come the time you’re both ready to be exclusive, it’s a whole other story.”
“That’s what I thought you’d say. I tell myself that, but I can’t wrap my head around her going out with this other guy.”
Jesse laughed. “Aw, you’re just jealous. You want her all to yourself. Who wouldn’t?”
Cash grinned sheepishly. “You’re right. I guess I am.”
“Hey, buddy, you’re the better man. I haven’t met this other dude, but I know you. You step up and show this girl what you’re made of. She’ll choose you, hands down. I’m damn sure of that.”
Cash nodded, his eyes narrowed. “I need to get over myself. She’s worth fighting for. I’ll make sure she chooses the best man, and that’s me.”
ETHAN CHECKED HIS REFLECTION in the glass of his framed diploma, straightening his tie and smoothing his already perfect hair. The letters on the document swam into focus. That diploma had cost him so much—and not just the money he paid for school. His father had wanted Ethan to study business and become CEO when his father stepped down at retirement. But the challenge of the courtroom had always pulled at Ethan. He couldn’t imagine anything more boring than chairing the Board of Directors’ meeting and managing a corporation. He wanted the contest of wills with the opposing attorney and the thrill of the win that trials could afford him.
After incredible pressure from his father, he agreed to become Board Certified in corporate law after graduating. In the end, it didn’t matter. His father died before Ethan could prove to him that he would be a success in his legal career. It was his greatest sorrow.
He sighed and headed down to speak with Dallas.
When he approached, she looked up and smiled.
“Hey, Dallas, you ready for lunch?”
She glanced at the clock on her computer. “I guess it is about that time.”
“Great. Can I talk to you for a few minutes? Outside?”
Locking her screen, she said, “Sure. No problem.”
They chatted until they reached the shade of the trees. Ethan took his hands out of his pockets and gestured enthusiastically. “Dallas, I have this wonderful opportunity, and I hope you’ll share it with me. A friend of mine got me tickets to the Cowboys’ training camp in Oxnard next week. It’ll be an overnight stay, but I’ll pay for the nanny for your daughter. It’d mean so much to me if you’d come. What do you say?”
Dallas, eyes wide and slightly out of focus, looked a little overwhelmed. “What, we’d, like, fly to California?”
He laughed. “Yes, and I checked. There’s a nonstop both ways that will work for us. I’ll book a car and driver. We can relax, drink wine, and have a fantastic time. I know
