“It wasn’t your fault, Jace. I didn’t mean to get drunk. I just hadn’t eaten all day.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I know better, and that’s a lousy excuse. I drank too much. It’s that simple.”
“Why did you?”
“It isn’t what you’re thinking. It wasn’t because of you.”
He studied her face. “You sure about that?”
Bree rested her head against the pillowed back of the sofa. Part of her wanted to call him out on his arrogance, tell him that everything that happened in life, hers or anyone else’s, wasn’t about him, but their earlier conversation had been nice. She didn’t want to start an argument with him. The truth was, most of her actions were in reaction to him. She’d be lying if she said otherwise.
“Bree?”
“I was upset. I didn’t like seeing you with another woman.”
“I didn’t like seeing you with another man, either. Especially not seeing you kiss him.”
She put her hand on her forehead and groaned.
“Can I get you anything?”
“Water would be good.” She kept her eyes closed but felt him get up from the sofa. The air in the room cooled without him next to her. She drew the blanket closer, willing him to hurry back.
“Here, drink this.” Jace unscrewed the cap and handed Bree the bottle of water.
“Thanks.”
He sat back down and pulled her closer to him.
“How much longer will you be in Crested Butte?” she asked.
“At least until Tuesday. Billy has meetings scheduled most of the day Monday.” Jace shook his head and laughed.
“What’s funny?”
“Just Billy.”
“How are things going with the rough stock business?”
Better than they’d ever imagined. Word was out that their bulls and broncs were rank. That’s what mattered most. He and Billy were the front men of the business. As a former saddle bronc national champion, Billy Patterson had his foot in doors most rough stock contractors would never have.
They decided, earlier in the day, about who would go to the National Finals Rodeo next week. They agreed it would take the whole crew to represent Flying R Rough Stock properly. They wouldn’t have rough stock in the finals this year, but they were optimistic that next year they would. The trip to Las Vegas this year would be more about seeing and being seen.
“What’s it like?”
“NFR? Crazy,” he sighed. “A big, damn party.”
“Is it always in Las Vegas?”
There’d been talk, the year before, about moving it to Florida, but eventually a deal had been reached to keep it in Las Vegas a few more years. Jace couldn’t imagine it anywhere else. “Sure is. Where it belongs, too.”
“You’re looking forward to it?”
“Part of me is. Part of me isn’t.”
“Why?”
“That life…I’m gettin’ a little too old for. Come here, girl.” He gently moved her so her back rested against him. He shifted, turning enough that his legs were on the sofa and she was nestled in front of him. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her closer, and tucked a pillow under her head.
He looked over and saw her water bottle was empty. He should have thought of that before he’d gotten them both so comfortable. She needed to rehydrate, especially at this altitude.