“How about a drink later, then? I’ll take you to the Bullfrog.”
She shook her head. “That’s kind of you, but I’m already on a date today.”
“With Catie’s brother, I know. But I got the impression that was just a ‘friends’ thing.”
“Not at all. It’s a new relationship, but one I definitely want to explore.”
God, I hope Harper can’t hear any of this. He sauntered toward them holding her cosmo and another beer.
“Thank you, honey,” she said, taking the drink from him.
His eyebrows arched. “You’re welcome…sweetheart.”
“Well, I can tell three’s a crowd here,” Blake said. “I’ll see you all later.” He walked away and then stopped dead in his tracks. He turned around and came back toward them.
“Miss Amber, I do believe I remember how I know you after all.”
Chapter Three
What in God’s name was up with Blake Buchanan? And why in hell was he at Catie’s party? Sure, he’d worked for Chad in the past, but he’d been gone three years. He’d left town amidst gossip, after disgracing Evie Luke, the mayor’s daughter who was now the town librarian. Catie had still been in high school when he left. She hadn’t known him at all. Why was she all of a sudden his champion?
A cold anvil landed in Harper’s gut, and a truth settled in his mind. He must keep both Catie and Amber away from Blake Buchanan. The man was a jerk and up to no good. Harper felt it in the very marrow of his bones. It ached.
“Oh?” Amber fidgeted, her knuckles white as she grasped her martini glass.
“Yeah, back in San Antonio there’s a place called Rachel’s.”
“Never heard of it,” Amber said.
“Really? I’d swear I’ve seen you there. I’d never forget those legs.”
“You’re mistaken.” She latched onto Harper’s arm. “Let’s go find Chad. I want to hold Violet.”
Sounded good to Harper. Besides, he had a few questions for Miss Amber Cross himself. Every cowboy west of the Mississippi knew about Rachel’s in San Antonio.
It was a strip club.
* * *
As she breathed in the fresh scent of baby powder, Amber’s uterus skipped a beat. She silenced her reproductive organs and handed Violet back to Catie. “She sure is precious.”
“Thank you.” Catie beamed up at Chad. “We sure think so.”
“Now you know I’ll babysit anytime.”
“Of course. Violet will love having her Auntie Amber come to sit. Won’t you?” Catie cooed to the baby.
“I need to talk to you when you have a minute,” Amber said.
“Oh, sure.” Catie kissed the top of Violet’s head. “She’ll
be ready to go down for a nap in about twenty minutes. I’ll come find you.”
“Perfect, thanks.”
Chad handed the cosmo he’d been holding back to Amber, and he and Catie left to show Violet off to more people. Harper pulled Amber aside.
“Before you talk to Catie, you need to talk to me.”