Free Fearless by Cheryl Douglas Page A

back?” Josh asked. “What if you really have lost her? Can you live with that?”  
    The limo pulled up in front of Jimmy’s bar before Luc could respond.
    There was a line snaking around the side of the building, and Josh knew he would have to be on his game to control the crowd once they caught sight of Trey. Maybe the distraction would help take his mind off his problems. 
    The limo driver spoke to the bouncers, who held the crowds at bay while they exited the car and made their way inside the bar. Once inside, the crowd, who was occupied dancing and listening to the live band, gave them a wide berth as they claimed a booth in the back of the bar.
    It didn’t take long for Josh to notice Marisa, Sierra, and Lexi seated at a table near the stage. He wasn’t surprised to see her there. Jimmy’s had been one of her favourite haunts whenever she visited Nashville.
    He had to accept the fact they were going to see each other; they shared mutual friends. He was just going to have to learn how to live with the dull ache in his chest whenever she entered his line of vision.
    “Thanks for nothing,” Josh said, shaking his head in disgust.
    Trey slid into the booth first so he was ensconced against the wall and away from the crowd.
    “You’re gonna have to see her sooner or later. We thought you might as well get it over with so you can quit moping around like someone ran over your dog.”
    He slid in beside Trey. “It would have been nice if you’d given me a heads up.”
    “Quit whining,” Luc said, beckoning the waitress. “Just shut up and have a beer.”
    “I don’t drink when I’m working, you know that,” Josh said. Though a Jack Daniels may be exactly what he needed to ease the knot in his gut.
    “Might help you to relax; either that, or try getting laid,” Luc said, grabbing the bowl of peanuts in the middle of the table.
    Josh looked around the bar. There were dozens of beautiful, sexy, single women who looked like they were here for a good time. Unfortunately, none could measure up to Lexi. He watched her talking and laughing with Sierra and Marisa. He wondered if she’d noticed him or if she even cared that he was there.
    “Just go over there already,” Trey said, nudging his arm.
    “Too late,” Luc said, pointing to the ladies’ table. “Some other dude beat you to it.”
    Josh looked over to see a slim blond guy wearing jeans and cowboy boots hold out his hand to Lexi. She shook her head to decline his invitation and Josh silently thanked fate for intervening.
    But his gratitude was short-lived when she got up and slipped her hand into his, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.
    “Doesn’t that just beat all?” Josh said, covering his face with his hands. “Can we get the hell outta here now?”
    “No way,” Luc said, popping a peanut into his mouth. “The show is just getting started.”
    Josh looked over at the table again to see Marisa following another cowboy onto the dance floor.
    He looked at Luc and smiled. “Guess it’s true what they say, what goes around comes around. Looks like you’re about to get yours, my friend.”
    Luc scowled at the couple on the dance floor. “Who the hell is that loser your sister is dancing with, Trey?”
    Trey spun around to look at the man in question. “Oh, that’s Tim Mitchell. They own the ranch down the road from our folks. He’s had a thing for Marisa for as long as I can remember. His Mama and Daddy are still holdin’ out hope she’ll be their daughter-in-law one day.”
    Luc laced his fingers and cracked his knuckles. “I wouldn’t bet the ranch on it if I were them.”
    Trey laughed and dipped into the peanut bowl. “Why the hell not? She could do a lot worse.”
    Trey grinned. “Tim’s a good guy, good husband material.”
    Luc glared at his friend across the table. “You son of a bitch, you would actually encourage her to hook up with that guy, wouldn’t you?”
    Trey shrugged. “Why not? You said you’re