Free Playing for Keeps (Honky Tonk Angels Book 5) by Ciana Stone Page B

drinks.
    Dini blew out her breath. “That’s kinda…hot.”
    “Hot doesn’t even come close,” Roxie admitted, as she got up to refill their cups. “The man has mad skills.”
    “And you’ve got how much longer to hold out?”
    “Two weeks. Well, thirteen days to be exact.”
    “So, if I was a betting gal, who would I put my money on?”
    Roxie shook her head. “Damn if I know. The man gets to me in a big way.”
    “Question is, do you get to him?” Dini asked quietly.
    Roxie looked at her. “Oh oh, you’ve got that look, I feel a Dini-ism coming on.”
    Dini flipped her off good naturedly and they both laughed. “Okay,” Roxie said. “Let’s have it. I know you’ve got something cooking in that blonde-covered brain.”
    “Just thinking,” Dini replied. “I mean, sure you’re gonna have to suffer some sleep loss, but no reason you can’t have fun with it.”
    Roxie felt like a terrier the way her ears perked up. “I’m listening.”
    “Well, hell. You are a woman, Rox. And you’ve teased your fair share of men. Why not ramp up the temptation a little?”
    Roxie felt a smile taking shape. “Hmmm, I like it. Grab those chips, girlfriend. We’ve got some strategizing to do.”
    They dragged the table over to the bed. Two hours later, they were slightly drunk and had come up with several plans, all of which had sent them into giggle fits as they contemplated the outcome.
    Roxie shoved a pillow behind her back as she leaned against the headboard. “Maybe if I concentrate on giving him a case of blue balls it’ll take my mind off what I’m not getting. And,” she added, “it’ll get us out of this dustbowl and back on the road with a nice little cushion.”
    The light-hearted mood suddenly vanished. Dini got off the bed, saying she had to take a bathroom break.
    Roxie suddenly realized she’d not stopped to consider her friend’s feelings when she made the bet with Beckett. She’d just assumed Dini was as eager to leave Cotton Creek as she. That didn’t seem to be the case.
    Could it be that Dini had met someone that was making her rethink leaving? What if Dini changed her mind and wanted to stay? What would she do?
    Roxie reminded herself that she’d been alone most of her life. She could do it again.
    Problem was, she didn’t want to. Dini was all the family she had and she couldn’t imagine not having Dini around.
    That’s not going to happen , she told herself. They had a plan. All she had to do was win the bet with Beckett and they’d hightail it out of Cotton Creek and on to wherever the wind blew them.
    And one day they’d tell stories and laugh about their adventure. They’d remember the people they met and giggle about the hot guys they left behind. Roxie couldn’t let herself believe any other way.
    Dini came out of the bathroom and climbed on the bed next to Roxie. “I know you’re eager to leave, Rox, but you might as well have some fun while you’re here.”
    “Are you having fun?” Roxie asked.
    Dini smiled and stretched. “Did I tell you that I’ve kind of been seeing someone?”
    “No, you definitely have omitted that, so give. Who is it?”
    “His name is Jasper Weathers and he’s in the oil business. Actually, his family is partners in that Cotton Creek Energy Company everyone talks about that bought up all the mineral rights and started the big oil boom.”
    “And did he also start a Dini boom?”
    “Oh girl, I’m here to tell you that he’s got some major moves. Hot doesn’t even come close to describing it.”
    All at once, the atmosphere lightened. Crowding together in the small bed, they snuggled under the warm blanket as Dini began her tale. And for the moment, everything was fine in Roxie’s world.

Chapter Six
     
    Hannah was leaving the bank when she saw Pressley headed her way. Instead of crossing the street to her car, she waited on the sidewalk.
    “Hey.” Pressley smiled and greeted her. “I was just thinking about