Read Cowboy Country for Free Online

into a we'll-see smile.
    "Fine, but we should be heading over to Kyle's garage. If he has to order the tires, then we need him to do it today."
    Fifteen minutes later, the bell dinged over their heads as Tucker opened the door to Kyle’s garage for her. They stood next to the counter, waiting for the annoying man to show.
    "Oh. It's you two again. What the hell do you want?" Kyle snarled, coming through the door leading to the shop area.
    A quick glance at Tucker and Jacie saw the tick in his jaw, giving away the frustration they both felt at dealing with this dickhead.
    "Four tires for her rig. Do you have them?"
    "Mmm.  Let me check," Kyle said before he spun on his heels and took two steps toward the door. "Nope. Sorry."
    "You didn't even look you moron," she growled.
    Kyle smirked as he continued to wipe his hands on the dirty rag. "I know my merchandise. I don't have them. I'd have to order them."
    "Do it," Tucker snarled. "I want them here by tomorrow."
    "You payin'?"
    "Yes."
    "Fifteen hundred. Up front."
    "No way! Those tires aren't more than three hundred each. That's a damn rip-off," Jacie spat.
    "Fifteen hundred. Take it or leave it." Kyle leaned against the counter, looking very superior, knowing he had them between a rock and a hard place.
    The urge to wipe the smug look off his face almost outweighed the need for the tires, but Tucker's calming grasp and whispered, "Easy,” near her ear, brought her anger down a notch or two.
    Tucker reached into his pocket to pull out his wallet, then sorted through several bills. "I've got five hundred in cash. Will you take a credit card?"
    "Nope. Cash only."
    "You son of a bitch." Tucker took a step toward Kyle. Now it was Jacie's turn to calm him.
    Kyle grinned. "Sorry. I don't have any way to run a credit card. There's a bank about a mile down the road, but…" He glanced at his watch. "You'd better hurry. It's almost four. They close soon."
    "Let's get to the bank, Jacie. We can deal with him later," Tucker said, taking her hand and pulling her out of the shop.
    "I swear that son of a bitch is gonna get his. Lord, he makes me so mad."
    Tucker shook his head, pulled out his cell and dialed the cab company.
    Ten minutes later, they stood in front of the bank and she pulled on the door only to find it already locked.
    "I do not believe this." Jacie yanked on the door as if she thought it might miraculously open on the second try.
    Tucker grabbed her shoulders and turned her around. "We'll come back first thing in the morning. Kyle won't be able to order the tires now anyway. It's too late. What do you say to a little pool, a couple of beers and we'll relax for a few hours. You know, get our minds off this whole thing."
    "I guess. But I would so love to have wiped that smug look off Kyle’s face."
    A wide grin lifted the corners of Tucker’s mouth. "Let's get some dinner. Then we'll hit the bar. Maybe you'll get a chance to do a little damage to the man's pride there, since it's the only decent place in town. And do me a favor?"
    "What's that?" she asked, suspiciously.
    "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
    His words deflated her anger and she felt a smile spread across her face.
    "Much better. I like your smile."
    A heavy sigh left her lips. "Okay, fine. I need to go to my room though to change clothes and freshen up."
    "Maybe wear the little tank top you had on last night or something similar and those skin tight jeans?"
    The smile turned into a frown. I can't let him get to me. Last night was supposed to be one night. I wasn't supposed to run into him again. Everything's changed. The rules don't apply anymore.
    "Hey. What's the frown for?"
    "Don't get any ideas, Tucker. Remember, we are strictly business partners. Nothing more."
    "Business partners. But I can't help it if I still find you one of the prettiest women around, even in your ball cap," he said, lightly tapping the brim. "Do you want to meet me at the diner or the bar?"
    "How about the bar? I'll see you