A Cowboy's Temptation

He gave Darby a fleeting glance. “Sorry to interrupt here, but I need to have a word with Darby.”

Joe frowned. “I was in the middle—”

“Don’t you worry about it,” Seth said, leaning in and lowering his voice to an overtly conspiratorial level. “I’ve got this one covered.”

“I’ve got some things to say to that woman.”

“I understand your perspective.” Seth nodded, his expression showing Joe he was taking this seriously. “And I do agree with you. My office is working on it.”

Joe gave Darby a disparaging look. “It ain’t right. She ain’t right.”

“I’m working to make it right,” said Seth. “Why don’t you go on over to the bar.” Seth fished into his pocket for the free drink tickets that had come with his invitation for the dinner. He handed Joe a red one. “Have a beer on me.”

“That’s kind of you, Mayor.”

“Enjoy the evening.” Seth turned from Joe to find Darby walking away.

“Hey.” He stepped fast to catch up with her, touching her arm.

“What the hell was that all about?” She shook off his hand.

Seth was taken aback by her tone. “Joe was obviously bothering you.”

“So you thought you’d rescue me?”

Seth’s brain scrambled to make sense of her words. He hadn’t expected outright gratitude, but he had done her a favor here.

“You’d rather I hadn’t?” he asked.

“One kiss does not make me yours to rescue. And I’d rather you gave me a little credit. I can handle a guy like Joe Harry.”

“I didn’t rescue you because I kissed you.”

“You don’t get to rescue me for any reason at all.”