Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders #6)(5)

Suspicion clouded Colt’s face. “I already told you. You ain’t tattooing the area around my nipples. Ever.”


“But this new pattern is so awesome. Turquoise and orange outlined in black and red, that looks like flames—”


“No way, no how.”


“Just hear me out.”


“Dammit, Indy, I said no. Why are you so dang fired up about doin’ this?”


“Because you have great nipples.”


Colt’s ardent gaze dropped to her chest. “Bein’s that I haven’t seen your nipples, I’m afraid I can’t return the compliment, sugar.


But we could rectify that right now. Take off your shirt.”


“Ha ha.” To hide the fact he’d caught her off guard, and that single hot look caused her nipples to stand at attention, she snipped,


“Fine. I’ll just use my super cool new design on your cousin, Blake.


I’m sure he’d be up for it. Especially since he’s already here building some shelves.”


“Maybe while he’s debating ink colors, you could convince the slob to pick up his goddamn tools so innocent bystanders don’t get nail shot in the ass.”


Whenever India brought up Blake West’s name, Colt became bad-tempered. Not a reaction she understood since Colt and Blake were related and hung out on occasion.


“While you’re busy playin’ with Blake’s nipples, you could pierce them. With little tinkling golden bells. So he can’t sneak up on his flock of sheep when he ain’t pretendin’ to be a carpenter.”


Why had Colt gone beyond peevish to pissed off? “Look, I’m sorry. I was—”


“Forget it. I’m tired. My ass hurts like a mother and I’m supposed to be resting. So shut the light off when you leave.”


“If you need anything—”


“I won’t.” Colt dismissed her by facing the wall.


Jerk. She had half a mind to retrieve the nail gun so she could nail his smart mouth shut.


You have no right to be indignant.


Still, Colt’s erratic behavior stung. He was usually so even-keeled. So sweet and thoughtful with her. India retreated to her room.


She stared at the glow-in-the-dark stars glued to her walls and wondered if Colt would freak out when she told him about her date with Blake tomorrow night.


Way to act like a jealous *. If Indy hadn’t guessed you are goofy in love with her before, she’ll know for sure now.


Colt snorted. Right. He’d eat his hat if that happened. India hadn’t a clue how he felt about her. She’d chalk up his reaction to stress. Or pain. Or frustration.


Which was fine with him. Better she pick any one of those excuses rather than know the truth: he’d fallen for her so hard he hadn’t looked at another woman in the three years since she’d come into his life.


He knew it was stupid. Indy was his best friend. Their friendship was the most important thing in his life and he’d be a fool to jeopardize it.


The fact she maintained their friendship after hearing about his sordid past, made him extra cautious not to screw that up, like he’d screwed up every other relationship. Plus, since she was his A.A. sponsor, it’d put her in a sticky situation if they started knocking boots. India was too important to the local organization to chance taking a tumble with the infamous former bad boy loser Colt McKay.