Boots and Buckles by Myla Jackson

palm, like a weapon she might use on him.
    “Howdy.” He straightened and crossed toward her, his feet slowing when she didn’t move away from his truck.
    “Sam Whitefeather, right?” she asked.
    He nodded. “I’m sorry, have we met?”
    “No.” She stuck out her empty hand. “Bunny Leigh, Mona’s best friend.”
    Sam nodded, beginning to see why the woman had such a fierce look on her face. “I take it you’re here to warn me to leave her alone.”
    Bunny crossed her arms. “No. I’m here to warn you not to hurt her.”
    “Rest assured, I have no plans in the near future of hurting Mona.”
    “Good. Took her three years to get over the last cowboy that waltzed into and out of her life.” Bunny pushed away from the side of the truck and stood toe-to-toe with Sam. The woman was a good foot shorter than him, but for all her small stature, she gave him a helluva big I’ll-kill-you look. “I’d hate to have to come after you.” Bunny tapped the red rose against his bare chest. “Got it, mister?”
    He held up his hands in surrender. God forbid she should use the soft petals of the rose on him. Sam fought the smile threatening to explode on his face. Now would not be a good time to laugh. Mona had a good friend in Bunny, and for that, he was thankful. Grabbing Bunny’s arms, he set her away from him and stared down into her eyes. “I’ve only just met Mona, but I can see she’s a special woman. You don’t have to worry. I’ll treat her with the respect that she deserves.”
    Bunny’s brows twisted. “Respect? Respect is a given. If you’re gonna hump her bones, at least don’t lead her on. That’s what I care about. I don’t relish the idea of picking up the pieces again. It hurts me to see her in pain.”
    His fists tightened at the thought of someone breaking Mona’s heart. “I’d like to get my hands on the guy who jacked her up.”
    “You don’t know who it was?” Bunny’s eyes narrowed.
    “No. Do you?”
    She opened her mouth, then closed it. “I do. But it’s not my place to say. If I’m not mistaken, Mona might still have feelings for the jerk.” Bunny’s shoulders sagged. “Otherwise, I’d have done him some serious damage. I better get back to work. I have to get flowers together for a funeral by noon.”
    “Sounds depressing.”
    “Would be, if flowers didn’t make me so happy.” She nodded toward him. “Let me know if you need any help with Mona.”
    “Do you always go from threatening to offering help for your friend?”
    “No. Only when I see a man who might be worthy of her.”
    He touched the brim of his hat. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
    “You should, and you better live up to it.” Bunny walked to the shop next door, and stopped at the back entrance before she turned back toward him. “Just don’t hurt her.”
    “I’ll do my best.” Sam climbed into his truck and backed out of the alley, shaking his head. Temptation was a town where folks knew each other and stuck up for their friends. He could like it here. It got awful hot during the summer, but it wasn’t cold like it was in North Dakota in the winter.
    Yeah, he could like Temptation. And he could like Mona. Sam frowned as he drove off. He wondered if Bunny was right. Was Mona still mooning over someone else? It would explain why she ran hot and cold with him. Only one way to find out.
    Ask.
    He whistled off key as he drove back to the rodeo grounds and the trailer he shared with Grant. They had team roping later that afternoon. Sam would take care of his horse, have coffee with Mona and still have time to go over his and Grant’s strategy before they were due at the arena.
    When Sam entered the trailer, Grant was already awake, his eyes bloodshot, dark circles beneath them.
    “Mornin’, partner. You look like hell.” He laughed, the joy of the night before bubbling up inside, refusing to be tamped down. “What happened? Did you go home with that woman you met on the dance floor