Ten-Gallon Tensions in Texas: A Kate on Vacation Mystery (The Kate on Vacation Mysteries Book 3) by Kassandra Lamb

neck. No doubt Skip was proud to show off his “high-tone woman” from back East. She relaxed and let his strong lead whirl her across the floor, swinging her hips to the lively tune.
    As the song came to an end, Skip spun her in a circle that had her skirt flying out around her. Laughing, they fell against each other and stumbled back to their table.
    They sat and caught their breath.
    “And since y’all do love your George Strait so much,” the bandleader called out. “Here’s another one of his.”
    The slow strains of a ballad began. Kate sighed. “I’m glad we came.”
    Skip didn’t say anything. He was watching the band. Then he stood. “I’ll get us some fresh drinks.”
    She watched his broad shoulders cross the room toward the bar. He abruptly turned and headed for the hallway leading to the restrooms.
    Her throat closed as the lyrics of the ballad about a father and son registered.
    She blinked hard. Skip had been very close to his father.
    “Now you’d think Skippy’d know better than to leave his pretty filly unattended.” The voice came from behind her. She started to turn around, then caught herself. Muscles tensed, she watched out of the corner of her eye as the guy moved forward. He was one of Sam Beauford’s group. Carlton? Something like that.
    The air moved as he stepped in too close. The smell of already consumed beer wafted over her.
    Sheriff Gutierrez materialized on her other side. “Seriously, Carlton. You think this is a good idea?”
    Beer Breath moved back. Kate slowly let out air.
    “I was just chattin’ with the lady, Sheriff. Keepin’ her company while Skippy’s in the men’s room.” Carlton tried for a chuckle. It sounded like a strangled duck. “Hope he’s not in there findin’ another corpse.”
    “You volunteerin’ for that role, Carlton?” Skip’s voice, hard and cold, from behind the man.
    Carlton spun around and did a two-step sideways. “Just stopped by to say howdy, Skip. Hopin’ there’s no hard feelin’s over that little row between us and Jimmy last night.”
    “No hard feelings. Just stay the hell away from me and my wife.”
    “Sure, Skip. Evenin’, ma’am.” Carlton scuttled away.
    Kate stood up. “Maybe we should call it a night.”
    “Sit down.”
    She tilted her head at his tone but she sat. He pulled out the chair next to her and lowered himself into it. “Can you sit a spell, José?”
    The sheriff scanned the room, then nodded. “Guess so. Everybody seems to be behavin’ themselves right now.”
    “You weren’t here last night, were you, José?” Kate said, mostly to get past the awkward moment. She reached for her wineglass, then remembered it was empty.
    “Sorry,” Skip said out of the side of his mouth.
    She gave him a slight nod. The apology was meant to cover more than the forgotten drinks.
    Surveying the dance floor and bar area, she saw none of Beauford’s crew in her path so she rose. “I’m going to get us those drinks, okay?”
    He looked up at her, his hair hanging in his eyes. She gently brushed it back off his forehead. He closed his eyes at her touch.
    Her chest swelled with love at the same time that her throat ached. This whole trip had been a lousy idea.
    “I’ll be right back,” she said in a low voice. He nodded.
    She made her way to the bar and ordered a wine and a beer. As she turned, a glass in each hand, Carlton was winding his way across the dance floor. She waited a beat. He glanced her way and moved well out of her path.
    She stifled a smile and returned to their table. José had left.
    Sitting down next to Skip, she said, “We’re sticking around for a while to make a point, correct?”
    The corner of his mouth quirked up. “Yeah.” He took a healthy swig of beer.
    She downed a third of her wine in one gulp.
    “Don’t drink it too fast, darlin’. I’m not sure I can carry you all the way home.”
    Her stomach growled and she realized she shouldn’t be drinking a second glass of wine at