Cowboy Bodyguard by Lori Wilde & Kristin Eckhardt

Author:Lori Wilde & Kristin Eckhardt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cowboy romance, western romance, romantic mystery, clean and wholesome, humor
Publisher: L&K
Published: 2021-08-31T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

“You’re kicking me out?”

“Think of it as a relocation opportunity,” Carly replied, and then held up both hands to ward off Alma’s impending hysterics. She was seated on the edge of the double bed, watching Alma apply bleach to the dark roots of her platinum hair in front of the mirror.

That impulsive dye job was proof that Alma didn’t take rejection well. Specifically, rejection from men. Which gave Carly ample reason not to tell her the truth about why she was giving her the boot. Divulging that Jack wanted her out of the apartment might drive her friend over the edge.

“There are a lot of great reasons for you to leave,” Carly said, trying to ease into the eviction.

“There are a few good reasons for me to stay,” Alma countered. “Like a roof over my head, indoor plumbing, and the counsel of my best friend. Or should I say former best friend?”

“Don’t be silly. Of course, I’m your best friend. Otherwise, I wouldn’t ask you to leave.”

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say.”

“Think about it,” Carly continued. “You’ve never really been on your own. You lived with your folks until you got married, and then with a husband. It’s time to prove your independence. As long as you stay here, with Stanley hovering in the wings, you’re like a sky diver afraid to step out of the plane.”

“So you’ve decided to push me?”

“Think of it as an encouraging shove.”

Alma lowered the styling wand. “You can’t fool me. This is about you and Jack. He’s the reason you want me out of here, isn’t he, Carly? You want the man all to yourself.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Carly plopped on her stomach across the length of the bed, cupping her chin in her palms. “I can barely stand to be in the same room with him.”

“Which is why my leaving you two here alone makes such perfect sense,” Alma muttered sarcastically. “Give me a break! You and Jack generate so much electricity you don’t need to worry about paying your power bill.”

“That’s a complete exaggeration,” Carly retorted, certain the fact that her lights were still working after missing one month’s payment had nothing to do with Jack.

“What I really can’t believe,” Alma continued, “is that you’d dump your best friend out onto the streets of Pine City for a man.” Her lower lip quivered. “I’d never treat you like that.”

Carly’s mouth fell open. “What about the time you left me at the Frosty Spoon on Old Highway 62 so you could ride off with Bart Stolz in your convertible? I had to walk ten miles, in the dark, to get home.”

“That was different.”

“Hardly.”

“That was in North Bend,” Alma retorted. “The walk probably did you good, anyway. You’d eaten a banana split and a butterscotch sundae that night, remember? You were worried about fitting into your prom dress, so I figured you needed the exercise.”

“Thanks,” Carly replied. “Just think of this as my returning the favor. Anyway, you’ve been complaining about the cramped quarters here and living out of your suitcase.

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