Cowboy's Chocolate Roses by Jess Buffett

way is that?" he asked curiously.
    "Well, the men are looking at me like they think you could do better, and the women are looking at me as if they think they're the better option."
    Josh studied the judgemental looks they were getting from the others, bristling a little in Bri’s defense. His expression must not have been pleasant because the moment anyone met his eye, they immediately diverted their gaze.
    “If they think that then they’re crazy.” Frowning, he added, "And I don't come into town very often. To answer your question, I help when I can. This town is my home and a lot of these people helped me when I first took over the ranch. My pa wasn't a businessman and the ranch was in a lot of trouble. I've paid everyone back more than what I borrowed, because they didn't need to help me when they did, and I'll be forever grateful."
    "Not for the first time, I'm realizing you're quite an amazing man, Joshua Kell," Bri said quietly.
    "Naw, I'm just a man. Nothing special," he mumbled, trying to ignore the way his face flushed. He hadn’t blushed since he was sixteen and Lisa Cusak groped him in front of the whole football team at a victory party and said she knew what she wanted for Christmas.
    "I think others would say differently."
    "Oh, yeah?" he asked, a smile tipping his mouth up.
    "Yes."
    Dinner had been filled with quiet talk, and some flirtatious banter. Bri enjoyed seeing the playful side of Josh that occasionally peeked out. She found herself eager to hear stories of his childhood, and opened up about her own. She appreciated getting small insights to the man she felt herself falling for.
    When it had come to dessert, Josh had promised he knew something that would soothe any and all cravings she might have for sweets. Her eyes widened, and her mouth watered at the decadent dish they were served. Bri had a feeling that that much chocolate in one small bowl should probably be illegal.
    "God. This is crazy." She laughed, the sauce dripping from the spoon too quickly for her to catch.
    "Crazy, but so good." Josh chuckled. "And you have those roses I brought you too, in the truck. Though they're probably melted by now." He grimaced. "Didn't really think that one through."
    "They'll be fine," Bri laughed. "I, on the other hand, won't be able to move by the time I go to bed."
    Bri smiled, reveling in what a fantastic night it had been.
    Wanting to tell Josh, Bri reached for his hand, smiling when he twined their fingers. "Thank you for this, Josh. Tonight has been—"
    "Josh, honey. Where have you been lately?" a blond woman suddenly interrupted.
    The woman's smile slipped a little when she acknowledged Bri. "Hi, I'm Kelly. I don't believe we've met."
    "Brianna Evans. It's nice to meet you," Bri greeted the woman, though she didn't think Kelly agreed.
    Kelly swung her gaze back to Josh, effectively blocking Bri out, and she smiled, batting her lashes. "So, Josh, what is with the ridiculous rumor your hand's wife is spreading about you getting married?"
    "Nothing ridiculous about it. Bri and I are getting married," Josh stated in a no nonsense tone, clearly unhappy with the interruption.
    Kelly clearly felt like she had some prior claim on Josh, and kept moving closer to him.
    Bri got angry and responded with a gut reaction. "We're also expecting our first child soon."
    Kelly stumbled a little at that information. "I'm sorry, what?"
    No longer willing to stay silent, Bri spoke up, "Yes, isn't it fantastic? Josh proposed a few months ago, but it took me awhile to sort things out at home. By the time things were settled, I found out I was pregnant." If Kelly thought she could cause problems with Josh, Bri would show her the error of her ways.
    Until Kelly spoke next.
    Giving Bri a bright smile, she said, "Well, congratulations, I guess. I have to say I'm surprised though. It was only a month ago that Josh and I went out for dinner and drinks, and he didn't mention anything about you."
    Bri faltered. Oh God, she hadn't