Dear Rose 3: Winter's Risk by Mechele Armstrong Page B

attraction. I can’t. And it’s not fair to think about someone else when I’m with you. Or with her. That’s my problem.” He shook his head. “It’s not fair to either of you.” He finally got his stubborn shoe on and headed for the door. “I’m sorry. I am.”
    And he exited before Quinn could give any retort.

Chapter Five
    Josie watched as Quinn took a swig of his drink after having stared into it for several long minutes. Yeah, she’d just been watching him while he sat there. He seemed melancholy. Well, as down-and-out as a Lab puppy could be. Something was troubling him.
    And yet, she couldn’t help but stare at him like some lovesick puppy herself. You’ve got it bad.
    Yeah, she did.
    She started over to him, only a figure blocked her way.
    Rose folded her arms across her ample chest and stared into Josie’s eyes with a knowing gaze. She wore a tight red gown that showed off her curves. Both were plastic and padding. The sequin-covered dress glowed under the lights in the club. She wore black strappy heels that made Josie’s feet hurt just by seeing them.
    It was a shame Rose was a man. Because she was a good-looking woman. Sometimes Josie had to remind herself this was Devyn. Yeah, there were manly features to Rose that would never be covered by makeup or tricks of cloth. But that fake rack would be the envy of any flat-chested woman. Not that Josie was. She had serious cleavage. Had been a bother when she was in middle school. But in high school? She’d learned to use it to her advantage.
    “How’s it going, Josie?” Rose turned to see where Josie had been staring. “Hunky, ain’t he?”
    “It’s going fine, Rose.” Josie couldn’t help but wonder if Rose had noticed her staring. Probably. She noticed everything. It was one thing she shared with Devyn, because Josie had that impression of him too. Only Devyn didn’t let you know what he noticed. Rose did. “And aren’t you involved?”
    Rose waved a hand. “Pshaw. I’d not trade Carl in for anything, but I’d have to be dead not to look.” She turned her head. “Especially at that one.” She swiveled back toward Josie. “Course, that other one you’re dating is nothing to sneeze at either.”
    If Josie had been fairer, like Rose’s friend Ally, she would have blushed to the roots of her hair. As it was, she felt the heat rise up on her cheeks and face. If she was going to do this, she’d have to get used to people’s comments and learn not to react. After all, Rose’s were nothing compared to what people were going to say. She needed to learn not to pay them any mind. “Yeah, they are both fine.” She prided herself on her voice not wavering.
    Rose patted Josie on the shoulder. “You’d be the envy of a lot of women in this place, even if they bat for the same team. Hell, you’re the envy of a lot of guys in this place too.”
    To have one guy as hot as Zach or Quinn interested in her was a miracle in itself. Much less two. There went the greedy bells again. Developing a thicker skin was on her agenda. Maybe in time that would come. “I know.”
    “He doesn’t seem so happy, though, does he?” Rose nodded toward Quinn.
    “No. I’m not sure why. I was about to go find out.” Josie had an inkling. It was another reason she’d been staring at him as opposed to approaching him. She had a feeling it had to do with Zach. And she wasn’t going to like the answer. Especially as she had a date with Zach tomorrow night herself.
    “So do Quinn and Zach know about each other?” Rose didn’t seem to want her to go yet.
    “Yeah.” That had been a relief. They now knew about her dating them both. They could make decisions about that.
    “Good. I’m glad everything is out in the open.” Rose’s head cocked to the side. “So let me ask you, Josie girl.”
    “What?” Had it been anyone else but Rose, Josie would have taken more offense. But Rose was known for being in everyone’s business. She’d also heard several