Batter Up (Bachelors of Buttermilk Falls Book 1) by Robyn Neeley Page B

guy in this town. Just sayin’. Try to have fun.”
    Emma waved her off and gnawed on a celery stick, coating it with a generous amount of dip. Her eyes still fixated on the show in front of her.
    “Everything okay?” Jason scooted closer, pouring the last of the wine into a cup and taking a sip.
    She shook her head. “Sorry . . . yes . . . no. My ex-boyfriend is over there with your sex kitten.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “In front of us.” She pointed to Michael and Caitlin, who had lain down side by side on the blanket, propped up by their elbows.
    “Well, isn’t that interesting,” Jason said dryly. “They’re not dating, are they?”
    She shrugged. “Who knows. It wouldn’t surprise me.” She glanced over at Jason. Was that rage on his face? Oh, God, he did have feelings for the she-devil. “It bothers you to see her with another guy, doesn’t it?”
    “Not really.” His murderous expression suggested otherwise. He must really have it bad for Caitlin. What was it about this former cheerleader that still drew men into her lair? It wasn’t her sparkling personality, that was for sure. She was rude, self-centered, and downright obnoxious. Shouldn’t a smart reporter be able to see past her pretty face and realize she was not a nice person? She glanced over at Jason, studying his cold stare. Apparently not.
    As the movie started, Emma sipped her wine. Jason had gotten comfortable, stretching out next to her, but he’d barely said two words. His attention was unmistakably focused on the other show going on in front of them. Not that Caitlin and Michael we’re doing much, but every once in a while, she’d lean in and whisper something in his ear.
    Emma sulked. It stunk that Michael was back in town and hanging out with Caitlin.
    However, what was bothering her more was Jason’s reaction. Her fling was apparently stewing over Caitlin. Maybe it was the wine—it was probably the wine—but she had this overwhelming need to show Jason that Caitlin Reynolds wasn’t the only woman in Buttermilk Falls worth paying attention to.
    Two hours later, the credits rolled and Caitlin stood and turned. Emma’s head was spinning. She had an idea and leaned over. It’s now or never. “Jason,” she whispered, tapping his shoulder. Before he could answer she reached over and turned his head, bringing her lips within inches of his.
    Jason eyed her. “What are you doing?”
    “Just giving my fling some attention.” She nodded in the direction of Caitlin and Michael. “And maybe putting on a little show of our own.”
    Jason sat up and crossed his legs. “Look, Emma. I’m not interested in you using me to make your ex-boyfriend jealous.”
    “That’s not what I’m doing.” She turned away. Her stomach churning. “Forget it.”
    He grabbed her hand. “Seeing them together can’t be easy for you. I’m sorry that I’ve been preoccupied. I didn’t even stop to think . . .”
    She tore her hand away. “I get it. You’re into Caitlin.” She tossed her hands up in the air. “Apparently, every man is.” Reaching for the picnic basket, she began to pick up around her.
    “Emma, you’re wrong.”
    “Is that so? Don’t deny that seeing them together doesn’t upset you. You’ve been watching them all night.”
    “I am angry . . . but it’s not what you think. Far from it.”
    She stood, ready to get as far away from here as she could. “Clearly, you can’t stand that Caitlin’s with another man.”
    “No, I can’t.” He raked his hair. “Please sit down, and I’ll tell you why. I think you’ll understand where I’m coming from.”
    Sit down. That wasn’t happening. She had no interest in hearing Jason declare his interest in her rival. “This was a big mistake. I’m leaving.” She bent down and grabbed her purse.
    “Sure. We can go right now. I’ll go get the car.”
    “I said, ‘I’m leaving.’ Not ‘we’re leaving.’ Have a good night.” She turned and rushed out of the park, fighting