Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Page 92/122

It wasn't, but the shock was beginning to wear off now and she was beginning to feel conspicuous.

"No, it wasn't any of you're business when you thought you caught Alex and me, but it didn't stop you from making your nasty accusations. No wonder you thought we were . . ."

"That's enough, Carmen. I'm not going to even try to defend what you just saw, but I never cheated on you. This thing with Lori and me only started the other night. You made your feelings for Alex clear at the wedding - hanging all over each other and making eyes at each other across the room. You made a fool out of me in front of everyone."

She caught her breath and stared at him. "I'm sorry, Josh. I never meant to hurt you. I didn't think you wanted anything to do with me anymore." She hesitated, a dark thought invading her apology. "Surely you weren't using Lori to get even. She's had a crush on you forever."

He jerked the chain out of his truck and stared down at her sourly. "Don't be so vain. I wouldn't hurt Lori just to get back at you." He threw the chain in the truck bed. "And when you get around to wondering, Lori had enough respect for you and I that she wouldn't horn in on our relationship, either. In fact, you're the only one who violated a trust."

"I never cheated on you," she gasped. How could he say such a thing? Her eyes burned with threatening tears. "I told you we were through long time ago. In the kitchen when you and Alex . . ."

"Yeah, Alex," he shot back. "Alex this, Alex that. Your little Texas stud had better stay out of my life or I'll make him wish he'd never set foot in this state. First you and now Lori. What's the matter with him? Can't you keep him satisfied?"

She stared at him. What was he talking about? Alex was in Houston and he had been with her all the time he was up this last time. He couldn't have been involved with Lori. Josh was jumping to conclusions again. She took a deep breath.

"Just because you sacrificed your virtue for a few moments of pleasure doesn't mean I have tossed aside my innocence. And just because Alex went out with Lori a few times a while back doesn't mean he's unfaithful to me. Maybe if you'd try a trusting someone a little, you wouldn't have to blame another man for the fact that you can't hold a woman."