AllFreeNovel
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“Can I hold the kitten, Eddie?” Her high voice is loud, but to his credit, my brother seems to be patient with her.
“He’s really sweet.” Dylan tilts her head, smiling as she watches them go. “What have you decided about school?”
My throat tightens. “I don’t know. I’m so nervous after his last incident, and middle school can be rough.”
“Shew, tell me about it.”
“Where’s my Danger Girl?” We’re interrupted by two handsome giants entering the room.
Logan enters first, looking like he stepped off the pages of a men’s magazine. He’s a jock, but his wealthy background is all over him, from the dark jeans to the expensive-looking navy sweater covering his broad shoulders and muscular arms.
He walks straight to where Dylan is still mixing and blending the salsa, and wraps her long ponytail around his fist, giving it a gentle tug. Her head tilts back, and he covers her mouth with his.
My stomach tightens, and I look down at my hands. I’ve never had a serious boyfriend, and I can’t imagine having one so proud and possessive, he’d walk right up and kiss me in front of God and everybody.
Warmth expands my insides, and I bet I’d like it, though. I think about Miss Gina’s words about love and devotion.
Zane grabs a chip off the counter, seeming not to notice as he passes them. He doesn’t even look in my direction as he continues to the refrigerator.
His dark hair hangs in perfectly messy waves around hiscollar, and he’s in his uniform of jeans, a T-shirt, and a rolled-sleeve plaid shirt on top.
If Zane were my boyfriend, I’d slide my hands up his chest and push that shirt down his arms. I’ve seen him working in only a T-shirt a few times, and his body is incredible.
Clearing my throat, I stand up and turn to prop my lower back against the silver worktable I’ve been leaning on. Zane Bradford is not my friend. He’s my enemy, remember?
“Have I told you how beautiful you are today?” Logan’s voice is pure honey.
“The coconut oil is over there.” Craig’s loud voice interrupts their love-fest, and Dylan snorts a laugh through her nose.
“Okay, okay.” She rises on her tiptoes to kiss her fiancé once more. “Love you, now let me finish. The Dare crowd will be demanding hot peppers in less than an hour.”
“I’ll let you finish.” A naughty smile curls Logan’s lips, and he gives her another quick kiss. “Is Allie here? I need to talk to her about hiring an intern at the station.”
“I think she’s checking the pool tables.” Dylan nods in the direction of the main dining hall, and he starts that way.
Chewing my lip, I watch as Zane goes to the hall leading to the back door where Edward and Kimmie are sitting outside with the kitten. He opens the screen door, stepping out, and while Craig and Dylan discuss tonight’s pepper warning, I drift quietly behind him.
“Silver!” Kimmie calls out.
“That’s a horse’s name.” Edward dismisses her suggestion.
As soon as she sees Zane, she’s on her feet holding up her hands to him. He doesn’t even hesitate before lifting her onto his hip, and she puts her curly brown head on his shoulder.
“Eddie doesn’t like any of my names, Uncle Zee.” Her voice is pouty. “And Daddy said I could have a treat because I didn’t drop a single stick all week.”
“Tell me what you’ve got.” His low voice is serious, and he pats her back with one of his large hands.
He’s so sweet with her, I’m pretty sure my ovaries explode. I remember Dylan saying when she was little, Zane would read books to her. They’re five years apart, and I imagine him as a ten-year-old taking care of his little sister.Swoon.
“I said Sprinkles, and Eddie said no. Then I said Sparkles, and he said noagain!” Her little voice rises.
“I’m detecting a theme here.” A gentle tease is in her uncle’s tone.
“Sprinkles are colorful and sparkles are orange,” Edward explains.
“So I said Silver, and he still said no!” Her head shoots up, and she gestures with her arms like my brother is beingso impossible.
I can relate to her frustration.
