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“Oh stop, old man. I doubt without Mom reminding you every five minutes you’d remember either.” She shoves him playfully and he grins before turning to us guys.
“So how about it, boys? You down to get demolished at some Monopoly?”
“Ain't nothing quite like a rousing round of board games to liven things up. And free booze? Even this country boy knows that's a prime deal.” I flash him a devious smile and he chuckles.
“Sounds like my girl knows how to pick them. See you all up there in, oh, about ten minutes. Don’t think your mom won’t be down here dragging you up by your ears if not.” He levels a playful, warning glare at Kat before turning and walking away, whistling a lively tune as he goes.
I turn and fix Kat with my most roguish grin. "You ready to watch me dominate Monopoly, darlin? I've got a get-out-of-jail-free card with your name on it."
Kat's eyes narrow dangerously, but her lips quirk like she's fighting back a smile. "In your dreams, Cowboy. I'm the Queen of Boardwalk and Park Place."
"We'll see about that." I give her my best exaggerated leer just to rile her up more. That hot-blooded passion simmering under Kat's polished exterior never fails to rev my engine. Only one way to unlock the fire beneath that icy exterior. And I do so love a challenge.
My fun gets cut short by the ever-so-serious Wyatt chiming in. "Yes, well I look forward to a friendly game between comrades."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes into the back of my skull. Does this stick-in-the-mud ever lighten up? You'd think with that chicken get-up on, he'd have learned how to have some damn fun. But oh no, Mr. Propriety can't crack a grin to save his life. I'm half convinced the man doesn't even have a personality beneath that polished armor.
Meanwhile Emrys just stands there like a damn statue, grunting occasionally. Real talkers we got here. Might have to get some liquid courage in these boys if we're gonna liven things up tonight.
But I got my eye on the real prize. Kat sashays off with a teasing glance over her shoulder that revs my engine something fierce. When she wants to, that minx can out-flirt a Dixie peach at the summer fair. And I'm just the man to stoke that fiery passion in her soul. Playing pretend was all well and fine for a spell, but now it's time for Kat to learn first-hand exactly why they call me the Wildman back home.
And I have a feeling she's gonna relish every minute.
I grin and stroll after Kat, preparing to turn on every bit of Southern charm in my arsenal as we make our way up to Annabelle's fancy honeymoon suite. Soon as I step inside, I let out an impressed whistle. "Hot diggity damn, now that's what I call digs." This place is swankier than the governor's mansion, I'd wager.
It’s even fancier than Kat’s suite. Probably because Annabelle and Ethan are the main event of the trip and all. A man could get used to living the high life. Maybe I picked the wrong career path being a surgeon.
Kat shakes her head at me, lips quirking. "Don't get too comfortable, Cowboy. The way my family hustles, you'll be homeless by the time we’re done."
"Ouch, them's fightin' words," I retort with a grin. "Just for that, when I own this board, I'm doubling the rent on Park Place."
Kat narrows her eyes dangerously. "You're going down."
A tingle runs through me at the promise in her stare. "Promises, promises," I shoot back recklessly.
Before Kat can fire off a retort, her sister comes bounding over clutching a box of Uno cards.
"Uno first to warm up while the snacks get here!" Annabelle trills with manic glee. Clearly someone's already gotten into the fruity cocktails. This ought to liven things up nicely.
"C’mon, Kat!" Annabelle loops her arm through Kat's and steers her to the table before anyone can object. But that's fine, it gives me a prime view of Kat's distracting curves in those sexy little shorts of hers.
"No fancy maneuvers this time," Annabelle warns her sister sternly before handing Kat a large glass of what I’m sure she’s already been indulging in.
Kat widens her eyes innocently. "I have no idea what you mean." But that wicked gleam gives her away. My reckless hellion's got some tricks up her sleeve for sure. Tonight's gonna be a hoot.
As we take our seats around the fancy coffee table, I make sure to snag the spot right next to Kat. Our knees bump, sending a little spark skittering through me. I settle in and kick my feet up on the coffee table, getting comfy as I lean into Kat as much as I can. "Deal me in, ladies. Let's see what you got."
Wyatt settles on her other side, looking way too stiff for a card game. Doesn't that man ever relax and have fun? Though I notice his gaze drifting to Kat more than his cards, and their thighs pressed together as well. Interesting. Maybe there's some red blood beneath that starched collar after all.
Meanwhile Emrys grunts something unintelligible and slumps down across from us, already looking bored. Looks like I’m getting roped into a rousing game of Uno with my favorite leading lady...and a couple of wet blankets. Real lively bunch we got here. At least I know Kat will give me a run for my money, and when Kat shoots me that teasing glance from beneath those long lashes, I have to grip my cards tight to keep from pulling her onto my lap right then and there.
As Annabelle starts rambling through the convoluted rules, I try tuning her out and focus on the real draw–sitting pretty as a peach right next to me. Kat catches me staring and arches a delicate brow.
"The cards are down on the table, Cowboy," she teases under her breath.
I grin slowly. "Apologies ma'am, just appreciating the view." Kat rolls her eyes but I catch the hint of pink gracing her cheeks. Oh yeah, I definitely make her pulse race more than these other stiffs.
Annabelle finally lays down the first card and the game's afoot. Kat and I quickly fall into a rhythm, trading quips and trash talk as we battle Annabelle and Ethan's crazy Uno antics. Each time Kat's knee bumps mine or her fingers graze my arm, that electric hum between us keeps growing. And from the way Wyatt and Emrys keep sneaking glances my way, they've noticed the sparks flying too. Let 'em look on jealously–Kat knows who really gets her motor running.
