AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wow. That’s two thank you’s in the same trip. I better write this down on the calendar.” He rolled his lips together and tried to hide his smile.
“You know how to ruin a nice day, don’t you?” I opened the door of the truck and got out.
“I’m sorry, I was just teasing you,” he ribbed, putting his hand on the back door so it wouldn’t open. “Can you forgive me?” He leaned close to me. So close if I turned quickly enough, we’d kiss.
“If you can forgive me.” Arching my brow, I didn’t bother hiding my grin. I’d got him and that was the icing on the cake. “Bring Cooper in. I’ll get the groceries.”
“Damn you, woman, you might just be my undoing,” he teased as I sauntered to the back of the truck and dropped the tailgate.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
KIPP
The house was a buzz of laughter and conversation, and I was sure we’d wake Cooper if it got any louder. Nora had closed the pocket doors to block the kitchen from the hallway, and I hoped it was working. Things like that were something I hadn’t considered over the years. But with a child in the house now, we might have to take the game someplace else.
The monthly poker game brought out all the characters and it seemed since the Diamond 5 was hosting this time, there were more than normal. My buddy, Riley, was sitting next to me and playing every shitty card imaginable. “So, what’s going on with you and your cook?” he asked as he reached for his beer.
“Nothing’s going on. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied, folding this hand. Getting up from the table, I grabbed fresh beers for everyone and chips.
“Oh, come on, we heard about the grocery store. Most of our wives were mildly depressed when they got home from town.” Another friend added as he pulled the chips to him that he’d just won.
“Your wives need to mind their own business.” I lifted my beer to my lips and took a long pull.
“He might not be admitting that there’s something going on, but there sure is,” Griff insisted as he leaned back in his chair.
“Look, are we here to play poker to talk about my non-existent love life?”
“Love life,” the entire table said in unison.
“You’re worse than a bunch of women, sitting around hen clucking,” I huffed, shaking my head, returning to my seat. “There’s nothing going on. She’s an employee, and way too young for me.” Grabbing my cards off the table, I looked at them and silently groaned. Tonight was going to be another night I lost at this game.
“Well, I think you’d be a fool not to go after her. You’re not getting any younger, and you’ve sworn off local women. You never leave this place, so you won’t find anyone. She’s gorgeous and available,” Riley said, looking over at me, grinning like a fool.
“Every woman in this county is married or over eighty.” I said, throwing two cards away.
“Except the one that lives down the hall from you,” Ryder coaxed, pretending not to pay attention to what was going on.
“All right, boys, who needs more beer, or food?” Nora asked as she walked back into the kitchen. All I could do was hope she hadn’t heard any of what was just discussed.
“Both.” Nash grinned at her.
“Who’s out? I need help getting the wings off the smoker.” She smiled, putting her hand on her hip, looking around the table.
“I’m out. I can help you.” Nash stood from his chair and I had the immediate need to fold and take his place. All that was going to do was set these busy bodies up for more teasing when she left the room again, so I stayed in the game.
“You’re looking a little jealous, my friend.” Riley leaned over and smirked.
“Shut the fuck up.” I was glad Cooper was in bed. I was already losing so badly I wasn’t sure I could spare the twenty-five cents. “Last hand, then we eat.” I tapped the table for cards.
Laughter floated from the kitchen as Nora and Nash came back in. Nora and Nash, Nash and Nora, what a perfect little couple. I rolled my eyes. My brain was short circuiting, it was official, I had lost my mind. Folding, I got up from the table and walked out of the kitchen. I couldn’t stay there and watch that. Walking to my office, I slammed the door and stared out the window. The sun was setting and the sky had a pink hue to it.
“Would you mind telling me what that was all about?” Her voice flew at me from the door. Turning, I gazed into the glowering face of Nora. “You have a table full of your friends and you’re in here sulking like a baby. Over a game?”
“It’s not about the game, Nora,” I spat, before I had time to think of what was coming out of my mouth.
“Then what’s it about?” She crossed her arms over her chest. My eyes were locked on the cleavage that popped out, thanks to the deep scoop of her shirt.
“Nothing.” I ran my hands through my hair and tried to figure out a way to get out of this office without having the conversation that was waiting to roll off my tongue. A tongue that wanted to be battling with hers as we stood here staring at one another.
