“They’ll get used to it. And some of them will hate it. The noise, the mess, the outsiders. That’s what happened in Cape Wren, where we filmed Paisley Creek. The cast and crew became a problem. Drawing gawking onlookers, and inconsiderate stars. I hope that doesn’t happen here, but it wouldn’t be surprising.”
“And our family will have been the ones who caused the problem. Hmm.”
She takes a few steps away, crossing her arms as she stares into the distance. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Everyone here clearly loves your family.”
“I don’t know if they love our family, or if it’s more my brother’s stew and biscuits.”
She spins around. “Well then. If those are as good as you say, we should probably head back in to eat some up.”
“Are you sure? I know it’s all a lot. Mallory probably won’t take the hint. She’ll be recommending a nail color and some pink highlights before you know it.”
“I can handle a Mallory. You know how many Hollywood parties I’ve been to? You’d think they’d be exciting, and some of them are okay, but most are awful. At least these people all seem genuinely interested in each other’s lives. They seem nice. I’ve missed nice.”
“And by nice, you mean boring?” I know Balsam Grove is dull compared to what she’s used to, and I’m part of this town and it’s a part of me. Does she think I’m boring?
“No, by nice I mean nice. Let’s get back in there or they’ll think we’re out here doing something untoward.”
That sounds pretty appealing right now. I grin down at her. “We could be.”
“Come on, Cowboy, let’s get back in there.”
Everyone seems to have settled down when we get back inside. They’re too busy mainlining stew to accost Aura again, plus they’ve all formed little groups and are chatting away.
We wait our turns behind Shayla and Ed, who occasionally helps out around the ranch. Caleb scoops us heaping bowls and tops them with two homemade biscuits, then we wander around the house looking for somewhere to sit. The window seat in the small den is unoccupied, so we settle there. The only other occupants are too engrossed in each other to notice us. Larissa and Ken are just back from their honeymoon, so they’ve only got eyes for each other.
“That’s better.”
I watch as she spoons up her first bite, moaning as she chews the tender morsel of beef. “Oh my god, that is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
I smile, feeling daring. “Not me.”
“What?” she gives me puzzled look.
“It’s not the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth, is what I’m saying.” I lift a single eyebrow at her and let my gaze drift down her body.
She gives me a light push. “Be quiet. We’re in your family’s house.” Her cheeks have a tinge of pink to them as she looks around to see if the other occupants of the room noticed, but they’re still lost in each other.
“What? It’s the truth.”
She leans in close enough that her breath is brushing my ear. “If you keep that up, you’re not going to getanother taste, and I was thinking I might let you after we get back.”
An electric bolt of need zips through me, and I straighten up. “I’ll behave.”
“Good.”
She leans closer, holds up her phone for a selfie, and plants a soft kiss on my lips. My eyes fall shut as our tongues meet, and I reach up to weave my fingers in her long hair, pulling her closer.
“Aww, there you are.” Mallory’s voice cuts through the moment and we break apart. “Aren’t you two the cutest.”
Aura’s lips twitch, but she keeps the laugh in, jamming a biscuit in her mouth.
“Oh my god, that is so good too.”
“Doesn’t Caleb make the best biscuits?” Mallory gushes. “I keep telling him he should get together with Leonora to bake some for her café. But he won’t do it. Stubborn man.”
“He’s pretty busy running the ranch and all,” I say. “We’re lucky he makes them every couple of months for us.”
“You’re right.” A man’s voice calls her name, and she makes a face. “Len needs me. I guess I’ll get back in there. But let me know when you want to come by the salon, dear.”
