Page 16 of Love in Overdrive

Laney internally cringed, but outwardly pasted an apologetic smile on her face.

“Thanks, but I have plans. Maybe another time.” Laney went back to setting out paints. Who needed a man? She had her friends.

Laney shook off a shiver, along with her boots, upon walking through her parents’ back door. Her heater hadn’t even attempted to work on the short drive to her parents’ house.

The smell of seasoned meat filled the air. Yum. Dad was cooking. She snickered at his “kiss the cook” apron over his flannel shirt. “Hey, sweetpea. Good to see you made it tonight.”

“I wouldn’t miss your cooking.”

He cocked a brow.

“Okay, when I’m not working.” She went up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

Dean Hunt leaned in and whispered in a not-so-quiet voice, “That’s okay. Your mother cooked last week, not me.”

“I heard that.” Laura Hunt slapped her husband on the butt before pulling her daughter in for a hug. “I’m making the sides.”

“Mom!” her nephew hollered from the other room.

“I’m coming.” Her sister, Shelly, snagged Laney’s arm. “Good, you’re here. Stir this. Don’t let Mom near it. Connor has been screaming from the bathroom for the past three minutes.”

Laney grinned. Her mom couldn’t win a cook-off even if the other contestants were blindfolded. Dad, on the other hand, could grill up a venison steak or deep-fry fish with the best of them. His only stipulation for cooking was he had to have shot or caught it himself. Hence, the steaks in the oven right now.

“Sure. Isn’t Jodell here tonight?” She looked around but didn’t see her sister-in-law.

“No, she has an overnight shift at the hospital. I’m single parenting it tonight.” Her sister mouthed “thank you”, and took off down the hall.

“Hey, sis.” Sawyer came in and snagged a carrot from the veggie tray.

“Just the person I want to see.” She gestured for him to come closer. “Can you look at my car?”

“Tonight? I got a game.” He leaned on the counter next to her.

“No, but soon. My heat is out.”

“Sure, I can look at it, but remember, I’m an IT guy, not a mechanic.” True, but he could fix almost anything.

“Thanks. You’re the best.” The last thing she needed was a big repair bill.

“Dinner’s done,” her dad declared and plated the steaks.

Lynn dished up the veggies and rice, and they all moved to the table. When Dean bowed his head, all noise stopped. After a quick prayer of thanks, the chatter resumed.

“Did you see the walleye I netted last Sunday? It had to be a twelve-pounder.” Dad held up his hands, indicating the length of the fish.

“It was a nice one. Too bad we were over limit and you had to release it.” Sawyer smirked. Most likely, their father was embellishing his catch.

“Can I go next time, Grandpa?” Connor gave him puppy dog eyes.

“You bet.”

Shelly sighed.

“Relax, Shell, the ice house is heated.” Dad scuffed his grandson’s hair.

That’s more than Laney could say for her car at the moment.

Her mother cleared her throat and passed Laney the rice. “I was talking to my friend from church the other day. Do you know Sara?”