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EliseslapsEvanon the arm. “Evan!Iwould never.”
Ican’t help the blood rushing to my cheeks.I’mnot used to such open flirtation and affection from a womanIhave only just met.
“Maybehe was trying to keep you safe.Hasthat thought occurred to you?”Iask.
Hereyes dance with mischief as she steps closer and locks her arm with mine.Herhand slides possessively up my arm. “WhoamIkidding?Itotally would.”Shelaughs softly.
“Hello,Luke,”Mrs.Logangreets me from across the dining room with her hands on her hips. “HonestlyElise, have you any decorum?He’sa teenager!”Sherolls her eyes and then looks at me. “Forgiveour guest.Sheforgets how to be civil in mixed company.”
“It’sno fun being civil,”Elisewhispers.Ipull out a chair for her at the table. “Ageis just a number.Lukeis all man.Anyonecan see that.”
Itake the seat next to her becauseIdon’t want to miss a minute of whatever is about to come out of her mouth.
“Canwe change the subject from boning my best friend?”Evanasks.
“Evan!”Hisfather barks in a low demanding tone.
Elisereaches over and patsMr.Logan’shand that’s resting on the table. “Relax,Thomas.We’rejust having a little fun.Evan’snot wrong though.”
Hecuts her a glare that would scare the crap out of anyone else at this table, well except forMrs.Logan.Shegives better than she gets.Prettysure she has her husband right where she wants him most of the time.
I’vesat at this table more times thanIcan count.Yet, this is the most relaxed it’s ever been.Elisepossesses some magical power to make everyone laugh, evenEvan’smom,Emma.Idecide she can’t possibly be related toEvan’sfather.Sheis wild and unapologetic, a little flirty and mischievous.IthinkImight adore her.Sheis definitely related toEvanthough.Isee so much of him in her.
Whilethe dinner conversation centered around me in the beginning, we have moved on toEliseand her interesting life.Fineby me.Peopletalk about my life entirely too much.Evan’smom had her ears pricked for any small detail that might count as gossip.Imostly talked aboutOliviaand how she’s changed our lives.Sheis an easy subject, a safe subject.Elise, however, is not the typical woman who’s enthralled by talk of babies and family.
Iimagine toEvan, she represents exactly what he wants for himself; move to a large city and live free, away from the judgmental eyes ofAlta.Eliselives inNewYorkCityand works as aTextileBroker, which keeps in line with the creative vein running through the family.Apparently, she travels the world to find the perfect fabrics for big-name fashion designers.Theonly oneIrecognize isTomFord, butIdon’t even have a clue about his brand or clothes.Iknow the name only because it has always reminded me ofFordtrucks.
Itwould seem she has a million stories to tell.Mrs.Loganputs an end to her domination of the conversation by asking me, point blank, “SoLuke, do you really live in the barn, or is that just a ruse?”
Idon’t let myself so much as flinch, butEvandoes.Ican feel his nervousness from across the table.Ilean forward with my elbows on the table. “Whywould it be a ruse,Mrs.Logan?”
Sheshrugs as if we don’t know exactly what she’s implying. “Youtwo seemed awfully close after your father passed.Surprisedme whenEvanstarted helping you build an apartment in the barn, of all places.”
“It’sa beautiful studio apartment, regardless of being in thebarn.Yourson is an incredible architect.Canyou imagine how successful he will be after school?Ican.”
Shenarrows her eyes. “Maybewe should come to see it.”
Isit back to showI’mat ease. “You’remore than welcome.”
Shejerks her chin up. “Youhonestly live out there?”
Inod. “Ido, and to answer your question,RachelandIwill always be close.Ilove her.Noone should suffer the loss of their spouse.AfterOliviaarrived,Imoved back into the house with her temporarily to help out.”
Evankicks my shin under the table.Ihave to grit my teeth to suppress the grunt of pain.Hiseyes are wide, probably wondering whyI’msharing any of this.Thetruth is thatIdon’t give a fuck if she tells the whole town.I’mthrough letting their judgment affect me.
“Youhelped with the baby?” she scoffs.
“Yesma’am.Lotsof sleepless nights and late-night feedings.Itook the nights, soRachelcould rest.”
“I’mimpressed,”Elisechimes. “Mostcowboys stay in the barnafterthe babies arrive.”
Emberbursts out a muffled giggle.Herfather is quick to cut his eyes to her. “Emmy,” he warns.
“What?” she asks. “It’sfunny because it’s true.Luke’snot like that though.He’sa good man who takes care of his family.”Embershocks me, as well as the rest of the table, except forElise.
“Wellsaid,Emmy.Ifyou’re through grilling the man,I’mgoing to grab myself a beer and sit in the garden.It’stoo beautiful of a night to waste sitting inside.”Elisestands, taking her plate with her.
“Emmy, clear the table please,”Emmasays.
