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“While I’m sure that’s part of it,” Jake replies with his eyebrow up and head tilted. I just stare at him, and he chuckles. “It’s all in your head, man. We’ve told you before. We’ve seen the looks take a chance. You know where we stand.” He pauses and looks over at Damien.
“Hurt her, and—“ Damien starts.
“And you’ll make sure I hurt,” I answer.
They may be okay with it, but what about the rest of her family? There are other relationships in the works that could be damaged if things go bad. My friendship with Jake, Damien, and Ben. My job with the farm. Ellie’s relationship with Holly and her mother, Kathy. The family atmosphere that I longed for while I was growing up, the same one that is being offered to Ellie.
The pounding of hooves behind me ceases the conversation. Turning, we watch as Ben and Henry approach. Their timing is perfect. The interruption allows me to bury my thoughts of Holly and get back to work.
3
Holly
Throwing a change of clothes in my backpack, I zip it up and sling it over my shoulder and leave my bedroom. I have about five minutes before I need to leave and make my way downtown and participate in the dog and pony show my mother has signed me up for.
Dropping my bag by the door, I head into the kitchen area to make a quick drink to go. I grab my favorite tumbler and fill it halfway with ice before grabbing the cold brew and creamer from the refrigerator. Placing everything on the counter, I get to work mixing my drink.
The front door opens and I lean back from the counter and watch Dani walk in. She drops her purse and bag on the living room chair and sashays, no joke, to the kitchen with a white paper bag. The woman can make any person, man or female, take notice when she walks into a room. “Hot damn,” she exclaims as she stops right next to me.
“You’re so annoying,” I retort, and roll my eyes at her.
“You love me,” she says as she sets the bag down in front of me.
I know what it is. Anyone within a fifty-mile radius knows what the white bag with a bee sticker on the front stands for. Honey’s Sweet Treats. The best damn bakery there is, and also her and Dani’s other best friend. “Whatcha got here?” I question as I pull the bag closer.
“Honey sent some lemon bars.” I lick my lips while Dani continues. “But I don’t think you should have any. You know how messy they can be. And girl,” she pauses for dramatics, “you do not want to mess up your look. Damn! Who knew being an elf could be sexy? You’re showing a lot of curves in this outfit. Is it appropriate for young eyes?”
“Shut it,” I tell her as I grab a dish towel out of the drawer and tuck it into the top of my dress. I am not missing the opportunity for one of Honey’s treats. She has been so busy the last few months with the holidays that we haven’t had as much time with her.
Placing a lemon bar on a small plate, I bring it to my mouth and sink my teeth in. The flavors explode and my mouth and I can’t hold in my moan. “So good,” I mumble before taking another bite.
“Ditto,” Dani says before she takes another bite, her other hand under her bar to catch the crumbs.
She has powder sugar specks on her shirt, but she couldn’t care less as she stuffs the last bite in her mouth. “Best sugar orgasm ever,” she announces as she grabs a bottled water from the fridge and takes a swig.
“Ditto,” I parrot her previous answer and throw away my temporary bib. Smoothing down the dress, I make sure it’s still presentable.
“So,” she deadpans and looks up at me as she wipes the sugar from her shirt. “You know you are looking mighty hot there, girl. You ready to be on Santa’s naughty list?”
“Eww. No thanks, Sheriff West is Santa. No, thank you!” I fake puke in my mouth, and Dani bust out laughing, which causes me to follow. Sheriff West is a nice man, but he’s older than my dad and there is nothing attractive about the man.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll end up on somebody’s naughty list before the night is over.”
“I gotta go.” Grabbing my drink, I walk out of the kitchen and sling my backpack over my shoulder. I stop at the door. “See you later?”
“Sure will hot stuff,” she hollers.
I shake my head. She’s right about the outfit. It’s a lot more provocative than I expected, but I have a green sleeveless, knee-length duster that completes the outfit. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I wiggle the red fabric up a little so that I can move my legs. It’s not bad when I’m standing, but the dress hugs my curves and is restricting when I sit. The high collar dress keeps the girls covered, so there is no worry that I might give someone an eyeful when I bend down to talk to the kids.
The dress makes my ass look amazing, and I wonder if I can find a dress similar for myself. A little black dress that I can keep in my closet and pull out here and there when I need to let my hair down. Thoughts of seducing James come to mind, and I try to stop them as I drive to town.
I shouldn’t have these thoughts about him, but I can’t stop them. There are times that I think he has them too, the long looks and small touches. However, I tell myself that I’m reading too much into those moments. My mind wonders to the other day when I helped him and my brothers with the fence.
Anytime I have the opportunity to ride behind James, I snatch it up. Being pressed up against him is heaven and hell. I’m in heaven being in his bubble, his touch lighting a fire inside of me. But on the other hand it’s hell knowing that I only they don’t mean as much to him.
I’m his best friend’s little sister. It’s against the bro code or something like that. Plus, I’ve seen the women that hang around him and my brothers. Tall and trim women, cantaloupe sized breast and perfectly put together.
I shouldn’t be jealous, but my five and a half foot curvy frame is way different. My make-up regime consists of light foundation, neutral eyeshadow, a layer of mascara and lip gloss. I do not know how to contour and at this point in my life, I don’t plan to figure it out. Every now and then I let Dani do all that work on me, but to be honest, it’s too much for me. I don’t have the patience.
