AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Heck, she was nearly one hundred percent certain that he could have asked the folks who ran the hardware store if there were any supplies he could borrow or even take. Mike wasn’t capable of such deception.
He might have been once upon a time, but the Mike she knew was better.
Rose shrugged off the trepidation that came with her current thought process, letting her gaze sweep through the area below. Tonight was a win and no one was going to make her believe otherwise. By this time tomorrow, she’d be able to tally up all the money they had earned to see if it would be enough for them to finish the bigger projects.
Mike wandered through the living area, conversing with some of the guests and looking very much like he belonged. His eyes found hers and he grinned even though he should have been listening to the man who was speaking to him.
The fluttering she’d managed to keep at bay returned with a vengeance. Rose waved at him, knowing full well they’d have to have an important talk when everyone left. But for now, she could be happy just watching him at the party.
Rose found herself in the art studio toward the end of the night. She looked around the familiar room. She’d spent many hours of her summers in this very place. If she wasn’t with her cousins at Sagebrush Ranch or tagging along with Ethan and Mike, she was here.
She didn’t know how aware her parents were of her extracurricular activities in Montana. That was ancient history. Still, being in this room was surreal. It was where she’d discovered her love of art. Before she’d met Helen, she had thought she would try to work on the ranch like her cousins. Maybe even be a cowgirl.
The second she’d picked up that paintbrush, her heart had changed.
Surrounded by all the pictures, paintings, art supplies, and drop cloths, Rose couldn’t help but feel at home. One day, she’d have a place just like this for herself. She’d get all the best supplies and paint to her heart’s content.
“I thought I’d find you in here,” Mike whispered, his arms coming around her waist.
Rose gasped. She turned her head slightly, preparing herself for an ornery onslaught from her brother.
“Everyone’s left. Even the caterers.”
“They have?” She turned around in his arms. “I’m so sorry. I must have lost track of time.”
“You deserve a break. This whole night has been… a lot.” The corners of his mouth dragged upward. “I guess we need to have a talk, huh?”
Rose tilted her head, inching closer to him as she did. “That was some kiss. Is that what you’re referring to?”
Mike nodded. “I think it’s safe to say your brother is livid.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, he’s been pretty annoying about this whole thing.”
“This whole thing?”
“You know, the working here, all the time I’m spending with you…” She snickered. “I would imagine watching us kiss was the cherry on top.”
“Does it… bother you? Knowing your brother doesn’t approve?”
Rose grimaced. “Honestly? He’s done so much for me. I hate making him mad at me.”
“Then maybe we shouldn’t?—”
She framed his face with her hands, successfully cutting him off. “Ethan isn’t me. He doesn’t get to have a say in who I want to date.”
“Date?”
Her whole body went stiff. “That is what you wanted to talk about, isn’t it? This you and me thing?” Face flushing furiously, she looked away and attempted to put some distance between them.
Mike wouldn’t have any of that. His hold on her remained steady. “That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.” His eyes swept over her face, brushing stray strands of hair behind her ear. “I’ve always thought you were cute.”
She snorted, giving him another eye roll.
“I mean it.” He laughed. “I just couldn’t say anything because your brother… well, we had a code. No dating his sister.”
“You can’t be serious. That stupid rule? Do you realize how ridiculous it is?”
“I don’t know.” Mike sobered as he took a short step backward, finally releasing her. He rubbed his jaw and backed up farther as he leaned against a countertop behind him. “I have a feeling you wouldn’t want to date the me that you used to know.”
