Page 71 of Clumsy in Love

“Mom told us you were bringing Holly home,” Steph said. “You didn’t think we were gonna miss out on that action, did you?”

“You act like you know her.”

“Well, you talked about her incessantly after you got back from Hicksville. No offense, Holly.”

Holly held up a hand and shrugged. Cole didn’t care for the amused twinkle in her eye.

“I did not,” Cole said. He turned desperately to Holly. “I didnot.”

“Me thinks he doth protest too much.” His dad smiled.

“I changed my mind,” Cole muttered. “We’ll take our chances in the city. We’re leaving.” It was an empty threat. Everyone knew it and ignored it.

Tracy and Stephanie already had Holly halfway down the hall. “Don’t believe a word they say,” Cole hollered after them.

His mom went to the kitchen, leaving him with his dad. “You okay, son? We’re glossing over it, but you shot someone today.”

“Maybe it hasn’t hit me yet, but I’m fine. He was one bad dude, so that part isn’t too troubling. He killed two cops, includingLambert. In that way, I feel like justice was served. And now Holly should be safe.”

“She seems like a real nice gal. Reminds me of your mom.”

Yeah, Cole could see that. Holly and his mom were both opinionated, yet easygoing. Pragmatic, but happy and optimistic.

“You two would work out nicely together,” his dad continued.

“Whaddya mean? Where’d that come from?”

“You know. How Mom’s the yin to my yang? The peanut butter to my jelly? The—”

“Speak English, man.”

He chuckled. “It’s just that Mom grounds me, balances me out. Her cheerfulness offsets my gruffness. Her optimism negates my cynicism. Holly seems like she could do the same for you.”

“You’ve known her for five minutes.”

“You told us all about her. And first impressions tell a lot about a person,” his dad said with a wink. “Plus, she’s not too hard on the old peepers.”

“I’m telling Mom.”

“Telling Mom what?” his mother said, coming in from the kitchen and handing them each a beer.

His dad laughed. “That Holly’s a lot like you. Sweet as can be and pretty as all get out.”

“Dad’s right. Holly is exactly the kind of girl you need.”

“We spent a few days together. Let’s not get carried away.”

“I have a keen sense about these things.” His mom tapped her head.

“This is not why I brought her here.” Was it?

Holly and his sisters approached from down the hall, huddled together and laughing, thick as thieves. He smelled trouble. Cole made a slicing motion across his throat at his parents, and thank goodness, they got the message and shut up.

“Holly, honey,” his mom said. “Would you like something to drink? I’ve got beer and iced tea.”

“Beer, please,” Holly said, making eye contact with Cole and fighting a smile.

“I don’t want to know what they told you,” he said. “Just be sure it was all lies.”

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