Page 16 of Embracing Desire

“Of course,” Ry said.

Jed strode into the kitchen and gripped the kitchen counter.He closed his eyes and swore softly as he fought against the jealousy crashing through his blood stream.It wasn’t like they hadn’t shared Katie before, and he’d kissed her right after Ry.He’d never reacted this way, so hard and so fast.But this was Katie.Forcing away the little green monster, Jed dished up dinner and carried the two platters and a bowl out to the table.

“Smells delicious,” Katie said.Ry had seated her to his right.

“Jed is a wonder in the kitchen,” Ry commented as Jed placed one platter heaped with potatoes on the table along with the bowl of broccoli.

Jed carried the other platter over to Katie then he set a piece of steak on her plate.The back of his hand brushed her breast.“Medium well, just like the lady likes.”

He straightened then served Ry.

Decision time.Jed stood with platter in hand.Sit on Katie’s right or on Ry’s left where he normally sat?Hell, the table was set that way, but he could always move his plate.

“Jed.”His head jerked up at Ry’s firm voice.Ry stared at him, then tilted his chin up toward the chair on Ry’s left.

Tension seeped out of his body as the decision was made for him.Ry was still his Dominant.Placing the last steak on his plate, Jed took his seat.

Katie cut into her steak.“You remembered.”

“Of course I remembered.Who could ever forget your face when we went to dinner in Monroe, and you sent your steak back three times before they got it right.”

“Well, I don’t like my beef mooing.”

Ry laughed.“I thought the waiter was going to kick us out.”

“Yeah, and our fathers left a big tip.”

The men sobered up for a minute and then smiled at Katie.“Our folks loved having you around,” Ry said.

Katie reached out and touched Ry’s hand where it rested on the table, and a surge of jealousy hit Jed again.Then Katie held her other hand out to him across the table, and he took it.

“Your family was always so welcoming and happy.I’m sorry they’re gone.”She squeezed his hand, and Jed’s lips quirked.

“Me too,” he whispered.

“It was an accident.”Ry mumbled.“But they’d be happy to know you’ve come home.”

Katie smiled then dished up her potatoes and vegetables.“So, Ry, you’re the sheriff now?”

Jed puffed out a breath, happy for the change in subject.He didn’t want to dwell on the death of his father and Ry’s parents.

“Yep, and if you step a toe out of line, into jail with you.”

Katie laughed.“I’ll be good.But”—she ducked her head almost shyly—”I got stopped on the way into town.Know anything about that?”

Ry grinned, and Jed barely kept a smile from his lips.“What did he stop you for?Speeding?”

“Littering,” Katie muttered.

“Littering?”Jed barely suppressed his laughter.

“It’s a serious offense.”Ry grinned before he dug into his food.The subject was dropped.

“This is delicious,” Katie praised after a few minutes of eating.

“I aim to please.”Jed’s ego swelled.

“Well, you always please me,” Ry commented.

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