Page 28 of The Cowgirl's Secret Love
Karen raised a brow, but she was smiling again. “Maybe I should doyournails. You want green? Blue?”
“Not a chance.” He tilted his head toward the house. “Hurry up before I rescind the offer.”
When she got back with the polish, she’d slipped into jeans and soft blue shirt, ready for the party except for her bare feet.
Things remained surprisingly chill. It was as if doing the out-of-the-blue activity allowed her to stop worrying about the sexual tension flaring between them. Instead, while he painted her toes, she chatted about the ideas she and Zach had discussed. All the plans she would put into action over the coming weeks.
She even mentioned a couple of tasks she and Finn could work on together.
By the time they were ready to leave, Karen offered him a smile with honest-to-God openness.
“Thank you. That was…” She shrugged. “Just thanks.”
He extended an arm. “Come on. Let’s go see what your sister has dreamed up this time.”
7
The house Lisa had moved into with Josiah sat at the top of a long rise, with views that would rival the place Finn and Zach were working on.
The biggest difference, though, was while Finn’s place was a classic long, low rancher, at some point in the past, an abandoned silo had been attached to Josiah’s, as if the house had castle delusions.
It was unique, which Karen had to admit suited both her sister Lisa and the bighearted veterinarian. With two massive barns within easy walking distance and a parking area that rivaled the one at Silver Stone ranch, the whole place was practical and yet pretty.
It was also full of people.
“Did Lisa invite the entire town?” Karen peeked in the window before tilting her head and tugging Finn around the side. She didn’t want to step into the living room before figuring out what was going on.
With Lisa, it was better to be forewarned than to assume.
Finn stayed close, peering in the windows as they passed. A soft chuckle escaped him. “For someone who has only been in town for a short time, she’s definitely made herself at home.”
Which again sounded very much like her little sister—the life of the party. A momentary jab of discomfort was followed immediately by a rush of guilt for the jealousy.
She forced as much enthusiasm and pride into her voice as possible. “You can toss Lisa into just about any situation, and she’ll come out smelling like roses.”
Karen stopped at the edge of the back deck. Finn crowded against her back. A solid, safe, very warm, presence.
His cheek briefly brushed hers as he whispered in her ear. “Good thing it takes all types to make this world. Life of the partyandthose of us who are quiet or grumpy.”
Karen pivoted on the spot, outraged on his behalf. “You’re not grumpy.” She paused. “Not usually.” Honesty prevailed. “Okay, you’re somewhat grumpy, but it suits you.”
The corners of his lips twitched. “Like I said, it takes all types.”
He was right. Besides, she had long ago come to grips with her position in their trio of sisters—now quartet. She was not the fun one, but that was okay. Lisa created enough fun for the rest of them with ease and charm, just like she would tonight.
“Okay, everybody. I think we’re all here. It’s time to get the evening rolling.” Lisa rattled the dinner bell, clanging the long metal rod enthusiastically off the triangle hanging by the back door.
People settled in chairs on the massive deck, others poking their head out from the house before joining in.
Karen counted at least twenty people, including herself and Finn. Maybe two dozen.
“First up, we’ve got food and lots of it. Before you grab a plate and load up, there are three baskets on the table. Pull one slip of paper from each and keep them hidden. I’ll explain the game as soon as we’re all eating. The only rule at this point is you can’t pull your own name.”
The rich scent of barbecue and what looked to be a massive tray of macaroni and cheese hauled Karen out of the shadows eagerly. She grabbed her slips of paper and shoved them in her pocket without even looking, then accepted the empty plate Finn handed her and stepped into line at his side.
They had settled in chairs next to each other before she realized how comfortable it was to keep doing things with him.
The rich creamy taste of her sister’s homemade mac and cheese exploded in her mouth, and she moaned happily. “This”—she jabbed her fork toward the pile she’d heaped on her plate—“this is what it’s supposed to taste like.”
