Page 14 of A Cowboy's Trust
Tansy distracted him from his heart palpitations by changing the topic completely. “Okay, heads-up time. Yes, we’re joining my parents for dinner. It’s not going to be very formal. In fact, chances of us all sitting at the same table at the same time are almost nil.”
Thankfully, she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the road as she turned into one of the residential areas.
Jake studied her profile as she spoke. She was every day pretty. Not the sort of woman that made people do a double take, but the kind who the longer you looked at her, the more there was to see.
Another shot of uncalled for interest raced through him, and he shoved it aside. “Explain.”
“It might not have been brought up in public, but it’s no secret. My oldest sister Ivy, now Ivy Stone, has social anxiety. She also dealt with some pretty big physical issues, but for the most part she’s staying healthy these days. But because of her, our family tends to spend more time talking in twos and threes than gathering around and letting one person shoot the breeze or putting one person on the spot.”
It was a rather brilliant solution. “And since you’ve invited me over, are you planning on sticking by my side or tossing me to the wolves?”
A burst of pure amusement escaped her. “My first impulse is to tease you about how shy and retiring you normally are, but after sharing about my sister’s issues, I can’t be a jerk. You’ve already stepped outside your comfort zone to come with me. What would make you feel happy tonight? Do you want a wingman?”
It was Jake’s turned to snort. “Doesn’t that usually mean helping someone find a date? Because I’m not planning on hitting on Fern, who I assume will be the only other single woman there tonight.”
Tansy waved a hand briefly before putting both gloved hands back on the steering wheel. “Semantics. Just meant I can stick to your side if you want, or you can go solo. Whatever you think is best.”
He certainly didn’t need his hand held. The Fields were a highly respected part of the community, and he’d met all of them over the past six months. “Back when I worked for the Winnipeg RCMP, I was a school liaison. I’m okay in groups.”
She pulled to a rumbling stop in front of a two-story house that screamed character, full of interesting roof angles and an oversized porch. She put the SUV into Park then focused her attention on him. “Well, if that changes, let me know. Otherwise, come nine o’clock, I’ll find you and we’ll head home.”
“You’re a very easy date,” Jake teased, sliding out of the SUV and joining her on the sidewalk. He was suddenly shocked by exactly how comfortable this all felt.
Tansy stumbled, and he caught her before she could hit the ground. Only when she turned and tossed a double mittful of snow in his face with a cackling laugh did he realize it was a ploy.
Which meant dropping her unceremoniously into the tall snow pile at the edge of the walk was the most natural thing in the world.
“Oh, you’re nasty.” Tansy shot a hand to him for help. “I like that about you.”
He grinned as he reached down, totally not expecting for her to take a firm grasp on his wrist then kick her feet into his ankles while she pulled.
He face planted beside her, instantly covered in snow from head to toe.
He rolled, spitting snow.
Tansy laughed so hard she ended up clutching her stomach.
Jake sighed dramatically, shaking his head as he brushed snow off his cheeks.
“Are you bringing him in for supper, or are you planning on killing him out there and hiding the body?” Fern stood, one foot on the porch and one foot in the house, a grin on her face as she eyed them.
“A little snow never hurt anyone,” Tansy quipped as she bounced to her feet. When Jake held his hand to her for help to get vertical, she shook her head. “Uh-uh. You’re spry enough all on your own. Let’s get inside before you start to melt, Mr. Snowman.”
Fern waited for them inside the entrance. “Rose isn’t here yet. But Ivy and Walker and the kids are around somewhere.” She met Jake’s gaze. “Carter’s the oldest. Prepare for him to latch onto you and not let go. He’s suddenly decided some guy out there must know the secret of surviving younger sisters.”
“I don’t have sisters,” Jake reminded her.
“I know that, and you can tell him that. He still thinks that there’s something built into grownup men’s DNA, and if he hangs around them long enough his little sisters might suddenly vanish. Although he’d miss them a lot if they weren’t there.” She grinned. “If he’s too much of a bother just tell him to go play.”
“It’s not a problem,” Jake insisted. “I like kids. What are his sisters’ names?”
Tansy answered this time, grabbing his coat from him and tossing it onto the pile stacked four deep on a preacher’s bench. “Chloe is the oldest. Harper is the pixie-faced heartbreaker. If she asks you if you can remove any of your body parts, don’t take it personally.”
Fern snorted. “It’s not my fault.”
Jake glanced down at Fern’s left arm, which was currently missing the hand and forearm prosthesis he’d seen her wearing before. “Kids like to know stuff. It’s not a rude question. Not really.”
“Exactly.” Fern dipped her chin firmly. Her attention caught on something outside. “Time to vacate the front entrance. Jake, I’ll talk to you later.”
