Page 995 of One More Kiss

“Thanks, Aunt Trudy. I actually love to cook so if you would like me to cook a meal, I’d be happy to. It’s sort of my passion.”

“Well, I think I’d like to sample some of that,” Uncle Don said encouragingly, but Aunt Trudy didn’t look quite so thrilled by the idea, and I suspected the main kitchen was her domain and pretty much off limits. At least I’d offered.

I’d cook for anybody at any time.

Once they left I went to the kitchen to check it out before unpacking.

The space was small but well equipped. It would do nicely. Everything looked brand new and when I opened the fridge all I found was beer and soda. The freezer wasn’t much better, stocked nearly full of ice cream and frozen pizzas.

I groaned in disapproval. “Well this is going to change quickly,” I said aloud.

“What is?” a male voice said behind me causing me to startle.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

I turned to see a glimpse of the easygoing redheaded boy that once came to visit me.

“Hi Austin. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“That’s not how we greet family around here,” he said as he picked me up in a big bear hug and twirled me around while I squealed. “How are you, Kate?” he asked after setting me back down.

“Good,” I said a little too brightly.

“Liar. Wouldn’t be here if that were the truth.”

I sighed. “Yeah, things at home have been a little rough.”

“I heard your parents are splitting up. Man that would screw me up so bad if it were mine.”

“Pretty much,” I agreed.

“Well, I promised Mom I’d show you a good time while you’re here and let you tagalong with me and my friends.” He stood back and stared at me like he was pondering something.

“Is something wrong?”

“Maybe. You’re a lot prettier than I remember.”

“Gross!” I shrieked.

He chuckled. “It’s just an observation Kitty Kate. It’s just that I made this stupid pact with my boys to swear off women right now. They conceded to let you hang around. I’m just trying to figure out which one of them I’m going to have to beat up first for looking your way.”

I blushed. “I don’t think you really need to worry about that. Besides I don’t need a babysitter while I’m here.”

“Promises, Kate. You can’t make me into a liar.”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”

“Just don’t take it personally if they don’t all immediately fall at your feet and sing ballads of your beauty. We do have a pact to uphold.”

I laughed. Was he always this dramatic?

“Well, you don’t have to worry about me. I no longer believe in true love. I will not take a mate or produce offspring to someday hurt. So, your friends’ virtues are safe with me.”

Austin frowned turning serious for a moment. “Was it really that bad?”

“I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Well, I’m glad you are and we’re going to make sure you have the time of your life.”

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