Page 41 of The Widow's Dom

“What would you think about having the guys over to barbeque sometime?” he asked.

Janessa smiled. “I love the idea. You know you can have them over whenever you want, right? This is your home, too.”

He grinned. “I know. It’s just early in our relationship, and I’m still learning where the lines are. The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable.”

“I’ll tell you if you do. How’s that?”

He snorted.

“How about a party this weekend? I’ll invite my friends, with yours. Everyone will be able to get to know one another,” she said.

“I love the idea. I’ll have the guys bring steaks and beer.”

She smiled. “I’ll have the girls bring sides and salads. I’ll make a bunch of desserts.”

“I’ll ask the guys.”

“I’ll call my group when we get home,” she said.

He knew she was up to something when she grinned at him.

“I’d be able to call them sooner if we got home faster. Don’t you think?” She laughed and kicked her horse.

Nick chuckled and urged his own to race. She won but barely. They took care of the horses and then called Shane to ask for help getting his horses from the stables that were boarding them.

He was excited. He’d never been able to be in the same place as his animals, so it would be sweet to walk outside and see them. It hadn’t taken long to get them in the trailers. After they got his animals settled in at home, he couldn’t believe how happy it made him.

Now he just had to come to grips with the depth of his emotions, and then everything would be perfect.

Chapter Twenty

Janessa looked around her backyard at the large group of people. The party started with fifteen people and grew to over thirty. Even Shane was able to be there with a few of his friends, and they were grilling Nick and his guys about their time overseas.

She was glad Daniel, the sheriff, showed up, too. He brought the news that Trevor had been arrested, not just for what he was doing to her. He’d been making some shady deals that the feds didn’t like—one more problem out of her life.

Fortunately, the guys were in charge of the grill and had brought plenty of steaks. The women had gone overboard with salads and desserts. Janessa had spent an afternoon making cheesecake and cutting it into little squares. Natalie had brought brownies, and Sandy had brought cookies. Even her son and his friends had contributed with bags of chips.

She was standing off to the side, smiling and watching everyone. This was the first party she’d ever had since she lived there. Kevin hadn’t liked many people in his house. She jumped when arms came around her from behind and pulled her back against a very hard, hot chest.

Nick chuckled. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She snorted. “Yes, you did. Before I forget, my other son Chad will come for dinner on Sunday. I’m making lasagna which is his favorite. He’s anxious to meet you.”

“I am, too. I’ve heard a lot from Shane, but it’s not the same as face-to-face.”

“He’s a lot like Shane. They’re both sassy pants.”

He nuzzled her neck, making her shiver. “I wonder where they got that from, little squirrel?”

She rolled her eyes and laughed. Someone turned on music, and people were dancing. Everyone was having a great time, and she hoped Nick would want to do this often.

Jake walked up and pulled her from Nick’s arms.

“Hey,” Nick said.

“You’ve been hoggin’ her long enough.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “Maybe it’s because she’s mine.”

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