Page 69 of Karma

She was admitting too much to these women she didn’t know well. Yet they made it so easy for her to talk to them. They accepted her in a carefree way she hadn’t experienced on an everyday basis. Just like Dare did when he wasn’t choking on her brother’s very existence. But it was that acceptance that made her feel so…proprietary. As a result, she definitely didn’t think she could be close friends with any woman Dare had been intimate with, let alone married to. The jealousy factor would be off the chart. And Liza had never once been jealous about any of the men she’d been with in her past.

Uh-oh.

She turned toward Dare and found him watching her intently. He met her gaze, and she flushed hotter than she was before.

“Is it me, or did the temperature just spike?” Kelly asked, laughing. “Come on now, Liza. Business first, then you can find Dare and…whatever it is you two want to do.”

“Hey!” Liza splashed water at Kelly, who merely laughed.

“I just call ’em like I see ’em.”

“And then she wonders where Tess gets it from,” Faith muttered.

Speaking of the teenager…“Where is Tess?” Liza asked.

“She’s at her friend Michelle’s.” Faith glanced at her watch. “Actually, Michelle’s mother should be dropping Tess off soon.”

“So let’s finish up our fundraiser talk. Once my sister gets home, we’ll never stay on topic,” Kelly said.

“As if we’re staying on topic now?” Faith asked, but she didn’t seem too concerned. “Okay, so there’s four of us to face the committee and push our agenda. Kelly, will you ask Annie to be at the meeting Tuesday night?”

Kelly nodded. “I’m sure she will as long as she’s feeling up to it.”

Liza tilted her head. “Is she sick?”

Kelly hesitated before answering. “Annie has MS.” She paused once more. “But she’s very open about her condition, so I don’t think she’ll mind that I told you.”

Liza’s head was spinning with all the information she’d learned in such a short time.

“Okay, now as for the smaller but equally important details.” Faith held up one hand. “The band is set, the decorator is working with me, and you guys are handling the food and drinks. Invitations?” She ticked each item off her fingers.

“Coming back from the printer this week,” Kelly said.

“And with that, business is concluded.” Faith held up her glass and took a drink. “Meeting adjourned.”

Faith and Kelly eased their way out of the pool, and Liza followed, grabbing the towel she’d brought with her. She wrapped it around her waist and tucked in the end to hold it in place.

Before Dare could waylay her, she walked up to Ethan, wanting to have a word. He was the oldest. With his dark hair and deep brown eyes, he was the most similar to Dare in looks, but Dare’s hair was shorter, his build tighter and more defined. And where Ethan still possessed the bad-boy persona he’d perfected in high school, Dare, the cop, projected a completely different kind of aura. Competent, strong, in control. Everything about him, from his good looks to his character, drew her in.

Ethan still intimidated her a little, but obviously, he’d come a long way, and Liza was the last person to judge anyone for their past. “Ethan?”

The man turned to face her. “Liza.” He greeted her with what passed as a warm smile for him.

“I just wanted to thank you for your donation to fix the center median in town.” Liza had no doubt he was the anonymous donor. If I can contribute or help…” Liza trailed off, her point made.

Ethan narrowed his gaze. He paused, then finally shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he said. “It’s fine.”

***

Dare watched theexchange, recognizing immediately that his brother had no idea what Liza was talking about. Faith had clearly taken the reins on this one. As usual, Ethan wouldn’t undermine his wife’s plan, whatever it might be.

“Well, I just wanted to say thank you.” Liza laid a hand on Ethan’s forearm. “And thanks again for having me over.”

“You’re welcome,” Ethan said, placing his hand over hers in a friendly gesture.

The sight of her fair hand on his brother’s darker skin irritated the hell out of Dare for no good reason. He clenched his hands into fists and drew in a steadying breath. No reason to act like an ass toward his brother just because Dare was feeling irrational and crazy.

But he could talk to Liza, and he suddenly had a burning need to get her alone. Overwhelmed by a host of emotions he could barely contain, he stepped between Ethan and Liza, meeting Liza’s startled gaze. “Pool house. Now,” Dare practically growled at her.

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