“I’m worried about him, too.” I resist the urge to twist my hand from his grip. If a teenage boy wants to have a crush on me for a few days, what difference does it make?
Besides, he’s kind of cute. If I were into cradle robbing, I couldn’t do worse than a guy in a band with my supposed uncle. Unlike guys in the city with their piercings and tattoos, Will is clean cut with a few zits on his forehead and downy blond fuzz on his face. I’m sure he’s considered cute by the girls at his school.
“What school do you go to? Where do you live?” I’m being nosy, but it’s better to be prepared than caught with my pants down in case he lives down the street from my cousins.
“I transferred to the high school here,” he says, swinging my arm. “Your grandfather moved back here when my grandmother died.”
“Wait, what? I don’t get it.”
He rolls his eyes and swipes his bangs from his forehead. “You really don’t know? My grandma dated your grandfather in California, and my mom met Nash there a couple years back.”
“I’m sorry about your grandma.”
“Yeah, me too, but your uncles are cool, and Mom feels at home here.”
“Are they going to get married? Your mom and my uncle?”
He shrugs and twists his lips. “No clue.”
“What grade are you in?” I change the subject as we walk through the great room to the kitchen.
“Tenth grade. I’m fifteen, but I like older girls. Do you have your license?”
“I have my permit.” I giggle. “My dad lets me drive his Mercedes.”
“Cool! Uncle Damon lets me drive his truck here on the ranch. Let’s race.”
“Not sure my dad’s going to let me.” We enter the kitchen and are instantly surrounded by the female side of the blended Powers-Brant family.
“Good morning!” Jolene and three younger women gather around the island. “Everyone. Sammie’s here.”
I take in a barrage of introductions, smiling and nodding. There’s Susanna, the oldest who’s a brunette, and twins, Macy and Riley. One’s a redhead, and the other’s a blonde. They all have that healthy, wholesome, Western cowgirl look with little makeup, shoulder-length hair, pink cheeks, and chirpy giggles.
They hit me with questions and comments, talking at the same time.
“Where did you grow up?”
“Your father’s quite a mystery man. I’m so glad you joined us.”
“Is this your first time in Wyoming? We must show you around.”
“Where were you living while your dad was overseas?”
“We want to hear everything about you. Everyone was shocked when your dad mentioned you.”
“You’re so cute and petite. What’s your secret?”
My brain is fast, but Braden and I haven’t compared notes yet, so I can’t be very specific. Thankfully, Will doesn’t leave my side—the flirt. He now has his arm around my shoulders, and it’s obvious he’s trying to herd me away from the curious Brant sisters.
Guess he’s a natural cowboy or sheep dog, and the funny thing is, I’m glad he’s running interference.
So far so good. Everyone believes I’m a sixteen-year-old, and they leave me and Will alone with winks and speculative looks.
“Aren’t they cute? Looks like our Will’s found himself a girlfriend for the week.”
“Young love, so sweet.”
“Christmas is the most romantic of all holidays. Let’s hang up the mistletoe.”
Will and I are sitting in the window seat admiring the snowcapped mountain range when he leans toward me and asks, “Will you let me kiss you?”
My goodness! Is that what teenagers do these days? Kiss when they barely know each other?
“Sure.” I figure I need to keep up with the times. At least I will be rooming with my “father.” I should be quite safe.
His lips land on mine, and I hear a footstep stomp right before a firm hand yanks me away from Will’s kiss.
“Buddy, get your hands off my daughter.” It’s Braden, and he looks like he has steam blowing out his nostrils.
