Decorations covered the mantle and other things hug from the beamed ceiling, but he hadn’t identified any of it. He was grateful that Adam had chosen not to play Christmas music in the background during the poker game.
Dealing with a holiday atmosphere in the cabin was good practice, especially if he intended to eat dinner at the main house on Christmas Eve and sing carols on the parade down to the barn. He was determined to do it, no matter what Mila decided about tonight.
“Cole? Want another brewsky?” Rio approached from the direction of the kitchen.
“You bet.” He left his chair. “I’ll?—”
“Figured you would.” Rio handed him a chilled bottle. “Take this. I’ll go fetch another one. Raking in all those chips makes a guy thirsty, right?”
He chuckled. “Right. Thanks.” He wished to hell he wasn’t winning so many hands. He’d played these guys plenty of times prior to diving into his Beaver Bunch project. Games after dinner at the main house happened all the time and he’d won his share of hands. But he’d never dominated like this.
“I have a theory.” Luis settled back in his chair, beer in hand. “Cole says all he’s been doing holed up in his loft for the past couple of months is working on his secret project. But what if he’s also been playing video poker every night and sharpening his skills?”
Putting down his beer, he held up both hands, palms out. “Swear to God, I’ve done nothing of the kind. That project has taken more hours than I can count. Trust me, I didn’t have time for video poker.”
“So are you gonna tell us what it is?” Rio’s expression brightened. “This would be a perfect time. Nobody’s here but us.”
“But you’re a big chunk of the folks I want to surprise.”
“I know, but we’re your bros. It would be so fun if we know and the ladies don’t.”
“Rio.” Adam gave him a warning glance. “You’re about to get all of us in trouble. If I know and don’t tell Tracy?—”
“No kidding. Thanks, hermano.” Luis raised a bottle in Adam’s direction. “Jordan’s his sister, for Pete’s sake. If she finds out I knew in advance and didn’t tell her, there’d be hell to pay.”
“No worries.” Cole glanced around the table. “I’m not telling. And I promise I haven’t even thought about poker since the last time we played. I have no idea why I’m winning today.”
“I’ll stick to my explanation.” Adam reached for a handful of chips from the big bowl in the middle of the table. “Now that Mila’s in his life, he’s golden.”
“Could be. She has powers.” Luis gave Cole a light punch on the arm. “In case I haven’t said it yet, I’m glad you two are together. Her last guy was a total loser.”
Monty groaned. “Don’t remind me. That dude had so much baggage he needed a semi to haul it all.”
“Then he tried to unload it on her.” Zay shook his head. “What a jerk.” He glanced at Cole. “I’ve been looking forward to this ever since the wedding. Took you guys long enough.”
“Only because I’ve known from the get-go she’s too good for me.” Truer words were never spoken.
“Well, when you put it that way….” Luis flashed him a grin. “You’re right, she is. But then again, nobody would measure up to my standards, but I’ll settle for you.”
“Backatcha, brother-in-law.” It was the expected response and got the laugh he knew would follow. Meanwhile his guts twisted into a knot of frustration.
When Mila’s ex had arrived with baggage and then tried to unload it on her, that was seen as a bad thing. He would whole-heartedly agree it was a disgusting move.
That was exactly why he’d refused to dump his garbage on her, or anyone else for that matter. Yet she clearly wanted him to tell her everything. Because he wouldn’t, she was out riding around the countryside and he was playing poker with her brothers.
What was wrong with this picture?
Chapter Thirty-Four
Mila had never needed her tias and her granny more than she needed them now. When she was twenty minutes out, she sent a group text to ask if they were available for tea.
She got at least a dozen back, each of them chiming in and detailing what they’d be serving her and how excited they were that she was coming. So sweet. Made her a little teary.
After unsaddling Sol, she returned him to his stall and gave him a nice rubdown. “Thanks for listening, sweet boy.”
He bumped his nose lightly against her chest and she stroked his silky neck. “Yes, it helped. Haven’t decided what to do yet. but maybe I can get a clue from women wiser than me.” After giving him one last pat, she left the stall.
Footprints had marked paths all over the area as she made her way past Zay’s casita and then Luis’s. Since neither had smoke coming out of the chimney, they must both still be at Adam’s.
