When she returned they were all laughing and as they looked up at her they laughed louder and harder.
“What?” asked Tasha confused.
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Jim smirked smugly.
“What have you two told him?” asked Tasha suspiciously.
“Nothing!” they protested, unconvincingly, in stereo.
“I don’t believe you,” Tasha told them accusingly.
“So suspicious, Natasha. Now prepare to get your ass whooped.” Jim’s laughter and arched brow caused Tasha to frown.
“Bring it on,” she said competitively.
Pippa and Dan stood up as they prepared to take their turns first and as Tasha stood back and watched them, relaxed and content she smiled.
Jim’s arm suddenly found its way around her waist and whispered, “Would you like a little side wager on the outcome?”
“I don’t know,” said Tasha hesitantly.
“If you’re not confident enough in your ability to win to put your money where your mouth is...” taunted Jim.
“No, but neither of us need the cash,” she said, thinking that she sounded most convincing.
“I wasn’t thinking cash.” Jim grip around her waist tightened as his grin broadened.
“Oh, what were you proposing?” asked Tasha, suddenly interested as the butterflies in her stomach began to do somersaults.
“You win I do something for you, something of your choosing, anything, and if I win you do something for me, simple.”
“Are you talking sex?” asked Tasha intrigued now.
“If you want it to be, but it doesn’t have to be. Like I said, anything,” he said seriously.
“Okay. Shake on it,” she said holding out her hand.
Jim accepted the hand offered and grinned broadly as if he was in on some secret.
“Come on then, Jim, don’t let me down,” cried Pippa loudly.
“Never,” Jim replied as he affectionately kissed her gently on the top of her head.
Tasha smiled to herself and realised that Pippa appeared to be totally at ease with Jim now. That she had realised he was a good man, genuine and caring, like their grandfather rather than their father. Her expression or demeanour must have changed in some way because after claiming a spare Jim hugged her and held her close for a few seconds before landing a gentle kiss on her temple.
“Come on, Tash, don’t let him distract you with his niceness. This is war,” joked Dan, oblivious to any changes that may have occurred in his sister.
Tasha and Dan followed Jim and Pippa towards the front door.
“It would appear that Jim has captured both of my sister’s hearts.” Dan’s words made Tasha smile and tighten her grip on his arm that hers was linked through.
“And what about you?” asked Tasha nervously.
“He doesn’t hold the same attraction for me that he obviously does for you, but he loves you, he wants to make you happy and that includes looking after us, doesn’t it?” he asked. Before she could answer he continued, “But I like him, even if he is a bit scary.”
Tasha laughed at his observations and rested her head on Dan’s arm as they reached the front door that was now open. They followed the sound of Jim and Pippa laughing in the family room.
When Dan led Tasha into the room they immediately began to chant, “Loser! Loser!”
