“How about a beer?” Ty said, pulling one from the fridge and dangling it.
“Now, you’re talking,” Rocker said, taking Ty’s peace offering.
“Lemon cake or lava cake?” Cherise asked.
“I’ll take the lemon. Scarlett may bite my hand off if I touch her chocolate.”
“You bet, I will,” she teased. Ty leaned over her, placing her dessert before her. “Careful, it’s warm. I made homemade vanilla bean ice cream. It’s in a separate dish at three. I didn’t know if you liked it melted in with the chocolate.”
“Let’s see, two of my favorites melded together…um yeah,” Scarlett said, dumping the dish over the cake.
Cherise giggled. “I agree.”
Ty and Rocker discussed their tours while eating their dessert. Scarlett didn’t join in. Her mind drifted to the farm and her parents. The more time she spent in Serenity, the more she felt like she belonged. No. The longer she knew Ty, the safer, more comfortable, and at home Scarlett felt with him.
CHAPTER 29
Cherise hugged Scarlett.“I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I’m meeting Maddie, Carol, and Edie Tuesday night for poker. I’m hoping the scandalous Victoria joins us. She’s the life of the party. Ty hates it when I drive late at night. I’ll most likely stay over. On Wednesday, we can spend the day together. I’ll throw something in the slow cooker, and Ty will make us some delicious rosemary bread. It’ll probably be the last good fishing day before it gets colder. These old bones don’t enjoy the chill.”
“Somehow, I don’t see you as the fragile type,” Scarlett said, laughing.
“My husband always asked why I couldn’t be like other women who listened to their husbands. I never saw much fun in that. It’s way more fun to have make-up sex,” she whispered.
Scarlett giggled. “Cherise, I believe you’re trouble wrapped up in a sweet package and tied with a pretty bow.”
“Hell, yes. How do you think I worked the ranch while Ty was away? Men have a funny way of wanting to prove they’re the stronger sex. Mind you, not all. But like all rotten applesin a barrel, they ruin it for the good ones. You showed some spunk out there, and I’m proud of you. It takes courage to stand up for yourself when you’re still not sure who you are. Give it some time, sweetie. You’ll figure all this out.”
“Thank you, Cherise. Drive safe and text Ty to let him know when you get home,” she whispered, trying to keep the tears away.
“I will,” she said before taking her leftovers and leaving.
“Did you have a nice visit with Mom?” Ty asked.
“Yes, she’s lovely. I can see why you’re a mama’s boy,” she teased.
Ty groaned, pulled her closer, and tickled her with the scruff along his jaw.
“Stop,” she cried, laughing. “Rocker might see us. Where did he go, by the way?”
“He took his bags into the guest house,” Ty said. “What do you want to do?”
She shrugged. “I don’t have any plans.”
“How about another lesson?” he asked.
“I’m afraid I’m stuffed from your brunch. Do you have a workout room here? If I keep eating like this, I’ll need to work off those extra calories,” Scarlett said, leaning into his chest.
“I don’t have a workout room. Leo has one at the facility, and I occasionally work out with the guys there. Taking care of the ranch tends to give me a workout. If you require some exercise, I’m sure I can come up with something,” he murmured against her ear.
“I like the way you think. What did you have in mind? We can’t participate in your suggested activity since you invited Rocker to stay,” she said sarcastically.
“I have an idea, and Rocker may be able to help with it. Do you trust me?” he asked.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” she said confidently.
“I want to teach you how to shoot,” Ty suggested.
She shook her head. “Again, I think you forgot a few things. The main thing being I can’t see.”
