“Better than yourrelationscomment earlier,” Jenna quipped.When I frowned, she shot me a wink.
“Oh, don’t say that.”Kate shuddered.“You can date.You can hook up, but please don’t tell me more.I love you, Mama, but…gross!”
The rest of us howled with laughter.Kate shot a smile, but it was sickly thanks to her queasiness at the idea of my sex life.
Once we’d calmed and I’d topped off the girls’ tea, I sighed.“I’m not sure I’m going to get another chance with Steve.”
“I’m not sure you will either, Mama.I’m not sure Steve’s ever going to lower his guard enough to let you in,” Aya said, though it was with sadness and a hint of pity.
“Which is why I think we should set you up with some nice men,” Jenna announced.
Aya stared into the corner, lost in thought.
“I don’t know any men my age,” I demurred, mainly because I really didn’t like that idea.
“That’s okay.We’ll find you some,” Jenna said with a bracing smile.
“But—”
“I like it.You should meet a few gentlemen before you set your heart on Steve,” Kate said.“He’s not emotionally available, and I don’t want you hurt again.Or worse.So, get out there.Meet some men.”She wrinkled her nose.“Scratch the itch.”
I shuddered.She did, too.
“I won’t say that again,” Kate said.
I shot herthelook.“Good.”
“But…you get my point.We’ll find you some nice men to go out with?—”
“None of whom will be who she wants,” Aya said.She turned back and her eyes gleamed.“You’re already in love with Steve.”
I dropped my head into my hands.“I think I am.”
I heard the chairs creak.No doubt the girls were leaning back, frowning at me and my ridiculous, masochistic heart.I really should have learned to make better choices by now.
“I still think it’s a good idea, though.For you to date,” Aya said into the silence.
I lifted my head.“Why is that?”
“Because Steve is Nash’s father, and Nash has a competitive streak wider than this state.That’s what makes him the best in his musical genre.”Aya pursed her lips.“Steve tried to tamp his own competitiveness down but look at how he competes with you when it comes to cooking.He’s always making me try new recipes because he’s dead set on making something taste as good as your food.”
I gasped even as warmth blossomed around my battered heart.“Thatcheater!He’s not supposed to taste-test.”
Aya smiled, seeming deeply satisfied.“Exactly.But he does it anyway.Because, under all that reserve, is a man who may be even more focused on winning than my husband.”
“What’s that got to do with Mama meeting other men?”Kate asked.
Aya smiled.“He won’t like you dating.Whether he wants to admit it or not, we’re already family, and…well, I think he’s claimed you.”
I sniffed.“No man claims a woman.”
“Your son claimed me, and I’m not complaining,” Jenna winked.She sobered quickly and leaned forward, her gaze serious.“I get what you’re saying, though, and I agree.No man owns a woman, especially not her thoughts and emotions.”
“Darn tootin’.”I mashed my lips together.“I may need to have a word with Camden.”
“Don’t you dare,” Jenna gasped.“I’m quite pleased with his behavior.”
I grunted.She smiled again, wider this time, much like a cat who’d caught the canary.
