Chapter 11
Memphis splashed aftershave along his jaw as he fought Maverick for mirror space.
“Can’t believe they’re doing square dancing tonight,” Maverick said while running gel through his dark hair. “Talk about lame.”
Images of dancing with Ty came to mind. Holding hands. Looping his arm around her back. Hearing her giggle as they tried to keep in step with the beat.
“I think it sounds fun,” he admitted. “Betty says it’s a big hit every time they do it. In fact, the inn posts the activities on their website, and some people even plan their visit around it.”
Maverick, who was pulling a smolder face at his reflection, let out a tsk. “Planning a vacation around square dancing? How pathetic.”
Memphis only shrugged and reached for his toothbrush. He loaded it up with toothpaste. “It must be pretty popular if they’re doing it two nights in a row.”
“That’s just because so many of the guests signed up for the hayride through the orchards,” Maverick said, reaching for his toothbrush too. “Might be kind of scarce tonight.”
The conversation got put on hold as they brushed their teeth. Memphis was missing Ty already. He hadn’t spoken with her at all yesterday, and he’d barely caught a glimpse of her as he said goodbye to the kids who’d finished the Little Broncos class.
Andie said she’d invited Ty and Lucas to attend the gathering tonight with her parents. She also mentioned that Lucas could take the upcoming Little Broncos course, since they’d be offering an evening class in a few weeks. If he didn’t know better, Memphis might think Andie was hoping that he and Ty would hit it off.
As for tonight, he could only hope Ty and Lucas would show. If he were honest, Memphis was surprised that a woman like Ty’s mother would stay at an inn like The Homestead. Sure, it was a nice B&B and all, but that woman seemed more like the 5-star, nothing-less-than-the-penthouse-suite type of woman.
Maverick spit into the sink. “Think Ty’s going to be there?” White foam clung to his lips. “I’ll probably hold back and show up late just in case. Give her time to fret a little.”
Memphis was next to spit in the sink and rinse his brush. Inwardly, he was spitting nails. Why did Maverick have to be so focused on her?Dumb question. Ty was an intriguing, beautiful woman.
“I have no idea,” Memphis said.
“Man, I’ve never had a masseuse as good as her before. Andie wasn’t wrong—she’s got the magic touch for real.”
“It’s licensed massage therapist,” Memphis corrected.
Memphis made a face. “I’m not saying that big, long title every time.”
“So, say LMT,” Memphis countered.
“Dude, that smoking hot LMT has the magic touch. Is that better?”
Memphis rolled his eyes. “That’s what everyone keeps saying.”
“Oh, dude! You still haven’t climbed into her bed yet, have you?”
“Shut up, man. And it’s called a massagetable.”But the truth was, Memphis was getting tired of hearing everyone gush about how incredible Ty’s massages were. The thought had him pulling his phone from his pocket and scrolling to find Andie’s number. He tapped out a quick text.
Memphis:Hey, can you put me as the next fill-in on Ty’s schedule?
Andie:Sure thing. I’ll have Jackie put you down for the next spot that comes open.
“Who are you texting?” Maverick asked while peering over his shoulder. “You’re trying to get a turn on Ty’s bed, huh?”
Memphis shoved the phone back into his pocket. “Don’t be crass.” He squared a look at his brother, who’d embraced the whole country theme with a black snap-up shirt. Memphis wore a snap-up shirt as well, only he’d settled for a blue plaid number.
“Well,” he said, giving his appearance one last look over. “You ready to head out?”
“I’ve got to show up casually late, remember?” Maverick narrowed his eyes and grinned at his reflection, a pleased expression on his face. “But yeah, I was born ready.”
An array of mixed emotions filtered through Ty as she and Lucas walked along the wraparound porch toward the back of the inn. She had yet to see what a party at The Homestead looked like, but she’d heard an awful lot about them from staff and guests alike. Guests could expect music, food, and a whole lot of fun. Tonight, they’d step into the world of square dancing, and Ty couldn’t help but be charmed by the idea.
Of course, she looked forward to seeing the Duran family, mainly Memphis, if she were honest. Her heart gave out a clank at the mere thought of him. The mixed part of those emotions came from the layer of dread that poured in as she pictured being with her parents in such an environment. Well, her mother in particular. She had a critical eye as it was, but add in things like square dancing and meat-a-plenty buffets, and she’d make jabs about being among low society. Not to mention, this was Ty’s new place of employment, and an impressive one at that. To anyone that wasn’t her mother.
