“There’s my girl.”
THIRTY-THREE
COLE
December
It seemslike half of Heston Lake’s residents are at the Lombards’ party when I arrive. Mrs. Lombard has outdone herself with festive decorations. Somehow they’ve doubled since Thanksgiving last week.
“Oh, Cole, honey!” Mrs. Lombard gathers me into a hug, almost crushing the plate of cookies I made with Eve yesterday. “You didn’t have to bring anything.”
“It’s a potluck, isn’t it? Couldn’t come empty handed.” I offer our contribution.
She fusses over me. “Thank you. I’ll find a spot for these.”
David and Theo greet me next. I shake David’s hand and pat Theo’s shoulder.
“They putting you to work?” I joke.
He lifts the tray of Mrs. Lombard’s famous savory pastry turnovers. I don’t know a soul in town who doesn’t love them at parties or hound her for the recipe.
“Are you kidding? I volunteered to carry them when they were ready to go out.” Theo grins at the platter. “First dibs are mine.”
“Go easy on them. We don’t want you slowed down next weekend,” David says.
Theo groans. “I’ve been looking forward to them all day.”
Covering a snort with a cough, I elbow him. Once David leaves, I stand guard while he shovels three into his mouth.
“Just make sure you hit the gym and keep yourself limber,” I mutter.
“Got it, coach. Thanks for doing me a solid.”
Smirking, I nab a brie and caramelized onion turnover for myself. He protests as I saunter away. I bypass the living room when I don’t see Eve, wandering to find her. At last I hear the voice I want most behind me.
“Hey, you. Glad you made it.”
Eve puts a drink in my hand, fingertips lingering. I hook her pinkie with mine and go in for a kiss to her cheek.
“You look great.”Hey, baby. You’re so beautiful. Sneak away with me for a real kiss.
She grants me a wink. My eyes rake over her quickly, not nearly long enough to satisfy me. Her sexy knit dress hugs her curves and half her hair is pulled back in a bow. My lips twitch fondly at her sparkly pink heart lollipop earrings.
“Cole! What’s up, bro?” Benson claps a hand on my shoulder, steering me away from his sister.
I twist in time to see her wry expression while he shows me ten new photos of his daughter. A chuckle shakes my shoulders because they seem to be from the party. We end up in the back room with some of the guys on the Brawling Bandits, Theo, his dad, and some other guys from around town.
“I’m telling you, our rankings for this season? We’ve got this in the bag,” Benson boasts. “Joe, you’ve gotta get out to one of our games so you can drink with us after.”
“For sure. Heard you guys were robbed after getting far last year.”
Benny nods vigorously. “We’re out for revenge this year. Right, Cole?”
“Your D is solid.” Theo cracks up at the round of groans from the innuendo. “But for real, coach. Top shelf skating.”
“Thanks.” I toast him.
“He’s even sharper than he was on our high school team.” Benson jostles me with a hearty laugh.
