“More than support.We’ll cheer.We miss having babiesaround,” her mom explained and then winced.“Not that we’re putting pressure onany of you.”
“Mom, it’s okay.I love you.I know how hard it was on youbeing a single mom, and I know I wouldn’t have the same problems.It’ssomething to think about.But while I’m thinking, I don’t want to get set up.I’ll find my way.”
“I agree.No setups.Have fun at the club and explore andyou’ll probably be surprised that once you stop looking, something will showup.Or someone.Or two someones.Lexi will be disappointed.She’s been workingwith these two gentlemen and thinks they would be perfect for you.”
Olivia held up a hand.“Nope.I’m good.I had my fun lastnight, and now I’m going to deal with work for a while.I’m going to getdressed because we have a flight to make.”
“About that,” her mom began.
She could guess.“You’re moving over to The Club andspending the week there.”
Her mom held her hand.“I told you we’re having the houserenovated while Benita’s on vacation.There’s only one other thing, and I hopeyou’re okay with it.The house is a mess, and Josh and Grim’s new place isstill getting the finishing touches.”
Horror dawned as she realized what her mom was asking.“Where do the two guys Lucas is sending go?I mean I don’t know that we haveenough rooms in the bunkhouse.”
“Sweetie, there aren’t rooms in the bunkhouse.There arebeds.I can’t ask this lawyer to sleep on a cot in the bunkhouse.”
“But you can ask two random guys to stay with yourdaughter?”
Her mom waved the concern off.“It’s not exactly a tightspace.You’ve got three bedrooms and a good security system, and I happen toknow you can handle yourself.These guys have been thoroughly vetted by Lucas.It’s only a couple of weeks.Maybe the foreman will feel more comfortable inthe bunkhouse and then you only have to deal with one of them.I’m so sorry.You know what?I’ll go talk to your dads.We can handle some dust.”
It wasn’t dust.The whole house was getting an overhaul, andthey were renovating the playspace in the big house.For years they’d used theguest house for it but gave it up when Josh and Grim needed a place.It wasgood they were upgrading that part of their life.“I can handle a lawyer, andlord knows I can handle a cowboy.”
“Are you sure?Because now I’m worried.What if they aren’tnice men?”
“That’s what god made cast-iron skillets for.”It was whather momma always said.“I’ll be fine.You guys have fun.You’ve spent so muchtime and effort and energy on this wedding.You need to let Dad take care ofyou for a few days.Let Papa know you’re still his wife and not only a mom.”
Tears shone in her mother’s eyes, and her hands came up tosmooth back Olivia’s hair.Like she had when she was a girl and this woman wasthe center of her world.She still was, though they were on more even groundnow.Her mother was the best person she knew, though her dads were close.Shehad the best family in the world, and she should have trusted them.
“Okay, baby.Thank you for taking care of everything athome.I love you so much.”Her mom pulled her into another hug.“And I will nottell your dads about your wild night.They’ll try to figure out who it is andhave a talk with them.But, baby, you need to take a shower because you smelllike sex, and your papa will not politely ignore it the way your dad will.”
Her papa would want to know.Her papa would tease herendlessly.In a loving way.
She hadn’t planned on taking a shower.Her hair would takeforever to dry.
Or she could let it dry naturally.
“Okay,” she said and gestured to the door.“Go out there andplay hostess.I’ll be out soon.And if you go shopping, I wouldn’t mind a newbag.After all, I suspect I’m going to be dealing with contractors, too.”
Her mom blew her a kiss.“I appreciate you so much, and Iwill find you some presents.You know I love to shop.”
She laughed as her mom left and headed to the shower.
She hoped her houseguests were nice men.
Really hoped.
Chapter Four
Keane sat in the small private jet and wondered whatkind of woman demanded a private jet when she could drive a couple of hours.
The truth of the matter was he didn’t like flying.
Well, he didn’t know if he liked flying because he’d neveractually flown.No one flew the foster kid anywhere and once he hit prison,they were really more bus people.He’d ridden up with Aidan and Lexi, whileGarrett had come on a plane a few days earlier with Lucas so they could meet withJulian Lodge and Finn Taylor.
He was anxious and kind of pissed off because Red had beengone this morning.He was a man who slept light.He’d learned it from a youngage.The bad shit came at you at night when the lights were off and anyone whomight protect you was sleeping.
Yet he had slept so deeply he didn’t wake up when she leftthe bed.And she’d been between them.
