Page 25 of Taking What Was His

“Do you want to show me?”

“Maybe later,” she said and grinned. “Come on back to the kitchen. What are we doing after? Should I bring a change of clothes? I’m bringing at least jeans.”

“No, jeans and that shirt are fine. I thought we’d get a late lunch and then maybe a movie.”

“That sounds fun.”

“When does Jayden get home?”

“Around 6:00. We were planning on having pizza and either playing a game or watching a movie tonight. If you’d like to join us, you can.”

“I’d love that.”

She smiled brightly at him. “Good. Follow me.”

He looked around as he followed her and was impressed with all the woodwork and the stone fireplace. The wood floors looked original, but in great shape.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Sure.” He sat down at the small table in the kitchen and watched her move around. Her moves were so graceful and smooth—she was a treat to watch.

She set a cup in front of him. “Cream or sugar?”

“No, baby. Black is good.”

“I have to have both. I don’t like the taste, but it’s a necessary evil.”

He chuckled. He stiffened when he heard steps coming up from the basement.

“That’s Evan,” she told him when she saw his interest and turned back to the sink.

“Beth, I checked the water heater. It’s old, but it’s still working...” Evan stopped short when he saw Roman. “Captain, what are you doing here?”

Roman looked the man over. He’d only had a chance to talk to him a few times, and he’d always seemed pleasant, but at the moment, he was acting a bit territorial and suspicious.

Beth turned and smiled at Evan. “I know I’m going to have to think about a new one soon. It seems you always have to do something to fix it.”

“Yes, most likely. I think it’s as old as the house.” Evan’s gaze went back and forth. “So, what’s going on?”

Roman looked at Beth and almost smiled. She had no idea what was happening in front of her. The males were squaring off.

“I’m taking her out to the ranch,” was all he said.

“You’ve been there?”

Roman nodded. “Yeah, we had to stop by on our way to dinner last night.”

Evan’s face hardened for a moment. “Ah, I didn’t know you guys were seeing each other.”

Beth was still moving around the room, putting things away, when she turned to Evan. She must have sensed some hostility from the tone of Evan’s voice because she had a frown on her face.

“We’ve only been seeing each other for a short while.”

Roman watched the other man fight to hold back. “I wasn’t aware that we had to announce it, Evan,” Roman said.

“No, it’s just ... it’s my job to take care of her.”

“Well, I’m sure she’s going to want you to stay in her life, but now she’ll have me around also to help.”