The Maverick - By Jan Hudson Page 0,31
said quietly, “it was bound to happen sooner or later. Isn’t it wonderful things have turned out so well?”
“Of course. I just need a little time to get used to the idea. Now, girls, if you’ll excuse us for a while, Min and I have some shopping to do.” She rose and walked toward the back exit.
Aunt Min shrugged and whispered, “Don’t fret. She’ll come around. Just give her a bit of time to chew on it.” She patted her nieces’ hands, rose and followed her sister.
“That went well,” Sunny said, rolling her eyes.
“Actually, it went better than I expected. At least Mom didn’t go into hysterics.”
“And when,” Sunny asked, “did you ever see Mom go into hysterics?”
“Never, now that I think about it. I suppose the closest was when I got a C in conduct in the second grade. Or when you fell off your bike and were all bloody.”
“I just hope she isn’t too hurt by this,” Sunny said.
The kitchen crew arrived just then and the two of them went to get things organized.
They got busy, and Cass didn’t remember until later to tell Sunny about Carrie Outlaw wanting to meet with them. Both were curious about the request, but they decided there was no need to speculate until they talked with her. In consideration of their mother, they also decided not to go to Wimberley and spend the day with part of the Outlaw clan just yet.
Cass talked with Carrie that evening, and they agreed to meet for a late Sunday breakfast in Drippings Springs, the small town about halfway between Austin and Wimberley. Even through she tried her best to get more information, Carrie was evasive.
“It’s business, and better if we talk in person,” Carrie said. “See you in a week.”
“Okay.” Frustrated and totally baffled, Cass ended the call.
Her cell rang again almost immediately. She recognized the number. Griff.
“Hi,” he said. “I’ve been missing you. Tired?”
“Absolutely pooped. If I had a tub, I’d sit here and soak my feet.”
“I have a tub,” he said. “And a big swimming pool.”
“You know, a swim right now would be fantastic.”
“Come on over.”
“I can’t stay long.”
She could practically hear that sexy smile of his over the phone. “I’ll take what I can get. Your bathing suit is ready and waiting for you.”
THE NIGHT WAS COOL, the water was warm and Griff’s kiss was hot.
“Don’t get that started,” Cass said, pulling away. “I need to get home early.”
“I can come home with you.”
“I don’t think so. My mother’s had enough shocks for one day.”
“And what was so shocking to her today?” he asked as he lazily sidestroked beside her.
“Belle dropped by.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Exactly. Sunny and I had to spill the whole thing about meeting the Outlaws.”
“Did she explode?”
“No. Strangely enough, after she had time to digest the idea, she took it rather well. I think she was relieved her worst fears hadn’t come to pass, that our father’s family wasn’t horrified to learn of our existence. Still, she’s been subdued today.”
“At least you don’t have the worry hanging over your head.” He captured her in his arms again, kissed her again and they sank beneath the water.
She came up sputtering and laughing and splashing him. “Are you trying to drown me? It won’t work, you know. At least half the people on this side of the hotel are watching your moves.”
“Then come upstairs with me. We’ll order a bottle of wine, and I’ll massage your feet.”
She flipped on her back and floated. “You’d really massage my feet?”
“Of course. You have lovely feet.” He stroked her arch and flexed her foot. “I’ll even nibble your toes—and anywhere else you name.”
His suggestive tone sent shivers over her, and she felt her resolve to leave early quickly fading away. She wasn’t nearly as tired as she’d been earlier.
BEFORE THEY GOT TO THE foot massage, Cass and Griff showered, and the shower took much longer and was more intimate than she’d intended. After they’d changed into shorts, Griff took a towel and led her to the sofa.
“Lie down,” he said.
She cocked an eyebrow. “What did you have in mind?”
“I promised you a foot massage.”
“Yes you did. I thought it had slipped your mind. What are you going to use?”
“My hands. I’m very good with my hands.”
Cass chuckled. “I’ll grant you that, but I meant do you have lotion or oil?”
Griff looked pained. “I’ll run down to the gift shop and get something.”
“No need,” Cass said. “There should be some lotion in one of those little bottles in