You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,43

so far, so good.” Ashley pushed her glass to the center and clinked hers with Hale’s, before moving onto Jasmine’s. Hale followed and then gulped the liquid.

“Whoa!” Hale gasped. “It still burns.”

Ashley hurried to the refrigerator to pull out the bowl of limes, then returned to the island. “Here, suck on this. It should help.”

Hale took a bite of her lime. “Yeah, that’s better.” It had been a while since she had done shots of tequila. Now she remembered why; her throat still tingled.

“Ladies, I think it’s still too humid to sit outside on the porch. Where do you want to go? The formal living room or the den?” Jasmine had planned the night, so she was acting as hostess.

“The den,” Hale answered decisively. “I hate that formal area. I should do something about it.”

“You can’t do anything with it until after New Year’s Eve, remember the annual party.” Jasmine carried the bowl of limes and her glass.

“I’m getting a bottle of water, anybody else want one?” Hale walked to the refrigerator.

“Pussy,” Ashley called over her shoulder.

“Grab one for me, I’ll be a pussy too.” Jasmine’s laugh echoed down the hall.

Ashley sat on the floor by the large, glass-covered coffee table while the other ladies claimed each end of the sofa.

“So, are you going to throw a New Year’s Eve party?” Ashley asked as she played with the label on the tequila bottle.

“Dad told me that he wanted me to carry on the tradition. Maria is going to start working with the caterer and I’m going to go through past invitation lists.” This would be a huge undertaking, but it was important to honor her dad’s wishes and she had always enjoyed the celebration while growing up.

“You know that I’ll do anything to help.” Jasmine poked Hale with her foot.

“I know. After we get through your Fall Festival, we’ll get together to see what is what.” Hale stretched her legs out in front of her, placing them on the table.

Jasmine was staring at the huge floral arrangement on the side table. “That’s some grouping of roses over there. It looks three dozen.” She got up and started to walk to the table.

Hale glanced at Ashley and rolled her eyes.

“Anything you want to tell me about Major? The last I heard, you were done with him.” Jasmine gave Hale an accusing glance over her shoulder.

“Busted.” Ashley laughed.

Jasmine plucking the card from the plastic holder. “Oh look, he even added x’s and o’s.”

“All right, I said that I was done with him, but after your party he called.” Hale knew that she was in for it. Jasmine was going to unleash her disapproval.

“Like a hundred times,” Ashley interjected.

“He realized his mistakes and apologized. I had to accept. I mean, I’ve made my share of screw ups.” Hale’s voice trailed off and she knew that she looked guilty.

“Hale Cameron, I swear, Major’s persistence is going to have him moving into this house and your bed if you aren’t careful.” Jasmine shook the card at her.

“I don’t think he’ll be in my bed anytime soon. He doesn’t seem to be interested in me like that.” Hale shrugged her shoulders.

“You’re kidding, still?” Jasmine chuckled as she replaced the card.

“No, things are moving slowly, very slowly.” That wasn’t helping with keeping Finn out of her thoughts and fantasies.

Jasmine motioned for Ashley to resume her pouring duties. “Poor Hale, are your toys getting a workout?”

Hale smiled. “Yeah, but that’s nothing new.”

“I thought I saw some sparks between you and Finn the other night.” Jasmine slammed her shot.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Hale took a large sip from her glass but heat flooded her cheeks.

“Ooh, you and Mayor? You didn’t say anything about that.” Ashley pouted.

“Because there is nothing to say.” Hale scowled at Ashley, she still wasn’t ready to admit that she wanted Finn and she feared he wouldn’t say no.

“I’ll drop it because you want me to, but me thinks you might be lying.” Jasmine daintily put the lime to her lips.

“If those two are talking to one another then it’s on the down low because the calls don’t go through me when I’m here.” Ashley added helpfully. “So, that means he’s calling her at night when he knows that she is alone. Ooooh, pri-va-cy.” Ashley wiggled her eyebrows comically.

“Guys, stop it. I’m trying to get along with Finn. He doesn’t call me very much and when he does, it has to do with the town’s business. You make it sound so illicit.”