True-Blue Cowboy - Vicki Lewis Thompson Page 0,14
heaven.”
“Pretty much.” He gestured to a coatrack by the door where several purses hung. “That’s the official spot if you want to leave—”
“I do. Perfect.” She looped the strap of hers over one of the empty hooks.
“Ready to dive in?”
“Absolutely. Lead the way.” She made the rounds with him and ended up with more than she could eat because he insisted she try everything. Carrying full plates and crystal goblets of draft apple cider, they located a place to sit.
They were soon joined by Leo and Fiona. Before anyone had taken a bite, Ed showed up with a fancy camera.
“Hang on, boys! Don’t start eating yet.” She swept a hand toward the fireplace. “I need three minutes to get a group shot of all the bachelors right over there. I promise it won’t take any longer than that.”
After Nick and Leo put down their plates and excused themselves, Eva turned to Fiona. “Quick, I’m dying to know what you think of Leo.”
“He’s a perfect gentleman.”
“And?”
She lowered her voice. “Guarded. He’d be tough to get to know.”
“I certainly can’t help you there, since I don’t know him at all. I—” She paused as Beth came over holding her plate and a goblet of cider. “Hey, girlfriend.” She motioned her to sit and leaned closer. “How’s it going with Jared?”
“It’s a work in progress. Evidently we don’t know how to be together without talking about business.”
“When’s he taking you to the drive-in?”
“Tomorrow night.”
She turned to Fiona. “When are you and Leo going—”
“Also tomorrow night.”
“That settles it,” Eva said. “Monday night we need to have dinner and compare notes.”
Fiona nodded. “For sure. Come to my apartment at six. It’s my turn to host.”
“I’ll be there,” Eva said.
“Me, too.” Beth glanced at them. “I couldn’t hear how the bidding went. Did you guys stay within your budget?”
“I way overspent,” Fiona said. “Same as you two.”
“Eva, you blew your budget?” Beth stared at her. “I thought of all of us, you’d hold the line.”
“I tried to stop her,” Fiona said, “but it was a hopeless cause. Then I followed both of you down that rabbit hole. I won’t be taking advantage of the Labor Day Weekend sales at Jeans Junction this year.”
“Me, either,” Eva said. “I blame the way they rode in.”
“No kidding.” Fiona pressed a hand to her heart. “Leo did this trick where he hung off one side of the saddle while the horse was galloping and then vaulted to the other side. I was so afraid he’d fall, but he was in complete control. I wonder if he was a stunt man before he moved here.”
“Did you ask him?”
“Yes, and he dodged the question. I already know he doesn’t want to discuss his past. He—”
“Zip it,” Beth said. “The guys are coming back.”
When Nick arrived, he took one look at Eva’s goblet and held out his hand. “Looks like you need a refill.”
Evidently during the conversation with Beth and Fiona, she’d drained her glass. Whoops. “Thank you, but please make it the virgin kind. I’m the designated driver.”
“That reminds me,” Fiona said. “Leo’s offered to take me home.”
“I’d planned to take Beth home, too.” Jared turned to her. “That’s if you want me to.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll ride back with Eva.”
“Oh,” Fiona said. “Then so will I.”
“That’s silly.” Eva didn’t want to stand in the way of either of them spending time with their chosen guys. “I can—”
“I have a solution.” Nick glanced down at her. “Let me drive you home and bring you back here in the morning to pick up your truck. I’ll need to be at your house before eight, anyway, so I can get started on time. What do you say?”
“That’s very gallant of you.” From this angle his muscular chest was even more impressive. He’d taken her suggestion about wearing a tight T-shirt. Nice. “But then you can’t enjoy an extra glass of cider.”
He held her gaze. “Not a problem.”
Had his eyes always been that blue? Maybe it was the navy T-shirt that emphasized the color. “Okay, then, thank you. A ride home would be lovely.”
“Good.” He smiled. “I’ll fetch you a refill.”
Ellie Mae’s words came back to her. You can count on this guy. Nick had just removed responsibility from her shoulders so she could fully participate in this gala.
Why not let go of her duties for one evening? She loved her job and didn’t mind the work involved with her house, but it might be time to relax and enjoy herself for a