“Here’s to our handsome men,” Stef said, lifting her cup, and Rylee followed suit.
Amanda kept hers on the table and waited.
“Aren’t you going to toast?” Stef asked.
She shook her head. “No, I’m not part of it. I don’t have a man.”
The women paused a moment before they sipped their drinks and set their glasses down.
“You know, Amanda, you could be,” Rylee said, and Stef nodded. “There’s a very single, very handsome, very eligible man right over there.”
She didn’t bother to look. “Not happening,” she said. “And like I told my sister and Lyndsey a week ago, please don’t try to set me up with Dante.”
Rylee raised a brow. “You can’t tell me you don’t find him attractive because you blush whenever he’s around.”
Darn, she’d hoped no one had noticed.
“Of course, I find him attractive, but that’s not the point.” She blew out another breath. “He’s a widower, and I’d rather let him decide when he’s ready to date andwhomhe wants to date.”
“He might bereadierthan you think.” Stef grinned.
Amanda frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Have you seen the way he looks at you?” the woman asked, a brow quirked.
She jerked her head back. “What? He doesn’t look at me any different than you guys.”
Stef chuckled. “For someone educated in education, you sure are wrong.”
“It’s true.” Rylee nodded. “He’s good at keeping it sly, but we girls have been dealing with these military types for a few years now. We know their ways, and Dante likes to glanceyourway.”
She blinked and stared from one woman to another, unsure if they were serious or delusional.
“It’s true.” Stefanie nodded. “He stared at you all the while you were talking to Gabe before.”
She smirked and waved her hand in front of her face. “I’m sure he was just curious as to what Gabe was grilling.”
“No.” Rylee shook her head. “He was definitely more interested in your backside than the steaks.”
The girls laughed.
So did Amanda, but she still thought they were mistaken.
“They’re right, he is definitely attracted to you,” Loni said as she neared, apparently within earshot. “Even I can see it and I’m going blind.”
Amanda inhaled and stared at the beauty who nonchalantly poked fun at the degenerative eye disease Emily had told her about.
“I’m sorry, you’re not used to my humor,” the black-haired beauty said. “It’s okay. I’m okay. The medication your sister has me on is keeping my disease at bay for now.”
“Olivia is your eye doctor?” Amanda asked.
Loni nodded. “Yes. Dr. Kramer recommended her before he retired last year.”
“Well, my sisterisbrilliant,” Amanda stated honestly. “So, I’m sure you’re getting the best of care.”
“I agree.” Loni grinned.
“You have another sister who is an eye doctor?” Stef asked.
