“Yes, but the horses were out,” she replied, casually leaning against the counter, her posture relaxed and inviting.
“Did you want to ride? One of the men could have brought one in for you.”
“No, I was just being nosy. I did meet Jonah, though,” she added with an amused grin, her eyes dancing.
“Damn, I forgot about him. Here I was, worried about you seeing Hud and didn’t think of Jonah. I might have been kidding a little when I said Hud had to beat women off with a stick, but Johan definitely has to.”
Ava laughed. “He is one gorgeous man.”
“Hey!” Deke protested, feigning offense.
Ava wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him closer, her touch a balm to his soul. “He has nothing on you, though,” she assured him, sincerity shining in her eyes.
Deke laughed. “Now you’re just trying to make me feel better.”
Ava leaned against the counter, her fingers curling around a steaming mug of tea as she looked at Deacon. “I’m serious,” she said, her voice soft but certain. “No man compares to you, Deacon.” She brought her mug to her lips, then laughed, bright and easy. “I did send a photo of him to Joella, though. She’s ready to book a flight.”
Deacon smiled as he folded his arms across his chest. “She’s welcome anytime.”
“I told her that.”
“Whenever is fine. I’m going to grab a quick shower.”
“Okay. Since you like your steak fresh from the fridge, I’ll wait to start yours, but I’ll make mine now,” she teased, turning to the stove and cracking a grin that made him laugh.
“All right, darlin’. I won’t be long.” He crossed the tiled floor, brushed a kiss across Ava’s lips,then slipped out of the kitchen toward the bedroom.
A few minutes later Deke entered the kitchen, his hair still damp. The sizzle of raw meat in the hot skillet made him groan in appreciation. He crept up behind Ava, sliding his hands to rest lightly on her hips. He leaned in and brushed a warm kiss along her neck; she gave an involuntary moan, and he grinned.
“You smell good,” she murmured, her cheeks flushing pink.
“You always do.” He shook his head. “You’re ruining that steak.”
Ava flipped the meat. “I like it fully cooked. I don’t need to hear it moo while I’m trying to eat it.”
Deke laughed. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”
She put two thick, juicy steaks, each ringed with perfectly browned grill marks on plates, along with a pair of baked potatoes.
“What is Ellie eating?” Deke asked.
“Oh, I found her a thin piece of steak, and I’ll give her some of my potato.” Ava scooped the potatoes onto small plates.
“She can have all of that?” he asked, eyebrows raised.
“Yes, as long as it’s cut into small pieces.”
Deke chuckled. “I’m surprised she didn’t want a hambirder,” he teased, and Ava laughed.
“Hambirder, Dad-dy?” Ellie piped up from her spot on the floor, gazing up at him with wide, curious eyes.
“Now see what you did,” Ava chided gently, shaking her head.
Deke winked at Ellie. “Just tell her the steak is really hambirder.”
Ellie clapped her tiny hands in delight. “Ham-bir-der!” she echoed, and Ava couldn’t help but smile.
“Could you please put her in her highchair?” Ava asked, smoothing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
