I scramble to my feet. “I guess I’d better let the realtor know that Charlotte’s house is off the market.” And make sure no one sells Lady and Scoundrel.
Because they’remyhorses, and I’m not ready to give them up either.
“Are you planning to tell Noah now too?” Troy asks.
I think for a second, then shake my head. “No, I have a better idea.” I remove my phone from my clutch and hit speed dial.
Sophie barely has time to say hi before I launch into an enthusiastic, “I need your help with something.”
33
Noah
I enter the kitchen,my hair still damp from my recent shower. Jake is leaning against the island, typing on his phone.
And wearing a business suit.
“Where is everyone?” I ask. For five p.m., the room is oddly quiet. Usually Sophie and Violet are busying cooking dinner. “And why are you wearing a suit?”
I can’t remember the last time he wore one…other than for Halloween last year. Sophie was dressed as his sexy assistant.
He stops typing and pushes away from the counter. “We’re going out and they’re meeting us there.”
“Where are we supposedly going?”
“The new homeowner moved into Charlotte’s house the other day—”
“Holy shit, that was fast. I didn’t think it would sellthatquickly. And how come this is the first I’ve heard that it’s sold?”
“I guess that’s because you’ve been too busy moping around since Kate left. You’ve missed all the latest gossip.”
I grunt. “I haven’t been moping. I’ve been super productive, in case you haven’t noticed. And since when were you so tuned-in to the gossip? Did you trade in your balls for ovaries and I didn’t know about it?”
He just laughs at that. “Anyway, the owner is having a housewarming party today and we’re going to it.”
“By we, you’re talking about you and Sophie, right?” I say, even though I know that’s not exactly the “we” he’s referring to. But I can always hope, especially since I’m not in the mood to be in Charlotte’s house if Kate isn’t there.
“No, I mean you, me, TJ, the girls, Deacon, and two dozen or so other people. So go get changed into your costume so we can head out already.”
“I’d rather stay home, pop open a beer, and work on the Thunderbird.”
“You mean like what you’ve been doing for the past two weeks since Kate left? Tell you what, we’ll drop in on the party for a few minutes. If you still want to go home after that, then fine. Go home and wallow if you must.”
“Ha! You should talk. I remember you doing the same when things went south for you and Sophie. Maybe, bro, I learned from the best.” I slap him on his back. “Okay, let’s get this over with so that I can come home and mope in peace.”
“Costume?”
“Sadly, it’s at the dry cleaners, so I’ll have to go without it.” It’s not, but I’m too lazy to change when I have no intention of staying at the party for more than a few minutes.
A short time later, we’re in my truck, heading toward Charlotte’s house. The early signs of dusk creep toward us over the valley.
“Have you talked to Kate since she returned home?” The corners of Jake’s mouth twitch briefly. A commiserating smile.
“A few times.” More like every day, which is how I know her best friend is now engaged to Kate’s ex-boyfriend.
“And you’re still in love with her?”
I glare at him as if his suggestion is ridiculous.
