“Chas, you’re being rude,” Wes said. Red seeped up his neck and settled in his cheeks.
“You looked like you were gonna kiss.”
“Chas!”
“Your father and I were just talking about how nice your Aunt Kat and Uncle Drew are,” Kady said quickly, hoping to pivot the girl’s thoughts about kissing.
Because hers were firmly back to the moment in the trailer at the construction site.
“Did you get me cookies for later, Daddy?” Chas clasped her hands in front of her chest, her light eyes growing big with anticipation.
“Yeah, and you almost lost your chance to eat them.” He leaned over and planted a kiss on her dark head. “Let’s go, munchkin. Time for school.” With a hand on the back of her head, he guided her toward the front door. With a wink to Kady, he said, “See you tonight.”
She nodded. “Tonight,” she whispered.
Chas’s head snapped up to Wes’s. “Tonight? Are you guys going on a date?”
Chapter 9
Kady adjusted the cardigan she wore over a floral spaghetti-strapped top. Paired with dark jeans, she began to wish she’d chosen a dress. Something to show off her slender legs, although the jeans were stretch. She wasn’t sure what type of feature Wes liked, but she always got compliments on her legs.Can’t change it now.
She rang the doorbell.
And why do I want him to notice my legs?
Before she could answer the question, the door opened. A woman standing at the exact same height, curly hair around her shoulders, and a wide grin greeted her.
“You must be Kadynce! Wow, it’s like looking in a mirror,” she said with a laugh. “Are we related? Hi, I’m Katrina.”
Yes, we’re related. And yes, we look a lot alike.That made Kady wonder if they shared their father’s features. “Hi! Kadynce. It’s a real pleasure to meet you.” Kady held out her hand and Katrina ignored it going straight for the hug.
Kady embraced her half-sister and instantly felt a kinship with the baker. Squeezing tightly, Kady fought back tears by blinking rapidly.I’m going to expose her husband. She’s my sister only by DNA.
“Oh! It’s so good to meet you!” Katrina leaned back, but kept her voice low. “Wes has been talking non-stop about you.” She bit her lip and wagged her brows. “Is anything happening there?”
Yes.“Um…”
“I’m so sorry, come in!” She pulled Kady into the front foyer and shut the door. She wrapped an arm around Kady’s waist and leaned in. “Sorry. I just wanted to get the scoop before he comes in here and occupies all your time.” They walked slowly through the foyer. “He’s such a good guy, believe me. One of the best. He and Drew were in the same Marine unit, although Drew left service before Wes. But, Wesissingle, works hard—for my husband—and he desperately needs a woman.” Katrina’s head fell back in dramatic fashion before snapping back up. “Not that he’s desperate or anything. Darn, did I mess it up? I just mean he’s such a good guy and deserves a nice, sweet woman who’ll be kind to his daughter. Did you know he has a daughter?”
Kady nodded, overwhelmed by Katrina’s instant camaraderie. Katrina didn’t know her from Eve, but they walked together as though they’d been friends for ages.She shouldn’t trust me. I’m trying to—
“Hi Kadynce.”
Kady’s eyes found Wes. He was dressed in a button-downed dark blue-plaid shirt that hung right at the waistline of his stone-washed jeans. When he shoved his hands in his front pockets, his arms strained the shirt fabric, molding around the ridges and mounds of his muscled arms. He looked like he belonged in some calendar full of hot guys.
“H—Hi.”Why am I stammering?Kady caught Katrina’s knowing gaze. Kady shoved the bottle of wine she’d brought into Kat’s hands. “I forgot. This is for you.”
“Oh! Thank you, how sweet. Wes, how about you entertain Kady while I go put this on ice.”
Katrina scurried away with the bottle. Wes held out his hand and Kady allowed him to place it gently on her lower back and lead her into the great room. Drew waved at Kady from his spot in the kitchen. Katrina showed him the wine bottle and he smiled before placing a swift kiss on her lips.
“So, you’re back.”
Kady looked down to see Chastity sitting cross-legged on the floor surrounded by a number of books. Kady sputtered a laugh. “Nice to see you too, Chastity.”
“Chas, be nice,” Wes gently chided.
“I’m always nice.”
