The Heart of a Cowboy by Vayden Kristin

Author:Vayden, Kristin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2017-12-19T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

As Laken pulled out the store-bought lasagna, she wasn’t sure if she’d been saved by the smoke, or if the smoke had ruined everything. Well, so maybe not everything. She glared at the oven, biting back a curse as the wisps from the overflowed lasagna burning on the bottom filled the air.

She sighed.

And here she thought she’d been so brilliant by buying something pre-made again.

She should have stuck with takeout.

“Everything okay, honey?” Jack called from behind her.

“Yeah, yeah. Just overflowed and burned on the bottom. That’s going to be fun to clean”—she blew out a breath—“but the lasagna isn’t ruined or burned even.” She studied the pan. “In fact, I think it’s still half-frozen.”

“That’s why God made microwaves. We’ll dish some out, zap it, and boom! We’ll be good to go. Don’t worry, honey. Can’t be perfect at everything.” Jack clapped once, rubbed his hands together, and went to pull down some plates. His steps were slow and unsteady, so Laken intercepted him.

“I’ll tell you what. You just boss me around from that chair over there, and I’ll pour you some coffee. Sound good?”

He narrowed his eyes and allowed her to lead him to the chair, but not before muttering, “Who’s bossing whom?”

“Heard that.”

“Don’t care.”

“I’m putting sugar in your coffee to sweeten you up.”

“Won’t work. I’m tougher than rawhide and just as mean.” He nodded emphatically.

Laken rolled her eyes. “Sure, sure. Your secret’s safe with me.” She bit her lip and turned, but not before noticing his wry grin.

“So, I’m assuming we don’t need the fire department. Unless Jack wants to go down in a blaze of glory instead.” Cyler’s voice carried from the hall as he strode into the kitchen.

“You wish,” Jack replied.

“Nah, no heroics for you,” Cyler shot back.

“And again, done. And no, no fire department. I didn’t actually even burn the lasagna.”

“Nope, it’s still frozen.”

“Thanks, Jack. Helpful.” Laken gave a sarcastic smile.

“Anytime, sweetheart. Just making sure he knows what he’s getting into.” He chuckled.

Laken froze, then closed her eyes. Thanks again, Jack.

Cyler’s laughter had her eyes snapping open. “That obvious, huh? Well, I never was one to beat around the bush.” Cyler strode the rest of the way into the kitchen and pulled down the plates. “Hey, Laken? You’re only cuter when you blush.”

She took a deep breath through her nose and shook her head. She was surrounded. “Between the two of you, this might kill me.”

“Nah, I’m the one with a timetable to work with. You’re young, sweetheart. Act like it. I’m putting myself to bed, but not till after dinner. Kinda hungry, you understand. Then you two can—honestly, I don’t want to know.” Jack held up his two hands, his grin becoming more of a smirk.

“Just when you thought it couldn’t get more awkward,” Cyler stage-whispered.

“Not helping.”

“Wasn’t trying to.”

“Gah!” Laken groaned.

“Anytime tonight, sweetheart.” Jack called out, and as Laken turned to glare, he pointed to the lasagna.

“Fine.” She cut through the still chilly middle of the lasagna and handed a plateful to Cyler, who placed it in the microwave.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.