A Snow Country Christmas (The Carsons of Mustang Creek #4)(29)
Mick lifted a brow. “Beware? I love ice cream.”
“Good. Get ready to prove it.”
He ended up with brownie fudge with cherries and marshmallow topping in a massive bowl, not to mention various kinds of sprinkles in rainbow colors. Before he dug in he muttered, “Beware. Now I get it. I’ll have to go to the gym fifteen times to work this off.”
“I’ll go with you.” Her bowl was half the size.
“You can go with me anywhere.”
There was that smooth Hollywood charm again. She scooped up marshmallow and cherry on her spoon. “You see, our problem is I’m not going anywhere. I can’t. That’s why I want to contact my Realtor’s office the minute it’s open, yank the cabin property off the market, and tell them to set up a closing.”
“Cabin? You mean Grandpa’s house?” Daisy had seemed to be focused on her own heaping spoonful, but Raine knew she was listening to their every word.
“That’s right. I’m giving it to Mick.”
“That’s a pretty good idea.”
Raine smiled. “Mick is a writer. He’ll love it there.”
That was a full-out dare. Daisy actually stopped eating ice cream, and that was something. Her eyes were wide. “You are? Like him?”
He blinked. “No.” Then relented. “Well, I’m afraid I’m nowhere near as talented as your great-grandfather, but I’ve tried a time or two.”
“He’s been published in literary magazines.” Raine couldn’t resist imparting that information and ignored the quelling look from the man across the table. “And he’s read the Matthew Brighton books.”
“Have you really?” Daisy grinned, obviously delighted. “My favorite is Mountain Sunrise.”
“I liked that one, too.” Mick acted nonchalant, but Raine sensed his passion for finishing the manuscript. No matter how it turned out, she was glad to have played a small role in encouraging him to explore the creative side he didn’t often get to give free rein to.
Raine got up. “I’m going to go clean the kitchen. I truly can’t eat another bite. I might need to go for a walk but someone should probably carry me.”
Daisy pointed out, “Then it wouldn’t be a walk.”
“I’ll help you clean up since I made the mess, and then I’ll take you on that walk.” Mick rose as well. “Beautiful moon out there.”
Raine probably should have predicted the total chaos that ensued when Mick took a step toward the kitchen.
Jangles did a daring guerilla move and went for his ankles, but now Samson was back in residence and wanted part of the action. Raine was almost swept off her feet—not in the romantic sense—as a giant puppy chased a giant cat and both of them nearly took her out, the cat dodging right in front of her and the dog accidentally slamming into the back of her legs. Mick managed to keep his balance during the mayhem and caught her shoulders, steadying her at the last second as the animals dashed past.
“Such a peaceful household,” she said darkly. “Bunch of wild critters that don’t realize if they break your leg you can’t get to the grocery store to buy them more food.”
They went by again at full speed, careening into walls and not caring, playing a classic game of circling the house. It was endearingly funny, but she made sure her computer wasn’t plugged in when they really got going because Samson could easily catch that cord. One day he might not be so clumsy, but for now she was taking precautions.
“I like it,” Mick said and kissed her swiftly out of Daisy’s sightline. “Full of life. I’m starting to think my house in California is entirely too quiet.”
“Then move here. I promise no peace and quiet at all.”
She was really losing it if she’d just said that. So she just blundered on. “You can’t live in the cabin while the house is being built.”
“Sure I could. I’ve also read Walden.”
“You wear Italian shoes.”
“So? Stop harping on my shoes and focus on the man.” He caught her playfully around the waist. “But invitation accepted. Where would I sleep? With you?”
“I’m thinking that might be the case.” She went serious because she might as well make her position clear. “But only on the nights when Daisy is at the ranch. I’m not so naive as to think she hasn’t cottoned on to the fact that there’s something going between us, but I also know Slater and Grace kept their feelings for each other off her radar until they understood where they were headed, and I appreciated that. Daisy likes you, and so do I—”
“Glad to hear it.” He was busy nuzzling her neck. “I can always stay at the cabin.”
“Don’t you have business on the West Coast?”
“That’s the beauty of modern technology. I can work from anywhere, to a certain extent.” He kissed her again.
“No plumbing.” She whispered it against his mouth, not quite sure why she was trying to warn him off when she so badly wanted him to stay.
“Versus no you? That’s hardly a contest.”
“I have to think of my daughter.”
“I will always think of her, too, I promise. And then there’s the other females in our lives to think of. We’ll have to handle my mother and your grandmother, Blythe, Harry, and the rest of the bunch.”