Hold Me (Fool's Gold #16)(34)

“At least for tonight.” He took her hand in his and drew her against him. He inhaled the sweet scent of her shampoo and maybe a little perfume, then lightly kissed her cheek. “Thanks for coming.”

“It’s going to be fun.”

He stared at her for a second. “You’re better. You make up with Starr?”

“How did you know?”

“You’re more relaxed.”

“I don’t like how you can read me. Most people have trouble knowing what I’m thinking.”

“Think of it as a gift.”

“I’m not sure I’m willing to commit on that one,” she told him.

“Then let’s get you liquored up and see where that leads.”

She laughed. “At least you’re honest with your intentions.”

He leaned close. “My intentions are bad.”

She looked away. “I suspected as much. I’m afraid tonight is going to be a bit of a disappointment, then.”

He dropped his hand and put his arm around her. “Not if you’re going to tell me no. Because I’m interested in working for it. Don’t you worry.”

“Because you like the conquest?”

“I like all of it.”

They made their way to the bar. People were standing three and four deep, but Kipling went to the end where he knew he would be spotted. One of the advantages of being a partner, he thought. No waiting for service.

“What would you like?” he asked Destiny.

She looked up at him. “Okay, don’t laugh, but I would love an Old Fashioned.”

“You’re a Southern girl at heart. I would expect no less.” He ordered her drink and a beer for himself. With everyone jammed into the space, there wasn’t much room, which forced her to press up against him. Something he wasn’t going to complain about.

When they got their drinks, he led her toward the back room. It was quieter there. They also had the rear door open to let in more air.

He greeted people as they walked. When he saw the Hendrix brothers together at a table, he stopped to say hello to them.

“Destiny, meet Ethan, Kent and Ford Hendrix,” he said. “This is Destiny Mills. She’s here putting together the search and rescue software program.”

Ethan raised his beer. “Nice to meet you.” He paused, then grinned. “Starr’s sister, right? You met my wife, Liz, earlier.”

“I did.” Destiny turned to Kipling. “I took your advice. Starr is hanging out with Abby and her friends tonight.”

“I’m glad.” He wondered if the hanging out included a sleepover. That would be convenient. Although he doubted Destiny was one to put out on the first date and with her, he was happy to wait.

Ethan nodded at Kipling. “Good job. This place is great.”

“Thanks. Where are the ladies?”

“They said it wasn’t their thing,” Ford said. “They’re hanging out with our mom, baking.”

Kipling nodded. “How’s the bet going?”

Ford and Kent eyed each other.

“Fine,” Kent said. “I’m winning.”

Ford shoved his brother. “You don’t know that.”

Kent shoved back. “I have every faith in my wife.”

Ethan, on the other side of the table, shook his head. “You’re both idiots. You know that, right?”

Kipling smiled at Destiny. “Apparently, the Hendrix brothers have a bet going. Who can get his wife pregnant first.”

“You’re betting on it?”

Kent shrugged. “Yeah, but it’s not that serious a thing.”

“Which is why I’m going to win,” Ford said smugly. “Just wait and see.”

“What do your wives say about the bet?” Destiny asked.

“They, ah, don’t exactly know,” Kent murmured. “We’d be obliged if you didn’t say anything.”

“Because if Isabel finds out, the most that will happen is she’ll be mad,” Ford pointed out. “If your wife finds out, she’s perfectly capable of killing you.”

“True,” Kent said cheerfully. “But she never would.”

“You wish.”

Ethan sipped his beer. “My brothers are idiots. I’m not proud of that fact, but I can’t avoid the truth forever. Total and complete idiots.”

Kipling laughed. “Can’t wait to hear how it all turns out.”

He put his arm around Destiny again and led her through the back room and out onto the patio. There weren’t many people here, and they could breathe in the cool night air. With a little luck, she might get chilly and snuggle close.

She sat at one of the tables. He took a seat across from her. She shook her head.

“I’m not sure betting on who gets who pregnant is a good idea.”

“They’re brothers,” he pointed out. “They can’t help being competitive. I’m glad things are better with Starr.”

“Me, too.” She sipped her drink without meeting his gaze. “Kipling, what do you want from me?” she asked suddenly.

“Tonight or in general?”

“Both.”

“Tonight I’d like you to have a good time. After that, I’d like to see where things lead.”