Kiss Me (Fool's Gold #17)(27)

“When was the last time you saw Del?” she asked.

Maya sat up. “It’s been close to ten years. He travels all the time. Elaine rarely mentions him in her emails. I make sure I see her when I visit, but I’ve never run into him.”

“Maybe he’s not hot anymore.”

Maya laughed. “That would be nice, but I suspect he’s still just as attractive. Not for me, of course.”

“Of course,” Phoebe murmured, wondering if any of those sound-track feelings were still lingering for her friend. Not that Maya would ever admit it.

Phoebe glanced at the clock and groaned. “We have to pack.”

Maya picked up the small duffels and saddlebags that had been left on the foot of the bed and tossed one of each over.

Phoebe shook her head. “I brought way too much stuff.”

Maya pointed to her open suitcase and the pile of makeup bags, jeans and shirts next to it. “You and me both. Looks like I’m going to have to settle on sunscreen and mascara. And eye makeup remover, or I’ll look like a raccoon.” She glanced at Phoebe. “You, of course, don’t have to worry about your eyelashes fading into nothing. They’re thick and dark all on their own. If you weren’t such a good friend, I’d have to hate you.”

As Phoebe collected her own clothes and toiletries, she didn’t bother pointing out that she would gladly give up her eyelashes for about two inches in height, along with blond hair. Or big boobs. They would be nice, too.

“Poor Zane,” Maya said as she folded a T-shirt. “I almost feel sorry for him. Eddie and Gladys are a handful at the best of times, and what’s with those kids?”

Phoebe stacked the clothes she knew she had to take in one pile and the ones she would leave behind in another. The problem was all the things she wasn’t sure she would need. They made up the largest pile.

“What about the kids?” she asked. “I thought they were cute.”

“Agreed, but out of their element.”

“Count me in with them.”

Phoebe felt as unsure as little Tommy had looked at the prospect of six days in the great outdoors. She already liked the ranch and had enjoyed looking out at the expansive view, but she had a feeling she was wildly unprepared to ride the range.

“Why are those people with them?” Maya asked. “C.J. and Thad seemed the most unlikely parents.”

“I don’t get it, either,” Phoebe admitted. “They’re not their regular foster parents. C.J. said that the people who were supposed to accompany the kids had a family emergency. C.J. and Thad were called in for backup.” She thought about the time she’d spent going from foster family to foster family. “I hope Lucy and Tommy have a good time.”

“They will. Eddie and Gladys seem ready to adopt them, if only for the week. But enough about munchkins. I’m surprised Zane gave in so graciously about the cattle drive. His last-minute attempt to get the thing canceled was impressive. I guess he decided the pain wasn’t worth whatever lesson Chase might learn.”

“Can you blame him?” Phoebe asked. “He’s taking on a lot.”

Her friend raised her eyebrows. “Are you defending him? Ooh, I like that.” Maya pushed her clothes aside and flopped onto her stomach. “So big, bad Zane is getting to you, huh? Tell me everything that’s happened.”

Phoebe busied herself with a choice between a bulky sweater and a flannel shirt she could fit into her bag. “He’s not getting to me. I just don’t think he’s the devil incarnate, which is how you’ve described him.”

“I have not.”

Phoebe rolled her eyes. “You said he was heartless and lacking normal emotions. From what I’ve seen, he really cares about Chase, and even you.”

Maya hooted. “Me? He loathes me, when he bothers to think of me at all. I drive him crazy.”

Phoebe didn’t agree, but there was no point in arguing.

“At least tell me you think he’s good-looking,” Maya said.

Phoebe grinned. “Pure Adam Levine, just like you promised.”

“I guess that’s something. I suppose my plan to get the two of you into bed was just wishful thinking on my part.”

“Not gonna happen.”

Phoebe was pleased that her voice sounded normal. There was no way she was going to let Maya know about the sizzling kisses she and Zane had shared. Not only did she not want them analyzed, she had a feeling it had been a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Well, twice in a lifetime. Sort of like the planets aligning, or winning the lotto. There was no point in mentioning that Maya’s fantasy had also become her own.

“I just know if he would cut loose, he could be a really fun guy,” Maya said as she sat back up and reached for another T-shirt. “Okay, maybe fun is too strong, but he could be less of a stick-in-the-mud. He needs a woman. Of course when he had one, it’s not like he knew what to do with her.”

Phoebe nearly dropped the jeans she’d been folding. “What are you talking about?”

“Zane was married before. Didn’t I tell you?”

Zane? Married? Why did the thought surprise her so much, and why did she suddenly feel stricken?

“No. You forgot to mention that.”

“Probably because it didn’t mean anything.”