Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)(73)

The front door opened and two old ladies walked in. Isabel recognized Eddie and Gladys. They pushed their way through the crowd and pressed their faces against the window.

“Nice ass,” Eddie said. “Think they’ll take their shirts off?”

“It’s sixty-two degrees out there,” Isabel pointed out.

“They’re men. Let them show us they’re tough.”

Isabel shook her head. “You’re all insane.”

Patience grinned. “Come on. It’s fun. How often do we have three hot football players move to town?”

“We have bodyguards,” Isabel told her. “That’s enough. We don’t need those guys.”

“Oh, they’re pretty,” Taryn said, walking into Brew-haha. “And if you ask them nicely, they’re good at lifting and toting.”

Noelle turned to her. “Are they all single?”

“That’s what they tell me.” Taryn walked to the counter. “Can I get a latte, or do I have to wait until the show is over?”

“I think I can steam milk and watch at the same time,” Patience told her.

Isabel took a second to admire Taryn’s royal-blue suit. It matched her eyes perfectly and contrasted with her dark hair. Black suede pumps completed the outfit.

“You really know how to dress,” Isabel said, thinking her own black dress served a purpose. The bride never felt upstaged. She knew that was important, but looking at Taryn made her want to wear something more interesting. Maybe one of the new designs Dellina was always bringing in. At least she had her shoes, she thought, glancing down at the bright red pumps she’d slipped on that morning. Ridiculous but beautiful.

“I have an image to uphold,” Taryn said. “Clothes might not make the woman, but they help. My shoes intimidate the boys, much like yours would, and that’s good, too.”

She took the latte from Patience and paid her, then crossed to the growing crowd by the window.

“They gonna get naked?” Gladys asked.

“Unlikely,” Taryn murmured. “They’re exploring. Maybe, if we’re lucky, they’ll do some push-ups.”

Isabel heard distinct sarcasm in her voice, but Eddie and Gladys didn’t seem to notice.

“Wonder if they like older women?” Eddie asked. “I could teach that tall one a thing or two. Or maybe he could teach me.” She and Gladys giggled.

Taryn stepped closer to Isabel. “Those old ladies are a little disconcerting.”

“You get used to it,” Isabel assured her in a low voice. “They show up at events like this. I heard that a couple of years ago the town had male models in for a calendar to raise money for the fire department. Eddie and Gladys brought chairs and stayed for the whole event.”

Noelle walked over to them. “I’m feeling nothing,” she said, sounding disappointed. “I’m ready for something, I can feel it, but these guys aren’t doing it for me.”

Taryn smiled. “Kenny will be disappointed to hear that.”

Noelle glanced toward the window. “I don’t even care which one is Kenny. Are there more men moving to town? Because this is getting ridiculous.”

Dellina strolled over. “I want to do more than look,” she said brightly. “Is Sam single?”

“Yes, but he’s annoying. Just so you’re warned.”

Isabel looked at Taryn. “You’re really not interested?”

“Yawn,” Taryn said. “It is physically impossible for me to be less interested. I know them far too well to want to be romantically involved with any of them.” She shuddered. “No. We’re close. I adore them but I would rather date a fence post. At least it wouldn’t argue.”

* * *

ISABEL AND MADELINE walked back to Paper Moon. When they got there, Ford was waiting by the front door, looking all masculine and sexy. When he saw her, he raised an eyebrow.

“Really?” he asked in a low voice. “Ogling football players? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, you promised to love me forever and look what happened there.”

Madeline giggled as she let herself into the store. “I’ll leave you two to work this out,” she said, then disappeared inside.

Isabel put her hands on her hips. “How did you know?”

“Unlike you, Patience is concerned about Justice’s feelings. She called to tell him what was going on and he told me.”

She held in a smile. “I’m sorry you had to find out that way. About the other men I was watching.”

“Ogling. There’s a difference. I’m very disappointed in you. I expect better from my fake girlfriends.”

While she enjoyed the teasing, there was a part of her that wanted his words to be true.

“I’m sorry,” she told him. “Patience called and asked me to come over. I didn’t find out why—I just went.”

“Oh, sure. Blame it on Patience.” He stepped closer to her. “I can see we’re going to have to have a serious talk about your behavior.”

“You’re probably right.” She batted her eyes at him. “Maybe I should be punished later.”

“That goes without saying. I’m thinking a tongue-lashing at the very least.”

She shivered as she remembered what Ford could do with his tongue, then dropped her head in mock submission. “Whatever you think is best.”