Redneck Romeo (Rough Riders #15)(49)

“Really? You’d help me? On your day off?”


“Sounds like more fun than sitting on the couch studying government regulations for hours on end, wondering what the cool kids are doing.”


“You should know since you were one of the cool kids.”


“In what universe? I was considered the prickly kid because of my shyness.”


“You were never shy with me.”


“That’s because you always got me, McKay. I never had to pretend with you.” A strange look entered her eyes, as if she was embarrassed she’d admitted that.


“You always got me too, Aurora.” He tucked a hank of hair behind her ear. “So yes, I’d love to spend the day with you. Even watching paint dry would be fun with you.”


She smooched his mouth. “I swear, you say the most romantic things even when you’re not trying to be romantic.”


“But I do have one favor to ask.”


“One night in the sack and he’s already asking me for favors.”


“My family is havin’ a thing tonight and I’d like you to go with me.”


“Like all the McKays? Or just your branch?”


“Just my branch.”


“I’ll think about it.”


“Are you sure this is a good idea? Me crashing a family dinner?”


He kissed the back of her hand. “It’s the best idea ever. I know what you’re thinkin’. But I’m not bringing you along because I didn’t want to go by myself. We are a couple. And next weekend, if you want, we can do the family thing with your mom and Gavin.”


After all the remarks she’d made to her mom about the McKays—okay, one McKay in particular—how many times would her mother do the I-told-you-so dance if she said…guess who’s coming to dinner?


About ten thousand.


“Besides, you’ve known my family forever,” Dalton pointed out.


“I’ve known you forever. I’ve met your brothers. You talked about them. But that doesn’t mean I know them. Or their wives.”


“Jessie and Georgia are sweet. You’ll get along with them just fine.”


Why did men always say that? Since it was rarely the case?


Dalton turned on a rutted gravel road. Several ranch buildings came into view including an old wooden barn and a newer pole barn. The house looked different than she remembered.


“Do you know I was never in your house when we were kids?”


He turned off the ignition. “I never brought any of my friends home. Not that I was embarrassed by the house, but the thought of how Casper might act to my friends in the house.”


“It looks nice.”


“It’s a helluva lot nicer now that Brandt and Jessie live here. Casper wouldn’t spend the money to fix the place up.”


Rory squinted at the license plate of the car in front of them. “Is your mother here too?”


“Yep. She probably brought Landon. I haven’t seen him since he was the ring bearer.”


As they walked up to the front door, Rory shivered.


Of course, Dalton caught it. He moved in front of her. His warm, callused hands cupped her face. “Hey. If you’re not all right with this we just stop in for fifteen minutes and say we have other plans. That ain’t a lie. I do have big plans for you tonight, Aurora.”


He snared her mouth in a kiss. A perfect kiss.


A squeaking hinge sounded behind them.


“Seriously? Making out on the steps? Get in here.”


Dalton’s lips curved, ending the kiss. He faced Brandt. “You remember Rory.”


Brandt rolled his eyes. “Of course I remember her. Glad you could join us. Come on in.”


“Thanks.” She tried to tug free of Dalton’s hand but he held on firmly as he led her inside.


They were immediately surrounded by kids and adults.


Rory considered crawling into the coat closet until a small boy jumped out of it with a loud, “Rowr!” She screamed. Which caused the boys to laugh as they raced away.


“Sorry about that,” Jessie said. “Scaring the bejeezus out of everyone is Tucker’s latest thing. We hope he outgrows it. Soon.”


“By then Wyatt will’ve learned to do it,” Dalton said.


“Dalton McKay, bite your tongue,” Jessie warned.


He merely grinned.


Tell exited the kitchen, in conversation with his mother. His gaze moved between Dalton and Rory. “Nice to see you, Rory. Glad you could make it.”


“Where’s Georgia?” Dalton asked.


“She’s feelin’ queasy so she laid down. I need to check on her.”


Joan McKay threw her arms around Dalton. “Hello, son.”


Dalton stepped back and grabbed Rory’s hand. “You remember Rory?”


“Of course.” Then Joan hugged her. “How are you?”


“Good.”


“Dalton told me all about you. He was—is—thrilled you’re living around here again.”