Stacking the Deck (A Betting on Romance Novel Book 2)(42)
“I’ve been talking to your brother about that very thing. He’s been talking again about buying the lot up on Blackberry Hill.”
“Not for Ian. For you. What does Ian need a house for? All he needs is a laptop and an internet connection. He doesn’t even have a cat.”
“His accountant said he should own rather than rent for the tax deduction. And who knows, maybe he’s thinking about settling down. Grams seems to think you both should.”
“Grams is a hopeless romantic. Thanks to you and Rachel, she has babies on the brain.”
“She told Kate she thought there was a possibility of you connecting with Beth Beacon when she’s in town.” Jim waggled his eyebrows. “Who knows? Maybe Beth is The One.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been to her house all of three times since she’s been back. How would I know?”
Jim shrugged. “Is the sex good?”
Carter raised an eyebrow. “Funny you should ask, because even though I’ve known her over ten years, not once have we slept together.”
“Astounding.”
“I know. How long was it before you and Kate slept together?”
Jim cleared his throat, then stood and began to load dirty dishes into the dishwasher. “I think that’s irrelevant.”
“Oh, that’s right. You knocked her up within like a week of meeting her, didn’t you?”
Jim paused. “In my own defense, my wife is smokin’ hot.”
Carter rolled his eyes as Jim nodded in sudden understanding. “Oh. Beth must have a terrific personality.”
Carter laughed as he stuffed pastrami into the sandwich rolls. They both knew ‘terrific personality’ was code for ‘unattractive.’ “Actually, she’s a knock-out.”
“I’m confused. I thought Grams said she was single. And she hasn’t fallen into bed with you? You’re losing your touch.”
“Single. Attractive. In town. I know. Who would have guessed you could put this,” Carter gestured to himself, “in the same room with a hot woman and in ten years we still haven’t had sex?”
“Mind boggling. But you’re planning to, I take it.”
“Hoping is more the word I’d use,” Carter corrected as he reached for the chips as an image of Liz’s full, soft lips popped helpfully to mind. “Definitely hoping.”
“You’re really superficial, you know that?”
“That’s not superficial. It’s honest. And you’re one to talk. At least I’m not walking around chasing widows with kids.”
“I didn’t single Kate out like that. It was… chemistry,” Jim tidied the kitchen counter around Carter and stuffed the chips bag back in the cupboard.
Carter chuckled. “Like cold fusion chemistry. The next thing you know you’ll be telling me you knew when you first locked eyes with Kate that she was The One.”
“It’s not like that.”
“No?”
“It’s more like a fog that creeps in and before you know it, you’re socked in.”
“Nice metaphor.”
“Thanks.”
“So, Kate is a menacing weather front now and not the love your life?”
“I don’t even know why I talk to you.”
“I keep you on your toes. Besides, we’re family. It’s like super glue. Once stuck, nearly impossible to shake off.’
“Nice metaphor.”
“Thanks. So, about Kate, and I’m genuinely curious here, why Kate? Aside from the fact that she’s—”
“What am I?” Kate asked as she padded into the kitchen with the baby splayed over her shoulder. Her T-shirt was soaked, she was missing one sock, and water dripped from the right side of her hair.
“Gorgeous,” both men said at once.
“You guys are such suck-ups. I love you.” She leaned in toward her husband for a quick kiss. “And I’d love you if you’d watch Liam for some male-bonding time while I mop up the bathroom floor and change.”
“What am I? Chopped liver?” asked Jim.
“No. You’re holding Lily.” She handed over the baby.
“Are we still calling her ‘Oops’?” Carter asked as he brought plates and cole slaw to the table.
“Not to her face,” Kate murmured. “And by the way, I think I feel a chill in the air.” She turned a raised brow toward her husband. “You might want to check the forecast.”
Jim winced. “You heard that, huh?”
“I heard you stuff your foot in your mouth, yes. I haven’t heard you pull it out yet.”
He stepped closer to her. “You truly want to know the first time I knew you were different from all those other women I’ve never dated?”
“Yes. Tell me.”
Jim smiled at his wife. “Chicken raft.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Get a room, you guys,” Carter said, but Jim just laughed and hugged his wife over their baby, swept his arm behind her back and silently mouthed, this could all be yours.
CHAPTER TWENTY
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LIZ MOANED, rolled over and tried to ignore Eddie as he insistently poked his paw at her cheek, hoping she’d get up and serve him breakfast. No doubt the rustling noises and occasional clang of metal outside were the sweet sounds of progress. A quick peek at the clock told Liz it was barely seven a.m.