There was entirely too much going on between her and Flynn at the moment.

Okay, actually, there had been nothing going on. But whatever the nothing was, it had been incendiary and confusing. So she was glad the two of them weren’t going to be alone.

Which made no sense and she was going to chalk that train of thought up to the wine she’d consumed. And the nearness of the hot man.

She headed over to them. Tara motioned to her.

“Come sit by Maggie and me. The guys are talking football.”

“Jack loves football,” Maggie said, making room for Amelia on the sofa where she sat with Tara. “He played in college, so when we all get together it’s like he’s on the team.”

“Fortunately, we can always talk our business while they talk their business,” Tara said, “so it’s easy to ignore them.”

“Understandable,” Amelia said. “And how nice that you can come out here, visit with Maggie and check on things at your shop. Plus, see your husband and watch some football at the same time.”

Tara nodded. “It really is the best of both worlds. Usually I bring our youngest, Sam, with me. He does miss his daddy during football season. But he’s just getting over a flu bug so this time he didn’t get to make the trip.”

Amelia made a sympathetic face. “Aww. I’m sure he’s very disappointed.”

“Very much so. But Mick’s been doing video chats with him every day, and I promised him I’d make a return trip for Mick’s next home game. And fortunately, the Sabers are playing in Kansas City in a few weeks. He won’t play against St. Louis until later in the season, but since Kansas City is so close, we’ll drive over for the game. Sam will love it.”

“That’s great news.”

“Yes. Good for Flynn, too,” Tara said. “He’ll get to see his brother Tucker, who will also come over.”

Flynn looked over at the mention of his name. “What’s good for me?”

“That the Sabers are playing against Kansas City in a few weeks. And you’ll get to see Tucker.”

“Oh, yeah. It’s always nice to see family. We play St. Louis here at home this season, too, which means Grant will be here.”

“That’s right,” Tara said. “Even more family.”

Flynn grinned. “Even better to play against one of my brothers.”

“That competitive, are you?” Amelia asked.

“Just a little.”

Tara shook her head. “I’m not sure who’s more competitive—the Rileys or the Cassidys.”

Both Mick and Flynn answered at the same time.

“We are.”

Amelia laughed. And finally relaxed, even though Flynn kept skirting glances her way. He could watch her all he wanted to. As long as the two of them didn’t have another one of those intimate conversations where he touched her and her body didn’t go up in flames, she’d be fine.

The party broke up around midnight. Amelia took out her phone to call for a ride.

“What are you doing?” Flynn asked.

“Ordering a ride home.”

“We live close. I’ll drive you home.”

“That’s not necessary. I’m used to getting my own ride.”

“It may be what you’re used to, but it’s not happening tonight. Put your phone away. I’m driving you home.”

She frowned at him. “Are you always so bossy?”

“You work for me so you know the answer to that. But in this case, no. I’m a gentleman, because my mother raised me to be one. And I’d very much like to give you a ride home, Amelia, if you’d let me.”

If he’d been overly assertive and an asshole, she could have easily told him no. But he had to be sweet about it, and even brought up his mother. What was she supposed to do with that? “Okay. Sure. Thanks.”

They said their good-byes. Amelia made sure to hug Tara.

“Thank you so much for inviting me. I had a wonderful time.”

Tara gave her a squeeze. “I’m so glad. I’m really sorry about Aaron. I had high hopes for the two of you.”

Amelia laughed. “It’s really fine. And I’m glad he and Skylar found a connection.”

“It would seem so, since they took off a couple of hours ago. I think they wanted some alone time to get better acquainted.”

Or something that had nothing to do with talking. “I’m happy to hear that.”

“We’ll talk soon,” Tara said.

Flynn hugged Tara, then they walked out to his SUV. He opened her side of the vehicle and waited for her to get in before closing the door and moving over to the driver’s side.

The night was cool, so she was glad she had her sweater to wrap around her.

“Cold?” Flynn asked after he started the engine.

“A little.”

He leaned over and pressed a button on the dash. “Butt warmer. That should help.”

“Butt warmer, huh?”

“Yup. And I’ll turn the heat up.”

“No, don’t do that on my account.”

He looked over at her. “Did someone tell you once that you were a pain in the ass or something, so now you never complain about anything?”

“I . . .” Actually, that’s exactly what had happened with Frank. Whenever she’d asked for something more than once, he’d called her a complainer. Or, even worse, a whiner. So she’d stopped asking.




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