The Retrieval (8 page)

“If she needs one. She may have other plans for her evening.” Laura studied them one last time. “I suppose you do, too.”

“Oh, you bet,” Jake said, walking right into it. “I want to get out of these clothes.”

Laura unmistakably smirked. “When it comes to gritty specifics, feel free to spare my nerves, Brother Dear.”

“What?” Jake was indignant. “I’m soaked. I think I lost a shirt stud in the pool, and I ruined my evening suit. Are you really implying--”

Even as Jake was speaking, Charlie took his arm and dragged him off toward the stairs to the garden. “Enjoy the rest of the party, Laura,” Charlie called back over his shoulder.

She only laughed, lovely and lyric as ever.

“And she calls me a stinker,” Jake said, still simmering. “See if I fetch any more wooden ducks for her.”

“Wooden
teals
,” Charlie told him. He let go of the arm to move in closer and put a hand on Jake’s shoulder. Even with the wet fabric between them as they walked, Jake still felt warm and strong beneath his grasp.

Jake laughed. “You and teal, a match made somewhere or other. Am I looking at a house filled with fancy blue-green pillows? We could get a family discount from Tildon.” He paused. “Are we lost?”

“No, there’s the tennis courts. Just as well. I’m done with the out-of-doors for the evening. I want my bed.”

“That’s great. I want your bed, too.”

Charlie considered another elbow jab before shaking his head. You couldn’t blame anyone for desiring what you desired so very much yourself. “Oh, well. At least I didn’t make a hotel reservation.”

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