by Lori Foster
“Maybe a little.” Using a hand, Honor shaded her eyes. “But in a good way.”
Unlike Lexie, who freely admitted to a wicked competitive streak, Honor had started out timid, trying to avoid the slick mud, only halfheartedly going after the ball. That wasn’t unusual. Honor was, by nature, a reserved person.
But with Jason, Colt and Violet on her team, each of them going full force to win, and Lexie, Hogan, Nathan and Sullivan playing against them, equally fierce, Honor had finally gotten sucked into the excitement.
Others played with them, but they tended to rotate out and take many breaks. Their core group hung in there until they were tied two to two. Violet wanted a tie-breaker, but the guys decided they needed to cool off in the creek. Violet had joined them for that.
It bothered Lexie a little, but Honor was so unconcerned that she couldn’t see saying anything. And honestly, from what she could tell, both Sullivan and Jason treated Violet like a mere friend.
Hogan, on the other hand...yeah, there was nothing platonic about the way he watched her.
“It was exciting, wasn’t it?” Wrinkling her nose, Honor smiled. “Winning is a blast, and even losing isn’t too awful.”
“I love that you’re getting into it.” Lexie watched Sullivan swing out on a rope hung from a tree, then drop with a cannonball splash into the wide creek. He laughed, and her heart twisted. For so damn many reasons, she felt melancholy.
Shoving it aside, she turned to Honor. “And I love you.”
Honor paused, comprehension blunting her smile. She dug out a wet wipe and offered it to Lexie. “I’ve been a terrible friend, haven’t I?”
Lexie started to assure her otherwise, but Honor was so serious, so incredibly earnest, that this felt like a good time to reach her. “Not terrible, no.” She used the wipe to clean mud off her arms. “Never in your entire life have you been terrible.”
“But I hurt you.”
Her insight surprised Lexie. “Honestly, when you wouldn’t lean on me, it almost broke my heart.”
Sad, Honor said, “That’s because you’re too used to propping me up.”
Lexie frowned at her. “That’s not true.”
“Lex,” Honor chided. “You’ve been my rock since we were kids.”
“You’ve been my rock, too.”
Taken aback by her vehemence, Honor stared at her.
In for a penny... “I know how you think, Honor. You figured it would be a bother or something silly like that. But I knew you needed me and there wasn’t anything I could do.” She swiped at the mud on her cheek. “I won’t lie. That hurt.”
Honor pulled out another wipe and, going to her knees, used it to further clean Lexie’s face. Very softly, she said, “I’m sorry, Lex, but I didn’t even know what to do. I guess I got so wrapped up in trying to figure it out, I didn’t consider how it might be for you.”
Feeling like an ass, Lexie let out a breath. “It wasn’t about me. But you were so distant. So deliberately alone. It was like you didn’t want me around.”
“Never, ever that.” Honor took her hands. “I don’t want to say I’m a dummy, and I hate that it makes me sound so weak, but we both know I’m still learning to trust. That’s not a good excuse because I’ve always trusted you.”
Lexie wasn’t sure if that was true or not, but hearing it helped. “You’re not a dummy, hon, and you’re definitely not weak.”
Honor laughed. “Defending me, always.”
Not for the first time, Lexie insisted, “Because we’re sisters!”
“We definitely are.”
Lexie’s jaw loosened. Honor had never denied it, but neither had she verbally confirmed it—until now.
“You got me through so much, Lex. I know I’ll never be able to repay you, but you are my family, and I figure we have the rest of our lives for me to try.”
Tears pricked her eyes and Lexie grabbed her for a big hug. “You goof,” she said in a choked complaint, squeezing tighter. “It means as much to me as it does to you.”
Honor’s hold was gentler, but just as heartfelt. “We’re drawing attention.”
“I don’t care.”
“From Jason and Sullivan.”
“Oh.” Knowing she had to get a grip, Lexie sat back and took a breath. With a frown, she glanced toward the creek and saw both Jason and Sullivan on alert. “They’re so wonderful.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve been unfair, too.” Since Lexie hadn’t meant to blurt that out, she immediately winced.
Honor tipped her head. “How so?”
It was terrible timing, but the need to talk pushed her. “You always have to deal with the zoo, and losing your grandfather to that awful disease has been a constant worry for years now. I figured I shouldn’t add to your troubles.”
Her own frown starting, Honor searched her face. “There’s something wrong?” Concern brought her closer. “Something you haven’t told me?”
Working up her courage, Lexie nodded—and said it out loud. “I’m in love with Sullivan.” When Honor said nothing, Lexie looked at her, then laughed. “Rendered you speechless, huh?”
“I never...that is, you’re usually so...” Honor sank back to sit on her heels. “I was worried about you hurting him.”
Ha! Talk about irony. “You consider me a ravager of innocents, huh?”
That made her snort. “He’s not innocent. It’s just that you’re not usually one to get too involved.”
“I know.” Lexie picked at a blade of grass. “But Sullivan is different.”
“How so?”
“You know about his MMA school? How he helps underprivileged and at-risk kids?”
“Jason told me.”
“You should see him with them.” She let out a long sigh. “Gawd, Honor, he’s so incredibly warm and caring and he’s exactly what they need. I’ve thought Sullivan was sexy from the moment I laid eyes on him, but when I see him with those kids...” She pressed a fist to her heart. “It really gets to me.”
Honor smiled. “A big, badass guy with a heart of gold. No woman could be immune to that.”
“Exactly.” She peeked at Honor. “He’s different in other ways, too.”
“Like?”
“Well, for one thing, he’s not all that into me.”
“Oh, please.” Honor gave her a small push that nearly toppled her. “Now you’re just making up stuff. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Everyone has seen the way he looks at you.”
“Sure, Sullivan wants me. When it comes to sex, he’s insatiable.”
Biting her lip, Honor whispered, “That’s pretty awesome, isn’t it?”
Damn, but Lexie enjoyed seeing Honor glow. “Jason, too, huh?”
Dreamy-eyed, Honor nodded. “Yes.”
When Lexie lifted her hand, palm out, Honor laughed and high-fived her. “We are lucky ladies.”
“We are. But back to you and Sullivan.” Gently Honor asked, “Have you told him how you feel?”
“Nope.” Because even though he wants me, he doesn’t respect my character. No, she wouldn’t say that. She’d already unloaded enough. It was such a good day she didn’t want to bring Honor down with her woes. “I’m not sure how he feels.” Such a lie.
“I’m sure he’s crazy about you. What guy wouldn’t be?” With all the bias any doting sister would have, Honor began listing her attributes. “You’re beautiful and hilarious and outgoing and fun.”
Though Lexie smiled, she wished Honor had named some traits with more substance. But hey, she wasn’t shy. “What about smart?”
“Brilliant,” Honor confirmed.
“And caring?”
“Oh, Lex.” Honor again took her hands. “You are, without a doubt, the most caring person I know.”
Lexie glanced at Sullivan again. Maybe she just needed him to get better acquainted with her outside of bed. Maybe, during those times she visited him at the gym, she needed to stop tiptoeing around him and instead show him just how well she could rela
te to his pupils. “Come on.” Lexie stood and pulled Honor to her feet.
“Where are we going?”
“To swim and remove the rest of this mud.”
Digging in, Honor held back. “You go on. I’ll watch from over here.”
After giving her a look, Lexie cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted to Jason, “I need help getting Honor in the water.”
Immediately both Jason and Colt started wading to the bank.
“There are snakes in there,” Honor rushed to say.
Lexie rolled her eyes. “With that many people splashing around? No way.”
Worried, Honor bit her lip. “The water is probably cold.”
“Let’s call it refreshing. Besides, Hogan is almost done cooking and you don’t want to eat with that much mud still on you, do you?”
“Well...”
Startling her, Jason scooped her up from behind. He was wet, which probably meant cold skin given the way Honor gasped.
Lexie was laughing about that when Sullivan suddenly hefted her over his shoulder. “Hey!” Yes, very cold, wet skin.
Diesel, who’d been swimming with them, shook hard, sending water droplets everywhere.
Loving the show, Colt started to say something, but his attention snagged elsewhere. From their ignominious positions, both Honor and Lexie twisted to look...and saw a trio of girls in bikinis headed toward a shallower area of the creek.
Diesel looked at Colt, at the girls, and he took off in an easy lope in that direction.
“Smart dog,” Colt said, and ambled after him.
Lexie’s gaze met Honor’s and they both burst out laughing.
Until the guys waded into the icy water, then their laughter turned into shrieks.
* * *
An hour later, feeling lazy from the outdoor play and exercise, Jason finger-combed his wet hair while keeping an eye on Honor. Since Lexie hadn’t left her side, he watched them both.
God, he owed Lexie. More so every day, he realized she was exactly the type of friend Honor needed, and she’d always been there when needed most.
“Honor seems different.”
Seeing that Sullivan was equally absorbed with the ladies, Jason nodded. “She’s coming around. Today’s been good for her.”
Sullivan pondered that for far too long. “They’re complete opposites. In a lot of ways, Lexie pushes her.”
“In good ways,” Jason agreed. “I was just thinking about that, in fact. You know they were kids when they met.”
“Middle school, Lexie told me.”
“Right. But even then, Lexie recognized what Honor was up against and she championed her. It’s rare for family to be that loyal, but for a friend?”
“A kid.” Sullivan fixed his possessive gaze on Lexie as she and Honor talked with Nathan and Hogan. “There’s a lot more to Lexie than what you see at first glance.”
“She’s complicated,” Jason agreed. “But she has a really good heart.”
Still staring, Sullivan said, “Yeah.” Just that, nothing more.
Jason noticed that Honor kept a watchful eye on Colt. Diesel was a hit with a girls, giving them all an excuse to stick close. When one of the girls hugged on to Colt’s arm, Honor smiled with affection. The two of them might have joked about Honor being a pseudo-aunt, but if Jason had his way, she’d become one in reality.
Half under his breath, Sullivan muttered, “I think I underestimated her.”
“Honor?” She was so resilient he would never discount her success at anything she decided to do.
“No, I was talking about Lexie.”
Interesting. “How so?”
Shoving his sunglasses to the top of his head, Sullivan scowled with stark confusion. “She’s so damn sexy I might have missed other, more substantial things.”
Jason gave Lexie a longer, more thorough look, scrutinizing her from head to toe. True, Honor’s friend had a shapely, slender build. Add in the fluffy blond curls, the big hazel eyes, the seductive attitude and smile, and most guys would be drawn to her.
But to him, when she stood next to Honor, there was only one woman to see.
“Guess I was always so focused on Honor I never paid that much attention.”
Sullivan slanted him a look that clearly said: Bullshit. “You’re not that obtuse.”
“No, but from day one I’ve only seen Lexie as Honor’s friend, so even if I did notice much about her, it was never personal for me.”
“Probably a good thing,” Sullivan said. He went back to devouring her with his attention.
Jason would have asked if they were getting serious, but Sullivan was always serious, especially about his work and the kids he tried to help. It only made sense that he’d be serious about his relationship with Lexie, too. “Come on. Hogan’s ready to serve and I don’t want to be last in line.”
Other neighbors helped man additional grills, but it was Violet who tended the second grill Hogan had set up. They worked side by side while other tables were loaded with a variety of donated side dishes.
Neighbors had spread out blankets and lawn chairs everywhere, especially in the shaded areas, as they claimed their favorite eating spots.
The local butcher who’d donated the meat got dibs on getting served first. He bypassed the hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and sausages, and instead snagged Hogan’s ribs. Luckily the kids all seemed more interested in the other options.
Honor and Lexie met Sullivan and Jason at the grill in front of Hogan, who happily filled plates with ribs.
“For a man toiling in the sun,” Lexie said, “you look mighty content.”
While still serving, Hogan said, “That’s because I finally nailed a job.”
Surprised, Lexie widened her eyes. “No kidding? Good for you.” She offered her fist and Hogan, after an eye roll, bumped it with his own.
Jason had found out about the job just that morning, but the others all took turns congratulating Hogan.
Violet, flushed from the heat of the grill, propped her hands on her hips. “We’ve been here cooking off and on all day, and you didn’t mention it.”
Hogan’s attention strayed over her, then away. “It’s not that big a deal.”
Jason understood his brother’s predicament. He and Violet had some heavy-duty chemistry going on. Violet resisted, which probably made her more fascinating to Hogan. Under the circumstances, seeing no relief in sight, casual conversation wouldn’t be conducive to Hogan’s peace of mind.
Especially when other women were proving more accommodating.
Personally Jason considered it a losing battle for both of them.
After the mud volleyball, Violet had taken a dip, then somehow, somewhere, she’d changed from her bikini top into a floral halter that managed to be even sexier, especially with her cutoffs. Her red hair was only half up, the ends curled from swimming, and she had a little too much sun on her nose and cheekbones.
The earthy look could inspire any red-blooded man; it definitely pushed Hogan’s buttons, no matter how he tried to play it cool.
Jason whispered to Honor, “This ought to be entertaining.”
Her fascinated gaze went back and forth from Violet to Hogan as if she’d never seen sexual sparks before.
Hogan rolled one shoulder. “It’s boring stuff.”
Arms crossed and hip cocked out, Violet asked, “What kind of stuff?” as if she had a very personal interest.
“Accounting.”
Lexie tossed up her hands. “As I recall, you got peeved at me for pointing out how boring it is.”
“It’s not so boring,” Sullivan said, “when the accountant saves you the headache of keeping impeccable records.”
“Exactly.” Hogan made an obvious effort not to look at Violet again.
“That might be true for some,” Lexie conceded. “But it’s clearly not Hogan’s thing.”
“I’m good at it,” Hogan countered.
Violet gazed at him over her big sunglasses. “I’m bettin’ you�
��re good at all kinds of things.”
“I am,” he confirmed. “Want me to list them for you?”
Honor whispered, “Whoa,” and Jason had to give her a one-armed hug. He wanted to eat, but it was clear Honor would rather wait to see how things worked out.
Hogan and Violet stared at each other, neither breaking eye contact.
“I’m curious,” Lexie admitted. After a bite of meat, she said, “Mmm! Clearly barbecuing would be at the top of the list.”
Releasing Violet from his stare, Hogan smirked at Lexie. “Unfortunately feeding the lot of you won’t pay any bills.” He slathered on more sauce. “The accounting job is local, the pay’s decent and I’m anxious to get out of Jason’s house.”
“Hey,” Jason said. “And here I thought I was a good host.”
“The best. You’ve made Colt and me both feel welcome. But I prefer being on my own.”
“I get that,” Lexie said. “But this is like a calling or something.”
Hogan shook his head and laughed.
Violet didn’t. She looked thoughtful as she moved more corn on the cob onto a platter.
“If I get a vote,” Jason said, “I like having you both around. When you are ready to leave, I hope you don’t go too far.”
Honor immediately chimed in. “I would miss you both horribly.”
“We’ll stay in the area,” Hogan promised her, and then he put a serving of ribs on her plate.
Honor forked up a bite, and her eyes closed in pleasure. “Hogan, these are amazing.”
He grinned. “You like to compliment people, honey.”
“Only when it’s true.”
That got Violet moving. “Well, now I have to know.” Setting aside her tongs and drying her hands on a dishcloth, she stepped over to Hogan’s side and reached past him to grab a juicy chunk of meat right off Jason’s plate.
“Hey,” Jason complained.
“He’s your brother,” Violet told him. “He’ll give you more.” She popped it into her mouth, her expression analytical as she chewed. Then her eyes went heavy and she sighed. “Oh my god, that is good.”
Hogan’s neck muscles tightened in reaction.
“I need the recipe.”
“No.”
“Hogan,” Violet warned. She smiled with evil intent. “You know I’m going to get it from you.”
