Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett Read Free Book Online Page B

Lucas.
    “That’s so kind of you, but really, none of you should make such a fuss. Everyone has a fall sometimes. I’m just fine.” Avery’s mother tried to reassure everyone. “Goodness, y’all make such a little ruckus!” But she smiled. “Why don’t you two go back out and have a nice night? Get something to eat. I bet the kitchen still has some yummy leftovers you can dig into. I’d hate for food to go to waste.”
    “Are you sure there’s nothing you need from me?” Avery asked, reluctant to leave.
    Her mother nodded firmly. “Yes. There is something you can do. Go out, have yourself some dinner, and don’t worry so much.”
    Avery giggled. “Yes Ma’am. But I have my cell phone on. If you need anything, call me. Please.”
    “I think your dad and I will manage just fine, honey.” Her mother smiled warmly. She lifted her hands and flicked her wrists. “Now, shoo.”
    Laughing, Avery and Lucas stood, heading for the door. Avery turned back one more time.
    “It was nice to see you all again,” Lucas said, waving. He held the door open for Avery.
    “You too, sir. Thanks for keeping our daughter company tonight.” This came from Avery’s father.
    “Sweet family you have,” Lucas said, almost ... wistfully. Huh. Strange. She wasn’t sure what that was all about.
    “They’re my world. See why I’d feel weird about leaving them?” Avery asked. Lucas was so close to her, walking with her to the point that on a certain move, their hands touched. She thought once that he almost closed his fingers around hers, but that may have been her imagination. She tried to understand why he’d been spending so much time around her. It seemed everywhere she went, Lucas was right there. The way he watched her with his deep, intense stare that sent shivers down her spine. Why? What was it about this man? The fact that he was so secretive? Who the hell was he? And better yet, why did she want to know so much? Just because a fire grew in her gut didn’t mean she really wanted to know, did it? Fact be known, Avery was attracted to him. More than she cared to admit. As long as things didn’t go further than lusting for him, she was fine. It was too soon, wasn’t it? Pulse racing, Avery tried to bring some distance between them. Hopefully, Lucas wouldn’t inch closer. It hurt inside that she had the want for someone else so soon after officially ending it with Jameson. That didn’t make her a slut, did it? Even though the relationship had honestly ended months ago, just without the official break up conversation. Avery suppressed a sigh.
    The night was balmy. Warm, moist winds blew Avery’s loose hair all over the place, and right about now she wished she had some sort of clip to hold it all back.
    “So, you want to get that food, or are you sick of me for an evening?” Lucas teased.
    Under the bright glow of the street lamps, Avery noticed the laughter dance in his eyes. Was he lonely? Maybe that was it. He stayed in a small town, knowing possibly no one, so he just wanted some company. Why not be a decent hostess and give him that company? It wasn’t like it would lead anywhere, despite how her body reacted.
    Avery shrugged. “I suppose I can allow you some more time in my presence.” She laughed. “I am hungry, anyway.” What time was it? She pulled her cell phone from her pocket to check the time. After seven already. Well, no wonder she was hungry. How did it get so late so fast? “Let’s go raid the kitchen, shall we?”
    Alice still worked behind the guest counter and smiled as Avery and Lucas walked back in. Avery couldn’t help but notice how the woman’s eyes followed Lucas and her expression changed to a more than friendly smile. Alice was nice and all, but just a few years younger than Avery, the woman hadn’t grown out of her boy flirting phase. Alice took notice to the younger men that checked in that didn’t appear to be attached. Avery was even sure that a non-single status