Page 78 of Fangs and Fudge

“Including Shepard?”

I sighed, knowing what she was doing. Verbally cornering me into admitting I liked both of them wasn’t going to help the situation, though. So I pulled off my clothes, deciding it wasn’t worth my time or energy to get worked up about a nightgown. If this caused Shepard and Cross to tap the brakes, then maybe that was a good thing. Right now, I felt like the rope in a tug-of-war game anyway.

Once the heavy bird-and-flower material dropped to my feet, I spun in a circle for Vena’s approval. She snickered and put on her nightgown as well.

Linking arms, we headed downstairs to find Shepard sinking the eight ball and ending the game.

Eyes swiveled over to us at our entrance.

“Um, dear,” Mrs. Hunter said with a wince coating her voice. “It’s summer. Those are much too warm. I’m sure I can find you something better than my mother’s old nightgowns. Where did you even find those? I swear I tossed them years ago.”

“They were in your closet,” Vena said. “And I think they’re perfect.”

I wasn’t sure the gown was doing what she’d hoped, though. If MC’s expression said anything, it was that he’d have no problem ripping it off Vena.

“I know,” Mrs. Hunter said. “You can wear one of Miles’ t-shirts.”

MC glanced at Miles, likely sizing him up. The way the shifter grinned told me he was already envisioning how much of Vena’s ass would be exposed.

“Nope,” Vena said. “With the storm and these old windows, it’s going to be a cold night.”

Mrs. Hunter scoffed. “We had the windows replaced five years ago. Hardly old.”

Mr. Hunter placed a hand on Mrs. Hunter’s shoulder. “Let Vena wear what she wants. It’s no use talking her out of something when she has her mind set. Plus, I quite like that she’s wearing the nightgowns.”

Likely, that was because Mr. Hunter knew Vena never had a sense of modesty.

“Oh, all right,” Mrs. Hunter huffed. “Let’s get everyone settled for the night.” She looked at me and the two other guests. “We only have one guest room. Everly, why don’t you and Shepard share? MC can stay with Vena.”

Shepard choked on a cough.

“I think it’s best if I stay with Vena,” I said. “Shepard and MC can stay together in the guest room.”

MC shook his head. “I have no problem with Mrs. Hunter’s suggestion.”

“I do,” Shepard said. “I think Everly’s plan is best.”

I smiled at him.

The thunder rumbled the house, and the lights flickered then went out.

“I’ll get everyone an emergency flashlight from the hall closet,” Mr. Hunter said. “I think we’ll need to retire early for the night.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Vena fell back onto her bed and rubbed her hands over her face.

“At least we don’t have to sleep in the closet this time,” I said, trying to console her and make a joke. It didn’t work.

She bounded off the bed and started pacing the room again.

“If it weren’t raining, I’d go for a run,” she said.

“Wouldn’t recommend it. There’s a Massive Canine who might think you’re playing fetch.”

She finally cracked a smile.

“Better?” I asked.

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