Page 50 of Kissing Her Rescuer

Addie opened a bottle of water. “Oh. It'ssogoing to be a topic of conversation tonight. You should see the lace teddy I got her.”

“You shouldn't buy anyone a lace teddy if you have to start their name with 'Ms.' before speaking to them.” Eliza thought of all the women in her life that applied to. Ms. Clara, Dewey's mom. Ms. Peggy, Nash's mom. Yup. That is a firm rule that should always be adhered to in life.

With her bottle of water in hand, Addie brushed past Eliza. “I'm sure your daddy will thank me for my gift. He told me his favorite color was green.”

After another round of gag noises, Eliza and Juliana made their way into the living room, passing Becky, who talked ninety miles per hour into her cell phone as she headed out the door. Maybe it was some sort of diner emergency.

A bright red blush stained Ms. Iris’s cheek as she pushed Lexi's bag beside her chair. Good. She’d missed it.

Eva rose, a box wrapped in bright pink wrapping paper in her hand. “I have something for you.”

“Please,” Juliana began, motioning between herself and Eliza. “We can leave the room again.”

Ms. Iris swatted a hand in their direction. “Don't worry. I haven't taken anything out of the bags. Just peeked inside.”

“You know when people say it's the thought that counts.” Eliza nodded. “Really. It's the thought that counts right now, and the thought is giving me a stomach ache.”

Lexi folded her hands in her lap, trying to look stern, but a small smile turned the corners of her lips up. “It's a natural part of life. I mean, my mom and dad have weekly date nights now. When I visited them a few weeks ago, I caught them making out in the car.”

Juliana crossed her arms. “Oh, was she wearing a lace teddy at the time?”

Her brows shot down. “God, I hope not. They'd just come home from the Olive Garden. Not sure anyone wants to see all that while eating breadsticks.”

Addie giggled. “Did you use breadsticks as a reference on purpose or is my mind in the gutter.”

“Gutter.” Lexi rubbed her sternum. “I think the image gave me heartburn, though.”

Ms. Iris pursed her lips together. “Hugh might not have the stamina that your fellows probably show, but it's enough for us.”

Becky walked into the room, ending her phone call. “Ladies. While you've been in here discussing knitting and whatnot—”

“Knitting?” Eva smirked as Ms. Iris opened the box to reveal a pair of sexy high heels covered in crystals. Stripper shoes would be an accurate term. Although, knowing Eva, she'd somehow pull them off going to work and not look like she should be on stage.

Everyone laughed except Becky. She pointed at the shoes. Ms. Iris tried them on and stood, holding onto the back of the chair. “Just don't try to be fancy and kick them off like you see in the movies. I had to replace my lamp last week.”

After another round of laughter, Becky waved her hand in the air to get everyone's attention. “Hudson called me.” Her gaze, laced with humor, landed on Eliza. “Turns out our little Eliza had somewhat of a fan club show up out at Rhonda's tonight.

16

“Rhonda's?” Hugh stepped down from Dewey's truck. Apparently, dating Hugh’s daughter meant Dewey had the privilege to give him a ride to the bachelor party. Not really a party. More like a forced event where Ms. Iris and Becky threatened to never feed them again if they didn't take Hugh out and show him a good time.

Marshall, Eva's boyfriend, rode in the back seat, not providing much for conversation. It'd been a long, twenty-minute drive surrounded by the father of the woman he wanted to sleep with, and then the man sleeping with his sister. Uncomfortable didn't begin to describe it.

“Yes, Rhonda’s,” Dewey said as he locked his new truck with a discreet beep. “It was Ms. Iris's idea.”

Hudson walked up, Nash and Cameron right behind him. Grayson's motorcycle pulled in and parked next to a string of big Harleys right in front. Dewey was a little jealous. He wouldn't have to drive Hugh if he owned a motorcycle.

Hudson patted Hugh on the back. “I thought we were headed over to the strip club. I got permission from Becky and everything.” Hugh's eyes grew round, but Hudson laughed before he could speak. “I was joking, Mr. Hugh.”

“I don't know what the world's coming to if this is its future.” He glanced around at the six men. His eyes lingered on Marshall. “Although you seem like you have some sense.”

Marshall didn't smile. “That's only because you haven't gotten to know me yet, sir.”

Dewey decided Marshall might not be so bad after all.

Hugh huffed and led the group of unfit men to the door, meeting Grayson. A few of the bikers sitting outside the bar watched Grayson with curiosity. He was by far the biggest of the group at six-four or more and solid, developed muscles. He'd recently buzzed off his hair and grown a short beard for the filming of his Thomas Fitzgerald, bad-ass assassin movie. No one would mess with the man even if they didn't recognize him.

Rhonda opened the door. “Your bride called and gave me the heads up I had a group of misbehaving men headed my way.” She popped her gum. “Nice to see you, Hugh.”

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