Page 68 of Tempest

“I’ll stay and keep an eye on the house,” Rick answered. “I spend most of my time outside, so this is a welcome change. The only time I’m sitting at home is when I’m on a horse. Plus, I need to show Ivy how to make a proper margarita. The girl is about to screw these up.”

“I’m trying to keep my temper because you have come down here and helped us out. But I’m struggling because you have insulted my ability to mix a drink. The only answer is to have a contest. A blind taste test. Winner gets bragging rights.”

Rick stuck out his hand and shook. “Game on, Ivy. I’ll grab the box of tissues so you can wipe your tears.”

“I’ll make sure to pass you one when I’m declared the victor.” Leaning back, she looked for Phoebe and Grace. “Girls, come in here and help us decide who makes the best margaritas.”

Colin looked at Ryan and Mac. “I feel like we shouldn’t miss this.”

“Go on,” Ivy said. “We’ll have plenty for when you get back.”

Rick looked at his friends and shooed them out of the kitchen. “Get. We have margaritas to make. Ryan, I hope you don’t get pissy when I make your girl cry.”

“I’m not worried about Ivy. It’s you, brother. That girl has a competitive streak a mile wide. I have a feeling it’s you who’s gonna cry.”

“I come from a long line of competitive women. Nothing makes me happier than putting my money where my mouth is. Let’s put a little wager on this just to make it interesting,” Ivy said, as she swung her hips around in a crazy version of a victory dance. “Come on, Rick, how much are you willing to bet?”

Rick leaned back on his heels and rubbed his chin. “I enjoy a little wager every now and again. Money doesn’t mean much to either one of us. We both have plenty. I say the winner has to spend a day doing the other’s job without complaining. Think you can last a day on a horse checking cattle?”

“With my eyes closed,” Ivy smirked. “Can you last a day running operations for the largest security firm in the United States?”

“Half-asleep,” Rick answered. He put out his hand and waited for Ivy to take it.

She put her hand in his and shook. “Game on.”

Colin shook his head. “The crazy Bellows streak is starting to show itself. The part that Ivy left out is that there are not only competitive women in the family, but also crazy women. In fact, the crazy is much stronger.” He glanced over at Ryan and shrugged. “Get out while you can.”

“Not on your life,” he said. “The last thing I want is a boring woman, and Ivy is the damn opposite of that.”

“Thanks, honey. Now go on your run so you can come back and taste my winning margarita.”

“It’s nice to have a dream,” Rick said gently. “I’ll be sad to see it crushed.”

Ivy patted his shoulder. “I promise not to mock you when you cry.”

“Let’s get out of here and let them fight it out,” Mac said as Rocko barked in agreement.

Phoebe and Grace planted themselves on the stools facing the kitchen. “Quit talking and start mixing,” Phoebe said.

“Yeah, we’ve been working all day,” Grace chimed in.

“No peeking,” Ivy said, as she started to put her ingredients together.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Rick called over his shoulder.

Ryan kissed Ivy and then walked toward their bedroom. If he hadn’t needed this run so badly, he would stay and watch the competition. But he needed to get out and clear his head. He had a feeling that the next move made in the assault on Ivy and the company was going to be a big one. The big move hadn’t been made yet, and when it was, he wanted to be ready. The run would help him sift through all the information. There was a connection. He just couldn’t see it yet. The sooner he could, the sooner Ivy would be safe.

***

Mac, Ryan, and Colin walked back into the house and found Ivy, Phoebe, and Grace dancing around the kitchen while they made dinner. A lot of loud, off-key singing was going on while Rick sat on the sofa with a handmade crown and a beer in his hand. The game was on, and the sound was low. “Guess we know who won the contest,” Colin said, as he moved past the guys toward Phoebe.

Ryan looked at Mac and shrugged. “She doesn’t look upset.”

“Enter with caution,” Mac responded.

“Hey, honey,” he called as he slowly entered the kitchen.

Ivy turned around and smiled. “Hey. How was the run?”

“Good. How did the contest go?”

“Rick whupped my hiney. His margarita was a lot better than mine. He gave me his secret and said I could claim it as my own. So it worked out. Next time Mama has her friends over I’m going to make them. Soon I’ll be the queen of margaritas in Dripping Springs. I’ve been looking for a specialty, and now I have one. Look out, Aunt LeLe, I’m coming for your culinary glory.”

Glancing down into her bright eyes, he wondered how many margaritas she’d had. Guess it didn’t matter, as long as she was happy. “I just hope it doesn’t lead to recipes on the internet and you uploading someone’s sex videos to YouTube.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m keeping the recipe safe in my head. No one will ever get it.”

He kissed her head and laughed. “All right. I’m going to get cleaned up, and then I’ll put the meat on the grill.” She gave him a thumbs-up, refilled her glass, and started singing with the girls again. It was important to let off some steam, and he was glad that she was doing it before it became too late. Everyone had limits, and he figured she was pretty close to hers. No matter what she said.

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