Page 37 of Tempest

“It’s not a mess. It gives the ladies something to talk about. It’s cheap entertainment for the town. You know not much is going on till football starts next week.”

Laying her head on Mama’s shoulder, she then nodded. “You’re right. Thanks for always believing in me and never giving me a hard time about my poor choices.”

“Oh, honey, buying condoms just proves that I raised a smart girl who knows what she wants. From where I stand, that’s a lot to be proud of. The fact that you bought as many as you did just tells the town you’re lucky on top of everything else.”

“I love you, Mama.”

Bea kissed her daughter’s head. “I love you more, baby girl.”

Grams joined them and clucked as she stared at the women surrounding Ryan. “What do they think is going to happen if they maul him?”

All three women laughed, and Ryan’s head popped up as he smiled at Ivy and winked. He motioned that he was coming her way, and she felt her tummy flip over. Butterflies and the whole damn zoo were having a party in her stomach. Ever since they had left the house, he’d been whispering naughty things in her ear. She was vibrating with lust like a wanton hussy. God, she hoped he kept doing it. All the pictures he was painting with his words were making her want to drag him off and ride him like the cowgirl she once was.

“Ivy, are you feeling all right? You looked flushed,” Bea said as she rested her hand on Ivy’s forehead.

“Fine, Mama. It’s August in Texas. Of course I’m flushed.”

“Or the man coming your way is making you that way,” Grams added.

Two ladies marched up to the table and called out greetings. “Oh, gawd…here come Roxy and Ellen,” Ivy said under her breath. “I hope they behave this year.” The women had been battling over cakes for years and none of it had been civilized.

“Hi, ladies,” Bea called out as she nudged her daughter.

Ivy pasted a sweet smile on her face and wondered why women in this town were so competitive when it came to treats. More blood had been drawn over the bragging rights to the best chocolate cake than anything else. “You can just put your cakes down.” Roxy elbowed Ellen as they set the cakes right next to each other.

“Thank you so much,” Ivy said. “Father Hobart is going to be so thankful that you both took the time to make something special for tonight’s fundraiser. God bless you both.”

Roxy sniffed and moved her cake plate over by a millimeter. “Everyone expects to see my cake here.”

“Really, Roxy?” Ellen replied sweetly. She shoved her cake plate in front of Roxy’s with a smile.

Before things could get rolling between the two, Grams spoke loudly. “Have you ladies met Ivy’s young man?”

Ryan came up to the group and gave everyone a big smile. “Hi there.”

Grams looped her arm through Ryan’s and smiled. “This is Ryan Cordell.”

The ladies both gazed up at him, and their rivalry was momentarily forgotten. God bless that man’s smile; it was strong enough to distract these two loonies from their decade-long feud.

A loud tapping could be heard from the other end of the courtyard as the priest stood and tested the mic. “Welcome, everyone, to our semiannual fish fry extravaganza. We’re hoping to raise enough money tonight to fund our meals on wheels program for the year. Buy those raffle and drink tickets and help us realize our dream.”

Everyone clapped and then resumed their conversations. Roxy’s husband came over and was kind enough to take his wife to the other side of the courtyard, and Ellen left in the company of her daughter. Detente had been achieved, if only for a while.

“People drink at a church fundraiser?” Ryan asked, as he looped his arm around Ivy.

“Honey, we’re Catholics. Of course we drink. How do you think we get through any of these functions?”

“It’s true,” Bea said. “It makes these evenings bearable.” She took her mother’s hand and turned toward the bar. “Come on, Mama. I heard that new vodka company is here. Let’s get a martini.”

“I knew I raised you right,” Grams said as they walked off to the bar.

“We also have a new whiskey distillery in town. I heard they make a fine product. Can I get you a glass?” Ivy asked sweetly.

“Are you trying to seduce me with liquor so you can have your way with me later on?” Ryan asked as he snugged her closer.

Laying her hand on his chest, she smiled like she was innocent. “Would you judge me if that was my evil plan?”

“God, no.” He leaned over and spoke quietly in her ear. “I’m just trying to decide where I want to start when I get you home tonight. I’m thinking that I’d like to taste you and see if you’re as delicious as you seem. I’d like you to scream my name once or twice before we even open the first box of condoms.”

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