Page 83 of Between a Rock and a Hard Cowboy

“But you can tell him no,” Eva finished.

“No, you’re not interested?” Poppy asked.

“No, I’m not single.”

Linc’s eyes flew wide at Eva’s answer.

Was she saying what he hoped she was saying? Not waiting to find out, Linc strode into the kitchen.

Eva turned in surprise as he entered. Her mouth opened but he didn’t give her time to speak. He palmed the back of her head and wrapped his other arm around her waist.

Hauling her up tight against him, he delivered a deep, long overdue kiss, right in front of Poppy.

“Oh,” Poppy said, as if she finally understood.

Linc pulled back, but only far enough to see Eva’s face. “No more hiding?”

“I guess not,” she said, brow cocked high.

“I suppose I should have noticed this was happening, huh?” Poppy said indicating the two of them with the swirl of a finger in their direction.

Eva bobbed her head. “There were a few other things going on to distract you. And I did swear him to secrecy, under threat of bodily harm.”

Linc laughed. “Yeah. Pretty much.”

He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Especially when Paine walked in and found him with his arm wrapped around Eva. Then, Linc smiled extra wide. But hell, he was a good sport and a gracious winner.

“Paine, you want a beer?” he offered.

“It’s early but it’s Christmas, so yes,” he said, nodding.

“This coming from the man who thinks it doesn’t count as drinking with breakfast if you mix orange juice or coffee with your alcohol. Pfft! As if it being a holiday makes any difference.” Poppy rolled her eyes.

Against his will, Linc was starting to like this guy. It helped that Linc had staked a public claim on Eva who was pressed up against him, sipping out of his beer like they were a real couple.

“I hate to break up this happy party, but I’m going to have to get dressed for dinner,” Poppy said.

“Well, that’s gonna take a while.” After a sharp look from his sister, Paine added, “But well worth it. So go upstairs. Get ready.”

“All my dressy outfits are at the hotel,” Poppy explained.

“So you’re basically using your room at the Wilder as one big walk-in closet?” Eva asked.

“No. I mean Iwasliving there…for a little while. Anyway, I’m going to drive over now and just meet everyone there when it’s time for dinner. Are you staying here?” she asked Paine.

Paine tapped his chin, eyes narrowed. “Hm. Stay here and drink beer and watch the game with the guys. Or sit in a hotel room while you primp. Tough one.”

“Fine. You could have just said you were staying. Ethan will drive you over. Eva, what are you wearing to dinner?” Poppy turned her attention to Eva.

Linc felt her startle at the sound of her name. “Me?” She glanced down at her Christmas sweater that had two deer humping on it and said, “Um, I guess I’ll change into… something.”

“Come with me. You fit in my clothes. I’ve got the perfect thing at the hotel for you to wear.”

He heard the soft groan before Eva let out a breath. “Okay.” She turned to look at him. “I guess I’m going to the hotel now.”

“I heard. But I’ll see you there for dinner in a couple of hours.”

She nodded. “I’ll go with Poppy in the Jeep and then I'll drive home with you later.”

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