Page 33 of The Love Ambush
Gentry shoots a glare at her brother, but he’s oblivious.
“Why are there Christmas decorations up already?” Emily asks as we drive into downtown, past shops with Christmas-themed window displays and wreaths on every light pole. “Don’t they celebrate Halloween?”
“In Yuletide, it’s Christmas every day,” Brodie says. “Daphne wants a Christmas wedding, and we didn’t want to wait until Christmas to be married.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say you can’t wait to be married,” I say. I have got to meet this woman who’s converted my best friend.
Brodie laughs. “Me neither, man. Of the two of us, you should be the one getting married first. You’re the romantic.”
Next to me, Gentry snorts. “Romantic? Brodie, you were always telling me about all the girls Levi played and la—” Her eyes widen as she realizes there are children in the vehicle.
“Played and laid?” Sophie asks. “Sounds like Emily’s boyfriend.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Emily shrieks. “And it’s Gentry’s fault.”
As the two girls continue to bicker, I stare at Gentry, who’s trying ineffectually to get them to stop. That’s what she thinks of me? No wonder she wants nothing to do with me.
“That’s what you told her about me?” I ask Brodie. Don’t get me wrong, Brodie and I had fun together. We often teamed up to gain the interest of whatever woman either of us was interested in, and I was no shrinking violet. I had my fair share of casual flings and one-night-stands, but I was always clear about my intentions from the start. Very few women my age were looking for long-term either when I was in my late teens and early twenties.
Brodie laughs like I’ve just told the best joke. “She’s so easy to shock,” he says. “I couldn’t resist.”
“I have never in my life used the phrase played and laid,” I say, turning to Gentry.
She won’t meet my eyes.
“The girls know I’m joking,” Brodie says. “And we all know I got way more women than you did. But you were an awesome wingman, bro.”
“Thanks.Bro.” I’m more than a little annoyed, but also glad to have the truth out for Gentry to hear. Not that I’m sure it’ll make a difference. She’s already made up her mind about me.
“You ought to thank me. You should have seen the way Gentry used to look at you. I had to keep her off you somehow.”
I whip my head to look at Gentry so fast I give myself a crick that shoots a bolt of pain straight up behind my ear. I grit my teeth and ignore it, because I want to see Gentry’s reaction. Did she really have a thing for me back then? For how long?
But she’s staring out the window, the back of her neck telltale pink, as Brodie pulls up in front of a large, drafty-looking, white farmhouse.
“Is this the reindeer farm?” Gentry asks.
“It sure is,” Brodie says. “The owner, Josephine, should be waiting for you inside. I’ve gotta call Daphne and let her know we’re close.” He looks back at Gentry. “Keep it to less than five, okay?”
Somehow, Gentry smiles at her brother. “We’ll be right back.”
“We’ll be back when we’re ready,” I say, and she glares at me. Like I’m the asshole.
I hop out and immediately wish I’d stayed in the SUV. It is freaking cold out here. So cold my nose hairs feel crackly when I breathe. As soon as we get our bags inside, I need to dig out my coat, gloves, and hat.
I shut my door and walk around to the SUV’s rear gate. Thankfully, the drive is clear of snow.
Gentry meets me and reaches for her bag as soon as I open the gate.
“Why are you mad at me?” I ask. “Brodie’s the one being the jerk.”
“He’s getting married in a few days. He’s probably stressed, and I’m not going to add to that stress.” She pulls out her bag and sets it on the ground. “I’m going to wait until he’s back from his honeymoon to yell at him.”
“It’s freezing out,” Emily says as she walks around to join us.
Gentry looks grateful for the interruption as she wheels Emily’s bag over to her. “You’ve got warm clothes and your winter coat in here. Let’s get inside and bundle up before we go to the resort.”
They hurry off toward the house as I stare after them. What the hell did I do to earn her anger?
