strode through the hallway leading to the den, then stopped short before going any farther. Truth was, he had no idea who might be at the door. Probably one of the hands. Maybe even a neighbor. Or a brother.
“Georgia, it’s so good to see you!”
Okay, so Maria confirmed it was her. No need for him to rush into the room and have her thinking he was anxious to see her again. Even if he was.
On that thought, he took his time as he headed toward the front of the house to the sounds of excited voices. He stopped off in the kitchen, grabbed and uncapped a beer from the fridge, then continued on through the dining room where the food had been laid out like a banquet. He paused at the arched opening to take a drink and watch the women circling Georgie, bombarding her with compliments and questions. He wouldn’t blame her if she backed out the door and left for the sake of her sanity.
Jenny glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. “Oh, Austin, sugar, she is just precious,” she said, like she’d been presented a puppy.
Then the feminine wall parted, revealing a full view of the revered guest dressed in a pale blue sweater and jeans tucked into knee-high boots. Her long, black hair, gathered up on top and secured in a clip, fell around her shoulders in soft curls.
Precious wasn’t the description that came to Austin’s mind. Sexy was much more like it. She might be small in stature, but she had an abundance of curves that would kill a lesser man. He’d had the good fortune to explore that territory on more than one occasion. He’d like to do a little exploring tonight. Slowly. With his mouth.
He felt the stirrings down south, thanks to his sinful thoughts, and realized if he didn’t get a grip, he’d have to step outside.
Austin took another swig of beer and moved forward. “Glad you could come.”
She sent him an overly sweet smile. “I wouldn’t have missed good home cooking for the world.”
Maria hooked an arm through Georgie’s. “Mija, you are welcome anytime. Now let’s go have a seat.”
“Let’s,” Jenny said. “We don’t want the food to get cold.”
Austin didn’t want to sit through the upcoming interrogation, but it was too late to turn back now. After all, Georgie might need a protector. Nah. She could hold her own better than most.
“I’ll go get Dallas,” Paris said as they wandered toward the dining room.
Austin trailed behind the threesome, all the while watching the sway of Georgie’s hips. She had a butt that wouldn’t quit, and he better quit thinking about that butt or he’d have to stay at the table long after dinner was done.
Jenny gestured toward the place at the head of the table. “Georgie, you sit here since you’re the guest of honor.”
Georgie looked a little flustered. “That’s not necessary. I’ve sat at this table many times before.”
Maria pulled out the chair. “Tonight it’s necessary, mija. Like Jenny said, you’re a special guest, even if you are practically family. We’re all about hospitality around here.”
“So true,” Jenny said. “I came here for a weekend to let Fort meet his brothers, and I haven’t gone back to Louisiana since.”
“No matter how many times I’ve asked her to go,” Maria muttered.
Jenny frowned. “Hush up, Maria. You know you like me being here to help out with the place.”
“She likes your mint juleps,” Austin added.
Maria hinted at a smile. “Bad as I hate to admit it, those would be hard to give up.”
Following a spattering of laughter, Georgie took a seat while Maria and Jenny claimed the chairs on either side of her. Austin held back until Paris and Dallas came in and chose the two of the three remaining spots, leaving him the space at the opposite end of the table from Georgie.
He settled in, set his beer aside and eventually passed his plate to Jenny, who took great pleasure in serving the masses every night. She heaped enough food on it to feed the entire town and handed it back to him. “Do you need another beer, sugar?”
“No, thanks. I’m fine.” Actually, he wouldn’t be fine unless he downed a bottle of whiskey, or poured a bucket of ice down his jeans.
Georgie took a bite and just watching that ordinary gesture sparked Austin’s imagination. After she dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, she asked, “I’m sorry Houston and Tyler aren’t here tonight.”
“They’re at a rodeo in Waco,” Dallas said. “Houston’s determined to get one more national championship, and Tyler’s there to pick up the pieces.”
“Hush, mijo,” Maria cautioned. “You’ll curse your brother with such talk.”
“He’s already cursed,” Austin added. “And if he gets one more concussion—”
“Boys,” Jenny began, “you’re upsetting your mothers. Now let’s talk about something more pleasant.” She turned her smile on Georgie. “I heard at the beauty salon that you’re living at the McGregor place.”
She glanced at Austin before returning her attention to Jenny. “Yes, I am. The family was nice enough to lease it to me after Liam went into the nursing home. They’re not quite ready to sell the place.”
Austin had a hard time believing she hadn’t moved back into the Romero homestead. He figured there had to be a story behind it. “Did your mom and dad turn your room into a gym while you were gone?”
She took a drink of iced tea and set the glass down a little harder than necessary. “No. I’m an adult and I prefer to be on my own.”
Jenny reached over and touched her hand. “Of course you do, but it’s good to keep family close.”
“As long as it’s not too close,” Dallas muttered, earning him a dirty look from his wife. “Speaking of family, where is Worthless?”
Jenny scowled at Dallas. “He’s heading back from South Padre Island so he’s running a little late. And would you please stop calling him that?” She smiled at Georgie. “You would just love Worth, sugar. How old are you?”
“Did you leave your filter in the kitchen, Jenny?” Maria asked.
“It’s okay,” Georgie said. “I’m thirty-four.”
“Worth is twenty-nine, but five year’s difference isn’t bad,” Jenny added. “I think it’s okay for you two to date.”
“It’s not okay with me,” Austin blurted without thought. When everyone stared at him, he had to dig himself out of the hole he’d created. “I mean, Georgie’s a nice woman. Worth likes to chase nice women, but he’s not the settling down kind.”
Georgie lifted her chin. “Just to clarify, I’m not in the market for marriage at this point in time. Actually, I’m really too busy to date. But thanks for the offer, Jenny. I still look forward to meeting him.”
“You might want
