Colton shook his head, not wanting the company of any of the three of them for longer than necessary today. Jordan expressed too much interest in Kendra, and Cassie seemed to have forgotten they’d parted ways, permanently.
“Aw, come on—you two already got plans?” Justin asked.
Kendra voiced a quick, “No.”
Colton felt another frown forming. She’d denied that fast enough. Almost as if she didn’t want them to go.
“So…you’re not taking her out?” Justin asked Colton.
“I live here,” Kendra clarified.
“You do?” This unfriendly question came from Cassie. Yeah, her claws were definitely out. Colton fought to retain his dwindling patience.
“I’m Joel’s sister,” Kendra explained. “I’m staying in the guesthouse and working here at the ranch.”
Jordan’s speculative gaze shifted from Kendra to Colton. “Didn’t you just move into the guest house?”
Colton decided to ignore that question. “We still have work to do. Maybe another time, guys, but thanks for stopping by.”
Was that relief on Kendra’s face? Or his wishful thinking? He reached for Lucky’s reins and started for the barn.
“We’ll help with the chores,” Jordan offered. “With the five of us, we’ll be done in no time.”
Colton gave up. Fine. They’d play a few hands and then leave—how bad could it be?
He discovered just how bad well before the cards came out, when Cassie followed him into the hayloft. It became a constant battle to sidestep her advances while pretending to be preoccupied with work. And all the while he listened to Kendra joke with the guys down below. Thankfully, with the five of them, the work was indeed done in no time and they all headed into the house.
Jordan clapped his hands together and rubbed. “Let
’s get this party started.”
“Who wants what to drink?” Colton asked as he opened the refrigerator. Three beers and a Coke later, he turned to Kendra. “What would you like?”
Her startled gaze met his as she slid two pieces of bread into the toaster. “Nothing, thanks, I’m going to watch TV for a little while before going to bed.”
The twins threw up instant protests. Cassie remained silent. Colton fought disappointment as he asked from the table, “You’re not going to play?”
“I don’t even know what you’re playing.”
“Poker,” Jordan supplied.
“Oh, then definitely no.”
“Aw, come on,” Jordan cajoled.
Cassie made a pleased humming noise. “If she doesn’t want to play…”
Kendra lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know how.”
“I’ll teach you,” Colton offered.
Laughter erupted and even Cassie grinned. Kendra smiled with obvious confusion as Colton frowned at his friends.
“Colton sucks at poker,” Justin explained. “We’d never let him teach you.”
“I’m not that bad.”
“Oh, yes you are.” Jordan retrieved cards and a tablecloth from a cupboard near the phone.