40
Liv’s attentionsliced between Zeke and the tall, golden-haired man decked out in a tuxedo and a black mask. The two seemed to be deciding whether they should duck a punch or go in for a man-hug.
“Grif.” Zeke shook the other man’s hand. “Should have known you’d be here.”
“Can’t say the same. Ballrooms aren’t your normal habitat.”
“What would you know about my habitat?”
“I know you like to prance around in the damn woods.”
A provocative smile dented Zeke’s cheeks. “Don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about.”
“The Steeles aren’t taking the fall for a Blackwell prank.”
“Don’t see why they should.”
“Glad you agree. Now, go confess to the Kingstons, so they’ll stop planning their retribution against us.”
“Confess, what?”
“Dammit, Zeke. Whatever those assholes are planning, it won’t be good.”
“Gotta admit, I’m intrigued now.”
A low growl erupted from Grif’s throat, and he took a threatening step forward.
Liv moved to stand between them, when a pretty strawberry-blond woman, wearing grimy denim overalls, goggles, and a welding helmet tipped back on her head, appeared at Grif’s side with two drinks.
“Are you boys at it already?” The woman offered the tumbler of amber liquid to Grif, who never took his eyes off Zeke, and kept the wineglass for herself. She smiled and stuck her hand out toward Liv. “I’m Carlie Beth Steele. This Instigator of Trouble next to me is my husband, Grif.”
Grinning, she took the woman’s hand. “Olivia Westcott.”
Zeke kissed Carlie Beth’s cheek. “I’d hug you, but I’m afraid of getting clonked by that thing on your head.” In an aside to Liv, he said, “Carlie Beth is a badass blacksmith.”
“And an artist,” Grif added, earning him a grateful smile from his spouse.
“Do you have a shop in town?” Liv had to raise her voice to be heard over the growing crowd. “Or do you have pieces on consignment at a gallery?”
“Consignment right now, but I hope to sell enough soon to justify opening my own shop.”
“I love handcrafted artwork, as does my friend Kayla. Maybe we could swing by sometime to see your collection and get a tour of your forge.”
“I’d be happy to. You’re welcome anytime.”
“Pardon my lack of manners,” Grif said, shaking Liv’s hand. “My cousin has a way of bringing out the worst in me.”
“Cousin?”
Zeke drew her to his side. “Mom and his dad are siblings.”
“Are there a lot of you?” she asked Grif.
“Four boys and two girls.”
“What about the Kingstons?”
“Three and two,” Grif said. “My mom and their mom are sisters.”