Nyla’s gaze never left June’s face. “He’s also a wealthy one.”
“I don’t care about his money.” June felt her temper spike. “I care about him.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Cameron grinned.
“This is a private discussion.” Nyla slanted her brother a glinting glance.
“Not when it’s about me, it isn’t.” Cameron tightened his hold around June’s shoulders and gave a squeeze. “June and I are together, Ny. That’s how it is.”
“You know how Pops and Dad feel about—” she began.
“You don’t want to go there.” Cameron’s tone might be light, but there was a warning in his eyes. “I can’t believe you’d want to go there. I remember how opposed both of them were to you and Deron. Look how that turned out.”
Nyla’s gaze drifted to where her husband stood. A soft look filled her eyes.
“Face it, Ny. If they can accept a Flock,” Deron strolled up and flashed a smile, “getting them to accept June will be a walk in the park.”
* * *
The tension dissipated as talk over pizza turned once again to football and the Grizzlies’ chances this year of reaching the Super Bowl.
When Miles showed up, Nyla explained that she’d invited him to join them. From his passionate discussion about several player trades, Cameron realized his brother was as into football as his sister.
Cameron took a sip of his Coke. “I find myself wondering why you’ve never worked for the Grizzlies, Miles.”
Miles, wearing his standard attire of jeans, T-shirt and boots, relaxed back in his lawn chair. “I like what I do too much.”
“What is it you do?” June asked, her eyes bright with interest.
“I run the hotel and the bar in Silver Creek.” Miles smiled, then clarified, “The town, not the building.”
“You don’t miss life in Denver?” June asked.
“I’m sure Cameron has told you,” Miles gestured with a hand holding a bottle of Mountain High, “that we grew up in Silver Creek. Other than Eve, who was pretty young when we moved to Denver, Silver Creek was home to us. For me, it still is.”
“I love life in the city,” June admitted.
Miles nodded. “There is a lot to do.”
“Like the party Saturday night.” Nyla settled her gaze on her younger brother. “You were missed.”
Miles took a pull from the bottle of beer and gave a laugh. “Can’t imagine by who.”
“Trini was there.” Nyla might have tossed the words out casually, but Cameron saw they’d hit the target when Miles straightened in his chair.
“How could she afford the ticket?” Miles asked.
“Nyla and I paid for it,” Deron explained.
“She’s my intern, and she’ll be helping Anson on his campaign.” Nyla’s tone remained easy. “Being at the party was a good experience for her.”
“It would have been a better one for her if she’d seen you.” Deron grinned.
Miles shrugged. “Sorry I missed her. It would have been good to catch up.”
“The party was a success even without you,” Cameron told his brother. “The silent-auction items brought in a considerable amount. When you add in the money paid to attend, it gave Anson a jump in fundraising.”
Miles took another pull of his beer. “He’ll be a good addition to the council.”