Will raised his brow at his twin, who smirked in return.
“Did you see I was right about who’snotcoming?”
Yes, Will was aware that his brother Danny had chosen to spend the holiday in Pennsylvania with Grant.
“That doesn’t mean it’s because of Glory.” Will didn’t want to get into the family gossip withMr. I need to butt into everything.
“I’m telling you—something serious went down there.” Luke tipped his beer toward the tall, dark-haired beauty across the room.
“Butt out,” Will pointlessly suggested.
“Come on.” Luke turned his attention back to Aly. “I’ll introduce you around and tell you everything you need to know about us. I’m sure my uptight brother will join the cooking crew while we eaters relax.”
Aly took a few steps toward him, and Luke wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close and causing her golden-brown waves to brush against Luke’s blond hair.
Will clenched his jaw at the sight.
“Let me know if you need a dentist for that cracked tooth,” Luke called over his shoulder.
Will shook his head and turned in the opposite direction, heading to the kitchen. The asshole wanted to get a rise out of him to prove a point. But Will wasn’t oblivious to his own feelings. The devil on his shoulder and the uncomfortableness below his belt were constant reminders of exactly how he felt about Aly.
“Everything going okay?” Beth asked.
Will followed her gaze to Aly, who was smiling shyly up at his twin. Weird feelings of jealousy settled in his gut. His ex-girlfriend hadn’t been liked by the family, and none of them had gone out of the way to make her feel included after their initial meeting. Mostly, they’d given her a wide berth. But watching his brothers chat and—Will’s eyes narrowed—flirt with Aly was surreal.
Which made no damn sense. He and Aly weren’t together. She was Andy’s sister, and that was it. But that didn’t stop the possessive urge brewing inside him. The one that had him fighting not to stalk across the room, toss her over his shoulder, and get her alone so he could find out whether she tasted as good as she smelled.
Will shifted uncomfortably under Beth’s scrutiny. “Everything’s fine.” He looked away from Aly.
“Okay… Want to mash the potatoes?” Beth asked, pointing to a large pot. “The turkey is in the smoker, and the guys just gave me the twenty-minute warning.”
“Sure.” Will grabbed the warm milk out of her hands and turned toward the pot of potatoes.
“I made the stuffing using vegetable broth instead of turkey broth,” Beth said.
“And I made the green bean casserole with cream of mushroom. I think the only thing I can’t eat is the turkey. Win for me this year!” Taran smiled, hopping up onto the counter next to the covered desserts. “Although I’m most excited about the pies. I can’t decide whether I want apple or pumpkin or pecan more.”
Will stopped and turned. “Pecan?”
“Yeah, it’s a staple in Texas. Don’t knock it!”
“Southern deliciousness or not, it has to go.” Will frowned and then turned to his sister. “You know Andy’s severely allergic.”
“Oh shoot.” Beth’s eyes widened and she shook her head. “She didn’t make it here, and it hasn’t been uncovered. I swear there are no other nuts. He’s been here a lot, so I’ve stopped buying them. I promise I was careful.”
“Turkey is here!” Corey announced, carrying the large bird to the kitchen counter.
“I’m sorry, Will. I wasn’t thinking. I’ll throw it out.” Taran grabbed it and started for the trash can.
“What? Chipmunk, I want some of that pie!” Corey declared, slamming his hands to his hips.
“Then take it home,” Will barked. “I’m not going to let you kill my kid today.”
For a moment, the entire kitchen, including Luke, who’d arrived just in time to butt in, stopped. Every set of eyes was locked on him.
Before he could ask what the fuck the problem was, Taran piped up. “I’ll put it in the car and then wash my hands. Remember, Cor, Andy has that nut allergy.”
“Right.” Corey nodded, but his mouth pulled down into a confused frown.