Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
T racy hadn’t agreed to the after-dinner plan. She hadn’t rejected it, either. Just the opposite. She’d been intrigued. Even turned on, judging by the sparkle in her eyes.
Adam swore softly under his breath as he followed her up the steps. He’d never been good at subterfuge. Casually asking her to drop by his cabin had sounded like a cheesy line. Come to my apartment, pretty lady, so I can show you my etchings.
Which was essentially the point and she’d picked right up on it. But she hadn’t said no, which meant yes might have been her answer if they’d had a little more time. It might still be her answer.
That got his blood to pumping. If by some miracle she bought into his idea, it would require stealth. She could probably be stealthy, but this latest exchange pointed out his lack of skill in that area.
Should he forget about it? She’d come to dinner, which was progress on that front. And what an event it had turned into.
He was touched by how happy everyone was to see her. She easily reclaimed her place in the family, sliding into the routine of setting the table and grabbing extra chairs. All the while she was asking questions, finding out everyone’s news.
She fit in perfectly as she always had. If he screwed things up again, he might create a permanent rift.
His mom embraced Tracy like a long-lost child and Mila couldn’t stop grinning. Yes, his family had seen her at the meeting, but that hadn’t been a social occasion. When they’d gathered at the Raccoon, he’d monopolized her right off the bat and then whisked her off for a bookshop tour.
If he left this issue alone, would the chemistry between them gradually fade? Didn’t feel like it. When they’d met by her little blue truck, he’d fought the impulse to haul her into his arms.
She’d been giving off sparks, too. Good thing she’d started a conversation or he might have kissed her. He still wanted to, even though they were surrounded by family.
“The Dames have arrived!” The acoustics of the entry hall gave Auntie Kat’s announcement extra oomph.
“Let the party begin!” Grandma Doris led the procession into the dining room. She’d worn a sparkly top he’d never seen before and a pair of blinged-out jeans. They’d all dressed up for Tracy, each of them sporting glittery jewelry and vibrant colors.
She oohed and aahed over their outfits, clearly delighted they’d made the effort. Auntie Kat was rubbing off on them now that they all lived together.
But he suspected it was more than that. Losing Spence had hit them hard, reminding them to live for the moment, celebrate the good times. They weren’t the only ones. His dad’s death had cast everything in a new light.
“Ah, Raquel.” Auntie Carmen scanned the table and pressed her hand to her ample chest. “I don’t see them yet but the aroma reached all the way to the dorm. You made my favorite enchiladas, just because you like to spoil me.”
“I do, indeed.” His mom grinned. “And this time I?—”
“You made extra? You would do that for me. Ezzie used to spoil me like that. She was the enchilada queen, but now you wear the crown.”
“I’ve moved on,” Auntie Ezzie said with a sniff. She wore her usual four-inch heels, which only brought her to five-two, still the shortest person in the room.
“What’s your new thing, querida ?” Xavier winked at Luis. “Can’t wait to hear it.”
“Margaritas!” Lifting her arms, she began dancing, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor. “Put the lime in the ’rita glass and drink it all up. Put the lime in the?—"
“Surprise, everyone!” Greta emerged from the kitchen bearing a large baking dish, her face flushed and her blonde hair curling from the moist heat. “I made the enchiladas instead of Mom, and you’re gonna love ’em or else!”
“We’ll adore them, preciosa. ” Auntie Carmen beamed at her. “They smell just like your mama’s.”
“They should. It’s her recipe. But if you guys don’t sit down and start eating, they’ll be cold.”
“We’re on it, sis.” Monty pulled out a chair. “Auntie Ezzie, you’re by me tonight.”
“ Bueno. ” She sent him a warm smile and slid into her chair.
Luis escorted Auntie Kat to her seat, Xavier pulled out a chair for Grandma Doris, and Rio offered his arm to Auntie Carmen. It was a sweet routine Luis had established soon after the ladies had offered up their living quarters. His brothers rotated assignments and treated their benefactors like royalty.
Once everyone else was seated, Adam took drink orders, the task that usually fell to him. Could be because he’d been the first kid old enough to drink alcohol. Or because during his teen years working at the Raccoon he’d become famous for balancing heavily loaded trays without spilling a drop.
He'd stick with water tonight. Fuzzy thinking wouldn’t help him navigate the tricky landscape he’d helped create.
Dinner took less than an hour according to the grandfather clock chiming in the living room, its seven mellow notes soft but distinct. Adam thought for sure it had been longer.
Would Tracy take him up on his invitation? Would it be a huge mistake if she did? He’d caught her glancing his way several times but he hadn’t been able to read her expression. Any minute the party would break up and?—
“Doesn’t anyone want to know what happened at the water hole today?” Auntie Kat glanced the length of the large oak table, her eyes bright with a story she’d clearly been saving for last.
“I hope it’s good news,” Adam said. “Please tell me it won’t be on the agenda in March.”
“I doubt it will. Thelma joined me there this afternoon.”
“Thelma?” Yikes, now he’d have to scrub that image from his brain. He was having enough trouble blocking the one of his great auntie running around starkers out there without adding his newly elected councilwoman to the mix.
“Good for Thelma.” Grandma Doris gave a nod of approval. “Now I’m extra glad I voted for her. She’s got game. So what happened?”
Auntie Kat laughed. “You should’ve seen those old codgers. They were so busy ogling they forgot to be mad. Apparently two sets of titties are more effective than one.” She eyed the other octogenarians at the table. “If you would all go, we’d have ’em outnumbered.”
Adam flinched.
“ Ayiyi! ” Auntie Carmen rolled her eyes. “That water has to be freezing!”
“That’s the idea. It’s good for you.”
“I’d go in the summer.” Auntie Ezzie looked across the table. “Whatdya say, Doris? We could mix up a batch of margaritas and show off our coconuts.”
“Not helpful. The Polar Bear Club won’t meet there in the summer.” Auntie Kat sighed in frustration. “The whole point is to reclaim the water hole which they seem to think is their exclusive property in the winter.”
“Yeah,” Auntie Ezzie said. “What if we wanted to ice skate?”
“It’s not big enough.” Auntie Carmen glanced at her. “And since when do you ice skate?”
She lifted her chin. “I could learn.”
“I agree we should do something.” Grandma Doris tucked her napkin next to her plate. “Let’s help with the dishes and then head to the dorm so we can hash out a strategy.”
“We’ve established you don’t do dishes here anymore, Abuela. ” Xavier stood and gave her a fond glance. “But if you’re all ready to go, we’ll help you with your coats.”
“I’m loving this gallantry.” Auntie Kat pushed back her chair. “C’mon, Damsels, let’s go plan a water hole takeover.”
“Just keep it legal.” Adam shuddered to think what mischief was in store. But at least the party was winding down.
As usual, everyone participated in clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen. After they finished, Tracy stood talking with Mila and Claudette.
Of course. He hadn’t thought this through. Since her folks were out of town, his sisters would naturally invite her to stay with them. He’d set her up to make a choice between him and his sisters. What a guy.
Dragging in a breath, he walked over. “Hey, sorry to interrupt, but that thing we talked about outside, you’re right. Email works fine.”
She blinked. “You’re sure?”
“Absolutely. If we need to discuss it in person, there’s always tomorrow. We’re still on for a ride, right?”
“Absolutely.” She held his gaze.
“That sounds like fun,” Claudette said. “Can we go?”
He swallowed. “You bet.” Looked like he’d get his wish to spend lots of time with Tracy. And they’d never be alone.
Logic told him that was for the best. But the fever in his needy body didn’t give a damn about logic.