Owen waited up for Tasha to return. Through Ian, Owen knew the Besties were getting together tonight after hours at Jolie’s coffee shop.
Seeing as how he and Tasha had been separated for so long, he wondered at the reason behind the gathering— and had to believe he was part of their blitz session.
After driving up the mountain to visit Bethany and his newborn niece, he’d had the opportunity to see Beth and Duncan interact. It wasn’t hard to tell the two were in love, and Owen had to give Duncan credit for seemingly being unable to take his eyes off Bethany.
He’d been surprised the two had hit it off, but he couldn’t have picked a better man for his little sister. So long as Duncan treated her right, he’d live.
Beth had even asked his opinion on what she should buy Duncan for Christmas. That in itself wasn’t unusual because Beth had always loved Christmas and giving presents. No, the comical part had come when Duncan had also yanked him aside and asked the same question in regard to Beth.
With Christmas closing in on them, Duncan, Beth, and the baby were going to stay at the house with Emma and Ian until the New Year then return to Atlanta, where Duncan’s security company was located. Beth would eventually open a second Redd Hott Restorations location in Atlanta, but first she was planning to enjoy being a mother.
Owen gave his sister a month, two tops. No way could she stay out from under a muscle car any longer than that. His sister had been born with motor oil in her veins, and he didn’t doubt his little niece would be under a car with her mama before she was a year old.
A vehicle pulled into the driveway, lights flashing into the interior of the small house before shutting off with the engine.
Dexter jumped off of Owen’s lap and stretched as only a cat could, then padded over to the door to greet his mistress.
“You shouldn’t have waited up,” she said by way of greeting.
“I didn’t want to go to bed without kissing you good night,” he said, eyeing Tasha as she stood there in her sweats, her hands clasped in front of her belly as though to keep herself from flying apart. “Are you all right? Something happen tonight with your friends?”
She shook her head, her hair falling forward over her face. “No, I’m just really tired, that’s all.”
That wasn’t it, although he could tell she was more tired than usual. Her veterinary practice kept her busy during all hours of the day and night, but the few days he’d been back, he’d noticed the shadows under her eyes. Put there because of her worry over him? Probably so. “Come here.”
He pulled her into his arms, held her against his chest. The scent of her hair enveloped him in comfort.
Owen lifted her face to his and brushed his mouth over hers in a soft kiss. Once. Twice. A third time. He pulled her closer when he felt her melt against him.
And then she pushed him away.
“No.”