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“We can’t be in love. We haven’t even had a first kiss.”

“Hey, the heart wants what the heart wants.”

“I’m not sure it’s my heart that’s doing the talking,” Faith muttered under her breath.

Chapter 13

Carmen

Holy hell in a handbasket Molly Parsons was Hot with a capital H. Yes, she looked like Faith but there were subtle differences. Her figure was fuller, her skin a golden brown from days spent under the sun. Her hair was a darker shade of blonde, actually it was more brown, and her eyes were closer to gray than blue.

It had taken all Carmen’s strength not to drool when they pulled up to the ranch. Molly was a sexy vision in her short denim cut-offs and yellow tank top. Thankfully, Faith was too preoccupied to notice Carmen’s ogling of her aunt. Mateo, not so much. He’d noticed alright. Carmen was going to get ribbed as soon as they were out of earshot.

Thankfully, that wouldn’t be anytime soon. Leaving Faith and Molly to talk was the right thing to do. Now Carmen found herself in the ranch’s kitchen surrounded by people. Mateo had charged blindly inside to look for a bathroom. Enid had automatically started chatting with Bessie, which left Carmen alone with two young women she didn’t know the names of.

“Hey, I’m Carmen.”

“Hi, I’m Lisa and this is Courtney.”

Carmen caught the subtle heart-shaped eyes Courtney was throwing Lisa. Young love made Carmen’s heart sing.

“Pretty nice place you have here.”

“Oh, it’s the best. Bessie and Molly are awesome,” Courtney chimed.

“So, who else can we expect?” Carmen asked, hoping Mateo would come and save her soon. He was the social butterfly.

“There’s Micah, who is at a job interview right now, and my brother Liam,” Courtney answered, her eyes never straying too far from Lisa.

“That’s better,” Mateo sang as he strutted into the room. Who knew you could strut in flip-flops? “I was fit to burst. Remind me not to take the extra shot next time, Hermana.”

“I told you not to this time.”

“Hmm, anyway. Who are these two fabulous ladies?”

“Courtney and Lisa,” Carmen replied, pointing to each girl, respectively.

“Mateo Ruiz, Esquire,” Mateo announced.

“There is no esquire in your name,” Carmen huffed playfully.

“Well, there should be.”

“Are you two siblings?” Lisa asked, her face full of amusement.

“In every way that’s important,” Mateo answered as usual.

“And you know Faith?” Courtney asked.

“We do. It’s a long story. I’m sure Faith would be happy to share once she’s chatted with Molly.”

“I can’t believe Molly has a niece,” Courtney mused, “And one that looks just like her.”

“I take it you ladies know Molly well, then?” Mateo asked, dropping into the nearest chair, flinging one leg over the other, resting his hands on the top knee.

“Oh yeah, Molly is like… well, she’s like family. Everyone who comes here loves her,” Lisa replied.

“It’s true, we love Molly and Bessie. I don’t know what any of us would do without them.”