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“If I can refrigerate them, they’ll be fine. I’ve done it before and I’d like to spend the weekend with you in Houston.” The last few words rushed out of her like a flash of lightning.

“Great. Why don’t you text me the details of where the wedding is and I’ll make all the arrangements for you?” Tate gathered her close and she closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest. “I’ll even book two rooms.”

God, that was such a sweet gesture, but so unnecessary. Was he letting her know that he wasn’t going to pressure her into doing something she wasn’t ready for? Well, he didn’t have to worry at all. She was more than ready for the next step and, going by his reputation, she figured he would be too. Surely he didn’t see her as a young naïve girl who hadn’t had a boyfriend before and needed to be protected every step of the way in a relationship? He couldn’t be more wrong, she was a grown-ass woman who was older than him.

She’d show him that he didn’t have to be all old-fashioned with her. Kelly trailed her hand down his back until she reached his ass, giving it a small squeeze. “That won’t be necessary. I’m okay with one room.”

Tate jumped and a small smile stretched his lips before it disappeared and he turned serious again. He loosened his hold on her, putting a little bit of space between them. “I was just trying not to rush you—you know, take things slowly. I didn’t want to assume that we’re on the same page.”

What was going on here? Here she was ready to go the next step and Tate was taking a step back. None of this made sense. His actions contradicted his words. “The kisses we’ve shared don’t suggest we’re moving in a forward direction?”

“Well, yes, but as I said, I don’t want to assume.”

Okay, this serious Tate needed to take a hike. Kelly placed her hand on his chest, slipping her fingers in the gap between the buttons. “Well on this occasion you can definitely assume with me.”

She went up on her tiptoe and pressed a quick kiss on his lips. If that didn’t give him the confirmation he needed she was definitely okay with one room, then she didn’t know what would.

Tate tightened his hold on her, now they were getting somewhere. “Okay. Okay, I get the message; one room is fine. But I want you to know I will never assume with you, Kel. Never.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his declaration. Even though Tate had been the one to suggest going away for the weekend, he’d been nothing but considerate about it. The total opposite of how she thought a player was supposed to act. Now who was assuming when they shouldn’t have been? Still, they had the weekend together; maybe he’d be more relaxed away from the farm.

Picking her purse up off the ground, Kelly hitched it on her shoulder. “I think I need to go now. I’m sure Tyler is wondering where you are.”

Tate nodded, yet he didn’t release his hold on her. “Yeah, probably. Thanks again for coming over. I’ll see you Thursday morning.”

“Thursday? Don’t you mean Friday?”

“No, I’m seeing Dad on Thursday, so I’ll need some flowers.”

“Ahh, the Flower Magician.” She smiled when she saw a trace of pink bloom across his cheeks. “I’ll work some of my magic to make sure it’s the best arrangement yet.”

If she didn’t make a move now she’d never leave. Going up on tiptoe again, she pressed her lips against Tate’s. “Have fun with your brother.”

“Thanks, I’m sure it will be great.”

Laughing, she made her way to her car. If Tate weren’t watching she might have skipped, she was feeling that happy. She couldn’t wait to see him on Thursday.

*

“Are you planningto stay out here all night?” Tyler said from behind where Tate stood, gazing at the dark driveway. Kelly’s lights had disappeared a long time ago, but he hadn’t made a move to go back inside.

Tonight would be the first time he’d be alone in the house without Dad acting as a buffer between him and Tyler. Tyler hadn’t spent time inside the house for any length of time since Dad had his stroke. Dad never interfered much anyway if he and Tyler were exchanging words, he’d look at them both, roll his eyes, and walk away. Usually, after that Tate and Tyler would go their separate ways.

Perhaps Dad did do something, after all, and Tate just never realized what it was until now.

Knowing he couldn’t avoid his brother, he turned to see Tyler leaning by the door. He’d been so lost in his thoughts he hadn’t even heard his brother come out onto the porch with two glasses of wine in his hand.

“One of those for me?”

“Yeah.” Tyler held a glass out and Tate grasped the slender stem of the glass. “Have you come up with a name for your hobby yet?”

“Never picked you to be an asshole, Tate. What’s wrong, Kelly didn’t put out for you?” Tyler fired back, and just like that he and his brother were back to taking cheap shots at each other.

He was so tired of it all. Tired that he and his brothers had somehow lost the connection they’d had growing up. Tate had memories of him, Trey, and Tyler all swimming in the creek at the back of the property during summer. Many a time, they’d ended up camping in the backyard, Mom bringing what they needed to make s’mores. Nine times out of ten, Dad joined them and they’d eat until they were all full. Mom and Dad would disappear back into the house, leaving the boys to do their own thing.

In those days, they had fun.

“I can’t take any more of this, Ty. I’m sick of the bickering and low blows. I’m sorry for calling your winemaking a hobby.” Tate took a swallow. The wine was dry but had a sweet aftertaste. “I’m no wine connoisseur and I’m sure you’ll be able to tell me all the different undertones that wines have, but it’s good. Smooth and tastes good.”