Page 58 of Colton On Guard

For some reason, Kansas found her question amusing. “Parker? No. Have you ever seen a man organize a family get-together?”

Genna couldn’t help but smile. “I guess not.”

“Lakin decided to do this, kind of on the spur of the moment. She’s pretty much ordered everyone to attend. In fact, she started a group chat and is assigning each of us dishes to bring.”

“Weird that she hasn’t mentioned it to me,” Genna said. Then she pushed to her feet and went to look for her phone. She’d left it on the shelf under her computer. The screen showed there was one missed call, a voicemail and several text messages. She’d heard none of the notifications. Checking, she realized that somehow she’d managed to accidently put her phone in silent mode.

“Lakin has been trying to reach me,” she said, feeling sheepish. “No doubt to invite me to the cookout.”

“I told you.” Kansas kicked back in her chair and took a long drink of water. “I have to say, I’ve never seen Lakin happier. It’s funny how all of this kind of flipped a switch with her.”

Curious, Genna eyed her. “What do you mean?”

“Turned out, she’s always wanted to renovate a hotel. Or so she claims. Either way, she’s in her element. And I think the place will be fabulous when it’s all finished.”

“I’ve been meaning to stop by and take a look at it,” Genna said. “I told Lakin I would.”

“I kind of envy her, just a little,” Kansas admitted. “Relationships are hard.”

Genna nodded. “That, they are. Does that mean you’re seeing someone?”

“Not really. I’m getting pressure from a guy named Scott at work, though he’s in the Wasilla office. But he doesn’t really do anything for me. Not like—” She seemed to catch herself, abruptly going quiet.

Since Genna didn’t want to pry, she simply waited to see if Kansas would continue. When she didn’t, Genna smiled. “I take it you are interested in someone else.”

Kansas’s casual shrug fooled no one. “Not really. I just want to be prepared for when the right person does come along.” She took a deep breath. “How about you?”

“What about me?” Genna asked, making a face. “My divorce was brutal. And he and my ex best friend harassed me so badly that I had to leave Anchorage and come back home to Shelby.” She shuddered. “I’m in no hurry to go through anything like that again.”

“I don’t blame you,” Kansas said. “And that’s why I won’t bug you to try and find out if you have any feelings for Parker. But I can’t speak for the rest of my family. Once we’re all together at that cookout…”

Genna sighed. “Point taken. All I can do is tell them the truth.”

“And what would the truth be?” Kansas leaned forward, her gaze intent. Despite claiming she wouldn’t ask, Genna could tell the other woman really wanted to know. She didn’t mind. In fact, she found the Colton family’s dedication to Parker admirable.

When Genna didn’t immediately answer, Kansas shook her head. “Sorry. I’m not trying to pry, honestly. I’m just curious to hear what you plan to say to the rest of my family.”

“What am I going to tell them?” Genna lifted her chin. “That’s it’s none of their business.”

Both women laughed.

“I like you, Genna MacDougal,” Kansas said. “RTA is lucky to have you.”

“Thanks.” It had been so long since Genna had an actual friend that she wasn’t quite sure how to react. Early in their relationship, Chad had gradually isolated her from all of her friends except one. Ann. Now she knew why. By the time they’d dissolved the marriage, Genna hadn’t been able to lean on a single friend, because she’d had none left.

To be honest, since she’d returned to Shelby, she hadn’t made any effort to befriend anyone. At first, she’d been too busy wallowing in self-pity. Then she’d gotten this job, realized she had a stalker, and somehow she and Parker had become friends.With benefits, she thought, glad Kansas couldn’t read her mind.

When she looked up, she realized Kansas was studying her.

“Are you okay?” Kansas asked quietly.

The sound of the front door opening saved Genna from answering. She pushed to her feet. “It sounds like Parker is back.”

Kansas stood also. “I’ll say hi to him, but then I’ve got to run. It was great chatting with you. I’ll see you on Sunday.”

“Sunday?” Parker came around the corner. “Hey, Kansas. Did you stop by to tell Genna about the big cookout?”

“I did.” Kansas smiled. “And I’d heard about everything that’s been happening to her, so I wanted to check on her, too.”