Page 93 of Fated to the Wolf Cowboy

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“I just need tonight to go perfectly,” I told Brady.

A piercing alarm had us both covering our ears.

“Oh no, the chicken!”

I jumped off the bed, still naked, and ran to the kitchen. Smoke was billowing from the oven. Brady grabbed a hand towel and started smacking it at the fire alarm while I opened the oven door.

More smoke poured out causing us both to cough.

“There’s no actual fire, just smoke. Come on, leave,” he said as he tried to drag me outside.

“We’re naked,” I shrieked between coughs.

There was no way I was going to run outside with no clothes on while this died down.

“Just open the windows,” I yelled over the alarm.

Fortunately, he listened.

The smoke began clearing out quickly.

“Good call, open more windows,” he suggested.

“Brady? Tricia? Are you guys in here?” Jessie yelled.

“I saw the smoke. Are they okay?” Sydney asked.

“We’re fine,” I managed to yell out. “Dinner is not,” I grumbled.

As the smoke lifted, the two woman stood there laughing.

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at them.

“It’s not funny. This is my first time hosting family dinner. You know that.”

“A bit of advice. Next time have sex in the kitchen,” Jessie said.

“Jessie!” I screeched.

“What? I’m just saying, had you guys been going at it in here you would have noticed the smoke sooner. So I’m guessing you were in the bedroom. Boring. Spice it up and save the chicken next time.”

Sydney cracked up. “I mean she’s not wrong.”

“I’m out. I have no words. I’m just going to get dressed.”

“Good idea,” Jessie yelled after them. “Be sure to put that anaconda back in it’s cage.”

“What is wrong with you?” Syd asked her sister.

“Oh please. I’m mated to his brother. Pretty sure it’s a known gene amongst those Smith boys.”

“Jessie, stop,” I warned, but she wasn’t wrong. “I’ve completely ruined dinner.”

“Order pizza and call it done. This place should be aired out in plenty of time. But you guys and Peyton always fix the best meals. I wanted something nice for tonight.”

Sydney and Luke weren’t actually Smiths, but she was Jessie’s only sister and Luke was and only child, so they had been fully adopted into the family. I loved them both like sisters I’d never had. And I knew I could always count on them.