Page 25 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“Good.” She studied Chloe and Elle hugging. “Would you help me clear the table, Leo? I hate to disturb those two.” Mona smiled weakly at him. “But my hands are shaking so bad, I’m afraid I’ll drop and break all the dishes.”

Leo gave her a gentle smile. “No, problem, Mona.”

Ezra gave a snort of disgust, and he left the room.

I watched him go, wondering why he seemed to be in such a foul mood this time around. Was it the friction between him and Mona that caused that, or was his surly attitude causing the friction? No way to know on my end of things.

“Maybe we should leave them to work this out?” Max said quietly.

“Uh, yeah.” I hesitated. “If you need anything, Mona, all you have to do is ask.”

She smiled. “That’s awfully kind of you, Royce. But I’m supposed to be taking care of you, not the other way around.”

“Meh, it goes both ways.” I punctuated my comment with a smile and then followed Max out of the kitchen.

“That was like something out of a reality TV show.” Max looked uncomfortable. “I was worried she’d stab you by mistake. She seemed unhinged.”

“I’ve never seen Elle lose her temper even a little.”

Most of the guests had dispersed from the table and retreated to their cabins. I didn’t blame them any—that had been an incredibly awkward situation. The only two left at the table were River and Lucas. At the sight of them, I stifled my groan, and Max let out a resigned sigh.

“Did I hear someone had a knife?” River asked, his expression disbelieving.

“Nobody got hurt,” I said.

“It was Elle who was upset, right?” Lucas sighed. “I saw her glaring at Jax earlier today. He was out front flirting with Chloe when she was carrying in groceries.”

“So JaxkissedChloe?” River shook his head. “I thought he had a girlfriend.”

Max grimaced. “He does. She did not look happy.”

“Some guys just can’t be faithful,” Lucas said gruffly.

River shot him an assessing glance. “Sometimes that’s because the boundaries aren’t clear to all parties.”

Max frowned. “I think Jax knew perfectly well what his boundaries were. He didn’t care.”

“Sounds about right.” Lucas stared at his hands. “Some guys just want it all.”

River chuffed but didn’t speak.

I definitely got the feeling something was going on between those two. I wasn’t sure they were talking about Jax and Chloe at all. Their relationship was still a mystery to me.

Max shifted restlessly. “Is it time to… er… hit the hay yet?”

I glanced woefully at my abandoned pie. The ice cream was melted, and it no longer looked appetizing. “Sure, if you’re tired.”

River frowned, glancing at his watch. “It’s only 9:15 p.m. Does this ranch have zero nightlife?”

“I wouldn’t say this farm is exactly party central.” I shrugged. “But the first night is always especially quiet because people are tired.”

Pouting his lip, River said, “Boo. I was hoping for a little fun. Oh, well. There’s always tomorrow.”

Lucas ran his fingers through his sun-streaked hair. “Yep. So long as no one stabs us in our sleep.”

Shivering, River stood. “God, why would yousaythat?”

Lucas laughed and rose. “There’s a weird vibe around here. I mean, the cook is threatening people with knives, for goodness’ sake.”