Page 17 of One Hot Texas Summer (The Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge #1)

K elly watched the play of emotions cross Tate’s face. When she arrived, she’d picked up on the tension between the brothers. She’d always thought all the brothers had gotten on well together. Maybe Mom knew more and could give her a heads-up.

And maybe it’s none of your business, or you could ask Tate.

Her inner voice had a valid point. Leaving it alone was probably the wisest course of action.

Asking Tate would take their relationship to another level.

A level where they were sharing their deep, dark secrets.

Things couples in love, or falling in love, did.

Where they told each other their hopes and fears.

They’d only just begun to date. Regardless of the fact she’d accepted Tate’s bracelet and agreed to date him exclusively, this was still a fling for her.

A stepping stone into getting back into the dating pool, so sharing her fears or finding out Tate’s wasn’t high on the list. Did that make her sound insensitive?

Probably, but Edwin had burned her so she wasn’t about to give out her heart quite so freely this time.

She was here because of the Founders’ Day festival. Macy had emailed her asking for an update.

Maybe talking about the festival would be just what Tate needed to get out of his head. For the first time since they’d had dinner at the diner, he’d been quiet and introspective, something he hadn’t done as much the previous times they’d been together.

“Okay, this is what I wanted to show you.” She pulled up the designs on her tablet and handed them to Tate.

“What I’ve done is changed up the designs of the displays at the front of the property a little.

I initially had them high and wide, but I think this version is better.

It’s still high, but has a more rounded look, so it matches the shape of the peaches you grow.

” She swiped across the screen a couple of times and pulled up another design.

“I thought we could add a couple more arbors along the edge of the trees.”

“What? Why?” Tate interrupted. “I thought we discussed this and had decided on two arbors only. I don’t want anything interfering with the trees. Plus they’re going to provide a nice, green backdrop.”

She knew Tate would push back on these additional arbors. “You’re right, we did. If we add just these two in, it will create a bit more of a barrier against the outside tree line.”

“And what if some kids are fooling around and run into the arbor, knocking it down? It could lead to an injury, and the last thing I need or the festival needs is an unnecessary injury claim. I honestly think we’ve got enough.”

Kelly tapped her finger against her lip. “That’s a really good point. I haven’t given much thought to the safety aspect around the farm. Something I probably should’ve considered. But if they’re secured to the ground, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

She really hoped Tate would change his mind. These arbors were going to be spectacular.

“Look”—she continued and enlarged part of the design—“can you see the peaches in the display? It’s another way to showcase the farm.”

“I’m still not convinced showing our damaged peaches is a good look for the farm. It’s going to be on display for all to see.”

Oh, that was still a sore point between the brothers.

That could account for the tension she’d felt between the two of them when she’d arrived.

“Right, well that’s not an issue. As for the use of the slightly damage peaches, please trust me to make sure that I won’t do anything to harm the reputation of the farm. I wouldn’t do that to you, Tate.”

“I do trust you, Kel. Although, I’m sure Tyler would prefer to have grapes, seeing as he wants the focus on his wine and not the peaches. That’s why we’re having part of the festival here.”

“I can easily incorporate both fruits into my designs. It won’t be an issue.”

“He’ll be happy.” No way could she miss the sarcasm in his tone. Here she was trying to make him forget about what was troubling him and it looked like she’d only made it worse.

“Does that mean you’re agreeing to the two additional arbors?”

“No.” She opened her mouth to argue her point, but he held up his hand. “Maybe you can do some smaller versions of the decorations in pots and place them along the edge of the orchard. That way they won’t be in people’s way and are less likely to cause accidents.”

“Oh, I like that idea. How about this?” She grabbed the stylus pen and created a new page in her design app. An idea was forming in her mind and within a few minutes she had a rough draft. She’d have to refine it, but she liked what she’d created.

Turning to Tate, she almost collided with him. She hadn’t noticed he’d moved closer and was looking at what she’d been creating.

“You know, you’re pretty amazing. Watching you come up with that design out of a concept you’d had and a comment I made was inspiring. I think this looks even better than the arbors. Everything looks perfect. You’ve convinced me about using the peaches.”

Her thank-you was swallowed up by the press of his lips against hers.

God, she could get used to this. For so long, she’d avoided getting involved with another man.

Edwin had hurt and humiliated her, but none of it was truly her fault.

He was the one who hadn’t been truthful with her.

He was the one living the polyamorous lifestyle without informing her.

And what the hell was she doing thinking about her ex when she had a warm, male body holding her?

The glimpse she’d gotten of Tate’s tanned belly had lit a fire in her, and her imagination ran wild now with thoughts of running her tongue and hands all over his body.

Learning the ridges of his six-pack. Finding the spots that made him moan.

Was he ticklish? She couldn’t stand for her feet to be touched, but she loved to have her earlobe sucked.

She sighed when Tate broke the kiss. “I wish Tyler wasn’t waiting for me. I’d much rather spend the evening with you.”

Kelly would rather spend another night with Tate, too.

She was finding that the more time she spent with him, the more difficult it was to say goodbye.

As scary as it was, she wasn’t going to let it freak her out too much.

Whatever was happening between them was normal with the excitement of being with a new partner.

The thrill of the slightest touch. But over time that always faded and comfortableness set in.

Although Mom always said the excitement never died between her and Dad.

She’d told Kelly that even when she folded his clothes, a rush of love would overcome her and she’d have to call him to let him know she was thinking of him.

That was the type of relationship Kelly had always wanted. Would she find that with a fling? She didn’t know. But she was going to have fun finding out.

“I want that too, but you need to spend time with your brother.”

Tate pulled back, narrowing his eyes. “Why do you say that?”

She shrugged. “Because he was here before me and you just said he was waiting for you. It’s clear you had plans and I turned up unannounced.”

“Not really. He just wanted to share a bottle of wine with me.”

In the fading sunlight, Kelly could see the returning tension on Tate’s face. The way the corners of his mouth were turned down. The faint creases in his forehead. He looked like he’d rather have his wisdom teeth removed without pain relief than go inside and see his brother.

Again her interest was piqued. What was going on between Tate and Tyler? Whatever it was, tonight would be about them and she’d let them hash it out.

She gathered up her things and stood. “Go and see your brother, Tate,” she said softly.

He leaned back in the chair, and she watched the rise and fall of his chest as he took in some deep breaths. “You’re right, I should.”

Reaching over, she laid her hand on his arm, his callused one covered it when she would’ve pulled it away. “Will you go out with me Friday night?” he asked.

“You don’t know how much I want to say yes, but I can’t. I’ve got a wedding in Houston on Saturday so I will be working most of the day finalizing the arrangements. Then I’ll have to drive them up first thing Saturday morning.”

“Do you need some help on Saturday? Another set of hands to help you set up?”

Normally, she was able to handle all the wedding floral arrangements without any hassle.

Her mom always manned the shop when she had to go do a wedding setup so she never had to worry about losing business while she was away.

The thought of having Tate by her side as she did her thing was appealing.

“I’d like that, but can you afford to take time away from the farm? Not to mention your dad.”

“Tyler owes me for agreeing to have the festival here, and I’ll see Dad on Thursday. Maybe we can spend the weekend in Houston. If you drive up Friday, will the flowers last until Saturday?”

The last bit was said so casually but there was a wealth of meaning beneath the words. Her blood hummed at the prospect of spending a weekend together in a hotel in the city. Of having Tate’s lips all over her body. Feeling his hands hold her as he possessed her.

“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.”