Page 84 of Rocky Mountain Devil

“You having a good time, otherwise?” he asked.

“It was fun, but now it’s time forusto celebrate. Where are you?”

He glanced around. “My place.”

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll call you back. I have an idea.”

“Don’t get us in trouble, Sitko,” he warned jokingly.

“Nothing you can’t handle, baby,” she promised. “Sit tight. I won’t be long.”

Laurel hung up before he could make a comment about the pet name she’d started tossing his way. The term wasn’t really what he’d expected, but damn if it didn’t make him grin every time she said it.

As if she were the one taking care of him. Him, who towered over her, and outweighed her, and could easily pick her up with one arm. And she called himbaby?

It was twisted enough to make him grin.

He headed into his place to wait to see what new mischief she was concocting.

Laurel raced through a few ideas of how to redeem the day for Rafe, and ended up calling her best friend.

“Hey, you. Done stuffing yourself like a turkey?” Nicole asked.

“Just. What are you and Troy doing? You okay to get together with Rafe and me to do something? He needs a bit of a pick-me-up.”

Nicole made a rude noise. “Let me guess. Family dinner?”

It was sad everyone jumped to the correct conclusion so quickly. “Yup. Tell me you’re free.”

“Sort of free. We had the Thompson family meal yesterday and the Adams’ one isn’t until tomorrow. We’re joining Vicki and Joel Coleman for a bonfire. Want to come?”

“Perfect. Need me to bring anything, or call to warn them?”

“Nah. Joel and Rafe are family, and Vicki always cooks enough for a crowd. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

As much as she’d enjoyed the time with her own family, Laurel was eager to go help Rafe feel better. She stepped back into the dining room and offered a reassuring smile.

“Sorry for disappearing like that. If you don’t mind, Mom, I’m going to head out early.”

“Is anything wrong?” her father asked.

“Nothing much, but Rafe and I are getting together with some friends for a bonfire.”

Her mom nodded, rising to her feet and offering a hug. “I’ll save you a piece of pecan pie for later this week.”

“Thanks. I’ll promise I’ll eat enough at the bonfire to make up for missing dessert.” She kissed her mom’s cheek then her dad’s. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.”

“Pass on our good wishes to Rafe,” her father said.

Laurel left the family at the table, gathering her things from the living room before hurrying to the front door. She pulled it open and jerked to a stop.

Jeff stood in the doorway, an armload of flowers on one side, his free hand raised as if to knock.

Drat. She’d forgotten about him.

“Hi.” His smile partially vanished as he took in her outfit, car keys dangling from her fingers. “Running out to get something? Need a hand?”

“Date with Rafe,” she said clearly, stepping aside so he could enter the house. “Mom. Dad,” she called over her shoulder, since he hadn’t had a chance to ring the bell or knock. “Jeff is here.”