Page 81 of To Catch a Latte Thick as Thieves

Lucy leapt ahead of her, looking for a treat. As Cat rounded the corner into the kitchen, she saw Julia sneaking the puppy a fat slice of bologna.

“What’s Lucy going to do without you to spoil her?” Cat asked as she hugged her sister-in-law.

“As if you don’t.” Julia hugged her in return and eyed her expectantly. “Tomorrow’s the big day. Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Cat laughed, dropping onto a stool beside the counter. “What can I do to help with dinner?”

“Nothing.” Julia tossed her thick, black hair off her shoulder and waved for Cat to stay put. “Cam’s out grilling the steaks and everything else is just about finished.”

“Julia, do you think I’m doing the right thing?” Cat asked, knowing she could trust Julia, not just her sister-in-law but also her friend, to give her a truthful answer.

“Yes.” Julia’s tobacco-brown gaze met hers. “You’re going to have the most incredible adventure. I envy you. If we weren’t settled in this house, which I love dearly, I’d want to do what you’re doing.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Julia answered, mixing her pasta salad. But don’t tell your brother I said that. He’s going to miss you and so will I.”

“I know,” Cat answered, feeling a lump well in her throat. “I’ll miss you both, too.”

“Julia, is she here yet?” Cam’s voice boomed from the other room.

“Yes, I’m here,” Cat answered for her sister-in-law and left her seat to go hug her brother. “You didn’t think I’d stand you up, did you?”

“No, but I was afraid you might get lost,” he teased, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Catherine, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

He steered her toward the porch, and Cat caught a glimpse of the man silently stepping through the open door. He was tall and broad with the kind of frame no woman could ignore. Hours in the sun had left their mark upon him with darkened skin and a thick thatch of sun-bleached, blond hair that disreputably dusted his forehead.

When his brazen, blue gaze and cocksure smile focused on her, Cat felt a nervous flutter start in her belly and shimmer all the way to her fingertips. Jared McLean! She hadn’t seen him since Cam and Julia’s wedding five years ago. He was even more devastating than she remembered. Much like the first time she’d met him, her mind went blank and her tongue twisted itself into a knot.

When he clasped her hand in his larger one, she felt his callused palm rub against her own. His grip was firm but gentle. Cat quickly removed her hand, before it started to sweat.

“Cat, you remember my college roommate, Jared?” Cam asked. “Did you know he lives near Copper Creek?’

Jared’s smile was pure devil, and Cat felt a tingle start at the base of her spine. He was the kind of man your mother warned you about and with good reason. Common sense and Jared McLean were not likely to appear in the same place at the same time.

“Nice to see you again.” Jared’s voice was as deep as a gravel pit and just as treacherous. “I hear we’re about to become neighbors.”

Cat licked her dry lips and tried not to sound as breathless as she felt. “Yes, I’m leaving for Arizona tomorrow.”

“Really?” His deep voice drawled, making her insides flutter. “I’m heading back myself in a day or two.”

“How are you getting back?” Cam asked innocently. Too innocently.

“I haven’t made any formal plans as yet,” Jared answered.

“Maybe you could drive out with Cat,” Cam suggested with a wide-eyed glance from Jared to Cat. “What do you think, Sis?”

Cat ripped her gaze away from Jared and eyed her brother through narrowed lids. “I think I want to talk to you, Cameron. On the porch. Right now!”

Cat disengaged her brother’s arm and stalked to the porch. As soon as Cat shut the door behind him, she crossed her arms over her chest and began her interrogation.

“What are you up to?”

“What do you mean?” Cam blinked.

“I may be naïve, Cameron, but do you really think I’m stupid?” she sputtered furiously. “Do you really expect me to believe this old chum of yours, who lives in Arizona, just happened to be here the night before I leave on my trip?”

“But it’s true,” Cameron protested. “Jared comes to New England every summer to escape the desert heat. He has a cabin up in Maine, and he always stops by for a visit.”