Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

he top. I just had to hope no one noticed I wasn’t actually drinking mine. If I kept reaching for the pitcher, maybe that would be enough to distract her.

Mary Ellen turned to Cole. “So, what’s the deal with your secret uncle showing up?”

“Mary Ellen.” I nudged her arm with my elbow.

“Oh, sorry. Am I not supposed to bring that up?”

Cole shifted his hurt leg with both hands. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him much. Kaitlyn probably knows more about him than I do.”

Her eyes darted to me.

“That’s not true. I’ve only talked to him a handful of times.” I picked up the drink and wasn’t prepared when the whiff of tequila made my stomach turn.

“Well, I want to meet him,” she announced.

Cole looked shocked. “And why is that?”

“Because how many people do you know have a mysterious relative show up out of the blue? It’s reality TV stuff.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think Aiden is that exciting. I don’t want you to be disappointed when you see him around.” I was admittedly holding back details about his sparkly eyes and chiseled jaw. One look at him and Mary Ellen would melt.

“I just want to see him. You know I’m curious.”

Cole rolled his eyes. “You should get your chance since he’s staying at the Dunes.”

“He is?” Mary Ellen questioned me.

“I thought I told you that part.” I couldn’t remember how much of the story I had relayed to her. Ever since Cole’s accident, life had been a blur.

“Who else am I going to meet this week?” Mary Ellen held her glass forward for me. I picked up the pitcher.

“Sasha and Cal just got engaged. You’ll meet them, and then Cal’s best friend, Lance. I think that’s it.”

“Oh, what about Lance? Is he my type?” She grinned playfully.

“Umm, Lance is a sweetheart really, but I don’t know that you’re going to be into him like that.” Lance was way too thin and lanky.

Cole eased himself from the seat and leaned on his crutches.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“Thought I’d let you girls catch up. I’ll see you when you get home.”

“You’re leaving?” I was worried about him.

“Darlin’, my leg’s killin’ me. I’ll let Polly go home early. You have fun.” He smiled at Mary Ellen. “Glad you made it in ok. See you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “I made a promise earlier. I plan to keep it.”

I blushed. My body sizzled.

I wanted to leave now and go back to bed with him. I wanted to tell him about the test I took in the drugstore on the way to the airport. But how was that going to go. How could I tell him while Mary Ellen was here?

“Ok. I’ll be home soon,” I promised.

“Good night, Cole,” Mary Ellen waved. She was enjoying the margaritas.