She took his hand, stepped out of the car, and looked all around. “It looks beautiful.”
As she continued scanning the place, the only thing his eyes wanted more of was the ravishing image in front of him. Maude wore her hair down, allowing her thick locks to cascade to her shoulders. She had on a sleeveless, pale-green shirt and jeans that clung to her figure perfectly. She had the highest heels he’d ever seen in his life, which showed off her beautiful ankles and legs.
“You look absolutely stunning, Maude.” He gave her a hug, though what he really wanted to do was kiss her. But he didn’t, sensing she wasn’t quite ready for their lips to meet. God knew he was more than ready. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her since they’d met.
“You look very handsome yourself.”
“Let me get you inside. Grant and the boys are anxious to see you.”
As soon as he opened the door, Heath and Toby ran to her.
“Mama, Mama,” they said in unison.
“Hi, Maude,” Grant said from the kitchen.
“Hello, Grant.” She knelt down and wrapped her arms around Heath and Toby. “Where are your brothers? I’m dying to see them again.”
Heath and Toby each took one of her hands and led her to the play area.
“What kind of wine do you prefer?” Grant asked her.
“White. The sweeter the better.” She removed her shoes.
“And how about your steak? How do you like it cooked?”
“Medium. Thank you.” She got down on the floor and started playing with the boys.
Grant said with a smile, “So much for the wine. Our boys seem to be controlling all of Maude’s attention.”
“Can’t say as I blame them. Can you, bro? Our boys have great taste.”
His brother nodded, his gaze fixed on Maude, who was rolling on the floor with Seth and Nate. “Very great taste. I’ll get the steaks on the grill.”
After a few minutes, Greg walked into the play area with a glass of wine, which he handed to their beautiful dinner guest. “Toby and Heath, I want you to show Maude what big boys you are. Go wash your hands for dinner.”
“Come on, Mama,” Toby said, reaching for Maude. “Come watch us wash our hands.”
“I would love to.” She handed the glass back. “Greg, me and these big boys of yours won’t be long.”
As she walked with Heath and Toby to the bathroom, he shook his head. Foiled again. Cleaning Nate and Seth’s hands and faces with a washcloth, he turned to Grant, who had just walked back inside. “Our little cowboys are taking over this dinner.”
“Where did they take her?”
“They wanted to show her how they could wash their own hands.”
Grant laughed. “We may not get any time with her until those four boys are in bed. I went ahead and put the steaks on the grill.”
“She’s so good with them.”
“I believe she could charm anyone. She sure has me.” His brother pulled out the baked potatoes from the oven.
Placing the two little ones in their high chairs, he and Grant finished setting the table.
Maude returned with Toby and Heath. “Show your daddies your hands.”
They held them up for inspection.
“All clean, Daddy,” Toby said to him.