One to Leave (One to Hold 5)

Her expression wavered, and her lip caught in her teeth. “Umm... Yes?”

“Perfect. I’m here for Patrick, so we can all go our separate ways when we get there. Meet up at dinner.” I elbowed her just as my bag appeared at the top of the carousel. Turning away quickly, I thought I caught a worried glint in her eye. When I looked back it was gone.

It didn’t matter because just then I spotted Patrick walking through baggage claim, looking for us. He was dressed in jeans and a tan, canvass jacket, and he actually had on cowboy boots. I squealed and took off towards him, leaving everything at Mariska’s feet.

He’d spotted me just before I jumped into his arms, and I caught the spark in his eyes as our mouths crashed together. Lips parted, tongues entwined, his arms were strong around my waist, and I didn’t give a shit who was watching.

Lowering me to my feet, he smoothed both hands on my cheeks. “I am so damn happy to see your face.”

I laughed and kissed him again. “You are so damn fine in cowboy boots, Mr. Knight. You have to wear those all the time. Nothing else.”

He grinned and that sexy dimple pierced his cheek. “I’m ready for you to be wearing nothing else. Let’s get back to the house.”

“What’s taking so long!” Our hands entwined, and I pulled him in the direction I’d come. “I already got the bags, and do you know Mariska?”

She was hanging back, smiling shyly as we approached. Patrick’s sunny voice greeted her first.

“Oh, yeah—Kenny’s friend?” He stepped forward and gave her a hug. “You were at the gym... and you made that really good stuffed cabbage.”

“Right!” she nodded, a smile replacing her worried expression.

I shook my head. This man never met a woman who didn’t love him, and he never forgot a good meal.

“Cool earrings.” He pointed to the little skulls she wore in her ears. “You were right about Stuart being here. Thanks for the tip. Did he ask you to come?”

“Oh, well—”

“Let’s chat on the road!” I interrupted, scooping Mariska’s arm into mine. “I need to freshen up. Maybe take a shower?”

Patrick’s eyes twinkled at me, and I couldn’t stop a grin. This week was going to kick ass.

* * *

Mariska

Reality slammed into me like a thousand-pound medicine ball. What the hell was I doing here? It was like I’d had some moment of pure, one-hundred percent, temporary insanity! I’d cashed in all my frequent flyer miles, traveled halfway across the country... to do what?

Stand around and lie to everybody, apparently.

My hands were clammy and I could barely breathe. I was going to see him again in less than an hour. If Elaine hadn’t been gripping my arm as we strode out to Patrick’s pick-up, I would have turned and run all the way back to the ticket counter and taken the first flight home.

She was so pretty in faded blue jeans and a grey cowl-neck sweater. Her long blonde hair was over one shoulder, and of course, she had on cowboy boots. Patrick was handsome as always, and the only saving grace was they were too busy touching each other and swapping innuendo to notice how badly I was freaking out. They put me in the tiny backseat of the extended cab, and we headed out on some lonely road into what looked like the middle of nowhere.

Great. This was just great. With each passing mile, I was getting further and further from any way out of the mess I’d created. I was rapidly moving toward complete and total humiliation. My stomach was so tight, it was very possible I’d throw up before the night ended.

Elaine took a break from touching her fiancé to turn and smile at me. “Do you like horses, Mariska?”

“Sure.” My voice cracked, and I looked down at my trembling hands clutched in my lap. “I-I hope you don’t mind me tagging along for the holiday.”

“No way! Friends are always welcome.” Patrick was so easygoing, I completely understood why he drove Kenny crazy—and why she called him her big brother. “The house is huge, and my uncle is going to love you.”

Blinking up at him, my brow lined. “Why do you say that?”

“He’s an old hippie himself.”

“Patrick!” Elaine slapped him on the arm. “Mariska’s Boho Goth. Pay attention.”

Her humor only escalated the panic I was feeling. I kind of already liked Elaine. I wondered how angry she’d be when I told her I’d lied about knowing Stuart. Would she yell at me? Would she think I was a complete whack-job?