Love Profound (Cowboys & Angels 2)

“Good night, Wade. It was nice meeting you and thanks for the dance.” Her teeth dug into her lip as she grinned. “I really had fun.”

I returned her smile. “Night, Amelia, and the honor was mine.”

She headed up the stairs. I waited for about ten seconds before I followed.

First thing on the agenda for this evening?

A very cold shower.

By the time I got downstairs, everyone was gathered in the kitchen. Everyone but Waylynn. The moment I stepped in, all eyes were on me.

“Why did you come back early and what happened with Waylynn? And why is some boy named Liam sending you flowers?” my mother asked.

“Momma, I need a cup of coffee before you start with your barrage of questions.”

Sliding past my father, I reached for a mug. “Morning, Daddy. Morning, Aunt Vi.”

“You look like hell, sweetheart. Did you sleep at all last night?”

Rolling my eyes, I replied, “Thanks, Aunt Vi. I worked up until around two.”

“Writing?” my mother asked.

After I poured my coffee, I leaned against the counter. I took a sip and the hot liquid rolled down my throat.

“Yes. It’s weird. I’ve been in somewhat of a writing funk, but last night I wrote more than I have in weeks.”

Daddy kissed me on the forehead. “I’m glad you’re home. I’ll find out who this Liam is later. I’ve got a meeting in town. Enjoy the morning, ladies.”

I watched as my father drew my mother to him and kissed her. I took it all in, smiling. So did Aunt Vi.

Daddy turned to Aunt Vi and kissed her cheek. “Later, my lovely sister. Behave, will ya?”

Vi let out an evil laugh. “I always behave.” Glancing over to me, she winked.

I sat, reached for a banana, and started to peel it open.

My mother scooted next to me the second my father left. “Okay, spill it, young lady. Liam?”

I sighed. “He’s a guy I met in New York.”

“That much I figured out,” she said.

“He’s recording my last book.”

Vi drew her eyebrows together. “Recording your book. What does that mean?”

“It’s for the audiobook version. You know, if you don’t like to read the books, you can listen to them. He’s voicing the male character.”

Her eyes lit up. “Holy shit. I didn’t know there was a such a thing. Do they get into the sex scenes?”

I chuckled. “Boy, howdy, do they.”

“That’s it. How do I sign up for them?”

“Vi! Really?” my mother said as she tried to contain her smile.

“What? I may be an old woman, but my vibrator still works the same as hers.” She pointed to me and my face heated.

Trevor walked into the kitchen and right back out. All three of us busted out laughing. Tears were streaming down my face. I hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time.

When we finally got things under control, I told Aunt Vi and my mother the facts about Liam: he was a hot Australian actor I had met and basically hooked up with.

“He’s, um, he’s actually coming to visit in a few weeks.”

My mother’s jaw nearly dropped to the floor.

“Ah, hell. That must have been some good sex you gave him, sweetheart,” Aunt Vi said.

Jerking her head to Vi, my mother said, “Vi! Don’t you ever think about what you say before you say it?”

She shook her head. “I speak the truth. Look at the girl. You can tell by the look on her face she’s been thoroughly fu—”

“Jack’s cheating on Waylynn!” I nearly yelled.

“What?” they said as one.

I dropped my face into my hands and groaned. I sold my sister out just to get my aunt to stop talking about Liam “thoroughly fucking” me. I’m an awful sister.

My hands dropped to my lap. “Mom, please, don’t tell her I told you. It slipped,” I said as I glared at Vi. She took a sip of her coffee and shrugged.

“Oh, my poor baby. Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t say a word.” I knew I could count on my mom to not confront Waylynn…who was now standing in the doorway.

“Don’t worry, y’all,” Waylynn said. “I heard Amelia practically scream it as I walked down the steps.”

I made eye contact with my sister. “Waylynn, I’m so sorry.”

She waved me off and headed to the coffee pot. “It’s okay. I also heard Aunt Vi about to tell the world that Liam fucked you in the bathroom at the Ritz before we left New York City.”

I choked on my banana as Aunt Vi gave me a nod of approval. My mother, on the other hand, looked like she was about to be sick.

She stood and turned to face the window. Her hands resting on the sink, she bent over almost in prayer. “Oh, Jesus. I did not hear that. I’m going to my happy place.”

Waylynn leaned down and kissed Aunt Vi on the cheek before turning to me. “Payback is a bitch.”