Clearing her throat, she continued with her questions. “So how long have the two of you been dating?”
“Awhile now,” Mitchell answered. I looked at him questioningly, but realized he didn’t care to share much with Kristi based on how he was answering her.
“Where did you meet?”
“Oak Springs.”
Kristi sighed.
“At a dance hall? At the school where she works? Give me something, Mitchell,” Kristi said, laughing.
I took the opportunity to answer for him. “My best friend from college, and the person who talked me into moving to Oak Springs, is married to Mitchell’s brother, Steed.”
She raised a brow. “How sweet is that?”
The waiter brought out our drinks and set the bottle of wine in front of Kristi. He poured it into a glass and handed it to her. Of course, she needed to pull her eyes off of Mitchell to actually see the glass of wine being handed to her.
I really, really don’t like this lady.
She looked at the wine in every possible way. She swirled it. Sniffed it. Once she was happy with the smell, she took a small drink and slurped it in her mouth. Mitchell and I looked at each other, and it was everything I could do to keep from laughing.
“Are we ready to order?” the waiter asked.
Waving him off like he was a bother, Kristi replied, “We’re not ready to order yet.”
“Actually, we can’t stay for dinner. I figured we could have a drink, catch up some and leave it at that.”
Kristi didn’t look pleased. “No dinner? What’s the rush?”
Mitchell took a rather long drink of his beer, then set it down and leaned forward. “If you must know, I’m taking my girlfriend out dancing, then plan on bringing her back to the cabin and spending the evening with her.”
Kristi leaned back in her chair, her eyes darting between Mitchell and me. “Lucky girl.” She focused in on me. “You know, once a upon a time, I was the girl Mitchell was bringing back to his room and…spending time with.”
Oh. My. Goodness. This woman was something else.
I plastered on the fakest smile I could muster. “So I’ve heard.”
“Dear me. Mitchell, you’re rather open with your girlfriend.” She turned to me. “You seem to be taking it well.”
“I think it’s time to leave,” Mitchell said, about to stand up. I placed my hand on his leg to keep him sitting.
“Why should I be worried about someone from Mitchell’s past? While he was in college, at that. I’m sure you weren’t the only woman Mitchell…spent time with.”
Kristi’s smug smile vanished. I stood. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Kristi. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve had enough visiting for one evening.”
Mitchell stood next to me and tossed a twenty onto the table. “Kristi, good seeing you. Thank you again for your help with the room.”
She didn’t say a word as we walked out of the restaurant. Anger raced through my veins as we headed toward the exit of the hotel.
“I’m sorry, Corina.”
Lacing my fingers with Mitchell’s, I turned and smiled. “I’m the one you’re leaving with. Screw her.”
His eyes widened before he started laughing. “Damn, I love you. Come on, let’s go cut a rug and show these people how to dance.”
My anger vanished. I spent the rest of the evening laughing and enjoying myself in the arms of the man I loved…and spent the early morning hours wrapped up in his arms even closer.
I rolled over to find an empty bed. Sitting up, I glanced around. Corina wasn’t in the room, and I didn’t hear her in the bathroom. With a quick flick of the covers, I reached for my sleeping pants and slipped them on. As I made my way down the steps, I heard her. My heart felt full as I listened to her on the phone, talking to Chloe.
“I know you don’t want to share kisses with Gage, but I promise to give you extra-long hugs.”
I smiled. Chloe had reached the stage where the newness of her baby brother was wearing off and a bit of jealousy was making its way in.
“Wade made you a bed for your baby doll? How sweet of him. Yes, I know how much you love her. She’ll be so happy to have a comfy bed. Yep. Okay. Yes, I am looking at the snow right now. Okay, I’ll send you a picture. A snow angel? Yes, I’m an expert at making them. I’ll have Mitchell take a picture.”
I poured a cup of coffee and made my way to the sun room.
“No, Chloe, I’m not on my honeymoon. Your momma is right. Well, I do love your Uncle Mitchell so very much. Yes…someday…I hope.”
I let my imagination run away and pictured Chloe asking Corina if we were going to be married someday.
“I’d love to make that title official, as well! Where did you even learn that, Chloe Parker?”