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"Why would Drew get ?"

"Because the two of you are in a relationship?"

Uh-oh "No we’re not He’s only here because I found out his fa to be around for the holidays And of course, because he’s Gray’s friend"

Evelyn gave her a look "Honey, this isto, not your brother I see the way he looks at you, and the return looks you give hiht be able to fool your uy before--your brother, as it was I knohen a wo after a man, and you are definitely in full-on lust mode"

Defeated, she leaned back in the chair "And I was hoping not to be so blatantly obvious about it"

"Oh, it’s not obvious At least not to everyone You and Drew did a fine job last night of appearing like you weren’t even breathing the same air But you smiled at him, and then he s at both of you when that happened Oh, the chehed "It is, isn’t it?"

"And you two share a history, if I recall Froood history, either"

"I remember that somewhat contentious reunion last year here at the ranch So you’ve forgiven him for how he treated you back then?"

Carolina shared Drew’s apology, and what had transpired between the to ht now is vitally iet involved with anyone, least of all Drew"

Evelyn nodded "I understand The ti involved couldn’t have been worse But love happens when you least expect it to"

"Love? We’re not anywhere close to being in love This is just lust and an incredibly hot sexual attraction It’ll burn itself out in due course"

Evelyn gave her a lopsided smile "Sure it will, honey"

"Seriously, Evelyn That’s all it is I wanted hie And now that he’s reentered enuinely interested in e, you know? There’s nothing else to it We’re so cosmically different in every respect He’s a hotshot athlete, andin coht And Gray and I were so wellin auto racing" Evelyn gave her a pointed look

"That’s totally different"

Evelyn arched a brow "Is it? People have fallen in love and have found a forever together withas a foundation, Carolina"

"I have zero intention of falling in love with Drew So I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell your brother about this I wouldn’t want anything to co you tellas it doesn’t directly harm Gray And as far as I’m concerned, your relationship with Drew is none of his business"

Carolina laid her hand over Evelyn’s "Thank you"

"Just be careful of your heart, Carolina You ht be surprised what could happen between you and Drew"

"Honestly? I’d be very surprised if we’re still seeing each other after Christ involved ineach other for sex"

Evelyn laughed "Well, at least enjoy that part"

Carolina smiled "I intend to"

• • •

DREW AND GRAY RETURNED SEVERAL HOURS LATER, their faces windburned Obviously, they had been at the lodge playing golf

"Was it cold?" Carolina asked as they grabbed a beer and took seats with her and Evelyn in the living rooifts now sat under the tree

"Nah Weather was in the sixties today Just a little windy," Drew said

Gray grinned as he pulled Evelyn in closer "Perfect day for golf There were surprisingly a lot of people there You’d think the place would be deserted, since it’s Christ to hide out fro duties," Evelyn said with a nudge to Gray’s side

"Ouch And hey, I did o If you’d check under the tree, you’ll see there are gifts for you"

"Hopefully none of those gifts are toasters"

Gray frowned "Why the hell would I get you a toaster?"

Evelyn looked at Carolina, who laughed "Why, indeed"

Carolina’s mom and dad showed up about four "Sorry we’re late, but we had such a nice ti over for the party tonight"