Two Times as Hot Read Online Free PDF Page B

Becca would, which was why
     Emma looked to her sister for commiseration over the trying ordeal.
    “It doesn’t matter, because you’re here now and you look great.” Becca smiled.
    “Thank you.” At least one member of their family appreciated all the effort Emma had
     put into getting ready for tonight’s party. She reached out and fixed a twisted strap
     on Becca’s dress, and then glanced at the people already gathered in the living room.
     “Small group. Are more coming?”
    “Oh, yeah. Like two dozen more. Everyone’s not due for another hour or so.”
    “Another hour?” Eyes open wide, Emma turned to stare at Becca. “Dad said—”
    “I know.” Becca shook her head. “Believe me. I told Dad what time Tucker’s parents
     expected them, but you know Dad. If he’s not at least fifteen minutes early, he considers
     himself late. It doesn’t matter. Tuck’s friends are here early, too. It’s no big deal.”
    It was a big deal because their father had stressed Emma to the point she was ready
     to rip her hair out. She should be used to him and his idiosyncrasies after thirty-plus
     years, but Emma still couldn’t help the sigh that came escaped her. “Is there wine?”
    “Yes.” Becca laughed. “Did you have any doubt of that?”
    “Uh, yeah. I did.” Emma wouldn’t say it and insult their hosts, but how could she
     know if Tucker’s parents were teetotalers or not? This was Oklahoma. What did a New
     Yorker know about Midwest traditions? Life in the heartland could be very different
     from the coasts.
    “Relax, there’s plenty. I went to the liquor store myself. We set up a bar in the
     corner of the room. There’s champagne, white wine, and soda chilling in a cooler under
     the table. The red wine is out and open. Oh, and there’s Tucker’s favorite beer for
     him and the guys.”
    The mention of alcohol and men brought a smile to Emma’s lips. “Then lead the way
     to the bar.” And to the cowboys.
    “Gladly. As soon as we can slip past Mom and Dad.” Becca tilted a head toward the
     two sets of parents in front of them, blocking their path to the wine.
    It seemed they were all stalled in the doorway as Tucker’s mother and father were
     in a deep discussion with the bride’s parents.
    “How old did you say the building was?” Emma’s father asked Mr. Jenkins.
    “Parts are from the 1800s. You can still see the original beams.” Tuck’s father gestured
     toward the ceiling and every member of the group glanced upward in unison.
    Emma looked up as well, but she would have been much more appreciative of the structure
     if she had a glass of wine in her hand. She peered around the group of ceiling-gazers,
     who were apparently fascinated with the history of the architectural details. Over
     by the bar, she spied something far more interesting than two-hundred-year-old beams.
     “Becs, who’s that guy talking to Tucker?”
    Her sister bobbed a bit to get a look. “That’s Logan, Tuck’s boss. Or commander or
     whatever.” Becca waved one hand in the air. “I still don’t have all that army lingo
     straight yet. I doubt I ever will.”
    “ That’s Logan?” Emma strained to get a better view of him past her father’s broad back.
    “Yes. I told you about him. He grew up next door. Logan’s younger brother and Tucker
     were in the same class in school. Logan’s parents still live there. They should be
     here any minute, but his brother couldn’t make it.”
    “Yeah, you told me about Logan, but you didn’t tell me he was so cute.” Emma had envisioned
     some stodgy old military man as Tucker’s commanding officer, like a kind of General
     Patton-type of character. Not this tall, dark, and handsome hottie.
    “Sorry. I didn’t realize any time I mentioned a male to you I had to include a cuteness
     rating.”
    Emma didn’t bother to look at her sister. She didn’t need to. The tone of that comment
     told her Becca was being a smart ass. Instead, Emma kept her