Evie winked. “It’s true. I can be relentless when I want something, but he has to put up with me.”
Kalista felt a funny pang in her belly hearing that. Jared and Evie were obviously close. It was in the way they interacted with a casual affection that could only be established through a close relationship. Had they dated? Were they still together? No, he wouldn’t have kissed her if he was with Evie.
He cut a big piece of his cinnamon roll with his fork, glowering at the blonde across the table. “Yeah, you’re a pain in the—”
“Jared!” Kalista chided before she could stop herself.
“Sorry,” he muttered as his massive shoulders hunched, then he stuffed the cinnamon roll bite his mouth.
“Oh, this is too funny!” Evie burst out with laughter. “I can’t wait to tell the boys that she can put you in your place with just a word.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“I don’t mind. I can be a total pain in the ass, but that’s because we’re related,” Evie explained. She could see that Kali was uncomfortable, and wanted to put her at ease. “Hammer’s mother, Madeline, is married to my uncle, Tony, so that makes us family. He has to put up with me and my other cousins, Francesca, Beckett, and Hunter.”
“You’re a brat, but I still love you,” he said warmly.
Evie rolled her eyes. “Stop. Your flattery is going to make me blush.”
He snorted, then turned to focus his dark eyes on Kalista. “I’ve been planning with Evie to use her boarding house as a location for any visitors we may have coming here for extended rehabilitation. It’s close enough to town that we can transport them to Fight Hard for their appointments, but secluded enough for the individuals that don’t want to be around a crowd.”
Kalista had a difficult time concentrating on what he was saying as he took her hand and pulled it onto his hard thigh below the table. Feeling the large muscle flex under her palm had her body heating between her own thighs.
“It’s a wonderful idea,” Evie said after chewing a bite of her brownie. “I didn’t open the place to make money. I mainly wanted to give the men and women who were transitioning back to civilian life somewhere safe to stay while they decided what they wanted to do with their lives. Setting up rooms for your rehab patients will be no hardship at all.”
“That sounds like it will be perfect.” Kalista couldn’t help but admire that Evie had done something so generous to help so many. Curiosity had her asking, “What did you want to speak to me about?”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I run a canine rescue on my property. The Beaumont Rescue Center is a non-profit organization that takes in stray dogs and cares for them until we can find them new homes. I’m also a part of a search and rescue team that operates in the surrounding area. We are planning an adoption event on Valentine’s Day from ten to four, and I was wondering if you would be willing to donate some cookies or something for the visitors that come to the event. I know it’s a lot to ask and it’s short notice, but—”
“I would love to,” Kalista said, cutting Evie off. In her element now, her nerves faded away. “My friend Becca has a little Yorkie named Thor that we make treats for. They’re really cute. We sometimes make them shaped like bones or little paw prints. We could make treats for both the human and the doggie guests at your event.”
Jared gave her a look that almost bordered on horror. “Thor? Really?”
Kalista tilted her chin up. “Thor is very protective of Becca.”
“I’m sure he is,” he said, although the look on his face said otherwise.
Evie beamed at her. “That sounds wonderful! If you have a line of dog treats that you would be willing to make regularly, I would love to place an ongoing order with you every week.”
“Why don’t I stop by your place with some samples in a few days, and we can see if your dogs like the treats? That way we can see which flavors they like best. I can also see how many dogs you have and we can estimate how many you would need for a weekly order. I could come by on Sunday afternoon if it works for you since we close at noon.”
“Sounds perfect!” Evie declared, pleased that Kali had agreed to volunteer so quickly. They talked a little more about the auction event while she finished her brownie. Jared had already devoured his cinnamon roll and was sitting back with his arm casually draped over the back of Kalista’s chair while they spoke.
Kalista was surprised how much she liked Evie Beaumont, then instantly felt bad for doubting that she would. The wealthy woman was nothing like she had first imagined. Evie was smart and funny, but she was also easy to talk to and very down to earth. She had to admit it was a relief to hear that she was related to Jared. Kalista liked the dedication Evie had for her work and was looking forward to participating in the adoption event. The only down side was that Kalista was pretty sure she was going to have a hard time walking away without bringing a pet home with her.