Mrs. Thompson said, “We missed you in church this morning, dear.”
The only acceptable reason to skip church was if a body was physically unable to attend. They didn’t have to know the root of the problem was too much alcohol. “I was puking my guts up this morning. But I feel a little better now. So was it chocolate or vanilla you ladies wanted?”
All three of the grannies’ eyes grew wide. When they looked at one another, some Vulcan mind link thing must’ve happened because they all shook their heads in unison.
Mrs. Ingalls swallowed hard before she said, “We don’t care for any ice cream, but we’re glad you’re feeling better. See you next Sunday?”
“Absolutely. Bye, ladies.”
Chuckling, Meg turned back to her line of customers. Pam, the traitor, was next. The speed at which Pam’s hand had popped up to volunteer to kiss Josh at Brewster’s still irked Meg. Without asking, Meg scooped a half-chocolate, half-vanilla cone for Pam because that was her favorite. “Here you go. You should double your donation for this to make up for last night.”
“It was an accident. My hand just sort of jumped before my brain caught up. His hotness must’ve mesmerized me or something. But I thought you said you were over him. Have your feelings changed?”
Had they? Her stomach had been in knots all day in anticipation of seeing Josh, but that was because of Haley. And on account of drinking way too much the night before. It probably had nothing to do with the kiss she still owed him. “It’s just . . . things have gotten a little complicated, that’s all.”
The way Pam slowly licked her cone had all the guys waiting in line for their ice cream staring. Or maybe it was all the cleavage she was showing.
“Complicated? Sounds like we need a girls’ night. That is, if I’m forgiven?” Pam batted her eyes again.
Maybe eye-batting worked on girls after all. She could never stay mad at Pam for long because she loved her. “Oh, all right. Now go away, you’re holding up my line.”
“’Kay. Call you later.”
As Pam sashayed away, a bottle of water appeared on the counter in front of Meg. Josh whispered, “Looks like you need a hand. How’s the head today?” He tied on an apron and stood beside her.
She glanced over her shoulder to check on Haley’s progress. About half a cone left and a major mess to clean up.
“My head’s fine—except for the pounding part. Why don’t you take the chocolate and I’ll do vanilla?”
“You got it.” He reached into the pocket of his nicely fitting cargo shorts and pulled out a little travel pack of aspirin. “Got this for you too.”
Hallelujah! Her morning dose of painkiller had worn off. “Thanks.”
She ripped open the little packet, tossed the pills back, and chugged the ice-cold water as Josh jumped right in like he’d been serving ice cream his whole life. He scooped both flavors while she took her short break and he introduced himself to everyone like he didn’t have a care in the world.
She found it hard to draw a deep breath in anticipation of making the introductions of father and daughter soon. She’d been getting enough curious glances all day to know everyone was hoping for a big show.
She moved beside Josh and grabbed a scooper, ignoring the sexy way his forearms flexed as he doled out ice cream.
They’d just gotten the lines all under control when the number-one pain in Meg’s ass, Amber, strolled up.
Josh, having no idea he was dealing with Satan’s spawn, smiled like he had at everyone else. “Hi. Chocolate or vanilla?”
Might be good to avoid Amber and go clean the ice cream off Haley, but it’d be cruel to leave Josh alone with the woman. He’d done her a favor by helping her out with the ice cream stand, after all.
Amber’s eyes took a long stroll up and then back down Josh’s exceptional body. When her lips tilted in a slow, come-hither smile, there was no decision. Meg was staying.
“Welcome to Anderson Butte, Josh.” Amber stuck out her claw. “I’m Amber Grant-Downey. It’s a real pleasure to meet you.” She leaned so close her fake boobs almost touched Josh’s hand.
He slipped his hand from her clutches, then dove for the scoop. Sending Meg a sideways what-the-hell glance, he said, “Nice to meet you too. Chocolate or vanilla?”
“Oh, no, thank you.” Amber ran her hands down her sides and her voice turned all blonde-bombshell whispery. “Maintaining a figure like this doesn’t allow for ice cream. I just wanted to welcome you to town. And to offer you a friendly place to stay.” She turned to Meg. “You did tell Josh about my guesthouse, didn’t you, Megan?” Her knowing smile spiked Meg’s blood pressure.