Lindsey’s Wolves(12)

Alejandro pulled around the circular drive and stopped at the front door. “Looks about like my aunt and uncle’s place. This sprawling ranch style must be the norm for the area.”

“I guess there’s no sense building up when there’s plenty of space around to build out.”

Kara jumped from the car at the same time as Alejandro, not waiting for him to circle the front.

“I’d have gotten that for you,” he stated. “My mama did raise me with enough manners to always treat a lady right.” He grinned down at her.

“I know. You’ve certainly proven that.” No sooner had the words come out of her mouth than the front door opened and Kara stepped out.

“Lindsey! Hi. Glad you made it.” She stepped forward, sort of waddled actually. Lindsey had the fleeting thought she could be pregnant. It wasn’t physically obvious, but it was certainly possible. The girl had more sex than anyone Lindsey had ever met in her life. “Come in, come in.”

She motioned them forward toward the long front porch decked out with the perfect assortment of furniture to enjoy evenings out front watching the sun set. The soft squeak of the wooden porch swing rounded out the evening sounds.

“You must be Alejandro.” Kara reached to take one of his big hands in both of hers as they stepped up onto the porch. Kara was so dainty and petite, she nearly always grabbed people with two hands. A regular handshake greeting would swallow her whole.

Lindsey smiled to herself at the thought. Kara was nothing if not the perfect hostess. She could put everyone at ease in a heartbeat, and Lindsey was counting on just that.

“And you must be Kara.” Alejandro added as he pulled Kara toward him and kissed both her cheeks.

Lindsey’s heart rate increased at the intimate gesture, jealousy irrationally rearing its head that he cared to get as close to Kara as he had her. Irrational being the operative word considering the greeting was as natural as hand shaking where he came from.

“Can I offer anyone a drink? Beer? Wine? A soft drink? Coffee?” Kara continued as they made their way through the front door into the warm inviting interior of the house.

“I’m so full from dinner, I couldn’t even swallow a sip right now, but thanks.” Lindsey clutched her stomach as she spoke.

As soon as they came through the door Alejandro wrapped his arm around Lindsey’s middle and pulled her close. The intimacy reassured her where his intentions lay. Formalities aside, the man was interested.

“You have a beautiful home.” He peered around the large open family-room space that greeted its guests in earth tones of browns, oranges, and reds.

“Thank you. We’ve been making some changes lately and are loving the results.”

“Don’t listen to a word she says, man,” came Justin’s voice as he rounded the corner from the kitchen. “‘We’ is highly overstated. Kara did all the work. Trev and I can’t take an ounce of credit. But she’s right about one thing—the final effect is gorgeous, as is the woman occupying the space.” Justin pulled Kara in for a quick kiss on the lips before returning his attention to Alejandro and continuing. “I’m Justin, by the way. Welcome.”

Alejandro took the outstretched hand before him and flawlessly completed the American greeting. Was it Lindsey’s imagination, or did he physically stiffen before relaxing his grip around her waist?

“Alejandro. Or Alex. Whatever’s more comfortable for you.”

“Well, let’s get out of the doorway. Sit everyone.” Justin swung his arm wide in a sweeping gesture to encompass the newly renovated living space. “Kara wanted this space to be ideal for guests and I believe she’s outdone herself.”

“Indeed, she has. I don’t know what it was like before, but it’s lovely, Kara. You’ve done a great job.” Alejandro never ceased to say just the right thing. A true gentleman. He aimed Lindsey to an overstuffed beige couch and sat them both down with a grace that not just any man could have achieved, forcing her efficiently to be pressed into his side, and never removing his arm from around her waist. It should have been disconcerting, this possessive man sucking her in, but it was oddly comforting instead.

“Don’t listen to him,” Kara said. “I did very little to this room. It was wonderful when I got here.”

“I’m sure you added just the right touches to turn a house into a home,” Alejandro added. His gaze wandered to Justin. “So you operate a dairy farm here? I assume you know my aunt and uncle? Clay and Stacy Thompson?”

Was it her imagination, or did Alejandro watch Justin with particular attention?