Two young boys with worried looks on their faces pointed. One tugged on the bottom of his father’s shirt to get his attention.

“Steve, you’re scaring the kids.”  Nicole stuck a thumb over her shoulder.

“Sorry, nothing to see here.” He dropped his foot and rubbed his leg. “Damn that hurt.”

“I truly am sorry,” Lucy said, looking and sounding sincere. “I told Kelly, me and small balls don’t get along.”

Steve’s knees drew together, and Kelly snorted. Lucy had a way of wording things that often made Kelly wonder if they’d been intentional or totally innocent.

Nicole sidled up next to Lucy and bumped shoulders. “I like you.”

Smiling broadly, Steve squeezed Lucy’s shoulder. “Me too. You passed the test.”

Lucy quirked an eyebrow, her gaze locked on Kelly. “I didn’t know I was being tested.”

Gaping like a fish, Kelly punched Steve in the shoulder. “It’s not like that. Tell her.”

“I did. She passed the Steve test. You’re like a sister to me, now I can rest easy that I won’t have to slash your missus’s tyres.”

“Oh, my goodness.” Eyes wide, Lucy’s hand flew to her mouth. “Paula had a flat tyre this morning.” She narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t, did you?”

Kelly’s heart jumped into her throat. Her friends were very protective, but she never thought Steve would stoop so low. She folded her arms and levelled her gaze on Steve.

He flinched as though she’d shot daggers at him. “Shit, no.” He backed up, arms held out in surrender. “I was kidding, honestly. I wouldn’t do something like that.”

Lucy cocked a finger gun at Steve and winked. “Bang, gotcha.”

Once again, Kelly’s mouth fell open. Lucy kissed her on the cheek. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you, but someone has to beat this dude at his own game.

The look on Steve’s face spoke volumes. Although he tried to act like he hadn’t been bested, Kelly knew him well enough to know he was impressed with Lucy’s fast thinking.

Scratching the stubble on his chin, Steve said, “You’ll keep.”

The last golf hole seemingly forgotten, Kelly put an arm around Lucy’s waist. “You’re right, she is a keeper.”

When Lucy’s face lit up and she leaned into the embrace, Kelly couldn’t wait a minute longer to be alone with her.

“You guys win.” Kelly handed her golf club to Steve. “Let’s get out of here, it’s too nice of a day to be indoors.”

Chapter 20

An hour later, Kelly was in her element, basking in the warmth of the sun on her face and a soft body moulded to her back.