Laura’s heart jumped into her throat, and she didn’t dare take a breath until Cassidy had turned away, heading over to the smoker, presumably to check on the progress of dinner. She spun around, trying to collect her thoughts when she found Tanya watching her with a bit of an amused expression. She felt a blush light her face, but she returned Tanya’s smile and walked over to her.

“Where’s Derrick?”

“He went to change into dry clothes.”

“I guess it’s time, isn’t it?”

“I suppose we have to. It’s been such a fun afternoon,” Tanya said. “You are so different from Cassidy’s usual friends, and I mean that in a very good way.”

“I haven’t actually met any of her friends.”

“Consider yourself lucky.”

“Well, there was the one woman she brought out here…Ashly, I believe. I was out working in the flowerbed and Cassidy came home early. I was a filthy mess.”

Tanya glanced over to where Cassidy was, then looked back at Laura. “I hope I’m not out of line for saying this, but you and Cassidy…you have this energy between you. It’s very noticeable.” She smiled. “Also very cute.”

Laura felt another blush threaten, and she hoped she managed to stave it off. “An…an energy?” She laughed. “No, no. I’ve seen the women Cassidy’s been with. Trust me, I am not her type.”

Tanya again looked at Cassidy. “That’s the problem with my hardheaded friend there. She thinks she knows who her type is, but she has no clue.” She looked back at Laura, holding her gaze. “You like her, don’t you?”

Laura could blow off the question if she wanted to. She could dismiss it. She could lie. “Yes.” She turned her gaze to Cassidy, watching her. “I wish I didn’t.”

“Cassidy is hard not to like.”

“And no doubt she’s left a string of broken hearts behind.”

“No doubt. She’s looking for the love of her life. Looking in all the wrong places, as the old song goes.” Tanya tilted her head. “And what about you? Single, too, I’m assuming?”

Laura nodded. “Yes. We seem to be looking for the same thing.”

Tanya surprised her by reaching over and squeezing her forearm gently. “Don’t give up. It’s worth waiting for.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Laura was barely able to stop herself from snatching a rib off the platter while Cassidy cut them with the electric knife. Cassidy laughed at her.

“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t do it.”

Laura knew she was playing with fire, but she simply couldn’t resist. She moved closer, moving her eyebrows teasingly.

“You have no idea what I’m thinking.”

Cassidy paused in mid-cut, a smile on her face. “You’re coveting my ribs…among other body parts.”