“You know exactly what that means. It’s time for Damien to put a ring on it, but why would he when you’re such a nag?” Laura’s face became the picture of calm.
Sorrow recognized her sister’s expression. She’d known it from their youth—it was the look of battle. Well, she could play this game as calmly as Laura. Mastering her emotions, she kept her arms crossed tight, curling her fingers into her biceps. “Who says I want Damien to put a ring on it anyway?”
Saying the words, Sorrow realized the thought of a ring and Damien made her feel more alarm than anticipation.
Laura tipped the movers and shooed them out the door. “Don’t tell me you’re into that sheriff. ”
“I’m not into anybody. ” Sorrow began to put the den back to rights, shaking out a throw blanket with a sharp snap, folding and smoothing it probably more than was necessary. But her stomach gave a little flip-flop at the thought—was she into the sheriff?
“Oh, God. ” Laura gaped. “You are into him. He’s kind of old for you, isn’t he?”
How was it her pesky sister was always able to read her mind? Sorrow straightened, facing Laura head-on. “Billy is not old. He’s in his thirties. Since when is that old?”
A slow smile spread across Laura’s face. “You want some sisterly advice?”
Sorrow’s response was instant. “No. ”
She continued anyway. “Go for someone your own age. ”
“I told you, I’m not going for anybody. ”
“I’ve told you before, Damien is cute and rich,” Laura insisted. “Keep your head in the game, kid. Eyes on the target. ”
“I’m not a kid. ” Sorrow was feeling trapped in this conversation—she didn’t feel like discussing either man. How did Laura always manage to get the upper hand? “And what’s with all the bad sports metaphors? Some people aren’t in it to win something. We’re not all as ruthless as you are. ”
Laura studied her for a second with an annoying smirk on her face. “If nothing’s going on, why so defensive?”
There was a knock at the back door, and the sisters exchanged a withering look.
“Saved by the bell. ” Sorrow dashed from the room to get the door, wondering who it could be. Folks usually used the front door and walked right in.
Unfortunately, she heard her sister’s footsteps close behind. She looked over her shoulder, telling Laura in a quick, hushed voice, “Nothing is going on with Billy. Damien and I are just dating. I’m not marrying anyone that I know of, not now, not in the near future. Thanks for your interest. ” That should shut big sister down. She opened the door, and it was him.
Billy.
Stopping behind her, Laura chuckled. “Speak of the devil. ”
Evil. Laura was evil. Devil spawn. Sent to torment her.
Billy’s eyes zoomed to Sorrow’s breasts, which were currently popping up out of the low neckline like two plump orbs desperate for air. She did her best to gather her wits, despite feeling very conscious of the cold air on her décolleté. “Hi, Bill—”
But Laura’s chirpy voice cut hers off. “Sheriff! What can we do you for? You here to see Sorrow?”
Billy looked suddenly wary. He wasn’t dumb; he was an intuitive guy. He probably sensed how he’d walked smack-dab into the onset of World War III. “I’m always happy to see Sorrow,” he said slowly, clearly thinking through his words carefully, “but I’m here because your father sent me. ”
Laura leaned against the wall, giving him a playfully saucy look. “Aren’t you happy to see me, too?”
Sorrow would’ve kicked her sister had she thought she could do it unnoticed. Instead she glared.
Laura was so easy with Billy, and it irked her. But why? Was she jealous of how good her sister was with men? Or was she jealous that Laura might be good with Billy?
She realized how she’d begun to crave the man’s attention herself. Shouldering in front of Laura, she asked, “What’s up?”
“I just got off duty and was grabbing a coffee when all hell broke loose. ” He kept his eyes on her as he added, “I’m afraid they need you at the tavern. ”
Of course they do. “Give me a sec to change. ”
She forgot her girl trouble and had her jeans back on in no time. What could be going wrong now? Explosion, maybe? Plague of locusts? “What is it this time?” she asked as she grabbed her fleece and shouldered past Laura out the door.