Page 88 of Wilde Hearts

Confused, I asked, “Your favorite?”

“Of all the guys my sisters have dated. I always liked you the best. Well,” he said with a shrug. “Except for that time you broke my sister’s heart in two. I didn’t like you very much then.”

I laughed, and when he raised a brow, I quickly cleared my throat and got serious. “To be fair, I didn’t like me very much then, either.”

Satisfied with my response, he gave a nod. “I’ll leave you to your planning. I do want to point out, though, this Thursday’s Thanksgiving.”

I closed my eyes and cursed. “Shit. I forgot all about that.”

Gatlin smiled. “That’s what I’m here for—to point out all the things.”

Shooting him a dirty look, I asked, “I’m guessing it’s important to be there for Thanksgiving?”

“Considering my parents invited your parents and you to attend, I’d say yes, it’s important to be there. You are trying to win points with the entire family, right? You know…the whole breaking my sister’s heart and all.”

Leaning back in the chair, I exhaled. “I’m never going to be able to get you to stop with that, am I?”

He shook his head. “Afraid not.”

I thought for a few moments and said, “I can make this work.”

Heading out of my office, Gatlin turned back and said, “If you actually make this work, I’ll drop the broke-her-heart reminders.”

Calling after him, I said, “It’s a deal!”

By the time Thursday came around, I had everything planned. We were flying out Friday morning and would be coming back to River Falls on Tuesday. I had three full days planned in Banff. Nearly four amazing days.

But right now, I needed to make it through Thanksgiving with my parents and the Wilde family. Once we arrived at Ladd and Vivanne’s, Ensley pulled me aside in the foyer. “I have to warn you about something.”

I pulled her close and kissed her. She melted into me for a few moments before breaking the kiss and gazing up at me. “What was that for?” she asked, with a lust-induced smile.

“I missed you, that’s all.”

“I just saw you yesterday.”

“I still missed you.”

She patted my chest. “That’s sweet. Now, back to my warning.”

Wrapping my arm around her waist, I said, “I’m all ears.”

“My mother and father have this new thing. Games.”

Confused, I asked, “Games?”

“Yes, like stupid, really silly games. I thought we’d talked them out of it for today, but after my grandfather and grandmother showed up with games of their own, it was back on.”

I nodded. “So, what kind of games are we playing?”

“Not the kind you want to play! So here’s the plan. Listen carefully.”

Once again, I nodded.

“If you see either of my parents or grandparents trying to get everyone’s attention, we need to slip out of the house—fast.”

“Just leave? Without even saying goodbye?”

She grabbed my shirt and shook me. “Colt, listen to me! I’m not talking Monopoly, I’m talking about group-activity type games! Like, how many little turkeys can you pick up with your mouth and put in the bucket with your hands tied behind your back! There’s even turkey bowling planned!”