Page 114 of The Perfect Distraction

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“They just pulled up,” Beth said from her concealed position behind the kitchen curtains. “We should probably leave in a minute or two.”

“Would you relax?” Brooke said, giggling.

“I wish I could, but I’m anticipating getting the evil eye from Judy. Maybe we should just leave the chocolate chip cookies here.”

Brooke was arranging the cookies she’d baked on a pretty tray they’d found in Aunt Jenny’s cupboard. “I can’t go to someone’s house without bringing something. It’s against my moral code.”

“Normally, I would agree, but when I brought the flag cake to Judy’s house, she treated it like it was poisoned.”

Brooke laughed again. “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be.”

“Fine. Bring the cookies, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

A few minutes later, they crossed the driveway and went around to Colton’s back deck. Joe, Mason, and Joey were seated at the patio table, and Joey was showing them something on his tablet, but Colton and Judy were missing. As soon as Beth’s foot landed on the first step, the men popped their heads up and greeted her with a friendly smile.

“See. I told you she had red hair!” Joey said, pointing to Brooke.

The men chuckled, but Mason gave him a gentle cuff to the back of the head. “Don’t point. It’s impolite,” he scolded.

And then Joe and Mason stood up and stepped forward.

“Joe and Mason Woodward, I’d like you to meet my youngest sister, Brooke.”

“The baker,” Mason said with a wide smile. He held out his hand, but Brooke was still clutching her tray of cookies.

“Here,” she said, practically shoving them at Beth. When Brooke placed her hand in Mason’s, even Beth felt a hum of electricity between them. Then she thought that maybe she was just projecting her feelings about Colton onto them, and just as she thought it, he stepped outside.

“You’re here,” he said with a big grin.

Whatever tension Beth had felt earlier dissipated when he pulled her in and leaned down to kiss her cheek. But it quickly resurfaced when Judy stepped outside and zoned right in on the tray of cookies that Beth was still holding.

Here we go again! “Brooke made these,” she said and hurriedly thrust the tray back at her sister.

Brooke shot her a knowing look and quickly jumped in. “You must be Judy. I’m Brooke, Beth’s sister.”

Judy gave Brooke a brief nod and said, “You didn’t have to bring anything, but thank you.” And then she stepped forward and took the tray out of Brooke’s hands. “I’ll set these inside so they don’t melt.”

Beth let out a small sigh, and Colton gave her another squeeze.

“So, a baker huh?” Mason said, seemingly fascinated by Brooke’s occupation.

“Yes,” she said with a giggle.

“I’ll start the grill, but first, can I get you ladies something to drink?” Colton asked. “I’ve got beer, soda, lemonade.”

“Lemonade is good with me,” Beth said.

“I’ll take a beer,” Brooke said.

“Same here,” Mason called.

“I was asking the ladies,” Colton said.

“But since you’re going inside…”

“Fine. Be right back.”