Read Online The Ashtons - Cole, Abigail & Megan by authors_sort - Free Book Online Page A

you’re through with me?”
    “For now,” Dixie said cheerfully. “I’ll be starting the paintings soon, and I may need to stare at you some more then. Or not. First I’m going to pester your vineyard foreman for a day or two.”
    “I suspect Russ won’t mind,” Caroline said dryly. “Dixie?”
    She slid her pad into her tote. “Yes?”
    “My son was deeply hurt when you left him. I’m concerned about your reappearance in his life.”
    Dixie froze. Déjà vu, all over again, she thought. First Eli, now Caroline.
    And what could she say? That Cole was the one doing the pursuing? It was true, but if she was honest, she’d have to admit she enjoyed the game they were playing. “I don’t know what to tell you. He isn’t serious.”
    “Isn’t he?” Caroline let that question dangle a moment, then smiled. “You probably want to suggest I mind my own business. I understand. We’ll change the subject. I’m having a small dinner party Friday, mostly family. I’d like it if you could join us.”
    “Thank you,” Dixie said, wary.
    Caroline shook her head ruefully. “I’m not usually so maladroit. The dinner invitation has nothing to do with the question I didn’t quite ask you. Truly, I would like to have you join us.”
    “And I’m not usually so prickly.” Dixie’s smile warmed. “I’d love to come.”
    “Head over any time after six, then. Casual dress. We’ll eat around seven-thirty.”
    Dixie was frowning as she headed for the carriage house. She didn’t resent Caroline’s delicate prying. Mothers were allowed to worry—it was in the contract. They were also entitled to think the best of their offspring. Dixie couldn’t very well tell Cole’s mother that all he was after was a quick roll in the hay.
    Well…maybe not quick. Her lips curved. That had never been one of Cole’s faults.
    Her smile didn’t last. She suspected his pursuit rose, in part, from the desire to prove that he was over her. If that thought pinched a bit, she could understand it. Because Caroline had been right about the other. Dixie was sure she’d hurt Cole.
    He’d hurt her, too. But his had been sins of omission, not commission. He hadn’t lied or cheated. He just hadn’t been there enough. Business had come first, second and sometimes third with Cole. All too often, Dixie had been an afterthought.
    She’d been so desperately in love. And he…he’d been halfway in love. In the end, she hadn’t been able to handle that.
    Dixie rounded the corner of the house—and almostwalked right into Cole. And her cat, who was purring madly in Cole’s arms.
    “Good grief.” She shook her head, disgusted. “He got out again?”
    “I was working on a budget projection and turned away to get a file. When I turned back, there he was, sitting on top of a stack of quarterly reports, cleaning his face and looking smug. Tilly’s still hiding under my desk. Hey.” He touched her arm lightly with his free hand. “Is something wrong?”
    “Just thinking deep, philosophical thoughts. It interferes with my digestion.” She started walking again. He fell into step beside her. “Is Tilly okay?”
    “She’s fine, now that I removed her tormenter.” He smiled. “That’s three, Dixie. And still two days to go.”
    “I know, I know.” She and Cole had a bet on. Cole had bet that Hulk would escape at least half a dozen times before Friday.
    It should have been an easy win for her. Not because she fooled herself that she controlled Hulk, but she did know his ways. She’d figured her cat would escape once a day, no matter what she did—but if she let him stay out long enough to get his outside fix, he’d be content to stay in the rest of the time.
    She hadn’t counted on his obsession with Cole’s dog. “I think you’re sneaking him out,” she said darkly.
    “Would I do that? He may be teleporting. Here.” Cole dumped the cat into her arms. “Where did you find Cattila the Hun, anyway?”
    Had Cole always had this