by Grady, D. R.
“Of course I am.” She tweaked his nose this time and then brightened. “Did I tell you Katy is coming?”
“For good or to visit?”
“For good,” Trixi stated happily, and caught the de Vosse brothers exchanging another look. The only thing she could identify was they were amused by her.
It was okay to be amusing, but it would be much nicer to be so sexy she made men stop and stare. Or to ensnare them with a mere look.
Since neither was true she at least consoled herself with the thought that she didn’t qualify for the potted plant category - ignored. Trixi sighed and accepted amusing. Maybe she should wear some of her really high heels to work. Some of the women did. But then she thought about trying to do her job and quickly nixed the idea.
High heels would be a real hindrance.
“When is your friend coming?” Mark asked as he finished his sandwich and dumped his empty chip bag. Nothing but a few measly crumbs tumbled out. He stared at them glumly.
“She should be here as soon as her fellowship ends.”
“Does she have a place to stay?” Leo asked. He was peering into his own empty chip bag. It was sad to see the two men still hungry and come up wanting.
She tugged out the container she brought with her and opened it. Both brothers groaned when the enticing contents wafted toward them. “Oatmeal raisin cookies,” Leo breathed. He helped himself and popped half the cookie into his mouth.
Mark wasn’t far behind him. “With plenty of cinnamon. And other spices.”
“I made them last evening, but I don’t want these in the house.” She peered at them in distaste.
“You baked something you don’t like?” Leo asked as he dug two more treats out of the container.
“I like them,” Mark decided as he selected another one. It was big and he stared at it with satisfaction before he demolished the fragrant cookie.
“Of course I like them. That’s why I made them. I thought I could put them out by the coffee pot.”
“Your dad probably likes these,” Leo pointed out.
“He does, and I put some aside for him. I told him to hide that container so I can’t find it.”
Leo grinned. “That doesn’t work very well, does it?”
Trixi sent him a smoldering look. “With chocolate, no. I can find that with no problem, no matter where he hides it. But these are possible if he’s smart.”
She took one and bit into it. The cookie was soft, and the texture and spices blended perfectly. It melted in the mouth. After she swallowed, she glared at Leo.
“I cannot have these in the house.”
“We’ll take care of that for you,” Leo said as he took the container and snapped the lid back on.
“I’ll hide them,” Mark announced.
“Then how am I supposed to get to them?”
Mark ignored Leo’s growled question. “If you hide them,” he pointed out, “certain individuals have access to your area. If I hide them, they’ll be safe.” He glanced at the treats. “At least from cute little brunettes. From me, not at all.”
His grin was warm and she wanted to sink into it. These blasted cookies weren’t anywhere near the temptation this man posed. He ranked right up there with chocolate.
That was bad. Really bad.
And yet she found herself falling headfirst anyway.
Wait—did he just call her cute?