A Buckhorn Bachelor by Lori Foster

only reason he hesitated to state his feelings was because it almost felt forced. Not by Isabella, but by his damned cousin who, he felt sure, was the one repeatedly tossing guys at her. Amber would probably do it to both annoy him and prod him toward declarations. But he wanted Issy to know he wasn’t coerced in any way, to understand that he’d already been interested long before they ramped up things at the carnival. Kissing her had sealed the deal. Getting close to her had completely stolen his heart.
    Given a little time, he could show her how much he cared, instead of merely telling her. But time didn’t seem to be on his side.
    Within an hour of them getting to the family picnic on Sunday, two local guys who’d showed up with Garrett began to flirt with her. Cupid wasn’t happy about being in a carrier, and she especially didn’t like the guys talking so loud.
    They’d brought her along because Jordan wanted to check her over again. His uncle often did vet checks of the family pets at big gatherings. Eventually Cupid would come to enjoy all the attention, but for now, there’d be a quiet place in the house for her during their visit.
    Using the cat as an excuse, Adam pointed the pushy guys in the direction of his Uncle Gabe’s daughters, Briana, April and Kady. For sure, those three flirts would keep them occupied.
    He glared at Garrett, who just grinned and hugged Zoey closer. “Problem, Adam?”
    â€œNo.” Not since he got the guys to move on. If he had his way, he’d end the date-parade today. He said to Issy, “Cupid would probably like to get out of this carrier, and I’m betting Garrett and Zoey would love to meet her.”
    Garrett, who’d started to move toward one of the coolers for a beer, froze. He glanced at Adam, cocked a brow, and then proved himself loyal by saying, “Yeah, that’d be great. But why don’t we all go inside first, in case Cupid freaks out?”
    Issy, who’d been cooing to the cat, smiled at Garrett. “She’s really very sweet—”
    A feral snarl emerged.
    Taking the carrier from Issy, Garrett soothed both the cat and her by saying, “Poor baby isn’t liking all the commotion. Let’s take her in.” Winking at Adam, he added, “You can go ahead and have that talk with Amber. We’ll be fine.”
    Zoey laughed. “My money’s on Amber.” She hooked her arm through Isabella’s and got them moving.
    â€œI’ll be right back,” Adam called after them.
    Always happy to brag about her pet, Isabella nodded and off she went with his bemused cousin Garrett, and Zoey, who was always enthusiastic about everything.
    It required only a short search before Adam located Amber in the kitchen, stealing a kiss from Noel Poet.
    â€œAhem,” he said loudly.
    Noel ignored him, but Amber jumped away guiltily. “Adam. Hey, you’re here. What’s up?”
    Rolling his eyes, Noel said, “Judging by the look on his face, your goose is cooked, that’s what.”
    â€œI don’t know what you—”
    Noel kissed her again, short and sweet. “I’ll give you two some privacy.”
    â€œTraitor,” Amber grumbled, then she pasted on a smile. “Adam. You do look a little grouchy. Everything going okay?”
    Knowing Issy was in the house and could show up at any minute, Adam crowded close to whisper, “I thought you loved me.”
    She grinned. “I do. Very much.”
    â€œThen quit with the interfering.”
    On a feigned gasp of indignation, she said, “I assist . There’s a difference.”
    â€œYour brand of assistance is about to make me insane.”
    Going serious, she said, “Hey, I called them off.”
    â€œRight.” If that was true, she must not have been very convincing.
    â€œI did,” she insisted.
    â€œWhen?”
    â€œSoon as you told me you were involved, that day