Lost in a Stallion's Arms (Kimani Romance) by Deborah Fletcher Mello

something going on, you all will scare them right from it. Leave ’em alone, and no teasing when they come in here, either.”
    “That’s not fair, Aunt Juanita,” Mark said. “If Vanessa is changing her ways, I want to be the first one to give her some static.”
    Juanita met his gaze, a reprimand at the tip of her tongue. She shifted that stare around the table. John stalled the admonishment with one of his own.
    “I’m telling you people, it’s nothing. Just let it drop before you make Matthew mad. You know how he gets when we tease him. He’ll pout for days.”
    Mark chuckled. “Okay, if you say so. It’s nothing.”
    “Oh, it’s something!” Luke teased. “Y’all can act like you don’t see it if you want to, but I know better.”
    Edward changed the subject. “Mitch, you done passed by the good food. I hope you ain’t on one of them fool diets you young girls seem so fond of, ’cause this here is some good food.”
    Michelle shook her head as everyone turned their attention to her and her plate. “No, sir. I just haven’t had much of an appetite lately. I think I might have picked up a mild stomach bug or something.” She pushed at the fruit salad on her plate with her fork.
    Marla tapped Marah on the leg, the two women cutting their eyes at each other. Across the table, Eden’s eyebrows were raised sky high as she looked from one sister to the other.
    “Baby, do you think you might be—” Juanita started before Matthew and Vanessa came into the room, their presence interrupting the conversation.
    “Good morning!” Vanessa chimed. “How’s everyone doing?”
    Matthew moved back to the seat he’d vacated earlier. He ignored the looks his brothers were tossing him, their amused expressions shooting him quiet messages and silent questions.
    Vanessa was still rambling as she took a seat at the other end of the table. “It sure pays to know where to find a good meal,” she was saying as she reached for a platter of hotcakes. “And I’m famished!”
    “Eat up, honey,” Edward chuckled. “There’s plenty to go around.”
    Luke laughed. “You people are too funny to me,” he said, pulling a forkful of eggs into his mouth. “If y’all won’t ask, I certainly will.” He leaned forward, looking toward Matthew. Before he could fix his mouth to get the words out, Matthew interrupted him, stalling the query.
    “So, Luke, have you found a date for the banquet yet?” he asked, his expression smug. Mischief shimmered in his gaze.
    “Don’t tell us you don’t have a date yet, Luke,” Marah intoned, her neck snapping as she turned to stare at him. “Luke, we have you confirmed as a party of two.”
    “And I know you didn’t wait until the last minute to ask someone. Your date would have less than a day to find a dress,” Marla added. “You know this is the biggest event in Dallas.”
    “Um, I have a date,” Luke said, his voice dropping ever so slightly.
    “Who? Someone you know well, we hope.”
    “You’re not bringing one of your casual flings, are you?” Matthew asked, egging the situation on. “That really wouldn’t be cool, bro.”
    Everyone’s focus suddenly shifted to Luke.
    Luke glared at Matthew, the man’s smug stare reminiscent of when they’d been little and Luke had always gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar, big brother giving his secrets away. In a fraction of a short second, Matthew had managed to put him under a microscope with the Briscoe-Stallion women biting at the bit to examine and dissect his personal life. His eyes widened in fright.
    “You are bringing someone special, aren’t you, baby?” Juanita asked.
    “How about your friend Leslie?” Michelle queried. “She’s very sweet.”
    “That girl Tanya would be good for you, too!” Vanessa chimed in with her two cents. “And she is way cute!”
    “Really, guys, I have a date already. A very lovely young lady. I can’t wait to introduce you all to her,” he said, trying to sound