Kane, into joining them. Frankie had also agreed, since her family was out of state, and she hadn't made any plans. And Emma had jumped with glee, accepting any excuse to spend Christmas with Logan and away from her son. She'd even asked if she could bring Stan.
Progress came in many forms, Rina thought wryly as her company all mingled in the family room. Rina's only concern was whether Norton would behave. She glanced down at the offending male who stared up at her with soulful eyes.
He didn't like having his home invaded by so many people who ignored him or refused to pass him food. 'You will be good, won't you, boy?'
'If you insist on wearing that dress, I can't promise a thing.'
Rina turned. Colin stood in the doorway, staring at her hungrily from across the expanse of the small kitchen. 'For a minute there, I thought Norton was answering me.'
He laughed, stepping toward her. 'You look incredible.'
Heat flooded her cheeks but she was glad he'd noticed. 'You're not so bad yourself.'
'Now, there's a compliment,' he said wryly. 'Are you really worried about Norton? I can walk him if you are.'
She shrugged. 'I'm just being cautious. He's not too happy with so many people invading his space. Except for you. He adores you. And so do I.' She brushed a kiss on his clean-shaven cheek, inhaling his seductive, purely masculine scent. Delicious, she thought.
She couldn't get enough of him. No matter how dangerous the thought, she had no choice but to accept what he gave and put the notion of him moving on out of her mind. It would happen soon enough, especially if things with Joe didn't go well.
Forcing herself to think about the party and the guests, instead of making love with Colin, wasn't easy. 'You can walk him in about an hour. Right now he's just sulking.'
Colin cocked his head to the side, taking in the morose dog. 'How can you tell?'
'Because he's not jumping and begging for attention. He wants these people to come to him. He went through a period like this after his stint as a hero dog. He saved Brianne from a drug dealer who wanted revenge on my brother. He got so spoiled afterward it took awhile until he started acting like a dog again.'
Colin raised an eyebrow in surprise. 'I didn't think he had a vicious bone in his wrinkled body.'
She laughed. 'He doesn't. He didn't even have to bare his teeth. All he had to do was pee on the guy's leg. The bad guy lost his focus, giving Jake a chance to step in.'
Colin grinned. 'Way to use your bodily functions, man.'
Norton thumped his tail in reply.
'Hey, I thought I was the hero who rescued Brianne.' Jake entered the kitchen.
'Only after Norton provided the opportunity, and don't you forget it. You owe him.'
'I paid in advance by watching him that entire summer,' he muttered.
'I'm sure it wasn't that much of a hardship.' She folded her arms over her chest. 'And I didn't realize you were standing there.'
He folded his arms over his chest, too, a gesture very much like Rina's, Colin thought.
'I'm just observing,' Jake said, his gaze on Colin.
Observing him, Colin realized. Rina hadn't said anything, but it was obvious his decision not to return yesterday had impacted not just Rina, but her brother. Jake's attitude had been decidedly chillier than yesterday. Colin respected that.
'So what can I get you guys? Colin?' she asked first, obviously attempting to change the subject.
'Do you have any bottled water? Emma's getting tipsy and Logan wants to dilute her wine.'
Rina furrowed her eyebrows. 'Emma doesn't drink. She's up to something, so you'd better keep an eye on her. Better yet, keep an eye on poor Stan. The man has his hands full.' She turned to her brother. 'And you? Isn't your wife waiting inside?'
'As a matter of fact, she wants to know if you have any celery.'
Rina crinkled her nose. 'Cat's hot appetizers are so good. Why would Brianne want celery?'
Jake rolled his eyes skyward. 'As if I have a clue what women think.'
'Hmm. That might be a good subject for my next series of articles. How to get inside a woman's head.' She grinned. 'I like that.'
'Works for me,' Jake muttered.
Colin swallowed hard and remained silent.
'Brianne also wants peanut butter,' Jake said. 'And some raisins if you have them. Oh, and she'd like a large glass of milk.'
Colin grimaced. 'That's what I call disgusting.'
'It's what I'd call a craving,' Rina said, her eyes opening wide.
'What?' Jake walked over to Rina, obviously picking up on her choice of words. 'What are you talking about?'
'Brianne's got odd cravings. Could there be any special reason for them?' Rina wiggled her eyebrows knowingly while Jake, the macho cop, suddenly looked green.
'To hell with the celery,' he said, and bolted for the other room to talk to his wife.
Rina laughed. 'Mission accomplished. Jake's out of here and we can squeeze in a minute alone.'
'You went to all this trouble, arranged this party, all for me. Do you know how lucky I am to have you?' He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. She smelled like Rina, an arousing floral scent that seeped into his bones. He smelled it in his sleep.
'Mmm. As long as you know how lucky you are, that's all that counts.' She linked her hands around his neck and pulled him into a hot, tongue-tangling kiss.
But before things could get any deeper, a ringing cell phone interrupted them. With a groan, Colin reached for the phone clasped to his belt while Rina stepped back, resigned.
'Hello?'
'Merry Christmas, Colin.' He recognized Corinne's voice.
His heart clenched in fear. 'Same to you. Is Joe okay?' he asked, knowing she wouldn't call without good reason.
'Actually, he's doing well today. Holiday spirits and all that. He'd like to see you.'
Fear turned to anticipation. 'I'd planned on coming to the hospital after dinner.'
'Could you make it before then? Actually, can you make it now? Joe's strength is up and it's a good time for the two of you to talk.'
'Go,' Rina whispered, obviously having overheard. 'I understand.'
He didn't want to leave, if only because he didn't want to walk out on her again. But he needed to see Joe and he couldn't let the opportunity slip by. 'Tell him I'll be there,' he said to Corinne.
'Thanks.'
Colin hung up and slipped the phone into his pocket, shooting Rina a regret-filled look. 'I wish-'
'Shh.' She put a finger to his lips. 'It's Christmas. You should be with Joe. I'd go with you but I have a houseful of people.'
He placed his hand beneath her chin, tilting her face up toward him. 'You thought about going with me. That means a lot.'
He bent to kiss her and, as usual, the kiss flared out of control. She teased him with her tongue, tracing the seam of his lips and darting inside before she pulled away.
'Just wanted to give you a taste. Come back tonight and I'll give you even more.' A wicked gleam flickered in her gaze, making him laugh. He'd already grown hard with wanting her.
Getting through the day, his desire unrelieved, would be hell. Dealing with Joe and the subject of family, the paper and Corinne would be even worse.
'Hey you two, quit necking and get inside for a toast.' Emma said, banging on the wall by the kitchen, making her presence known. 'It's rude to make out when you have company waiting. I, on the other hand, do not have company. So would you mind pointing out the least trafficked area so I can get my dear Stan alone?'
Colin rolled his eyes.
Rina laughed. 'Probably the bathroom, since this is a small place. Sorry, Emma, but today won't be the most
