Jameson, tall and muscular, was utterly gorgeous and had the most amazing smile. “Nice to meet you both. Thanks for the invite.”

  Owen shook his hand. “Great to meet you, too. Any friend of Mae’s is a friend of ours. What do you do, Jameson?”

  “I’m a personal trainer. How about you?”

  “I own the Screaming Hawk craft brewery.”

  “Oh, cool. I just moved here about a month ago and haven’t been there yet. I’m a big fan of craft beers.”

  “I have a couple of kegs here. You wanna try some?”

  “Love to.” Jameson turned to Mae. “I’ll be right back.”

  Mae smiled at him. “I’ll be around.”

  Honor caught sight of the quick smile Owen sent her way before he disappeared outside.

  “Well,” Honor said, turning to Mae. “He’s hot. And seems very nice.”

  She shrugged. “He’s definitely hot. But he’s just a date. And yes, he’s nice. But I’m not looking for a relationship. Right now, I’m enjoying making my way through the alphabet of available men.”

  Honor laughed. “It’s a very attractive alphabet.”

  “Indeed it is,” Mae said with a satisfied sigh. “How about you? Did you bring someone with you today?”

  “Oh, uh, no. I’ve been so busy I kind of forgot.”

  Mae tilted her head down and pinned Honor with a look. “You forgot. About men.”

  Excuses on the fly never worked. “That wasn’t exactly what I meant. It’s been busy, what with wedding season being so hectic, and then I helped Owen plan this event today. It’s like nonstop events. Who has time to find a guy, am I right?”

  “Uh-huh. You’ve also turned down every guy your sisters have tried to set you up with. And from what I saw, they were a couple of fine-looking specimens.”

  “Okay, fine. I’m just not . . . in the mood.”

  Mae snorted. “In the mood for what, exactly? A nice dinner? A movie? Some conversation? Blow-your-mind sex?”

  Dammit. Mae was too smart. “Maybe my priorities are a little out of whack. I’ll work on it.”

  “Funny you should say that, because I know this amazing guy. He works with Jameson at the gym, and girl, he is incredible. Super nice and respectful, broke off with his last girlfriend about six months ago, so he’s over her, you know what I mean? He’s dated a little here and there, but he’s not burning up the sheets or anything. He really wants to settle down and find some stability.”

  Oh, crap. Now what was she supposed to say?

  “Let me think about it.”

  “What’s there to think about? Oh, other than the fact that you’re already burning up the sheets with Owen so you’re not interested in any other guys.”

  She momentarily lost the ability to form words. And maybe breathe. Okay, Honor, think. Deny. “What? How . . . I mean, pfft, of course not. What would make you think that?”

  Mae rolled her eyes. “Anyone who pays attention can see what’s going on with the two of you, especially when you’re in a room together. It’s . . . sparky.”

  “Sparky?”

  “Yeah . . . like someone lit a fire in the room. Very hot, Honor.”

  She had no idea. “Has anyone else said anything? Noticed it?”

  “No one’s said anything to me. And I haven’t said a word to anyone else, so don’t worry about it.”

  Maybe Mae was the only one who’d noticed it. She thought they’d been careful—they had been careful.

  “So . . . are you gonna tell me what’s going on?”

  She took a deep breath and blew it out. “It’s complicated.”

  “Why? Because of Erin?”

  “Yeah.” Among other reasons.

  Mae waved her hand back and forth. “Ancient history, don’t you think? She’s happy and she’s moved on.”

  Honor would like to think so. But there was also the huge issue of having accidentally gotten married. At least Mae didn’t know about that. “Maybe. I don’t know. We’re just keeping it under wraps, for now.”

  “Up to you. I won’t say anything. But wouldn’t it be easier if you just told people?”

  “Yes. Maybe. I’ll think about it.”

  Mae put her arm around Honor’s shoulders. “Honey, relationships aren’t supposed to be this hard. You like him, right?”

  It was getting to be much more than like, and that was what scared her. “Yes.”

  “Then talk to him, and work it out so you can be free to just be a couple, if that’s what you both want.”

  “I’ll do that. Thanks, Mae.”

  “Hey, I want all my friends to be happy.”

  They made their way outside where everyone was hanging out. They’d gotten so lucky to end up with a beautiful day. It wasn’t too hot, and there was a nice breeze and even partial cloud cover, with no rain in sight. She’d so wanted this day to go well for Owen, who seemed relaxed and happy and in his element. Then again, this was what he did for a living. He loved being around people, hanging out, serving beer and talking. Right now he stood at the grill, flipping chicken and drinking a beer while simultaneously having conversations as people walked by.

  He was good with people. There was never a lag in conversation no matter who he was talking to. It was something Honor was adept with as well, considering her own line of work.

  It also helped that she genuinely liked people and found all their unique personalities utterly fascinating. Even a difficult bride or a pesky mother-in-law didn’t ruffle her feathers. She knew tensions were high on a wedding day, and it was her job to make people relax. A smile and a little reassurance often went a long way.

  She imagined Owen often got an earful at the pub, listening to people vent about work or relationships. He was probably good at listening to them. He always listened to her.

  He glanced her way while he refilled his beer, smiling at her in that particular way that always set her heart fluttering.

  What would it feel like to be able to walk over to him, lean against him and brush her lips to his? To be that comfortable and not have to worry about what her family and friends might think or who might be hurt?

  Maybe she and Owen needed to have a discussion about that, because right now all she wanted to do was be near him. She inhaled a deep breath of fresh air, wishing it were his scent against her nose. Though the barbecue smelled good, too. She’d wager if she slipped her nose into his neck right now, he’d retain some of that smoky scent as well.

  Now she really needed to get closer to him. And why couldn’t she do that? After all, even Erin had wandered over to talk to him. If she could, Honor could as well. She stopped and talked with Clay and Alice, along with her parents, then casually drifted over to the grills where Owen was chatting with Finn and Brenna.

  “How’s it going over here?” she asked.

  “Pretty good,” Owen said, giving her what she thought was his best friends-only smile. “The chicken and ribs are nearly ready, and the trout has been in the smoker all day, so it’s done.”

  “My stomach is gnawing with hunger. Everything smells so good,” Brenna said. “I’ve already had enough snacks, so I’m resisting diving in for more.”

  “It does smell delicious.” She leaned in toward the grill, but more in the general direction of Owen. “Yes, it’s intoxicating.”

  But she was looking at Owen when she said it, and this time his smile was hot and directed at her. Which didn’t help her feelings of longing at all.

  But Brenna and Finn had wandered off, which meant they could at least have a semiprivate conversation.

  “I need to touch you,” she said. “Maybe kiss you.”

  “Same. How about while everyone’s eating, we sneak away and find some alone time?”

  “That sounds like a great idea.”

  “What sounds like a great idea?”

  She looked up to find her mother standing there.

  “Honor offered to mix up some barbecue sauce,” Owen said. “She mentioned something about trying out a new recipe.”

  Her mother’s brows shot up. “Honor. Has a recipe for sauce. That she’s going to make.”

  “Sure I do,” Honor said, hoping like hell she could Google something amazing that was also simple.

  “Okay.” Her mother shook her head and wandered off.

  Honor punched Owen in the arm.

  “Ow.” He rubbed his arm. “What was that for?”

  “You know I don’t cook.”

  “Don’t stress about it. I made sauce last night. It’s in the container on the top shelf in the fridge.”

  “You’d allow me to take credit for your homemade sauce?”

  He laughed. “Of course I would.”

  “I’d kiss you right now if there weren’t thirty people around us.”

  “I can wait a while for that kiss. But not too long.”

  A couple of the guys wandered over, and her mother was giving her a curious look, so she went inside and hid in the kitchen for what she figured was a respectable amount of time to have made up some barbecue sauce. Then she wiped down the counter and turned on the water in the sink, washed her hands. Just in time, too, because Mom, Erin and Brenna walked in.

  “Don’t tell me we missed it,” Erin said.

  Honor wiped her hands on the towel, then turned around. “Missed what?”

  “Mom said you were cooking.” Brenna frowned. “I said you bought sauce at the store and you’d dump the jars in the container.”

  “Oh, ye of little faith. It’s homemade sauce and it’s in the fridge. And, yes, you missed it.”

  “So when did you start cooking?” Mom asked. “Because you’ve never even stepped foot in the kitchen before, unless it’s to taste something Louise was making.”

  “I’ve been dabbling here and there. When you and Louise were on vacation. I figured that was a good time to start.” She couldn’t believe how good she was getting at lying. Not exactly a virtuous undertaking on her part. She could only hope no one asked her to actually cook anything. Then they’d know she was full of shit.

  “Okay, then,” Mom said. “Let’s taste it.”

  She lifted her chin. “It’s not ready yet. It has to sit for a while for the flavors to . . . meld together.”

  “Makes sense,” her mom said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Fortunately, Owen came in and waved at them. “The meat’s ready, so we’re about to start serving. I could use some help with the sides if you don’t mind.”

  She was relieved that all talk of barbecue sauce was shut down. They got the side dishes and toted them outside to the two tables, along with condiments, including the barbecue sauce she had not made.

  After that, people lined up and started filling their plates. Honor stepped aside, murmured to her sister that she was going inside to grab some ice and lemonade, and made a mad dash for Owen’s bedroom.

  She walked into the bathroom and washed her hands, looked in the mirror and finger-combed her hair. She heard the door open and close and she stepped out of the bathroom. The first thing she did was walk up to him and press her face into his neck.

  Mmm. Smoky, just as she’d imagined. She tilted her head back. “You smell good.”

  He put his hands on her hips. “You feel good. Bet you taste good, too.”

  Then his mouth was on hers, and it fired up all the hot passion she’d been trying so hard to contain. He walked her backward until her knees hit the bed, and they both fell onto the mattress, his body on top of hers. Desire coiled within her and she reached up to slide her fingers in his hair, moaning when he raised his leg, his thigh rubbing against her sex.

  The door opened and she heard Erin’s voice.

  “Honor, are you in—”

  Owen rolled off her and bolted upright. She sat up on the edge of the bed, pushing her dress down.

  Erin stared at them. “What the hell is going on here?”

  Oh, crap.

  CHAPTER

  twenty-one

  OWEN’S FIRST REACTION was to step in front of Honor, to shield her from her sister, who had a look of shock on her face.

  “Erin, I can explain,” Owen said.

  Then Honor slipped in front of him. “No, let me explain.”

  But Erin held up her hand. “Just . . . don’t.”

  She closed the door, leaving the two of them alone.

  He turned to Honor, who looked pale and upset. “Are you okay?”

  “No, I’m not okay. She’s probably off telling my family right now. And then everyone here will know.”

  Shit. “I’ll go handle this.”

  “Handle it in what way? What exactly are you going to say?”

  “I don’t know.” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “I’ll figure it out.”

  “No. We’ll figure it out. We got into this together, we’ll explain it together.”

  He nodded. “That works.”

  She started for the door, but he grabbed her hand. “Honor. It’s going to be all right.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yeah.” He pulled her against him and held her. Her body was tense. He understood why. He was the reason for a lot of the angry responses they were likely about to get. He would try his best to take the brunt of it so Honor wouldn’t have to.

  “We should go,” she said.

  “Okay.” He didn’t want to let go of her.

  But he did, and she walked out. He took a second to catch his breath, then he stepped outside.

  It was Jason that waved him over to the table. “Hey, Owen. This trout is amazing. And, okay, the sausage is, too.”

  “He didn’t mention the chicken only because he hasn’t dug into it yet,” Finn added.

  “Yeah,” Clay said. “But as you can see, we’ve all piled onto our plates. Good food, man.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad you like it.”

  No questions or accusations about Honor. No one staring at him like he’d just committed the crime of the century. He looked across the tables at Honor, who was sitting with Mae and Brenna. She shrugged and sent him a questioning look.

  He searched the crowd and spotted Erin sitting at a table with a few of his friends from the brewery. She was calmly eating, chatting and most definitely not making eye contact with him or with Honor.

  Huh. He wasn’t about to question her reaction. Not right now, anyway. He grabbed a plate and put some food on it, found himself a place to sit and eyed Erin warily while he shoved food into his mouth, all the while feeling like there was a ticking time bomb in his yard, just waiting to go off.

  * * *

  • • •

  HONOR CHEWED NUMBLY, not even tasting the food that she was certain was absolutely delicious.

  “It’s great, isn’t it?” her mom asked. “There was so much food to choose from I couldn’t put it all on the plate.”

  “Yes, it’s so good.”

  “And yet you’re moving it all around on the plate like they’re puzzle pieces. What’s wrong?”

  She laid her fork down and smiled at her mom. “I nibbled at everything beforehand, so now I’m full. And nothing’s wrong.”

  “Really. Did you have a fight with Erin, Honor? Because she’s sporting the same grumpy face that you are.”

  She glanced across the yard to where Erin sat. She did not look happy and was on her phone, typing. Honor hoped it wasn’t a family group text announcing that she’d caught Honor in bed with Owen.

  Her face flamed just thinking about it. Though why should she feel guilty when she hadn’t done anything wrong?

  Other than lying to her family for weeks.

  Okay, there was that.

  Her phone pinged. Her mom’s phone pinged, too. Honor felt faint.

  She picked up her phone, and, sure enough, it was the family group text, and the text was from Erin. Honor was surprised she’d even been included.

  Need to talk to all of you after the party. It’s important. How about we meet at our house?

  She started seeing replies from Dad, Mom, Brenna and Finn.

  “You’re coming, aren’t you?” Mom asked.

  Not knowing how to answer, Honor stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  She knew it was rude to walk away from her mother, but she was at a loss for words, and a little bit panicked.

  She needed to talk to Owen.

  She found him inside putting away some of the leftovers. She grabbed his arm and dragged him down the hall. “We need to talk.”

  They ended up in the guest bathroom.

  She locked the door and immediately realized it was a tight squeeze. “Okay, this won’t arouse suspicion or anything,” he said.

  “Fine. Not the best idea, but this won’t take long. Erin sent out a family text for all of us to meet at her house after the party.”

  “So you think since she didn’t say anything here, she’s going to make a family announcement about us at her house? That doesn’t sound like Erin.”

  Honor shrugged. “What else could it be about?”

  He leaned against the wall. “I don’t know. Anything? Maybe she bought a new rug for the living room and wants to show it off.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “Owen, really. This is serious.”

  “Fine. So what do you suggest?”

  “I don’t know.” She chewed on her bottom lip, hoping for some magical solution to this dilemma. “I suppose I could tell Mom.”

  “Or we could tell people we’re together.”

  Which was what she’d been thinking about as well. But right now she was filled with regret and guilt, and announcing her marriage to Owen? Talk about worst timing ever.

  “I don’t know, Owen. I think telling everyone we’re married right as Erin found us together could really hurt her.”