Page 44 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire

CHAPTER10

After dinner that night, Jessica walked into the living room on her crutches.

Roark stood next to her.

Mannie and Alice came at seven as arranged.

Roark invited them in and shut the door behind them.

Jubal and Athena rounded out the group.

Alice had dyed blonde hair, was about five feet, six inches tall and was very curvy, with a large bosom and narrow hips. She wore a lot of makeup, which made telling her age difficult, so they had to take Mannie’s word that she was twenty years younger than him.

Mannie smiled widely, obviously proud.

“This is my fiancée, Alice Nelson. We met at the Silver Dollar. She was my favorite waitress, and she finally agreed to go out with me about three months ago. We hit it off right away. Can you believe it?”

Jessica stepped forward from the little group that had gathered for coffee that night. “Hi.” She put out her hand. “I’m Jessica Kirby. I—”

Alice’s eyes widened. “Oh, my gosh. Jessica Kirby, the author? I love your books. You are the reason I read.” Alice grabbed Jessica’s hand and pumped it before pulling her into a hug. She released her. “I can’t believe I’m meeting my favorite author.”

Jessica was happy to be recognized. She didn’t do book tours and so didn’t often meet fans. “I’m very flattered. As a matter of fact, you made my day.”

Roark chuckled. “And here I thought I made your day.”

Jessica turned toward Roark. “You always say I’ve made your day.” She blew him a kiss.

His emerald eyes flashed wide, and he pretended to catch the kiss with his hand.

Jessica grinned. That should keep you wondering.

Everyone else introduced themselves and they all shook hands.

After that was complete, Athena pointed toward the door. “Let’s sit where we can talk. Roark, will you help me with the coffee, please?”

He smiled. “Of course.” Roark took Jessica in his arms and kissed her. “We’ll be out in a few minutes.”

She heard laughter and giggles from behind them.

He released her, dropped his chin to his chest and then sighed. Then he raised his head enough to see her and grinned. “They are such children.”

Jessica laughed. “Go on.”

He followed Athena to the kitchen.

Athena returned with a tray with the coffee and cups.

Roark did the same with the tray of coffeecake and plates. “We’re back. Athena has the coffee. Clear the coffee table.”

Jessica had made herself comfortable on the sofa with her leg extended over the sofa cushions so her foot was elevated. Now, however, she put her foot on the floor so Roark could sit next to her. “Clear the coffee table. They’re back.”

Mannie and Alice sat on a beautiful log sofa with the pillows made from suede leather in a soft beige color, directly across from Roark and Jessica.

Jubal sat in one of the dark brown suede wing chairs, which were placed on the long ends of the rectangular coffee table between them all.

“You’re already giving orders.” Roark smiled.

“Yeah, you are,” said Mannie without a smile.