She couldn’t help the smile on her face. “I know. But he’s very reluctant about it.”

Alyssa frowned. “Why? Oh, because of Drake. What does Drake think about it?”

“He doesn’t know. And right now, Barrett doesn’t want him to know. He really wants to keep it a secret.”

“I can’t say I agree with that. More importantly, how do you feel about it?”

She shrugged. “I’d prefer to see him out in the open, but I respect his feelings about it. He loves my brother. They’re best friends. He’s afraid Drake will disapprove.”

Alyssa let out a short laugh. “Of course he’ll disapprove. He always does. He always has. No guy will ever be good enough for you in Drake’s eyes.”

“This is true. But I mean, it’s Barrett. Drake loves Barrett.”

“Drake loves Barrett as Drake’s best friend. As your lover? No. Not only no, but oh hell no.”

Harmony could see Alyssa’s point. “Which I think is where Barrett’s head is at. He and I are just getting to know each other on an intimate level. We really don’t want Drake poking his nose into that part of our business.”

“I can see that. You’re entitled to your privacy while you two figure it all out.” Alyssa took a swallow of wine. “Oh, and how intimate is it?”

Harmony laughed. “Pretty damned intimate.”

“Is he as hot and sexy as he looks?”

Now it was Harmony’s turn to take a long swallow of her sangria, as a rush of sexual memories slammed her. “Oh, yes.”

“Honey, it’s written all over your face.”

She fanned herself with her napkin. “I can’t help it. The man is passionate.”

“Now you’re making me jealous.”

Harmony reached across the table. “Don’t be jealous. There’s an awesome and hot man out there for you somewhere.”

“I know there is, and I’ll find him, but, honestly, I’m not in a hurry. My business keeps me busy. Though it doesn’t give me countless orgasms, and from the satisfied look on your face, I’d say you’ve had quite a few lately.”

Harmony laughed. “This is true.”

They finished off their wine and Alyssa followed her to Mama’s house. As they parked outside, Alyssa put her arm through Harmony’s.

“So, this might be awkward tonight. Barrett’s going to be here, isn’t he?”

“We talked on the phone last night and he said he was going to be.” She turned to Alyssa. “Oh, and one more thing I forgot to mention. Barrett has asked Mama and Drake and me to come down to his family’s ranch in Texas this weekend. His parents have invested in a blues club that’s opening in Austin, which is near their ranch, and all Barrett’s brothers will be there as well.”

“So . . . meet the parents time already?”

“I don’t think it’s like that.”

They headed toward the door and Alyssa gave her a knowing look. “But maybe it is.”

Maybe it was. But she didn’t think so. It was just an invite to the ranch for some fun. She knew Barrett and two of his other brothers were getting ready to start the football season, and they all wouldn’t have much time to get together with family, so this was an opportunity.

That he’d invited her family was just about him being nice, and didn’t mean anything more than that.

As soon as they walked in the house, the familiar chaotic noises of family and friends greeted her. She went to find her mother, who was seated at the dining room table with Harmony’s two aunts.

She kissed her mother’s cheek. “Hi, Mama. Hi, Aunties.”

“Hello, Harmony. I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

She set her purse on the table and sat in the chair her Aunt Michelle had just vacated. “I know. Work has been really busy.”

Her mother squeezed her hand. “Not too busy, I hope.”

“It’s hectic for sure, but nothing I can’t manage. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine, honey. Making ribs for dinner tonight.”

Harmony laughed. “If I’d known that, I’d have gone home to change out of this white dress.”

Mama patted her hand. “That’s okay. We’ll get you a bib.”

“And won’t she look so cute in that?” Drake asked, leaning over to kiss Mama on the cheek.

“Shut up, Drake. I’m not wearing a bib.”

“It’s your dress,” Drake said, winking at her before wandering off to join his friends.

Harmony took a quick peek, saw Barrett in the group, then turned away before anyone could notice her looking at him.

“So tell me about work and what’s got you so busy?” Mama asked.

Harmony filled her mother in on work, then excused herself to go grab a glass of iced tea. Alyssa joined her.

“Your man is looking fine tonight,” Alyssa said.

She chanced a look. Alyssa was right. Barrett wore a tight-fitting dark T-shirt and relaxed faded jeans, and all she wanted to do was go over to him and kiss him, then put her hands all over him.

So. Frustrating.

Their gazes met, and he slanted a brief smile in her direction before turning his attention back to Drake and the other guys.

“I saw that look,” Alyssa said.

Harmony turned to her. “So did I.”

“I swear, it’s like the temperature in the house just rose ten degrees. I might go up in flames just being in the same room with the two of you.”