Summer in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 2) Read Free

smile before returning her attention to Prim. Though they stood in the center of the dance floor, Gladys held her at arm’s length and studied her. “You look incredibly lovely, my dear. I have to admit I felt like shooting off a few fireworks when your father told me you’re moving home.”
    Max inclined his head. “Moving home?”
    “I’m excited to be back in Good Hope.” Prim noticed everyone was careful dancing around them as their impromptu reunion created a bit of a traffic jam. Impulsively Prim gave Gladys a quick hug. “I’ll call you. We have to get together. Catch up.”
    “Gladys.” Floyd Lawson, dance partner extraordinaire, stepped toward the older woman. “I believe we’re creating a scene.”
    “I was seized with an urgent need to offer a personal greeting to my girl.” Gladys leaned over and brushed her lips across both of Prim’s cheeks. “Welcome back, sweet one.”
    “I’ll be in touch,” Prim called out as the couple twirled off.
    Then Max’s hand was on her arm and he was maneuvering them through the dancers.
    “Where are we going?” she asked when they stepped off the hardwood.
    “To get some fresh air.” His gaze lingered on her face. Or was it her mouth?
    Her lips tingled. What did it say that even now, all these years later, she remembered Max’s taste, remembered how it had felt to have his mouth pressed against hers?
    “Prim?”
    “I—I could use some fresh air, too.”
    “You had the oddest look on your face. What were you thinking about?”
    Kissing you.
    Something almost primal flared in his eyes.
    For a second, Prim feared she’d spoken her thoughts aloud. She took a deep breath to calm herself, but that only intensified her reaction to him. Gawd, she loved the way he smelled.
    “Where are you two headed in such a hurry?” Approval underscored Ami’s words.
    Prim had been so focused on Max that she hadn’t noticed her sister and Beck approaching.
    Prim waved a casual hand. “We thought we’d get some fresh air.”
    Ami shot her the same disbelieving look she’d given last night when Prim had told her she didn’t plan to date until her six-year-old twins were grown. Prim prayed her sister wouldn’t read something into a simple stroll.
    Beck’s gaze remained on his best man. “Just remember Prim is my sister-in-law now.”
    Was that a warning she heard in that charming southern accent? Prim hid a grin, finding the thought of Beck embracing his new role as big brother rather sweet.
    “If I compromise her, will it be dueling pistols at ten paces?” Max’s lips twitched. “Or would you prefer swords?”
    Prim rolled her eyes.
    “Cut it out,” she told the men, then turned to Ami for support. “Men can be so juvenile.”
    “Just remember,” Ami told her. “If you decide to run off and get married, I want to be a bridesmaid.”
    Prim pointed at her sister. “You’re as bad as your husband.”
    Ami’s only response was to link her arm with Beck’s and flash a bright smile.
    “I’m sorry about that.” Prim waited until she and Max were outside of the large white tent—and alone again—to speak.
    “About what?”
    “Ami is madly in love and wants that for everyone. Her sisters are her first targets.”
    “Can you blame her?”
    “No. I understand she wants us to have what she’s found with Beck.” The music faded with each step away from the tent. “That’s fine. She can matchmake to her heart’s content with Fin and Marigold.”
    A slight frown furrowed Max’s brow. “Not with you?”
    “It would be a futile effort.” Prim shrugged. “I’ve made it clear I’m not dating until the boys are out of high school.”
    “Might as well have waved a red flag in front of a bull.”
    “You’re wrong.” Prim lifted her chin. “Ami might not fully agree with my decision, but she respects it.”
    “Uh-huh.”
    Sometime while she’d been talking, he’d stepped closer. Her breath quickened. “What’s that uh-huh supposed to