The Sunstone Brooch : Time Travel Romance Katherine Logan (no david read aloud TXT) 📖

ever said that about me, I’d never get out of his bed.”

Barb wouldn’t believe Ensley hadn’t jumped into bed with such a hot guy, so she changed the subject. “Before I go, tell me about you and George. I guess you missed dinner at the Polo Bar?”

“We canceled and agreed to reschedule. Most of the time, we ate what we could grab while we searched for you. Being together made worrying about you easier to handle.”

“Well, I’m glad I could help you out.”

“Nuh-uh. You’re not getting off that easily. Austin was wrong not to let you call us. And if you had time to fall in love, then you had time to call.”

“You’re right. I’ll talk to you soon.” Ensley disconnected the call as tears welled in her eyes.

He squatted to be eye level with her. “Look. You did the best you could. No one likes the lying part. Kit lied to Emily’s mother, and Charlotte lied to Abraham Lincoln. Sophia lied to Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. Penny lied to Jean Lafitte, and Kenzie lied to Alan Turing at Bletchley Park. Amber lied to a judge, and Amy lied to Baseball Hall of Famers. It’s never easy, but it’s necessary.”

“And I lied to Theodore Roosevelt. If I have any regrets, it’s that I didn’t get enough time with him. But thank you for taking the blame today. It made it easier, although I’m not sure they completely bought the story.”

“We’ll have to fine-tune it before we have dinner with them.” Austin’s phone beeped, and he checked his message. “Elliott’s ready.”

“Let me just pull a bag off the shelf and pack the clothes I found to wear.”

“Come on. I’ll get it off the shelf for you. But if you want to read on the plane, pack up that iPad.”

“Are you sure? Shouldn’t I ask someone?”

“Nah. They won’t care. Just bring it back.”

Ensley grabbed one of the toiletry bags out of the bathroom, then crossed the hall to gather up the clothes and shoes she intended to take. A small closet held handbags, beach bags, and duffels. She used a hanger to loop around the handle of the duffel and yanked it off the shelf. When she turned around, Austin was standing in the doorway, grinning.

“Why are you standing there? You could have pulled it down for me.”

“You were too cute, jumping up and down with a coat hanger.”

“Well, how in the hell do you expect vertically challenged individuals to reach something on a top shelf? We have to improvise.”

He picked up the bag. “If you say so.” His phone rang, and he looked at the caller ID. “It’s Uncle Rick. I better take the call.”

“Go. I have to pack.”

Austin stepped out, and she folded her clothes and packed everything in the duffel. She was zipping up the bag when he returned.

“Ready.”

She slung the strap over her shoulder, but Austin took it from her. “My uncles Rick, Connor, Jeff, and Shane had a bet going. They heard we were back in town and wanted to know who fell in love with you.”

“Why’d they expect me to fall in love?”

“That’s part of brooch lore. Didn’t Kenzie tell you?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“Brooches bring soul mates together. And my uncles had a bet on who your mate would be—JC, Tavis, Remy, or me.”

“Who won?”

“Nobody thought it would be me. But Shane drew my name and won the pot.”

“How much did he win?”

“Five grand.”

“Grand! Like five thousand dollars? Damn. Remind me never to bet with them.”

“They’ll catch you sooner or later and offer a bet you can’t refuse.”

“God, I hope not. But what’d your uncle say?”

“He’s happy for me and looks forward to seeing you again.”

Ensley followed Austin out into the hallway, mentally reviewing the items she packed and wondering if she missed anything. Underwear and socks? Check. Toiletries? Check. Hiking boots? Check. Jacket? Check. Pajamas? Check.

“Did you pack a gown or PJs? David made hotel reservations, but I don’t know if he bunked you with Charlotte or with me.”

“Either way, I’d need PJs,” she teased. “And yes, I packed them. I found two pairs in the closet. One was sexy, and the other was practical.”

“My brother Connor’s wife, Olivia, would have left the sexy ones, and Sophia would have left the practical ones.”

“How do you know something that personal?”

“The guys talk, and I know the women do, too. I’ve been around this family since I was sixteen, except for the past couple of years. Even when I was playing ball, I had a cheering section at every game. It feels great to be back in the fold. I’ve missed them.”

“They can be overwhelming,” she said.

“That’s because everybody has their noses in everyone else’s business. The older generation believes their experiences have more value, but if you can get past that, they’re damn good people.”

He escorted her to the front door, where Meredith was waiting. “Where’s everybody else?” he asked.

“Braham and Paul rolled JC out and put him in a van with Charlotte, and Elliott went to get the car for us. We’ll see the others on the plane.” Then she looked at Ensley. “Did you find what you wanted in the closet?”

“That room is incredible. I found everything I need, from PJs to sandals.”

“It’s like a five-star hotel around here.” Meredith opened the door. “Let’s wait outside. If the kids see Austin, they’ll get so excited we’ll have to leave you two behind. He’s a hero to them, and he won’t be able to break loose.”

Ensley looked up at him. “A hero, huh?”

He grinned. “The kids are all student-athletes and want me to play with them. It’s fun.”

“Maybe when we come back, we can challenge them to a game.”

“You play basketball?”

She laughed. “Yeah, on a midget team.” Ensley followed Meredith out to the circular drive in front of the mansion just as a black Mercedes-Maybach SUV pulled up.

“You want me to drive, Elliott?” Austin asked through the open window.

“Meredith doesn’t let me drive her car very often. So, no, I