Worth the Risk by Karen Erickson Page A

like to work hard for what I have.”
    The two men stared each other down silently until Gracie cleared her throat to break the tension. “Okay, you two. Let’s get along now. I don’t want a fight to ruin my dinner.”
    Rhett cracked a smile first, shooting it straight in Gracie’s direction. “Fine, I can get along with him for one night.” He studied her appreciatively. “What are you anyway? The Brother Whisperer?”
    “I don’t think I could work that kind of magic on the two of you this fast.” She glanced in Hunter’s direction, offering him a sweet little smile and the sight of it sent a zing straight to his heart.
    He had it bad. So bad.
    “I don’t know about that.” Hunter stirred the frothy drink with his straw. “Having you around means we have to keep it together and not yell at each other. You’re like our personal peace officer.”
    “True, he’s right. Stick around, Gracie. We need you,” Rhett added.
    Hunter did need Gracie. More than he cared to admit.
    “Do you really need me, Hunter?” Her voice was soft, the glow in her eyes solemn. Rhett coughed, as if suddenly uncomfortable, and Hunter parted his lips. Ready to give her the answer she most likely wasn’t prepared to hear.
    “Here you go!” Their server magically appeared at the table, carrying a large tray with their dinner orders on it. She placed each plate in front of them, all three of them mute as she chattered on about how hot the plates were and that she hoped they’d enjoy their meals.
    Hunter’s mind raced. He didn’t know if he was relieved he didn’t have to make the confession or disappointed he didn’t get to let it all out. He stared at the plate before him, the food literally steaming it was so hot, and his appetite left him.
    How could he eat after what had almost happened? Would she retreat? Pull away from him after everything got serious? Yeah, it had been brief but still. He saw the look in her eyes, the way she seemed to hold her breath as she waited for his response.
    Damn Rhett for saying the crap that he did. It would’ve never happened like this if Rhett hadn’t been there. He put thoughts in Hunter’s head. Ideas that he wasn’t sure he could cope with—more like ideas and realizations that Gracie probably couldn’t cope with.
    He didn’t want to fuck this up. And he was afraid it might be too late.
     
    Gracie pushed the food around on her plate with her fork, her appetite long gone despite how delicious everything looked and smelled. She’d taken a few token bites, but it all had tasted like cardboard in her mouth.
    Hunter didn’t appear much better. His plate was still mostly full, though his margarita glass had been drained and he’d requested a new one. Only Rhett was oblivious, eating with gusto, still munching on chips he dipped in his beans before he popped them in his mouth.
    She envied his oblivion. And she also realized that she really, really liked him. He was much more carefree than Hunter and Alex. She couldn’t even use the word carefree to describe Alex, he was so far from it. And Hunter, though more easygoing than the oldest Worth brother, was still nowhere near as laid back as Rhett.
    He was easy to talk to, easy to laugh with. Not bad on the eyes, either. He had the classic handsome Worth face and dark hair, though he wore his a little longer and it curled around the back of his neck. She was sure the overgrown hair, the sparkling blue eyes and compelling smile drove the women he encountered absolutely crazy.
    But Rhett didn’t drive her crazy, not like that. She hated to admit it, but she only had eyes for Hunter.
    And right now he would hardly look at her.
    What had transpired between them earlier before their waitress had appeared with dinner? She still couldn’t believe she’d said to him.
    Do you really need me, Hunter?
    Unbelievable. The balls she had to even bring something like that up. She didn’t know if it was pure bravery or absolute stupidity on her