Southern Comfort - Fern Michaels [67]
“Well, I for one would bathe an alligator just to get close to the one named Pete. This has worked to our advantage for sure,” Sandy whispered.
“Sandy, that’s a terrible thought!” But Kate couldn’t stop herself from smiling. Leave it to Sandy to see the bright side of any situation. One more reason they were such good friends.
Sandy leaned close, whispering in her ear, “It’s true, and you know it. You shouldn’t be so snippy with Tick either. I think he’s interested in you. Don’t screw things up before you even get a chance to know the guy. He is hot, don’t you think?”
“Shhh,” Kate whispered.
When he reached the top of the stairs, Tick opened the door and stood aside so Pete could carry the girl in. Kate and Sandy trailed behind him.
With a gentleness that surprised Kate, Pete placed the child on the sofa, tucking a throw blanket over her bare legs. She flinched when he tucked the cover beneath her chin. Kate’s heart melted. Knowing that the child was beyond frightened and couldn’t or wouldn’t communicate with them, Kate sat next to her on the small sofa. Doelike eyes hesitantly gazed up at her. Kate smiled, wanting to reassure the child that she meant no harm.
“What’s your name?” Kate asked.
The girl looked at Pete, then back at Kate.
“Rosita.” She spoke clearly, though her voice was soft, quiet, as though she were used to whispering.
Tick, Pete, and Sandy looked at the child, then at Kate, all curious, wondering what it was about her that the girl trusted. She’d been the one to linger in the background, allowing Pete and Tick the full responsibility for the girl since they’d found her. She had no experience with kids but knew that if she were in the same situation, in a house full of strangers, Kate would want to be treated in a normal way.
Smiling, Kate said, “Rosita. That’s a beautiful name. It kinda rolls off your tongue.”
A trace of a smile lifted the corner of Rosita’s full lips. “Thank you.” Again she spoke in a whisper.
Not knowing why the sudden change and unwilling to test the waters, Kate looked at Tick. “I bet Rosita would like something to eat and drink.” She lifted her brow in question, giving him the opportunity to play host to his new houseguest.
“Of course. I . . . uh,” Tick was at a loss for words.
“Bacon and eggs! Bacon and eggs!” Bird flew into the kitchen, landing on the back of a kitchen chair.
Rosita practically jumped onto Kate’s lap, her big brown eyes full of fear.
“Can you get rid of him?” Kate asked without a trace of what she felt for the feathered creature. She didn’t want Rosita to feel threatened by her voice any more than she wanted her to be frightened of Bird, who was obnoxious at the best of times.
Tick raked a hand through his plastered-down hair. “Sure. Bird, it’s time to go to bed. Go.”
Bird did as commanded, flying into the bathroom and settling on the shower-curtain rod.
“He’s well behaved when he chooses,” Tick offered.
“About that bacon and eggs. It sounds delicious. I bet Rosita wouldn’t mind having an early breakfast.” It was after two in the morning. Kate didn’t know about the others, but she was starving and knew it had been a while since the child had eaten. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when Kate mentioned bacon and eggs.
“Come on, Pete. You can help me cook, while our neighbors help Rosita with her shower,” Tick said.
Kate nodded in agreement. “Great idea. A T-shirt and a pair of boxers would be great, that is if you have any. Clean ones.”
“We have washing machines out here on this here island,” Tick joked.
“Of course you do. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that you didn’t. I’m tired, and, frankly, I could use a hot meal myself. We have nothing but a microwave over at the shell. If I see another Lean Cuisine, I’ll croak.” She smiled, a genuine smile for the first time that night. When her host smiled back, her heart fluttered against her chest like Bird’s wings. Damn, he was handsome. A little rough, but Kate liked that. A lover of pretty-boy types she was not. Which made her think of Tyler. The ass kisser.
“Did I say