Free Bearly Loving: Foxhollow Den #2 (Alaskan Den Men Book 10) by Kizzie Waller Page B

and sat on top of the stainless steel cooking island. He picked through a tray of freshly baked donuts. “She had a bear moment.”
    Bobbie pulled her to the sink and rinsed off some of the blood. The sting of the cut set in, and she sucked in a sharp breath between her teeth. “What can I say? The Wright boys have a way of driving people to violence.”
    Grant pulled the tray away from Carter’s prying hands and gave him an affectionate smack on the back of the head. “We’re trying to get past all this family feud crap. Don’t make it worse.”
    “Sammie and I are going to get all those issues worked out in the next two days at mediation.” Carter smiled and winked in Bobbie and Samantha’s direction. “I for one am looking forward to a little R&R and sleeping in a real bed tonight.”
    Bobbie and Grant exchanged looks that told Samantha they already knew about the mediation problems with her father and Mr. Wright.
    “Grant, why don’t you find the first aid kit in the office? Carter, go watch the front, and let us know if a customer comes in.” Bobbie’s firm tone left zero room for argument from the two men.
    Once they’d left the room, Samantha narrowed her eyes at her cousin. “Why didn’t you tell me first thing this morning I’d be spending the next two days locked in a room with a Wright brother? Especially that one.”
    “I’d hoped your dad would stop by before he headed out fishing and explain himself.” She leaned against the sink. “This either gets solved with a mediator, or they’re going to fight it out in full-bear form like the old days.”
    “Why can’t it be Grant or Ray? I can tolerate them. Why him? He’s as immature as the teenage twins of doom.” She pointed out the kitchen to where Carter milled around sampling more of their inventory than he’d ever pay for. He dropped a piece of donut on the floor and after checking to see if anyone was watching, toed it under the counter. Ten years ago, she’d have giggled and found his antics endearing. Stupid high school crushes. Not anymore.
    “Listen to me.” Bobbie grabbed Samantha’s non-injured hand. “You have a chance to get this land thing settled in the next two days. Finished for good. Imagine if we get this done and Caroline back home all in the same month. Then a droopy cloud won’t be hanging over a fall wedding if I decide to have one.”
    Samantha’s gaze cut back to Carter. Caroline was his younger sister and Samantha’s former best friend. Samantha had been blamed for Caroline’s failed trip to the wedding alter, and when Caroline took off to parts unknown, the spiteful land dispute followed. The five acres in question meant more to her family than it did to the Wrights, but that didn’t stop them from putting up a fight. Bears didn’t like giving up their territory, but it was more than that to her and Dad. Frustration scrunched her nose and lips together. “Dad will never forgive me if we don’t get that scrap of land back.”
    “Remember how we took care of those poachers?” Bobbie asked.
    Her cousin referred to her naked run through the woods as a distraction when the other Wright brothers had needed their help. An involuntary shiver whipped up her spine. Not a stunt she wanted to repeat. “You want me to go to mediation topless?”
    “No. But the same principle applies. Guys are easily distracted from their main goals when a perky blonde is nearby. Use that, and you’ll have him eating out of your hand in no time.” Grant came back into the room with the first aid kit, and Bobbie leaned in close to keep their conversation private. “Embrace the conflict for a change. Use that creative mind of yours for something other than donuts.”
    Samantha rolled her eyes to the ceiling and tightened her mouth. She could make it two days. At least there would be the mediator to keep Carter and his smart-ass comments in check. And she did want Bobbie to have a phenomenal wedding day. Someone in Foxhollow