“Thank you,” he said and kissed her forehead. “I wanted to offer but didn’t know if I should.”

She smiled at him. “There was a line of people trying to give me money. It was kind of cool. Even Morgan, Amber’s dad, offered me a loan. There’s a surprising amount of money in this town.”

She hugged her brother. “I knew you’d want to be a part of this, so I came to you first. If you only want to take on part of it or would prefer me to go to a bank, I’m—”

“I have the money. I want to give you the loan.”

Kipling had made money skiing, but most of his fortune had come from endorsements. When you had multiple gold medals, the big guys came calling. In addition to the usual equipment deals, he’d had international campaigns with a fast-food restaurant and had been the face—and body—of a clothing line. While the size of her loan terrified her, she doubted it would amount to a single quarter’s interest payment for him.

“Thank you,” she told him. “I was hoping you’d agree. Want me to offer you free cookies for life?”

“No. I get enough of your baked goods as it is. Too many more and I won’t be able to exercise off the calories.” He winked. “I’m married to a country star. I’ve got to look good.”

“I think Destiny would love you regardless.”

“I hope so, but I’m not testing the theory.” He hugged her again. “I’m proud of you, Shelby.”

“Thank you. I’m kind of proud of me, too.”

* * *

AIDAN WANTED TO ignore his cell phone but Nick had called twice in two minutes. “It must be important,” he said as he pushed the button to accept the call.

“You at Shelby’s place?” Nick asked by way of greeting. “I’m coming over.”

Aidan looked at the equipment spread out around them and grimaced. “It’s not a good time.”

“Don’t give me that. I know you’re not naked because you’re not getting any. Whatever you’re doing can wait.”

Before Aidan could protest, there was a knock on the front door. He ended the call and swore.

“Nick’s here.”

“I got that,” Shelby said with a laugh. “Should I let him in?”

Aidan swore. “You’re going to have to.”

He pulled his feet out of the hot water and reached for a towel just as his brother walked into Shelby’s living room.

Nick came to a stop and stared. “Holy crap. What is she doing to you?”

Charlie raced over to greet him. Nick bent and petted the dog as he looked around. “You’re scaring me, bro.”

Aidan glanced at the soaking trays for their feet, all the files, clippers and other equipment on a towel on the coffee table. There were bottles of nail polish, toe separators, buffers and things he couldn’t name but knew how to use.

“I’m the only one who gets her toes painted,” Shelby offered.

Nick swung his head to look at her. “You’re the devil, aren’t you?”

Shelby laughed. “So speaks the man who’s never had a pedicure. Sit.”

Nick looked between them. “I’m not playing your sick game.”

Aidan moved out of the way. “The lady said to sit.”

Nick cautiously sat down. Aidan replaced the water and set the soaking tray in front of his brother.

“You’re going to want to take off your shoes and socks, then roll up your pants.”

Nick looked skeptical. “Then what?”

“Then you wait for things to get soft,” Shelby said, her voice soothing.