that termite pile should have been razed a long time ago,” Fiona said, sounding crankier than he’d ever heard her. “The land itself is the only thing of value there.”
Land with a maze of tunnels dug by dangerous smugglers running under it. “It’s not just me my sibs are going to be annoyed with. They love their families, but they’re going to think you planned this all along.”
She gasped. “I did no such thing! Running Bear is off his rocker! I can’t be responsible for your grandfather’s deviations. I’m just the handler around here. And most of the time it’s like herding feral cats, I can tell you.” She went off, highly annoyed. Galen grinned and finished his pie.
Rose came in and took Fiona’s chair. “Howdy, stranger.”
He looked at her, his whole being suddenly filled with happiness for some stupid reason. Why this woman affected him this way he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Yes, she was cute, adorable, even. Had a sparky personality, and was brave as a tiger. Had sexy curves he’d love to get to know. But that wasn’t enough to get his engine revving in overdrive every time he saw her, was it?
Who am I kidding? It’s more than enough. I’m about to break into a cold sweat just looking at her.
“Fiona made apple pie. Want a slice?”
She shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m going riding with Somer in a bit.”
He hesitated. “Somer?”
“Yes. Why?” Rose gave him a curious look. “Something wrong with that?”
“No. Nothing at all. Just weren’t aware the two of you were on such friendly terms.”
She smiled. “We’re the two new girls. Gives us a bond.”
“Oh. I see.”
“Yes. But then again, I’m on friendly terms with everyone.”
He could believe that. Even he tended toward more-than-monosyllabic when Rose was around. “You girls just checking out the scenery?”
“I did that last night with you.” She winked at him, and his stomach gave a little twist. Which was dumb, because women didn’t usually make him nervous.
This one did.
“Anyway,” Rose said, “we’re doing a little training.”
“Training?”
“You know, horse training. Get them a little more acclimated to Rancho Diablo.”
He stared at Rose, wishing he could kiss her. He couldn’t, of course. She was a ranch employee.
He’d been in her bed last night, and he’d liked it—even if not a darn thing had happened.
“Somer knows a lot about horses. Apparently, she and Sawyer grew up near each other, and both of them—”
“What?” Galen asked, tearing his concentration away from Rose’s lips with supreme effort. “What do you mean, Somer and Sawyer grew up near each other?”
“They’re cousins,” Rose said. “Didn’t you know?”
An uneasy feeling came over him. “They can’t be. That would have had to be disclosed on the ranch application.” Now that he thought about it, he recalled that Fiona had been in charge of reviewing the applications and making appointments for interviews.
Rose smiled at him. “I don’t like spilling beans. I better get a slice of pie before my mouth gets me in trouble.”
He’d like to get her mouth in trouble. Galen shook his head and carried his dish to the sink. “Feel free to spill anytime. I’m on my way into town to do some bank paperwork. And about last night...” he said, turning to face her.
“I know. Not a word. I wouldn’t tell a soul.” She smiled, and he grinned back, unable to help responding to the mischief in her eyes.
“No, what I was going to say is that we probably shouldn’t have sent you down in that cave. It was a terrible idea. I shouldn’t have let Jace talk me into it.”
“Oh, so he’s the adventurous brother. I’ll keep that in mind.” She bit into her pie. “You have no idea how lucky you are that your aunt Fiona bakes and cooks. Home cooking is a luxury.”
“Well, she’s annoyed right now, so if we get dinner, it’ll be a miracle.”
“Annoyed?” Rose raised a brow. “Did you make her mad?”
“Somewhat. I guess so.” He sighed. “Because of what we found, I’m going to buy Storm’s land.”
“All on your own?”
He nodded, glad to have someone to tell about it.
“You’re going to be the black sheep in your family,” Rose said, laughing. “Jace told me that if Sawyer hadn’t disappeared, he might have talked her into a fake marriage just so he could get his ticket in to win the ranch.”
“That would be cheating.”
Rose put her plate down, poured them each a glass of tea. “Not cheating. Maximizing his chances.”
“Cheating.” Galen took a sip. “Jace told you that?”
“Sure. Just like your sister told me that she’s gone off Xav Phillips.”
He choked on the tea, set the glass down. “Gone off? As in isn’t trying to herd him to the altar anymore?”
“I guess not.” Rose looked thoughtful. “So maybe the field is completely clear for you now, after all.”
“Why does everybody tell you everything? I should know these things.”
“Maybe I’m a little easier to talk to you than you are?” she teased. “Or they don’t want to let big brother down.”
“It’s still no reason to make you the resident advice columnist,” Galen groused. He was thunderstruck by everything he’d learned. “Does Somer know where Sawyer’s gone? Or why she left?”
“No. Didn’t say anything to me about it. I’d better go, though. Don’t want to keep her waiting.” She put her plate in the dishwasher.
“Just a minute,” Galen said, wishing she would stay a little longer. “Anything else I need to know?”
Rose smiled. “Perhaps.”
“I’m listening.” He wanted to kiss her in the worst way. Hopefully, he didn’t look like his brothers had when they’d been all slobbery about the women who were now their wives. That was the thing about watching his siblings fall like rocks to the bottom of a well—the process had been ugly.
He sure didn’t want to do ugly. “I’m listening, if there’s something I should know.”
“Here’s
