by Jane Jamison
“We’ve got lots of men around here who share a woman.”
Alex had questioned Daisy about that, but Daisy hadn’t been very helpful.
“Beats the hell out of me, Alex. I guess it’s just how some folks like it. Fact is, I wouldn’t mind having two or more men lusting after me.”
Two or more men? Alex stared at her reflection in the full length mirror. Is that what she had going? She bit her lower lip and wiggled her eyebrows at her image.
Damn, I hope so.
“Hey, Alex. You have a visitor.”
Alex’s heart skipped a beat. Kane was early, but that was okay. Being early was better than being late. Or worse, not showing up at all.
“Be there in a sec.” She snatched up her phone and shoved it in her hip pocket. Since she wasn’t driving and because she wasn’t one of those women who primped a lot, she’d leave her purse in her room. Daisy would let her in once she came home.
Taking a moment for one last look, she okayed her appearance and hurried to the door. She was halfway down the staircase before she realized that the man standing in the foyer wasn’t Kane.
She stopped, her hand gripping the railing. “What are you doing here?”
Chapter Four
“Hey, sis, how are you?” Avery Martin, her half brother, smiled up at her. “Your pretty friend here let me in.” He settled his smile on Daisy. “If I’d known such a beautiful woman existed in this little town, I would’ve come sooner.”
Daisy’s gaze skipped between them, catching on to Alex’s demeanor.
Alex let her gaze slide past him and out the opened front door. Thankfully, Kane hadn’t shown up yet. “I asked you what you’re doing here.”
“Aw, come on, Alex. Is that any way to treat your long-lost brother?” He stretched his arms wide, ready to embrace her.
She continued down the staircase then stopped several feet away from him. He dropped his arms. “It is when it’s you.” Aside from her body image, Avery was the thing that embarrassed her the most. “Daisy, could you give us a little privacy?”
“Of course. Why don’t you take a seat on the porch while I get you two something to drink?”
“Now isn’t she the sweetest thing?” Avery oozed charm.
Alex, however, wasn’t ready to sit down and act like they were on the best of terms. She knew his slick ways. “No, thanks, Daisy. He’s not staying long.”
Avery Martin was the black sheep of the family. Her father, as far as she was concerned, was bad enough, but his son by the woman he’d shacked up with after leaving Alex’s mother was even worse. Avery had the same dark hair and light-brown eyes as her, but he didn’t have Alex’s responsible and caring manner.
He was a known gambler and had hit up everyone she knew and some she didn’t for loan after loan, swearing on the Good Book that he’d get their money back once he hit it big. As far as she knew, none of those loans had ever been repaid.
He’d burned Alex too many times during her teens and into her early twenties using his good looks and charm to win her over. Somehow, someway, he’d make her forget the last time she’d helped him out, and after she’d forked over the cash, he’d disappear, leaving her to wonder how she could be so foolish yet again.
He had a smile that was as bright as Jeff’s, but there’s where the similarity ended. While Jeff’s smile was sincere, Avery’s held a hint of the con man, like he was already thinking how much money he could scam.
She vowed she wouldn’t fall for his winning ways yet another time.
“I’ll ask you again, what do you want?” She crossed her arms and glared.
“Wow, sis, tough greeting.” He tunneled his fingers through his hair. “Okay, fine. I need your help.”
“So what else is new?”
“Come on, sis.” He flashed his big smile again. “You know you’re my favorite sister. Don’t be that way.”
“I’m your only sister. A half sister at that, and I don’t know any other way to be with you.” How many times had he let her down? But that didn’t matter any longer. What mattered was keeping him from letting her down one more time.
“I don’t blame you. I deserve whatever shit you want to throw at me.”
What was he up to? She hated it when he acted humble and remorseful. That was when he was at his most dangerous.
“Sis, I need money.”
She let out a caustic laugh. “It’s always the same old, same old with you, isn’t it?”
“Not exactly. This time I want to work for it. Although I could use a little walking-around cash in my back pocket.”
She’d never heard him even come close to admitting that he’d taken handouts instead of earning the money she’d given him. It had to be a trick. “What’s your angle?”
He let out a long-suffering sigh. “I don’t blame you for being suspicious, but I heard about the kind of work you’re doing down here and I wondered if you could use a hand.”
“A hand doing what? Are you talking about real work?” He’d held odd jobs off and on, but none had ever lasted more than a couple of weeks. And none of them had involved using his hands. He’d never wanted to get them dirty. At least not with actual dirt.
“I’m trying to turn over a new leaf, Alex. I heard about the tornado these poor people went through and thought I could lend a hand in the cleanup.”
She still didn’t get it. He sounded so sincere. “Are you talking about doing manual labor?” She tried not to appear to be weakening, but she couldn’t help it. She’d long for the day when he’d finally grow up and become a real man. Was this that day?
“If you could help me out, maybe I could help someone else. What do you say, sis? Is there anything I could do around Destiny to earn a few bucks while giving back? I swear I’ll make you proud.”
He was playing her. She knew it in her gut. Yet the hope she still had for him wouldn’t be denied. She couldn’t deny a dream if it had even a tiny chance of coming true. “Most of the cleanup from the storm is finished. But I’ll ask around and see what I can find. As long as you’re willing to do anything.” She hardened her gaze. “And I do mean anything.”
“Just name it.”
“Trust me, I will.” Destiny had only one bank and one ATM. “We can go to the bank tomorrow and get you a few bucks. Until then, I’ll give you what I have. But Avery, you’d better not be scamming me again.”
He crossed his heart. “I’m not. I promise you.”
“I’ve heard all the promises I can stand. I want to see action this time.”
He did hug her then, scooping her into his arms before she could resist him. “Thanks, sis. I knew you’d believe in me.”
I want to. Oh, how I want to believe.
She tried to bite back the question pushing to get out of her mouth…and failed. “Avery, are you in trouble again?”
He hesitated a moment too long. “Naw, sis.”
Yet her gut told her something altogether different. “Avery, now’s the time to tell me.”
“Am I interrupting something?”
Kane’s sudden appearance behind her brother had her shoving Avery away.
* * * *
Who the hell is this guy?
The jealousy tearing a hole in Kane’s gut was an unfamiliar sensation. He’d had his fair share of girlfriends in the past, but he’d never really cared about them. Not enough to get upset when he saw them with another guy.
“Kane, you’re here.”
He didn’t like the man’s smile. It was big and bright, just like Jeff’s. Yet, unlike Jeff’s, this guy’s smile held an edge to it. He kept his gaze on him even as he answered Alex. “Yeah. We have a date, remember?”
He didn’t like the surly tone to his words, but he couldn’t help it. Wasn’t it bad enough that he had to compete with Jeff for Alex? He didn’t like the idea of having another man join the mix. And an outsider at that.
“Sure I remember.” She moved closer then turned back toward the other guy. “Kane, this is�
�”
“We’re late.” Kane snagged her arm and tugged her along with him, out the front door and toward his pickup.
They were halfway there when she yanked her arm out of his hold. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
He growled, which was better than what he really wanted to do. If he’d had his way, he would’ve ripped the man’s head off.
When had a woman ever elicited such an extreme reaction from him? He wasn’t sure he liked it. But he wasn’t sure he didn’t, either.
“Like I said, we’re late.”
“To a town-wide barbecue? I didn’t know that kind of thing had a strict arrival time.”
The dark-haired man had followed them out the doorway, but had stayed on the porch.
At least he has enough smarts not to get in between me and my woman.
My woman?
When had he ever thought that about anyone before? And yet, it felt right. If he had his way, she’d be his woman.
“I just want to get going. Is that okay?” He slid his gaze to the man as he strode toward them.
“No. Maybe it’s not.” Alex took a step farther away from him.
Crap. Don’t blow it now. “I’m sorry, Alex. But can we leave? Now?”
“Alex, can we finish up before you take off?”
Kane tapped down the urge to tell the man to get lost. Among other things.
Alex turned toward the guy then pulled him into an embrace. The affectionate gesture almost tore Kane’s heart out. Had he already missed his chance with her?
“Sure. Why don’t you go back inside and ask Daisy to give you a key to my room. Either that or you could come with us.”
Kane couldn’t believe his ears. Had she just invited another man along on their date? After giving him permission to go into her room?
“Uh, no thanks. I don’t think your friend wants me tagging along.”
Again the man showed that he was intelligent.
“Kane, you don’t mind, do you?”
Hell, yes, I mind. Instead, he said the expected thing. “Course not. The more the merrier.”
Alex cast him a look, noting that she’d heard the growl in his tone.
The man’s smile was back, brighter than ever as he stuck out his hand. “I think maybe you’ve got the wrong idea about me. I’m Avery Martin. I’m Alex’s brother.”
The relief that swamped Kane almost brought him to his knees. “Her brother.” He’d said the words not so much as a question, but to have them resonate in his mind.
“That’s right.” She tilted her head at him. “Who did you think he was?”
“Your brother. Sure, of course.” Kane took in the physical similarities that he’d missed earlier. “I can see it now.” He felt a little foolish as he finally took Avery’s hand and shook it.
But Alex wasn’t letting him off the hook. “Who did you think he was, Kane?”
“I didn’t know at first.” He centered his attention on her brother. “So what brings you to town? Business? Or are you checking up on your sister?”
Avery gave him a good, solid handshake then slung his arm around Alex. “Both. I wanted to see how my favorite sister—”
“His only sister,” added Alex. “I’m his half sister.”
“—is doing. Plus, I’m looking for work. I was hoping to help with the cleanup after the recent tornado.”
Why did Alex seem so stiff in her brother’s embrace? “I think most of the cleanup work is finished. It wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been.”
“Well, that’s a shame.” Avery laughed. “About the work, I mean.”
“Say, Kane, do you think maybe there’s work for Avery out at Second Chance Ranch? Not as one of the organization, but maybe as a ranch hand? He’s dying to get his hands dirty.”
Kane caught the quick exchange brother and sister shared, but didn’t push finding out what it meant. Although he wished Alex hadn’t mentioned Cowboys for Hire, he supposed Avery would find out sooner or later. They tried to keep the work they did quiet, but at the same time, it was difficult to hide themselves and make themselves accessible to the women who needed their help. “Yeah, maybe. I could give Gabriel a call and see.”
Avery appeared to recover from his initial dislike of what Alex had said about getting his hands dirty. “That’d be great. Thanks.”
“He’ll take any job, no matter how menial. Isn’t that right, brother dear?”
She was playing her brother, no doubt about it. Kane noticed Avery’s grip tighten on her shoulder.
“Sure, sure. Anything.”
His grip had been solid, but he hadn’t felt any callouses. Kane was sure Avery hadn’t come within a mile of hard, back-breaking work. And he was extra sure that Alex wanted him to.
“Okay, well, that’s settled. I’ll call Gabriel and make it happen. Show up tomorrow morning at the main house. Miss Daisy can give you directions to the ranch.”
Kane turned to her, dismissing her brother. “How about you and I”—he left Avery out of it on purpose—“get going to the barbecue. I’m sure your brother would rather rest up. After all, if I have anything to say about it, he’ll need all the energy he can muster to run cattle and muck out the stalls.”
Did the man just go pale?
Kane kept the chuckle he felt from escaping. Instead, he sent Alex a wink, took her hand, and led her to the truck. Avery was still standing in the same spot when he pulled the truck out of the driveway and back toward town.
“Are you really going to try and get him a job?”
Kane glanced at Alex then back on the road. “If you really want me to. Gabriel will take him on if I ask. So, do you have any other brothers?”
“No, thank goodness.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that Avery isn’t the most reliable person in the world. Now that you know that, please don’t feel obligated to find him work.”
“It’s not a problem. Gabriel was complaining about being short-handed on the ranch, anyway. I’m sure he’ll say yes to adding your brother. Just make sure Avery shows up tomorrow morning an hour or so before sunrise. We’ll see what kind of stuff he’s made of.”
“Before sunrise? Holy hell, that’ll send him packing for sure.” Her laughter rang out.
He stole a quick glance at her. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do to hear her laugh again.
“Is that what you really want? Do you want me to get rid of him for you?” He hadn’t meant his offer to sound so ominous, like a hit man talking about a contract on Avery’s life.
“No. Let’s give him a chance.”
“Yeah, everyone deserves a chance.”
“Trust me. He’s had more than his fair share of chances.”
“That sounds bad. Is it?”
“Yeah. He’s gotten into trouble before with a bad crew. Gambling on the horses and more.” She shook her head, obviously reconsidering giving her brother the benefit of the doubt. “Look, Kane, if he causes trouble, any trouble at all, you have my permission to kick him to the curb.”
“Wow, you are one hard sister.” He regretted his words as soon as they’d left his mouth. Her pained expression made him feel like a heel. “Sorry. That was harsh.”
“Half sister. And no, don’t be. I really need to lighten up on him. After all, he is my only brother.”
“One chance. That’s all he gets, but, hopefully, that’s all he’s going to need. Like I said. Everyone deserves a chance.”
He could sense her eyeing him, once again catching the underlying meaning behind his words. But he’d meant what he’d said. After all, she’d given him a chance. Could he do any less for her brother?
He pulled the truck onto a gravel parking lot at the end of town. A large cream banner with the words Welcome to Destiny’s Annual BBQ written in bold red letters across it was tied from one side of the street to the other. Tables strewn with the wares of each business ran along the sidewalks while a local band stood on top of a makeshift platform and bel
ted out a favorite country song.
Alex leaned forward, her hands flat on the dashboard, and took in the sights. “This is so cool. I don’t think I’ve ever been to anything like this.”
“For real? Don’t they have BBQs in Tulsa?”
“Not like this one. This is so cozy and welcoming.”
That was the perfect way to describe Destiny. Although he’d grown up in a small Texas town, he’d found his real home in Destiny. He loved everything about the small town and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
He drew in a long, slow breath. “Ah, man, I can already smell it.”
She followed his example. “Mmm, that does smell good. So what are we waiting for, cowboy?” She was out the door before he was.
They strolled together down one sidewalk, not hand in hand, but with their fingers grazing each other’s. They hadn’t made it half a block before she came to a stop in front of one of the long display tables.
“These are so great,” cooed Alex as she lifted a bronze-colored bracelet up to admire it.
Betsy Ralins of Lost Treasures beamed behind the table strewn with jewelry and other items. It was all girly stuff, and he wasn’t sure what some of the things were. “Thanks. That’s a one-of-a-kind bracelet made by one of our local artists.”
“Really? I love that.” Alex slipped it over her hand and onto her wrist. “It’s so pretty how the sunlight captures the different colors in it.”
Kane stood back, letting her go on about the bracelet. As far as he was concerned, nothing could compare to her beauty. Her dark hair shone under the sun, and for the first time, he noticed the glimpses of red in the locks. He yearned to take a strand and let it slide between his fingers, to find a bit of the red, but he didn’t dare do that in front of what appeared to be most of the town. Although Alex was dressed casually in a pair of jeans and shirt with simple white tennis shoes on, she was more alluring to him than a goddess would’ve been. She had a way of holding her body in a regal way that made him both ache to touch her and afraid to do it. The fact that she had so many curves only added to her beauty.
“We’ll take it.”