She grinned. “I’m sure the line for that distinguished honor is a long one. And from what I’m hearing around town, you’re collecting your fair share of admirers. Since you and Caleb are partnering up at the ranch, you two are going to find yourselves at the top of the ‘most eligible and desirable’ bachelor list.”
“I’m not going to have any competition there. He’s not looking, or haven’t you noticed how taken he is with you?”
Her heart fluttered. At the same time she felt a tiny bit of self-consciousness creep up on her. “I suggested he ought to keep his options open from the onset. And for the record, I did tell him I’m too old for him.”
“He’s not much for browsing. Horses are always his primary concern. For you to have caught his eye and grabbed his attention… Well, I’ve got to say, that’s something, Reese. So don’t do the nibble your lip in anxiety thing. Or worry about a five-year age difference. Caleb always knows what he’s doing. Don’t doubt him. Or yourself.”
Handing over the fresh mug of coffee she’d poured, she said, “I can see why the two of you are so close. You’re both all heart.”
“Aw, shucks.” He grinned.
Caleb strolled in and snorted. “Are you two flirtin’ behind my back?”
His tone was such that Reese immediately knew he was teasing—and that he had no question about hers and Sam’s friendship. His confidence in both of them—and in the romance she and Caleb were building—caused her to brazenly stroll over to him and plant a solid kiss on him. Deep and scorching hot.
Sam hooted. When she pulled away, Caleb’s eyes were wide.
“Guess I’ll have to tease you more often. That was one hell of a kiss.”
“No need to mark your territory,” she said. “I’m willing to establish it on my own. Though your brother is not the type to make a move on me. And you know it.”
“That I do.” He crossed to the counter and filled a coffee cup.
Reese said, “I’m working at Ginger’s today. Breakfast is warm in the oven. Try to leave the dishes for me. You’re continually picking up after yourselves and I cringe every time I think about the cash Caleb gave me.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, Sam gave her an incredulous look. “You didn’t run my card, did you?”
“Why on earth would I? Split the bill with your brother, but don’t think anything more about paying me. You could rent Jack Wade’s cottage on the lake for three months for what Caleb paid.”
“I went by your nightly rate, Reese,” he said. “And you’re feeding us breakfast and, oftentimes, lunch and dinner—and paying utilities and twice-a-day showers because of the work we’re doing at the ranch. Not to mention, since we’re turning the house into an inn, Sam and I will be staying here a while longer, until we get our cottages built on the property.”
“Do not give me any more money,” she insisted. “What you gave me already is perfectly fine. For both of you.” Sam opened his mouth as though in protest, but she silenced him with a raised hand. “I get a startup bonus for my pre-work at the inn, Sam, you know this. I am perfectly set financially. For once in my life, I can say that. I don’t need anything else. So just stop thinking you’re cheating me out of something. I wouldn’t charge anyone the full nightly rate if they were here long term.”
“She is a stubborn thing, isn’t she?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, but she’s damn pretty.”
Reese rolled her eyes. “Go
to the ranch. I’m due in town.”
* * * * *
The ranch was abuzz with activity. Construction was well underway on the med facility and the new corrals. The crew for the inn renovation was scheduled to start on Wednesday, the day after Christmas. Caleb had told Reese he wanted her to be onsite as often as possible to oversee the renovations. She’d been nervous about the responsibility, but both he and Sam trusted her judgment and ability to handle the process. In addition, she had Lance Bauer, the project manager, backing her up. But it was her vision they needed to capture.
Caleb and Sam took the ATVs they’d bought out to the far perimeter of the property to inspect and repair the fencing that ran the boundaries, most of which was concealed by tall foliage and trees.
As Caleb checked a post, Sam, working alongside him, said, “Dad’s party is Saturday night. You make a decision on going with me?”
“You really think it’ll prove anything?”
“I think it’d clear our consciences. After all, we are about to go against our previous convictions and dip into our trust funds. We can’t afford the inn any other way, or the cottages we’re planning to build for ourselves.” Which they would tuck away on the far northeast side by the lake.
Caleb cringed, though his brother was right. They were entitled to the money by birthright but neither one had fully subscribed to the concept of entitlement. Or the constraints it placed on them.
He mused, “Maybe we can make it a loan we pay back.”
“To ourselves?”