I’m buzzing with excitement as we get everything wrapped up. She’s going to be here soon. Aurelia freaking Lane. If it weren’t for the documents, I’d swear I was imagining this entire thing. My siblings probably do think I made it all up.
There’s a gentle tug on my sleeve as I’m leaving the kitchen after we get everything signed. “Hey, Quint. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
I spin around, surprised to see my sister standing behind me. We used to be close, but the last year has had her pulling away, and she rarely seeks me out for one-on-one conversation anymore.
“What’s up?”
She presses her lips together in a tight line, brow creased. “Just be careful.”
I cock my head to the side, trying to figure out what she’s trying to get at. “I’ve been away at school, but I think I can handle myself around the horses. Did you forget what I was studying?”
She huffs out an impatient sigh. “Not of the horses. Of her.”
I laugh, stretching up to my full six feet, two inches. “You think I need to be afraid of a little ole actress? I don’t think she’s hiding a revolver in her back pocket.”
“Ugh, you’re impossible. I know you, brother. I’ve seen you fall fast and hard for every pretty girl that walks into your path. And I’ve also seen you get your heart shattered more times than I care to remember. Don’t fall for her.”
“I’m not going to fall for some Hollywood actress. That would be crazy.” No matter how pretty she looked when she was reaming me out in front of Leonora yesterday.
Shayla pokes me hard in the chest. “Don’t blow me off. I mean it. She’ll break your heart, and I don’t want to have to peel you off the floor piece by piece again. I’ve got my own problems.”
God, I want to help her. And I’ve tried, but as much as she loves to butt into my business, she won’t let me in. She’s just not been the same since her injury. “Don’t worry, sis. It’s not that deep. Just some riding lessons.”
“If you say so.”
She steps away from me, heading for the stairs, and I stare after her until the doorbell breaks through my trance. My heart kicks into high gear, and I rush off before anyone else can get it, skidding to a halt and running a hand through my hair when I get there.
I open it up to see Aurelia staring at me with wide eyes, shadowed by the brim of a beige cowboy hat. I almost laugh, but rein it in. She’s wearing the kind of jeans you see on a runway, with artful faded patches and strategicfrayed rips. Her cowboy boots are a rich red color, but so clean and shiny they must have just come out of the box. She looks like she belongs on the TV set she’ll be filming on soon.
And it’s not the only thing that makes her look unreal. Looking at her is like staring at the sun. I’ve never seen anyone this stunning in real life. You’d think it’s all makeup and airbrushing, but she’s even more beautiful in person than on TV or in pictures. My sister’s warning echoes in my head, but I push it away. It’s not like I’d ever have a chance with her anyway, so there’s nothing to worry about.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hey. Is everything sorted? Am I good to come in?” She’s glancing nervously over my shoulder as if she expects to see a horde of photographers standing there.
“Yeah, no, you’re good. It’s just my family here. We all signed the NDAs.”
She nods, taking a cautious step forward as if she still doesn’t quite trust my words.
“Follow me.” I wave an arm at her, heading back for the kitchen. I spot Shayla peeking out from the top of the stairs, eyes wide. She may be pretending to be supremely uninterested in our visitor, but I watchedPaisleywith her. I know how obsessed she was with it. “You can leave your boots on, since I’m sure they don’t have a speck of dirt on them.”
“What do you mean?” she asks.
I grin at her over my shoulder. “I can tell those boots are brand spanking new, which means your feet are goingto be cursing your life choices if you wear them all day today. We can probably find you something a little more comfortable to wear.”
I lead her to our big pine table. The papers are still spread out over the surface, and Caleb has gone back to tapping away at his computer.
I drum my fingers on the top of it. “Caleb, we have a guest.”
He frowns at me, but folds his laptop closed and stands up. He reaches a hand out for Aurelia to shake. A look of confusion passes over her face before she clasps her hand in his.
“I’m Caleb Holloway. But I reckon you already know that if you came all the way out here to track down my little brother. Welcome to Hollow Hills.”
“Aurelia Lane,” she says, as if everyone on the continent doesn’t know it.
“Got that. Now we’ve all signed these papers for you.” He taps the stack nearest his hand. “You’re welcome in the house any time you need a snack or a break from that guy.” He throws a thumb in my direction.
“Gee, thanks.” Why does everyone in this freaking house have to keep treating me like the baby? It’s especially frustrating in front of her.
