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“I don’t have a lot of time for much.”
“Yeah, I’m realizing that.” He already had half his plate gone. “You know, life isn’t meant to waste on working every minute.”
“I’ve been told that a few times, especially by my parents. If they had their way, I’d be married with two and a half kids.”
“I’m guessing then they hated seeing you divorce.” He waved at a couple who walked in.
“No. They hated Gray.” She pushed her plate away. “I swear I’m not mentioning his name for the remainder of the day…week. Month,” she groaned.
“Would you care if we make another stop when we’re finished here?”
“You’re the driver. Where are we going?”
“Ryde Hard.”
Chapter Fourteen
Parker settled into the comfortable chair in the farmhouse living room, glancing back and forth between Dean and Raven as they chatted about a game warden job offer Dean received because he was the town’s hero after the accident and the water irrigation system on the ranch. She could barely keep track of the details because she couldn’t believe how similar the brothers looked. They even had the same mannerisms.
Realizing the men were now looking at her, she pulled her thoughts together. “Did I miss something?”
“Sorry we’re boring you.” Raven laughed.
“No bother at all. I always love hearing about irrigation.”
“I’m heading out and checking the land. Do you want to come along?”
“She can hang out with me,” Dean said. “I wouldn’t mind the company.” One leg was wrapped in gauze like material from his ankle to his thigh and he had it propped up on the coffee table.
Raven had said something vague about a recent accident that had injured Dean.
“Why would she want to hang out with you?” Raven joked.
“I’d like to stay,” Parker said.
Raven shrugged and stood. “Fine, but if you tell her any uncomfortable stories I’ll just let you know that paybacks are hell, bro.”
“Why would I do something like that?” Dean winked at Parker and mouthed, “I’ll tell you everything.”
“I shouldn’t be long.” He seemed to hesitate before he left Parker and Dean alone.
She noticed how Dean winced when he moved his leg off the table. “Can I get you anything?”
“Nah, I’m good. The injury looks worse than it is. I’m sure Raven gave you the four-one-one on what happened.”
“No, he didn’t.”
“That’s a surprise. Raven’s carrying around a lot of guilt because he feels he’s to blame for what happened.”
She braced her elbows on her bent knees. “What did happen, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“An explosion.” Dean’s gaze darted to the door and back to her. “He took the incident harder than I did.”
He said the word “explosion” with such casualness.
“An explosion? Your injury looks pretty substantial.”
He patted his leg. “It could have been worse. I’m grateful to still be alive and tell people the tale. We were looking for a suspect and sometimes these things happen. Hit me out of nowhere. I thought I was dead and so did Raven. He’s the sort of guy who carries guilt. He’s rough and tough, but he is all mushy on the inside.”
