AllFreeNovel
Share Us
7
Ian
Ian hovered in the doorway. His mother stood at the stove, her back to the group who had already found their way to the kitchen. His older brother leaned against the counter, speaking with her in a quiet voice. Sean was already dressed in jeans, muddy boots, and a cowboy hat. He’d already been out on the property.
Out of his younger brothers, only Cal and Brock were down this morning. Cal reached across the table and grabbed a piece of toast. Brock’s hooded eyes followed Jessica as she took a seat at the table.
Frowning, Ian watched, ready to pounce at any indication that his brother was anything but welcoming. Jessica tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and settled into her seat. She placed her hands in her lap and offered a smile to his brothers.
Cal, bless his soul, smiled back. “So, Jessica. Did you grow up in Copper Creek?”
She nodded yes. “But I was closer to Colorado Springs. I’ve never ventured to this side of the pass.”
Understanding flickered across Cal’s face. “That would explain why I don’t recognize you. Most folks who live closer to the city end up moving that way. Something about the amenities being nicer.” He winked at her. “I guess they prefer plowed roads, closer stores, and running water.”
Jessica had just poured herself a glass of orange juice when she stilled. “There’s no running water?” Her gaze cut to Ian and back to Cal. Brock showed his first hint of a smile.
“Well, sure. But we have to hand pump it in every morning. That’s what Sean was out doing for the last few hours.” Cal thumbed at his oldest brother.
Jessica glanced at Sean.
“Don’t you worry—running water is overrated.” Cal’s smile widened and he took a bite of toast.
Ian rolled his eyes and crossed the room. He pulled out a chair beside Jessica and settled down beside her. “Don’t listen to him. He thinks he’s hilarious.”
She leaned closer to him. “So thereisrunning water?”
“Of course. We’re on a well, but we don’t pump it ourselves.” He shot Cal a disapproving look. “Leave her alone, guys.”
Cal snickered. “Just wait until she hears about how we make our own electricity.” He grinned at her. “It requires a human-size hamster wheel.”
Jessica’s smile slowly returned. “I hear electricity is overrated too.”
“Now she’s getting it.” Cal took a swig of his orange juice and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Ian, after breakfast I need your help moving the big herd. The other pasture is ready for grazing.”
Ian grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter. “We moved them two days ago. I thought we’d have at least another day.” He glanced at Jessica out of the corner of his eye. He’d rather stay close today. There was no telling whether the people who’d come after her would be lurking.
Cal took another bite of toast. His eyes followed Ian’s focus. “You can’t drop everything just because there’s a girl here. I’m sure Jessica will be fine.” He winked at Jessica again. “Won’t you?”
She gave him one of her customer smiles. “I’ll be perfectly fine. I just need someone to show me around so I can figure out where to pump the water for my shower.”
Cal laughed. “I’m sure we could figure something out.”
Ian bristled at the interaction. It didn’t matter that this was how she acted when she was working. He could tell it was a mask she wore. But still, the fact she was giving Cal attention rubbed him the wrong way. “I’ll show her around. You don’t need to worry about that.” Ian took a bite of his apple and leaned back in his seat. The juicy fruit was both tart and sweet. His favorite kind of blend.
Jessica eyed the apples and picked one up for herself. “These don’t look like apples from the supermarket.”
“That’s because they came from our orchards.” Brock folded his arms, his eyes still studying Jessica.
“You’re kidding?”
Ian shook his head. “It’s small, but we have some fruit trees on the south side of the property.”
“Fruit. Cattle. A well. Do you guys grow your own cotton to make the clothes on your backs too?”
Cal leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Shh. Don’t tell anyone.”
“He’s kidding,” Ian grumbled. “Just do yourself a favor and don’t believe a word he says. That’s what I do.”
