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“I saw you before with your mom, then talking to my brother and cousins. Everyone else around here right now I recognize, darling.” He stared at her as if he were surprised by her attitude. Well, she wasn’t some country bumpkin. She was used to being on guard and on the defensive. He gave her another wink and looked her over. She felt her body hum with awareness and it shocked her.

“I can find the pharmacy on my own. Thanks.” She began to walk between the people on the crowded sidewalk when she felt the hand on her elbow. Instinctually she pulled and turned on him.

Glaring at the man, he glared right back at her then placed his hands on his hips.

“People are real friendly around these parts, darling.”

“I’m good. Have a nice day. That friendly enough for ya?” she said, but turned and headed toward the pharmacy

. As she crossed the road, the urge to turn and look back at the handsome cowboy who totally made her body come to life became too hard to resist. When she did, there he stood, Trevor Henley and that intense facial expression turned into a smile. She quickly turned around then covered her heart with her hand.

What in God’s name just happened?

* * * *

Lori wanted to go see how the apartment was coming along but she didn’t want to deal with another confrontation. Charlie was full of attitude as he was giving out orders and taking charge. She noticed that the other brother Trevor was there, too. So why was she heading over there right now instead of after the men left?

Maggie and Ben were talking to Jasper, and Lori could tell her sister was flirting. It was obvious that Jasper was interested as well and Ben was oblivious.

“Hey, Lori, are you going to come over here and check out the place?” her father asked as he carried some wood toward the barn.

Well here was her excuse to come take a look.

As soon as she started walking toward the barn, Ben came running toward her, bouncing a small blue ball as he walked.

“Aunt Lori, can I come with you?” he asked.

“Sure can, big guy.”

They headed inside the barn where some other guy and Charlie were framing out the bedroom. Ben ran from Lori to get the ball he dropped just as the other guy was grabbing another piece of wood.

Lori and Charlie saw the wood falling at the same time, and Lori pulled Ben out of the way and took the hit instead. The wood scratched her elbow causing her to fall to the ground holding Ben. Charlie was at her side immediately then the other guy.

“Are you all right?” Charlie and the other guy, who looked a lot like Charlie, asked as they tried to help Lori to her feet. She pulled away instinctively and brushed off her pants. She didn’t pay attention to the blood that was dripping off her elbow until the other guy was placing a cloth over it.

Charlie eyed her funny, as if wondering what her problem was. All he was doing was helping her up. But when the two men touched her, she felt a bolt of sexual interest shock her system.

“I’m so sorry, Lori, it was all my fault. The wood slipped,” the man she didn’t know, but who obviously knew her, said as he held her arm with one hand and the other held the bandage in place.

“I’m fine really. No one got hurt. Come on, Ben, let’s go back outside. I’ll push you on the swing set.” Lori took the cloth from the cowboy with the amazing hazel eyes and walked out with Ben.

* * * *

Dante and Charlie watched Lori walk away then looked at one another.

“That was a pretty bad cut, I didn’t see that other piece of wood, and do you think she’s all right?” Dante asked, all concerned.

“By her attitude I’d say hell yeah. Let’s get back to work. Women and kids shouldn’t be around construction anyway.” Charlie gave his brother a light punch then walked away. Dante still felt bad despite Charlie’s words. Plus, it was his first glimpse at the woman who’d snagged Trevor’s attention in town. He had immediately told Dante all about meeting Lori and her abrupt attitude.

Chapter 4

Lynn Cantrell headed outside to the front porch to have her morning coffee. She wrapped the white sweater around her preparing for the cool morning air. As she opened the front door the sight in front of her overcame her as she dropped the blue ceramic coffee mug onto the front porch causing a large bang as it shattered.

Old Man Cantrell came running from the kitchen as his wife stood out front crying.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, but before she could respond, he saw it for himself.

One of their roosters was beheaded and hung from the front porch where all could see.