Page 37 of A Cowboy's Claim

“It wasn’t you. Itisn’tyou. Sometimes—” He was going to get revenge on Sydney for making him have to do this, whatever else he did. “Back to awkward conversation territory.”

Jinx sighed. “Just say it.”

“Sometimes adults get together for fun and not forever.”

She made a gagging noise.

“You asked,” he offered dryly.

“Not asking anything else.” Jinx stared out the window, probably because it was safer. “Just so you know, I think you two would be good together.”

“Maybe. But that’s a thing for us to figure out. So, sorry for surprising you, but I expect you’ll keep what you saw to yourself. It’s not really anyone else’s business, and I don’t think Sydney would like everyone talking about her.”

“Agreed.”

He parked outside the house and they both headed for the porch. Dixie pranced in wide zigzags, sniffing happily now that she was home. Jinx hesitated for two seconds before giving him a quick hug then vanishing into the house with the dog.

Twists and turns. The upside was confirming that Jinx was well on the way to being over parts of the abuse she’d suffered before coming to High Water. That was a thing to be very grateful for.

The instant he stepped inside, his brothers hit him with synchronized rebukes.

“Deck. Answer your damn texts.”

“Where the hell have you been?”

“Everything okay? Declan demanded. “What happened?”

“Shit, nothing,” Aiden admitted, slowing down and looking slightly guilty. “Just couldn’t get a hold of you.”

“I was busy, and since you didn’t actually call me or hit the panic button…” Declan shrugged. “What’s up?”

“Invite from Caleb Stone,” Jake said. “We’re headed to Silver Stone in fifteen minutes for supper and poker.”

“Okay.” Declan frowned. “Good thing I’m home.”

“I got the call and accepted for us all,” Jake admitted. “You’re always around.”

Not really, but… Declan eyed his brothers and spoke softer. “Think it’s safe for all three of us to head out and leave the ranch?” Since Kevin would also be away. Not that they knew that yet.

Aiden nodded. “The ladies, including Jinx, are headed over to Petra’s brother’s place. They’re doing some prep for thewe got marriedcelebration for me and Petra next week.” His grin flashed bright. “Glad to have a party to look forward to.”

“Even gladder that you’re already married,” Jake quipped.

“Amen to that,” Aiden agreed.

Twenty minutes later, Declan was freshly scrubbed and shaking hands with his neighbour. “Good to see you again with no emergency in the background.”

“Agreed.” Caleb gestured them all toward the side of the house where two large barbecues were sending delicious smoke signals into the air. “Nearly ready, and the beer is waiting and ice cold.”

“How’s Tyler doing?” Declan asked.

“Great.” Caleb shook his head. “He’s already tired of the sling and nearly broke his leg falling off the ridge pole of the goat pen roof.”

“Damn.”

“Right? Tamara gave me hell because I’m the one who told him, when he was higher than a kite on painkillers, mind you, that he’d be leaping around like a goat before he knew it, and the kid took me literally.”

Declan outright laughed even as he patted Caleb on the shoulder. “Glad he didn’t come to any harm.”