Page 39 of Christmas at Wolf Creek

“They left the kid at home,” Cole continues, watching me carefully. “Helen’s watching her. Just in case you were wondering.”

I wasn’t, but the information settled in my mindanyway. Ella rarely leaves Nora with anyone. She must trust these siblings of hers more than I realized if she’s letting her guard down enough for a night out.

“Good for her,” I say neutrally. “She deserves a break.”

Cole rolls his eyes so hard I’m surprised they don’t fall out of his head. “For Christ’s sake, Jake. Go say hello at least. Be a human being for once.”

Before I can argue, he’s signaling the bartender for another round. “Two more beers, and whatever that table in the corner is drinking.”

“What are you doing?” I hiss.

“Helping your sorry ass,” he replies cheerfully. “You can thank me at the wedding.”

“There’s not going to be a—” I start, but he’s already moving away, carrying a tray of drinks toward the MacGallan table.

“Shit,” I mutter, having no choice but to follow or look like even more of an antisocial jackass than usual.

As we approach, Kane notices us first, his eyes narrowing slightly before recognition kicks in. “Brennan,” he nods. “Cole.”

“Thought you folks could use a refill,” Cole says, setting the tray down with a flourish. “Jake’s buying.”

I shoot him a death glare that he completely ignores.

“That’s very kind,” the tall one—Declan, if I’m notmistaken—says smoothly. “Join us?”

Cole immediately slides in beside the redhead, leaving the only open space next to Ella. The bastard planned this.

“Thanks,” I manage, sitting down awkwardly, hyper-aware of Ella’s presence beside me. She smells like vanilla and something floral, subtle but intoxicating.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she says, turning those eyes on me. “You’re not exactly a Rusty Nail regular.”

“Cole’s idea,” I admit. “Said I needed to remember what other humans look like.”

Her lips quirk into a small smile. “Well, we’re glad you came. Aren’t we?” She glances around the table, and her siblings murmur agreement, though Kane still watches me with that measuring look.

After she introduces everyone, the conversation flows surprisingly easily after that, helped along by Cole’s knack for drawing people out and the alcohol loosening everyone up a bit. I learn that Kat’s a social media consultant, Wren’s in publishing, and Lana designs video games. The dark-haired one—Mia—is a food blogger, which explains the constant photo-taking.

“And what about you, Jake?” Declan asks during a lull. “Cole mentioned you have the neighboring property?”

“That’s right,” I nod. “About two thousand acres to the north. Mostly forest, some grazing land.”

“Jake raises horses,” Ella adds. “The best in the county.”

I glance at her, surprised she knows that, let alone would mention it. “Just a small operation. Nothing fancy.”

“He’s being modest,” Cole interjects. “His Appaloosas win ribbons all over the place. Got a breeding program that has people driving in from the States.”

“I didn’t know you were a horseman,” Kane says, his interest seemingly genuine now. “We should talk. The stock at Wolfcreek could use some fresh bloodlines.”

Before I can respond, the band in the corner—three local guys with more enthusiasm than talent—starts tuning up. The floor clears for dancing, and Cole immediately pulls one of the redheads—Kat—to her feet.

“Come on, city girl. Let me show you how we do it in the country.”

She laughs, following him willingly. “Fair warning: I have two left feet, no shame, and a boyfriend that likes to kill people for sport.”

Cole burst out laughing at the last bit. But the more time I spent with the family, the more it made me wonder.

Kane and his girlfriend, Kori, along with Lana and the tall guy across the bar who’s been eyeing her all night, headed to the dancefloor. Wren excuses herself to the restroom, leaving me suddenly alone with Ella and Declan.