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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

T ANNER’S PREDICTION THAT she’d feel worse in the morning proved true. It took all of Callie’s concentration just to stand upright and move.

“Told you so,” Tanner said low as he got up to help her.

“Shush it.” After a very sound sleep with Tanner curled around her and the soft sounds of Blu’s snores filling the air, she was more sluggish than usual. Still, she managed to shuffle into the bathroom mostly on her own steam. Tanner stayed at her uninjured side and Blu kept pace behind them.

“I’ll make coffee. Give a yell if you need me.”

God willing, she wouldn’t have any drop-in visitors today. This morning, her entire body felt broken, though she knew it wasn’t anything that serious. It took an effort to clean her teeth and pull up cotton shorts. No way could she brush her hair or manage socks with the dull pulsing pain in her arm.

When she entered the kitchen a few minutes later, Tanner helped her into her chair and set a mug of steaming coffee in front of her.

“I’m going to take a quick shower. Blu’s already been out back. While he did his business, I took care of the goats and chickens.”

In disbelief, Callie stared up at him. “I was only in the bathroom five minutes!”

“Ten,” he said with a smile, then he bent down to kiss her lightly on the mouth. “Let me help out, okay?”

A little slow to process this morning, she nodded. “Um…okay. Thanks.”

He kissed her once more. “Drink your coffee, then you’ll need to use those ice packs again.”

That alone was reason to groan. “I hate being cold. Wouldn’t heat work, too?”

He shook his. “Not yet. Ice first for swelling. Maybe tomorrow, depending on how it looks, a hot soak in the tub would be okay.”

“That sounds like experience talking.”

“Between Kam and me, we’ve had our share of mishaps.” One more kiss and a quick “Be right back,” and he was gone.

True to his word, Tanner took a speedy shower. He reentered the kitchen shirtless, wearing only the loose jogging pants from the night before. They hung low on his hips, making her think he’d skipped boxers.

Barefoot, with stubble darkening his jaw, upper lip, and chin, he was sexier than ever—and as usual she looked like death warmed over.

Her gaze went all over him. She imagined he’d taste even better than her coffee, and that was saying something.

In short order, he took her mug to refill it, then handed her two aspirin and got the ice packs arranged against the worst of her aches.

Sliding into a seat beside her, he asked, “Did you find even more bruising today?”

How unfair that he was once again here, looking like original temptation, and she was down for the count. Seeing no reason to lie about it, she admitted, “They’re everywhere, but I didn’t do inventory.” None of them were as bad as the two main injuries.

“I figured.” He smoothed her hair, brushed the backs of his fingers over her cheek, and got down to business. “Will you let me stay?”

Because she hadn’t seen that coming, she almost choked on a sip of coffee. When she caught her breath, she asked, “Here, with me?”

“Today, tomorrow, until you’re back to one hundred percent.” Lifting her right hand, he kissed her palm. “I thought about trying to do this in stages, pushing for a few hours, then the night, taking it one day at a time. But I want to be here, Callie, and that means I need to get a few things together.”

“What things?”

“Food for Blu, my razor and toothbrush, change of clothes.” He shrugged. “Your soap and shampoo smell like you and I love the scent—on you. On me…? Somehow I don’t think it’ll be the same.”

“Probably not.” It dawned on her that he meant stay-with-her as in stay-with-her . Around the clock. “I…” Her voice croaked, so she cleared her throat and tried again. “I see. Won’t that be an awful imposition on you?”

“Having to be away from you for long would be the imposition.” He was quick to add, “Not that I’ll be here around the clock. I have a couple of things scheduled today that I can’t get out of, but I want to come back and I want to be here after work. I want to sleep with you again.”

“Oh.” He’d already said that he more than liked her and now he wanted to stay over? And keep sleeping with her? She really wished she understood how involved he planned to be.

As if he’d read her thoughts, his mouth curled. “For now, I want to sleep with you in case you need anything, but as soon as you’re ready count me in for more.” He leaned forward, his expression intent, ready to say something…

And a knock sounded on the door.

Frustration hit her hard. “Damn it, if that’s my parents again—”

“It’s probably Addie. I called her first thing so she wouldn’t worry.”

Considerate, but Callie had a feeling he’d been about to open up to her and she wanted to hear it. Unfortunately, he’d already left to answer the door and when he returned he had not only Addie with him, but Kam, too.

Without even a greeting, Kam lifted the ice pack from her shoulder and gave a long whistle. “Damn, girl.” Next he looked at her leg and grimaced. To Tanner, he asked, “She can walk?”

Callie answered. “Yes, she can walk. It’s sore, but nothing’s broken.” Then she became aware of Addie standing there, a hand covering her mouth, her eyes rounded with worry. “I’m fine,” Callie assured her. “I promise.”

Tanner took some packages from Addie. “She really is. Here, sit down.” He got Addie in a seat, but she didn’t stay there. She popped right back up and then carried on like a horrified mother, doing everything in her power to put Callie back to bed.

Callie resisted because deep down she believed she had to keep moving or the aches would overtake her. “No bed,” she insisted. “But admittedly, I wouldn’t mind taking it easy today.”

“Of course you’re taking it easy! I’ll take care of meals. Kam can check on the animals. Tanner, you’re going to stay with her?”

“He has a job to do today,” Kam said, as if it had already been decided. “I’ll check in a few times, though.”

“And Liam will be over,” Tanner said.

Callie started to laugh and that hurt. She moaned and laughed some more. She’d always been a somewhat passive person and now she was smack dab in the middle of a pack of alphas, all of them trying to take over at the same time.

Tanner’s mouth quirked. “Tickled you, did we?”

“I think she’s hysterical,” Kam said, teasing her.

Addie swatted at him. “Leave her alone. You can see she’s in pain.”

And so it went.

When Nell came by that afternoon, she was horrified by the sight of the bruising, which had spread and darkened. She actually wanted to cancel the upcoming party, thinking Callie wouldn’t be up to it, but Callie refused. “I’ve got everything ready. Party supplies are in the spare bedroom. The grill is set up and the burgers bought. Drinks are in the fridge and ice cream is in the freezer.”

“But you’re hurt.”

“I’ll be fine by then. All I need to do is the—”

“Cake!” Popping up from her seat and nearly dumping the potatoes she’d been peeling for a soup, Addie said, “Now I can bake it, right?”

That brought on more laughter. The last thing Callie had meant to do was make Addie feel slighted. “I was going to say get the decorations in place.”

Nell said, “I don’t need decorations.”

Addie said, “Yes you do, and I’ll help with that—but I also want to make the cake.”

Callie had a cake on order. She’d planned to pick it up early on the day of the party, but seeing Addie’s hopeful expression, she caved. “I love everything you bake, but I didn’t want to give you more work.”

“Oh honey, I love baking.”

“Then by all means,” Callie said gently. “Please plan on baking a birthday cake. Thank you.”

With excitement dancing in her pale eyes, Addie turned to Nell. “What flavor do you want?”

Watching them make those decisions, Callie couldn’t help but smile. Addie treated Nell like a granddaughter and Nell was soaking it up. It was a great relationship for both of them, and she’d been included in their awesome circle. It made her feel a special part of something bigger, a feeling she’d never experienced before.

This amazing family unit held greater meaning than a thriving multimillion-dollar company, or clout in the travel industry.

In a way, Sutter had done her an enormous favor when he cheated, because if that hadn’t happened, if she hadn’t literally walked in on him in the act…

She might have gone through with the marriage.

From the inside out, gratitude filled her and put a smile on her face. When Nell and Addie wound down, Callie said, “Thank you, Addie. I hope you know how much I adore you.”

Addie flushed. “I adore you right back.”

“Me, too,” Nell said. “Both of you.”

Such a remarkable gift. “I swear, with this family even being black and blue is wonderful.” And that had the three of them laughing again.

Tanner was in and out all day, checking on her between jobs even when she assured him it wasn’t necessary. She found that the more she moved, the less she ached—as long as she took it easy. Slow walks and a little flexing of her arms after ten minutes of ice did wonders.

Once Addie went home to put on the soup, Liam arrived. He scowled at the attic as if it had attacked her, and then he brought down two boxes of photo albums and three boxes of memorabilia from her dad and uncle’s younger days. For now, Callie had him stack them at the end of the couch.

With a glance at her bruises, Nell asked, “Will you tell your viewers about falling?”

She hadn’t thought about it. “Should I?”

“They want to see you again, but I don’t think you’re up to doing much.”

Liam came over to her, wincing in concern. “One thing is certain, they’d know how hard you’re working and that this isn’t all a lark.”

That struck her. “You know, you’re both right. I think it’ll be interesting. Something different from me.” Far more inspirational than sloppy hair tips.

While Nell recorded, Callie explained about her fall, mentioning that anyone living alone should be extra careful. “I’m fortunate that I have wonderful neighbors who are helping out. If they weren’t here, I would have had to figure out a way to feed my girls.” Nell panned out to the chickens who were busy pecking at fresh feed. “And you know Daisy, Poppy, Rose, and Daffodil would miss me.” She nodded at the goats. “They haven’t recognized their names yet—which, by the way, were Katie Ann’s recommendations from one of my earlier videos.” Callie grinned when the camera centered on her again.

Off to the side, out of view, Liam stood with his hands outstretched as if he thought she might totter over at any moment.

“My point is that I’m learning, as someone living alone with others depending on me, I have to use extra care. And you, my dear viewers, male and female alike, have to do the same.” One of the goats—Daisy, she thought—wandered into view and did one of her weird, lengthy bleats. With a laugh, Callie said, “I guess that’s it then. Until next time, keep being awesome everyone.”

Nell ended it and said, “Wow, I loved doing that! I hope I kept the camera steady enough.”

“You did great. Thank you.” Callie took one step and winced.

Liam immediately slipped his arm around her, his expression stark with worry. “I can see that you’re hurting. Come inside now. You need more aspirin.”

In that moment, Callie learned something new about herself; she did not like being babied. In her mind, she figured Liam, Kam, Addie, and especially Tanner, would have pushed on.

Nell was watching her though and she didn’t want to alarm her, so she smiled and gave in. Back in the house, Callie watched the video, laughed at the ending with the goat, assured Nell that she’d done an incredible job as videographer, and sent it off to Glory.

Not long after, Tanner finished up for the day. He came in freshly showered and changed, with Blu at his side. He looked at Nell and Liam. “Addie says she made enough soup for everyone if you two would like to join us.”

A look passed between the young people.

Liam said, “I already offered to get Nell a burger.”

Nell cleared her throat. “Um…the burger sounds great—unless it’s going to hurt Addie’s feelings?”

Wearing a half grin, Tanner promised her it was fine.

With that reassurance, Liam and Nell left together. Callie couldn’t stop grinning. She just loved seeing the two of them together.

Sitting down beside her, Tanner asked, “Do you want to join Addie and Kam, or would it be easier for you if I brought the food here?”

“Let’s go there. I’m already restless. I haven’t had this much leisure time since I moved here.” She started to rise, but Tanner caught her and practically lifted her to her feet.

“Easy.”

She loved him for caring, but after being pampered so much throughout the day, she needed some freedom.

Wrapping her uninjured arm around his neck and pressing her lips to his, she took him by surprise. He had to bend down to accommodate her, but he didn’t resist. Instead, he carefully gathered her close, his hand gentle as he cupped her cheek.

Heaven. This was what she’d needed.

Unfortunately, Tanner ended the kiss too soon. “Ah, way to torture me, babe.”

“That should be my line to you.”

He leaned back to playfully frown at her. “You do realize you aren’t up for sex, right?”

She did, but she wished it was otherwise. Sighing, she said, “I guess not.”

“I know not, and while I could easily take care of you—”

She perked up. “Yes?”

His sexy mouth lifted in a full-fledged grin. “Getting off generally requires stiffening, clenching…” He nuzzled her neck. “Twisting a little—arching a lot.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, then the bridge of her nose. “You did all that, you know, but now it would be damned painful with your arm and leg so banged up. Those are deep contusions and they need time to heal.”

“Total bummer.”

“Let’s give it a few days, okay?”

“You promise you won’t vanish on me again?”

The smile faded from his face, and his eyes grew darker, more serious. He brushed his thumb over the corner of her mouth, then kissed her again. “I’m not going anywhere.”

That was more of a promise than she’d ever gotten from him. For now, she’d have to take it. “All right then, let’s go eat.”

* * *

T ANNER WOKE WITH Callie’s warm weight still nestled against him, and of course he was already hard. Her scent alone was enough to do that to him, but her hair, her skin, that perfect backside pressed to him? Pure, hot temptation.

Not that he’d even think about doing anything sexual right now. She’d had a restless night, flinching awake every time she’d moved. It wasn’t until he’d convinced her to try something different that she’d finally gotten some rest.

After he’d helped her to put a smaller pillow under her bruised arm, he’d scooted close to her, aligning his legs behind hers, curving his arm around her and holding her securely so she couldn’t inadvertently shift too much. He’d surrounded her as much as he could—and within minutes her breathing had grown deep and even.

At one point the arm he had under her head started to tingle, but there was no way in hell that he’d move and disturb her sleep. For a time, he’d just rested there in the dark, listening to her steady inhale and exhale. The scent of her always made him think of sunshine. The reality of her as a strong but gentle woman was better than any of the fantasies he’d concocted throughout his lifetime.

Blu had snored, occasionally yapping in his sleep as he dreamed of chasing rabbits or squirrels, but thankfully it didn’t wake her.

And eventually he’d faded out, too.

When the rude knock sounded on her door, he’d automatically glanced at the time. Barely 6:30 a.m., way too early for visitors.

Why did that keep happening?

She stirred but didn’t awaken, at least not until she started to stretch, then an agonized groan ripped from her.

“Careful,” he murmured. “Let me get up first so I can help you.”

For an answer, she shifted slightly and gasped.

Blu had heard the knock, too, and he was already on his feet, his body rigid as he stared at the hallway.

“Blu, stay.”

Reluctantly, the dog sat but didn’t give up his vigilance.

When a harder knock thumped the front door, Callie muttered, “Damn it. Again?”

“My thought exactly.” Now that he was on his feet, Tanner helped her to sit up. He hated the discomfort he saw on her face. “Want me to get it?”

“Yes.” Gingerly cradling her arm and keeping weight off her leg, she managed to stand with his help. “But can you promise to be nice?”

“To you, sure. Come on.” He helped her into the bathroom, then said, “Take whatever time you need.” She was already limping toward the toilet.

He didn’t want to leave her, but he knew she wouldn’t let him help, so he gave her privacy. Wearing only his boxers, with Blu at his side, he went to the living room.

A peek out the window showed Sutter—who was trying to look in. They stared at each other, Tanner with sharp annoyance, Sutter in surprise.

In two seconds flat, Tanner moved away from the window and jerked open the front door.

Blu shot out, but he was a well-trained dog and did no more than offer a growl.

“Blu, no.”

Blu shot him a look that clearly asked: Are you sure ?

Damn, he loved his dog. As he stepped out with the dog, Tanner instructed, “Go do your business, bud.”

Reluctantly, Blu went into the grass but he kept an eye on Sutter the entire time. It was almost humorous to watch the dog piddling while mean-mugging Callie’s ex.

Finally, Tanner gave his attention to Sutter. The other man wore a petulant scowl; obviously, he’d expected to find Callie alone. “What do you want?”

Sutter drew himself up with umbrage. Teeth locked, he said, “My fiancée.”

“Sorry, dude, but that ship not only sailed, it sank.” Crossing his arms, Tanner leaned against the outside of the doorframe. “Anything else?”

Eyes narrowing, Sutter insisted, “I want to see Callie.”

“I’m here,” Callie said, shuffling slowly into view.

Incredibly enough, Sutter didn’t seem to notice her bruises. “I woke you?”

“It’s not even seven and I had a rough night.” She stepped onto the porch beside Tanner.

“Oh?” Sutter’s gaze shifted to Tanner in accusation. “Let her down, did you?”

“No, he didn’t,” Callie said. “Why are you here?”

Finally, Sutter’s gaze dipped to her exposed thigh and the kaleidoscope of blue and purple bruising. His brow lifted, but not an ounce of real concern showed in his expression. “What happened to you?”

“I fell out of my attic.”

“Callie,” he chided softly. “This is why you shouldn’t be here alone.” He opened his arms to her.

In disbelief, Callie huffed at him, then leaned into Tanner.

Sutter slowly lowered his arms and frowned. “What is this?”

“Exactly what you think it is,” Tanner said, not about to make that same mistake twice. He slipped his arm around Callie to offer support.

Pulling back, Sutter shook his head. “No.”

“Oh, yes,” Callie said with happy conviction.

Okay, so despite dickhead dropping in, it was turning into a great morning for Tanner. Especially when Blu came up to sit with them. Now it was three to one—if Sutter could even count for a whole human being.

He needed to get Callie inside, give her some aspirin and coffee, and possibly more ice for her aches. But first Sutter would have to go.

As casually as he could manage, Tanner said, “If that’s all then?” He started to turn.

Sutter surged forward a step, infuriating Blu who stiffened and showed his teeth in a snarl.

The way Sutter ignored the dog, it was as if he thought Blu wouldn’t dare. All his angry attention was aimed at Callie. “So rather than marry me, you would prefer to—”

“Yes.”

“—fuck a local hick?”

The insult didn’t faze Tanner; God knew he’d been called worse things by his own father. But Callie didn’t take it well. Lurching away from Tanner, she stumbled on her hurt leg without acknowledging it. “How dare you?” She thrust up her chin, her shoulders rigid. “He’s a better man than you’ll ever be! He’s honorable and caring. Kind and strong.” Almost vibrating with anger, she yelled, “He’s amazing .”

Sutter’s lip curled in disgust. “When you’re done slumming, give me a call. Then we’ll decide if we have a relationship or not.” After that cutting remark, he turned to go.

Callie shouted, “I hope you hold your breath waiting!”

Okay, so yeah, Tanner knew his eyes had widened over that whole bizarre exchange. He was kind, strong, and amazing?

Like a bull ready to charge, Callie was still heaving. Sutter got behind the wheel, slammed his car door, stepped on the gas and sped away.

Gently, Tanner brought Callie against him. “Ease up, honey, before you blow a gasket.”

She drew in one more sharp breath, and then whispered, “Oh, God.” Her face contorted and she bent like an old woman who’d just suffered a painful blow.

It scared Tanner, thinking it was regret that caused that look.

Until she cried out, “My leg…” and clutched at him.

“Shit.” He caught her against him, carefully taking some of her weight. “What can I do?” If he lifted her in his arms, it’d only hurt her thigh more. She was so bruised and battered, he wasn’t certain what to do to help her. “I was nice because you asked me to be, damn it, and now I really wish I’d smashed his face.”

“Me, too,” she said brokenly. “Tanner, I desperately need to sit down.”

He kissed her temple and helped her to turn back toward the house. “I told you adrenaline blocked pain.”

“Then I wish the adrenaline would return.” She hobbled forward a single awkward step…

And they both heard applause. They looked up and found Dirk and Lang at the edge of their property, their faces amused—until they spotted her left thigh and arm and got a good look at her face.

Dirk crossed the yard in angry strides. “What the hell happened?”

If he hadn’t been busy holding Callie, Tanner might have slugged him for whatever insinuation he tried to make. “She fell.”

“Out of a plane?” Lang asked.

“My attic, actually,” Callie replied breathlessly, still struggling to get it together.

“Good God. You could have killed yourself!”

That Dirk sounded so enraged on her behalf surprised Tanner. “Get her door, will you?”

“Right.” He rushed ahead and held it open, a frown of concern masking his usual cockiness.

One thing was certain: both of the brothers were appalled by her injuries. It would have been convenient to blame them for the broken window, but Tanner tried—whenever possible—to be fair.

Lang muttered, “I saw her asshole ex was here and told Dirk.”

“Yup.” Tanner hadn’t forgotten seeing the brothers talking to Sutter in town. Now might be a good time to find out what that was about. Blu wisely stayed close, his posture still protective, as Tanner got Callie in the house. “Either of you know how to make coffee?”

Oddly enough, they each held up a hand.

Now that they had company, Callie was gritting her teeth trying her best not to groan. He needed to see to her, but he also knew she loved her coffee with a few cookies.

Pointing to the kitchen, Tanner said, “Through there. Coffee and mugs are in the cabinet over the maker. Put on a pot, will you?”

Dirk went utterly still, then his gaze shot to Callie and he frowned some more while nodding. “I’ll see to it.” He took off.

Lang followed him. “We’ll have it ready in a sec.”

Once they were out of the room, Callie gave him a wan smile. “See?” she whispered quietly. “You’re completely amazing.”

Tanner snorted. He got her settled, said, “Don’t budge,” and went down the hall to get aspirin and a couple of hand towels. From there, he detoured to the kitchen and saw the brothers side by side in front of the sink. Such an incongruous sight, the two of them working industriously to be helpful . It boggled his mind. “Six scoops,” he told Lang. “She likes to taste her coffee, but doesn’t want it too strong.”

Dirk looked nonplussed for a moment, then he frowned in concentration as he carefully removed a scoop from the basket to put back in the can. He closed the lid on the maker, pushed a button and said with satisfaction, “It’ll be ready soon.”

Tanner was seeing a whole new side to the brothers, thanks to Callie. It was an odd realization and he wasn’t quite sure what to do with it yet.

He handed Dirk the tray. “Get her a couple of cookies, too.” He nodded to the pantry. “Napkins are on the table. I’ll put her cup together in a minute. She likes it a particular way.”

Lang asked, “Have her critters been fed?”

Tanner hadn’t given a thought to the goats or chickens. That was a first for him, too. “No, they haven’t. They need to be let out of their shelters, fresh water, feed—”

Slapping him on the shoulder, Lang said, “No worries, man. We got it.”

Well hell. The reprobates were actually enjoying being helpful. Hating the brothers was a lot easier than thanking them, but he did it anyway. “Appreciate it.” As they started out the back door, he added, “When that’s done, we need to talk.”

“Damn right we do,” Dirk agreed.

“Past time,” Lang said. “So don’t go anywhere.”

No, he wouldn’t be leaving Callie today, no matter what he had to rearrange. Someone had put a rock through her window, and he suspected the snake had been planted.

Until he figured it out, he’d stay by her side.

That idea suited him just fine.

* * *

C ALLIE WAS SO proud of Tanner, she almost couldn’t stand it. Amazing was too mild of a word. He was unlike anyone she’d ever known, pivoting easily whenever necessary, holding his temper in check while keeping up his guard.

Being gracious when it was warranted.

He was one of a kind and she wanted him. Today, tomorrow, forever. Yes, it was fast—and she didn’t care.

Now that she’d taken the pressure off her leg, the pain receded to a low but continual ache, still there but not nearly so sharp. Aspirin and ice helped, as did coffee. It was almost comical, sitting in her small, newly updated living room, Tanner on the cushion beside her, Blu stationed in front of her, and Dirk and Lang on chairs facing her.

It was so quiet she could hear herself chewing a cookie. She slanted a look at Tanner, who appeared in deep thought. “So.”

All three men tilted forward, as if ready to jump at her bidding. Even Blu looked back at her, his head tilted.

She snickered. “Do you think you could all relax?”

Tanner countered with, “Feeling better?”

“Yes, I am. Thank you.” She turned to the brothers. “All of you.”

Lang actually flushed, but Dirk nodded. “Welcome. What the hell was that about, anyway?” Before she could reply, he sat forward, his forearms on his knees and said, “I don’t like that guy. You shouldn’t let him come around.”

Callie touched Tanner’s thigh. Honestly, he was so wired, she thought he might jump to her defense even when she didn’t need it.

“First, I didn’t let him. Sutter and I are through, but he seems to have a problem remembering that.”

“Let Tanner remind him once and the bastard won’t forget again.”

“It’s not Tanner’s problem.”

Showing his exasperation, Dirk threw up his hands and glared at Tanner. “Can’t you do something about this?”

Tanner said, “I’d be happy to.”

“Second,” Callie interrupted, emphasizing the word so they’d all understand she wasn’t done yet. “I don’t need anyone to fight my battles for me. I told Sutter to get lost and that should be the end of it.”

Lang snorted. “Get real. That prick…er guy, is pushier than you think.”

“What do you know about it?” Tanner asked in a deceptively mild voice.

It shocked Callie when Dirk said, “He tried to make a deal with us.”

“What?” How would Sutter even know Dirk and Lang?

“Go on,” Tanner said. “Let’s hear it.”

“We met him a few weeks back when he was here. Said he was picking up her cousin or something like that.”

“He was outside waiting on Glory,” Callie recalled.

Lang nodded. “We saw him.” With a shrug, he explained, “When he realized we were your neighbors, he had a lot of questions for us, but Dirk told him to fuck off.”

Tanner nodded. “Good instincts.”

“Thanks.”

Now, after all this time, they were agreeable? Astounding.

Dirk continued. “He said he’d like to talk to us about a deal. I knew right off he was trouble—and weak, too, with his fancy shoes and turned up nose—but I figured he wanted weed or something. That day, he didn’t have time to talk, so I gave him my number. He told me not to mention it because Callie wouldn’t understand.”

“No,” Callie stated. “I wouldn’t have.”

Tanner removed her ice packs and put them on the tray. He was better at timing the treatment than she was, but it felt good to have the prickling ice removed.

While he folded the hand towels, he said, “I saw you talking with him at the sandwich shop near the tracks.”

Swiveling her head, Callie glared at him. “You didn’t mention that.”

“By the time I saw you again, it didn’t seem like a big deal.” Keeping his gaze on the brothers, Tanner asked, “I know he came here after, so what was that about?”

Lang seemed uneasy, but Dirk just rolled a shoulder. “He offered us cash to keep an eye on her, let him know how she was getting on, if you were hanging around, stuff like that.”

Damn. Callie wanted to close her eyes, but she made herself face the humiliation. “You told him about the tree, didn’t you?”

A sardonic grin curled Dirk’s mouth. “The tree you climbed in the middle of a thunderstorm because you thought I’d kidnapped your goat? Yeah, I told him.”

“Jerk.”

He laughed. “You weren’t exactly an angel yourself.”

No, she hadn’t been. Callie blew out a breath. “I’m sorry for misjudging you.”

“I’m sorry for repeating the story.”

She supposed she’d have to be gracious about it. Didn’t mean she had to like it.

Tanner forged on. “What else did you tell him?”

“That snakes spook her, that she was spending time with you, and that she was fixing up the place.” He smiled. “And overall she was doing a great job.”

Funny that a compliment from Dirk could mean so much. “Thank you.”

“It’s the truth. We see you working nonstop.”

“And you never seem to mind much,” Lang added.

She beamed at him. “Actually, I’m loving it.”

Again, Tanner got them back on track. “Any idea what Sutter was planning to do with the info you gave him?”

“He’s scum—worse than what you’ve always accused us of being,” Dirk said. “So who knows? You can bet it won’t be good.”

Callie made a decision and she hoped Tanner would agree. “Thank you both for helping out today.”

Taking that as a dismissal, Lang stood, but she didn’t want him to go just yet. “I want to share something, and I hope you’ll hear me out.”

Slowly, Lang sat back down. Dirk only narrowed his eyes and waited.

When Callie glanced at Tanner, he gave one slight nod.

“Someone threw a rock through my attic window.” She quickly held up a hand before they could get riled. “I’ll admit, at first I wondered if one of you had done it, but I couldn’t see any reason why you would.”

“Because we wouldn’t ,” Dirk ground out, the clench of his jaw the only sign of his temper. “Whatever Tanner’s told you, we don’t hurt women.”

“Not ever,” Lang added. “That’d make us chickenshit and we’re not.”

“I believe you.”

“All you know about us is what Tanner’s told you.”

“All warranted,” Tanner said.

“Most, maybe.” Dirk let out a breath as he considered things. “I guess it makes sense she’d suspect us since she probably doesn’t know that many other people yet, being new and all. There’s no way anyone would accuse Addie of any wrongdoing, and since she’s sleeping with you it’s not likely she’d accuse you.” He shot Callie a look. “Even though he had plans for this property and you mucked them up.”

“Expanding his tree farm, I know.”

Lang huffed. “More like he wants to put up a mentoring program or something for all those troubled kids he supports.” Shifting uneasily in his seat, he muttered, “We always thought it was a solid idea.”

“Kids like that need attention,” Dirk said. “They gotta know things so they have options.”

The bottom dropped out of Callie’s stomach. Beside her, Tanner had gone still.

Dear God, she’d been wallowing in her freedom, enjoying learning new things, playing at life—and in the process she’d unknowingly disrupted Tanner’s special dream.

Why didn’t he tell me? His profile didn’t alter, not a flicker of guilt or anger showed, but she felt the new tension in his frame and in the very air around him.

“I didn’t know,” she whispered.

Tanner nodded. “I’ll figure out another way.”

But how could he? She had the perfect property for it, especially since it was right next door to his tree farm.

Once more, Tanner wrestled the topic back on track. “The lock was opened on her window, which makes me wonder if anyone got in her house that way.” He hesitated, then said, “Or if the point was just to plant a big snake in the attic. That’s why she fell. She heard the noise, went up the ladder to investigate, and the snake was there moving around.”

With a shrug, Dirk said, “Snakes get in attics, usually looking for food.”

“Sure, but they don’t throw rocks or unlatch windows. Besides, there wasn’t a single mouse or rat to be found. Other than some dust, the space is spotless. And now, after what you’ve told me about Sutter, I’m wondering if he planned it all.”

It suddenly struck Callie, too. “Odd that he’d show up here so early the very next day.”

Dirk worked his jaw a few seconds. “He has to have hired someone else. No way would that fancy pants hold a snake or skulk around at night.”

“I agree,” Tanner said. “But if it wasn’t either of you, then who?”

“I might be able to find out.” Dirk pinned Callie in his gaze. “But I don’t want to be accused of any more shady shit. I don’t give a damn what Tanner thinks. But you…”

“I would be eternally grateful,” she said quietly. Now that she knew why Tanner wanted her property, she had some big decisions to make. That’d be easier to do without Sutter’s interference.

To everyone’s surprise, Tanner agreed. “Try telling him that you saw someone hanging around, and you don’t appreciate him hiring someone else.”

Dirk stood. “I’ll crack my knuckles and act all threatening.” He half grinned. “Usually works, just not with Tanner.”

“Thanks.” Tanner got to his feet and offered his hand. “We’d appreciate it if you got back with us on anything you learn.”

The two men, recently bitter enemies, now shook hands.

Despite the low throbbing in her arm and the deep ache in her thigh, Callie enjoyed the moment. A lot had been accomplished here today, more than she’d hoped for. And likely more than Tanner had ever expected.