“She’s not talking to us,” I reassured her.
Sam untied his muddy work boots and kicked them off as he spoke. “She’s fussing at me because I’m filthy.”
Cherise muttered, “As usual.”
“Where were you this morning?” I asked.
“Calf was born out at the Taylor place, and they wanted me to check it out.” He stripped off his windbreaker, which was also streaked with mud. Then he put on a disgusting pair of green Crocs that were sitting in a basket by the door. I’d never understand his choice of footwear, but he insisted they were the most comfortable thing to wear around his office. “They thought it wasn’t feeding well, but it’s fine. He’s just a little guy. A late bloomer like you, big brother.”
I was nearly six foot two, but for most of my life, I’d been battling it out to be taller than Faith and Bowie. It wasn’t until late high school when I shot up and filled out, and I still ended up an inch and a half shorter than Bowie. Faith clocked in at five feet ten, and Sam was the smallest brother at six feet even.
I took a deep breath and bit the bullet. “Samuel Hart, this is Lauren Wagonblast, one of Silver Sage’s new guests this week. She’s from Manhattan, and she’s in town looking for some hiking boots.”
There. I’d stated it reasonably, even if my intro did sound a little stilted.
Sam shook her hand, tossing her the grin he used to charm the ladies. I doubtedit would work on a savvy New Yorker like Lauren, and I found myself hoping it wouldn’t.
“Is that right?” Sam said. “I love New York City. What part are you from?” He knew I was eager to get away and was milking this visit for all it was worth.
“Born and raised on Long Island.” She elided the G and I in Long Island, so it sounded like one word. She didn’t have a strong New York accent, like you hear in the movies, but it slipped out from time to time, as if she worked a little to cover it up. “But I’ve lived in Manhattan since graduating college, so that’s really home to me now. Have you heard of Tribeca?”
“Sure, in lower Manhattan,” Sam said casually, as if he were a frequent visitor to the city.
“That’s right. I have a home there.” She made it sound like she had many homes, which wouldn’t have surprised me one bit.
Jake whined and whimpered at Lauren’s feet. “Aw, can I pick him up?”
“He’d love to be picked up by a pretty lady, wouldn’t you, Jake?” Sam paused as Lauren lifted the dog and cradled him in her arms. He squirmed with joy and immediately went in for a kiss, and she giggled as she let him lick her cheek. And now I was jealous of a dog.
“He’s a darling,” she gushed. “Look at his adorable sweater. Did you knit this for him?”
“No, Alma made that one for him. Have you met her yet? She runs the cash register over at The General.”
“Not yet,” I said. “We’re heading over there next.”
“He really is a diva,” Sam said about Jake, who looked like he was in heaven. “I wasn’t going to put a sweater on him this morning, but I guess he knew there was a chill in the air because he insisted on wearing one. How long are you here for, Lauren?”
“I’m booked for this week.” She glanced over at me as she set Jake down on the floor. “But I’m really not sure how long I’ll be here.”
“I hope my brother is a good host,” Sam said, “and ensures that you have an extended stay at the ranch. Right, Matthew? You’ll keep her happy.”
“Uh huh.” I started moving toward the door, taking Lauren gently by the arm so she’d come with me. “See you later, little brother. Bye, Cherise.”
“Goodbye, Jake,” Lauren said, making eyes at the dog. I really didn’t need this kind of adorable competition.
“I should probably stop by and check on Elijah,” Sam called after us. “I’d love to visit with Miss Lauren again, too.”
“Nope,” I said over my shoulder. “I’ve got the medicine, so I’m all set. See you later.”
I breathed a sigh of relief as I slammed the door behind us. Then I turned toward Lauren to see her eyes lit up with amusement.
“Little brothers,” she said. “Am I right?”
I couldn’t help laughing. “He’s the worst.”
“Yeah,” she said. “Tori and I probably deserved my little brother Rocco’s torment. He had twin older sisters who were constantly bossing him around.”
We climbed into the Suburban, and I started it up. “I’m sure my siblings would say I was the bossy one, being the oldest.” I put my arm over the back of her seat and turned to look over my shoulder so I could reverse onto the road. “What’s it like having a twin?” She was good at asking questions that got people talking, but she revealed little about herself.
