Roan scowled. “Not interested.”
I couldn’t help but stare at my brother. I’d never known him to date a single soul. He’d always been a loner, preferring the outdoors to large groups. But he changed after becoming a suspect in a horrible attack that had left Wren and a handful of others injured or dead. He didn’t truly trust a soul other than his family. And that made for a lonely existence.
“I could set you up with someone,” I suggested.
That scowl turned in my direction. “No.”
“Could be fun. There are lots of women around who like the outdoors and wouldn’t be moronic enough to leave food in their tents.”
“G…”
“Why not?”
Roan’s eyes narrowed on me. “I’ll tell you why if you tell me what’s going on with you and Caden.”
I snapped my mouth closed.
“That’s what I thought.”
Too danged perceptive for his own good.
We both opted for silence as darkness descended. Sometimes, I wondered if Roan showed up here just to get a little dose of human connection before returning to his cabin in the woods.
As if my brother had some invisible timer, he stood. “See you at dinner tomorrow.”
My stomach twisted. Family dinner. They were a regular occurrence. I both loved and hated them. I loved being around my siblings, nephews, and parents, but I hated that I had to be on guard for the countless check-ins I received.
“Drive safe.”
He grunted again and disappeared with a wave.
I stood from my chair, stretching and grabbing my now-empty bottle. I headed inside, making a pit stop to toss the bottle into the recycling bin, and then headed for my bedroom and bath. I’d read for a bit, but I was hoping for an early night. I still needed some recovery from the hike from hell yesterday, and sleep was one of my best tools for keeping my diabetes in check.
I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth, but fatigue already had my bed calling. I opened a drawer and pulled out silk sleep shorts and a matching tank. As much as I lived in workout gear during the day, I loved having silk to sleep in. I shucked my clothes and tossed them into my hamper. Then I pulled on my pajamas, hooking my insulin pump to the waistband. I crossed to my bed, yanked back the brightly colored comforter, and climbed inside.
My bedroom was just like the rest of my home, full of color and character. I had an array of photos and tchotchkes from travels or special moments. Together, they formed a décor that was only mine.
A rustling sounded outside my window, and I stilled, listening. There was nothing for a moment, and then it sounded again.
I flicked off the light and let my eyes adjust for a moment. Then I pulled back the gauzy window covering so I could peek out. I caught a flash of movement, but it was so quick I didn’t have a chance to pin down what it could be. An animal? A person?
A chill skittered down my spine as I remembered Rance and his late-night runs. I instantly got up to set my alarm.
6
CADEN
A knock soundedon my office door, and I straightened in my desk chair. “Come in.”
It was probably for the best that I’d been interrupted because I was about ready to pull out my hair. I’d spent all morning going over the changes Gabe had put in place at The Peaks. He was sucking the life and soul out of my favorite place on Earth. He’d canceled the weekly field games where families could partake in competitions like potato sack races and cornhole. He’d ditched our outdoor movie showings for a wine-tasting event that cost a fortune. And, worst of all, he’d suggested switching our trail rides for polo. Clara would’ve been beside herself.
My assistant, Jalen, walked in. He smiled, and his perfectly straight, white teeth gleamed against his tanned skin. But we’d been working together long enough for me to know that the smile he wore meant bad news.
“What happened now?” I grumbled.
Jalen winced. “I’ve been working on getting eyes and ears in all the helpful places.”
I nodded.
