The winds of change are blowing. You don’t have to like it, but maybe you should buy a windbreaker.
Dylan entered his house and closed the door. His brother waited in Dylan’s favorite recliner, a copy of Montana Living spread open in his lap.
“Sorry I’m late. Had to help Wade with a mechanical problem and it took longer than I thought.”
“No problem,” Luke said. “I kept myself busy.”
“Ready? Thought we’d hit the diner for supper.”
“Sounds good.” Luke set the paper on the table and followed Dylan out the door. “You have a columnist here in town. Annie Wilkerson?”
Dylan scowled. “You must be bored silly if you’re reading a lovelorn column.” Dylan felt a surge of pride in Annie that belied his words. Wasn’t about to admit helping her on the column though. He’d never hear the end of it.
“So she does live here?” Luke said after they were in the truck.
“Annie? You met her yesterday at the market.”
Luke frowned, then his eyes widened. “The tomato lady?”
Dylan smiled at the memory. “Exactly. She’s helping me with Braveheart. She’s a horse trainer, actually. Goes to my church.”
“I got the feeling there was something going on between you two.”
Dylan recalled the kiss, her response, and all humor fled. He clenched his jaw. “She has a boyfriend.”
Luke smiled teasingly, something gleaming in his eyes. “She got a younger sister?”
Dylan pulled down the drive. “Actually, she does.”
Something flickered in his brother’s eyes, but he looked out the window before Dylan could figure it out.
“But you stay away from Sierra,” he continued, remembering the last time he’d introduced her to someone. “You’ll only be here long enough to cause trouble, and things are complicated enough between Annie and me.”
“Complicated?”
“Huh.” That wasn’t even the word. Last thing he needed was his brother making moves on Sierra. Annie’d have his throat.
Dylan turned onto the main road and toward town. His stomach let out a loud rumble. He’d worked right through lunch. He could almost smell Mabel’s roast beef and mashed potatoes.
Several minutes later they pulled up to the diner.
“You know,” Luke said as they got out of the truck, “I wouldn’t mind staying longer than I’d planned—if you wouldn’t mind, of course.”
Dylan shrugged. “Stay as long as you like. I could use your help. Can you miss that much work?” His brother was a hand at one of the biggest ranches in Dallas.
“Pretty sure I can get it cleared. Haven’t had a vacation since I took the job over three years ago.”
Dylan nodded as they entered the Tin Roof. “It’d be great to have you around awhile.”
“Awesome.” Luke grinned. “I forgot how much I like it here.”