“Micah,” Sean yelled over his shoulder. “Come here.”
“Oh, hell no.” Cullen shoved his brother out the door. “I’ll be right back,” he said to Sarah before following Sean. He closed the door behind him, leaving her more baffled than embarrassed. Wallet chick? What did that mean?
Shaking her head at the untimely interruption, she had to thank his brothers for one thing, at least. She’d known her time with Cullen was drawing near its end. His family confirmed it. No way they’d want Sarah Duncan around their precious brother. Better she hit the road now than go through an awful scene and be kicked out.
She headed into Cullen’s adjoining shower and locked the doors before cleaning up. Once done, she swiftly moved down the hallway into her room and dressed. She was just about to begin packing when a knock sounded at her door.
“Yes?”
The door opened, and another brother peered at her. Micah. He was as tall as Cullen, with piercing, light brown eyes and long, blue-black hair. His face was a study in masculine contours, complete with a straight nose, square jaw and full, firm lips. Thickly lashed eyes saw more than most men, she’d bet, as he searched her for something that made him nod.
“Cullen wants you.” He smiled as he said it, as if realizing the innuendo just then.
“Funny.” She sighed and followed him out the door. Strange, but she didn’t feel as small next to Cullen. Next to Micah, she felt an inch tall.
He studied her as they descended the stairs in silence, until she couldn’t take another step. “What is your prob—”
“About time,” Cullen interrupted and crossed to her side.
Like that, the tension within her eased.
Micah and Sean exchanged a knowing glance, but Sarah didn’t care. Just being next to Cullen made the world seem right again.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know they’d be back so soon.” He put an arm around her shoulders while glaring at his siblings.
“It’s okay, Cullen,” she mumbled, embarrassed at his belligerence. “It’s their house, too. I should probably be leaving anyway—”
“No.” Three male voices said as one, startling her.
“At least wait until tomorrow,” Cullen urged, soothing her with his touch. He kissed her on the cheek and guided her back toward the stairs. “Let me deal with these knuckleheads, and I’ll rejoin you. How about a glass of wine?”
Sarah considered the concern in Cullen’s soft brown eyes. The big guy looked worried, and she slowly realized that it had nothing to do with his brothers seeing them together. He was afraid she’d leave him without a good-bye. Relieved, she relaxed and teased him. “Handling me with kid gloves, eh? Your brothers must really be a handful.”
Cullen sighed while his brothers laughed. “You have no idea.”
“I wouldn’t mind a glass, provided we can all drink it together down here.” A small test, just to make sure he wasn’t embarrassed of her.
“Sure.” Cullen smiled, his grin so wide it took her breath away. “Be right back.”
“Oh, and I’ll have a beer,” Sean yelled. He shook his head. “Poor manners, but what can you expect from a middle child?”
“Aren’t you a middle child as well?” Sarah asked, intrigued by Cullen’s brothers. They all looked so much alike, yet she could already sense their differences. Between Cullen’s descriptions and seeing the Whitefeathers in action, she could clearly see Micah’s authority and sobriety staring out from those proud features, as well as Sean’s mischievous flare for trouble.
He winked at her and flashed a grin. “Honey, there’s nothing middle or average about me. I’m the oldest of the second three, and Momma’s youngest before Cullen was accidentally conceived.”
“Jackass.” Cullen returned with a beer in one hand and a glass of wine for Sarah in the other. “Don’t listen to him. I wasplanned.”
Micah smirked. “You keep thinking that, kid. Sean, go get us a beer. And don’t whine,” he said, cutting off Sean in mid-complaint. “So, Sarah, how’d you and Cullen meet?”
Sarah blinked at the change in subject, but let Cullen seat them on the couch. After taking a sip of wine, she answered. “I work, or used to work, at the Fox’s Henhouse. I’ve seen Cullen on and off for the past six months.” She smiled at the man she’d fallen hard for, aware of him on every level.I’m really gonna miss him.“Coffee with every visit.”
“I see.” Micah caught the beer Sean tossed at him, opened it and took a swig, his eyes fixed to Cullen’s face.
“I’ve never seen you or your other family there,” Sarah asked, curious. “Why’s that?”
Sean snorted. “We can’t stand the raptor clan. No offense, but they’re a bunch of assholes.”
“I can’t argue with that,” she said dryly. “Why didn’t you leave with the rest of the eagle clan when they left a year ago?”
