“He’s probably thinking you’re not worth the effort since you’re skinny too,” Kansas declared. “You’re having dinner with us, so we can make sure you eat.”
Renee didn’t rise to the dig. Instead, she held her breath and didn’t relax until she reached the helicopter. The men clambered inside and after overseeing seat belts, habit had her checking the doors. She scampered around her bird, tugging at doors, checking and rechecking, before she scurried to her side and climbed aboard.
Routine took over then, and soon her chopper rose into the air, and she headed back to Churchill. A quick glance at her watch confirmed they had time to take the scenic route, and she flew along the shore. The bay hadn’t frozen yet, but local gossip reckoned it wouldn’t be much longer.
“That’s the wreck of the Ithaka that ran aground during a storm in 1960,” Renee explained as they flew over the rusty skeleton of the ship.
She landed in her usual position on the heliport. Calian and his brothers thanked her, telling her they were off to check out the warehouse.
“Don’t forget,” Kansas said before he walked away. “We’ll be back around five to pick you up for dinner.”
“Bossy much?” Renee snapped, but Kansas laughed, grabbed her for a quick hug and strode away to join his brothers.
Later that night, Dakota winked at his twin. Renee appeared adorably confused by their attention. She didn’t know it yet, but she was spending the night with him and Kansas. They’d discussed the matter earlier with Matto who’d told them she’d slept well during the night he’d spent with her. Calian had agreed she looked as if she required more sleep, which is when they’d come up with their plan.
The waitress arrived and slid plates of roast beef in front of them.
He heard Renee’s stomach rumble and grinned, although he didn’t comment. They’d not only protect her and maintain her safety but make sure she fueled her body. They’d keep Renee healthy and functioning while they built trust.
“What did you think of the warehouse?” Renee said. “Will it work for your purposes?”
“Eat,” Calian said. “We’ll talk. You need to eat.”
Dakota grinned at her scowl. He and his brothers were large men, yet she wasn’t fearful to speak her mind. He liked that about her. In the past, girly-girls had grabbed his attention. Obvious sexuality. Blondes with stacked curves.
Renee looked nothing like the women of his past. Kansas had enjoyed similar tastes to him, yet all it took was Renee to walk into their lives and cause chaos.
Misty wouldn’t be as easy to convince.
Renee ate with easy efficiency, making Dakota smile with satisfaction.
“We think the warehouse is too small and will restrict our footprint, but we can use it to store our supplies,” Calian said.
“We’ve decided to buy the warehouse and the empty lot next door,” Matto said. “If the owner will accept our offer.”
“You sound excited,” Renee said.
Kansas grinned. “Normally, we buy existing businesses and improve them. Building from scratch is a challenge.”
“I wish I could see the finished hotel.” Renee popped a piece of roast potato into her mouth.
Dakota shared a quick glance with his brothers. Had they missed something? “Aren’t you staying in Churchill?”
“My contract ends at the end of November. There isn’t enough work for more than one or two pilots during the worst of the winter,” Renee said, her tone matter-of-fact.
“What will you do?” Calian demanded.
Renee set down her silverware. “I’m not sure. Have a vacation before I decide where to work next. New Zealand, I think. It’s a long way from Florida.”
“But—” Kansas halted his objection when Matto nudged him.
Dakota forged ahead. “I thought you enjoyed Churchill.”
“Yes, I do. The variety of work. I enjoy seeing the animals and looking into a starlit sky. But I don’t want to stay here forever.” Renee glanced at each of them. “I loved fighting fires despite the danger. It was like being back in the army with the comradery, and I enjoyed the challenge.”
“Not the woman to fritter away the day shopping, huh?” Calian grinned. “You are a refreshing change.”
“What sort of women do you guys normally hang out with?” Renee leaned to the side to let the waitress take her empty plate. The waitress cleared the rest of the table and disappeared toward the kitchen.
