“Yes, ma’am!” He tipped his hat and flashed her another smile.
Adorable. Made her chuckle. No wonder he had girls trailing after him.
The scent of spicy food drifted from the open window of the casita and Luis opened the door before she had a chance to.
She froze, dazzled by the sheer beauty of the guy — his strong jaw freshly shaved, his jet-black hair damp from the shower, his broad shoulders showcased by a snug white T-shirt and his narrow hips tucked into faded jeans. He was barefoot. And he smelled like heaven.
“There you are.” His voice was a soft purr as his gaze swept over her. “Looking good enough to eat.”
Lust curled and stretched in her core. “I could say the same.”
He reached for her. “Get in here, you.” Tugging her through the doorway, he took her duffle, dropped it on the floor and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you, too. Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“You’d had a long day.” Nudging the door closed with his foot, he gave her a slow, deep kiss that left her breathless and trembling. “I want you again,” he murmured against her lips. “But breakfast’s ready and your brother’s called twice.”
“Cole?” That news splashed cold water on the fire licking through her veins.
“Is there another Cole in your life?”
“How do you know it was him?”
“The second time your phone rang I dug it out of your backpack. That was the name on the screen and it was the same ringtone as before, We Built This City.”
“Yeah, he loves that old song. I’d better see what’s up. Must be important.” She sorted through reasons for his calls, none of them good. He usually texted.
“Your phone’s on the coffee table next to your backpack.” He released her. “Should I dish us up?”
“Yes, please. Thanks for making breakfast.” She walked around his massive leather sofa and picked up her phone. Once she tapped on it, she understood why he’d called twice.
He’d texted her last night. Under normal circumstances she would have answered, if not then, at least first thing in the morning.
She opened the text. Hey, sis, did you know M.R. Morrison has a book signing in Mustang Valley tomorrow? I know you love her books. Don’t know if you’re available, but it would be fun to meet you there and catch up.
Of course she wanted to see him. She always wanted to see him. But….
“Jordan?”
She glanced up from her phone.
Luis stood in the kitchen doorway with a spatula in one hand. “What happened? Didn’t he answer?”
“I haven’t called him yet. I just read his text from last night. He suggested meeting up at the signing today.”
“Oh!” His hesitation was brief. “That would be great. I’d love to meet him.”
“You would? Even if…” She trailed off, still not sure how she wanted to handle this unexpected turn of events.
“Even if that means we take that duffle back to your trailer? Yes, even then. Naturally I’d rather have you stay here, but… your brother, your choice.”
The selflessness in that statement took her breath away. The taste of his passionate kiss still lingered. But he’d ignore his needs and plans if they would create an awkward situation for her.
When she considered how much she cared for both men in the equation, the decision became obvious. Neither of them were the type to play games.
Neither was she. “I’d like to invite him out to the ranch for the weekend, if that’s okay.”
“Absolutely. I’m sure Mom will offer to put him up.”
