“You…livehere?”
He folded his arms and leaned against the doorjamb with a smirk that under normal circumstances would have a swarm of wasps taking up shop in her stomach.
As it was, she could barely breathe. So much for hoping she’d avoid this man at all costs.
“Yes,” Leo drawled. “I live here. Sagebrush is a family ranch. My uncle wanted all our family taken care of.”
She cleared her throat. “But next door? Meaning, down the hall?”
“Yes, Princess. I’m down the hall.” He pushed away from the wall and stalked toward her. The lithe way he moved had her mesmerized. Someone so tall and muscular shouldn’t have the grace Leo had. It didn’t make sense.
Forgetting herself, Kat backed up until she bumped against the desk. Her hands gripped the edge and she lifted her chin even though on the inside she was trembling.
“Is that a problem, Princess?” he whispered huskily. His gaze narrowed on her, sweeping over her face before he lifted his hand. She flinched, then grew hot with embarrassment when all he did was tug a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “Quite the skittish one, aren’t you?” His lips curled into a knowing grin. “Doesn’t feel so great being plucked from your tower, Princess?”
She glowered at him. “Stop calling me that!”
“Why?” He was close, hovering mere inches from her face. “It’s what you are, isn’t it? The heir to her father’s kingdom? The poor little princess who gets to take over in her father’s stead when he steps down? I think the name suits you.”
Her eyes narrowed even as her body betrayed her. She couldn’t help but notice the way his cheek dimpled beneath the scruff on his face when he grinned wickedly at her. She hated that shenoticed how long his lashes were or the way his husky voice sent her heart into overdrive.
“Whether you like it or not, you’re on my turf now. Might want to get used to it.” With that, Leo straightened and sauntered away, leaving her clutching onto the desk for dear life.
“What a jerk,” she muttered under her breath.
CHAPTER SIX
Leo collapsedon his bed and groaned. He was in trouble.
So much trouble.
Because Kat? She was trouble.
He groaned again, dragging his hands down his face. It was times like this one when he wished he could fly out to Georgia, retrieve his brother and bring him home. At least that way Jane wouldn’t be able to force Kat to stay with them in his house.
She was too close. Already through the thin walls, he could hear her pacing. She was muttering something and despite his sour mood, his lips twitched.
What was the adage?
Misery loved company.
Well, they could be miserable together.
If Reese had been here, he would have acted like a shield between Leo and Kat. He’d be able to prevent them from going at each other’s throats like a regular couple of roosters. Theworst part about this arrangement? Jane had insisted that they’d be working closely together. She didn’t want Kat to have any excuses as to not being updated on the project. And Leo was expected to report about anything going wrong.
Well, this was just great.
Not only was Leo stuck babysitting little miss princess in the other room, he was going to have to make sure she didn’t get trampled by one of the many animals this ranch had to offer.
His devious smile returned when he considered taking her over to the chicken coop. Those feathered beasts hated him. If given the chance, he was sure they’d peck his eyes out. Would it be so bad if he gave Kat a little shove into the coop and let them meet someone who was a bigger enemy than he was?
Nah. Kat was strong enough to handle a horde of chickens.
“Leo! Supper.” His mother’s voice called from the stairway and he got to his feet, reaching the door just as she continued. “And if you want to invite your little friend?—”
“Mom,” he hissed, his eyes darting to Kat’s closed door, “we’ve been over this. She’s not my friend. She’s here for Jane and Noah. That project they’re working on.”
His mother winked at him. “If you say so. I heard all about you two.”
