“What? No. You don’t understand, I only have two weeks.” I look over at Andrew. “That’s all he gave me to study the mountain sweet pitcher plants. My thesis is based on them. I can’t just lounge around. This is important, it’s my future we’re talking about.” He winces.
Whoa. Who am I right now? I’m usually Miss Invisible and perfectly happy that way. A nerd and proud of it. But that means I don’t do confrontation, which is exactly what I just did. All three of the brothers are intimidating, but Asher looks wilder, a true mountain man. The other two seem more refined.
Andrew looks more sophisticated. His beard is close-cropped, and his hair is pulled into a ponytail. Adrian’s hair is short, and the smile he flashes me makes his blue eyes twinkle.
“Stop staring at my brothers,” Asher growls, making me jump.
“What? I’m not staring. Why does it matter anyway?”
He doesn’t answer, just does that grumpy bear thing that makes my panties wet. Sheesh, if I don’t get away from him, I might spontaneously combust right here on the couch.
“Are you going to let me go back to my campsite?” My gaze roams between the brothers.
“No,” Asher says.
“Yes,” Andrew replies at the same time. “But one caveat, or maybe it’s two.”
Beggars can’t be choosers. As long as I can complete my research, I’ll agree to just about anything.
“First, we take you to get X-rays to make sure you didn’t do damage to your ankle. You did it on our land, we’re liable, and my attorney would have a shit fit if we didn’t take care of this.”
Okay, I guess he has a point. I hold my breath, waiting for the second condition. Something tells me I won’t like whatever he’s about to say. My gaze lands on Asher’s frown. Uh oh.
“The second is that you’re staying here with Asher since he caused all of this.”
“But…”
“Hold on, he’ll take you to do your research. You can stay on the land until you finish, so you don’t have to worry about taking a few days to recover. Do we have a deal?” Andrew gives me a million-dollar smile. Heck, he probably wins over his whole board with that grin.
“Do I have a choice?” I want to argue, but I’m not stupid. There’s no way I’ll win against the three brothers.
Andrew answers, but it’s Asher I’m staring at. His eyes narrow as he looks at me, but his lips remain firmly pressed together. It feels like electricity is crackling in the air, and the hairs on my arms rise. I’m in deep poop now.
“No, you don’t. It’s a matter of liability. If you want to stay, you need to go to the doctor so he can check you out. Then you follow his orders.”
“Fine. But I do I really have to stay with Ashbear?”
Adrian howls with laughter. “Did you just call him Ashbear?”
Oh fudge. It slipped out. “Umm, yeah. He’s always growling and grunting like a bear.”
Andrew grins. “You nailed it on the head. And yes, you’re staying with Asher. He’s the most protective of all of us, and that’s saying a lot. You’re in good hands.”
When Asher smirks, I sink deeper into the couch. Oh yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.
“C’mon, Raindrop,” Asher says as he sits down on the coffee table again to slip my sock over my sore ankle. Then he leans down and picks me up.
“Wait. I can walk.” Probably not, but it’s better than being this close to him.
“No, you can’t. You’re not putting any pressure on your foot. I’ve got you.”
Sighing, I realize how tired I am. It’s been a long day. I got up at daybreak and spent it with the plants. I haven’t eaten in hours, but all I want is to close my eyes and sleep. This is too much.
My head drops to Asher’s shoulder as he pulls me onto his hip. Dang. He smells so good.
“Did you just sniff me, Raindrop?” Asher whispers into my ear, so only I can hear him.
“Nope.”
