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  She glanced down at the offering, small as it was, that she’d brought with her. Homemade chocolate brownies. A token of thanks for the invitation. Thank heaven she’d bought some staple supplies a few days earlier, or she would have been empty handed. She held the container tighter. Her nerves were getting the better of her now that they were here.

  She looked down at her hands and realized what she’d done. What on earth was she thinking to bring a baked dessert to the home of a woman who made the most unbelievable cakes and baked goodies of her own? She’d probably be insulted.

  Emma looked for a way to leave the brownies behind in the car as they rolled to a stop. Maybe if she stashed them under the seat…

  “Don’t look so worried. They’re not going to eat you. They’re nice folks, my parents. You’ve already met the rest of them. Just relax and you’ll have a good time. Mom will probably want to introduce you to some of her friends around town later in the week, since you made the effort to come today. It’ll go a long way to easing you into the community. She’s on a lot of the committees, so she can put a good word in for you,” Gabe said, misreading her apprehension.

  Emma just nodded. She wanted so badly to fit in. To make this work. She’d needed a new start, and here she was getting the chance. This family obviously had a lot to do with the running of the town and the people in it. If she made a good impression, it would help make her life there easier, and herself more readily accepted.

  Emma smiled tentatively at Gabe. She slid from the seat and shut the pickup door more forcefully than needed, wincing as the sound echoed. People glanced up at the noise. The ground looked very interesting all of a sudden. Emma dropped her gaze and followed Gabe up onto the porch toward them.

  “Well! Who do we have here? You wouldn’t happen to be the little filly who’s caused such a ruckus, now would you?”

  Gabe winced at the sound of his dad’s booming welcome.

  Good one, Dad. Way to make Emma feel comfortable.

  Darby and their mom turned around. The empty salad bowl in her hands seemed all but forgotten. A deliberating smile widened his mom’s mouth as she considered the newcomer—his mom liked what she saw.

  Gabe frowned, positive he knew what direction her thoughts were turning. It annoyed him that the sight of a new, pretty face could bring out her maternal matchmaking tendencies. It annoyed him even more he could see straight through it.

  Mary Jameson’s smile spread further. Color heightened Emma’s face. He was certain she was embarrassed and that was why she hung back behind him. He took her hand to bring her forward, encouraging her, willing his mother to forget about seeing him settle down.

  Mary sent Darby a silent look.

  Oh no. By the looks of it, Darby was in on it too.

  Neither she nor his mother had forced the subject of women. They had both been content to sit back and give him time to lick his wounds, but they thought he hung on to Sami and what she’d done as a shield to hide behind.

  In truth, he’d long ago given up on the idea he would find someone he could fully trust. Someone to share his life with. Sami’s deception and callous disregard for him and life in general had been the final straw.

  “Mom, this is Emma. She brought something for dessert,” Gabe said.

  Mary put the salad bowl down on the outdoor table and held out her hand. “A pleasure to finally meet you, Emma. I’m sorry I couldn’t come by with Darby, but I had a conference in Denver I had to attend yesterday. I’m glad you decided to accept the invitation to our little gathering. We’d hoped you would.”

  Emma inclined her head and smiled nervously at Mary. “Thank you. I really do appreciate it. It’s harder than I thought, this moving to another place. I’ve lived in the same city all my life, in almost the same area. This is a big step for me,” she finished off, her voice quiet. “I want to thank you all for giving me a chance.”

  Mary took her hand. “No thanks are necessary. You are more than welcome here, and not only if you are in the company of my children. Feel free to drop by anytime.”

  Emma’s smile grew to fill her face, making her blue eyes dance. Gabe blinked, stunned by the change in her face when she smiled. It made her even prettier. He could understand why such a fuss had been made over her by the guys. They wouldn’t know what hit them.

  “Were you a model in Australia, by any chance?” Mary asked, bringing Gabe’s thoughts back to the conversation.

  Emma’s laughter burst out, enveloping him in a bubble of sound. It was almost musical. Gabe’s body jerked in response. He breathed deeper to control his suddenly increased heart rate.

  Man, that laugh. It did strange things to his insides every time he heard it.

  “Goodness no! What would make you say that?” Emma asked. Curiosity shone from her face.

  His mom smiled brightly at Emma. “Well, you’re not hard to look at, child. I thought perhaps that was your job.”

  Emma shook her head, her soft chocolate-colored hair falling around her shoulders. “No, I haven’t worked for the last four…” Abruptly her face shuttered. “I was a hairdresser,” she finished off, her voice tight.

  Gabe looked at her more closely. There was a story there, and not a good one, from the sadness he glimpsed in her eyes before the walls closed in. Emma hadn’t mentioned anything. She’d stayed close-lipped about why she’d moved to the States.

  Four. Four months? Four years? He wondered if she would ever trust him enough to tell him what made her so sad. It looked like he wasn’t the only one dealing with unhappiness. Whatever Emma was hiding from her past wouldn’t be easily extracted.

  Gabe glanced at Darby. If she and Emma became the friends he believed they’d be, he’d find out eventually. She was the one person he couldn’t keep secrets from for long, and vice versa.

  His attention moved back to Emma. To move so far from home, to a new country, a new life. To uproot yourself and leave all you knew… Only something big triggered that.

  “Well, that explains your lovely hair!” Mary said.

  Emma’s smile returned, though not as bright as before. “It certainly is an advantage.”

  “How are you dealing with the old Mason place? It’s been in bad need of repair for some years now. It’s not too much for you on your own?”

  Emma’s face brightened more, warming to the subject of her new home. “I have some experience with handyman work. My dad’s a carpenter. I used to help him out on school holidays. The problem is I don’t have the brawn to do the big stuff. The painting and all the little things are no worries, but I’ll have to hire a carpenter for the rest.”

  Gabe caught the calculating glance his mom sent his way. His stomach sank.

  “There’s no need for that. Gabe and Ed handle all the building work around our house and the ranch. They could help with whatever is needed,” Mary said.

  Emma looked so surprised it was almost comical. She looked at him, then at his mom. “Heavens no, I couldn’t ask them to do that. They have enough to do, without running around after me, someone they barely know. It wouldn’t be right,” she protested.

  “You know, Emma is—Ouch!” he started. Darby jabbed him hard in the ribs with her elbow and sent him a stern look that told him to shut up—now.

  Mary took Emma’s hand again. “It’s how we do things around here. If someone needs help, we help them. You’re just going to have to get used to it.” She dropped her hand, picked up the empty salad bowl and walked into the house.

  Emma plainly didn’t know what to say. She sent him an apologetic look. He smiled half-heartedly. It wasn’t her fault his mother and sister were such interfering women. He’d just have to take it up with them.

  “Well, if they help me with anything, they’ll be paid for their time. And work. I’m not going to take advantage of them,” she said.

  Darby laughed and winked at him. “Good luck with that,” she said and turned to follow her mother up the two steps into the kitchen.

  Gabe eyed his
mother over the kitchen counter. “I don’t have time to help Emma rebuild her house. I have a business to run, if you’ve forgotten.”

  Mary Jameson flipped a hand at him, an instant dismissal of his words. Darby had the same irritating habit she’d picked up from their mother as a teenager. She’d done it initially to get under his skin, but it was so ingrained in them both now that he believed neither realized they were doing it.

  “Don’t give me that. Yes, you’re busy, but you’re not so busy you can’t give help when it’s needed. Between you and your father, you should have things done within days. The girl needs strong hands, and you’re it.”

  Annoyance washed through him, making his already tight muscles rigid. He’d been avoiding looking at Emma since he’d introduced her to the family and everyone at the barbeque, and Darby had whisked her away to sit outside.

  “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. It won’t work. I’m not interested. Leave it at that.”

  His mother’s pretty face tilted up to him, tipping to one side, innocence blazing from her dark-grey eyes. “I have no idea what you are referring to. I simply want you to help that nice young girl. It’s the neighborly thing to do.”

  “I’m not her damned neighbor,” he muttered. He was being railroaded and had no idea how to get out of it without looking like a bastard, since his mother had already offered Emma his services.

  Mary planted her hands on her hips and sent him that look. The one he’d hated so much growing up. It still had the desired effect.

  His shoulders dropped, and he heaved out a sigh. “Fine. I’ll go by and check out what needs doing when I have time.”

  His mom smiled her satisfaction at him. “Good. She’s expecting you later in the week.”

  Gabe closed his eyes and scrubbed at his mouth. A small tic twitched beneath his fingers. His mother’s plans for him and Emma weren’t going to happen. He wasn’t playing that game, no matter how cute she was.

  No matter how his blood surged when he remembered how she tasted.

  He gazed out the kitchen door to the porch where his parents had set up that afternoon’s seating. Emma sat relaxed in one of the upholstered outdoor chairs that surrounded the table. A smile flashed across her face as she laughed at something someone opposite her said.

  Gabe frowned, certain whatever it was couldn’t be that funny. The sound of deep male laughter joined hers.

  Ryan.

  He’d know that laugh anywhere. He and Ryan had been friends since kindergarten. Gabe’s eyes narrowed as he watched Emma raise her hand and tip it in a rocking motion. More laughter joined in.

  What was that goofball going on about now?

  “From that frown on your face, it wouldn’t be a long shot to say you’re not as unaffected as you’d like us all to believe, are you? Why don’t you—”

  “No. Emma and I have already agreed on friendship. Neither of us wants anything else.” He gestured to the fridge sitting just outside the kitchen door. “I’m going to get a drink. Do you want anything?” Not waiting for an answer, he turned and took the steps in one stride, heading for the table where everyone seemed to be having such a good time.

  Gabe grabbed a beer from the fridge and seated himself beside a grinning Ryan. He avoided eye contact with Darby. Most wouldn’t notice the slightly rigid set to Gabe’s shoulders, but she knew him too well. If she hadn’t already, she’d figure out quite fast that the kiss at Dan’s bar last night had most definitely had an effect. If she’d been taking any notice of his reactions today, she’d know it had rattled him.

  He sighed. His mom getting him to agree to help with Emma’s renovations was one thing, but anything else would be impossible. He could be as stubborn as them when he wanted to be.

  Gabe couldn’t help but smile as he looked around. Ryan had no such qualms. He liked Emma and wanted everyone to know it. Mind you, Ryan wasn’t shy when it came to what he wanted. He looked at his friend. He knew Darby had had a thing for Ryan years ago, but luckily she seemed to have gotten over it pretty quickly. It was a pity, because he’d love to see them both happy, but he wasn’t interested in seeing Darby get her heart broken by a player like Ryan—he wasn’t a keeper. He made no excuses for himself. What you saw was what you got. And what Ryan had, Gabe didn’t want anywhere near his sister.

  Emma seemed flattered by the attention, but also a little bewildered.

  Once again, Gabe wondered what could have brought her Emma halfway across the world, away from all family and friends. What had happened to make her think the only answer was to escape? Running never solved anything, and usually the problem—or problems—found you in the end.

  Another reason not to get involved. He wouldn’t know what problems might come knocking when her past caught up with her. Some things were best left alone.

  Chapter Eight

  Emma stared at the gaping hole in what was supposed to be her bathroom wall.

  Oh heck.

  A small patch-up job she could handle, but this? She didn’t even have a clue where to start. Exposed pipes, brilliant with the shininess of new metal, gleamed at her from within the cavity.

  At least she wouldn’t have any more busted pipes.

  She sighed, daunted by the task in front of her. The whole wall had been removed to replace the rusted-out pipes Gabe had patched. Luckily the patch had lasted this long, almost a week later, long enough to get ahold of the plumber. Hank had just left, apologizing for not staying to help clean up. Being the only plumber in town, he’d had to fit her in, as it was.

  Emma sighed and lifted the broom, wiping the back of her hand across her cheek, intent on making some kind of progress before she asked Mr. Fletcher to deliver the drywall she’d ordered. Heaven knows how she would actually fix it herself, but she’d tackle that problem later.

  Cheerful whistling from outside caught her attention. Grasping the broom, she stepped into the hall. Her front door stood open to catch the faint breeze. Emma stepped out onto her porch and squinted in the bright light.

  “Mornin’, darlin’!” Ed Jameson called over his shoulder. “Ready? Lift!”

  A huge sheet of drywall tilted off the bed of the pickup, then sat up vertically, moving slowly toward her, with Ed at the front.

  Ed grinned up at her. Shock stopped her dead in the doorway. “You might want to move if you want this to stay in one piece.”

  Nodding, Emma stepped to the side to make room. The huge slice of plasterboard moved past. When she turned to follow, she saw Gabe’s strong back.

  “What’s going on? Why do you have my drywall?”

  Gabe grumbled, “Thought that would be obvious.”

  “Now, Gabe. Behave yourself. I talked to Hank earlier. He mentioned you’d ordered this from Fletcher’s, so we thought we’d go get it. We had some spare time today. Thought it was a perfect opportunity to install it for you. Can’t have you without a bathroom wall, now can we?” Ed’s voice echoed off her hallway walls.

  “But…”

  The men set the heavy plasterboard down, leaning it up against the wall outside the bathroom. Ed turned to face her.

  “But?” Gabe asked.

  Emma fought to find the right words, coming up blank. She shrugged and lifted her hands. “Why?”

  Ed let out a laugh and unhooked a tape measure from his belt and handed it to Gabe, who disappeared into her bathroom. “Because you’re family now, darlin’, and we look after family.”

  Emma was so confused. “What are you talking about?”

  Ed turned to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Darby has claimed you as her friend. That on its own is enough for me to claim you as a daughter. Then there’s Mary—she thinks you’re lovely. And Gabe?” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Even my boy don’t mind your company, so you’re family now.”

  Gabe returned and hunkered down in front of the sheet of drywall, stretching the tape measure across it and marking with a pencil. Worn and faded denim jeans stretched tight across
his firm thighs and butt. Emma jerked her eyes off the mouthwatering display to focus on his shoulders. That wasn’t much better.

  Shoulders like his should be outlawed.

  Gabe eyed her. His slight frown caught her off guard. “I should’ve warned you last week. If you take on one of us, you get the lot.”

  Feeling slowly returned to Emma’s body, and her brain began to function. She bit hard on her lip to hold back the rising surge of happiness, guilt and pleasure that they felt this way. This small-town thing was so far out of her experience she didn’t know how to react.

  “I don’t know what to say. I thought I’d have to find a carpenter or something to get this wall up.”

  Gabe finished his measurements and turned to look at her. “Mom mentioned we’d help.”

  Emma nodded. “Yes, she did. But I thought she was just being kind.”

  Ed straightened up from watching Gabe. “In other words, you didn’t believe her? Now that’s just going to break her heart, that is.”

  “No! I-I—”

  “Dad!” Gabe shook his head and shrugged. “I’m sorry, Emma. He’s just messing with your head. One thing you’re going to learn real fast is that Dad here has a terrible sense of humor. He’s going to enjoy having someone new to mess with.”

  Emma let out her held breath. “So I see. What can I do to help?”

  Ed threw an arm around her shoulders. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Gabe glanced up at the woman who had invaded his dreams since the first night he’d seen her. She’d been a real trooper the whole time he and his father had been working, fetching all the necessary tools and buckets of plaster and glue they’d needed from the back of his truck. She’d even ignored his bad mood and less-than-enthusiastic conversation. He grimaced at his own surliness. It wasn’t her fault the others were trying to set them up.