Buckhorn Beginnings Read Online Free Page B

morning.”
    Rolling his eyes, Sawyer said to Honey, “My brother is a vet—and a sucker for every stray or injured animal that crosses his path.”
    Jordan merely slanted a very pointed look at Honey and then said to Sawyer, “And you’re any different, I suppose?”
    They both smiled—while Honey bristled. She didn’t exactly take to the idea of being likened to a stray cat.
    â€œJordan, why don’t you put the cat in the other room and fetch some tea for our guest? She’s still chilled, and from the sounds of her cough, her throat is sore.”
    â€œSure, no problem.”
    But before he could go, another man entered, and Honey could do no more than stare. This man was the biggest of the lot, a little taller than even Sawyer and definitely more muscle-bound. He had bulging shoulders and a massive chest and thick thighs. Like Sawyer, he had black hair, though his was quite a bit longer and somewhat unruly. And his eyes were blue, not the pale blue of Gabe’s, but dark blue, almost like her own but more piercing, more intent. She saw no softness, no giving in his gaze, only ruthlessness.
    He had a noticeable five o’clock shadow, and a stern expression that made her shiver and sink a little deeper into the bed.
    Sawyer immediately stepped over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder, letting her know it was okay, offering that silent comfort again. But shestill felt floored when he said, “My brother Morgan, the town sheriff.”
    Oh, God. A sheriff? How many damn brothers did this man have?
    â€œIgnore his glare, honey. We pulled him from some unfinished business, no doubt, and he’s a tad…disgruntled.”
    Jordan laughed. “Unfinished business? That wouldn’t be female business, would it?”
    â€œGo to hell, Jordan.” Then Morgan’s gaze landed heavily on Honey, though he spoke to Sawyer. “Gabe called me. You mind telling me what’s going on?”
    Honey was getting tired of hearing Sawyer explain. She looked up at him and asked in her rough, almost unrecognizable voice, “Just how many brothers do you have?”
    Jordan smiled. “So she does have a voice.”
    Morgan frowned. “Why would you think she didn’t?”
    And Sawyer laughed. “She’s been quiet, Morgan, that’s all. She’s sick, a little disoriented and naturally wary of all of you overgrown louts tromping in and out.”
    Then to Honey, he said, “There’s five of us, including my son, Casey. We all live here, and as it seems you’re going to stay put for a spell, too, it’s fortunate you’ve already met them all.”
    His statement was received with varying reactions. She was appalled, because she had no intention at all of staying anywhere. It simply wasn’t safe.
    Jordan looked concerned. Morgan looked suspicious.
    And in walked Gabe, toting a box. “Nearly everything was wet by the time I got there, except this box of photos she had stashed in the back window. I figured it’d be safer in the house. Casey is helping to unload everything else from the truck, but it’s all a mess so we’re stowing it in the barn for now. And it looks like it might rain soon. It clouded up real quick. I think we’re in for a doozy.”
    Honey glanced toward the wall of windows. Sure enough, the sky was rapidly turning dark and thick, purplish storm clouds drifted into view. Just what she needed.
    Sawyer nodded. “Thanks, Gabe. If it starts to lightning, have Casey come in.”
    â€œI already told him.”
    â€œMorgan, can you get the county towing truck in the morning and pull her car out of the lake? I want to put it in the shed.”
    Morgan rubbed his rough jaw with a large hand. “The shed? Why not Smitty’s garage so it can be fixed? Or do I even want to know?”
    â€œIt’s a long story, better explained after I find out what ails her. Which I can’t