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he barely let me in the house. I called the O’Malleys place looking for help. I didn’t want to distract you from being with Matt.” Summer
crossed her arms and glared at Holden. “You should be thanking Caleb instead of
grilling him. I take full responsibility for Matt’s injury and if you want me
gone just say so.” She held her breath, waiting.
    Mark, Luke and John finally joined them, all wide
eyed and silent.
    Caleb took a step toward Holden. “Now wait a minute.
I came out here to do a favor, not to cause trouble. Now if you’re going to
give honey pie a hard time, I’m taking her with me.”
    Summer couldn’t help it. Nervous laughter bubbled up
inside her and she had to put her hand over her mouth to make it stop. Caleb
winked at her making it harder to look serious.
    The glare Holden gave Caleb put an instant stop to
her laughter. “I don’t know what’s going on here but Summer works for me.”
    “It doesn’t seem like I’m making any friends here.
The honey pie thing was a joke. Summer has had a hard time of it. Treat her
right, okay?”
    Holden nodded still frowning. He held out his hand
to Caleb. “Thanks for your help, Caleb,” he said as they shook.
    “I’m out of here. Beautiful horse by the way.” Caleb
winked at Summer and smiled at the boys before making a bee line for his truck.
    What
a charmer. She didn’t realize how big her smile was until she noticed
Holden’s steely stare. Her smile withered under his scrutiny.
    “Boys, why don’t y’all go inside? I bet Summer has
some food ready.”
    “It’s all ready just help yourself.” The sweet “I
don’t care” tone of voice that she strived for didn’t happen. It sounded more
like a worried croak.
    The boys hesitated, looking at both of them. The
worry in their eyes fired her up. She might feel guilty, but she wasn’t going
without setting Holden straight.
    The boys went into the house and Summer turned, staring
directly into Holden’s dark eyes. She was ready for a fight but the misery she
glimpsed there melted her heart. “How’s Matt?” She was glad she sounded
compassionate instead of croaky this time.
    “He’ll be fine.”
    “You’re upset with me. I know it’s my job to watch
them but quite frankly I did the best I could. I was in and out of the house
all morning and I was making lunch when it all happened. I feel awful. If you
want me out of here, I understand.” She bit her lip again waiting for an
answer. Her poor lip was so sore.
    “Is that what you want? Do you want to be with
Caleb?” He glanced away, staring out toward the mountains.
    “No, of course not. He’s a friend. I know Colt too.
Caleb is always taking in strays and I suppose he saw me as a stray. I don’t
want or need that type of entanglement. Men are off the menu as far as I’m
concerned.”
    He took a deep breath and let it go. Turning toward
her, he studied her as though he could see her soul. “It wasn’t your fault.
Matt knew better and his brothers told him not to. I’m starved.” He left her
standing there without another word.
    Somehow she felt cheated. Where was the offer to
stay? Where was the question about not wanting entanglements? Heck, she should
be glad that he hadn’t sent her packing. Holden O’Leary was an infuriating, confusing,
yet caring man, and she’d probably never understand him. She wanted to tell him
about the robbery at the bar and grill, but now wasn’t the time. Hopefully an opportune
moment would crop up soon. He needed to hear it from her first.

 
 
 
    Chapter Three

 
    Holden helped Matt into the house, leading him to
the freshly made up couch. Matt objected and tried to steer away from it. “I’m
no cripple.” Holden sighed. It was going to be a very long weekend.
    The doctor ordered Matt to stay off his feet for a
while before he could use crutches. But Matt wasn’t the most patient of people.
    Summer walked into the great room with a wide smile
for Matt. Holden wasn’t on the