Page 16 of The Billionaire Land Baron

“Knock knock,” Matt said, coming into the kitchen. He looked over the room and his gaze softened when he saw Shelby.

“Shelby.”

“Matt.”

Shelby caught her father gesturing to Jake that Matt was another one of her suitors. Jake choked on his coffee and Daddy giggled. She briefly considered hitting him over the head with his leg.

“Jake,” Matt said.

“Hey, Matt,” Jake said.

“You ready, Shel?” Matt jingled the keys in his hands.

“Where you going?” Jake asked.

“Work,” Shelby said.

“Oh,” Jake said. “Can I hitch a ride into town? I’d like to stop by the garage.”

“Sure thing,” Matt said. “And I’ve got an old Jeep you can borrow for the week if you want. Greg mentioned you were looking for something to drive. I can get it to you tomorrow. If you need a ride anywhere today, just call me.”

“Thanks,” Jake said. “I’ll pay you for the Jeep when it’s ready. Like a rental. It’s only fair.”

“I don’t need your money,” Matt said. Shelby noticed the tightness in his jaw.

“Okay, but—” Jake started.

“No. Now can we get out of here? Shelby, you look great as always. Are you ready?”

“Five minutes,” she muttered.

“I need to go grab my things from the trailer,” Jake said. “Thank you for breakfast, Shelby. Best eggs I ever had.”

The kitchen was small and as he put his coffee mug in the sink, she had to lean back against it to let him by, the brush of his body sending tingles everywhere.

Matt and Daddy both snorted and she glared at them. When Jake was out the back door she whipped Matt with a dish towel.

“Both of you, quit it. I don’t know what’s going on—”

“Matt’s just being protective of his girl,” Daddy said with a big grin.

“She’s not my girl,” Matt said just as Shelby said, “I’m not his girl.”

They glared at each other now. So much glaring for so early in the morning. She needed a nap. Or a pot of coffee. She’d stayed up until almost four reading. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

“But you’re not his girl either,” Matt said.

“Seriously, Matt? I don’t even know Jake. It’s been less than twenty-four hours. You and your stupid jealousy can go jump in the lake.”

“Speaking of lakes,” her father said. “You’ll never guess who was almost gator bait this morning.”

“He fell in?” A smile played around Matt’s lips. Shelby whipped him again with the dish towel and now the playful Matt returned. “Ow, Hey. I’ve got delicate skin.”

“He went swimming.” Daddy had the biggest grin on his face and she turned the dish towel to him now, snapping him on the bare shoulders. “Ow, girl!”

Matt was bent over shaking with laughter, silent at first and then loud guffaws and hoots. “Well, I don’t need to worry about him, then. Shelby would never fall for an idiot.”

“You two better stop it before he comes back,” Shelby said. “I mean it! Stop it!”

---