Page 85 of Stockman's Stowaway

‘Are you spying on us again?’ Bree asked Leo.

‘I have cameras, just like the Riggs brothers. And you do check our boundary fence regularly.’ His eyes crawled inch by inch over Bree’s curves. Mia felt for Bree under that intense scrutiny, which only got worse when his voice got low, husky, and heavy. ‘I’d happily watch you all day—’

‘About that.’ Bree wiggled her finger at him. It only made him smirk more as if enjoying their game. ‘Lose any dogs lately?’

‘I did. That one.’ Leo narrowed his ink-black eyes at Willow then at Mia. ‘That’s my kelpie. You stole it from me.’

‘No, I…’ Mia shook her head, her eyes wide, and looked to Bree for help.

Bree stepped in. ‘Oh, please. You’re more suited to carry a purse pooch in your man bag than keep a working dog. It’d destroy your furniture and your fancy city suits from boredom.’

Leo's lips curled into a grin, keeping those dark and sultry eyes on Bree. He should have been insulted, but he seemed to enjoy this game. ‘Bree, my darling, I’m more than happy to buy you one of those dogs, and the entire wardrobe to go with it, anytime. But that is my kelpie.’

‘Prove it.’ Bree blocked his path with her chin raised.

Mia couldn’t escape. With the dog cowering in the corner, she had to do something to defend them. But Mia hated any form of confrontation. She just couldn’t bring herself to do anything, except cower in the corner with the dog.

‘Ash, go find Porter.’ Ryder’s deep voice was a much welcome presence as he entered the tent with Ash carrying his son on his shoulders.

Ash passed Mason to Harper. ‘Back in a second.’ He turned and bolted.

‘How can you tell it’s your dog, Leo?’ Ryder asked, casually tucking his phone into the pocket of his jeans.

The two men made their tent seem small.

‘Kelpies in this town are rare, and that one has no white on her.’ Leo scowled at Mia. ‘Where did you get that bitch from?’

‘How did you lose her, is what I want to know.’ Bree crossed her arms over her chest, still refusing to budge, effectively blocking Leo from going anywhere near Mia and Willow.

‘I didn’t lose her. That farm girl stole her.’ Leo pointed at Mia.

‘Says the man who’s taken up the occupation of playing water thief.’

‘It’s just business, Bree. And I’m a man who knows how to keep business and pleasure separate. But I’ll take my dog back first, and then I’ll ask you for a dance later.’

‘I’ve told you my dance card is full, cowboy. Especially to you.’

And there it was. Finally, Leo’s eyes flared with annoyance.

‘What’s going on?’ Policeman Porter rushed in with Ash.

‘That farm girl stole my dog.’ Leo pointed at Mia.

Again, Bree blocked him. ‘If you’re going to point fingers at anyone, why not point them at me?’

‘Well, the way I’d heard it, you and Charlie were rather upset over losing your cattle dogs, swearing to never take on another dog.’

Bree’s eyes went dark, and her hands curled into fists, while gritting her teeth. ‘I know your balding gorillas did that.’

‘Easy, Bree.’ Ryder held her back.

‘Good luck controlling your caretaker, Ryder. Bree’s all fire, it’s one of the things I admire about her, and her outlaw attitude.’ Leo chuckled. ‘Now that Charlie is no longer the caretaker, what is your job title these days, Bree?’

‘Chief shitkicker. Allow me to demonstrate with my boot and your butt!’

‘Bree, calm down.’ Ryder physically corralled Bree to the other side of the tent and held her there. ‘Let the police do their job. Think about it…’

Bree glowered at Leo, shrugging off Ryder as she stepped back, only to pace like a wild animal trapped in a cage.

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