Page 53 of Scorched Secrets

“Of course not. Everything here is fair game,” she said. “Honestly, I’m sure he’ll be relieved. Claire buys tons of food, then eats like a bird. I heard him complaining about it because they end up tossing a lot of food at the end of summer.”

“What?” Aiden’s eyes widened in horror. “That’s horrible. That would never happen at the homestead.”

“Because we all eat like bears coming out of hibernation,” Colin agreed.

“True.” Aiden grinned. “Remember when I stabbed my fork into the back of your hand?”

“You mean at Thanksgiving last year when we were fighting over the drumstick? How could I forget?” Colin shook his head. “You’re lucky you didn’t injure any of the tendons along the back of my hand.”

“You made such a big deal out of a little blood.” Aiden snickered. “Four little holes, you were fine.”

Faye glanced between the brothers, not sure if they were kidding.

“I might still have scars.” Colin made a show of inspecting the back of his hand.

“Doubtful.” Aiden reached for his duffel. “I’ll take this upstairs. Let me know when dinner is ready.”

“You’re not going to help?” Colin asked as if in protest.

“It’s not a four-course gourmet meal, is it? What do you need help with?” Aiden turned and headed to the second floor.

Faye was tempted to call Aiden back but held her tongue. Colin busied himself with defrosting the hamburger meat while she took a seat at the kitchen table.

“He really stabbed the back of your hand with a fork?”

“Yep.” Colin arched a brow. “You would think Rhy and Tarin would have stuck up for me, but all they did was laugh.”

“You guys have a funny way of getting along.” She couldn’t imagine doing anything like that to Annie. And if she had? Claire would have hit the ceiling.

“Hey, laughter is the best medicine, right?” He shrugged. “No matter how mercilessly we tease each other, I know every single one of my siblings would walk through fire for me if necessary.”

“That must be nice.” She could not say the same; although in truth, Annie was too young for them to have established a close relationship. Annie adored their father, though, so in that respect, she suspected her half sister would do anything to protect him.

“Anything I can do to help?” She made the offer, despite seeing for herself that he had everything under control.

“Nope. I noticed there’s a gas grill outside.” He grimaced. “It will work, although I prefer the old-fashioned method of using charcoal.”

“Because firefighters like to play with fire?”

His grin widened. “Sometimes.”

She chuckled. “There’s an area outside where we could build a bonfire.”

“I saw that and would love nothing more. Unfortunately, that’s out of the question for tonight.” His brown gaze turned serious. “We’ll need to stay inside just to be safe.”

She nodded, masking her disappointment. Rising to her feet, she headed for the master suite. It was strange to be staying in there, but she did her best to shake off the apprehension. She’d decided to sleep on top of the bedspread, using a light blanket for cover.

Besides, it wasn’t likely she’d get much sleep. Not while knowing both Colin and Aiden would be staying up to guard the place.

Twenty minutes later, Colin shouted, “Dinner’s ready!”

She hurried out to the kitchen, listening as Aiden pounded down the stairs.

“It’s about time. I’m hungry.” Aiden rubbed his stomach. “You’re the best cook behind Devon and Elly.”

“Thanks, I think.” Colin set the grilled corn and large juicy burgers on the table. “We don’t have buns, but this will have to do.”

“Looks delicious, thanks.” Faye dropped into the chair beside Colin.

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