Page 24 of Meant for Her

“Because we are mates. You know it, and you feel it, but you’re too damn stubborn to admit it.”

Luke leaned his head back and laughed so hard, tears pooled in his eyes. “Is that so? I’m a man. I see a pretty woman who’s willing to put out, and I take it. Every red-blooded man would have done the same.”

Malia didn’t know what came over her, but she lifted her hand and slapped him across the face so hard, her palm stung. “You’re a pig.”

“You got that right. I’m a pig who isn’t fit for a Granger.”

She rushed over to the sofa and grabbed her things. “See if I help you.”

“Good. Don’t.”

With that, she stormed out of the house, her anger and frustration boiling over. The cold air hit her like a physical force, and the irony of her situation wasn’t lost on her. Malia was so furious with him and with herself for reacting that way that she hadn’t even bothered to put on her jacket, hat, or scarf until she reached her car.

As she pulled open the car door, her breath frosted on the air, despite her cheeks being hot.Damn Luke Lattimore.

As Malia slipped into the front seat of her car, the sound of hooves approached. She looked up to see Ryan coming toward her on horseback. He dismounted and jogged toward her, but she didn't give him the chance to reach her.

Needing to get away, she started the engine and quickly took off. As much as she wanted to speak with a nice Lattimore, she feared she would say something she would regret.

As she looked in the rearview mirror, Ryan just stood there with his hands on his hips, watching her. A pang of guilt for not stopping to talk to him shot through her, but she knew it was for the best.

"Sorry, Ryan, and good riddance, Luke Lattimore."

The anger and hurt still simmered inside her as she drove back to the main road. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She was determined to put this whole ordeal behind her and move on with her life.

CHAPTEREIGHT

Ryan barged into the house. “What was Malia doing here?”

Luke had his feet propped up on the scarred coffee table. And here Ryan thought Luke was staying home so that he could map out a plan for how to keep them from bankruptcy. Though if Malia stopped by, Ryan imagined he’d be distracted too.

“She stopped by to jump my bones.” He acted as if that was an everyday occurrence.

“Seriously. Why did she come?”

“Malia claimed she wanted to see how we were healing.” Luke lifted his chin. “And then she jumped my bones.”

Ryan sniffed and was able to detect the scent of sex. “You motherfucker. Did you force her?”

Luke was on his feet and in Ryan’s face in less than two seconds. He jabbed a finger in his chest. “She wanted it.”

“Women don’t justwantit.” Then he smiled. “Unless she senses you two are mates. That’s it, isn’t it?”

Luke grimaced and shook his head. “That’s your deal.”

“You are full of shit. I’ve seen hundreds of women come on to you, and unless you were really intrigued, you blew them off. Besides, I thought you said you didn’t want her around for fear something might happen to her.”

“Exactly. It’s why after we had our quickie I sent her on her way.”

The pieces were starting to fall into place. “Is that why she ran out?”

“Maybe.”

“Okay then. Since she isn’t your mate but mine, I trust you won’t have an issue if I pursue her?” Ryan knew the real answer, but he was curious what lie his brother would tell.

“Be my guest, but not in the house. I was serious about not wanting her here if those rustlers return. And speaking of rustlers, how many cows did we lose?”

“Before I answer that, I need a beer,” Ryan said. “Want another one?”

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