A Cowboy in Manhattan(15)
He knew he’d asked her that once already this morning. But what did she expect? That he’d own up to having spent the past hour with her? That he’d give Caleb the details of their argument?
Offering her some eggs was a perfectly ordinary thing to do in this circumstance.
“Fruit?” he continued, not quite masking the edge to his tone.
“Love some,” she responded, lips compressing ever so slightly.
“There are oranges on the table, grapes and plums in the fridge. Help yourself.”
Caleb moved into action. “Let me—”
“I’m sure she’s capable of opening a refrigerator door,” Reed told his brother.
“What is your problem?” Caleb demanded.
“It’s fine,” Katrina cut in, heading for the fridge. “He’s worried that I’m nothing but decorative.”
“She’s our guest,” Caleb exclaimed.
“Who’s a guest?” asked Mandy, breezing into the kitchen. “Me?” She beelined for Caleb, planting a kiss on his cheek. Her hair was damp, her face free of makeup, and she wore a cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up to midforearm, a faded pair of jeans and no-nonsense boots. She was the kind of woman to whom Reed ought to be attracted.
“Me,” corrected Katrina, from behind the open fridge door. By contrast, she now wore a clingy pair of hunter-green slacks with rhinestones decorating the pockets and the hems. Her butter-yellow tank top was cropped, showing off smooth arms, a strip of skin above her waistband, her navel winking sexily every time she moved. Her earrings sparkled with tiny green stones while a silver medallion dangled above the scooped neckline of her top.
She was on a cattle ranch for goodness’ sake, not at a nightclub.
“Okay…” Mandy drawled, obviously waiting to be brought up to speed on the discussion.
Katrina straightened, a deep purple plum in her hand. “I was about to offer to do the dishes.” She pasted Reed with a challenging expression, then took a slurping bite of the plum.
He nearly dropped the spatula.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Mandy quickly put in.
It took Reed’s lungs a moment to start functioning again. “If you gals need to head home right away…”
Caleb’s arm snaked out around Mandy. “I’m not letting this one go yet.”
“I have work to do at home,” Mandy admonished.
“Hire another hand. I’ll pay for it. You’re my fiancée, and I have dibs.”
Katrina’s gaze rested on Reed, making him feel guilty for his snarky attitude. But he’d done her a favor this morning, and she’d treated him like something nasty on the bottom of her shoe. She might get away with that back in New York City, but it wasn’t cutting it out here.
“Exactly how long do you expect me to stay?” Mandy teased Caleb.
His voice went deep, communicating more emotion than a single word. “Forever.”
Realizing he’d nearly burned the eggs, Reed twisted the burner control to the off position and moved them to one side.
“Cute.” Mandy patted Caleb’s cheek, seeming completely unaffected by his staunch declaration.
“Well, I should get back,” said Katrina.
“Oh, no.” Mandy walked forward toward Katrina before coming up against the tether of Caleb’s hand in hers. “Stay.”
Katrina turned to her sister. “Why would I stay?”
Stay and ride your bicycle, Reed found himself fuming. The least she could do was give it a try.
“You might as well be here as down there,” said Mandy. “We haven’t had a chance to talk.” She tugged playfully at Caleb’s hand, while he held her fast. “And I don’t think this one’s going to let me leave.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Reed saw Katrina glance his way.
“Reed’s not going to care,” said Mandy.
“I don’t want to get in the way.”
Reed turned to face her full-on. “This isn’t a country club.”
Her head jerked back, eyes going wide, as if he’d wounded her, and he immediately felt like a heel.
“Reed!” Caleb admonished. “What the hell?”
“It’s okay,” said Katrina, setting down the half-eaten plum. “Obviously, I should—”
“No, you shouldn’t.” Mandy shot Reed an annoyed glare. “He’s in a bad mood, that’s all. Terrell men get that way.”