Breakaway Cowboy by Barbara Dunlop

Author:Barbara Dunlop
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-11-24T19:09:34+00:00

Eight

Sierra was both relieved and sorry to be back at the ranch. Changing the tire had clearly taken a toll on Dallas. Wet, looking exhausted and with a telltale white patch at the tense corners of his mouth, he was quiet for the rest of the drive.

He opened the front door and stood back for her to go inside. His hair was soaked, his white shirt plastered to his chest, mud marring his forearms and the rolled-up sleeves.

“That took a while.” McKinney greeted them from the great room, a twinkle of curiosity in her eyes.

She was sitting on an armchair, her feet stretched out on a brown leather ottoman. Still in her party dress, she had a glass of brandy in her hand.

“Flat tire,” Dallas said. “We’ll need a new spare for the black 250.”

“I’ll let Willis know,” Austin said from a chair cornerwise to McKinney. “He’s doing a run to town tomorrow.”

Sierra expected Dallas to elaborate on the incident. It had been more than a simple flat tire.

Instead, he gestured for her to go into the great room.

“Brandy?” Austin asked Sierra, coming to his feet.

“Sure.” Unwinding before bed seemed like a good idea.

Lightning continued to flash above the mountains and thunder clapped over the peak of the house as she sat down in one of the four armchairs. They were leather, soft and comfortable, with plenty of room to curl up.

She slipped her shoes from her tired feet and bent her knees onto the cushion.

Dallas helped himself to a brandy, then perched on the edge of a chair. It looked like he was keeping his muddy clothes away from the furniture.

Austin brought her a large snifter with a generous measure of the deep amber liquid.

She could already smell the sweet nutty scent. “Thanks.”

“It’s a grand rare sherry cask,” McKinney said.

“Does Dad know we’re drinking it?” Dallas asked as he took a hearty swig.

Austin shrugged without concern it seemed and sat back down. “It’s not like we’ll run out.”

McKinney grinned while Sierra swirled the drink in the bulbous glass, enjoying the aroma a moment longer.

“Your funeral,” Dallas said.

“You worry too much,” Austin responded.

“Are we okay drinking it?” Sierra asked, reluctant to participate in something dubious. She was a guest here, and Garrett was her ultimate host.

“Nothing for you to worry about,” Dallas said.

“You make him sound unreasonable,” McKinney complained.

“Wouldn’t want to do that,” Dallas said into his glass with more than a touch of irony.

Sierra took a sip, and the flavors bloomed in her mouth. “Wow.”

“Right?” McKinney asked with a grin. “This is why we pilfer the good stuff.”

“At least you’re admitting it now,” Dallas said.

“There’s at least a case still left,” Austin said, smirking as he swirled his own glass.

“I feel like I’m committing a crime,” Sierra joked. But she took another sip of the wonderful brandy.

“Nobody’s going to jail,” Austin said and polished off his drink. “But I am turning in. Morning comes early for some of us.”

“Is that a dig?” Dallas asked, arching a brow as Austin rose to his feet.

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