Dalton, Tymber - Stoneface (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Tymber Dalton

her go anywhere this upset. And you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. Let me give you my numbers…” A minute later, he hung up and returned her phone. “Big brother gave me my marching orders to keep you safe and sound under threat of emasculation. He’ll fly out tomorrow and take you home after the two of you spend a few days here at Casa Ellis while looking for your sister.”
    Another bout of guilt hit her, along with a renewal of her tears. “Thank you!” When he hugged her, she tried not to think about how good his arms felt around her. “Big brother saves me again.”
    “What?”
    She sniffled and sat up. “He had to drive from Ohio to Florida and back once to bring me home after spring break. Jesus, he shouldn’t have to fly out here for my sorry ass.”
    “He obviously loves you very much. And trust me, your ass isn’t sorry. Besides, the two of you will be our guests for a couple of days. Maybe you can find your sister and get this stuff sorted out.”
    “You don’t understand. Liam’s got MS. He shouldn’t have to fly any more than necessary. He’s just getting over being sick a couple of weeks ago.”
    “From the way he sounded, I don’t think anything will keep him from his baby sister. Let’s get you back to my place. Come on.”

Chapter Seven

    Gwen stepped out of her car and listened to how quiet it sounded. Tim lived in a nice house about fifteen minutes south of town, on a wooded hillside overlooking a small valley. Beautiful country. When Tim noticed her reaction, he turned and pointed to the west.
    “Black Hills National Forest is that way. We’re right on the edge. You haven’t made it to Mt. Rushmore yet, have you?”
    She shook her head.
    He clapped his hands together. “Oh. My. God! I get to play tour guide!” He grinned. “You’re going to have a blast! Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, the whole nine yards.” He grabbed her suitcase and led her into the house, down a hall to a bedroom with an attached bathroom. “This room shares the bath with the other guest bedroom,” he explained, flipping on the light. “I’d give you the other bedroom, but that’s where Jack’s mom sleeps when she stays with us and it’s better equipped.”
    “I know I’m stressed, but that made no sense.”
    He laughed. “Sorry. You said your brother has MS. The other bedroom’s larger, set up so a wheelchair can move around. See? Bathroom’s converted, too.”
    She rubbed her arms when a chill ran up them despite the warm afternoon. How perfect was this? The bathroom was totally accessible. No doubt even if Liam didn’t need it, he’d still bring his wheelchair rather than risk busting his ass.
    And now she wussed out and he’d have to come get her.
    Tim spotted her face and pulled her in close for a hug. “Have you eaten anything today?”
    “No,” she admitted.
    “You look horrible. Let’s get you some food.” He led her to the kitchen and sat her down at the small breakfast table. “What’s your poison? Sandwich? Omelet? Salad? Kitchen’s open and if I have it, I’ll make it for you.”
    She couldn’t get over how cute he was. The only picture she’d seen of him was his Facebook profile pic, and that hadn’t been a very good one, just a lousy cell phone image. “Surprise me.”
    “Gotcha.” Ten minutes later, she was noshing on probably the best omelet she’d ever had in her life. He sat across the table from her and watched her eat. “Now talk to me, and start over from the beginning because I think I missed something during the crying portions of your tale.”
    Talking to him in real life felt as comfortable as it did in e-mail. Except for the fact that he looked hunkier in real life, and turned out to be a fandamtastic cook, he was the same person. She retold the story.
    After she finished, he nodded, a serious look on his face. “I think you and your brother are right. There’s something funky going on. You don’t even know for sure if