Long Time Gone (Rough Riders) by Lorelei James Page B

of Kimi’s stay, Cal had been very thorough waking Kimi up. So thorough that he hadn’t realized he’d missed meeting Carson until he heard the crunch of tires on gravel through the open bedroom window.
    He glanced at the clock. How the fuck could it be seven-thirty?
    Shit. “Carson is here.”
    Cal didn’t need his brother barging in and seeing Kimi’s things spread all over his house. He kissed Kimi and hopped off the bed, quickly jamming his legs into his jeans, foregoing his boxers. He yanked a T-shirt over his head and didn’t bother putting on socks or boots.
    Kimi watched him, a satisfied smile on her sleepy face.
    “Stay in here.”
    “Even if Carson is your brother, it is impolite to show up at someone’s house at seven-thirty in the morning, Cal.”
    “Seven-thirty is practically noon for ranchers and I was supposed to meet Carse an hour ago. And I’m never late, so he knows something is up.”
    Gigi started barking like crazy. “Come on, girl.”
    Cal closed the bedroom door behind him. Good thing Kimi had been adamant they lock the doors at night or Carson would’ve just walked in.
    Gigi whined and raced toward Carson immediately after Cal opened the front door.
    Carson crouched down to pet the pup. “Looks like you’re ready to move cattle, dog, which is more than I can say for him.” Carson gave Cal a once-over from his bare feet to his uncombed hair. “You sick or something?”
    “Nah. I just stayed up too late and overslept. It happens.”
    “It never happens to you.” Carson rolled upright. “I don’t imagine you were out tearin’ it up because you don’t reek like booze or look hung over. So I’m bettin’ your late night has something to do with that hickey on your neck.”
    He shouldn’t love it so much when Kimi sucked and bit on him, but Jesus it got him so fucking hot he’d rather deal with shit than ever ask her to back off. “You caught me.”
    Carson jerked his chin toward Cal’s bedroom. “She’s still here, ain’t she?”
    “Yeah. So if you’ll give me a little time to get ready, I’ll meet you at Dad’s so we can get this underway.”
    “You ain’t gonna introduce me to her?” Carson paused and gave Cal a big grin. “That’s because I know her, don’t I?”
    “Don’t be a jackass,” he said with an edge.
    It was the edge that tipped Carson off because normally Cal was even-keeled.
    “So how long you need to get ready? I don’t see a car here so you’ve gotta run her home first?”
    Fuck. He hadn’t thought of that. “Nope. She said she’s fine sticking around today.”
    “Is this why you’ve been distracted the past couple days?”
    “I haven’t been distracted,” Cal scoffed.
    “Yeah, you have. Even Charlie mentioned it yesterday.”
    “So I screwed up one goddamned thing. Like Charlie has room to talk. He’s been distracted the last year .”
    “Charlie thought I’d be preoccupied this week with all the shit that’s been goin’ on with the Wests. He volunteered to pick up the slack if I had to leave, which is why he mentioned it. He just didn’t think he’d have to be picking up your slack too.”
    “I told you I’d do my part and you’re relyin’ on Charlie? That’s fuckin’ perfect, Carse. Next you’ll tell me that Casper’s watchin’ me too.”
    Carson crossed his arms over his chest. “Even that shouldn’t worry you if you’ve got nothin’ to hide, Cal.”
    Gigi barked and scratched at the door to go back inside.
    “What’s with her?”
    Cal ignored the question. “I’ll meet you at Dad’s in twenty, okay?”
    “No can do. Tell me what’s goin’ on. You’re never this secretive.”
    “I ain’t allowed to have secrets?” he snapped. “That’s bullshit. You’ve got your life with Carolyn which is separate from us workin’ together. I respect that. You need to learn to do the same for me.”
    “Who is this woman who’s got you all twisted up in knots?”
    The door opened behind him.
    Kimi stepped