No One Like You by Kate Angell Read Free Book Online

“I’m not feeling it.”
    “Me either,” said Halo.
    There was a lengthy pause before Landon asked her, “What’s on your agenda, Beth?”
    “I’m planning Rylan’s picnic.”
    Picnic caught their attention. The men exchanged a look. A long look. Their silent communication spoke volumes. She grew uneasy. Halo’s eyes soon glinted, and one corner of Landon’s mouth tipped up. She sensed that they had come to a decision without consulting her.
    Leaving was ruled out. The men settled in. For the duration. Halo hiked his hip onto the porch railing. “Our day is free. We could help you.”
    Landon crossed his arms over his chest and leaned one broad shoulder against a post. “We know what Rylan likes in food, beer, and entertainment.”
    What was happening? Beth was at a loss. Were they restless and bored or did they have an ulterior motive? She felt it might be the latter, given their smug expressions.
    They looked far too comfortable. Too solid. Too immovable. Too sure of themselves. They gave her little choice. They were there to stay.
    She bemoaned that fact. What to do? Interacting with his teammates was part of her job description. She didn’t want to be rude. She had only one choice. She would keep them. And put them to work.
    She crooked her finger for them to follow her. “I was headed to the backyard when you arrived. The picnic will be outside. I wanted to see if the grass needed to be mowed.”
    Halo hopped off the porch railing. “We can advise you.”
    Landon pushed off the post. “I’ll mow if it’s needed. If not, we can sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.”
    Beth didn’t want them sitting. She wanted them working.
    “Let’s cut through the house.” Halo entered through the front door before Beth could object.
    “He knows where he’s going,” Landon assured her. “We’ve been here once before. Not by invitation. We dropped by yesterday unannounced. Ry didn’t even offer us a beer.”
    “Perhaps you caught him at a bad time.”
    “I don’t think there’s a good time with him when it comes to us.”
    Beth mulled over his words. “Maybe you should call ahead.”
    “Warn him we’re in the neighborhood? He’d never pick up.” Landon held the door for her. “Let’s find Halo.” He placed his palm low on her spine; came in behind her.
    To her surprise, Atlas made a low sound in his throat. Not quite a growl, but more of a grumble. He butted between her and Landon, separating them. Beth bumped her hip on the door frame. Bruise number three. The Dane stuck to her side. Guarding her.
    Landon lowered his hand and eased back. “What’s up with that? I’ve never seen him so territorial. He doesn’t want me near you.” He raised his hands, palms out. “No touching, big boy, promise.”
    The Dane barked his approval.
    They moved through the living room. “Ry still needs furniture,” Landon observed. “I’ve never known anyone to live with so little.” He stopped at the sofa, studied it. “Teeth marks. Slight tilt.”
    Beth glanced at Atlas. “He had a moment.”
    The dog turned in a circle, barked as if proud of himself. Rue and the two dachshunds wakened from their nap. Stretched and stood. Spotting Landon, they got all wiggly.
    “Sweet Rue and the weenies.” He bent to pet them.
    After he gave them plenty of attention, they moved toward the kitchen.
    They soon found Halo on the back porch, surveying the lawn. He’d taken off his baseball cap and shaded his eyes with one hand. “The grass is above the ankle. I say we mow. I’ve met Ry’s family. His sister Shaye likes to go barefoot. So does his older brother Dune.”
    “This is one big yard,” Beth admired. The size would accommodate numerous afternoon activities and conversation areas. A buffet table would fit nicely on the porch.
    “We can also cut back a few tree branches,” said Halo. “No one wants to get poked in the eye. Maybe trim the rose and gardenia bushes, too.”
    Beth wasn’t sure that was a