“Regan.”
“It’s none of your business, Murphy.”
Murphy ran his hand through his hair as he held the Stetson tight. Amelia absorbed every inch of Murphy. From his trim waist and cowboy boots, to his thick long fingers and the way he stroked his Stetson as he reprimanded his sister. He really did care about Regan. If she had to guess, she’d say he weighed at least two hundred and thirty pounds. He looked good in his blue jeans and cowboy shirt, too. She couldn’t help but admire his good looks. But this was Regan’s oldest brother.
“Galen isn’t right for you. What happened to Luke?”
“Oh God, Murphy, Luke is such a prude.”
“What?”
Amelia chuckled then started to walk toward her bedroom.
“Where are you going?” Regan asked.
“I think you need to talk with your brother alone. I’m going to take a shower so we can get ready for tonight. Unless you’re grounded,” Amelia teased, and suddenly Murphy’s expression changed. His eyes grew darker, he squinted at her like some master of the universe, and she actually felt like maybe she shouldn’t have teased.
Regan, however, thought it was perfect as she laughed loudly and gave her brother a slap on the back.
“She’s just messing with you, Murphy. Good one, Amelia. Go take that shower while I talk with my brother.”
Why did Amelia feel like Regan was pushing the flirty comments? Should she not have said she was going to go take a shower? Or maybe she shouldn’t have teased such a dominant, powerful type of man? Oh well, what was done was done. She gave a wave then headed to her room.
After showering and getting dressed in a nice flair skirt and lace-trimmed tank top, Amelia ventured out into the living room.
Regan was there and she was painting her toenails and her hair was still wet.
“Hey, how did things go with your brother?”
“Fine. I told you that his bark is bigger than his bite.”
Amelia raised her eyebrow up at Regan. Regan smiled then began painting her toenails again.
“He liked you. Totally was drooling like the Mad Dog he is.”
“What?” Amelia asked in surprise.
“My brother has never looked at a woman the way he looked at you. He wants you.”
“Cut it out, Regan. So why aren’t you dressed yet?”
“Change of plans. We’re not going to Malloy’s tonight. The girls are meeting at Hucker’s.”
“Why?”
“There’s a big party for Captain. He’s a friend of my brothers’. He’s also Jessica’s brother. You’ll meet her tonight, too. It’s going to be great. You’ll get to meet my other brothers, as well. If they show up. They hardly ever go out.”
“So you’re not grounded?” Amelia asked then smiled.
“No. Of course not. I am a little nervous though.”
“Because they’re going to be there? Why? They’re your brothers.”
“Because Galen called and he’s going, too.”
“Your brothers really don’t like Galen?” Amelia asked.
“Galen is a bit wild, Amelia. He also kind of pissed off my brother Waylon, you know, one night a few weeks ago. I thought Waylon was going to pummel Galen. It was bad and I wasn’t even seeing Galen yet.”