“I just hope my dad wasn’t planning on having Cassidy here to push Stryker to move on with his life.” Cash finally admitted what sounded like his biggest fear.
“So what if he did hope she could make a difference because of her professional background? If it made a difference in your brother’s life, wouldn’t it be worth it?” Coast asked.
“Of course it would be,” Cash replied.
“Then fuck it. Let the cards fall where they may. Whatever will be will be. We’re a team, a unit, one family. Nothing can break us apart, and we’ll have Stryker’s back like always,” Coast said, and they all agreed.
* * * *
Cassidy was unloading all the painting supplies from her Jeep when she dropped one of the brushes toward the back behind the passenger seat. She bent all the way over and reached for the brush, gripping it just as she heard the footsteps behind her.
“Damn we’ve got good timing.”
She turned to see Memphis standing there with another guy. She felt her chest tighten and her mouth nearly drop at the sight of the handsome cowboy next to Memphis. He gave a wink and then reached for her hand.
“Need some help, darlin’?”
She knew his type. All flirt and only one thing on his mind. A piece of ass. She struggled to get up on her own and then slid off the back part of the Jeep. Cassidy reached for two cans of paint.
“I’m good, and you are?” she asked.
“Oh, how rude of me, ma’am. The name is Orlando.”
“Hi, Orlando, I’m Cassidy.”
“Oh, I know darlin’, and it is definitely nice to meet you.” Orlando winked.
She chuckled. He really had some personality on him. Memphis gave Orlando a shove to his shoulder.
“Quit being an ass and help her get the stuff inside.”
“Oh, you don’t need to help me. I have it. Are you going to be working on the electrical problems?” she asked Memphis as Orlando took the rest of the things in her Jeep and headed toward the door.
She was surprised at how much he carried and how strong he was. The man’s muscles were as big as Memphis’s. All the members of the team so far were sporting some serious athletic bodies. She was glad she kept in shape and jogged eight miles every morning. Living around here, she would have to make sure she stayed in shape.
“That’s the plan. This is a nice Jeep,” Memphis complimented as he held on to the side of the black roll bar on top.
“It gets me to and from no problem.” She started heading up toward the house with both paint cans and brushes in hand.
“Here, let me get that.”
When Memphis reached for the can of paint and the items under her arm, she felt the immediate attraction to him. He seemed to pick up on it, too, as he motioned for her to walk ahead of him.
When they got into the house, Orlando was looking around at the outlets.
“I think we should replace all of these outlets. They’re not really up to par, and since we’re doing the other stuff, why not?”
“I agree. I need to take measurements of the AC unit too. Red said it was on its last leg.”
“Oh, how much will that cost, do you know? I would need to get some money for you guys.”
“Not a problem, Cassidy. Cash’s dad is taking care of everything.”
She placed her hands on her hips and exhaled.
“He doesn’t need to do that. I’ve got money saved for this,” she replied.
Memphis stood closer, reached out, and cupped her chin as he stared down into her eyes. The move shocked her.