“That’s what he said to you?” Regan asked angrily. “And you didn’t shoot his bastard arse?”
A small smile curved Spring’s lips. She loved her fiery sister-in-law. The fuming Regan switched to Spanish as she always did when her emotions ran high. In the year they’d been family, Spring had learned to pick out a few of the curse words but little else. “He’s still alive. For now.”
More angry Spanish was spoken before Regan calmed enough to ask, “Did any of the men there come to your aid?”
Spring shook her head. “My Colt did that. But...”
“But what?”
“Whit came in, along with McCray.”
“And?”
Spring shrugged. “I sort of wish McCray hadn’t witnessed and heard everything. That’s all.”
She met Regan’s eyes.
Regan studied Spring for a long, silent moment before asking in a wondrous voice, “Do you have feelings for this man, Spring Rain Lee?”
“Doesn’t matter. He’ll be going back East soon.”
“You didn’t answer the question.”
“I don’t know. This is all new for me, Regan.” She then admitted, “Maybe it’s simply lust.”
“Nothing wrong with lust—ask your brother.”
Spring held up a hand. “Stop. I don’t want to think about my brother in a sentence tied to lust.”
“Neither did he, at first.”
Regan laughed, and unable to hold back, Spring joined in. “Poor Colt’s up in Rock Springs wondering why his ears are suddenly burning.”
“Probably.”
After the laughter Spring said honestly, “The last thing I want in my life is a man cluttering up things.”
“As you said, he won’t be here long enough to do that.”
“But there’s something about him that makes me want to know more about him.”
“Then use the time he’s here to do that, and if you end up with him in your bed, whose business is it besides his and yours? Just make sure you don’t get caught. I know you don’t want children.”
“I’ll protect myself, that’s a given.”
Regan reached out and took Spring’s hands.“I’m aware you aren’t seeking my approval, but I’m all for any woman snatching happiness wherever she finds it—especially if the woman is my sister. And if it’s lust—so what?”
“Please don’t bring up my brother again.”
And they laughed once more.
“I won’t promise. McCray is quite handsome.”
“So is Matt Ketchum, but something’s drawing me to McCray besides his looks, and I can’t put my finger on what it is. He can be annoying. Asks far too many questions and won’t sit at the table until I’m seated. I don’t need a man to treat me that way. Sit down.”
“If he wants to—let him. No skin off your nose.”
“He wants to open doors for me. I break horses. I can open my own doors.”