Free Saxon's Lady by Stephanie Janes Page B

the dashing little car. "Ryan must be here."
    "Ryan? He's driving a car like that these days?"
    "Says it goes with his image as an account executive. He wanted a Porsche but had to settle for the Ford when I wouldn't come across with a loan."
    "Poor Ryan." Devon could just imagine that scene. It would have taken a lot of nerve for Ryan to ask his half brother for a loan for a car. Devon could have told him the courage was wasted. Garth would go to the ends of the earth for Ryan if he'd thought his brother really needed the help. But he'd draw the line at providing money for something as frivolous as a sports car. It was Garth's considered opinion that Ryan lacked common sense and judgment.
    Of course, Devon reminded herself as she jumped out of the pickup, Garth probably thought she was lacking in both qualities also.
    As soon as her feet hit the ground she was almost bowled over by the three huge ranch dogs that came racing around the corner of the house. They barked joyously as they greeted their master and his guest.
    "I wonder what Ryan's doing here at Hawk's Flight," Garth remarked as he unloaded suitcases from the back of the pickup. "Probably wants something. But as long as he's here, he might as well make himself useful. Go inside and tell him to come out and give me a hand with this load."
    "I'm sure he'll offer to help as soon as he knows we're here," Devon said pointedly. She patted one of the dogs on the head. The beast grinned delightedly, his tongue hanging out of his mouth. "There's no need to order him to give you a hand."
    Garth cocked one brow in a sardonic, but silent comment and lifted another box out of the pickup. Devon started up the walk toward the front door. The dogs danced around her.
    The door opened before she could knock. Beverly Middleton, in all her plump glory, stood on the threshold. Bev was in her late fifties and had been widowed for nearly ten years, and seeing her again after a year's absence, Devon was inclined to forgive the older woman's lack of imagination when it came to cooking.
    "Hi, Bev. It's been awhile." It was amazing how much pleasure she felt in seeing a familiar face, Devon thought suddenly. She would never have guessed she'd miss anyone in Hawk Springs.
    "Well, well, well. So he brought you back, did he?" Bev shook her head in mock wonder. "I told him when he left he'd have a job on his hands dragging you away from the big city." She came down the steps and enveloped Devon in a huge, bosomy hug. "Could have sworn you'd put up more of a fight. You were always as stubborn and proud as one of Garth's fancy, high-bred horses."
    "We all know what happens to his horses," Devon murmured.
    Bev laughed, stepping back again. "In the end he always has ' em eating out of the palm of his hand, doesn't he? Same way with you?"
    "Not quite. But I've decided to wage my battle on his turf. How have you been, Bev? You look good."
    "Can't complain," Bev said equably. "You sure look good. You've done somethin ' real nice with your hair, haven't you? I like it. And where'd you get those slick jeans?"
    "From a store on Union Square. They cost a fortune and Garth's been making rude comments about them since he saw them."
    Before Bev could respond, Garth interrupted. "Send Ryan out here," he called from the drive. "You two can catch up on the news later. I want to get this stuff unloaded."
    A thin, sandy-haired man with an open smile and amused blue eyes appeared in the doorway behind Bev. He was dressed in a European-cut shirt and a pair of men's designer jeans. "I hear you, Garth. I'm coming." Ryan came down the steps and stopped for a moment in front of Devon. He grinned. "Well, look who's here. Couldn't resist the fleshpots and temptations of Hawk Springs any longer, huh, Devon?"
    ''The bright lights called and here I am," she agreed blandly. "How have you been, Ryan?"
    "Great. It's been a good year in L.A. Did Garth tell you I've been working there?"
    "He mentioned it."
    Garth interrupted