Free A Real Cowboy Rides a Motorcycle by Stephanie Rowe Page A

all the work he'd been doing on the house. His eyes were a brilliant blue, just like Chase's, and he had the same angular jaw as his brothers. "It's great to be here."
    "I got a chair." Zane walked back into the room, carrying what looked like a hand-made wooden chair. Had one of the brothers made it?
    "Put it there." Mira pointed to a spot between Chase and Steen, close to where Zane was standing.
    He obediently set it down, holding it out for her. He gave her a private smile as she sat down, and her heart fluttered in response. "Thanks."
    He nodded, and retreated back to his seat on the other side of the table.
    Taylor helped herself to some cold eggs, a couple pieces of bacon, and half a muffin. Everything was cold, and everyone's plates were empty, making her realize that breakfast had been going on for quite a while. Why hadn't anyone come to get her? She bit her lip as she started to eat. The conversation swelled again, a rapid-fire exchange as everyone made plans for the day.
    "Chase and I are headed into town to do some shopping," Mira announced. "We really need to finish furnishing the baby's room."
    "Steen and I are heading into town too," Erin said. "We're picking up more stuff for the house and the clinic. You want to meet for lunch?"
    "Totally." Mira grinned at her. "Maybe we could go shopping for clothes after lunch?" She patted her belly. "I need a couple more tops. I can't fit anything over my belly anymore." She beamed at Chase. "You and Steen can do some man stuff."
    He smiled and put his arm around her. "You know I'm happy to shop with you. I'll go with you."
    Taylor bit her lip, listening to the exchange. "Um, you need any help from me?" She wanted to be the one buying clothes with Mira, but she wasn't sure she was invited.
    "Oh, no," Mira laughed. "You take the day off. We have it covered. We'll get back to work on the basement tomorrow."
    "You sure? I mean, I'm here to help you—"
    Mira rolled her eyes. "You've done so much, Taylor. Take a day off and relax. You never do that."
    Taylor let out her breath. Yes, that was true, she never relaxed, but she had no clue what she was supposed to do for fun, especially here. She hadn't come here to relax. She'd come here to help Mira, and now it seemed like Mira didn't need her help.
    Before Mira had met Chase, she and Mira had been the primary support for each other. They'd both gone through some tough times, and they'd always picked each other up. Mira had more people to count on now, which was great for her, but Taylor's life was the same as it always had been. The one place she'd fit, that she'd always belonged, no longer had as much room or need for her. "I don't mind. I can work in the basement while you're gone. Just tell me what to do."
    "No." Mira leaned forward, her familiar eyes soft. "Seriously, Taylor, this is a beautiful ranch. Breathe it in. Let it fill your heart. Let yourself get off the treadmill for one day. You might find you like it."
    Taylor's cheeks heated up when she realized everyone was looking at her. Suddenly, she felt like a charity project, like Mira had invited her here to save her, not because she'd needed help. "Oh, I'll be all set," she said brightly. "You go and have a good day. I have lots to do."
    "No." Mira shook her head. "Don't do. Just be."
    Just be. What did that mean? Taylor managed a smile. "Right, okay, I got it. I'll be fine."
    But it was a total lie. She didn't even know what fine meant anymore…especially not with the way Zane was watching her so intently, and not saying a single word.
***
    Zane watched Taylor carefully as she discussed the day's plans with Mira. Her smile was as gorgeous as ever, but he already knew her well enough to notice it wasn't reaching her eyes. She was holding her fork a little too tightly, and her shoulders were stiff. She was clearly feeling uncomfortable and out of place, and he knew it, because he felt the same way.
    Walking into that cozy little scene at the breakfast table had been