LITMIR.BIZ

      5

      LUCAS STEPPED ONTO the porch of the McAllisters’ large three-story log house carrying his bag, the brim of his Stetson tugged down low. Normally, he wouldn’t have bothered wearing his hat from his truck to the front door. But it helped eliminate unnecessary eye contact.

      He’d assumed Melanie had exaggerated about the ranch being overrun by female guests. Hell, he must’ve seen two dozen of them already, and he’d only just arrived. Fortunately, it seemed most of the ladies were headed to the row of rental cars parked near the stable. Though that hadn’t stopped a few from trying to engage him in conversation.

      The door opened before he could knock.

      “Hi, you must be Lucas.” The woman had long auburn curls, bright green eyes and a friendly smile. “I’m Rachel McAllister. Come in.”

      He saw a trio of women approaching from behind her, and he automatically stepped to the side.

      Rachel glanced over her shoulder. “I think this is the last wave,” she whispered, then moved to let the women pass.

      The curvy brunette and her smaller friend flashed him smiles as they walked past him and hurried down the porch steps. A tall blonde wearing red heels and a short denim skirt lagged behind them, pausing to say something to Rachel that made her laugh.

      “My brothers are spoken for,” Rachel said. “You see them in town, you leave them alone. Same goes for Matt.”

      “You know I’m harmless.” The blonde gave her a mischievous grin, then continued onto the porch. She stopped again when she spotted Lucas. Eyeing him up and down, she drawled, “I haven’t seen you before.”

      “Nope, just got here.” He had a good look at her ample breasts. Couldn’t miss them, molded by the clingy shirt.