Roughing It With Ryan by Jill Shalvis

for a long time,” he finally said. “That’s all.”
    There was a weariness in his voice now that made her hesitate.
    Don’t ask.
    Don’t dig.
    It doesn’t concern you. He doesn’t concern you. “Is something the matter?”
    He looked surprised at the question, and that tugged at her, too. He was surrounded by people, she knew that now. People who depended on him. His brothers. His sister. His laborers.
    But who did he depend on?
    â€œI’m just tired of trees,” he admitted, letting out that melting crooked smile while he stretched his long body and groaned. “My body is tired of trees. I’ll be glad when…”
    Though she waited, he didn’t finish. He just closed his mouth, put his sunglasses back over his eyes and tilted up his face to the sinking sun.
    â€œRyan? You’ll be glad when…what?”
    A honk from the street startled them both. At thecurb sat a bright red Miata. A woman got out, a brunette with legs from here to New York.
    Ryan knew this because she wore a leather mini-skirt that showed them off, topped by heels that screamed do me! Her top was leather too, but didn’t quite meet the skirt, exhibiting a sparkling stud in her quite exposed belly button.
    But what confused Ryan was the way she beelined right toward him, her very red lips in a welcoming smile that he didn’t understand.
    Him? She was smiling at him?
    He craned his neck and checked behind him to make sure, but the only people on the steps were himself and Suzanne.
    â€œRyan?” Long Legs held out her slim hand, which he automatically took. “I’m Allene.” She smiled expectantly, as if waiting for him to slap his forehead and say, “Of course. Allene. ”
    Allene. Allene. Who the hell was Allene and why was she looking at him like that, as if she’d like to gobble him up in one bite? He looked at Suzanne, who was still looking at Allene.
    He came to his feet as the woman said, “I know we arranged for me to pick you up at home, but I heard you were working down here, and I drive right by every day, so I thought…” She trailed off and smiled again.
    Suddenly Angel’s message the other night made sense. Everything clicked into place.
    His brother.
    This was the “hot chick” Rafe had set him up with, without permission, and while she was definitely hot and definitely a chick, he didn’t want… Ah, hell.
    Suzanne was staring at him.
    Allene was staring at him.
    And Ryan was going to kill his meddling younger brother. Russ wouldn’t mind being without his twin—Rafe was a pain in all their asses. He’d be doing the family a favor. “I’m sorry, there’s been a mistake. My brother…”
    â€œOh, for Pete’s sake, just go with her.” This from Suzanne, who stood up and dusted off her hands. “Have fun.”
    â€œSuz—”
    â€œâ€™Night!” And she was gone, the door to the building shut in his face. Shut very politely, mind you, but shut good and tight.
    â€œDo you mind that I came here?” Finally sensing his confusion, Allene matched it with a little pout of her full, red lips. “I just thought that since I had tickets to that play, we could save time, and—”
    â€œNo.” Ryan managed a smile. “It’s fine, it’s just that…” He looked into her melting brown eyes. “I’m really tired, I’m sorry.”
    â€œOh.” She looked down at a set of tickets in her hand, and Ryan felt like a jerk. “I…understand.”
    Ah, hell. “But…”
    Allene brightened. “But?” she said with such hope Ryan knew he had to do this.
    â€œBut I’ll be fine,” he said.
    â€œGreat! We’ll stop by your house so you can shower and change first.” She took his hand and tugged him toward her car.
    Ryan watched Taylor’s building fade away and wondered what Suzanne was