He gave a woof and fell in beside her.

“You’re the only handsome boy I need in my life, aren’t you?” She dug her fingers into his fur, and his body wiggled.

“Now that’s a shame.”

Piper clenched her eyes shut. Double damn. He’d heard.

“What?” She bought herself some time as Dylan fell in beside her.

“You, saying you didn’t want any more handsome men in your life.”

“I wasn’t referring to you.”

“Never said you were, and it’d be just plain wrong to call myself handsome.”

She didn’t look at him, instead keeping her fingers in Buzz’s fur and her eyes straight ahead. He talked in a deep tone that seemed to roll up her spine, which was ridiculous. The man was as cool and emotionless as the snow that topped Phil and Roxy.

“So I guess you guys own the bar too?”

“Joe owns that.”

“So what else you got in your portfolio?”

“Places.”

“Which places?”

“Why do you need to know?” She shot him a look, but his eyes were on her so she turned away.

“Just being polite.”

“We own a few industrial sites, and the ranch, plus some rental properties.”

He whistled. “The Trainers have done good.”

“We earned it.” Piper hadn’t meant to sound defensive, but it came out that way. She was very proud of the fact her cousins had turned their lives around, considering the feral boys they’d been when she first met them. Not that she was much better.

“It wasn’t an insult, and considering what those boys went through I’m pleased things worked out for them.”

“Thanks.”

“Buzz is a nice dog. I’ve never been big on pets, but I can see how he grows on you. I now have his hair all over the back seat of my car, so I’m thinking that makes me a part owner.”

Piper sighed. “That hair gets everywhere. You’ll be finding it for weeks. He’s Joe and Bailey’s, but the town has pretty much adopted him too. They kind of gave him the key, so he has a free run.”

“Good work, buddy.”

Dylan leaned down and played with Buzz’s ears, which the dog happened to love above all things. When he straightened, he stopped walking. Following his gaze, she saw Ava entering Phil’s.

“She works for us part-time.”

“Really,” he said softly. “You met that boyfriend of hers?”

“I have.”

“And?”

“They date.”

“And?”

Piper exhaled slowly.

“He’s okay, and most of the time I like him, but sometimes he’s a bit of a loser.”

“I’ve always wondered how someone can be a bit of a loser. They either are or they aren’t. Only met the guy once, and he struck me as harmless enough.”