“He’s right here,” Megan said. “I’ll give him the phone and you can ask him.”

As Megan passed the phone to her brother, she felt a prickle of disappointment. Her pulse had skipped when she’d recognized Conner’s name. But he’d only called to ask about Daniel.

Well, what did you expect? she chided herself. It wasn’t as if she’d wanted him to ask her out. After all, she’d already resolved to turn him down. Hadn’t she?

Clearly, Conner wasn’t interested in her except as a friend. He was holding out for Lacy, the dream woman who wasn’t even real.

Blast him!

Daniel was chatting happily. “Yeah! All right! That would be great!” Pausing, he thrust the phone back at Megan. “Conner wants to talk to you,” he said.

Megan took the phone. “I’m guessing Daniel wants the job,” she said.

“He does. But I need to clear it with your parents—and with you, since somebody will need to bring him here and maybe take him home. I’d offer, but it’s going to be a busy time for us. I may not be able to leave.”

“That’s all right with me. My dad is doing extra work at the school, and Mom has a deadline for her artwork. As long as he isn’t in danger, I don’t think either of them will mind having Daniel out of the house.”

“So it’s a yes?”

“Unless my mother objects. What time do you want him?”

“Is nine too early?”

“That should be fine.”

“Thanks, Megan. You’re the best.”

“You’re the best.” Not exactly the line a girl wants to hear, Megan thought as she ended the call. But again, what did she expect? She’d told Conner that she had a boyfriend and wasn’t interested in a serious relationship. If nothing else, he was respecting the boundaries she herself had drawn.

“So, is it all right?” Daniel was beaming. “Do I get to work at the ranch?”

“Maybe. But we’ll need to clear it with Mom.”

“Clear what?” Dorcas Carson had opened one of the sliding doors to her studio.

Megan explained Conner’s offer. Her mother looked worried. “I don’t know. The last time Daniel went to that tree ranch, he came home with his arm in a sling. Who’s going to keep him out of trouble? You can’t expect Conner to do it.”

“Please, Mom,” Daniel begged. “I’ll be careful. Honest.”

Dorcas frowned at Megan as if to say, Now look what you’re getting him into. “All right,” she said. “But on one condition. You go with your brother, Megan, and you stay the whole time to keep an eye on him. Otherwise, my answer is no.”

“Aw, Mom, I don’t need a babysitter,” Daniel argued.