“That’s what guys say after they go out with one of us,” Birdie teased, earning a scowl from Diesel, which made Tracey and the other girls laugh.

“Have you guys eaten yet?” Sasha asked.

Tracey shook her head. “Not yet, but I’m getting hungry.”

“We haven’t, either. Let’s get food while you guys catch up with Simone,” Sasha suggested. “Give Tracey a break from being dragged around the yard.”

Tracey was about to say she never needed a break from Diesel, and she loved meeting the people in his life, but his knowing glance told her that he already knew all that. His theory about saving his breath by keeping his thoughts to himself must have been wearing off on her, because she no longer felt the need to say it. “Sounds good.”

Tracey grabbed a plate. “Simone, do they work you hard on the ranch?”

“Cowboy would like to work her hard.” Birdie smirked.

Simone rolled her eyes as she put salad on her plate. “I like the work I do here, and yes, it’s hard some days. But that cowboy-hat-wearing tyrant is the bane of my existence.”

“Why is that?” The protective nature in Diesel’s voice did not go unnoticed. Neither did the way he eyed Cowboy as he sauntered over.

Cowboy leaned over Simone’s shoulder, speaking gruffly. “What’d I tell you about eatin’ like a bird? Load up that plate, girl. You’re gonna need the fuel for chores later.”

Simone flashed a deadpan look at Diesel. “Does that answer your question?” She turned to Cowboy with fire in her eyes. “Not all of us need to eat like a horse in order to care for them.” She lifted her chin and stalked off.

Diesel arched a brow as Cowboy watched her go and said, “She’s a pistol, isn’t she?”

“Careful, Cowboy. It’s those fierce ones you have to look out for.” Diesel’s gaze slid to Tracey, lust and love eating up the space between them. “What starts as a spark can lead to full-on combustion, and you’ll never be the same again.”

“Our wise cousin has spoken.” Cowboy winked at Diesel.

“Cowboy, you better keep your finger away from Simone’s trigger.” Sasha glared at her older brother. “Hooking up with anyone involved with the ranch will not end well. Just ask Doc.”

“What happened with Doc?” Tracey asked.

Diesel and Cowboy exchanged a glance she couldn’t read, and Cowboy said, “Let’s just say he fell for the wrong girl and bought himself a whole heap of trouble.”