One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

14. Galen

14

GALEN

I narrow my eyes at my twin as Bea and Violet disappear. Ridge ignores me as usual to avoid talking. I will not let him get away with it this time, as the girl has already piqued the interest of Atilio and Essex.

Of all my brothers, Ridge is the one who has no qualms about bedding and discarding. He can't do that to Bea. I won't let him.

Suddenly, Ridge hisses and lets out a stream of expletives. He turns to face me with his hands on his tool belt. "What's your problem?"

"My problem? I'm not the one with my hands all over Bea."

"I'm not an asshole. She looked ready to fall apart." He shrugs, avoiding eye contact. "She needed a hug." His eyes slide to mine. "You need to look somewhere else. Violet's only seventeen."

Before I say something I'll probably regret, I get back to work, and after a moment, Ridge follows.

Violet is cute and bubbly and has no qualms about teasing me with her mischievous looks and fluttering eyelashes. I know she is too young for me at seventeen, but there is nothing wrong with looking. I just won't touch her.

The smell of freshly shaved wood fills my senses and I forget everything else. Dad taught each of us how to work magic with wood, and luckily, we all followed in his footsteps. Redd WoodArt is in demand, and it keeps our home in good shape, as well as providing some savings for the six of us.

I run my fingers over the slick red oak that is the next shelf to be installed.

"I like the girl, okay?" Ridge mutters. "She's fresh as a daisy. When I look at her, I want to protect her. I can't explain it." He sighs. "Can we get back to work now?"

"If we have to, though I'd rather be outside with the girls."

"Yeah, well, let's get to work before Boone shows up and kicks our asses." Ridge grabs a few tools before taking the weight of one end of the oak shelf I'm holding. "What do you think happened to her mom?" he asks.

My eyebrows knit together. "I don't know. Evelyn will know."

"Hold still so I can align my end," Ridge says, concentrating on what he's doing.

"I like Violet," I admit. "I know I'm dreaming."

He takes a breath and says, "Some dreams come true, Galen."

It's on the tip of my tongue to ask him about Bea again. I know my twin better than our other brothers, and I know there is more going on in his head when it comes to Bea.

The sound of approaching footsteps distracts me, and then Violet appears.

"Would you both like something cold to drink?" Violet's voice sends shivers down my spine.

"Didn't your mom tell you to stay away from us?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

Ridge shoots me a glare. "We'd like something cold. Thanks, Violet." He nudges me and mutters, "Will you make up your mind?" He walks outside and I follow.

Violet and Bea are standing at the patio table with a pitcher of iced tea. Ridge can say whatever he wants, but the fact is, he likes Bea. When she pulls out a chair and sits down, Ridge does the same.

We're about to get fired. I take the drink Violet hands me and join them.

I empty the glass of iced tea, accept a refill, and watch Bea. The girl looks lost. Ridge clears his throat and shoots me a scowl before taking one of Bea's hands in his.

She lifts her eyes and looks at him. I curse as a headache sets in.