Harlan laid her phone on the kitchen table and hit the speaker button. “Emmitt, for the last time we are fine. It was a mix-up with the new security guy last night. The idiot jumped the fence to get in. It’s really no big deal. We can go back to our house now.”

“You’re far more secure at Mom’s,” Emmitt snapped. “Your place is too small, on too much property. It’s a security nightmare. It doesn’t even have a gate. Let me talk to Dallas.”

“He’s not here,” she groaned, blaming her frustrated feelings on the intrusion of her brothers into her life. In actuality, it was the time spent away from Dallas that was driving her mad. He’d been gone all day and the sun was starting to set. It had been a long time since she’d had room in her mind for fantasies. But with Dallas, the daydreams were vivid and endless.

“What the hell am I paying him for if he’s not even on site?” Emmitt’s voice boomed.

“He told me you weren’t paying him at all. That instead he owed you his life, and he was paying back that debt. What exactly did you do that saved his life?” Harlan probed.

“I’d hire him either way. Friends or not, history or not. I trust Dallas, but it would be nice if he was on the job.” Emmitt was a pro at avoiding a question.

“He sent three guys in his place, and we’re basically on lockdown here. I’d like to get back to my own place. I have a life, you know.”

“The girls love being at Mom’s, and you’re safer there. Just stay.” Emmitt had a finality in his voice that drove Harlan up a wall.

“You’re finding a competent replacement for Dallas though, right? Like soon.” Harlan peeked out the window again, expecting him to appear out of thin air the way he kept doing in her mind. The start of a very vivid fantasy.

“Why?” Emmitt asked, sounding concerned. “He’s not giving you a problem, is he?”

“No,” she answered too quickly to sound natural. “He’s great, but he’s not looking to keep this job forever. I’m just wondering if you have a replacement in the works. Better than the guy who jumped the gate last night to get in.”

“Suddenly you want security?” Emmitt asked skeptically. “You’ve been fighting me every step of the way. Did something else happen? Is it Rylie? Dallas told me about him acting up at the club and following you.”

“Forget Rylie,” Harlan said with a huff. “Never mind. Just pretend I didn’t say anything and when you find someone to replace Dallas let me know.”

“She likes him,” a far-off voice said from Emmitt’s end of the line. His sweet girlfriend, Evie, was about to out her. Damn.

“What?” Emmitt asked, sounding like he was playing catch-up.

“Yeah, she probably only wants a replacement for him because he takes his job too seriously for them to get together while he’s supposed to be protecting her.”

Double Damn.

The only thing that would have saved Harlan from her brother’s merciless teasing about this would have been a swift disagreement of Evie’s assessment. But she hesitated. Just a beat. But it was long enough for her brother to detect.

“Really?” Emmitt laughed hardily. “That’s great. I’ll hurry up and find someone else for your protection detail. You’ve burned through most of the guys at the top of my list, and I think you were enough of a pain in the ass that they wouldn’t consider being rehired. I’ve got some other options. The Barringtons owe me a couple favors. That’s a family I enjoy having on speed dial. I’m networking with some people who could help.”

“Oh yeah, like you would want me dating Dallas,” Harlan scoffed, knowing exactly how Emmitt felt about men in her life over the years.

“I hated Rylie,” he said flatly. “My biggest worry was you’d get back with him. Dallas is a good guy. If you have to be with someone, I can live with it being him. But he’s right. Messing around while you’re on the job is dangerous.”

“I’m not going to be with anyone,” Harlan corrected, now annoyed. “I’m perfectly happy alone. Just do me a favor and for once stay out of this. I’ll take the damn security now if I have to, but don’t interject yourself into the rest of my personal business.”

“I’m so excited for you,” Evie sang, completely ignoring Harlan’s pleas. “I’ve seen a picture of him in Emmitt’s office. He’s gorgeous.”

“Down girl,” Emmitt scolded teasingly. “I’ll stay out of your personal life as long as you stay out of trouble. Do what Dallas says. Keep yourself safe. Even if that’s at Mom’s place for now. I’ve got my hands full with some consulting stuff, but I’ll be around to see the girls soon.”

“Hey,” Harlan said, her voice falling low and sad, “they know what happened that night. I thought we all played it so cool, but they know that Azeela’s men took us and you came to get us. I’ve been pretty pissed at you lately for trying to control everything. I don’t think I’ve said thank you. The girls and I,” she paused, the images of her angelic children appearing in her mind, “I’m not sure where we would be if it weren’t for what you did that night. What you’ve done for Dad ever since. This family is lucky to have you.”

“Cut it out,” Emmitt barked, clearing his throat and with it any emotions that were creeping up. “It’s what big brothers do. Don’t get all mushy.”

“Seriously,” she laughed, “we’ve made it all these years without emotions, let’s not start now.”

“Call me if you need me,” Emmitt said, Evie chirping a cheerful goodbye in the background.

Emmitt was hardheaded, stubborn, and a pain in the ass to argue with. They agreed on almost nothing. Debates spiraled into full-fledged screaming matches until their voices were hoarse and their heads were pounding. She didn’t understand his views but she always knew what made him tick.

Something occurred to her as she held her phone to her chest and thought of both her brothers. The people who broke down every boundary you had were the same ones who’d walk through fire for you. The ones who wouldn’t listen when you begged them to leave you alone would never leave you alone when you needed them. The best people in life were the ones who loved you intrusively and relentlessly.

Knowing that wouldn’t stop Harlan from complaining, but maybe every now and then she’d remember to thank them.