Connor (The Kendall Family Series Book 2) by Randi Everheart Page B

reminded her of Connor.
    “Sophia.” She eyed the bats warily, prompting the woman to smile reassuringly and come forward.
    “Don’t worry about these two,” she said in a rich alto. “They’re harmless. Mostly. I’m Kris, Connor’s older sister. That’s Riley over there. We followed the sound of running water, thinking it was our brother.”
    Kris carried herself boldly, exuding an energetic confidence that suggested she took shit from no one, especially men. She wore hiking boots that were caked with dried mud, though nothing else suggested she’d just been out in the wilds. She wore a sleeveless, buttoned-up green shirt that matched her eyes, which were confident, relaxed, and intelligent. Black shorts matched the jet black hair hanging like fine silk down her back. She cut a stunning, powerful figure that almost made her more intimidating than the two brothers flanking her.
    Riley was perhaps the most menacing despite the casual way he leaned backward against the counter, the bat twirling in his hand as if he wanted two more to juggle with. His muscled forearms bore colored tattoos, one of which looked like Special Forces or something. That reminded her of Connor’s remarks that Riley was a Marine and expert marksman. Riley certainly seemed the military type, with a strong jaw, crew cut, stubble, black hair, and steel-blue eyes that expertly appraised her. She felt nervous before him, like prey. Seeing her reaction, he smiled reassuringly, and in an instant he seemed more like a knight than a marauder.
    “Where’s our little brother?” Riley asked.
    “In the shower,” Sophia offered.
    “Do you know what’s going on? Connor told Quinn and me to come over and expect some trouble nearby. Naturally, Kris had to come, too.” He smirked at his sister, who smirked back.
    Sophia pursed her lips, not really wanting to get into it. “Boy trouble. Hopefully, you won’t need the bats.”
    Kris cocked an eyebrow. “Not against Connor, I assume. He’s not the type, for one, but he wouldn’t tell us to bring bats to use on himself, presumably.” Seeing Riley still twirling the Louisville Slugger out of the corner of her eye, she asked, “Would you stop that? You’re going to break something.”
    He shrugged as if to imply he was too skilled to let that happen, but on the next flip, Quinn casually snatched it out of the air without comment.
    Sophia took a breath and repeated what she’d told Connor, adding that she was staying at the inn for the week at Connor’s suggestion and she needed to get some personal belongings. The eyes of all three of them narrowed in anger on hearing about Seth’s activities. The men looked grimly determined, almost sinister, and a spark lit Kris’ eyes. She came to Sophia and gave her a heartfelt hug. Sophia noticed the other woman smelled like a horse, which reminded her that Kris was well-known locally for her skill at equestrian events. That explained the muddy boots. She likely ran Sugarloaf Stables for the family, or at least spent a lot of time there.
    “Don’t worry,” Kris began, pulling back. “We’ll get your things and have you back here, or maybe at the big house. Connor’s a good man, but, well, you’re his type. I doubt he could stop himself from being charming, even if you weren’t.”
    Sophia’s pulse quickened at the revelation that she was his type, but the comment about flirting made her wonder if he was just like that with every woman. She bit her lip, then made herself stop that.
    “We’ll take care of Seth,” said Riley.
    Kris shot him a look. “We’re not going to do anything stupid.”
    Riley shrugged. “From the sound of this guy, he needs a little convincing. And I don’t mean explaining.”
    “I think we all know what you meant,” Quinn said with a grin. The brothers exchanged a look of what Sophia took for agreement.
    “Meant about what?” Connor asked as he stepped into the room wearing jeans and the t-shirt from earlier, his