Katrina straightened, a deep purple plum in her hand. “I was about to offer to do the dishes.” She pasted Reed with a challenging expression, then took a slurping bite of the plum.

He nearly dropped the spatula.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Mandy quickly put in.

It took Reed’s lungs a moment to start functioning again. “If you gals need to head home right away…”

Caleb’s arm snaked out around Mandy. “I’m not letting this one go yet.”

“I have work to do at home,” Mandy admonished.

“Hire another hand. I’ll pay for it. You’re my fiancée, and I have dibs.”

Katrina’s gaze rested on Reed, making him feel guilty for his snarky attitude. But he’d done her a favor this morning, and she’d treated him like something nasty on the bottom of her shoe. She might get away with that back in New York City, but it wasn’t cutting it out here.

“Exactly how long do you expect me to stay?” Mandy teased Caleb.

His voice went deep, communicating more emotion than a single word. “Forever.”

Realizing he’d nearly burned the eggs, Reed twisted the burner control to the off position and moved them to one side.

“Cute.” Mandy patted Caleb’s cheek, seeming completely unaffected by his staunch declaration.

“Well, I should get back,” said Katrina.

“Oh, no.” Mandy walked forward toward Katrina before coming up against the tether of Caleb’s hand in hers. “Stay.”

Katrina turned to her sister. “Why would I stay?”

Stay and ride your bicycle, Reed found himself fuming. The least she could do was give it a try.

“You might as well be here as down there,” said Mandy. “We haven’t had a chance to talk.” She tugged playfully at Caleb’s hand, while he held her fast. “And I don’t think this one’s going to let me leave.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Reed saw Katrina glance his way.

“Reed’s not going to care,” said Mandy.