“A nice eclectic mix of songs,” Katrina noted to no one in particular. “That’s my preference for an evening like this.”

“Excuse me?” an unfamiliar male voice sounded just behind her.

Katrina turned to see a rather handsome man in his mid-thirties, his hand held out to her, palm up.

“Would you care to-” The man’s gaze abruptly flicked upward. “Never mind,” he muttered, dropping his hand. “I’m sorry.” Then he turned away.

Katrina watched his retreat in puzzlement. Not that she wanted to dance. Her ankle was starting to ache. But it was very strange behavior.

“Thing is,” Travis carried on in a firm voice. “There’s absolutely no reason for you to be afraid of them.”

Katrina turned back, knowing she wasn’t going to be able to avoid the topic forever. But as she turned, she met Reed’s hard gaze. He’d planted himself on the chair directly across from her, his face twisted into a tight frown. She guessed that explained the would-be dance partner’s abrupt departure.

“You’re in pretty good shape,” Travis continued talking to Katrina. “And you must have decent balance.”

“Decent,” Katrina agreed, still watching Reed. The meddler.

“You might want to tackle that chicken fear, too,” said Mandy, a gentle teasing note in her tone.

Katrina took a long swallow of her champagne. It was her third glass tonight, and she noted the alcohol was putting a pleasant lethargy in her limbs. Reed’s expression began to look faintly amusing, and the company of her siblings didn’t seem quite as intimidating as usual.

Abigail arrived and took the chair next to Reed. “What are we talking about?” She glanced to the faces around the table.

Travis spoke up. “Katrina’s irrational fear of Colorado.”

“It’s not a fear,” she defended. “More…” She paused to find the right word. “A distaste.”

“That’s silly,” said Abigail. “What’s not to love around here? The mountains, the trees, the clear air, the clean water.”