rushed over and took it from him. “No. I’ll cook us both breakfast while you get ready. Zoey needs us.”
“No, I’ll cook breakfast.” Evelyn stepped into the kitchen and took the pan from Rae. “I have one job around here, and you’d better let me do it.” The woman chuckled. She was too happy for this early hour.
She eyed Rae. “I see you found Liam. Either that or he found you.”
Evelyn sent Liam a look. What was that about?
“Yes, I found him at the resort, just like you told me.”
“Morning, Evelyn,” Liam said. “I’d never dream of taking your job from you. I didn’t want to wake you.”
“Pfft. I’ve been in my room reading my devotionals.” She retrieved eggs, bacon, butter, and bread. “Now, what will it be? How do you like your eggs, dear?”
Rae wasn’t usually one for breakfast this early either. Her stomach always wanted to sleep in whether or not Rae was up, but today would be long. “However Liam’s having them is fine.”
“Scrambled.” He drank from his mug. “Thanks, Evelyn. Do you mind if I shower? I promise to be here before you plate the eggs.”
“Get to it.” She whisked the eggs, a look of satisfaction on her face.
“I’ll be back.” Liam stared at Rae.
For a moment, she thought he might have been going to give her a peck on the cheek. Then he left her sitting there and headed for his room. Something about standing in the kitchen with him had seemed warm and cozy and homey, as if Rae belonged here and they were a couple. She shook off the thought.
And chased after Liam.
She caught him at the hallway. “Did you learn anything last night?”
He rubbed his chin, fatigue evident on his face. “Yes. Simon’s brother, Enzo—his face seems familiar. So I called my old boss. I’m waiting for him to tell me if this is a guy that’s on the DEA’s radar.”
Rae let his words soak in. “Wait. You called your old boss because this Astor guy seemed familiar? Are you saying that he’s not just a guy you’ve seen around Jackson Hole?”
Liam frowned. “I’m not sure. Let’s just say that seeing his face jarred me in an unpleasant way. It can’t hurt to find out if he’s someone I should be worried about.”
“Okay. Well. That’s something. Now, go get ready. We have work to do.”
“I like a take-charge kind of woman.” He turned his back on her and walked to his room.
She knew he’d only meant to tease.
She returned to the kitchen. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Evelyn smiled. “Nothing at all. But if I think of something, I’ll let you know. Go ahead and enjoy another cup of coffee. I’ve poured some for myself, and now I need to make another pot.”
“Let me do it.” Rae poured the last drop into her mug and made more. “I’m sure you’re surprised to see me here.” Rae explained to Evelyn some of what had transpired that led her to stay at the ranch last night. She wouldn’t want Evelyn to get the wrong idea about her and Liam. Had it been only yesterday morning when she’d driven out here to search for him? She was grateful for Evelyn’s willingness to help her.
The bacon sizzling in one pan, Evelyn scrambled the eggs in another. “I wasn’t surprised at all. I had a feeling I would see you again.” The woman winked, then focused on her breakfast preparations.
Rae went to the counter and climbed onto the stool where Liam had left his laptop open. She eyed the keys, her fingers itching to wake up the screen. He wouldn’t mind, would he?
She drank more coffee and resisted, wanting to ask permission first, not wanting to add to her already destroyed reputation where Liam was concerned. She wouldn’t give him the impression she was using him.
Still, she could be working while he got ready. He wouldn’t be much longer. Evelyn was about to plate those eggs. Rae touched the keyboard.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?” Liam’s voice came from behind.
Evelyn slid two plates onto the counter. Eggs, bacon, and toast.
Wow, he cleaned up fast. Rae slid his laptop over to him and grabbed her plate. She glanced at Evelyn to avoid looking at Liam. “Thank you for this. I’ll do the dishes.”
“All you have to do is stick them in the dishwasher. Now, I have some chores to do and then I’ll be gone most of the day, Liam. Leroy is taking me out