Page 38 of The Artist

“That’s putting it mildly,” chuckled Cole.“I don’t know why you had to be different and not put your ranch near the rest of our places.It would have been that much more grazing for the cattle and horses we raise.”

“I spent enough time with you all growing up.”

Cole reached over and punched him in the arm.

“Ow.”Peter looked back at Alexis and grinned.

She rolled her eyes.“I would have known you two are brothers even if you hadn’t told me.You act juvenile with each other.And don’t worry, neither ballet nor opera aremy thing.”

The conversation was light during the thirty-minute drive to Peter’s ranch.She was fine with that, since she really didn’t want to talk about the fire yet, anyway.

They were almost upon it before she actually saw the house.When they reached Peter’s home, her mouth fell open at the site of a huge, three-story log structure set back in the trees, which though sparse, were close enough together to hide the building effectively.

“It’s beautiful.”She couldn’t keep the awe from her voice.The house was so much bigger than she’d imagined.Ponderosa pine and blue spruce trees surrounded the house.The building itself had large windows on every floor to let in the light.The front door had a large stained glass window of a nature scene and below it the door was stained to match the surrounding logs.

“Thanks,” said Peter.“It’s home.”

Both men exited the vehicle.

Peter hurried around the SUV, opened her door and helped her out.

Cole headed to the rear to grab their luggage.“Peter is the only one of us who built in the trees.Although, after he was done, the rest of us wondered why we didn’t do it, too.”

Alexis nodded.“Since seeing this home, I can understand why.”She followed Peter into the house.

They entered a large foyer with a gorgeous chandelier for lighting.They continued into the living room, which was furnished with a white sofa and loveseat, dark wood coffee and end tables, and magnificent rock fireplace.“Wow!Just wow.This place is fantastic.”

Peter shrugged.“It’s home.My mother had a decorator come in and design most of the rooms, with the exception of my bedroom and my den.I wanted those rooms to be all mine.”

“In that case, I can’t wait to see them.”

“Come on.I’ll show you part of the house and then we’re going shopping.”

“On that note,” said Cole.“I’m taking my leave.”

Peter shook his head.“We need to talk to you.Why don’t you watch the game here and we’ll talk when I get back?”

“Okay.You go on and I’ll catch what I can of the game in the den.”

“Which game?”asked Peter.

“The Broncos.It’s the last regular season game.They’re playing the Chiefs, and you know how much those teams hate each other.”

“I do.”Suddenly, Peter grinned.“Did you make a bet?”

“Just a small one.Jimmy won’t take large bets from me anymore, since I nearly wiped him out last time I did.”

Peter lifted one brow and crossed his arms over his chest.“I don’t blame him.I wouldn’t take a bet from you…period.”

Cole laughed.“That’s because you know me so well.All these other men see is a billionaire and a chance to take some of my money.”

Peter shook his head.“That’s never going to happen.They just don’t know it yet.”

“That is correct.My wife would kill me if I started losing and hopefully I have enough common sense to know when to quit.But a couple hundred dollars each week won’t hurt me.”

Clasping his hand on Cole’s shoulder, Peter gave it a squeeze.“Well, enjoy yourself and be careful.Some of those people don’t like to lose.”

“I’m careful.”