He stopped dead in his tracks. “Who the hell is Chance?”
“I told you she wanted a ménage. You, me, and Chance Anderson, a laborer where she lives. She claims to love us equally, like three parts to make a whole.”
Matthew was developing a headache, too much information overload, too much to digest. It was only weeks ago that Cindy was a blushing virgin. He’d been a gentleman and left her intact. Now she was ready for the big leagues—three men?
He wasn’t adverse to the idea, but he didn’t know the other man and Cindy hadn’t called on him herself. “If she wants me so bad, why didn’t she come?”
“I wanted to surprise her. I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I’m not proud of, Matthew, but I want to do right by Cindy.” He massaged behind his own neck with one hand. “I love her. I want my daddy to look down from the heavens and see his dream come alive. See a family living on the Granger Ranch, not two lost souls.”
His friend was being sincere. He could feel the pain when he spoke of his father. He missed Mr. Granger himself, so could only image what Adam and Josh were going through. If Matthew wanted to contact his parents, he’d only have to pick up a phone or drive down to the city for a visit.
“What’s Adam think of all this?”
Josh laughed out loud. “He doesn’t know. Chance and Cindy are up in my room right now, and Adam was in the kitchen when I left.”
“Now this I’ve got to see.”
“Good morning, baby girl.”
Cindy smiled sleepily as she peeked open her eyes. Her dirty-blond Adonis stared back at her, his head propped up on his hand.
“Morning, cowboy.”
He ran his hand through her hair, tucking stray hairs away from her face. “I could get used to waking up to you every morning.”
“Forever?”
“Forever.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“Where’s Josh?”
“Don’t know.” Chance slipped off his side of the bed and began to dress. She was still exhausted from what the men had put her through yesterday. How could they expect a woman to experience orgasm after orgasm and not sleep twelve hours straight?
The sun was streaming in through the opening in the heavy curtain. A new day. There was no longer a decision as to if she’d settle down with these men, it was a question of how and when. She knew she’d made the right decision because, for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel like treading water. Cindy had made the choice that was right for her. It felt liberating, and she had no regrets. First on the agenda would be to call Matthew and apologize for her behavior. He was such a sweetheart, the only good thing she could salvage from her miserable past. He was the last piece in the puzzle.
Living arrangements, telling family, employment…the list seemed never-ending, but it was worth it. If all the chaos led to a happily ever after with the three men she cared about, it would be worth every struggle.
She got dressed and then joined Chance downstairs. Before she even reached the bottom stair, she heard arguing.
Then she remembered Adam. Hadn’t Josh told his brother? It was his irritated voice she heard shouting above the other. She hurried into the kitchen and found the two men facing off, no sign of Josh.
“Cindy. Is it true? You spent the night with my brother and this guy? I know I heard one man in his room, didn’t anticipate two.”
“Josh should have explained.” She knew her face was beet red. It would take her a long time before she was comfortable talking about her multiple partners. Even though it was growing more common in society, it still felt taboo.
Just then the side door to the house burst open bringing in the freshness of the morning air. In walked Josh. And Matthew.
“Thanks for telling me about our second guest,” said Adam. If my rifle had been near, I might have shot him as an intruder.”
“Sorry. I didn’t think they’d wake before I showed up. As you know, it was a long night,” said Josh, winking at Cindy. Her face grew hotter.
The five of them sat down at the old oak table. There was too much testosterone in the room. She felt like the cause of all the tension and began to question herself.
“So…” started Adam. “You sure you want to discuss this in front of Matthew?”
“He’s part of this,” said Josh.
Matthew continued to watch her from the opposite side of the table. If she reached out her hands she’d be able to meet him in the middle. The fact Josh brought him on his own volition was something. The fact Matthew came was everything. She had hope. The outcome of today would decide the rest of her life.
“The three of you. And her?”
“Like you always tell me, shit happens. Same thing with love,” said Josh.
“And why am I in this discussion?” asked Adam. “Please don’t tell me you want me to join in.”
“Lord no,” said Chance. “Three other men would be more than I could handle.”
She kept quiet as the men continued to discuss their relationship as if she wasn’t there. Matthew kept looking at her. She wanted to fold herself into his arms, feel his acceptance, but she chose to keep as invisible as possible.
What would life be like living with Chance, Josh, and Matthew? She’d never had sex with the three of them, but imagined it would be something to remember. What she really envisioned when she thought of the future was the simple things—dinner together, working the land side by side, and quiet nights by the fire. Would they fight, get along, fall madly in love?
“I think that’s the best course of action,” said Josh. She’d zoned out, lost in thought. “What do you think, darlin’?”
“Sorry. What?”
“Taking everything into consideration, I think it would be best for everyone to settle here. Matthew’s ranch just sold, and Chance doesn’t have a place of his own.”
“You want me to move here? I told you I hate this town.” Just the thought of living in the same town she grew up in made her claustrophobic. It was like moving backwards rather than forward. She began to clam up. Although she wanted a future with her men, looked forward to it, she never contemplated all the logistics.
“It can’t be so bad, baby girl,” said Chance. “It’ll be a change for the both of us.” He sat beside her and squeezed her knee. It anchored her slightly, but she was still more confused than ever. She should have thought of this. The men seemed to be in relative agreement, but she was lost.
“I need some air.” She stood up and nearly ran to the side door. Cindy burst out into the open air, taking a deep breath to calm herself. This was what she wanted, but the thought of her old town terrified her.
“You okay?” asked Matthew. He’d joined her outside. Without thinking, she hugged him around the waist. He held her close, resting his chin on top her head. She found comfort in his arms. He was familiar, safe.
“No.”
“I understand what you’re feeling, but you can’t hide from the past. You’re not the same girl you were. I barely recognized you. You’re a woman and a beautiful one at that. Things will be different.”
“You don’t know that. Everyone knows me here. I’ll be the same Cindy Taylor I was before—the cripple, the invalid. At least in my new town I’ve reinvented myself.”
“You’re imagining things. If anyone dared to upset you, I’d be sure they’d never mutter another rude word again.”
She believed him but still needed time to think, to come to grips with what the men proposed. It was the most logical choice. Josh even mentioned finding it difficult working the ranch alone with Adam. The other two men had no land of their own. They could pool their resources and settle on the Granger Ranch. It could become home to all of them, the location of their combined happily ever after. But it was too good to be true. Cindy was only used to heartache and disappointment.
“I need to go home. I need to talk to my mom. I–I need to think this through.” Luckily, she’d driven her own truck out here. She had her keys in the fro
nt pocket of her jeans, and she was itching to get away. She began to back up, moving toward her vehicle. “I’ll call tomorrow.”
Matthew hadn’t moved. He just stared at her with those blue puppy-dog eyes. She didn’t want to hurt him. “Don’t run, Cindy. Don’t you disappear on us again.”
“I need to think,” she repeated.
She climbed into her truck and started the engine. As she turned the truck, she swore she heard him call out, “I love you, Cindy Taylor.” Or it may have been the wind.
Chapter Sixteen
Cindy cried herself dry on the way back to town. She had to continually wipe away her tears to see the road ahead of her. It would be so easy to turn the truck around and return to the cowboys who claimed to love her. She wanted to. But she was leery of happiness. Every time Cindy believed she’d found it, it was either a lie or pulled away from her like a carrot on a stick. This situation was different because she trusted these men. Her problems were internal. She had to overcome her insecurities before she lost her chance, pushing the men so far that they’d cut their losses and be done with her.
She pulled into the driveway of her home. Maybe not home for much longer. Her mother was sitting on the porch, pinching the tips off of peas. Cindy was going to greet her, put on a happy face so she wouldn’t worry. But when she was about to open her mouth, the floodgates to her emotions unleashed. She rushed into the house and burst into her room, dropping down on her bed.
Cindy cried into her pillow, releasing everything pent up inside her—now and from years of keeping stoic. Her mother’s gentle hand rubbed circles on her back. She knew she’d come. She was beyond hiding now.
“Tell me what happened, Cindy.”
She shook her head, her face buried in her pillow.
“Come now. It can’t be that bad.”
After crying a while longer, she rolled to her side, sniffling and wiping her eyes. “I might be in love,” she said.
Her mother smiled. “And this is a bad thing? Does he not love you back?”
“Yes. It’s not that…it’s me. Something’s wrong with me. I don’t–I don’t know how to accept love.”
Her mother pulled her up into the cradle of her arms. She rocked back and forth like when she was a girl crying after being teased at school. “You deserve love, Cindy. I’ve always told you, but for some reason you never believed me.”
“I’ve always been different.”
“But we loved you no less. The right man wouldn’t see your faults but the wonderful woman you are. Don’t hide from love, embrace it.”
She chuckled softly. “It may be too late. I seem to be very good at pushing men away.”
“I know that. It’s driven me crazy for years.” Her mother kissed her cheek. “Who is it? Was it Chance Anderson?”
She had to explain so much. “Not just him.”
“You love more than one man?”
“Three.”
“You see. That’s what happens when you wait too long.” They both laughed. Her mother held her tighter. “Now don’t cry because you’re loved, child. Don’t question it. You have too much life left to live to only know sadness.”
“Thank you.”
Cindy knew what she had to do. She only hoped Chance, Matthew, and Josh were willing to hear her out after so many disappearing acts.
The next morning, Cindy awoke early, showered, and hit the road. She had to finish the service calls on her list and then speak to Mr. Oakley about her future at the company. After a good night’s sleep, she felt revitalized, ready to turn the next page in her life. She had absorbed her mother’s wise words and planned to accept the love from her men. No more pushing them away.
She parked in the lot of the Donner Ranch. Johnny came out of the barn to greet her, a coil of rope over one shoulder. He had a haughty look on his face today, probably because he was pissed she didn’t show up the other day.
“Didn’t think you’d show,” he said.
“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy.”
He smirked. “So I’ve seen.” Johnny acted like he knew a secret she didn’t. He made her more uncomfortable than usual.
Cindy decided to just keep professional and not encourage his behavior. “Where’s the problem, Johnny?”
“What? No small talk? I’ve been flirting with you for years and all you’ve ever done is cut me down.”
“I’m here on business. Nothing more.”
“And Chance Anderson? Was he only business?”
Her heart began to race. She looked side to side, hoping to see one of the farm hands. They were alone.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Johnny. I have other calls to make today.”
“I’m sure you do.” He backed her up until her rear hit the door of her truck. She swallowed hard. “What does it take to get myself a service call? I know I can offer you more compensation than Anderson, a common labourer.”
“You were there,” she said in sudden realization. It was like a nightmare, one of the biggest embarrassments of her life. She’d heard footsteps when she’d had sex with Chance and Josh at the Connery Ranch. Johnny must have seen them, watched them through the slats in the barn. Now he expected she was a common whore, selling herself to cowboys for profit. He couldn’t be more wrong.
“It was quite the show. I didn’t peg you for such a little siren, Cindy.” He reached to cup her cheek, but she pulled back hard, hitting her head on the metal truck.
“Don’t touch me. It wasn’t what you think.”
“I’ll be the laughingstock when this goes public. Which it will. I mean, who refuses a wealthy rancher for a penniless nobody? It’s embarrassing.”
“Move,” she said. “I’ll get Mr. Oakley to send someone else to handle your calls.”
“But I want you.” He held her chin in a too-tight grip, forcing her face up for a kiss. His lips were wet and crushing. She forced her head side to side in a failing attempt to avoid his mouth. His body pressed so tight to hers she could scarcely breathe. She had no other choice—she bit his lip.
Johnny roared and staggered back before rushing forward. She ran across the yard, hoping to garner the attention of another cowboy. Cindy screamed when he grabbed her by the back of her hair, jolting her to a stop. She kicked and struggled until they were rolling on the gravel.
She may be quiet, but she wasn’t easy prey. Cindy was raised working on a farm, dealing with wayward cowboys. But not like this. She bit and scratched, anything to fight him off.
“What’s going on here?” The loud, commanding voice was her saving grace.
Johnny rolled off her and got to his feet. “Nothing.”
She recognized the other man as one of the foremen. He reached to help her up. The man glared at Johnny, and then he escorted her to the working trailer.
He pulled out a chair for her. “You hurt?”
Cindy took a breath, mentally tallying her injuries. “I’m okay. Just some scrapes.”
“That boy’s a menace. I’ve told his father on more than one occasion. Is there anyone I can call to pick you up? I don’t want you leavin’ on your own.”
She didn’t want to upset her mother, so she gave him Josh’s phone number.
In half an hour, less time than it ever took her to drive from one location to the next, all three of her cowboys arrived to claim her.
“Don’t tell what happened,” she said when she saw them coming from the window. “Just say I fell.”
“Too late, little lady. I’ve already told them the truth.” He traded places with the men, leaving the trailer as they entered.
“Baby girl, are you okay?” Chance dropped to one knee in front of her. “That fucking little prick will pay for this.” He knew Johnny well. The three of them lived in the same town, and Chance had even worked his ranch a few times during the busy season.
“Don’t. I don’t want any trouble. It’s over.”
He shook his head. “You’re mine. No man touches what’s mine.” She wrap
ped her arms around his neck, needed to feel comfort and the strength of his body.
“You should never had ran, Cindy. You belong with us,” said Matthew. He reached down and scooped her right out of her seat, holding her close to his chest.
“Have you had enough time to think?” asked Josh. “I can’t take this anymore. One day hot, the next cold…Fuck, what if the foreman hadn’t shown up?”
“I—”
“No. I don’t want to hear this anymore. Always the excuses. I’m too old for this shit.” Josh burst out of the trailer.
Matthew held her closer. Chance followed Josh out of the trailer. “He’ll do something stupid, Matthew.”
He chuckled. “Darlin’, I have two older brothers. There’s a code on the prairies. You should know what the number one rule is.”
She did. “Never mess with another man’s woman.”
“And you’re ours.”
Chapter Seventeen
“A little to the left,” he said. The irrigation system was fully operational. There were just a few last minute tweaks to get it running like clockwork. Cindy climbed down the ladder and dropped into his arms before she reached the bottom. Josh swung her around in a circle, kissing her with all the love in his heart.
“Record time on this project.”
“You did have three extra labourers at no cost,” he reminded. It had only been ten weeks since Cindy collected the information for his irrigators. He had his system in place, ensuring the Granger Ranch would be around for generations to come. But he had much more than that. He had a wife, love, a family, hope.
Cindy moved into his home along with Chance and Matthew. It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for them.
“You know you’ve been avoiding us for weeks,” he said as he set her on her feet.
“Have not.”
He waved his arm at the massive structures watering the crops. “These have been your priority, your babies, as you say. I’ve missed you.”
“I didn’t even realize.” She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. He loved the little blonde more than life itself. Committing to her had been the best choice he’d ever made. It could never compare to a fast life, one where he avoided love in fear of loss. One day at a time.
The Reluctant Virgin [Ride 'em Hard 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 13
