She adored both Mason and Liam, but she wasn’t the type to switch affections. Ceci and Brooke loved being with two men, but Sarah wasn’t sure she could make one man happy, let alone two.
Just as they finished with the ice cream sundaes, her cell rang and she jumped.
Mason rubbed her back. “It’s only a phone call, angel.”
She was such a mess. She blew out a breath and retrieved her phone from her purse. She jerked at the name.
“Hey, Debbie.” Debbie Litner and she were not particularly good friends, despite having been in school together.
“Sarah.” Her tone was solemn. “I called Mrs. Dunwoody and found out the service will be next week. I was wondering if maybe we could get together some time this afternoon and plan what we’re going to say.”
Her shoulders sagged. She’d completely forgotten about the service. “Sure. Where?”
“How about meeting at the Mountain View?”
“Great. When?”
“I have to be at work at five. Can you meet me in half an hour?”
Both men were looking at her. Sarah didn’t want to ask them while Debbie was on the phone. The woman didn’t need to know she was staying with them. Having been at the grocery store with Liam might have implied they were a couple, especially since she was with them at the reunion. “That works.”
When she disconnected, Mason leaned forward. “You going somewhere?”
The intensity of his tone caused her skin to bristle. “Yes. I promised one of my high school acquaintances that we’d give Mr. Dunwoody’s eulogy, and she wants us to go over what we’ll say.”
Liam nodded. “That’s very nice of you to do that. I’m sure his wife will appreciate it.”
At least he seemed to understand. “It’s something I want to do. Mr. Dunwoody was a fine man.” She pushed back her chair. “I’m going to take a quick shower.” Smelling of sex wouldn’t be good.
She washed as fast as she could, and then threw on a nicer pair of jeans. She didn’t need Debbie telling half the high school that Sarah Jacobsen was a mess.
The men were at the counter when she returned. They halted their conversation the moment they spotted her, and she wondered if Mason was regaling Liam with their exploits. Heat rushed up to her face.
She grabbed her purse. “I don’t imagine this will take too long.”
Mason clasped her hand and drew her near. He then kissed her cheek. “Be careful.”
Now why did he have to go and say that? Her nerves were already jumbled. “Is there a particular make of car I should be on the lookout for? Or do you have a picture of my supposed assassin?” That came out way too snarky, but her nerves were raw.
“Mase, you’re an asshole.” Liam faced her. “No, honey. Just be aware of your surroundings. That’s all. Call us if your sixth sense acts up.”
“I’m just driving to town.” She’d been about to say no one would harm her fifty feet from the sheriff’s office until she realized Mr. Dunwoody’s body had been that close. Before she called Debbie back and cancelled, she left.
The weather had cleared and there was no evidence of the freak rain shower that had descended on her and Mason. She smiled. Had they not been drenched, she might never have ended up in bed. The lovemaking was beyond her wildest dreams. While Mason had never been very open, he certainly gave of himself very generously in bed. Her pleasure seemed to come before his.
When she drove down Main Street, there weren’t any parking places in front of the Mountain View, so instead of using the few spaces in the alley behind the bar and grill, she continued onto John Arnold Boulevard and parked in front of the Courthouse.
The walk back seemed to clear her head of the anxiety that had haunted her for so long. Was it because she and Mason had made wild, passionate love? Or was it that the temperature was so ideal? Did it matter? She was happy, something that hadn’t occurred in a long time.
When she entered the darkened bar, it was a little odd being there and not joining Ceci, Brooke, Elle, and Christina—her weekly happy hour buddies.
Debbie waved, looking happy for a change. In front of her sat a bowl of chips and dip. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks.”
The usual waitress, Sloan, rushed over and glanced between them, appearing a little startled at first. “Hey, Sarah. What can I get you?”
She was full from the ice cream. “Unsweet iced tea with lemon.”
Debbie already had a Coke. From her purse, Deb pulled out an iPad and a keyboard. “I thought we could mention a few stories we’d like to tell to make sure we don’t repeat things.”
“Great.”
Debbie pushed the chips toward her. “So tell me, are you and that hunky private investigator an item?”
That was probably the real reason why Debbie had asked her here. Sarah didn’t have anything to hide. Since she’d been with Liam at the store, she suspected Deb was referring to him.
“We’re just friends. So far.” She cocked a brow, hoping that would end her curiosity. “So tell me your favorite Mr. Dunwoody story.”
For the next hour, they exchanged their fond memories, deciding which ones to keep and which ones to discard.
“I’m thinking there won’t be a dry eye when we’re done,” Debbie said.
“He was a good man.”
Debbie put away the iPad. “I’ll write this up and send it to you. What’s your email address?”
Damn. Sarah didn’t have her computer at the men’s house, but there was no reason not to go back to her place and pick it up. She gave her the address.
Debbie placed a hand on hers. “It was really good seeing you again. I know this wasn’t the best reason to connect, but maybe we can meet again some time.” She looked to the side and Sarah swore her eyes watered. “My life is in turmoil right now, and I guess I’d like someone to talk to.”
“Sure, anytime. You have my number.” With the men waiting, she didn’t want to get into it right now. Besides, Debbie had to be at work shortly.
As soon as Sarah left, she drove to her house to pick up her computer and more clothes. So far, neither Mason nor Liam had any more clues about Harrison Kaplan and his desire to have her dead. No telling how long the men would want to protect her.
Even though she had new locks, there was some unease walking back into the house. It smelled musty and the floorboards creaked when she went down the hallway. Her imagination was definitely in overdrive.
She’d used both of her suitcases already, so she decided to stuff some clothes into garbage bags. After checking the refrigerator to make sure nothing smelled, she headed out with her gear and computer in hand. She tossed her stuff in her car and slid in. As soon as she backed up, she could tell there was something very wrong. The thump, thump of her tires implied one was flat. Crap.
She put the car in park and got out. “Fuck me.” Her back tire was not only low, the rim was on the ground. She walked behind her car and saw the other back tire in the same condition.
That was impossible. She serviced her car regularly. Then the hair on the back of her neck rose and she looked around. Had one of Kaplan’s men done this? Keeping her gaze on the street, she pulled out her phone. She supposed it didn’t matter whether she called Liam or Mason, but she figured Liam would be less put out by the call.
“Hey, honey. What’s up?”
His lighthearted greeting helped calm her. “I’m at my house and both of my tires are flat.”
“Get inside. Now.”
The abrupt command had every nerve in her body on fire. She ran up the steps, fumbled to find her key, and ducked inside. She made sure to not only lock the door, but to slide the deadbolt into position.
Should she hide in the bathroom where there were no windows? Or in a cupboard where they wouldn’t think to look? Christ. She should have gone next door. Ted’s truck was in the drive implying he was home. He’d protect her. Hell, the man kept a shotgun in his truck’s back window. She’d been in his house once, but hi
s collection of knives, chains, and rope convinced her not to step foot in his place again. He liked her though, since she picked up his mail when he was out of town. What would Liam want her to do?
Stay put.
Sarah wanted to look outside, but if the tire-slasher spotted her, he could shoot her. Think. She ran to her bedroom and hid in the closet. Her heart raced and her mouth went dry. Blood pounded in her ears so loudly, she wouldn’t hear when Liam knocked. Damn. She texted him asking him to let her know when he’d arrived.
The ten-minute wait seemed to take forever. Finally, her cell beeped and she let out a huge sigh of relief. Liam was here. She ran out of the closet and down the hallway. Before she opened the door, she glanced through the window. It was him.
She pulled open the door and didn’t wait to hear what he had to say. She threw herself in his arms.
“Honey. Let’s get inside.” He locked the door.
Damn. Her thought process had evaporated. He led her over to the sofa and had her sit.
He clasped her hands in his. “I checked the tires. Definite sabotage.”
“One of Kaplan’s men?”
“Possibly. Why did you come back here?”
His tone contained a bit of censure. “Because I needed my laptop and more clothes.”
He nodded. “How long were you here?”
“Ten minutes maybe. Or twenty. I didn’t look at the time.”
He leaned back. “Did you look in your rearview mirror to make sure no one followed you from town? I’m guessing you were coming from your meeting with Debbie.”
“Yes and yes. I think. I mean I didn’t stare at the mirror the whole time.”
He gathered her into his arms. “It’s okay. You’re safe and that’s all that matters. What garage do you use?”
“Anderson’s.” She slipped her hand out of his. “I have the number on my fridge.” What did that say about the age of her car?
She retrieved the business card and handed it to him. For some reason, she wanted him to handle the details. Her mind wasn’t working all that well.
He called the station and made arrangements for them to not only tow her car back to the garage, but to deliver it to their house. He disconnected and smiled, though his eyes didn’t light up. “All set.”
Screeching tires outside her door stopped her heart. Liam stood but didn’t seem concerned. He glanced out the window. “Mason.”
Now she felt bad for disturbing both of them. “He didn’t have to come.”
“No, but he wanted to.” Liam opened the door and ushered him in.
Mason raced to her and pulled her into his arms. “You okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine, which is more than I can say for my car.” Spending money for two new tires would almost eat up her entire summer school pay.
He looked over at Liam. “I checked all the cars driving in but I didn’t see anyone suspicious.” Mason turned to her. “What were you doing here?” His tone wasn’t accusatory, just full of worry.
She told me about wanting her computer and more clothes.
“Okay, let’s get you back to our place.”
Since Liam’s car was closer, they surrounded her like this was some presidential security detail. They put her in the back.
“Wait. My clothes and laptop are in my car.”
“I’ll get them,” Mason said.
Liam glanced at her. “Stay low until we’re out of your neighborhood.”
That was overkill, but maybe they knew better. She slunk down in the seat, wracking her brain, trying to remember if she saw someone as she drove into her neighborhood. She might have been spacing out, enjoying the day. Crap. What had she done to deserve this?
“Is Mason going to wait for the tow truck?”
“Doesn’t need to.”
She wanted to ask what came next, but she feared they’d lock her in their house until the end of time. Chills raced up her body. “So now what?”
“When we get back, we’ll discuss our next plan. Mason said he’d contact Riley and Gavin for suggestions. They might have some time to investigate.”
They were intimately involved in the case, which made her feel a little better. Asking any other questions might cause her more concern. Five minutes after leaving their house, he told her she could sit up. Even with his permission, she kept a low profile. When he parked in front of his house, she was never happier to be in a secure place. She pushed open her door, but Liam placed a hand on it to stop her.
He nodded to Mason going inside. “Let’s wait until he checks things out.”
They were being ridiculous, but the alternative would be if they’d left her in her house all alone. Once Mason “cleared the scene,” he escorted her inside.
Liam motioned she and Mason sit at the island. “I’m thinking we should take a little vacation.”
“Vacation? Now? Why?”
Mason ran a hand down her arm. “We want you safe. On the way over here, I spoke with Gavin. He and Riley will investigate. Now that there’s been some tangible evidence Kaplan’s threat could be real, they’ll move faster.”
She had the funeral next week and she really wanted to meet with her friends for happy hour, too. “How long?”
“Two days, maybe.”
She figured they’d be in the same hotel room. Or would she and Mason share one? “Okay.” Staying out of town would put a dent in her meager savings, but if Kaplan killed her, she wouldn’t need the money.
Liam leaned on the counter. “How does Jackson Hole, Wyoming sound? I figure we can rent some horses. Nobody will be able to sneak up on us there.”
Wow. “That sounds perfect. I’ve been to Yellowstone, but not farther south.”
“Then go pack, honey.”
Chapter Eleven
The thought of being outside in the wilderness appealed to Sarah. Add in being escorted by two burly protectors, and she felt at ease once more—unless they had something on their minds besides keeping her safe. She couldn’t deny that Mason was a highly considerate lover. When Liam had walked in on them in the bedroom, Mason hadn’t flinched. If sharing was so natural, then why did Liam back out and act embarrassed? Was it because her whole body had heated from the intense scrutiny?
Sarah didn’t have time to think about that now. She had to focus on keeping out of the killer’s line of sight. Someone had followed her to her house. Getting away for a few days seemed smart.
She tossed in a couple pair of jeans and everything from short-sleeved T-shirts to sweaters for use at night into her suitcase. In case they planned on walking a few simple trails, she brought a pair of sturdy sneakers. Her hiking boots were back at the house. After packing her toiletries, she headed out with suitcase in hand.
The men must have had something packed all ready because they were both just standing next to the center island.
“I’m all set.” She plastered on a smile, not wanting them to see the worry that minutes before had been swirling on her face.
Liam picked up his keys. “I called a ranch in Jackson Hole and reserved three spots on a horse riding adventure. I hear the view of the Grand Tetons is spectacular.”
“Great.” If they were three among many, they’d be safe. She’d spent her youth on a horse. Whether she wanted to ride two men was another question.
The three-hour ride down to Jackson Hole seemed to go by in a flash. Harrison Kaplan’s name wasn’t brought up even once, for which she was thankful. She asked them to tell her about their most bizarre case, but they had differing opinions. It didn’t matter. Just listening to their passion and desire to be the best thrilled her.
She did bring her exams to grade, as she needed to finish and enter them into the computer in the next three days, but with their level of excitement about this trip, she wasn’t sure these two would let her have the down time. Maybe she’d have to insist.
When they pulled in front of The Rusty Parrot Lodge, she thought she’d died and gone to heaven. The lodge was a wooden structure wi
th glass windows on the front facing the mountain range.
“Can we afford this?” Paying for something like this would put a complete hole in her savings, but she felt funny discussing finances with the men.
“Don’t you worry about a thing, honey.” Liam smiled.
She wasn’t sure of their agenda, but they seemed perfectly content to stay here. The men must have made all of the arrangements while she packed. She was duly impressed. As Mason helped her out of the car, her stomach grumbled. Darn. She’d forgotten to have lunch.
“We’ll eat as soon as we settle into the room, angel.”
These men were too good for words. Even though they’d apparently only decided on the trip after her tires had been slashed, they both looked around as if checking escape routes or suspicious-looking people. She hadn’t noticed Liam looking in his rearview mirror, but she bet he never dropped his vigilance.
After they checked in, she was relieved to find two queen-sized beds in the room. She guessed she’d be sleeping with Mason. Wouldn’t that be awkward, though, with Liam only a few feet away? Yes, she was attracted to him, but she’d never slept with more than one man at a time.
“Let’s get you fed,” Liam said. He wrapped his arm around her waist and escorted her back out of the room.
Sarah looked behind her at Mason, but he didn’t seem the least bit affected by having his roommate put his arm around her. Hurt seeped its way into her soul. Or was she being naïve? She knew they shared. Even when Liam had walked in on her and Mason after they’d just made love, he wasn’t upset.
Was she being a prude?
You want Liam, too.
“Hon?” Liam tugged her waist. “You okay?”
Shit. Had she been spacing out again? “Yes.”
Once they were seated in the restaurant, she relaxed. The carpeted room with the large stone fireplace and wooden beamed ceilings screamed coziness.
Unless she confronted them with her issues, she wasn’t sure she could truly enjoy these next few days. They ordered a bottle of Merlot.
Liam poured and held up his glass. “To Sarah’s safety.” They clinked glasses.
Unexpected Pleasures [Pleasure, Montana 11] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 9
