by Jane Jamison
* * * *
By the time they’d passed the popular cowboy bar, Saddles, then pulled the truck into a parking space on the main street of Passion, Tatum was fighting to keep her hands off Hank. He’d kept his word by not touching her again, but she wasn’t sure she’d actually wanted him to.
What was it about the Shelton brothers that had her doing things she wouldn’t have done a few days earlier? They made her want to shout, “Fuck me!” to the world and make love anywhere and anytime they wanted. The truth was, after getting over the initial shock of the older couple watching, she had to admit that she’d gotten a big thrill out of it. Was she a closet exhibitionist? What else would she be willing to do in public? What other things could the Shelton brothers get her to do? Spanking? Bondage? Her stomach muscles tightened.
Hell, yeah. The only questions are who does the spanking and who gets tied up?
She let out a breath and pushed the erotic thoughts away. First, she had to take care of business. But as soon as that was over, anything was up for grabs.
“Hey, Tatum, when did you get back in town?” Samantha Chambers grinned at her from the sidewalk.
“Oh, hi, Sam. I just got back. How’s everything with you?”
Sam had come to Passion not long ago and had ended up staying on when she’d moved in with three men. Now she worked with her lovers, Victor Lassiter, Blake Branson, and Reed Hudson, trying to get Passion’s first free clinic up and running.
Wait. Sam lives with three men. How did I forget that? Tatum looked at her with renewed interest. If she can love more than one man, why can’t I?
“We’re getting there. You should stop by sometime and tell us what you think.”
“I’ll be sure to do that.”
Sam’s gaze slid to Hank then back to Tatum. She arched an eyebrow and didn’t bother hiding her inquisitive look.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Sam, this is Hank. Hank and his two brothers are new hands at the ranch.”
Hank tipped an imaginary hat. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Sam’s face lit up and Tatum could almost hear the girl’s thoughts. Could she see how hot Tatum was for him? “Welcome to Passion, Hank. You’ve got two brothers, huh?” Her smile grew bigger. “Well, I’ll let you get back to whatever you’re up to. It was good seeing both of you.”
Heat raced into Tatum’s cheeks. “Good to see you, too.”
She let out a slow breath as Sam pivoted on her heel and hurried down the sidewalk to catch up with an Asian woman with short, spikey hair called Loren. Sam whispered to her friend who whipped around to look at them, then shot Tatum a thumbs-up. Sam grinned, clutched Loren’s arm, and led her into a nearby store.
“She seems nice.”
Tatum jerked back toward Hank. “What?”
“I said your friend seems nice.”
“Oh, yeah, she is.” She mentally shook herself, forcing her mind back where it should have stayed in the first place.
“How about we split up and get the job done quicker? I’ll tear the list into two parts. You take the hardware store, and I’ll stop by the newspaper office to check on our latest ad. Hopefully, it’ll bring in more business. That way we’ll each get part of the grocery list and we can meet up there.”
“I’d rather stick with you, but I understand about getting it done faster.” He grinned, firing the yearning between her legs. “The faster we get done, the faster we get to fuck.”
“Yes. I mean…” She shook herself and tore the list in half.
He accepted his part of the list, glanced at it, then opened his door. “How do you want me to pay for this stuff?”
“They know my father. Just have them put it on the ranch’s tab.” She felt his dark eyes latch onto hers and hold her, making her unable to reach for the door handle.
His smile made laugh lines around his eyes. “So…should we get going? Or would you rather play around in the car for a while first?”
She blinked and vowed she wouldn’t blush again. The time for blushing was over. “Yeah. I guess we should.” At his raised eyebrows, she added, “Get going, I mean. I’ll meet you at Spend Less Grocery as soon as you’re finished.”
Pushing her door open, she hurried to the sidewalk then slammed to a stop when she realized she was going in the wrong direction. She whirled on her heel, determined to cross the street and into the office of The Passion Pen, the town’s newspaper. “Oh!”
Hank grabbed her arms as she bumped into him. He pulled her close, putting his face mere inches from hers. “I knew you couldn’t stay away for long.”
His mouth was so near she could feel the warmth of his breath. But when he peeked the tip of his tongue out, she considered the possibility that he wasn’t close enough. She pressed her hands against his chest, closed her eyes, and waited for him to kiss her. His whisper against her ear sent a tingle of delight sizzling down to her toes.
“Would you like me to fuck you right here? Right now? Out in public where everyone can see us? All you have to do is say the word and I will.”
She caught herself in the middle of a nod then pulled away. Had she almost said yes? She cleared her throat. The image of Hank ramming his cock into her pussy where everyone could see them whipped an almost overwhelming lust through her. And yet she wasn’t the one who stepped away.
“Your father would beat the shit out of me then fire me. In that order.” He skimmed his hand along her cheek. “But it’d be worth it.”
“Um, I have to go.” She pointed across the street and stepped back. Taking a second to draw in a steadying breath, she lifted her head and darted by him toward the newspaper office. She turned back as she took hold of the paper’s door and caught Hank watching her. Even from across the street she could feel the heat of his look.
Without thinking, she whirled around, lifted her dress and flashed her panties at him. His surprised expression was worth the risk she’d taken. Grinning, she entered the building.
* * * *
By the time she’d purchased another week of the ads to run in the local as well as the statewide papers, she’d managed to get control of her emotions. The Shelton brothers were just men. Great, sexy, make-her-want-to-go-crazy men, but men just the same. She was acting like a schoolgirl with her first crush, albeit with three men, and she needed to shake off her fascination with them and keep her mind on business. At least until they got back home. Once there, she could relax.
She’d been inside the grocery store for only a few minutes when she saw them. Stacy Willum and Doug Harmon walked into the produce section from one of the interior aisles. Doug was dressed in jeans and a nice decaled Western shirt while Stacy wore oversized gray sweatpants and an old Broncos T-shirt. The girl’s hair looked like it hadn’t been combed all day. Tatum slunk behind a display of potato chips then leaned around far enough to spy on them.
She hadn’t given up on helping Stacy, but she still hadn’t sorted out how she’d do that. Maybe if she could get Stacy alone, she could try to talk sense into her again. Trying and failing the first time didn’t mean her second attempt wouldn’t work. She vowed that if she couldn’t get to talk to her today, the next time she’d have options for Stacy like a shelter or a pro bono–type lawyer who might help her.
They moved through the produce, picking out a few apples as well as a bunch of bananas. Tatum followed, darting behind whatever display she could find to keep herself hidden. But how and when could she get Stacy alone?
She almost let out a whoop of joy when the idea hit her. Taking out her phone, she called the store’s customer service line. When a representative finally answered, she’d already decided on what to say.
“Spend Less Grocery. This is Glen speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hi. I need to reach a customer who’s there right now shopping for groceries.” She cringed at her awkwardness. What else would one shop for at a grocery store? Llamas?
“Would you like me to page that person for you?”
“Yes, Glen, I wo
uld. Could you please page a Mr. Doug Harmon and ask him to come to the customer service desk? It’s an emergency.”
“Of course. Right away.”
“Do it pronto. My phone’s about to die. If it does by the time he gets to the phone, please tell him to go outside. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“I’ll be happy to, but wouldn’t it be easier to call him directly? Or, since it’s an emergency, maybe 9-1-1? Perhaps I should call the authorities?”
“No! Don’t phone the cops or anyone else. He forgot his phone, so I can’t call him. Please just page him. Fast.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Within a few seconds, she heard Glen’s voice booming over the loudspeaker. “Will Mr. Doug Harmon please come to the customer service desk right away? You have an urgent phone call.”
Please, don’t take Stacy with you.
Doug jerked his attention away from the lettuce, looked toward the front of the store, and frowned. Taking Stacy’s arm, he started to walk that way but stopped short. He pointed at the lettuce, said something Tatum couldn’t overhear, then turned Stacy’s arm loose and strode away.
Tatum waited until she was sure he was halfway to the front then she dashed over to the young woman. “Stacy. Hi. Remember me? Tatum Griffin? My father owns the dude ranch where you’re staying.”
Stacy’s eyes grew bigger as she recognized her. “I–I have to find Doug.”
Tatum stepped in front of the frightened girl. She ducked her head and tried to get around Tatum, but she wouldn’t let her by. “No, please. Give me a couple of minutes while Doug’s occupied. I want to talk, that’s all.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Did you do that to get him away from me?”
Stacy, it seemed, was a smart girl. “Yes, but I only did it so you could talk freely. Look, I know how he treats you. I had a verbally abusive boyfriend once, so I get how it feels. And I know how difficult it can be to get away from that kind of guy.”
“Please, I don’t want to talk about it.”
But Tatum was determined. If only she could make her see that she didn’t have to put up with a man like him. She touched the girl’s arm. Stacy jerked away, shifting her body to the side to hide the bruise.
“Where did you get this bruise? It’s in the same place he grabbed you before, but it looks fresh. Did he grab you again? Please, let me help you.”
“No, I can’t. Now leave me alone. Doug doesn’t like me to talk to anyone.”
“Not to anyone? Does he let you talk to a friend or a relative? If he doesn’t, he’s trying to control you. Remember what I said? The offer still stands. I’m sure my dad will let you stay with us. All you have to do is say the word and Doug’s history.”
“Who the fuck do you think you are?”
Stacy gasped as Tatum’s stomach did a sickening flip-flop. Keeping the girl behind her, she turned to face an enraged Doug. “I’m talking to her, not you. Who do you think you are, hurting her and leaving bruises on her arm? Where else have you hit her? Are there other, worse bruises hidden by her clothes?”
“Can I help it if she’s clumsy? She bangs herself up all the time. Now get out of my way or I’ll pick you up and move you myself.”
He reached for Stacy, but Tatum blocked the way. Stacy hunkered down behind her as shoppers stopped to watch. “Back off or I swear I’ll…”
A wicked grin erupted from his snarl. “You’ll do what?”
“She’ll call me.”
The grin faded away as Doug pivoted to find Hank standing a few feet away, his hands clenched at his sides and his feet planted far apart. He was like a coiled animal ready to pounce on Doug.
“Butt out, man. This is none of your business.”
“I’m making it my business.” Hank took a step closer. “Stacy, if you want to come with us, I’ll make sure he doesn’t lay a hand on you.”
Tatum turned around to reach for her, but the terrified woman scurried away, putting the display between them. “No, Stacy. Please come with us. You’ll be all right. I promise.”
Her heart sank as Stacy rushed around the other side of the display and darted to Doug’s side. “This is the time to believe in yourself. Don’t let him frighten you into staying with him. You deserve better.”
Doug wrapped his arm around the trembling girl and shot Tatum a shit-eating grin. “She’s made her decision. Now leave us alone or I’ll be forced to get a restraining order against you and your pet.” He slid his arm down Stacy’s, clutched her hand, and pulled her with him toward the front of the store.
Hank turned on his heel, but Tatum rushed over and grabbed his arm, keeping him from following them. “No. Let them go. Until she wants to leave him, we’re just wasting our time. Besides, one Shelton man in the doghouse is enough.”
* * * *
“Where have you two been?” Adam took one of the heavy boxes full of groceries from Hank, but his attention centered on Tatum.
“We went into town for supplies.”
Tatum and Hank didn’t slow down for him. As she walked by, he couldn’t help but get a good whiff of her scent. She smelled as wonderful as always, but she had an underlying aroma that pulled at his cock.
She’s horny as hell.
His gaze slid to Hank. He didn’t get the impression that Hank had taken her, but he’d bet they’d gotten hot and heavy. Why would his brother turn her on and not satisfy her? He followed them through the side door of the main house and into the huge kitchen that served to feed not only the Griffins but the ranch hands as well. Guests had kitchenettes in their cabins and, aside from cookouts on the trail rides or in the backyard of the main house on special occasions, they were on their own for meals.
“What happened in town?”
Hank dropped his box on the counter, pivoted on his heel, and was back out the door. Now Adam knew something was up. Hank wasn’t the type to keep a secret. He hurried to catch up with his brother.
Tatum followed them both out. “Why? What’d you hear?”
Hank drew up short then and turned to face him. “Yeah. Why are you asking?”
“That jerk Doug Harmon was hammering on Mr. Griffin’s front door a few minutes ago. He gave the old man an earful. He said you attacked him in the grocery store.”
“I didn’t even touch the prick.”
Tatum nodded frantically. “I can vouch for that, and a lot of other people can, too. Doug Harmon’s lying through his teeth.”
“I figured he was. Otherwise, if Hank had laid into him, he wouldn’t have any teeth left to lie through.”
“If we hadn’t been in the middle of a frickin’ grocery store, I would’ve changed and torn his heart out.”
Adam saw his brother wince when he realized what he’d said.
“What do you mean? How would you have changed?”
Adam and Hank shared an “aw, shit” look then averted their gazes from hers. Although he figured he had an easier out since Hank was the one who’d talked about changing, he knew he had to help his brother.
“Judging from our boss’s expression, he doesn’t care if it’s true or not. He’s fed up with hearing about trouble around that guy. He’s already given him a free stay, so there’s not much else he can do to make the man happy. Short of hanging Hank and Marc from a tree, that is.”
“I can imagine what he’s thinking right now.” Tatum bit her lower lip.
An incredible need to nibble on her lip had Adam gritting his teeth. He wasn’t sure how far Hank had gotten with her, but it was more than he’d managed so far. Marc had already tasted and fucked her. He was damn tired of coming in last with Tatum.
“Maybe we should lay low until the old man”—he gave her an apologetic smile—“er, I mean Mr. Griffin has a chance to cool down.” Had he called her father “the old man” earlier? He hoped she hadn’t taken offense either time. Even if she hadn’t, he wasn’t winning any points with her.
“That’s not a bad idea.”
He breathed easier when she didn�
�t appear to be miffed. “I’m finished with my shift, and yours is about to end. How about we sneak Marc out of his room and take the ATVs out for a spin? I think we could all use a break.”
Tatum’s eyes lit up, bringing out more of the green in them. She had a fleck or two of amber, but a few humans had that color, and none had as much as a shifter did when he was in his werewolf form. Once they’d taken her as their mate, she’d shift and bring out even more of her amber.
“Do you want to come along?”
Hank added his support for the idea. “Yeah, Tatum. Take a ride on the wild side.”
Surprising him, she didn’t hesitate. “Okay. Yeah, it sounds like fun. But I get my own four-wheeler. I’ll slip inside and change into my jeans.”
“Sounds good. We’ll sneak Marc out and meet you at the Quad Building.”
She shot him a smile that made his cock throb, then turned on her heel and rushed back into the house. Hank slapped Adam on the arm.
“What’d you do with her, man?”
They pivoted together, heading toward the barn to get Marc. “Not as much as I wanted to. It was a little PDA in front of an older couple, that’s all. The elderly lady acted all shocked, but I think she enjoyed seeing me play with Tatum’s tits and pussy almost as much as the old man did. I think we brightened their day. Who knows? Maybe watching us got them razzed up for a little octogenarian fun of their own.”
Adam faltered in his step at the word “tits” then made up the distance between them with three long strides. “Damn it. The next time any of us gets to play with her it’s going to be me.”
* * * *
Tatum slipped on her favorite pair of jeans and the tightest T-shirt she owned. She checked her reflection in the mirror, added some strawberry lip gloss, then ran her hands over her breasts to reposition the girls.
Riding quads was always fun, but the thought of riding with the Shelton brothers was more than she could’ve hoped for. She dragged a brush through her hair then tossed it onto her bed. Taking a steadying breath, she hurried downstairs, out the back door, and tried not to run toward the Quad Building where they kept several ATVs on hand for use around the ranch.
