by Jane Jamison
“I work at the market. You do the math.”
She was defensive, but he knew it was directed more at her situation than at him.
“Well, you can’t stay here all night. I can’t let you sleep in the club. At least not until you’re officially an employee.” It was a joke, trying to make light of a bad situation.
Was that the sparkle of a tear in her eye? Shit, how he hated to see women cry. If she started doing that, he was a goner.
Yeah, as if I’m not already hooked.
“I’ve got an idea. How about coming home with me?” That hadn’t come out the way he’d wanted it to, but it was exactly the way he felt.
“To the Lazy Creek Ranch?”
“That is where I live.”
She shook her head, and yet, he got the impression that her refusal wasn’t all that adamant. “I can’t. I mean…”
“You mean what? Would it ruin your reputation?”
He could see she was giving it thought, and that alone had his cock stirring. “Carly, you need someplace to stay and I’m thinking we’ve gotten to know each other well enough that you can handle staying with Ron and me. We’re a couple of slobs, but the bed’s comfortable.”
Would she sleep in his bed? Ron’s? All that mattered was that she was safe.
She bit the end of a ragged fingernail. Did she worry a lot? Was she frightened? Had her father hurt her more than he could tell?
At last, however, she made up her mind. “Okay. Thanks. But only until I can find a place to stay. One night. Two at the most.” Her saucy smile had his cock straining to get free. “Once I get hired, then I can afford to rent a place.”
He laughed, loving her persistence. “Then it’s settled. Follow me and I’ll lead you back to the ranch.”
“I know the way.”
She did. He’d caught her a couple of times, sunning by the creek when she was younger. Once he’d even chastised her about trespassing, especially alone. The other time he’d wondered if she’d been doing it on purpose, hoping to get “caught” by one of them. But she’d been too young to allow his wicked thoughts to go any further.
Now that she was grown up, it was an entirely different matter.
“Just follow me, okay?” He wanted to make sure she made it there.
“Okay.”
His heart was racing as he climbed into his Jeep, put it in gear, and then made sure she was behind him. Feeling like a teenage boy with his first girlfriend, he started to text Ron, then decided surprising his friend was a lot better.
Just wait until he sees who I’m bringing home.
* * * *
Carly’s palms were sweating as she clung to the steering wheel. She hadn’t planned on Hank finding her asleep in her car, but then, why hadn’t she moved it to an out-of-the-way corner? Had she subconsciously set it up so he’d have to find her? Did he think that? And yet, whether planned or not, she couldn’t help but be thrilled at the outcome.
I’m going to their ranch.
If she were one of those girls who squealed, she’d be squealing louder than a stuck pig. She stayed close to the back of his vehicle and got even more thrills whenever he checked his rearview mirror to make sure she was still there.
If it weren’t so early, with dawn coming up in a few hours, she’d call Suzie and tell her what had gone down. Instead, she’d have to wait until tomorrow. Besides, with any luck—and at that point she didn’t think she needed much luck—she’d be able to tell Suzie she was working at the club, too.
Chapter Seven
Ron had just awoken from a sound sleep when he heard the sound of Hank’s Jeep. Strange thing, though, the engine of another car cut off right after his. Pulling back the curtain, he had to look harder to believe what he saw.
Was that Carly’s car?
She slid out, looked around, and then started toward the door after Hank. Wide awake, Ron bounded toward the stairs. He was at the top of them when Hank opened the front door and led Carly inside.
Her blue eyes lifted to him. “Hi, Ron.”
Hank had a different kind of smile, one that spoke of mischievousness. “Hey, man. Look who I brought home.”
“I can see that.” He was down the steps as fast as he could go without actually jumping. “It’s good to see you again, Carly.”
“Carly’s going to stay with us for the night. Or at least what’s left of it.”
Hank couldn’t have said anything better. “Is that right?”
“If that’s okay.”
If that was okay? Was she kidding? “Yeah. Sure. It’s more than okay.”
“Good.” Hank slapped him on the arm. “Why don’t you go and wrangle her suitcase out of the car while I show her around.”
Damn it. I should’ve known he’d pull that shit. “Sure. Why don’t I?” He landed a punch on Hank’s arm as he passed by, but that only made Hank grin bigger.
Envy filled him as Hank took her by the hand and walked her down the hallway toward the tiny kitchen.
Ron was out the door and to her car, not bothering to yank on his boots. Grabbing her suitcases, he bounded back up the stairs, and headed toward his bedroom. Maybe Hank had the upper hand right now, but he wasn’t down and out yet.
By the time he’d made it into the kitchen, Hank was busy stirring up scrambled eggs and catching the toast popping out of the toaster. Carly sat at the table, drinking a glass of orange juice, gobbling down the last bit of an egg, and—damn it!—staring at Hank’s butt.
“I’m getting some of that, too, right?” He didn’t care that Hank’s answer was a scowl. Instead, he slid into the chair next to Carly. “Not that I’m not happy to see you, but can I ask what gives?”
Carly’s happy expression died with his question and he had the uncontrollable urge to kick himself in the ass. He was an ass for making her sad, and yet, he had to know.
“I left my father’s home without figuring out an exit strategy first.”
“Yeah, I get it. So you needed a place to stay and good ole Hank offered our house, right?”
“It is all right, isn’t it?” She dropped her fork and started to stand. “I’ll get going if it’s not.”
“Hell, no.” He took her arm and practically dragged her back into her seat. “What I mean is that it’s fine. More than fine that you’re here. Welcome.”
“Thanks.”
Hank dropped a plate in front of him, the metal clanking against the old tiled-top table. “Here you go. Did you take care of her things?”
“Yep. They’re in my bedroom.”
They both stared at him with varying degrees of astonishment.
“I don’t want to take over your bedroom. If there’s a couch I could sleep on, that’ll be fine.”
“Why your bedroom, man?” Hank’s tone was carefree, but the glare in his eyes burned.
He ignored Hank. “No way, darlin’. You’re our guest so you get the best room in the house. Which is mine. I already changed the sheets and put your things in there. Don’t worry. Hank doesn’t mind sharing his bed.” He could’ve died laughing at the angry look Hank gave him. “Even if it is with me.”
Hank wasn’t one to get pushed aside so easily. “Or Carly could share my bed and you can stay in your room.”
“Let’s let her make the choice.”
Did it really matter? Whatever bed she chose would handle all three of them. But he couldn’t judge which way she’d go from her expression. Maybe she was too tired for anything. Or maybe she just needed space. But not too much space, if he had anything to say about it. Having her in their home led to all kinds of fantasies. They needed to switch the subject, giving her some alone time, if that’s what she needed.
“Carly’s going to take Paul up on the job after all.”
He nodded, acting like Hank hadn’t already texted him about her change of heart. “That’s great. Just as long as you’re sure. Paul will give you a second chance, but not a third.”
“I am.” She nibbled on a piece of toast, t
hen added jam to it. “I have another interview tomorrow. Or I guess it’s actually today now.” She covered her yawn. “Anyway, I want another test. I need to prove to myself and to you guys that I can do it. This time, now that I know what’s coming, I’m going to handle it a whole lot better.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great.”
“I hope so. I could really use the job.”
Did she want the job just because of the money? He hoped not. He wanted her to take the job in a large part because of them. Either way, though, they’d have more chances to get to know her and to convince her that she was the perfect sub for them.
“I would’ve thought you could find a job anywhere you wanted. Any city would have more opportunities than Pleasure.” Hank was baiting her into telling them what they already knew. Yet they needed to hear it to be sure.
The light in her eyes dimmed. “I could have, but I wanted to come back home. For my mom.”
There it was. The real reason she’d returned home, ready to take whatever her father dished out.
“You want to get your mom away from your father.”
Hank shot him a warning look. “It’s okay, baby. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”
She shrugged as though a lifetime of abuse didn’t still hurt. “Everyone knows about my dad. But yeah. I want to get her away from him, once and for all. She hasn’t come to her senses yet, but she will.”
“And then what? What’s the plan after you finally get her to leave?”
The light in her eyes may have dimmed, but a dreamy one replaced it. “Then I get us a home. A real home where we can both be happy. Where we can both be safe.”
He met Hank’s gaze and shared the same thought. If they did nothing else, they’d make her dream come true.
“What about having your own home? With men who love you and kids running around? Don’t you want that?”
Ron wondered if she’d heard Hank’s use of the word men instead of man. If she did, she didn’t let on.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead, but sure. I’d like that, too. My first goal, however, is to give my mom the life she deserves.”
“That’s real nice of you,” added Hank. “Your mom’s lucky to have a daughter who cares.”
Of all the things they’d done that should’ve caused her to blush, it was Hank’s praise that brought pink to her cheeks. “So what about you two? You grew up on this ranch, but didn’t you ever want to do anything else besides ranch?”
“Hey, I’m an accountant, remember?” He laughed, letting her off the hook. “Don’t worry about it. I know what you mean. I had job offers around the country, but this is home.”
“Same here.” Hank buttered his toast. “I didn’t need to go to college to know that ranching’s all I ever want to do.”
“And the rest?” Was she talking about family? Love?
“The rest?”
She cocked her head at him. “Yeah. Is this it or do you want more?”
He didn’t hesitate to tell her exactly what they wanted. “We want more, all right. We’ve got the home and the jobs we want. There’s only one thing missing.”
“What’s that?” Her eyebrows lifted, opening her expression.
You.
He had the word ready to say, but then lost his nerve. What if she didn’t want them back? He’d never been afraid to speak his mind, not with anyone. But right then, it was enough that she’d come into their home and, soon, into the club. If he pushed, would she run?
“Oh, you know. The usual. A wife. A dog. Two point five kids.”
Her mouth parted, and he waited, hoping she’d say she wanted to be that woman. He could almost hear it whispering on the tip of her tongue.
God, please let her say it.
Instead, he sensed her mentally backing away.
Fuck. It always seems like it’s one step forward, then two steps back with her.
“Um, I’m really super tired. Could one of you please show me where I can get some sleep?”
Hank shot him a questioning look. Should they make a move? He ached for her, the need curling in his stomach like a snake ready to strike.
Ron gave a slight shake of his head. “Sure. You’d better get some rest. But finish your meal first. I’m betting you need the nourishment, too. Then I’ll show you to your room.” He choked back a grin at Hank’s scowl.
“Damn it, Ron.” Hank shoved back his chair. “It’s time we stop pussyfooting around and show her—”
“Slow down and don’t push. Hell, she looks dead on her feet. There’ll be plenty of time for the other.”
Hank fisted his hands, keeping them from grabbing her and making her his. Ron had better be right or Hank would have his head. “Relax, Hank.”
Hank didn’t take well to his interruption, but it couldn’t be helped. He understood his friend’s cock-twitching need for her, but one of them had to draw the line. She was worn out. Hank would realize that if he could see past the end of his dick.
* * * *
If there was anything better than two men fighting for her attention, Carly wasn’t sure what it was. The night had taken a definite turn for the better after seeing Hank at the club. And now? Both he and Ron were arguing over where she’d sleep.
“I don’t want to make trouble between you two.”
They stopped scowling at each other.
“You’re not.” Hank shifted his attention to her. “We’re discussing the matter, but it’s up to you. Do you want to sleep alone in Ron’s old, lumpy bed? Or would you rather share my big, comfortable bed with me?”
“Or you could share my bed with me,” offered Ron. “Or the both of us.”
The both of them? Oh, hell. Yes.
And yet, she had to cover another yawn. Ron was right. She was so tired she was surprised she was still awake. What little sleep she’d gotten in her car hadn’t helped.
“Or, as I said before, I could sleep on the couch.”
“That’s not happening.”
“Nope.”
They were adamant. Having both of them insisting on sleeping with her did wonders for her ego. She had to look terrible after fighting with her father then sleeping in her car. “Fine. I’ll take Ron’s bedroom since he’s already gone to the trouble of getting it ready.”
“Good. It’s settled.” Ron gloated over his small victory, making him seem like a young boy who’d just scored his first goal.
She hated to burst his bubble, but, then again, what choice did she have? Besides, he’d said it himself. She was dead on her feet. “But I’ll be sleeping alone.”
“Oh.” He recovered with grace. “Fine. But if you get frightened in the middle of the night, don’t hesitate to give me a holler.”
Hank wasn’t down for the count yet, either. “Give us a holler.”
She laughed. “Will do.”
“Now eat,” ordered Ron.
She smiled, liking his firm tone. Would he use that same tone when he gave her commands at the club?
“So how was college?”
She took another bite, noticed the shakiness of her hand, and hoped they’d chalk it up to her being tired. The reality of it was that having them near her made her nervous. Not in a jittery, oh-God-I’m-in-trouble kind of way, but in a way that made her squirm in her seat. If she didn’t, the heat between her legs would get far too hot to handle.
“It was great. I loved it.”
“And you graduated with honors, right?”
She narrowed her eyes at Ron. “How’d you know? Has my mom been bragging again?”
“I’m sure she has and she has a right to. Not too many people in this small town go to college. But I heard it through the grapevine.”
“Ah, yes.” She played with the rest of her food, suddenly finding it difficult to eat with them watching her. They were so perfect, so handsome, so everything-a-woman-could-want. “Myrtle’s doing, no doubt.”
“Hey, Myrtle may have the inside scoop on most of the ru
mors, but there’s a lot of other tongues wagging along with hers.”
Hank was right. Myrtle couldn’t be blamed for spreading all the town’s gossip.
“And what was your degree in?” Ron buttered a piece of toast then handed it to her. “No matter what field it was in, you didn’t need it to work at the market. Still, it’s better to have a degree than not.”
She took the toast, touched that he was hand-feeding her to make sure she ate. “I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. And you’re right. It’s exactly what a cashier at the market needs to get ahead.”
Ron shrugged. “Hey, my accounting degree helps with managing the ranch and I help out with the club’s books, too. All knowledge is worthwhile no matter what you end up doing.”
“I’ll bet you had all those college guys just begging to go out with you.”
Was that jealousy she heard in Ron’s voice? Or was she so tired she was imagining it? They were attracted her, she knew. But why would two amazing men like them be jealous of a few boys in college? “I dated a few guys, but I’m kind of done with that.”
“What? Why?”
Again, she wondered if it was her imagination, but had the air thickened between them? Suddenly it was harder to breathe as the way they studied her took her breath away. But if she’d give anyone her breath, it would be them.
Her old enemy raised its head again. Could she trust them? The answer she’d learned so many times before that had built a hard shell around her heart, was still alive. No. All men, from her father to her last boyfriend had proven it. No man could be trusted with her heart.
She’d been attracted to other men. Had even at one point thought she might be in love. But all that had come crashing down when she’d found him in bed with her roommate. Later, all his lies had fallen apart and she’d realized that what she’d mistaken for love was just plain old lust. That lust, however, was nothing compared to the craving she felt for Hank and Ron. Yet the same problem remained. How could she fall in love with any man when she knew men weren’t to be trusted? As much as she tried, she couldn’t give her heart again. One after one, her previous relationships had failed because of lies and cheating.
