Yukon pulled the window back down and secured the lock. “Will the roof hold?”
Parker shrugged.
She could feel the tension and worry in the air like a living force. Robyn just stood there, an outsider looking in, and wondered if Shelly and Peter were okay.
“Shit, I haven’t finished clearing the east fields,” Yukon said.
“Nothing we can do about that now. I’m sure we’re not the only ones caught off guard.”
They both turned to her at once as if they’d both forgotten she was still in the room. She’d only seen these men as empty-headed flirts and didn’t expect anything monumental during her one-night stay. Now a new side to them unfolded in front of her—an intensity that took her breath away.
“Don’t worry, Robyn. We’ll take good care of you,” said Yukon. Parker said nothing, but continued staring at her.
“What’s wrong? It’s just rain, isn’t it?”
Parker ran a hand through his hair, moving toward her. “If it’s the storm closing roads south of us, we’ll wish it was just rain.” When he was right in front of her, she had to crane her neck to look up. Had she even seen a man with shoulders that broad? “Don’t tell me a tough-as-nails city girl is afraid of a country storm.”
Did he notice the tremble in her voice? Was she so transparent that he could see through her false bravado?
She shook her head. How could these simple cowboys have so much control over her? She’d always equated power and dominance with money and status, not the look in a man’s eyes. Parker had her speechless, his presence larger than life. The thin flannel of his shirt hugged those muscular shoulders. She guessed he’d earned every muscle from hard work rather than visits to a gym during lunch hour. It didn’t help that she’d already seen him in the bare flesh.
A screeching whine saved her from his spell. They all looked up as the lights snapped off with a resounding zap. She screamed and ducked her head as shards of glass rained down on them. Deafening silence blanketed the room once the drone of electricity was put to rest. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed Parker’s arm in a death grip.
“Well, fuck me.” Parker growled his displeasure. “Get the flashlights and candles. I’ll secure the horses and windows.”
She heard Yukon leave the room, moving as if he had night vision, but she guessed he’d lived in this old house his whole life. It was something she’d never known herself, but could imagine. Parker turned her around and pushed her down to sit on the edge of the bed. “You wait here until we get sorted, okay? I’ll bring up a lantern.”
“Okay.”
She didn’t want to be left alone in the dark bedroom, but had no choice but to put her trust in these two strangers. Her lonely apartment in the city actually seemed appealing at this point. At least she had safety, electricity, and no unacceptable temptations tearing down her ideals. Without light, all her senses were magnified. Rain pelted the thin glass and tin roof. The rest of the world, including the one she’d left behind, all started to seem like a distant memory. She was once again a vulnerable young girl, her fate not yet mapped out for her. If only life was that simple.
She could hear the faint sound of voices from the brothers downstairs. They were moving around with urgency, window shutters slapping shut from outside, and cupboards being searched. Were Shelly and Peter stranded in the storm, trapped by a road block? Her mind tried to make excuses to ease the anger she held for them.
After a while, Robyn’s eyes adjusted to the darkness and she attempted to walk to the window. There was nothing but blackness beyond, no hint of a moon, stars, or life. She placed her hand on the glass—the cool, moist surface forcing her back to the past. A great sadness seeped from that locked place in her heart. She abruptly pulled away, walking backward until the backs of her knees hit the bed. She sat down on the mattress. I have to get out of here. Robyn couldn’t spend the night in another strange house in another strange bed. She was tired of new smells, new sounds, and trying to decipher new personalities. She never should have agreed to come to this little town.
“Are you okay?”
She whirled around, still sitting on the edge of the bed. Yukon was only feet away, holding some sort of old oil lamp in an outstretched hand. The concerned look on his face made her realize her heart was racing and breathing rapid. She mentally tried to calm herself, to remember she was an adult in control of her own destiny.
“Yeah, I just… Yeah, I’m okay.”
He set the lantern on the wooden dresser and came to sit next to her on the bed. His weight made the springs whine and mattress dip. She started to slide into him, but righted her position.
“We’ve secured the house, the cellar is stocked full, and we have enough firewood to last four seasons if it decides to get cold. Nothing to worry about.” His voice was calm and reassuring. She started to feel guilty for judging these men on their social class without even knowing a thing about them. Her prejudice was deeply ingrained.
“I’m not worried.”
“But you’re crying.” Yukon reached out and ran the backs of his fingers along her cheek. She could see the moisture glisten on his skin in the lamp light. Had she actually been crying? She hated that a simple memory could strip her down to the marrow.
“I’m not,” she lied.
He narrowed his eyes. “Tell me what’s wrong. I’ll try my best to fix it.”
She chuckled without humor, and replied without thinking. “This, you can’t fix.” Then she thought better. “Forget I said that.”
There was silence for a couple minutes. The wavering lantern light made eerie shadows along the wall in front of them, demons of the past ready to devour her whole.
“My brother thinks you’re a spoiled little rich girl used to getting what you want. A lawyer with a bank account large enough to buy our town and then some. Is he right?”
“Sure, Yukon, whatever you say.”
He exhaled as if exasperated. “Tell me something, Robyn. I know there’s more to you than meets the eye.”
What did she have to lose? She’d never see these men again after tomorrow. “Well for starters, I’m not a lawyer. I’m a paralegal.”
“Those are different?”
She smiled. “Yes, very different. Well, when it comes to the bank account part.”
“And the spoiled part?”
Robyn shook her head. “Couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m not even sure how that would feel.”
“I don’t understand,” he said. She could hear the genuine concern in his voice, which was surprising since he barely knew her. Unfortunately for him, she wasn’t ready to share her dysfunctional life story.
“Never mind. I’m just tired. Way too tired.” She stood up and returned to the window to get away from Yukon and his questions. What was it about the night that brought out all her vulnerabilities? It was an endless cycle of highs and lows when all she wanted was stability.
“I promise I won’t bite,” he said. “You can tell me anything.”
She could feel his presence right behind her, so close. Her mental state was too fragile for kindness. City life suited her because nobody gave a shit about anyone else. Keeping her mental health under tight control, only her perfected exterior available for view, was her survival mechanism.
He touched her hair, and she instinctively flinched away.
“I told you she was skittish,” said Parker. She turned to see him entering the room with a broom and dustpan. Why was his shirt off again? Holy shit, he’s so ripped. Her mind became blank as she stared at the golden cowboy, his damp hair casually slicked back and his skin gleaming from the rain. “Don’t waste your time, Yukon. She thinks she’s too good for you. Maybe she is.”
Robyn frowned, her cheeks heating as she roughly tugged off her suit jacket. She balled it up and threw it down on the bed. “There, is that better? Stop judging me by my appearance. You don’t know anything about me.”
Rather than appear shocked or sobered after her embarr
assing little outburst, it appeared to have amused him. The fact only made her angrier. Back in the city, it took a painful amount of effort just to squeak by when she was surrounded by human Barbie dolls. Here in the backwoods, she was judged as superior just for wearing a half-priced suit. It should have pleased her but rather it insulted her to the core. No matter where she was, she never fit in.
“Don’t stop there. Take it all off, baby girl.”
Robyn growled. “You’re impossible!”
How could a man be desirable and repellent at the same time? She wanted to fight and argue, but deep down she knew Parker wasn’t to blame. It surprised her how easily these men could break down the walls around her emotions. Or was it this place? She was a fucking mess.
“Leave her be,” said Yukon. “She’s been crying.”
Parker narrowed his eyes and moved close enough that he could tilt her chin up. She tried to move her head to the side but he wouldn’t have it. “You know I’m playing, don’t you?”
He actually sounded sincere, his playful quality no longer present. The scent of fresh rain and his musky cologne were an inviting aphrodisiac.
She exhaled heavily, suddenly realizing how fast her heart was racing. It was difficult for her to accept kindness, even though she craved it. “I’m sorry. I’m overtired and stressed out. This isn’t me.”
Parker smiled, tucking loose hairs behind her ear. “Nothing to be sorry about. I’m the one who needs to mind his manners. Come on…” He led her to the bed and pulled back the heavy patchwork quilt. “A good night’s sleep will do us all a world of good.”
They started to head to the door after Parker swept up the broken glass from the lightbulb. Yukon turned back briefly before leaving. “If you need anything, just shout. I’m in the next room over.”
Once alone, she flopped down on the bed and rubbed her hands over her face. Sleep would bring back her composure and a new day would give her the strength she desperately needed.
She hoped.
Chapter Seven
After a fitful night’s sleep, Yukon reached the bottom of the stairs and found Parker in the kitchen. The power was still out. His brother dumped a stock pot full of water into the kitchen sink.
“What’s going on?”
“Go see for yourself,” he said after another curse. “Basement’s flooded and the rain’s not letting up.”
He looked to the window. Even though it was eight in the morning, it looked more like dusk. The thick cloud cover blocked out the sun, and rain fell in torrents. Strong winds shook the house, howling as it breached the cracks in the old structure. He couldn’t believe their little town was a dust bowl only a day earlier.
“What’s the plan?” Yukon asked.
Parker snorted as he left the kitchen with the empty pot. “Get bailing!”
Shit. Their roof was a patch job he doubted would hold up for long and their basement wasn’t properly weatherproofed. Even during small rain storms, they’d get flooded. This weather system would put their old house to the test. He began to catalog all the tasks they’d put off over the past year, now wishing he hadn’t procrastinated.
Yukon grabbed a glass of orange juice before joining his brother. It would have been pitch black in the basement if not for the lantern precariously hanging from the ceiling. Water reached past his ankles, plastic containers floating by. He squeezed by his brother and reached for an empty bucket. The sound of sloshing water reminded him of summers by the lake when he was a kid. Now it was just him, Parker, and memories. And a flooded basement.
It was punishing work hauling the heavy loads up and down the flight of rickety wooden stairs. Each time he tossed a bucket out the front door, the rain soaked the foyer. He was so lost in his task, passing Parker on the stairs time and time again, that he’d forgotten about their houseguest.
“What’s happening?” Robyn asked after he shut the front door for what felt like the thousandth time.
He set his bucket down for a minute and decided it was a good time to take a breather.
“Sump pump isn’t working because of the power outage, and we can’t fire up the gas generator until we get some of the water bailed out.”
“A flood? The power’s still out? Is that normal?”
He chuckled, the panic in her voice endearing. “Darlin’, nothing about the past day is normal, but we’ll get by. Not a thing to worry about.”
She frowned, running one hand over the other arm as if to comfort herself. “But I was supposed to leave this morning. I have to get to work. I need a working phone. I—”
Parker reached the main floor with another bucket. Yukon opened the door for him, closing it a few seconds later. “Good morning to you, little miss. Although there ain’t too much good about it, is there?”
“How long is this storm going to last? I have to get back to the city.”
“You’re free to leave.” Parker waved his arm to the entrance.
Robyn scowled, but a sudden burst of explosive thunder made her gasp and brace a hand against the wall.
Yukon felt the need to comfort her, to make everything right in her world. He wasn’t sure what it was about Robyn, but the attraction he felt for her was strong and undeniable. “It’s not safe to be out in that storm. With the power out, there could easily be more road closures.”
“I can’t believe this is happening.”
Was it that bad to be stuck in his house? What would it take to please an educated woman like Robyn? Did he even possess what she needed?
“Sorry to disappoint,” said Parker. “But this is real life in the country. You work with what you’re dealt or you die complaining.”
Their bailing wasn’t getting them anywhere. The storm was abusing the old house. They needed to do something different if they wanted to make it through another day or longer. “How about we use the plastic from the hay baler and wrap the basement?”
Parker stopped in his tracks, not saying a word. Before he even spoke, Yukon knew he liked the idea. They were too much in sync, living together day in day out their entire lives.
“That won’t be an easy task—if it even works. It’s crazy, actually.”
“What do we have to lose? Even if it takes the edge off, it’ll be a help so we can get the generator and sump pump going.”
Parker nodded and reached for his overcoat hanging beside the door. “Hang tight, baby girl.” He winked at their houseguest before heading into the fury of the rain storm.
“Should I do something?” Robyn asked, looking bewildered.
He felt guilty because, despite her desperation to leave, he was glad they were holed up together. As he tugged on his flannel jacket, he nodded to the staircase. “While we have a bit of light, can you check the closets upstairs? I know we have some extra lanterns and oil around here somewhere. I’m sure we’ll need them tonight.”
****
Tonight? That meant these cowboys had no hope in getting her home any time soon, certainly not today. She wasn’t sure how she should feel. Part of her felt like having a toddler-style meltdown. Another part revelled in the escape from reality. It didn’t hurt that Yukon and Parker were two of the hardest, sexiest men she’d ever seen in the flesh. If she were honest with herself, she’d admit the two brothers made her feel things Peter and other refined men at the office never could. She’d always promised herself never to fall for a working-class stiff. But it was wishful thinking if she believed the sight of these cowboys was a turn-off. In fact, just the way they looked at her made her uncomfortably achy. How long had it been since a man could do that to her?
Robyn felt odd being alone in the big old home. The rain beat against the house, the echo from the tin roof creating a static sound that was almost soothing. She made her way up the old staircase, holding the handrail because it was difficult to see in the darkened corridor. Where should she start? She’d been given free rein to snoop, so she was going to take advantage of it.
She started in Yukon’s bedroom since
it was next to the room she’d slept in. Well, she’d tried to sleep. Most of the night Robyn had tossed and turned, old memories and insecurities driving her crazy. It had been years since she’d slept in a strange bed and it shocked her how much it still affected her. She felt like a vulnerable child, not a grown woman traveling on business.
As soon as she pushed open the door, the first thing she noticed was the faint and delicious scent of his cologne. She took a deep breath as she entered, Yukon’s essence invading her senses. She wanted to drown in it. The curtains were drawn, so she tugged them open to let in the meager amount of light. Everything was simplistic, the furniture all made from solid wood. There wasn’t a modern piece to be found. She slowly walked around, taking everything in. There were some pictures on a tall wardrobe. She stretched up on her tiptoes to get a look. They were family photos with Yukon and Parker as boys. They were handsome even as children—little cowboys. She wondered what their story was and if their parents were still living.
Why hadn’t they married? Or had they? She had so many questions that really weren’t any of her business.
Before moving on, she ran a finger along the thick dust. The place could use a thorough cleaning, or more like a complete home makeover. She opened the closet and did a quick scan for the lanterns, even though she couldn’t care less about her task. The clothes hanging were different versions of the same long-sleeved plaid shirt and a few t-shirts. There was a large cardboard box on the floor so she crouched down and peeked inside.
Robyn wanted to find something significant that would give her a snapshot into these men’s lives. She shouldn’t care, but still needed to learn more. The box was full of sweaters, a big disappointment. Robyn sighed, wondering where to look next. Parker’s room felt like it was off limits, even though nothing had been said one way or the other. If his bedroom had a closet, then she was obligated to investigate, or so she told herself.
She listened to ensure they hadn’t come back inside yet, then she opened the door to Parker’s room across the hall. It felt like entering forbidden territory. Her senses were heightened and her heart began to pound. Being in Parker’s private domain did strange things to her libido. When she saw his queen-sized bed with rumpled navy sheets, her pussy tingled. How many women had warmed his bed? She wondered if cowboys even settled down. Businessmen sure seemed to be playboys for life. And why the hell did she care one way or the other?
Rough and Ready Page 5
