Chapter Eight
It was the day of the judging. Eva wasn’t surprised the brothers were gone when she woke up. She’d been worried things would be uncomfortable after everything they’d shared last night. Her only regret was the fact they refused to take things all the way. As soon as she’d smartened up and accepted what was in front of her all along, there was no going back. She loved Colton and North unconditionally, flaws and all.
She tugged on her jeans, the snug denim making her pussy pulse. Eva stopped to catch her breath. It only took one memory of last night to make her feel that same wanton energy. The McReed twins felt so good, all hard and muscly. They were strong and attentive, holding back because they loved her. She trusted them completely, and wanted so much more from them.
Eva set out for the holding paddock. She needed to get Bessie and Ruby in top form. This was the day she’d been waiting for. As she walked along the beaten paths, she realized the sky seemed bluer, the grass greener. Her eyes had been opened to a new world. She felt complete, like she’d finally finished a twenty-two year old puzzle.
When she spotted Wade waiting for her by the split rail fence, she cursed under her breath. She’d forgotten all about him. He’d made her feel good because he was the first man to pay attention to her. He symbolized freedom and the adult life she’d always sought. But never once was she foolish enough to believe it was love.
“Good morning, pretty lady.”
She smiled as she approached. “Hi, Wade.”
“Today’s the big day, is it?”
Eva nodded. She looked to the side where the cows were kept, wondering how she could tell him things would never work between them.
“I wanted to show you something. I’m packing up tonight and heading on the road, so this is my last chance.”
If that was true, she’d be free of any ties. The least she could do was see what he wanted to show her. “Okay, but I can’t be long. The judges will be doing a walk through soon.”
“It won’t take long.” He smiled and then led her away by the small of the back. They followed a narrow path behind the barn. It was a downward slope moving away from the events to a series of small outbuildings. She wondered if he was going to show her the new foals she’d heard talk of. Baby animals were always a weakness of hers. She’d personally brought at least a dozen calves into the world on their farm.
She looked around when they reached the bottom of the hill. It was odd there weren’t any cowboys or hired hands around. Eva began to feel uneasy, especially when Wade kept mentioning how beautiful she looked.
“So who are those boys you’re bunking with exactly?”
She was tongue-tied for a moment. “They’re my friends from the next ranch over. I’ve known them since I was a little girl.”
“But you’re not a little girl anymore, are you? You look very much like a woman to me.”
Eva swallowed hard, staring at the path they’d just taken. Should she run? Or was she just overreacting? “Thank you,” she whispered.
He backed her up until she hit the side of a small wooden shed. It hid their view from every angle but the dense forest behind them. “I’ve invested a lot of time in you, Eva. Don’t you think I should be rewarded?”
She narrowed her eyes, not understanding his meaning. “I thought you were going to show me something.”
“I plan to, darlin’.” He reached down and began to fiddle with the buckle on his leather belt. She glanced down and couldn’t believe what was happening. Her father was the essence of an old-fashioned cowboy. Honor, loyalty, and his word meant everything. She couldn’t even remember a day he’d raised his voice at her mother.
Wade may have bragging rights in the ring, but he was no gentleman. Adrenaline spiked through her veins. For once, she wished the overbearing McReed brothers were there to pound Wade into the earth.
“What are you doing?”
He tried to kiss her neck but she turned away in distaste. “Stop playing hard to get. Do you realize how many women I’ve turned down this week for you?”
“I’m sorry you expected more, but I’m not interested.”
He laughed without humor. “Too late for that. You can’t expect to tease a man and walk away.”
“I need to go,” she said, pushing him back. He clasped her wrists in one hand and refused to let her leave.
“Didn’t I make myself clear?” His words were angry, his face changing into something new and terrifying. “You’re not leaving until you pay up. Either open your legs or suck my dick, either way is fine by me.”
****
“You get a hold of her?” asked North.
Colton shook his head. “Second day with no answer. I hope Aunt Laura remembered to stop by.”
“It’s a good thing we’re heading home tomorrow.”
Their mother may be a grown woman, but she was incapable of taking care of herself with an addiction ruling her life. No matter how cruel she was to him these days, North still worried about her.
“There’s nothing we can do now. We might as well head to the judging,” said North.
They’d both been avoiding Eva like the plague. They fought to be the first one out of bed and out the door in the morning. North was a fucking mess. It was nerve-wracking wondering if Eva regretted their night of passionate confessions. Would she play it off? Hate them? Resent them? He felt like a bastard for taking anything she’d offered. She was innocent, reacting to the raw lust between them. Or was it really love?
He wouldn’t be able to handle a rejection from Eva. It would destroy Colt. After their dad walked away, his twin focused all those feelings of abandonment on Eva Ford. She was his rock, and it seemed they both needed her as much as air.
“Maybe we should wait a while. I don’t think the judges will be by until the afternoon,” said Colt.
“We have to face her sooner or later.”
“I don’t think I can. Last night I lost control. I never should have given in like I did. She probably hates me.”
North smirked. “She was offering, but you didn’t take, Colt. She’ll know that.”
His brother ran both hands through his mess of dirty-blond hair. “This is crazy, you do realize that?”
“Since when has our family ever been normal?”
They walked along the path, careful not to speak too loud. The event grounds were bustling with people, horses being walked by, and vendors calling out their wares.
“What about Mr. Ford?” asked Colt, his voice sober. “I don’t think I could take it if he shut me out.”
“I love him, too,” said North. “But I also love Eva.”
“I’m not as simple as love. Even if he approved, he’d expect one of us, not both.”
North didn’t want to think about tomorrow or the consequences. He was too high on love, too overjoyed since Eva revealed her feelings. The sobering reality of a ménage a trios relationship was one he’d consider—later.
“I’m done talking. I need Eva.” Just like back home, she was always the answer.
The holding paddock for the cattle was crowded with spectators. How were they supposed to find Eva in that mess?
“I hope they haven’t started the judging,” said Colt.
“No, they’re just getting ready.” He walked up to judging table where several employees he recognized were chatting. “Afternooon.” North tilted his Stetson in greeting. “Have ya’ll seen Eva around? Looks like Bessie and Ruby are still in the holding pen.”
“I’m not sure, sugar,” said Patsy, one of the event planners. “I was wondering where she was myself. There’s not much time left to prepare.”
He looked at his brother. Neither of them said a word.
A hired hand raking hay a few feet away spoke up. “She was here a while ago. Went down to the storage units with that Granger fellow.”
“What Granger fellow?” asked North. His hackles were up, but he kept his cool.
“Wade Granger. I’ve seen him with Eva nearly
every day this week. I’m sure they just wanted to be alone.” Patsy winked. “But you might want to remind her that she needs to get back in a hurry.”
“Where’d you see them heading?” asked Colton.
The hired hand pointed to the forest behind the main barn. North nudged Colt’s shoulder and then took off jogging. They pushed their way unceremoniously through the crowds. Red lights flashed in his head. He had a bad feeling about this. After last night, he was certain Eva wouldn’t want any type of intimacy with Wade. And after finding out the cowboy was a two-timer only looking for a quick fuck, he was terrified knowing Eva was alone with him.
“There’s no way she’d miss preparing for the judging,” said Colt as they ran down a grassy slope. It was slick from last night’s rain, forcing them to slow down. There were numerous abandoned sheds in the near distance, most dilapidated and weather-beaten. He couldn’t think of any good reason for Wade to bring Eva here.
“No shit.”
North heard Eva’s muffled scream when they neared the small wooden structures. They silently motioned to each other to split up and flank the bastard.
“Make your choice or I’ll make it for you,” said Wade.
When North peeked around the corner, the sight stole his humanity. His precious little Eva was pinned against the shed wall with Wade holding her against her will. He held her hands as she struggled to fend him off.
His fears dissipated. Although he hadn’t stepped in yet, he wasn’t worried about losing this fight. Eva’s honor and safety were at stake. And Wade just made the worst decision of his life.
“Get your mother fucking hands off her,” said Colt. His brother moved in from the other side of the shed. His features were set hard as stone, the promise of pain written in his eyes.
Wade took a step back and Eva immediately ran to North, wrapping her arms around his waist. He held her head to his chest, keeping her close. He never wanted to let her go.
“It’s not what it looks like.”
“It’s exactly what it looks like,” said Colton. He shoved Wade, nearly making him stumble. “You put your hands on my Eva.”
“Men like you should be corralled and gelded,” said North. “In the very least, you need to learn a lesson from someone your own size.”
He hadn’t been in as many fights as Colton over the years, but he could hold his own. North earned every one of his muscles through back-breaking hard work on the ranch. He was thankful for this strength on days like today.
“She can’t just get away with leading a man on,” said Wade. “I thought we understood each other last night.”
“Eva can do whatever the fuck she wants,” said North. Eva was an innocent country girl and Wade knew that. He had no right taking if she wasn’t offering. After seeing the abuse his mother received from their father first-hand, he was sensitive to any woman being hurt by a man.
“Get her out of here.” Colton may not have any championship trophies like Wade, but he’d been fighting dirty since he was a teen. It was usually because he was mad with the world, but it gave him the experience to deal with this asshole.
****
Eva felt all her fears drain from her body and settle in her boots. It was exhausting after being so stressed and frightened. She’d been used to her father, the McReed brothers, and the close-knit community in their small town. Wade forced her to see a side of humanity she’d never seen firsthand. She’d been humiliated and victimized, and experienced a sense of helplessness she never wanted to relive. Eva came to Chester to gain her independence, not lose it.
North attempted to lead her away, but she dug her heels into the ground. “What about Colt?”
“He’ll catch up in a minute.” North scooped her up into his strong arms as if she weighed twenty pounds. After feeling so vulnerable, it felt amazing being sheltered by one of the men she loved. The McReed twins were her heroes and always would be.
The sound of punches being landed made her gasp. Wade and Colton were both hardcore cowboys, tall and solidly built. There was cursing and banging as they crashed into the small shed. North kept walking, not even worried about his brother.
“He could get hurt!” she said. “You have to help him.”
North kissed her forehead. “Colton’s teaching that piece of shit a lesson. I’d like to be in his boots right now.”
“But—”
“But nothing. Tell me one thing, did he hurt you?”
She sighed. “No. I’m okay.”
“Good thing because you have a ribbon to win.”
Eva shook her head. “I can’t. I’ll be humiliated after what happened.”
“Nobody knows a thing, little lady. I didn’t come all the way to Chester for you to give up right before the finish line. You’ll regret walking away.”
He set her on her feet before they neared the crowds. She had to get her thoughts together, to calm her nerves so she could do her job. Eva tried to convince herself she was being ridiculous. The McReed brothers came to her aid before Wade could really harm her. Then why did she feel so lost? Why were more tears threatening to fall? She’d foolishly trusted Wade, thrived on his courtship, and ignored the warnings by North and Colton.
She took a deep breath and slipped into the holding paddock, not making eye contact with any of the spectators or staff. Eva felt like she was an open book to the crowd, even though North was probably right and nobody was the wiser.
Eva hugged Bessie, the familiar sight healing her a degree. She began to primp the cow as the other animals were being showed. The loud speaker in the distance gave her a sense of urgency. Any minute and they’d call for Bessie or Ruby. She wouldn’t let Wade steal all the excitement of this day. She’d been waiting for it for months, prepared for years, and wanted to savor every minute.
When she was finished grooming both girls, a low whistle caught her attention. Colt leaned over the rail of the holding pen and winked at her with a smile. “Good luck, baby girl.”
She rushed over to him, touching the cut on his cheek. “You’re hurt.”
“I’m just fine. You worry about showing those prized cows. Tell Bessie she’ll be steaks if she doesn’t win.”
He’d lifted her spirits but she playfully swatted him anyway.
Her name was called and she had to lead Bessie out first. She held her breath, convinced she’d screw something up. This wasn’t just her first competition but also her first time in the city. Everything was new and unfamiliar. As she attempted to lead the cow out to the judging ring, the brat stalled, stubbornly fighting to stay put. Back at home, she handled the livestock with ease, but she froze under the stress of the moment. Colton leaned over and whacked Bessie on the rump. It was enough to get her moving.
This was going to be one week to remember.
Chapter Nine
That evening, they sat outside of their trailer to enjoy their last night away from home. Colton had a good bonfire blazing, the sparks dancing up into the sky. Eva sat on a bench with a quilt wrapped around her shoulders.
“So, how’s it feel to be the owner of a prized cow?” he asked, sitting next to her.
Eva smiled. “She came in third.”
“Hey, you have a blue ribbon. That’s all that matters.” He tucked some stray blonde hairs behind her ear. Colton had promised himself to keep his distance, but she needed him as much as he needed her. His sweet girl had been through the wringer because of that jerk. He needed to hear her laugh, to see the innocence in her eyes again.
North sat down on the other side of Eva. “You’ve been quiet tonight. You okay?”
She shrugged. “Still a bit shaken, I guess.”
“Nobody will ever hurt you again,” said North. “You’re ours and we protect what’s ours.”
His brother made a weighty statement, one that he didn’t disapprove. Colton wanted to own Eva, to know she’d always be his. He decided to put her before his fears, before the baggage from his past. Holding back wasn’t saving Eva, only supplyi
ng him with an excuse to follow in his father’s footsteps. But they were two different men, and the only role model he’d ever needed was Mr. Ford.
“I want to be yours,” she said. “I don’t want to be alone.”
Colton put his arm around her shoulders, holding her to his side. “That’s good, because you should know by now how hard it is to get rid of us.”
He watched the flames dance, the wood crackling as it slowly turned to ash. The stars were out and the moon was full. These were the kind of nights he loved.
“It’s back to the real world tomorrow,” said North. “I don’t even want to think about all the fields I need to plow.”
“We’ll get caught up,” said Colton.
He wanted to bring up the topic of their ménage relationship because he was worried about the future, but Eva had enough on her plate. It was best not to stress her out any more.
“The moon’s big tonight,” said Eva. “Remember the harvest moon last Halloween? I wonder if we’ll get one again this year.”
They’d stayed out in the corn fields all night. It had been an Indian summer, and the moon was huge and a brilliant orange. It appeared so close he swore he’d be able to touch it if he reached far enough. He remembered every detail of that night from the corn stalks poking him in the ribs to the sound of Eva’s giggling. It seemed all his positive memories featured Eva Ford. Before her, before their dad walked out, his life was a haze of beatings, sadness, and chaos. Eva equaled happiness, safety, and laughter.
“I remember,” said Colton simply.
North set his hand on her thigh. It meant nothing until Eva pushed his hand higher. She turned to look at his brother. “I can’t forget last night,” she said.
“Neither can I,” said North.
“Are you going to keep pushing me away?”
His brother kept quiet.
“It’s for your own good, Eva,” said Colton. “You’re not ready for more just yet.”
“Why not? Because I’m twenty-two? Last time I checked that’s very much a woman.” She sat straighter, not willing to lean on him any longer.
Cowboys Mine Page 7
