by Jane Jamison
“Like I said. The Sterling family is our family. But I know what you mean. It sucked, but our parents didn’t want us.”
“What?” She was shocked. Although she wasn’t sure she wanted kids, she couldn’t imagine any parents not wanting their own children.
“Charlie’s right. Once we got into the teen years, they decided we were more trouble than we were worth.”
“I was thirteen and Jesse was eighteen. I guess you could say he kind of raised me.”
“By yourself, Jesse? That’s amazing.”
Charlie grinned at his older brother. “Yeah, I guess. I turned out pretty damn good despite him.”
“If you ask me, he did a fantastic job. That says a lot for both of you.” She hadn’t meant to praise them, but she was glad she’d said it.
They sat together, each of them lost in thought and listening to the rain. Just as she was about to ask about the “pack” reference, a howl broke the silence. Although she’d heard coyotes and wolves howling before, it always tended to unnerve her. Charlie and Jesse got to their feet and stared into the darkness, unnerving her even more.
“Carolina, make yourself at home. If you need anything, Lisa-May’s on the second floor, fourth room from the stairs. Don’t worry about waking her. She often stays up late.” Jesse nodded at Charlie, took one last look at her and then strode down the front steps and into the rain.
“Wait. Where are you guys going?” She bounded out of her chair, wrapping the robe around her.
“Don’t worry. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Again with the tomorrow thing?” But by the time she’d finished talking, they were gone.
* * * *
“Rise and shine, Carolina. It’s a wonderful day, but you’re going to miss it if you keep on snoozing, sleepyhead.”
Carolina poked her head out from under the covers and squinted at Lisa-May. A quick check at the window confirmed her suspicions. “Why are you waking me up at this god-awful hour? The sun’s not even up.”
Lisa-May giggled, then flung open the window, revealing the rain still coming down hard. “Silly. It’s still raining, is all. You’re not going to see the sun today no matter what time you get up.”
“Then I’d prefer to not see it later than sooner.” She pulled the covers back over her head. Shortly after Charlie and Jess had left her the first time, she’d wandered around the house until she’d found the huge, professional-style kitchen. Making herself a sandwich, she’d then gone back to her bedroom, found a book to read, and had tried to fall asleep.
She smiled, remembering how she’d given up trying to fall asleep and found the men on the front porch. She was paying for the lack of sleep now, but talking with them was well worth it.
“What time is it?”
“A few minutes past five.”
She groaned and held onto the covers even when Lisa-May tried to yank them off. “Are you insane? Who gets up this early?”
She didn’t have to get into work until nine—not that she’d get to go in today anyway since she couldn’t get back to the city—and almost everyone she knew wouldn’t wake up until at least two hours more. Even later if they were performers who played the clubs around town.
“Everyone gets up early on the ranch. Besides, Charlie and Jesse told me to get you out of bed. They said you wanted to help out with the chores. I laid out some work clothes and a pair of waterproof boots for you.”
Obviously, the men were used to not getting any sleep. Carolina groaned as the bed tipped to the side. Lisa-May sat beside her and tried again to take her covers. She silently vowed she’d go down fighting before she’d give up her cozy bed.
“I didn’t know I’d have to wake up before the rooster grows.”
“Well, there’s your mistake. Old Tom usually crows by now, but he’s gotten confused with all the rain. That doesn’t mean we can slack off. Oh, but it’s so nice of you to offer to help out. We can use all the extra hands we can get around here. It’s a really big ranch.”
In the next second, Carolina lost her battle to hold onto her comforter as Lisa-May’s next jerk was stronger than the one before it. She curled up into a ball, squinting her eyes closed, and refused to give in. “Just a few more minutes. I’m begging you.”
“Sorry. I’ve got my orders and so do you.”
She sighed and stretched out, then sat up and gazed at the girl through blurry eyes. “Orders?” She’d never liked taking orders from anyone, much less two men she’d known for less than twenty-four hours. Unless, of course, the orders involved a whip and handcuffs.
Don’t go there.
She’d always wanted a man who’d treat her roughly in sex, but had never found one she wanted badly enough to suggest that they try playing around with bondage. Yet the image of Jesse strapping her to a bed while Charlie eased between her legs was one she’d like to see come to life.
“You know what I mean.” Lisa-May hopped off the bed and scurried to the door. “You get dressed and I’ll meet you in the kitchen. Do you know where it is?”
“Yeah. I found it last night. But, Lisa-May?”
“Yes?”
“I kind of made myself at home and looked around the place, but I didn’t run into anyone else.”
Except Charlie and Jesse, but she wasn’t about to tell Lisa-May.
“Granted, it was late, but I thought at least a few people would be up and around. Where’d everyone go?” Funny how she hadn’t asked the men the same thing.
“Well, Ms. Millicent likes to go to bed early, and Charlie and Jesse had some chores to finish. Then they slept in the bunkhouse where they always sleep.”
Were they finished with the chores when she’d found them on the porch? Not that it mattered.
“Okay, but what about all the others? When I came here yesterday, there were a lot of men and some women in and around the house. They don’t all go home when the day’s work is done, do they?”
“Nope. Everyone who works on the ranch lives on the ranch.”
“Then how’d I miss them?” She fought to keep a level tone. Why was Lisa-May not answering her in her usual forthright manner? That and not having any coffee was making it a rough start.
“I don’t know about last night, but I bet a lot of them went for a run this morning.”
“A run? In the pouring rain?” Were they the type of people who liked to do mud runs?
Lisa-May shrugged her shoulders. “Why not? Although I’m hoping the rain will clear up soon. I’d love to show you my favorite place on the whole ranch.”
“Yeah. What’s it like?”
“It’s a wonderful little pond that’s surrounded by beautiful trees. I like to sit and think about things with the birds singing and the bunnies hopping around.”
“It sounds like a scene from a Walt Disney movie.”
“Yeah, it’s that good. It’s a ways from here, a straight shot out the back door of the house, but it’s worth the walk. It’s so beautiful. The trees give the perfect amount of shade and the grass around the pond is green and soft.”
“That sounds great. I’d love to see it.” It might even be worth all the chatter she’d have to hear on the way.
“It’s kind of my hideaway. Joey doesn’t even know about it.”
“Okay, I understand. But why are you telling me?”
Lisa-May nibbled on the end of her thumbnail. “I don’t know. I like you and it’ll be fun to share it with a girlfriend.”
Girlfriend? Already? Suddenly, she felt guilty for thinking less-than-nice thoughts about Lisa-May’s constant talking.
“I’ll take you there as long as you keep it a secret. That includes Charlie and Jesse. Deal?”
“Deal.” Carolina was surprised that Lisa-May could keep any secrets. The girl just loved talking too much. “So really? Everyone’s gone for a run? Everyone?”
“No, of course not everyone. Others are out on the ranch doing work.” She nibbled on her fingernail again. “I’m not sure I should tell yo
u this, but your men told everyone stay away from you.”
She slung her legs over the side of the bed and sat up. “What? Why would they do that?”
Lisa-May bit her lower lip. She’d obviously put her foot in her mouth again and spoken out of turn. “Uh, well, they thought you’d like some space. Being new here and all.”
“That’s odd. I’m not exactly a wallflower. And I’m not new, other than being a visitor.”
The bright and chipper girl was back. “Beats me. I’ll see you downstairs, okay?”
“Sure. Whatever. Wait.”
Lisa-May bit her lower lip again even as she held her smile. “Uh-huh?”
“Why’d you use the words ‘your men’? They’re not mine.”
She shifted back and forth on her feet. “I guess because they’re the ones who brought you here?”
“Are you asking me or telling me?”
“Telling? Yeah, definitely telling. Anyway…”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t bother taking a shower. You’re just going to get dirty anyway.” Then with a quick twist, she was out of the room, her blonde ponytail bouncing behind her.
That was weird.
Maybe she needed to do more exploring today. And talk to Jesse and Charlie again. She retrieved the worn jeans, denim shirt, cotton socks, and work boots. Until then, she’d have to get to work.
If I’d known helping out meant getting up so blasted early, I would’ve kept my big mouth shut. Damn.
* * * *
An hour later after a paltry breakfast that a starving man would’ve turned his nose up at, Carolina took the rain slicker and empty basket that Lisa-May gave her and followed her out into the heavy rain. Her feet sank into the ground, and muddy water oozed around the thick soles of the boots.
“Where are we going? What’s the basket for?”
“Just over here.” Lisa-May carried a basket of her own, but it was covered.
Even the torrential rain couldn’t dampen Lisa-May’s bright smile. Carolina had to respect her for that if nothing else.
They made their way past the bunkhouse, and although a few men lifted their hands in greeting or muttered a curt welcome, none of them made any effort to get to know her. It was as though they were afraid to talk to her.
Continuing on, they walked past the barn. The aroma of rain, wet hay, and horses stung her nostrils. At first, she found the fragrance overpowering, but once she grew used to the smell, she thought it was kind of sweet-smelling. She glanced back at the barn and wished she could go inside instead of trudging after Lisa-May.
“I hate to sound like a kid in the backseat of the family minivan, but are we there yet?”
“We sure are.” Lisa-May pointed to a large enclosure that was surrounded by chicken wire and hidden a few yards behind the barn. The building wasn’t much, but it looked like it could stand up to the weather.
Carolina paused, gave the place another perusal, then heard the sound of clucking. “Is this a chicken coop?”
“Well, of course, it is, silly. What else would it be? Come on. We’ve got chores to get done and daylight’s a-burnin’.”
“Daylight’s doing squat.”
Lisa-May’s light laughter contradicted the gray world around them. She waved Carolina to follow her, then opened the latch on the pen, and stepped inside.
“Urgh. I just stepped in chicken poop.” Carolina lifted her foot to find a large blob of the yellowish-white gunk stuck to it.
“You’re going to get a lot more of it on you before we’re over.”
“Okay, but I’m not cleaning the shit off. Just so you know.”
Lisa-May gave her a strange look, then led the way into the coop. The chickens started clucking louder when they stepped inside. Carolina stopped, afraid to go much closer. She’d never liked birds much.
“They won’t bite, will they?”
Lisa-May uncovered her basket, exposing chicken feed, and began tossing it on the floor. At once, the chickens burst out of their individual cubby holes, sending feathers flying as they threw their bodies into the air.
“Shit!” Startled by the mass of wings and beaks coming at her, Carolina backed up as fast as she could, hit the threshold of the coop, and fell backward. The air was knocked out of her as she hit the hard ground. Rain beat against her face, blurring her vision.
“Oh, for honeypot’s sake. Are you all right?”
Carolina squinted against the downpour and tried to see the face above her. All at once, a strong hand gripped hers and hauled her back on her feet.
She sputtered, pulled her hood back into place, although her hair was already wet, and gaped at Charlie.
“It’s easier getting the eggs if you stay on your feet.”
She glanced down at his hand still holding hers. The electricity zinged into her, undiminished since yesterday. If anything, it was stronger.
Damn, the man must be a live wire in human form. And I’m ready to get electrocuted.
She glanced at the basket on the ground, then back up at his gorgeous eyes. Even hooded, they shone with an amber glint. “It would’ve been easier if I’d known what I was getting into.”
Charlie wrapped his arm around her. She was steady on her feet but wasn’t in any hurry for him to let go. He was big and virile and made her feel dainty. Besides, she needed his body heat to keep the chill of the rain away.
Yeah, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
“Didn’t the basket give you a clue?” asked Lisa-May.
She felt more than heard Charlie’s chuckle. “Again. City girl here. But yeah, if I’d given it any thought, I would’ve come up with the right answer. I need more coffee. Strong, black coffee.”
“Lisa-May, do you think you could handle feeding the hens and fetching the eggs on your own?”
Oh, thank God. Maybe he’ll take me back to the house and have coffee with me.
The horrible black liquid she’d downed in a hurry that morning was tearing a hole in her stomach. Or maybe it was the burned toast Lisa-May had tossed her way, barely giving her time to choke it down.
“Sure. No problem. Thanks for helping, Carolina.”
Carolina started to point out that she’d done nothing to be thanked for, but then gave her a small smile.
“Let’s head back to the main house.”
He turned her loose, thrilling her with his words, but making her wish he’d hang onto her longer. Could she fake a dead faint? But that was so not her style. Still, if it got him to hold her, then maybe it was worth playing the role.
Instead, she trudged along with him. She’d already passed the barn when he let out a low whistle. “Hey, Carolina, come this way.”
At least she’d get to see the barn and the horses. It was a stereotype, but like so many little girls, she’d always loved horses. She’d even ridden a couple, but that was the extent of it.
He waited for her after entering the barn. Once inside, the smell she’d experienced earlier hit her again, but with the force of a tank. It wasn’t so sweet-smelling any longer.
She put her fingers under her nose. “Oh, hell. What is that stink?”
“Wow. You really are a city girl.” Charlie led her over to the first stall. “Don’t you know horse shit when you smell it?”
“I do now.” The empty stall was filled with manure. “That’s a lot of shit.”
“Yep. And it needs to get mucked out.”
She’d already nodded, agreeing, before she noticed the smirk on his face. “Oh, hell no!” She shook her head, violently opposing what he was about to say.
“Someone needs to do it, and since you’re the low man on the totem pole…” He faded off, his meaning all too clear.
“That sounds like I’m one of the hired hands. I’m a guest, remember?”
“But a working guest. Isn’t that right? You said you wanted to help out.”
Oh, lordy. When will I learn to keep my mouth shut? “Well…”
“It’s okay. If she
doesn’t think she’s up to the job, then we’ll find one of the others to do it.” Jesse strode over from another stall, leading a beautiful bay horse.
She knew a challenge when she heard it. And damn it, as much as she didn’t want to, she found it hard to back down. “Fine. I’ll clean your dirty old stall, but only if I you’ll do something for me.”
“We kind of already did, but go ahead. I’m curious. What do you want us to do?” Jesse laid a hand on the horse’s neck, then rubbed the end of its nose when it snorted and pawed at the ground. The horse’s big eyes warmed, and her body quivered at his touch. Stretching its neck out, it bumped his shoulder, a tender love pat from an adoring animal.
“I don’t know. Something nice.” She could think of a lot of things she’d like them to do to her but held back telling them.
“Okay, let’s think about this. What do you do for fun, sugar?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She wanted to play with him, to tease him.
“Yeah.” Jesse gave Charlie the reins, then moved closer. He gazed down at her with a wicked expression suitable for any girl’s bad boy dreams. “That’s kind of why I asked.”
The amazing sensation she always got from them swirled around her. Her pussy grew wet and she had to be sure not to look down to see how wet it was. Was it the rush of their testosterone that made her feel that way? But that didn’t make sense. All men had testosterone and pheromones, and all that other body stuff that affected women. No, they had something else. Like an underlying wildness that called to her primal instincts to capture the attention of the man she wanted and make him hers.
Whoa.
She swallowed, then hoped he hadn’t seen her do it. “I do a lot of different things for fun, but what I’m thinking about involves a dining table.”
“I get it.” Charlie looped the reins of the horse around one of the boards of the stall. He sandwiched her between Jesse and himself. “You want us to do dinner.”
