“You don’t need to do anything, but if you need a job, I’m sure we can use your help,” Austin assured her. He watched her fingers play with those keys. His cock ached with his need for her touch. He swallowed. What he needed was to get his mind on something else. “When my business partner, Rex, finishes fixing you a substantial meal, we can talk about it.”
Her eyes brightened a little. “I would appreciate it. I happen to be looking for a new job now.”
“We’ll be glad to work something out for you.” He couldn’t help smiling at her again feeling like he’d happened across a valuable treasure.
“I don’t have much money with me, but I’d be happy to work to pay for the meal, too.”
Her soft, earnest voice touched him with an emotion that grabbed his mid-section. “No need. It’s our treat.” Austin didn’t miss the uneasiness in her face. She needed more reassurance. “Our town is known for helping people in a fix. We even have an association of businessmen who take pride in helping those in trouble. We’d be honored to help you in any way we can. You probably shouldn’t try to drive again tonight. We’d like to offer you a private room at our place tonight, or we can give you a lift to the local spa. It’s the only hotel or motel, so to speak.”
“That sounds expensive.” Her slender eyebrows rose.
“Since it’s late, you’d probably be just as comfortable crashing at our home for tonight. Don’t worry, you’re safe with us.”
“Oh, I’m convinced by all your help that I would be. I just hate to put you out.”
“No problem.”
Rex walked down the hall and through the entry to the office with a steaming plate-full of dinner for her.
Austin could tell from the way her eyes widened as she stared at the plate of food, that she was hungry.
“Here you go.” Rex handed her the plate and utensils and a big white paper napkin. “I’m Rex Brandon. How are you doin’?”
“Fine, thank you. I’m Cheryl McQueen.” She held out her hand to him and he shook hands with her. She looked down at her plate. “This looks and smells wonderful. Thank you so much.” Tears glistened in her eyes as she smiled first at Rex and then at Austin.
Suddenly Austin felt as if he’d been hit hard in the stomach. At the same time he knew an extreme hunger for this sweet angel. He’d never experienced anything like it before with any other woman. He glanced at Rex to gage his reaction. Rex couldn’t take his eyes off her either. Shit. They were both in big trouble.
Austin understood without a doubt that somehow their lives had changed big time tonight. This lovely female had made an impact on him and Rex, and neither of them would ever be the same again. Did she feel it, too?
“If you’ll give me the keys to your car, I’ll hand them over to Ren and Chuck when they get here.” Austin held out his hand to her.
With her keys, warm from her hand, safely in his, Austin backed toward the door to the hallway. “We’ll let you eat. If you need anything, just holler. We’ll be finishing up behind the bar.” Austin turned and headed down the hall to the bar. He heard the soft foot pads of Rex close behind him. Austin strode behind the bar and turned to search his friend’s face. “Did she touch you the way she touched me?”
“God, she’s beautiful,” Rex growled in a deep rasping voice. He stared back at Austin, shaking his head. “I’ve never felt such a strong reaction before, ever. I wanted to take her in my arms and protect her. When she looked at me and smiled with tears in her eyes, I felt like I’d been slammed in the stomach.”
Austin nodded. “I felt the same way. I don’t know what it means. I only know we have to help her and make sure she’s safe and okay.”
“I agree.” Rex rubbed his index finger across his lips like he did when he was puzzled. “I don’t understand it, but I feel like my life has just come to a crossroads, and things might never be the same again. We’ve always been in control with women before, but I don’t feel that way right now.”
“I know what you mean. Whether we’re in control or not, whatever just happened, I have to see this through, no matter where it takes me.”
“Me, too.” Rex’s eyes and the set of his mouth revealed his determination.
“Do you agree we share in this?” Austin looked Rex in the eyes.
“Yeah. It seems to me that this time it’s more important than ever before that we share. She’s obviously had the same powerful effect on both of us.”
Austin swallowed. A flood of strong emotions rushed through him like an overwhelming wave. “We’ll need to be careful.”
“We don’t want to rush her and scare her away.” Rex raised his brows at Austin, waiting for his agreement.
“Right. We need to go slow and find out if she’d be okay with a threesome.”
“But we need to find that out soon before we both fall for her so hard that we’ll never get over her.” Rex grimaced and shook his head.
“That would be hell,” Austin agreed. “All we can do is try to take this slowly. Hopefully she’ll feel the same about us.”
Rex nodded. “Let’s finish up here and take her wherever she wants to crash for the night.”
Austin helped Rex unload the dishes from the big dishwashers and put them up on the shelves behind the bar.
Before they finished, Ren and Chuck dropped by, and Austin gave them the keys to Cheryl’s car. They assured Austin they’d bring her car back in the morning.
* * * *
Cheryl couldn’t help thinking about those two sexy-as-hell guys as she savored the delicious plate of food the one named Rex had brought to her. After the stage fright she suffered at her last job in that awful bar, would she be able to work in another one? She’d hoped to never have to walk inside a bar and dance place again, but how could she refuse the offer of a job from these two generous guys, her protectors? If she accepted their offer of a job, she hoped they’d never ask her to perform, since she’d had stage fright and failed badly at the previous job. She definitely didn’t want to experience that same fright overwhelming her and making her fail again.
Austin and Rex had offered the job without strings. How could she say no? That would give her a perfect opportunity to get to know both of them better. They hadn’t mentioned performing. She never wanted to do that again.
Right this minute, if she had to choose which one was more handsome, she wouldn’t be able to. They both seemed like perfect gentlemen.
She felt like she’d already fallen for them because of their thoughtfulness toward her. She didn’t want to think about what those animals could have done to her.
After Austin had found her and protected her by bringing her to their place of business, he’d immediately called his friends to take care of her car. Rex had brought her this mouthwatering meal that was quickly taking care of her hunger as she filled her empty stomach. She took another drink of soda. She would love to spend time getting to know them.
She hoped they felt the same about her, and she could stay in this town for a while and work for them.
If her parents knew, they wouldn’t approve. She had a gut feeling that they ran a nice dance hall and bar. She also believed from their behavior toward her tonight, that she could trust them. She didn’t believe for a minute that Austin or Rex would take advantage of her.
Staying with them tonight would be all right. With no money left in her purse, she couldn’t afford to stay at the local hotel and spa anyway.
She heard their footsteps coming down the hall. They came into the office, first Austin, and Rex following. “This food really hit the spot. Thanks so much.” She smiled at them.
“Our pleasure,” Austin said, his voice soft as velvet.
“Anytime,” Rex said, his voice a rich baritone. “Just say the word.”
She looked from Rex to Austin who raised his hands in question. “What have you decided? Would you like to sleep in a spare bedroom at our place tonight?”
Great, their invitation still held. “Yes. That would be real nice. I can’t affor
d to stay at a hotel until I get a job.” Would they offer her that job?
“You’re welcome to work here,” Rex offered. “We can always use more help.”
“That’s for sure,” Austin agreed.
“Thanks. I’d like to. I’m good at working behind the bar as well as taking drinks and food to customers. ”
“That sounds fine.” Rex reached toward her. “Let me take your plate.”
“If you’re feeling better now, we can head to our place.” Austin drew her attention.
“I’m ready. The food was delicious and just what I needed.”
“Okay then,” Austin said. “We’ll close up here and get going. I imagine you could use a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed.”
“Sounds heavenly.” She smiled at them, thinking how good it would feel to stretch out in bed.
It hadn’t taken any time at all to reach their home. Austin’s sports car practically drove by itself. They’d probably been going well over the speed limit. Although it was too dark to see the exterior colors of the car, the interior was fantastic with pale tan upholstery and charcoal gray panels. He parked the car in the circular driveway in front of their home’s entrance.
As Austin ran around and opened her car door, Rex met them. He’d parked his light-colored off-road vehicle right behind them.
“How’d you like the ride?” Rex asked, a big grin on his face.
“It was great.” She smiled back at him. “I’ve never ridden in such a fancy sports car before.”
Austin put his hand at the small of her back. “This way.” He indicated the dark slate walkway to the front door.
He kept his hand on her waist. She liked the warmth of his hand but figured he was just as attentive to any woman. Even so, it was nice to have his close attention after that wild animal scene near the main highway.
Rex walked ahead and unlocked the front door. He flipped on the light inside.
From only this first glance through the doorway, she could see that the house was decorated expensively. The choice of colors appeared masculine, of course. Altogether, it was very high end. They must be really successful business partners with their bar. Obviously, they’d hired professional decorators.
“Make yourself at home,” Austin said, softly. “We’ll show you around so you can get your bearings.”
“Want something to drink?” Rex asked, his voice soft.
They acted relaxed and eager to show her around. “A glass of water would be fine.”
They switched on lights as they walked through the house, passed the large living room near the entrance and entered another expansive room which was obviously for entertaining big groups of people. At the far end of the room the doorway led to the kitchen, also decorated in the latest style with expensive-looking appliances perfect for big parties. There were floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall. She peered out to see a beautiful swimming pool, the clear water revealed by underwater lights all along the sides.
Turning away from the inviting sight, she noticed that forest-green granite countertops on three sides of the kitchen surrounded a huge center island with tall stools at one end which were upholstered in black. The cabinets were a beautiful warm, dark, cherry finish, the contemporary style lights across the ceiling giving the room a handsome, masculine feeling.
She noticed the door at the opposite end of the kitchen opened into a huge dining room also decorated in a masculine, understated but elegant way. Their home surprised her, since it was decorated so differently from their business.
Rex opened a cabinet near the sink and took out a glass. “Ice water?”
“That sounds good.”
He filled her glass from the water dispenser of the double-sized refrigerator which looked like part of the floor to ceiling cabinets across from the island.
“Here you go.” He handed her the glass of water.
“Feel free to help yourself anytime you want anything. There’s beer and plenty of snacks and food.” Austin gestured with his big hand, indicating the house and outdoor area. “Our home is your home. Make yourself comfortable. You’re welcome to help yourself any hour of the day or night.”
Their generosity humbled her. “Thank you. I really appreciate it. I’m fine, but please don’t let me keep you from your usual routine.”
Austin smiled at her as he opened a bottle of beer. “We should show you the rest of the house. This way.” He indicated the way they had come.
Rex popped a beer and followed her as she joined Austin.
From the large entertainment room which contained a pool table and game machines on one end and a huge fireplace at the other end, they entered a long hall with many doors opening off both sides. She stopped as Austin opened the second door.
“Have a look and see if you like this bedroom for your stay. We have a few others you can pick from also.”
She walked to the center of the big bedroom. It was decorated perfectly for any guest in shades of pale taupe, cream and wine. The wine-colored comforter contrasted beautifully with the taupe bed-skirt of the king size four poster bed. The floor was covered in an expensive looking, patterned, pale taupe carpet. An open door across from the bed led into an amazing, lavishly appointed bathroom. Next to the wide, curtained window was a door. “Where does the door open to?”
“It opens onto the patio that runs the length of the house and surrounds the swimming pool in back.” Rex gestured with one arm. “You’ll have easy access to the pool if you want a swim.”
“There’s lounging chairs on the patio for sun tanning tomorrow if you want to,” Austin added.
She grinned at them. “I’ll have to try it out.”
At the other end of the room Austin opened a door to a huge walk-in closet. “You can put your things in here if you’d like.”
She peeked inside and saw plenty of room for guests to hang their clothing and place their shoes on shelving built to hold all kinds of footwear. “You’ve thought of everything.” She smiled at both of them.
“We had some local friends design and build this house. We tried to cover all the bases for family and friends who might want to stay here at times.”
“Want to see the rest of the rooms?” Rex raised his eyebrows in question.
“I’d love to, but this one is perfect.”
“Great. Come see the rest of the place.” Rex headed out the door and at his playful insistence she followed him.
Austin escorted her into the hall, his warm hand on her back. They followed Rex as he led the way. He opened every door so she could see what each one contained, and showed her Austin’s room halfway down the hall, and finally his own room at the end. There was another door to the outside at the end of the hall.
She smiled to see that both Austin’s room and Rex’s opened onto a patio at the back of the house as well. How convenient they’d made access to the pool. The patio stretched the length of the house and surrounded the pool.
“You have a fantastic home. Your designer and builders did a beautiful job for you.
Austin smiled warmly. “We think so.”
Rex joined them and they walked back up the hall to her bedroom.
“We’ll leave you to get comfortable,” Austin said. “Morning comes early and we’ll be ready to leave for lunch hour at the dance hall around ten thirty tomorrow, like usual.”
“I’ll be ready,” she assured them.
“Breakfast is served here at nine,” Rex said. “I hope you’ll join us.”
“He cooks up a great breakfast.” Austin grinned at her.
“I’ll be there.” She couldn’t help smiling at them again with their eagerness to make her welcome. “Thanks for all your help.” She stepped through the doorway into her bedroom. “Goodnight.”
“Night,” they said together as they stood there and watched her.
She smiled at them again as she closed the door. She removed her clothing, all but her bra and panties, dropped the clothes on the seat of a chair near the clo
set and climbed onto the soft bed, without first taking time to hang up her clothing. The bed felt wonderful and she let her body relax into the cool comfort.
She’d forgotten to turn out the overhead light but she didn’t care. Too tired to worry about the light, she turned on her side and sprawled across the wine-colored silk comforter. The pillow beneath her head was soft as air. She closed her eyes. She’d turn off the light later.
Chapter Three
Rex tossed the empty beer bottle in the trash can, turned out the lights in the kitchen and headed for his bed and sleep. He knew Austin had turned in a while ago. In the darkened hallway, Rex couldn’t help noticing the light shining beneath the closed door to Cheryl’s room.
He stopped in the hall outside her door and listened for any voices in her room. No sound came from inside, so Austin wasn’t in there. Had she left? She hadn’t seemed uncomfortable about staying with them tonight. If she’d slipped outside on her own she might run into more trouble.
Worried, he opened the door. She rested on the bedcover, spread-eagled on her belly. Her lips were parted, and with the side of her face on the soft pillow she breathed silently through her mouth. A lock of her pale hair curved over her cheek. God, she was sexy looking.
She moved her arm onto the pillow and shifted slightly, raising her bent knee upward where it rested on the slick silk of the coverlet. That skimpy underwear barely covered her. The light revealed a pink tit about to escape her scrap of a bra. He longed to touch the soft nub and feel her satin flesh pucker. His gaze followed her fantastic curves, down her midriff, over her slender waist and rounded hip to the trim thigh he ached to caress. Her position stretched her bikini panties, teasing him unmercifully by revealing a hint of her rose-pink, shaved nether lips. He wanted her now.
He could barely restrain himself from touching her soft, velvet flesh. He imagined cupping her hips in his hands, tasting her slick heat, and finally raising his body over hers to thrust his hardened cock into her slick, wet passage to make her his.
He’d never felt like this before. Why this young woman? Why did he feel so strongly that she belonged to him?
Alpha Night [Alpha Protectors 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 2
