by Eileen Green
Footsteps coming toward the house startled him, for all the men had either gone home or they were in their bunkhouses preparing dinner and cleaning up. Connor occasionally came out to see how the day’s work went, but usually Brock went to Connor. He was going to wait until morning to see Connor, for they already had an extra person in the house since Blair was staying with them.
Brock looked up and watched the shadow get closer until he could see who it was from the porch light. It surprised him when he saw Blair.
She wore blue jeans that hugged tight to her hips and thighs, framing her womanly curves. A dark green parka was what she was wearing to stay warm, her hands enveloped in gloves and a light green beanie on her head.
Standing, Brock moved Tanner’s chair next to his, so she could sit.
“Thank you,” she said shyly as she sat. Once seated, she looked up at the sky. “I never did get to appreciate the night sky while I was in the city. The stars are slightly different this far north.”
He hated to hear her say anything about the city, for it was a reminder of her betrayal of them. Brock knew he couldn’t really think of it that way since she had no choice in the matter of her leaving. She was only twenty-two when she left him and Tanner. The thought of her being alone and terrified soured his stomach.
Could they have a new life with her? Would she let them back into her life? Only time would tell.
“Yeah. I don’t know if you’ve been out on the nights when the sky puts on its light show. That’s when I know I’m a long way from Texas.” He sat back down as he spoke.
Brock missed Texas sometimes, but in the bitter cold here, he loved how it changed the landscape and the sky.
Blair cleared her throat. “I’m sorry about how things worked out. I really didn’t want to leave.” Her voice quivered as she spoke. “They wouldn’t let me say good-bye to you. I barely got the note written.”
What kind of program wouldn’t even let someone say good-bye? The kind that must protect someone. If she hadn’t written that note, would Brock have taken the news differently about the accident? Most likely, yes. He wished she hadn’t written that damn note. He wished she had kept the ring to think of them.
“I don’t know who I’m mad at,” he said quietly as he focused on the three stars of Orion’s belt. They misted over as tears came to his eyes.
“I understand that you’re angry at me. I did go back to Sweetwater once. Since I worked in the library, I was able to use the computers there. I would look at news, and I saw that your mother had passed away, so I drove down there. It was a long way to drive just to spend less than a day there and turn around and go back to Sacramento.”
“Why didn’t you fly?” Brock inquired, trying to figure out her thought process.
“I would have had to rent a car when I got to Lubbock, but I wasn’t old enough. I had to do the next best thing. When I got to the cemetery was the hard part. Hardly any trees really makes it hard for a person to hide.”
“It makes it very uncomfortable for a funeral in the afternoon in the summertime, too.” Brock chuckled. “A couple of the aunts from back east complained the entire time they were there.”
“Your mom was loved and respected by everyone. I’m glad there was a good turnout for her.”
As much as the situation still had Brock irritated, it pleased him that Blair had come to his mother’s funeral. His mom really had liked Blair. She was nearly as devastated by what had happened as he and Tanner were.
“She liked you a lot.” He didn’t know what else to say.
They sat watching the sky for a few silent minutes before Blair spoke. “I never stopped thinking about you guys. I couldn’t move on after that. I worked, and would go home, but I couldn’t date anyone. It would have been a betrayal to both of you.”
Her words sent a thrill through his body. It was good to know that she hadn’t forgotten about them as the years passed. Did he dare hope?
“We never forgot about you either, Blair. We gave you a wonderful service. A lot of people came. You were missed by our friends. But for Tanner and myself, we missed you so much. The problem we had was wondering all these years why you would have been leaving, especially when you left your ring. We tried to think of anything we could have done to make you want to leave in the first place.”
A sigh emanated from her. “I never should have gotten involved with you guys. I should have stuck to my routine of work and home. Friends are not a luxury for me, and relationships, well, we all know where those stand, don’t we?”
“You can’t think that way, sweetness. Everyone deserves to be happy.” Brock reached out and took her hand in his. The wool felt funny against his cold skin, but he didn’t let go. It was at least a connection. “We loved you with all we had, Blair, and when we lost you, our hearts broke. Why do you think we moved up here? The ranch wasn’t just a reminder of our parents. It was a reminder of you, too. It got to be too much. I had to leave.
“Tanner tried to make a go of it himself, but he had the same problem. He came up three years later after selling the ranch to a friend of ours. We didn’t have to work once that took place. Work helped us get you off our minds, at least for a few hours a day.” He breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. “Night times were the worst. When the others went into town to drink and socialize, Tanner and I couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. It reminded us of how we met you. We spend our nights watching TV or reading.”
“That’s the extent of my life now also,” Blair said with a small chuckle. “Of course, when you stay at home, your mind starts to wander and go places you don’t want them to go to.”
Brock nodded. That was so true.
After a few moments, Brock couldn’t help the words that came out of his mouth, for his heart was speaking. “I know that there’s a lot going on right now, but I was wondering if we can try again?”
“After what I did?” She sounded surprised.
Brock was on his feet in seconds. He took both her hands in his dirty ones. “Blair, you didn’t do anything. What happened was out of your control. I know that. You know that. I’m sorry that I couldn’t have been there to help keep you from being scared and to let you know you were loved.”
“I knew I was loved. That’s what helped me up until now. I want to try again if you both want it, but I’m afraid of what is coming. What if I get hurt, or worse?”
“Someone I know once said we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so we have to live in the present. I can only imagine what could happen, but I want to spend as much time as possible with you. I love you, Blair Anderson. I never stopped.”
* * * *
Brock was saying all the right words, and she could tell he had meant them. She even knew how she felt about him. However, with so much uncertainty of what was going to happen, she was afraid to be close to them. What if whoever was coming to kill her got to them and used them to lure her in before the big plan was in place? Could she bear if one of them got hurt because of her? Also, she had only heard from Brock. What if Tanner wanted nothing to do with her?
God, was her mind going a thousand miles a minute!
“What about…”
“You don’t have to finish that question, sugar,” Tanner said, coming out the door of the house behind her. Connor had told her where they lived.
Tanner came around and knelt next to Brock. His hair was dark and damp, looking as if he had just showered. He had changed from what he had been wearing this morning. Now he was wearing sweatpants and a thermal shirt, while moccasins were on his feet. None of it was fit to wear outside in the cold air especially since his hair was damp.
“You’re going to get sick being out here, Tanner!” she exclaimed. “You need to get back inside.”
“Only if you come in with me,” he responded.
Although the light was dim, she could see the lust in his eyes. His eyes were usually hazel, but right now, they were more of a brownish-green. They always got that color when he was aroused or angry.
She dared not look at his crotch to see if he was aroused.
“I can’t.”
Before she could explain, but men asked in unison, “Why not?”
She had to stifle a giggle. For not being twins, they had the same thought pattern.
“Connor wanted me to come get you for dinner. He wants you up at the house.” Blair saw the disappointment on both of her men’s faces. “He said he tried to call y’all, but you didn’t answer.”
Brock released her hands and dug into his back pocket with one hand. He brought his phone out and checked it. After he pressed a button on it, she saw it light up.
“I turned it off while I was working.”
“I did, too,” Tanner said as he stood. “Mine’s in the house charging though.”
“Well, dinner is just about ready,” she said as she eyed Brock. She wrinkled her nose at the pungent aroma that was coming from him. She was going to have to wash her gloves. “Although, you might want to shower before you come over.”
“Tell Connor and Gina we’ll be there in about twenty minutes,” Tanner said as he reached out for Blair’s hand. He helped her stand before pulling her into his arms.
Before she could say anything, his lips were on hers, and she melted into him. It had been so long since she shared a kiss with him and Brock, but it took her back to those days when the three of them lit up the world.
She wound her arms around his waist, holding him tight as he moved his lips against hers. He swept his tongue out and licked at her. She opened to him. He didn’t waste a moment as he filled her mouth with his tongue.
Soft moans escaped her as their tongues tangled together, their passion exploding. She could feel his erection grow against her stomach just as she had the morning before, and it gave her a thrill that she was the reason for that at her age. So much time had passed, yet here they were, kissing as if only a few days had gone by.
She hated to do it, but she pulled away from the kiss. “As much as I want to do this,” she began. “I have lasagnas in the oven, and I need to get back before dinner is ruined.” Looking at both men, she saw doubt in their eyes. “We’ll have to pick this up later. Okay?”
They each nodded. Tanner released her with hesitancy, and she stepped away slowly. He smiled. “Please don’t burn dinner. I know I’m starving.”
Leaning up, she pressed a chaste kiss on his lips before stating, “You always were.”
He smiled at her, a smile that reached his eyes. She knew he was okay with her leaving. Looking at Brock, she could see some doubt.
Stepping up to Brock, she tried not to let any part of her touch his clothes, but she leaned up and gave him a kiss also. “Clean up, baby,” she whispered. “Perhaps I can come back for a while after dinner.”
Blair turned on her heel, and with a flip of her hair, she headed back to the main house. Her heart was lighter than it had been in decades. She had friends. She hopefully had her men. And she prayed she would be safe and not ever have to move again.
God, please let everything happen as planned!
Chapter Seven
“Blair, meet your hit man,” Connor said casually as if he was introducing her to a friend.
“What?” she exclaimed, her heart pounding in her chest as she stood in the middle of the Lawson living room.
The man standing before her was three or four inches shorter than Brock and Tanner, who were now standing beside her, one on each side. Their hands found hers, which gave her strength.
He was clearly of Hispanic origin. Dark skin reflective of the natives of Mexico, along with dark brown hair and eyes. His hair was short, like military style. A muscular frame was evident through the uniform he wore, the sleeves tight as they covered his biceps.
“Hello, Blair.” The man stepped forward, introducing himself. “I’m Police Chief Miguel Chavez from Ronan. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Blair was at a loss for words. This was all so surreal, but it was becoming crystal clear that all this was going to happen.
The man before her was looking at her curiously. When someone cleared their throat, she realized she was staring at the man. She felt the heat of a blush sweep over her face from embarrassment.
“I’m sorry. All this is just so…”
“Weird?” Chief Chavez finished for her. He chuckled. “I can only imagine what you are going through, and I’m sorry that your life has been so chaotic. I know I was shocked when Connor called and asked if I’d knock someone off.”
Gina, who was standing between Connor and Jared, gasped. “Oh, my gawd, Connor! Did you really ask that?”
The woman’s husband was trying to look remorseful, but Blair saw the corners of his mouth twitch. Connor was going to be in the doghouse tonight.
“It’s nice to meet you, Chief Chavez,” Blair said as she offered her hand to him.
The man smiled and shook it as he said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. But please, call me Miguel.”
She nodded. Tanner enveloped her hand as she pulled it back from Miguel.
A bell went off in the kitchen, and she knew her garlic bread was ready. The lasagnas were cooling a bit on the dining room table. Salad had been prepared also.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to get the bread. Please, everyone have a seat. I’ll be right back.”
Her men released her as she turned to head toward the kitchen. As she moved, she saw Gina smile and wink at her.
* * * *
The night had gotten colder as Tanner and Brock walked back to their bunkhouse. Over a fantastic dinner prepared by Blair, they plotted her demise. It was the most bizarre experience Tanner ever had, and he was still shaking his head.
“What is going on with your head, bro?” Brock asked as they stepped up to their front door. “You got a twitch or something?”
Tanner chuckled. “No. I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything.”
Brock opened the door and stepped inside their little house. “I know how you feel,” he said as he turned on the light. “We haven’t helped on very many rescues or schemes these people put together to help others. It’s scary to see how some of them think.”
Tanner closed the door behind him. He hung his hat on one of the hooks next to the door and reached out for Brock’s. After hanging up Brock’s, he started for the couch but didn’t make it far when a knock sounded at the door.
It was nearly ten o’clock. Knocks on doors this late on a ranch couldn’t be good. With a bit of frustration, he pulled open the door and came face-to-face with the woman of his dreams.
“Hi,” she said shyly. “I was wondering if you wanted some company.”
Blood rushed to his dick. Blair was standing before him, wanting to come into their home. Did that mean what he thought it did?
Brock came up behind him. “Don’t let her stand out in the cold, dude!” He pushed Tanner out of the way and reached out to Blair, pulling her inside. “I’m sorry, sweetness. Tanner can be such an ass sometimes.”
Blair’s laughter rang out through the living room. It was so good to hear her laughter again. God, how I’ve missed her.
“I’m sorry, Blair. I was just taken aback a bit by seeing you.” Tanner gave his excuse as he closed the door. When he turned back around, he saw Brock motioning for their woman to sit in the middle of their couch.
Stepping over, he sat on Blair’s right side as Brock had taken the left. Tanner didn’t get too comfortable for manners took over.
“Can I get you a drink, sugar?”
She turned to him, her head lowered a bit. Her chest was rising and falling quickly. At first, he thought something was wrong with her, but then she murmured, “I don’t want a drink. I want you two, if you’ll have me.”
Tanner looked over at Brock in shock. Brock was looking at Blair, a smile spreading on his face. It was then Tanner knew he had heard her correctly.
Brock had his hand on her cheek and pulling her face toward his, as he put on a serious face. “Blair, we’v
e had some awful thoughts toward you over the years. I just want you to know how sorry we are.”
“I know. Believe me when I say that I hated myself for a long time also. Like I said before, I have never stopped loving you, and I hope right now you both can say the same thing.” She had looked up at Brock as she spoke, but her last words were said with her looking down, as if she was afraid of what they would say.
Tanner swallowed hard. He reached out and placed his right hand under her chin. He turned her to face him, Brock dropping his hand. “I was angry when I saw you the other night. I thought you had just walked away from what we had. My heart hurt so much, but now that you are sitting between us, where you should always be, I am so happy.”
Her eyes were glittering with unshed tears. “I love you,” she said quietly. “I love you both with all my heart.”
Leaning down, Tanner watched Blair’s face until his nose was touching hers. Her eyes were wild pools of dark chocolate as she stared at him. They fluttered closed as he moved slightly to the left and pressed his lips to hers.
She opened her mouth to him and ran her tongue across his lips. The one thing he remembered was that she was never shy about kissing or sex. She initiated it a lot, as if she thought it was going to be the last time. Now he understood.
He opened to her, welcoming her tongue as it slid across his. Warm, moist, and velvety, she tasted like mint, coffee, and chocolate from the cake she had baked for dessert.
As they performed a tango with their tongues, Tanner felt as if he could drown in her mouth. Over and around, they twirled against each other, revisiting the love they had before. They were picking up where they had left off so many years ago.
Blair found the front of his shirt with her hand and began unbuttoning it while he wrapped his left hand around the back of her head. He cradled it as they kissed, not wanting to break the connection yet.
Once all the buttons were undone, she slipped her hand under his shirt and found one of his pecs. Her moans were inviting, letting him know that she was enjoying what they were doing.
