by Jane Jamison
But Jarrod and Seth hadn’t given in. They’d stood by her as they’d promised, and they’d stood by Jesse’s side, too. The attorney they’d hired was top-notch and, after weeks of negotiating, Jesse had gotten off easy. He’d served time under electronic house arrest at the Hill ranch—keeping him safely out of Selena’s jail—and, in exchange, he’d given the police and the prosecution every bit of information he’d had on Bandura and his gang. In another few months, he was scheduled to take the witness stand and testify at Bandura’s trial. She and the men had given statements, but it was doubtful any of them would have to appear in court. Jesse’s attorney expected Bandura to take a plea deal.
Slowly during the past few months, Jesse had finally come to realize how terrific Seth and Jarrod were. His attitude changed, his whole outlook on life adjusting to a more positive one. He’d grown less defensive, more willing to be included in their new family. Every day, the men taught him more about ranching and, like her, he was falling in love with the lifestyle.
She checked her watch, not wanting to be late. Although nursing school would have to wait for a while, she was enjoying her time working with the local doctor as his assistant. She was learning and would be ahead of her peers by the time she enrolled in school. For now, it was more than enough.
“Hey, darlin’, what do you think?” Seth pointed at Jesse who had just thrown himself onto the back of the horse.
The bay horse danced, new to having someone sit on his back. He twirled and bucked, moves that would’ve thrown an inexperienced rider to the ground. Jesse had never ridden before coming to the ranch, but after only a couple of months, he was riding like a pro.
She waved, acknowledging her brother’s skill, but worrying that too much encouragement would lead to more risk-taking. Jesse had started talking about going on the rodeo circuit with her men. Having Jesse at home with her while they were off at a rodeo made her feel better. If Jesse started competing, she’d never get a good night’s sleep.
Not that she could stop him. He was a grown man.
She’d stopped covering for him. Having his back was one thing, but she no longer tried to get him out of any other scrapes. Fortunately, there hadn’t been many instances, just minor things she imagined were more to pester the Hill men than to do any real harm. Like hiding Jarrod’s phone or turning off the hot water when Seth was taking a shower.
Yeah, things had definitely taken a turn for the better.
The cell phone lying next to her started ringing. Hesitating, she finally picked it up and accepted the call coming from the Selena area. “Hello?”
As it always did whenever the prosecuting attorney phoned, her heart picked up speed and her stomach twisted with anxiety. She listened for any signs of a problem in his tone then relaxed when he started explaining why he’d called. “Okay. Yes, I understand. I’ll tell him. Bye.”
She took a steadying breath, then waved at them. “Guys, I need you over here.”
All three of the men stopped then looked at each other. They knew who’d called.
They were all so handsome as they came toward her. Jesse was looking better every day and her brother’s future was bright. Jarrod and Seth, of course, always set her heart on fire. She felt the now-familiar wetness come between her legs. No doubt they’d always be able to turn her on with just one look.
“He called?” Jesse closed the distance between them.
“That was your attorney. He wants to see you in his office on Thursday.”
“Does he want us there, too?” Jarrod didn’t need to ask outright. The question was more of a formality. If the courts wanted more than their signed statements, then they’d give it to them.
“No. No one needs to go except Jesse.” She knew what they were thinking. “Of course, we’ll go anyway. We can wait outside. After all, we promised to stick with him and we will.”
“No, sis. I don’t want you there.” Jesse glanced at the men. “I don’t want any of you there.”
“Why not?” She needed to be with him. What if he had a problem? What if the courts had changed their minds? What if Bandura had decided to go to trial?
Jesse lifted his gaze to meet hers. “It’s time I take care of my problems on my own. You and the guys stay here. I can handle it. I’ll call you and let you know what’s happening.” He grinned. “Now that I have a phone again.”
“But—”
“But nothing, sis.”
The corners of his mouth lifted in a smile that reminded her of Jarrod’s. “A man has to handle his own problems and responsibilities. You’re staying home.”
He was finally standing on his own two feet. She wouldn’t take his newfound independence away from him even if she could. “Okay. Whatever you say.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” He took the steps up to her. “How about lasagna tonight, everyone?”
“Hell, yeah.” Seth clapped Jarrod on the shoulder.
“We’ll never turn down your lasagna, kid.” Jarrod used the old nickname, but Jesse no longer thought of it as an insult. “Or your beef stroganoff, your pizza, your chicken parmesan—”
“Or anything else you want to cook.” Seth took off his hat and brushed the dirt off the brim. “Get to it, Jesse. I’m so hungry I could eat an elephant.”
Jesse strode into the house, no doubt heading to clean up first, then get to his next job in the kitchen. The screen door slammed shut behind him.
“Thank you.”
Jarrod searched Seth who just shrugged. “What for?”
“For giving me and my brother a new life.” She came to them, putting herself between them where she was the most comfortable. “For saving our lives.” She pressed a palm on each of their chests. “And for giving me your hearts.”
They enclosed around her. She breathed in, loving the wild scent of them, the heady mix of maleness and perspiration she’d come to love.
“You know what they say, don’t you, darlin’?”
She knew, but she’d let Seth say it. “What’s that?”
“Once you’ve got a cowboy’s heart, you’ve got it for life.”
THE END
WWW.JANEJAMISON.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jane Jamison has always liked “weird stuff” as her mother called it. From an early age she was fascinated with stories about werewolves, vampires, space, aliens, and whatever was hiding in her bedroom closet. To this day, she still swears she can hear growls and moans whenever the lights are out.
Being born under the sign of Scorpio meant Jane was destined to be very sensual. Some would say she was, and remains, downright sexual. Then one day she put her two favorite things together on paper and found her life’s true ambition—to be an erotic paranormal romance author.
Jane spends at least six days a week locked in her office surrounded by the characters she loves. Every day a new character will knock on the door of her imagination. Her plans include taking care of her loving husband, traveling, and writing at least twelve books a year.
For all titles by Jane Jamison, please visit
www.bookstrand.com/jane-jamison
Siren Publishing, Inc.
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