Mick shook his head at Phil. “You’re the impartial voice of reason.”
“Impartial?” Tiff asked.
“You and he worked that traffic accident, and he couldn’t stop talking about the gorgeous paramedic. When he told us your name, we couldn’t stop laughing,” Sean said.
“Flattering.” She shook her head.
“It was. Of course you’re gorgeous, but him working with you of all people before we’d had a chance to settle in and arrange a meeting.” Mick chuckled. “It was a great coincidence.”
“Not fate?” she asked.
“No. We’re not pushing this, Tiff. Your brothers made it weird at the bar. Your friends were pretty protective. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work—but there is only one way to know for sure.” Sean passed her the basket of rolls.
“Thanks.” She took a roll and applied butter. “What if Phil doesn’t like it here? What if he’s not into me? What if he wants to move to another post? You guys know this town, but is it fair to Phil?”
“That’s why we didn’t rush to see you. He’s been here for a few weeks while Mick and I were moving down, so he was working and navigating the town alone.” Sean smiled.
“I’m still here. Alaska is a challenge, but I like options. Boats, planes, and cars are all good. Plenty of nature and freedom, plus new skills to learn. I won’t get bored.” Phil studied the menu with a smirk on his face. So far the only thing he didn’t like about Sterling was that he wasn’t part of their long history. Then again, Tiff seemed more open to talking to him because they didn’t have baggage. “The weather is great compared to Wyoming or up north.”
“But the cost of living is higher than Wyoming,” she replied.
“Four live cheaper than one. Or three for now. You want me gone?” Phil hoped she was toying with him. Testing him. He’d accepted the challenge to come early and find his footing in the new trooper post and new town alone so he didn’t get special favors because of who he knew. And also so he’d see the real small town. He liked it. Open yet cozy.
“I didn’t say that. But don’t let them bully you.” She smiled at the waitress.
The foursome ordered their dinners, and Phil watched Tiffany ask the waitress about her family. This was a town where people cared. They weren’t spread out far like back in Wyoming but if you wanted land and space you could have it. People took care of each other and took the time for each other. When the waitress headed off to put in their order, Phil felt a wonderful sense of calm.
“I really like it here. I love it with my guys, and I hope we find the right woman. I’ve moved around since I signed on with the Marines. I’d love to have a home and permanent place. A family. I’ve got the right job for me. The rest might take time, but I don’t scare easily,” Phil said.
“Obviously, if you’re involved with Mick,” Tiff said with a smirk.
Sean laughed. “I promise, Tiff, when you get him alone he’s actually more of a talker.”
“I don’t want to dominate the conversation because I might piss off Tiffany. Anything I do seems to accomplish that. I didn’t ask Bethany to dance,” Mick said.
“I know. She’s pushy. You might like her better.” Tiffany caught Phil’s eye.
Immediately, he knew she was teasing Mick. She had old scores to settle, but maybe the shock of their arrival had finally passed.
“No. She’s a bit wild. Talking about all her conquests and one-night stands. We’re over that. Well, I certainly am,” Mick said.
“Me too,” Sean added.
“I dated women in high school and both in the military. This ménage thing is a dream come true, if it all works out.” Phil never imagined he’d be free to be bisexual and have both. Not worry about what people in town thought. Sterling was heaven.
“So I’m the type of girl you settle down with and not fool around with?” she shot at Mick.
“You can’t be both?” Mick asked.
“Old crushes are hard to shake. Why not give it a chance? Come to dinner one night at our place. We can talk about everything without the locals listening.” Phil smiled at Sean. The jokes and jabs lacked bitterness. The chemistry bubbled. Phil sat back and enjoyed the potential.
Chapter Four
Standing in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, Tiffany wasn’t sure of the burgundy dress she had on, even as Bethany rummaged through a box of jewelry to find something to match.
“Thanks for helping me.” Tiffany never bothered with much jewelry. At work it got in the way, and the rest of the time she’d forget to put it on.
“No problem. The dress is good. Melody’s work?” Bethany asked.
“Yeah, it was a birthday gift. Maybe it’s too fancy?” Tiff wanted to switch to pants or a long skirt.
“No, it’s perfect. So the trio is cooking for you?” Bethany smiled as she held up a gold chain with a string of dark red and brown beads hanging down.
“Yeah. All three of them have been volunteering at the animal shelter. I think we’re over the teenage drama. We’ll see.” Tiff nodded and lifted her hair. “I like the necklace. Not too fancy.”
“Oh, I don’t do fancy. All my jewelry is inexpensive and fake no matter how sparkly. Accessorizing is about the impression. Not too much but just enough. It has to match. This way you don’t stress if you leave it behind. In all the sweaty sex it might fall off or be broken.” Bethany fastened the necklace.
“I won’t lose it, I promise.” Tiff blushed.
“I hope you do. No big loss, but three men better be a good time.” Bethany grinned. “There is a bracelet and little post earrings. Let me find them.”
It was simple. Not like she was trying too hard but like she’d made an effort to look feminine. “You could join us.”
Bethany laughed. “If you swing that way, honey…don’t even go. The men will be disappointed. And I don’t go that way either.”
“No!” Tiffany saw her own reflection burn bright red. “Not that. I just feel so on stage with them. Definitely not like friends or coworkers. I’ll put on my boots while you’re looking.”
The knee-length brown boots made her feel less exposed, and she zipped them up. Fashion finally helped. Better than high heels anyway!
“They should make you feel like the center of the world. It’s a shame no men have done that for you before. Your men are serious.” Bethany handed Tiff the earrings.
“Serious is a bit much. None of it makes sense. Phil is great and new. Mick never asked me to anything. Sean never made a move all through high school, but he took me to every dance. My brothers were okay with that. Go figure that out.” Tiff put in the earrings. They’d matured, sure, but some things still needed to be talked through. She wasn’t going to bring up the time she’d asked Mick to a dance and he’d looked terrified. She’d never seen him like that, but it wasn’t a compliment.
“Maybe Sean and Mick were fooling around? Do you guys do ménage stuff in high school?” Bethany grinned as she dug through her jewelry box that looked more like a small suitcase.
“A few do. Parents don’t generally encourage it, but if your parents are in one, what can they say?” Tiff shrugged. “My dad would never have allowed it with me, but those two, I’m sure they were hooking up.”
“So that’s probably it. Are Sean’s parents a group?” Bethany untangled the bracelet and tossed it up in triumph. “Got it!”
“Yes. Sean was from a group situation. Mick and I aren’t. Maybe that’s it. Maybe Sean wanted it but Mick was afraid because his parents wouldn’t like it, and my dad certainly wouldn’t. Not that young. Neither of them talked to me about it. Men!” Tiff held out her wrist, and Bethany fastened the bracelet. “Why couldn’t they tell me what they wanted? Include me in the plan?”
“Men is right. But that’s how they are. Fathers think they have some power over their daughter’s sex lives. You have to be super sneaky, and in a small town…plus all your brothers. They’ll find out if you and any guy had any fun because men
talk more than women.” Bethany grabbed her makeup bag. “Just a little touch-up.”
“I thought I did okay with the makeup.” Tiff rolled her eyes under the closed lids. “I get the dad thing. My dad was military. He loved to intimidate. And even when I tried to rebel, the small town made it so hard. Standing up to him was impossible until I was an adult. Then after high school the two idiots I was crazy about both took off. Sean went up north all the way to Deadhorse, and Mick went to Anchorage and did some college stuff until he could join up with the Troopers. No one asked me if I wanted to go anywhere with them.” Tiff frowned.
“Men. Sowing their wild oats? Making a living so they can afford the ménage thing? Who knows? You need to ask them and just get all that crap behind you. Don’t get pissed. Just get the truth and let it go. They’re good guys. They’re hard working and volunteering for the community. Geez. They need medals. So do you. It’s a perfect match.” Bethany snapped her makeup case closed. “You’re done. But I would love to put some fake eyelashes on you.”
“No, I’d be rubbing my eyes all night. My mom tried once when she was actually home for a dance. They itch. I know my eyelashes suck, but that’s a step too far for me. Makeup is one thing.” Tiff checked her reflection. “I don’t know if those guys and I are a perfect match.”
“You won’t know until you tear their clothes off and stop trying to control everything. Let them show you what they can do.” Bethany winked.
“It’s not all about sex. Not yet.” Tiff wanted it. For the past week her dreams had become very vivid and X-rated. The idea of three hot men in her bed was impossible to resist. She’d become controlling to insulate herself from judgment. Her family was loving, no doubt. All their protection came from not wanting her to get hurt. She took care of people for a living, but sometimes pain was necessary. Like an IV, sometimes you needed to use a needle to save a life. She needed to get out of her cocoon.
“Just in case, I put a strip of condoms and some lube packets in your purse.” Bethany held up the small bucket purse. “This could use an upgrade.”
“Sorry. It’s the only brown purse I have. Men don’t care about purses.” Tiff grabbed it and checked that the adult contents weren’t visible.
“True. Men don’t care what you wear, not really. A bit of cleavage and show off your curves. You’re good. They just want to get your clothes off. Women dress to impress other women, so you get a pass on the purse. Just don’t overthink things. Plan to sleep over.” Bethany nodded.
“I have had sex before.” Tiffany laughed. “There are no guarantees about tonight.”
Bethany smirked. “Right. Well, let’s see. That purse has room.” She opened drawers and found Tiff’s underwear. Grabbing a red pair, Bethany then headed to the attached bathroom and grabbed the toothbrush. She tucked them both into the purse. “Just in case.”
“I’m going to be late. Thanks, but I have to go.” Tiff didn’t take the items out and grabbed her long leather coat as she hustled Bethany toward the door.
“Is that real leather?” Bethany stroked the shoulder.
“It’s moose hide. Shot it myself.” Tiff flashed a smile.
Bethany lifted her fingers off it. “You’re weird.”
“No, here—you’re weird.” Tiff locked the door behind her as Bethany carried her cases down the stairs. “If you’re not into real fur, just assume all the fur around here is real and don’t ask.”
“It’s just they raise animals to kill for fur. It’s cruel. And so expensive.” Bethany pouted as she loaded her sedan.
“This moose was hunted fairly and fed me for a full winter. Not raised to kill or kept in a cage, I promise. Real leather or fur is cheaper here and warmer, so don’t knock it until you try it. I thought you traveled around Alaska? Tiff tossed her purse into her SUV.
“For fun. I’m not conducting a sociological experiment.” Bethany laughed. “Text me tomorrow when you’re home.”
Tiff waved and drove off first. Her social life was on fire, and while she’d normally be reading on a night off from work and volunteering, now she was on a date.
The guys had rented a cabin from a member of Sean’s family. That cousin owned a bunch of them. The cabins would be packed come tourist season. It was March, so things were quiet. She stepped out of the car, and her boots hit the mud. There were some reasons fashionable shoes weren’t big in Alaska. Not everywhere was paved or boarded, and the rain last night left the dirt parking spots here a muddy mess.
She hiked to the front door and knocked. Sean opened the door and ushered her in.
“I need to take these off. I’ll track mud everywhere.” She paused on the porch and unzipped them. It was routine to take off your shoes before entering a home. In summer there was mud and in winter snow and ice, but she wanted to the boots for the effect. Tucking them to one side, she walked barefoot into the house. Going shoeless in houses was normal, and Tiff wouldn’t think twice about it any other day, but sexy boots didn’t mean much on a porch.
Phil walked up. “Getting comfortable already?” he teased.
“Mud. You’ll get used to it. Once the snow is gone, the mud is everywhere. That’s why I never wear high heels, and boots like that are a pain. They may look good but…” she sighed.
“Not practical,” Sean filled in. “Well, you look amazing, boots or no boots.”
“Darn! I forgot the wine. I was going to bring a bottle.” She let Sean take off her coat.
“Don’t worry, we have some if you want. We’re really not big drinkers.” Phil shrugged.
“I’m not either, but I was raised better than to show up empty-handed.” She tucked her hair behind her ears.
“You are more than enough.” Phil leaned in and kissed her cheek.
The smell of men mixed with whatever delicious dinner was cooking weakened her resistance. She wasn’t even sure what she was resisting anymore. “Mick is hiding from me?”
“He’s cooking. It’s almost ready. Wine? Soda? Water?” Sean offered.
“Water is good, thanks. I’ll go say hi.” She heard him rattling around in the kitchen. Mick never struck her as a cook.
“Some of our stuff is still in storage until we decide where to live permanently. I’m going to grab some more wood for the fire. Chilly night,” Phil said.
The cabins were all laid out relatively the same. Main floor had a fireplace and living space, plus full bath and eat in kitchen. Upstairs was a loft sort of bedroom. The furnishings were Spartan. She headed to the kitchen and spied Mick tasting a sauce.
“What’s for dinner?” she asked.
“Bison ribs. We have a few slabs left. Plus potatoes and salad. Phil even baked fresh bread.” Mick nodded to the set table.
“I’m being spoiled.” She leaned on the counter next to him as he slathered sauce on the ribs. She wanted to put the past behind them but how to bring it up without stirring up trouble?
“You deserve it. Look, I know us moving back was a shock. I’m sorry about being a jerk to you as a kid. It was a long time ago, but still, we need to clear the air. I was never good with women. Girls. I liked it at your house and didn’t want to piss anyone off. If I fit in with your brothers, maybe they wouldn’t notice me.” Mick looked at her for a second and went back to the ribs.
“My dad liked you. I was the freak he didn’t know what to do with except protect my virginity like it was worth a solid gold bear.” She laughed.
“Your brothers were the same way. Living up to his example. It was overkill, I know. But overprotected is better than underprotected.” He covered the roasting pan full of ribs. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starved but I want to finish this. We never seem to get to talk alone. Or you’re avoiding me. You were there because you were friends with my brothers? Nothing more?” She wanted him to say he was interested in her.
Mick tensed and shrugged. “I was an only child. It was nice to feel like I belonged.”
She didn’t buy it. “Being an only chil
d would’ve been heaven.”
He put his hand on hers. “You’ll never know, so it’s not worth the fight. Maybe we all want what we don’t have.”
“No one wanted me.” She tried to ignore how his touch set her body on fire.
“That’s not true. Your brothers were like bodyguards. In a small school like here, there is no privacy or secrets. They were intimidating. I remember when Bob Kanes was after you freshman year. He wanted you to go out with him. He learned quickly.” Mick smiled.
“Bob. I remember him. He moved here from Seward with his family and was nice. Then he had a bad fall off a snow machine. Stopped talking to me.” She frowned.
“Fall?” Mick scoffed.
“You let my brothers beat him up?” They’d always threatened to do it, but she didn’t think they actually had.
“I didn’t help, if that’s what you’re asking. I know they’re old-fashioned and still are. Your dad made the rules, they just followed.”
“My mom was no use. Always visiting her sick mother.” Tiff shrugged. “I wish Dave would back off now. Maybe I should move?”
“But we just got back. If you wanted to move away, you would’ve before. You did your training up in Anchorage, right?” he asked.
“Sure. But it’s not like it was college. I go up for continuing education, but some of it is online too. I’m used to having all that family around. Men.” She smacked his shoulder. “Are you sure you didn’t look at me like a little sister?”
For the first time she saw something very different in his eyes. Not the guarded alpha male. He pulled her against him and kissed her in a very unbrotherly way. She couldn’t fight her teenage fantasies or last night’s dreams. Clinging to him, she returned the kiss and gave into the spark. Finally, she knew it wasn’t one-sided with Mick. He just hid his feelings better.
* * * *
Walking into the kitchen with Phil, Sean stopped short. Tiff and Mick kissing. That was epic progress. Phil grinned and nodded.
Arctic Adventure (Men of Alaska Book 3) Page 4
