Rough and Ready (Heels and Spurs Book 1)

by Stacey Espino

  “Think you can bandage it up for me later?”

  “Sure. I’ll try my best,” she said.

  Parker came in the barn, his breathing heavy. “It’ll hold for now. We can finish up once this damn rain stops.” He pulled off his wet shirt, the material dropping heavily to the ground. Her hormones were on overdrive with the two half-naked cowboys crowding her. They were so wet, so tempting. They smelled like musky cologne and fresh rain.

  “Do you have bandages in the house?” she asked.

  Parker bent down at look at Yukon’s leg, clapping him hard in the shoulder as he stood. “He’ll live. Just a little scratch.” He winked at his brother.

  As they were about to leave the barn, the clouds decided to drop rain by the bucketful. They’d have to wait it out a bit. She could hardly see the house from the static of the rain and mist.

  “Come on,” said Parker. He took one of her hands, and Yukon grabbed the other, then the three of them darted across the lot toward the house. She couldn’t stop laughing. It was like being a kid, carefree, and happy. Her childhood had been something she wanted to forget, but this was perfect. She never wanted the day to end.

  By the time they burst into the house, they were all soaked and laughing. “You two are nuts,” she said. “Look at us!”

  They were all filthy, sprayed by mud, and sopping wet.

  Parker braced an arm on the closed door, trapping her from entering farther. “Take it all off. We wouldn’t want to wet the hardwood, now would we?”

  He was playing a dangerous game, because right now she wanted to be naked and under both men. Which was ridiculous.

  She dared to wrap her hand around his belt buckle, daring him with her eyes. “You’re wet, too.”

  “Let her be,” said Yukon, giving his brother a casual shove. “I’m injured, remember?”

  “Stop being a baby.” Parker continued to stare at her, but she slipped under his arm.

  “I’ll get changed, then I’ll take care of Yukon.”

  Chapter Ten

  Parker watched Robyn rush upstairs. She was driving him nuts, making him feel like he was twenty again. “Have you ever seen a nicer ass?”

  “She sure fills a skirt the way God intended,” said Yukon.

  They were both hard up for the same woman. She’d probably leave them both in the blink of an eye once the storm passed. But, like his brother, Parker still couldn’t keep his distance. He kept telling himself it was flirting, trying to see how far he could get. The truth was he was falling for her. He was an idiot, some kind of sick masochist.

  Parker had to keep himself from crossing the line or Yukon would never forgive him. He’d been warning his brother, but fell for the same temptation. It didn’t help that she knew exactly how to push his buttons.

  “Okay, that’s better,” she said once she hit the bottom step. Her hair was up in a loose bun, showcasing her heart-shaped face. She was back in Yukon’s sweats. Likely without panties. “Why haven’t either of you changed?”

  Only then did he realize they were both standing there, dripping on the floor. His mind was a mess, and his balls ached. Yukon looked just as love-struck.

  “Later,” said Parker. “Worry about Yukon for now.” He opened the cabinet in the kitchen where they kept their medical kit. It was well used by both of them. Over the years, they’d been in countless minor and serious scrapes. Doctors cost money, so they tried to mend themselves when they could.

  Yukon was in just his boxers. He sat on the end of the couch, with his leg up over the cushions. Robyn sat on the coffee table and taped a gauze dipped in alcohol over the cuts. Yukon cringed, and Parker snorted. He couldn’t help it. Their little nurse didn’t have a clue what she was doing, but she was damn cute trying.

  “You’re not a very nice brother, you know,” Robyn said.

  “I’m just teasing,” said Parker. “Yukon knows how much I love him.”

  He leaned back in the chair, watching the elegant line of Robyn’s neck. His mouth salivated.

  “I can’t believe you’re both living in this big, old house all alone,” she said. “Well, at least you have each other.”

  “It’s not the same,” said Yukon. “Even God said man shouldn’t be alone. Maybe he forgot about us.”

  “Don’t say that,” she said. “There’s someone for everyone.” They were all quiet while she did her nursing. When she finished, she tidied up the medical kit. “Good as new.”

  Yukon had that look again, the one he’d only worn since Robyn showed up in their town. “It’s nice to be mothered. I can hardly remember our mother now. If I didn’t have a picture, I’d forget her face.”

  “You remember,” said Parker. “Her eyes were so blue in the sunlight. Just like yours. Remember how she used to sing when she’d cook dinner?”

  “Oh yeah, I remember.” Yukon smiled to himself.

  Parker didn’t talk much about it, forever trying to be the stronger one for the sake of Yukon, but the death of his parents had hit him hard. He wanted to have a mother dote over him, and a father to keep him in line. But, in the blink of an eye, they were gone. A memory.

  “How about you, Robyn? Your parents living?”

  She bit her bottom lip, and began to fiddle with the kit again. “I’m not sure.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Yukon.

  Robyn stood up, tucking the kit under one arm. “I don’t really have contact. We weren’t close or anything.”

  Parker narrowed his eyes, trying to figure her out. He followed her to the kitchen, taking the kit from her and setting it back in the high cupboard. “Don’t keep secrets, little one. I’m not here to judge you.”

  She exhaled and looked up at him. There was such vulnerability in her eyes. “I was put into foster care when I was a baby. I’ve never had parents.”

  “You weren’t adopted?”

  Robyn shook her head. “Guess I was an ugly baby.” She tried to joke, but he wasn’t buying it. “I’ve been on my own a long time. I don’t need anyone but myself.”

  Poor thing felt unwanted, rejected. It shaped her right down to the core. It explained a fucking lot. Any resentment he had for her fizzled away, leaving only the desire to be what she needed. How could he heal a broken woman?

  “You don’t have to be alone,” he said.

  “I’m used to it,” she said. “It doesn’t bother me.”

  He wanted to push her to be honest with herself. It would help her to get rid of that baggage. But tonight, he’d leave her be. He didn’t want to press too hard and sound like an asshole.

  Parker wanted to tell her she needed a good man to take care of her, but maybe she equated that care to luxuries only money could buy. He was getting a fucking complex, wanting to be everything for her, but not sure it would ever be enough.

  “How about some hot cocoa? It’ll warm us up.” When she nodded in agreement, she had the innocent air of a little girl. How could her parents give up such an angel? He wanted to protect her from the world. He instinctively kissed her on the temple, shocked by the new emotions taking him by storm. “I’ll bring it to you in a few minutes. Go check on your patient.”

  His mind was on overdrive. Yukon wanted Robyn, but so did he. He wanted to share her with his brother, but who the hell would agree to that? If she decided country life was for her, he’d step aside for his brother.

  ****

  Robyn hoped the topic never came up again. Her embarrassment was on overdrive. She hated exposing the truth about her past. It revealed her vulnerabilities, made people look at her differently, like she was damaged goods.

  After dinner that night, they sat in front of the fire on a series of old patchwork rugs. It was so simple and peaceful. The flames roared: red, orange, yellow. The wood smelled sweet and earthly. Yukon said it was from an old apple tree.

  It was hard to believe there was a world beyond this town, a city, a courtroom, a million people rushing around, forgetting how to live. The brothers were right, she’d
been blind to the simple pleasures just because of her own insecurities.

  She felt comfortable with Yukon and Parker, no fear, no expectations. Back home, it was always about appearances, creating the right image. She hadn’t worn make-up since showing up on their doorstep, or bothered to put on an act. It was refreshing to just be herself.

  “You have a tattoo,” she said. Parker stretched out on his side, exposing the scrollwork on his inner arm. She’d always been curious, but it seemed like a good time to ask. “What’s it say?”

  Parker glanced at his arm. “It’s nothing.”

  “What’s it say?” she insisted.

  He shook his head. “Don’t matter.”

  Her curiosity soared.

  “Just show her,” said Yukon with a chuckle. “He got it when he was twenty-two. Young and stupid.”

  Robyn leaned over and reached for his arm, but Parker continued to pull away. She toppled over and they began wrestling on the rugs like two kids. He tickled her sides until she was a ball of laughter. Yukon joined in, and soon there were hands all over her. She fought to catch her breath, kicking and squealing. The heat of the fire soothed her bare skin as her shirt lifted a few inches, exposing her bare stomach.

  “Stop!” she shouted. Robyn needed to breathe. She’d never realized she was ticklish, but now knew she had a major weakness they could exploit. “Please.”

  She lay on the carpets, looking up at both men as they leaned over her, her breathing labored. Robyn traced a finger along Yukon’s jaw line, resting her hand on Parker’s bicep. God, she actually falling in love with two men. The thought of leaving terrified her. She’d found that fairy tale place, that little piece of heaven made just for her—it had to be too good to be true. Shelly insisted happily ever afters didn’t exist.

  “Take off your shirt,” she said, looking at Parker. He complied immediately, revealing his chiseled torso. She ran her hand from the corded muscle in his shoulder, down his arm … to the tattoo. When she tried to peek at the wording, he grabbed her waist and rolled her above him.

  “Oh, no you don’t,” he said.

  His belt buckle rubbed against her pussy as she straddled his body, so she shifted down slightly—right into his erection. His dick pressed tight to her most intimate parts, throbbing against her pussy and ass. She pretended not to notice to save them both embarrassment, but she didn’t dare move away. It felt too good. His hard, virile cock was only a thin layer of denim away, and her mouth salivated when her imagination took over.

  “Just show her,” said Yukon, flopping down on his side next to them. Could they feel the sexual tension in the air? It was practically suffocating her. Their innocent games were anything but, and she only craved more.

  “Please.” She braced her weight on his shoulders, loving the feel of his warm skin. “Arms up.”

  “First, you have do something for me,” said Parker.

  “Okay.”

  “Give Yukon a kiss, then I’ll show you.”

  Everyone shut up after he spoke, and the entire world seemed to stop. Her pussy tingled, and she swore she’d combust on the spot. Why wouldn’t he ask for his own kiss? His body obviously wanted a lot more than first base.

  She knew Parker loved Yukon. Their connection and love was palpable, even when they fought. Parker had tried to protect his brother from heartache since day one, so maybe he was trying to pave the way for Yukon. Did he trust her not to break his brother’s heart now? It was the weirdest situation she’d ever been caught in, but it was oddly titillating.

  Yukon sat up, getting to his knees. Fuck, he was gorgeous. He cupped her face with one hand, not even questioning Parker. “You taking him up on his offer?”

  She nodded without thinking. Stupid, stupid.

  With Parker still between her legs, she leaned to the side and kissed Yukon on the lips. It was her choice. They never pushed her, never demanded anything. She intended to give him a quick peck to keep her end of the deal, but she couldn’t stop there. The kiss morphed into something more, something monumental. His tongue begged for entrance and she opened for him, kissing him back with all the passion she felt. If she didn’t stop now, she’d be fucking both men on the floor by the fire. But she couldn’t stop. She felt dirty and wanton, her sexuality breaking free for the first time in her life.

  A loud bang stole Yukon’s attention.

  Both men were off the ground within seconds, heading to the front door. She followed along to see what was going on. Maybe it was some kind of rescue or police update on the situation.

  Once Parker wrenched open the door, she saw a soaking wet man standing in the darkness. “My car’s in the ditch half a mile up the road. Do you have a phone I can use?”

  “Phone lines are down from the storm,” said Parker.

  “Do you mind if I stay until morning? I’d stay in my car, but it’s a write-off.”

  The brothers looked at each other for a moment, but said nothing.

  “You can have the couch for tonight. Our spare room’s already taken,” said Yukon.

  “You guys are a life saver.” He looked to be in his early thirties, with a baseball cap and nylon jacket. He stepped inside and took off his hat, scrubbing a hand over his face. “It’s wicked out there.”

  “You’re not from around here,” said Yukon.

  The man chuckled. “You know everyone in the town?”

  “Yeah, I do. Where you heading, stranger?”

  “I was driving up to the rodeo, got free tickets from work. My name’s Ed, by the way.”

  Yukon kept assessing him. “There’s stew in the kitchen, if you’re hungry. Bowls are in the cupboard.”

  “Great. Thanks. Is there a bathroom nearby?”

  “Just the one. Very top of the stairs,” said Yukon.

  The entire time, Parker had his hand casually on the butt end of a rifle near the door. He looked even more displeased with their guest than Yukon, which said a lot. At least they hadn’t thrown him back into the storm. What harm could he do against the two hulking cowboys?

  Disappointment assaulted her. What if that man hadn’t shown up? How far would the brothers have taken things? Did she even want to know?

  Parker still hadn’t shown her his tattoo, but she’d kept her end of the deal.

  Yukon approached her once the stranger sat on the sofa. He was right in her personal space, leaning over to speak in her ear. She had to hold back her urge to touch him, to rest her hand on his chest. “It’s late. We should get to bed, eh?”

  She nodded. The guy on the sofa stared at her. He gave her the creeps.

  “Okay, I’ll see you in the morning.” She wondered where things stood now. Would he kiss her goodnight? Had it all been part of their game?

  Chapter Eleven

  Yukon didn’t trust strangers. He’d heard all about the looting down south when families were forced from their homes due to the storm system. There were always assholes ready to take advantage of another person’s kindness. Was this man genuinely in trouble or had he been looking for an easy target? He wasn’t from town, because if he had been, they would have welcomed him inside with open arms.

  He was more irritated than anything. His intimate time with Robyn had been cut short thanks to this stranger. He’d been deep in the best kiss of his life when the man knocked on the door. Things were finally looking up for him, and he hoped what they shared hadn’t been one-sided.

  That evening, Parker turned off the generator to give it a rest. They had lanterns ready around the house. Yukon took a drink of water in the kitchen, watching the moon’s glow from behind the clouds from the window. The storm was clearing, and that meant his chances with Robyn were thin to none. She’d want a ride out first thing in the morning. Unless the kiss meant something to her too.

  He put his glass in the sink. Yukon should have been happy they hadn’t taken on the same damage as the farms down south. It was a blessing. Then why did he feel so shitty?

  Before heading upstairs to bed,
he ensured the stranger, Ed, was sleeping on the sofa. He didn’t like the idea having the man in their home, especially with Robyn under the roof.

  A strip of light shined under Parker’s bedroom door, but Yukon was in no mood to hear his brother’s negativity. He went to his room and sat on the edge of the bed.

  He still remembered when he’d first seen Robyn at Meg’s. There’d been instant attraction, and he knew she was the one. Only, she’d hated him then, but he hoped she saw something worthwhile in him now. He had no time to entice her, to show her the man under the skin. He needed more than a few days to court a woman properly.

  Yukon was more than a struggling cowboy. He had hopes and dreams, and knew he’d give his woman all he had. But there was no time to prove a thing to Robyn, and besides, Parker was probably right. She likely wanted a man in a suit with a heavy wallet.

  He took a deep breath and dropped back on his bed. Knowing she was on the other side of his bedroom wall put him in an uncomfortable predicament. He was sure the city boys couldn’t rock her in bed the way he could. Yukon wasn’t afraid to get dirty, to give her every kind of wicked pleasure. He ran a hand over his jeans, his cock aching for attention.

  He slowly began to fall asleep, his daydreams of Robyn pulling him out of reality.

  When he heard a creak in the hall, he bolted back up into a sitting position, his faculties rushing back as he focused on the sound.

  He stood up and moved closer to the door. It was late, no lights to illuminate his room or the hallway. Only the faint glow of the moon allowed him to see shadows. The sound of a door creaking open was the final straw. He opened his bedroom door and looked down the hallway, noticing a dark figure enter Robyn’s room. It could be Parker, but it could also be Ed.

  Yukon moved quietly, knowing exactly where to step to keep on the down low. When he peered in Robyn’s room, he knew the man wasn’t his brother. Parker was his size, well over six feet, and Ed had a much smaller frame.

  “Lost?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

  The shadow whirled around. “Oh, shit. I thought this was the bathroom.”