Pleasure, Montana 1
Chelsea’s Pleasure Sous-chef Chelsea Mansfield has always loved Preston and Luke Caulfield, two brothers who own a bar and grill in Pleasure, Montana. When she returns home after a six-year absence, they treat her like the little girl they used to babysit. Preston has promised her two brothers, who are serving in Iraq, that he will watch over her like a sister. Nothing she does convinces him to break his vow. Luke is a different matter. Because he loves good food, she's able to get him to do a blindfolded taste test and ends up smearing chocolate on his body before licking it off. As they are about to have sex, Preston walks in on them and is furious. What will it take to make peace between the brothers, and how can she convince them she's all grown-up and ready for love? Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre Length: 41,900 words
CHELSEA’S PLEASURE Pleasure, Montana 1
Melody S. Monroe
MENAGE EVERLASTING
Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com
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CHELSEA’S PLEASURE Copyright © 2011 by Melody S. Monroe E-book ISBN: 1-61926-076-X First E-book Publication: November 2011 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com
Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Chelsea’s Pleasure by Melody S. Monroe from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.
Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Melody S. Monroe’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Monroe’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com
DEDICATION To Linda H. for helping me plot all those sexy scenes.
CHELSEA’S PLEASURE Pleasure, Montana 1 MELODY S. MONROE Copyright © 2011
Chapter One “You are amazing!” Standing in the Mountain View Bar & Grill’s kitchen, Luke Caulfield closed his eyes and sucked the chocolate icing off his finger. What she wouldn’t give for him to mean that she was amazing instead of her frosting. Chelsea Mansfield inwardly groaned at the intimate act then blinked, forcing the image from her mind of him sticking his finger in her mouth instead. “Try this.” She lifted a spoon to his lips. “It’s a new lemon meringue I created to go over a cream cheese filled Bundt cake.” This recipe was one that earned her a first-place ribbon in a cooking contest in St. Louis. She’d come up with the combinations of tastes specifically for Luke. He’d been her inspiration during her years at the culinary institute. He chewed, swallowed, then licked his lips in an exaggerated fashion. “Oh, Chelsea.” She melted at his sensual tone. My God, if only she could get him to respond to her that way, it would have made the move back home totally worthwhile. “You like it?” She grinned. “Seach, Pleasure, Montana, won’t know what hit them when they
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taste something this good. If Preston and I had known you were so exceptional, we might have insisted you stay in Missouri so we could brag about one of our own making it big.” No one had called her Seach since high school when some computer snafu put the second part of her name with part of the first. “Thanks.” But she hadn’t come back to her hometown for the people’s appreciation, just Luke and Preston’s. “Hey, Luke.” The call came from inside the bar. Leave it to his older brother, Preston, to pull him away from her. “Thanks for the taste, darlin’, but work calls.” He winked and walked toward the exit. She pulled the peeled potato she’d been working on toward her and began to dice it. When she looked up to follow his path out the door, the knife slipped, cutting her. She hissed and held her breath until the ache receded. The swinging door between the kitchen and the bar-restaurant slapped close. “Damn.” Blood dripped down her index finger, sending a wicked sting up her arm. Some sous-chef she turned out to be. “You okay?” She jerked in the direction of the low, gravelly voice. She’d been so focused on Luke that she hadn’t seen the morning’s short-order cook come into the kitchen. “I’m good.” He sidled over next to her, waving a spatula. “Gotta be careful, girl. You want me to get Luke back to help?” Both her new bosses had been overly protective ever since she arrived two weeks ago. Now, she was too embarrassed to have him see she’d cut herself. “No.” Six years ago, she’d left Pleasure to get her culinary degree. During that time, the two brothers had turned into delicious-looking men with broad shoulders packed with muscles. Her heart hadn’t stopped sputtering since seeing them again. Being careless wouldn’t put her on any of their lists of potential dates. She mentally shook her head. Both men had grown way too sexy
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for their own good, and from the way Luke acted, he knew it. Why else would he go around wearing a tight-fitting T-shirt that showed off his bulging biceps and ripped abs when it was close to freezing outside? Was he trying to tempt her, or was he only interested in tasting her gourmet meals? “What are you waiting for?” the old man grumbled. “Go get a Band-Aid in the back bathroom.” She shut off her wandering mind and looked down at her bloody finger. “I’m on it.” With her good hand, she slipped the apron knots free in back and pulled the material over her head, not wanting to get blood on her prized smock. She eyed the old man. “Please don’t mention this mishap to Luke or Preston. They’ll hover if they think I’m wounded.” Not that she minded their attention. After all, she’d left a lucrative chef’s job in St. Louis just to be near them, but she hated when they treated her like a little sister who wasn’t capable of doing anything on her own. This latest incident would further solidify their opinion. “You got it, but be careful next time, or I’ll be forced to work overtime.” He laughed, but his tone had a serious edge to it. She hurried down the dark hall, past the pantry toward the bathroom, holding close the slice that didn’t seem to be too deep, thank goodness. A noise near the back staircase made her stop. Preston and Luke’s place was on the second floor, but they rarely came through the kitchen to get there. There was an outside entrance, so one of them could have darted upstairs to retrieve something and was coming down the back way. Not wanting either brother to learn of her injury, she backtracked and ducked into the warm but rather stuffy pantry, closing the door behind her. Should one of them happen to come in, she turned her back to the door, pretending to be searching for an item. The door opened a few seconds later, bringing with it cool, fresh hallway air. Shit. Being confined in the small space with either one would send
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her heat meter zooming. “Well, well, if it isn’t little Chelsea Mansfield.” Her heart jerked, and her stomach churned from the disgust that roiled inside her. She whipped around to find the one person she wanted to avoid. He was the reason she’d stayed away so long from Pleasure. Ross Scanlon might look suave with his curly black hair and chiseled jaw, but he was meaner than a pit bull and just as strong. Once he got his teeth into you, he wouldn’t let go. “Ross. What are you doing here?” She tilted her chin up and straightened her shoulders. She hoped he bought her bravado, despite the fact the pulse at her temple was beating fiercely. He moved closer and she backed up toward the metal shelves. “If you didn’t know, I used to own this place. I have every right to be here.” “Not anymore you don’t.” What an arrogant SOB. The short-order cook had told her that because Ross had put the moves on everything in a skirt, the bar didn’t do well until Preston bought him out and changed it into a combination bar and grill. “You got your facts wrong, sweetie.” He waved a hand. “Doesn’t matter. I came by to see you, not that no-good partner of mine. There’s no law against looking up the woman of my dreams.” She refrained from rolling her eyes. Her finger throbbed, but she hid her hand behind her back so he wouldn’t see she was injured. “Now you’ve seen me, so go.” Her stupid voice wobbled. Ross reached out to touch her face, but she jerked back, hitting her head against the shelf in the process. “Ouch.” He grinned. “Serves you right.” In a flash, he had his chest pressed against hers, and his stale breath wafted over her face, causing her to gag. When he pushed his hard cock against her stomach, she nearly vomited. With her good hand, she shoved against his chest, but he didn’t budge. “Get away from me!” “Now is that any way to greet your old beau?” When he cupped
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her cheek, she debated biting his hand but feared she’d get some disease if she did. Old beau, indeed. “We never dated.” If she thought anyone would hear her this far back in the building, she’d have screamed for help. “You always were the one to turn me down, you bitch.” A bit of his spit landed on her cheek, but she didn’t dare wipe it away. His face darkened and his eyelids turned into thin slits. He grabbed the front of her shirt and ripped it open. Buttons pinged on the floor. Now she screamed as loud as she could. A second later he clamped a damp hand over her mouth and nose. “Yell once more and you’ll be sorry.” His brows pinched. Air. She needed air. Fear swirled inside her chest and spiraled downward. She nodded she’d obey, and he let go. She gasped and wiped his scent from around her mouth with the back of her hand. “What do you want?” He reached into his back pocket, dragged out a knife, and flicked open the blade. “You.” Her chest caved, trapping her heart, squeezing the air from her lungs. His older brother might be in jail for murder, but she believed Ross wouldn’t go that far. Or had he changed, too? “Why?” Her heart beat so fast, she was surprised she had enough air to speak. “You don’t even know me anymore.” “That’s what you think. I’ve been thinking about this moment for a long time.” He pressed the knife against her waistband. “Don’t like it when a woman is too uppity to give me a chance or a little taste.” “I was seventeen when you asked me out. You were like twentyfive.” “So? You acted like I was scum when I had so much I wanted to teach you.” He sneered as he twirled the knife, moving it up and down her chest as if he was deciding if he wanted to slice her to pieces. “My daddy had more money than your whoring mom.” Anger nearly ripped her in two at the false accusation. Without
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thinking of the consequences, she hauled off and elbowed him in the jaw then shoved her other hand into his face. His knife sliced across her abdomen. Her finger cut reopened and splattered blood on his face. “You cunt.” The sting from the cut finally registered, and she gasped. Distracted, she never saw his fist, but she sure as hell felt it slamming against her cheek and nose. Her knees buckled from the intense ache pounding inside her head. “Oh, God.” She’d never been hit before. Tears leaked out despite her resolve not to show he’d hurt her. Before her knees hit the ground, he latched onto the waistband of her jeans and hauled her up. Too stunned to stop him, he ripped open her pants and dragged them down her legs. Blood from the gash on her stomach dribbled between her legs. Ross had changed. He seemed certifiably crazy. If he raped her, he’d probably then kill her. Adrenaline sped to every part of her body, and bile raced up her throat. She opened her mouth to call for help again. “You scream and I’ll fuck you so hard I’ll break you wide open.” His lips curled and she nearly passed out. Light-headed, her eyes couldn’t focus. “No. Don’t. What do you want?” He continued to leer. “Don’t know why you keep asking me that. I want you, honey, and that glorious pussy you kept away from me all those years.” He pressed her arms down by her side, the knife nudging her back. He leaned over and bit her nipple through her bra. He spit. “Damn thing.” She flinched as the pain radiated down the sides of her breast. Flicking the knife blade upward, he cut the two cups apart and grinned when her breasts popped out. She attempted to shove him with her free hand, but all she got was a push backward for her effort. She glanced to the shelves, trying to find something to use as a weapon, but the only things nearby were heavy bags of flour, sugar, and coffee. All were useless against a man this powerful.
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He held down her arms again, leaned over, and bit her breast, bruising the skin. Blood pooled from two of the teeth marks. An intense ache ignited every nerve ending, and she head butted him at the same time she drew up her knee to his groin. He blocked the leg thrust and shoved her backward. Pain slammed through her head and shoulder at the impact from the metal. Before she could regroup, he whipped out his cock. The hard, ugly mass was dark purple. No way would she let him touch her, but a second later, he ripped off her panties, exposing her. “Well, well. You shaved that sweet pussy just for me?” “Fuck you.” “No, honey. I’m going to fuck you like you’ve never been fucked before. When I get done with you, neither Preston nor Luke will want you. You’re goin’ to be mine.” He took off his kerchief from around his neck and body slammed her against the shelves again. Pressing her tight, he secured her hands behind her back. She got in a few quick kicks on his shins and even managed to slam her heel on his foot, but he didn’t even seem to notice. She switched tactics. “Please, Ross. Don’t do this. No good can come of it.” “Shut up.” He leaned back and slapped her hard enough to split her lip. “Chelsea?” The lilting voice calling her name came from the barmaid, Lydia. Thank you, God. Ross pressed a hand over her mouth. Please come in here. He grabbed his cock and dragged it down her stomach. He tried to stick it into her, but she held her legs together as tight as she could. Tears flowed as she gasped for breath through her nose. He dropped his hand long enough to replace the hold with his slimy lips. She tried to turn her head, but he held her face. At that moment, she wanted to
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die. The knob twisted and Lydia opened the door and screamed. Next thing Chelsea remembered was hitting her head on the floor. **** Preston nearly dropped the glass he’d been filling when Lydia’s scream reached him. Luke was at a table in the middle of the restaurant speaking with the reverend when the scream reached him. He whipped around, his gaze on the kitchen door. Luke’s body tensed for a moment, and then he took off into the back faster than a rabbit could catch a mouse, but Preston barreled through the swinging doors first. The short-order cook’s eyes were wide, his hand over his chest. “Both girls went that way.” The old man pointed toward the back. His hands were shaking so hard it was no wonder he hadn’t moved. The thought that Chelsea was included in the panicked scream brought his heart to his throat. Something banged against the hallway wall and footsteps pounded on the wooden floor, coming straight at him. “What’s going on?” Luke said as he nearly slammed into Preston’s back. Before he could answer, Ross Scanlon raced toward them with blood on his face and a knife in his hand. Preston’s gut nearly exploded. What the fuck was he doing here? Whatever it was, it was bad news. “Check on Chelsea,” he shouted as Ross reached the side exit before Preston could get to him. Without care to his own safety, Preston raced after him and flew down the three steps to the frozen outdoors. Regardless of the fact he had no weapon, there was no way he’d let his former partner get away. If he found out the man had harmed Chelsea or Lydia, he just might have to kill him. The moment Ross looked back over his shoulder, he tripped on a
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root sticking up from the dirt path, and his step faltered. Preston took advantage of the stumble and launched himself in the air. He landed on the asshole’s back, causing the two of them to crash to the ground. The impact nearly caused his ribs to break. Christ, but the man was as hard as a case of nails. Ross might be shorter by a good four inches, but he’d proven many times he was stronger than a horse. Having a knife meant he’d be extra dangerous. With a lift of his leg, Ross managed to roll them both over, tossing Preston to the side. Rocks jabbed him in the back, but he pushed aside the pain. Sunlight glinted off the knife. Preston would prefer to talk to his former partner into surrendering than get in a fight, but the man didn’t seem to be in the mood for a discussion. The two circled each other, Ross’s knife swiping the air. Preston held up his hands. “What are you doing here, Ross? I thought we agreed you’d stay away from the bar.” Shit. He failed to keep the venom from his voice. Ross advanced. “Just trying to be friendly with your new cook.” Friendly? His imagination ran wild. Preston’s gut burned and his heart rattled in his chest. Not only had he made a promise to himself to protect Chelsea at all costs, but he also told her two older brothers he would keep her safe while they were fighting in Iraq. And Preston’s word was his life. He’d never let some scumbag like Ross Scanlon hurt her. Partnering with him in the first place was the dumbest thing he’d ever done, but he’d needed Ross’s daddy’s start-up cash to open the bar. Ross lowered his head, looking like he might attack. If it were the last thing he did, Scanlon would be punished for his violent ways. “Why did Lydia scream?” His throat had turned dry. “She walked in on me and Chelsea. Your cook didn’t want to play, and I had to teach her a lesson.” Ross grabbed his jean-covered cock, and a lustful glint sparked in the man’s eye. When the implication registered, all rational thought flew out the
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window. Preston dove at Ross, elbowing the man’s knife arm to the side and slamming his head into Ross’s chest. His opponent pushed and shoved, nearly tumbling Preston on his ass. On the next goaround, he managed to punch Ross in the face, but before he got off his second jab, Ross swiped the knife across Preston’s arm. “Fuck.” It stung for a second until rage took over his body and blocked the pain. Preston pummeled Ross in the stomach, taking a few hits to the head in the process. The bastard was like a punching bag that refused to go down. Ross’s fist connected with Preston’s face again, sending him stumbling backward. Once he regained his focus, he charged headfirst again, knocking Ross down this time. His opponent gave one gruff Oof as he landed on a protruding rock. Knees got tangled and arms flayed like street fighters. The two rolled over and over, fighting with lethal intent. A chop to Ross’s arm must have caught him off guard for he dropped the knife. On top, Preston had the advantage. With a powerful uppercut, he smashed Ross’s jaw, and the man’s eyes rolled back in his head. Panting, Preston fell to the side and got up. He lightly kicked his opponent’s side to make sure he wasn’t faking being out. “Good Lord.” He looked up. Lydia stood in the entranceway, blocking most of Chelsea’s body, but what he could see of her face made him sick. Preston leaped over Ross and raced up the steps. Lydia stepped back to let him through, but in the process of trying to reach Chelsea, he bumped into his barmaid. She stumbled backward, slamming against the wall and nearly falling. He helped stabilize her. “I’m so sorry, Lydia. I never meant—” “I’m good.” She nodded toward Chelsea, who was wrapped in the comforter off his bed. His heart stopped when he got a good look at her cut lip. His first thought was that the bastard had raped her. He turned to Lydia. “Call
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Dr. Trumble and get the sheriff over here pronto.” Lydia stared at him for a moment before reacting. “Right away.” Luke came running down the hallway and Preston gathered Chelsea in his arms. His brother’s eyes seemed glazed over. “I tried to make her stay upstairs, but she wouldn’t listen. She kept insisting she had to see if you were okay.” He didn’t know whether to be happy or pissed. He leaned back to look at her swollen face. “Where did he hurt you?” He held his breath. Clearly, Ross had hit her, but if he’d touched her intimately, he’d make sure Ross suffered more than a beating. “Just on my face.” She shook her head. “His knife got a little too close to my stomach and sliced me. He would have raped me if Lydia hadn’t come in.” Her voice shook as hard as her body. “She saved me.” The word rape rattled in his head. He wanted to seek revenge on Ross but knew they’d all be better off if he waited for the sheriff to arrive. Chelsea’s face suddenly lost color. He swooped her up in his arms and held her tight. “Luke, put the Closed sign up.” He didn’t care how pissed his customers got. Chelsea needed their care. “On it.” Despite the intense worry in his eyes, Luke rushed out. Chelsea wiggled in his arms. “I can walk. Only my face hurts. And my finger and my stomach.” He cocked a brow. Physically, she might be okay, but what did the attack do to her mental state? “You’re hurt. Luke and I are going to take care of you.” “Preston, your arm is bleeding.” He looked down. “It’s a scratch.” “And mine isn’t?” He tugged her closer. When she snuggled against his chest, waves of affection slammed through him. When he and Luke had babysat the ten-year-old many years ago, she was tiny, charming, and
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delightful. Now, she’d grown up in more ways than one, but to him, she’d always need protecting. Didn’t matter that her hips were fuller and her breasts were made for licking. Chelsea needed him and Luke. Taking the back stairs two at a time, he pushed open the door and rushed Chelsea into his bedroom. Carefully, he lowered her onto the bed. Her eyes were closed, and he thought she might have even fallen asleep. His heart warmed at the delicate beauty. A knock sounded on the door. It was too quick to be the doc. Trumble was too old to move fast. “I’ll be right back, Seach,” he whispered. Another knock sounded, and he hurried to answer it. At the door, Lydia stood wringing her hands. “How is she?” “I’m not sure. You get a hold of Doc Trumble?” “He’s with someone who’s about to have her baby, and he said he can’t leave her.” Damn it. “Did you tell him Chelsea was hurt?” “Yes, he’ll be here as soon as he can, but the baby’s breech.” A fully staffed hospital was an hour away, and the new mom probably needed the doc more than Chelsea. “What about Sheriff Bradford? He coming?” “He’s downstairs. He wants to talk to you about what happened.” Good thing Mountain View sat next to the sheriff’s office. From inside his room, Chelsea emitted a soft mewling sound. Preston looked at the bedroom door. “Tell him I’ll be right down.” Lydia nodded and left. Preston raced into the room. Chelsea was thrashing about, but she seemed to be in that state halfway between sleep and consciousness. More footsteps sounded up the stairs and Luke rushed in. “She okay?” “I haven’t checked her out, but she’s resting. Doc’s tied up, and I have to tell Justin what went down.” Sheriff Bradford wasn’t a man who liked to wait. “If you need to speak with him, I’ll stay and watch over Chelsea.”
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“Thanks. Bradford will want to process her, so we can’t clean her up yet.” He hated to leave her, but he also needed the sheriff to arrest Ross. “Be back shortly.” **** Luke walked softly into his brother’s room. He didn’t want anyone touching Chelsea, but he understood she was a victim of a crime. To get justice, the sheriff would need to take pictures and gather evidence. That invasive plan stuck in his craw, but he knew it had to be done. Chelsea opened her eyes and tried to smile, but only half of her face seemed to be working because of the cheek swelling. She pushed up with her hands to a sitting position and winced. His body tensed. He wanted to help, but he wasn’t sure how. She wrapped the blanket tightly around her chest and rested her head against the wall. He moved closer. “Can you tell me what happened?” A tear leaked out of her right eye. “Did Preston kill Ross?” “Not quite, but he’ll be in jail for quite a while.” If he had anything to say about it. “Darn. I hate that man.” “So do a lot of people. The sheriff will be up in a minute. He’ll need to take pictures and get some samples.” She skewered up her face, and his heart ached. “Can’t you do it?” “No, Seach. Even if a bunch of people saw Ross run out of the back room, Bradford will still need to process you.” She cast her gaze downward, and before he could comfort her, voices sounded from the stairs. The sheriff came into the room carrying a silver case. Preston followed right behind. “Hello, Chelsea.” Justin Bradford might have been a ruggedly handsome man who was only a year older than him, but he trusted the man to be professional. Another knock sounded, and before Preston could get to
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the door, Doc Trumble poked his head in the room. “Sorry I’m late. I had to deliver a baby.” Luke was thrilled Chelsea would get the needed care. “Everything good?” “Yes. Mother and baby are doing well. Now if you all would shoo for a moment, I need a look at Chelsea here. Then we’ll let the sheriff have a go at her.” Luke looked to his brother who nodded they give Chelsea some privacy. Luke stood. “We’ll be outside.” He hated to leave her, but protocol had to be followed. As they waited in the living room, Preston’s face remained red, and the tension rolling off him filled the room. Sheriff Bradford paced. Preston slammed his hand against the wall. “I wish I’d killed the SOB.” Luke stepped behind him. “He’s not worth it.” “It’s all my fault.” Preston always was the martyr in the family. If they didn’t look like their dad, Luke would have wondered if one of them hadn’t been adopted. Preston was serious, hard working, and took the blame for every wrongdoing. Luke was just the opposite. He saw the glass halffull. Bradford stopped moving and leaned a hip on the sofa. “You thinking the attack had something to do with you buying Ross out?” “Don’t you?” “He was your partner. You’d know better than anyone. I know the split wasn’t on the best of terms. Did he ever threaten to harm someone you cared about?” “No. Never.” Preston fisted his hands. “I thought he’d changed, but I was wrong. He’s still a scumbag.” Preston shook his head. “He sure fooled me good into thinking he wanted to be a businessman.” Luke wanted to place a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder, but Preston would have interpreted Luke’s action as a belief that
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Preston had been at fault somehow. They’d argued about taking on Ross in the first place, but if he hadn’t, Preston never would have been able to afford the place. At the time, his finances weren’t healthy enough to help. “Maybe Ross just wanted Chelsea, and it had nothing to do with you. Hell, I want Chelsea, only I want to earn her respect, not take something she isn’t willing to give.” The moment she’d come back to Pleasure, he’d had a hard time keeping his gaze off her. Hell, she’d left a tomboy and returned a sensual woman. Pleasure might only have one thousand residents, but he was sure every male in town had noticed her. And since Pleasure was mostly made up of males, that meant a lot of noticing was going on. Preston glared at him. “I don’t need you sniffing around her. I gave my word to her brothers that I would make sure she stayed safe. And that means you need to stay away from her, too.” Luke held up his hands in surrender. “Easy. I’m just saying I understand why Ross lusted after her.” “Which is why we have to be extra careful with her.” “I’m not disagreeing.” Though if he could convince her that his intentions were honorable, she might invite him to her bed. He and Preston had shared women before and liked it, but this time he might be on his own. The door to Chelsea’s room opened and the doc came out. “I’ve fixed her up the best I could. She needs rest. In a week, she’ll be good as new.” Preston stepped in front of the doc. “Should we take her to the hospital?” “No need. Her wounds are superficial, but I gave her some antibiotics just in case. Make sure she takes them. She’ll need your emotional support more than anything.” He held up a finger. “In case she has nightmares, here’s a prescription for some anxiety medication.” Luke pocketed the paper. “I’ll get it filled just in case. Don’t
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worry about us. We’ll take good care of her.” The sheriff picked up his case. “I need to get those photos.” Luke’s stomach refused to settle. He wanted to be there for her, hold her hand, and tell her no one would harm her again if he could help it. The sheriff stepped into Chelsea’s room, and the silence between him and Preston was as loud as the worst winter storm. Nothing he said would convince Preston that he wasn’t at fault. Preston’s fixation on keeping Chelsea on a short leash bothered him. Chelsea was a free spirit and wouldn’t take to being told who she could and couldn’t see. If he had to fight Preston for her, he would. The sheriff eventually came out, his shoulders stiff. “I have her statement and took the photos. It’s pretty clear she’d been assaulted. As soon as Ross wakes up, I’ll take him into custody.” “I’ll walk you out, Justin.” Preston glanced back at Luke and left. The moment the door clicked close, he rushed back into the bedroom. Chelsea’s eyes were closed. She opened them, and a hint of a smile surfaced. “Luke.” She lifted the blanket, exposing blood smeared on her stomach. “Can you help me clean up?” “Sure.” Her injuries still had his stomach churning. “Let me get a washcloth.” He figured the doc would have left the blood for the sheriff to document. “Thanks.” He ducked into the bathroom to get the cloth. When he came out, Chelsea had the blanket lowered and was touching the bite mark on her breast. She had a bandage over her stomach, one on her finger, and a patch on the top part of her breast. His heart ached. He forced himself to remember this was Seach, the little girl he took care of junior and senior year. It didn’t work. The woman in the bed was all curves. Luke cleared his throat. “Maybe you should cover up.” He averted
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his gaze. She tapped her breast. “Most of it is just bruised. There are only one or two places where he broke the skin.” He looked back, but she hadn’t seemed to hear him. “Chelsea?” She finally looked up. “Can you please?” He nodded to her naked body. “Oh, sure.” He knew how dangerous animal bites were. He’d read human ones were far worse. “Did the doc tell you to take the antibiotics?” “Yes.” “Here’s a cloth to clean up.” She held out her right hand. Blood had caked on her index finger, too. What had Ross done to her? His head pounded with rage. “Can you do it? I cut my finger slicing potatoes, and it hurts to use it.” He let out a held breath. “Me?” “Please?” Jesus. He couldn’t touch her and not think inappropriate thoughts, but he couldn’t have her sleep in dried blood either. “I’ll give it a try.” He sat on the bed and patted the cloth around her wound. The whole breast pressed to the side like a mound of Jell-O. “I need to hold everything still so I can clean you. If you feel uncomfortable with me—” “No. You’re just trying to help.” Yes, he was. With as much care as he could, he inhaled and held her perky breast steady as he cleaned underneath the bite mark. With each swipe, anger welled up inside him. He hoped for Ross’s sake that he never ran into him again. She lifted her arm and smelled her pits. “I think I’d like to take a shower. I don’t want his stench on me.” Good. Then he wouldn’t have to touch her body anymore. He never was good with temptation. “I bet you’ll feel better if you do. I’ll
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get you a clean towel.” Though why she hadn’t decided to take a shower before he cleaned her up, he didn’t know. “You need a brush?” Her long, blonde hair looked tangled. She reached up to touch the strands. “That would be great for after I shower.” Her lips pressed together. “I’m not sure I can reach high enough to wash it though. My shoulder is sore from when he slammed me against the metal shelves. Can you help?” Her plea tore at his insides, but he held in a groan. She was injured and he couldn’t turn her down. “I’ll change and be right back.” She might need help putting the bandages back on, too. As he searched through his drawers for a bathing suit, he prayed his brother would come up the stairs and take over the cleaning duties. Luke wasn’t convinced he could keep his control from breaking if he stood in the shower with an all-wet and naked Chelsea. He inhaled to gain a bit of composure and crossed the living room. Before he reached the entrance, Preston rushed in. His fists were clenched and his jaw tight. “Ross got away.” “Oh, shit.”
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Chapter Two Preston’s three words rang in her ears. Ross had gotten away. Chelsea couldn’t believe the bastard had managed to disappear. She’d only heard bits and pieces of the rest of the conversation, but she could tell both men were livid. Their concern helped with the frustration and ache pulsing in her body. She needed to know more. “Luke? Preston?” She made sure she was covered, as Luke seemed quite uncomfortable tending to her. Blood had already gotten on the comforter, the one their mother had made so many years ago. Chelsea hoped she could get it clean since it was one of the few items they’d saved after the house fire took their mom’s life. Both men both rushed in. Preston ran to her side and held her hand. “You okay?” Yes and no. She expected to be more traumatized with the near rape, but at the moment she was more pissed than anything. She’d almost been a victim, but the fact that asshole hadn’t succeeded gave her a lot of courage. Most likely, she’d break down later when the reality sank in. The fact Doc Trumble believed she might need anxiety pills caused her stress in and of itself. Sure, her face hurt from the punch, and her breast still throbbed from where Ross had bitten her, but the ache on her belly had subsided. “I’ll need time to heal, that’s all.” She didn’t want to focus on herself. “You said Ross was gone?” His disappearing act upset her more than the fact her face probably looked like an eggplant. It was just her luck. She’d come back home to make her two dream men fall in love with her, and she ended up looking like she’d
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been in a train wreck. Preston stabbed a hand through his gloriously wavy, black hair. “When I left, I swear he was out cold. I hit him so hard he never should have been able to get up.” He blew out a breath. “He was still out when the sheriff arrived. I guess when Bradford came up here, Ross woke up and split. Shit. I should have tied down the bastard, but I was so concerned about you, I guess I forgot.” Even if his action was brotherly in nature, her heart zinged at his care. “Luke was taking care of me.” “In the heat of the moment, I forgot I’d asked him to check on you.” He swallowed hard. “Then when I saw you standing at the door, I lost it.” His concern helped heal her. “Are both the sheriff and deputy looking for him? Ross has to be punished, you know. He assaulted me.” “We know, Seach.” She cringed at the nickname, but at the same time it gave her comfort to remember the good times, before her father left and her mom died. He continued. “They’re going to do everything they can to bring him in. We’ll make sure of that. I’m betting everyone in Pleasure will help in the search if the sheriff can’t find him.” He rubbed her hand. “Don’t worry. He can’t hide in this town without someone seeing him.” Pleasure was a good town. She’d come back here to get away from the loneliness and the cruel people she’d encountered in the big city. She never realized that Pleasure was so special in its accepting ways. Two men loving one woman was the norm here, as were samesex marriages, but in the big city, people weren’t as open-minded. In fact, too often they were downright cruel. It was one of the reasons she wanted to return. It was too bad that in less than two weeks, she’d been cut, beaten, and almost violated. Getting a job where she could see Luke and Preston every day more
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than made up for it, though. She tapped her cheek to see the extent of the damage, and a sharp ache drove straight to her teeth. She winced. “Can you get me some ice?” “I’m on it,” Luke said from the doorway. She hadn’t seen him standing there. His sudden discomfort at seeing her slightly undressed surprised her. After all, it was only skin. She’d heard from Lydia that Luke was quite experienced in bed. She trusted Lydia. The social-butterfly barmaid had supposedly slept with half the town. Thank goodness she’d never been able to get Luke in her claws, or so she claimed. Luke returned with a towel filled with ice. She was already chilled to the bone, but she needed the cold to reduce the swelling. The moment she placed the pack on her face, she jerked from the freezing temperature and the pressure. Preston placed a hand on the comforter covering her leg. “Tell me what I can do to help.” Warm me up, kiss my face, and make me forget about the pain, even though it might be more emotional than physical. She looked up at his enticing form leaning over her. “I was telling Luke I need to take a shower.” “Good idea. Shower’s in there.” He nodded to the half-open door. Don’t you want to join me and help me erase the thought of Ross’s hands on my body? “Anyone willing to help?” Preston’s jaw hardened. “I, ah, need to check downstairs.” Likely excuse. Luke was still standing back, leaning against the bedroom doorframe. “Luke?” He’d changed into his shorts, looking like he might be willing. “You said you’d help me.” She swore he blushed, but it was hard to tell, given it looked like he hadn’t shaven today. “I’ll be right outside the door if you need me.” “Okay.” Both men left her alone to take a shower. Washing her hair took
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some effort, but she found if she dropped her head, she didn’t have to raise her arms as high. Once done, she reapplied the bandages and was about to get dressed when she remembered she had nothing to put on. Ross had basically shredded every bit of her clothes. Even the zipper on her jeans had broken from Ross’s forceful tug. With the towel around her body and head, she went into the living room in search of one of the brothers to see if she could borrow something of theirs. Luke’s back was to her, searching for a book on the bookcase. “Ah, Luke?” He spun around and his gaze went from her head to her feet and back again. “Seach?” His Adam’s apple bobbed. She hoped his darkened eyes implied lust rather than disgust. “Looks like I’ve got nothing to wear.” His gaze glanced around the room. “Let me see what I can find.” He went into his room and returned a moment later with a big Tshirt and a pair of snow pants. She laughed. “I’m not sure that’s going work.” He held them out, looking lost and adorable. The thin white T-shirt might work had it not been almost see-through, but the pants were about ten inches too long. “Maybe I should give Vicki a call. Perhaps she’ll go over to my place and pick up some things.” He grinned, his cheeks dimpling. “Great.” She dialed her best friend’s number. “Vicki, it’s Chelsea.” “Chelsea, my God, I just heard what happened. How are you?” “I’m good. Listen, I know you just got home from work, but I’ll be forever grateful if you go over to my place and pick up a few sets of clothes.” “Why?” She walked into Preston’s bedroom for more privacy and began her explanation. The call took longer than she wanted as her best friend insisted on learning every detail. After she calmed Vicki down, assuring her she was okay, more or less, Vicki said she’d help in any
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way. “So you see, I have nothing to wear but a towel.” She chuckled. “That’s a bad thing, why?” Chelsea, too, had to laugh. “I don’t want to look like I’m seducing them.” She inhaled. “Actually, I’m not really in the mood right now. Every time I close my eyes, I see Ross’s face.” “Oh, Chelsea, I didn’t mean to make light of the situation.” “I know. You were trying to take my mind off of what happened. Soon I’ll move on, but for the time being can you please grab my toothbrush, makeup, and whatever else you see? I’m betting they’ll insist I stay here a few days. Oh, and could you bring the crocheted blanket I was working on, along with my needles and yarn?” Vicki sucked in an audible breath. “They asked you to stay with them for a few days?” “More or less. After the attack, I don’t think they’ll let me leave the building until the jerk’s in jail.” They never actually stated a length of time, but implied they wanted to protect her for as long as need be. “Oh, Chelsea. The staying part is good, but not the cause. You sound in good spirits, but tell me the truth. How are you really holding up?” She’d always been honest with Vicki. “I don’t think it has hit me yet, but hey, they should be at my mercy in no time.” Her lips faltered. Dwelling on what might have happened wasn’t healthy. “You always were one to see the glass half-full.” Her friend gasped. “Oh, no. The costume party is in three days. Will you be up for that?” It had been Chelsea’s idea to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Preston buying back the bar from Ross by holding a costume party. “Nothing is going to stop me from being at that party. That reminds me, can you pick up my costume I rented when you get yours? “No problem.” She thought a costume party would be the perfect opportunity for
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her to dress up in something sexy. Her chef’s outfit made her look like a shapeless woman, and she wanted to show her men she had curves, too. “You sure you want to wear something so sexy after the attack?” “Because of the attack, I need to feel desirable again, but if the swelling in my cheek doesn’t go down, I might change my mind.” “I’m halfway to your house now. See you soon.” “Come up the side entrance. I’ll be waiting.” **** Once Vicki dropped off her clothes and the rest of the items, exhaustion claimed her. She insisted Luke go back to work. “I don’t need any help sleeping.” His gaze shot right then left. “If you’re sure. Keep your phone by your side, though, and call me if you need anything.” “I’ll be okay.” She smiled and wanted to run a hand over his face to erase the worry. “I’ll lock both doors. No telling what Ross will try.” She didn’t need that thought racing through her brain. “Thanks.” Her body ached, and no sooner did she lie down when a noise sounded in the living room. She shot up and a twinge grabbed her stomach and chest. Footsteps moved into the kitchen and she sank back into the bed. “That you, Luke? Preston?” Ross would have pushed his way in by now. Luke poked his head into the room. “Thought you might be hungry.” He grinned. “Be back in a sec.” She hadn’t given much thought to eating, but a moment later, he came in carrying a tray, and her stomach grumbled. The scent of chicken reached her. Next to the dishes sat a small vase with a fake flower.
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“Preston thought it was too early for you to come downstairs.” He set the tray on her lap. Not only was there a bowl of chicken soup, but he’d brought a piece of her favorite pumpernickel bread covered in some homemade jam. “This looks wonderful. Thank you.” “How are you feeling?” In a way, she wished they’d act like nothing had happened. It might help her forget the attack sooner. “Good.” “Doc’s coming in a day or two to give you the all clear.” “Thank God. I can’t wait to get into my routine.” “Well, I gotta go.” Her disappointment drained her. “You can’t stay? It’s lonely being my myself.” His face brightened. “If you want. Sure.” So as not to spill the soup, she ate a few spoonfuls. Once she finished the bread, her mood improved. “You never did tell me what it was like after you left Pleasure.” He sat on the end of the bed. “Not much to tell. After college, I came back for a few months, but couldn’t find a good job, so I headed to Denver, where I got a job at a brokerage firm.” “Did you miss Pleasure at all?” “At first? No. I loved being able to walk downtown and not know everyone. I dated a lot and partied hard. I was good with investments and made a lot of money.” “So why come back?” She’d heard a few things, and Luke had dropped some hints, but she wanted to know what made him tick. “I guess I was lonely. The people were too superficial. Here, they’re mostly accepting. If someone needs help, everyone pitches in.” She smiled. “I missed that part, too.” “That’s when I found out Ross was being an asshole. He’d promise to tend bar, then not show up. I could tell every time I spoke with Preston that his mood was getting blacker. Not only that, but
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Ross was hitting on anything in a skirt. Needless to say, Mountain View started to lose business. That’s when I decided to cash in my investments and buy out Ross.” She failed to read the expression on his face. “Did it bother you to give up your dream?” “I thought it would, but no. What I believed was my dream really wasn’t. I think it’s good sometimes to leave a place where you’re comfortable. It makes you appreciate what you had when you come home.” Her pulse sped up. “Me, too. I couldn’t wait to get away from this town. I was so naïve. The people here are good.” “Don’t I know it.” He nodded to her tray. “You finished.” “I can take it into the kitchen.” He held up a hand. “If Preston thought I had you do work, he’d give me kitchen duty for a week.” She knew he was exaggerating, but it was nice to hear that Preston cared. Luke stood. “I’m tending bar so Preston can sit with you.” “I don’t want to interfere with the business. I can watch TV. I’m good.” He grinned. “I’ll pass on the message, but expect my brother momentarily.” “Yeesh.” He took the tray and left. If this was how it was going to be for the next few days, maybe she should sneak home. No. Ross might find me. As soon as the back door closed, she got out of bed. She wanted to show Preston she didn’t need a babysitter anymore. He came up the back stairs a few minutes later. “You’re up?” “Yes, and I’m fine. You don’t have to sit with me.” “I know, but I need to fix the sofa.” She hadn’t thought about taking his bed. “Is there only one bath, too?”
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“’Fraid so.” “I can stay with someone else. I don’t want to be such a bother.” He stepped closer, and when he ran his hands down her arms, her breath stopped. “I want to take care of you. I promised your brothers. You are my responsibility now.” He stepped back. “I should have figured Ross would want to retaliate. I was stupid.” “It wasn’t your fault.” He cocked a brow. “Doesn’t matter anymore. From now on, I’ll do my best to keep you safe.” She studied him, trying to figure out how much of his feelings came from obligation and how much came from his caring about her. Damn. He was as readable as clear chicken stock. Preston nodded to his bedroom. “Let me get some of my stuff out of the room.” He was taking this too far. “Let me stay on the sofa.” His jaw tightened. “Not a chance. You are our guest. Besides, if Ross tries anything, I want to be the first person he sees.” Clearly, he wasn’t going to change his mind. “Well, thank you.” The thought there was only one bathroom made her uncomfortable, but she’d deal. She hoped they would, too. **** After Doc Trumble declared her fit to go back to work two days later, Chelsea had to race around to get ready for the party that night. At least the activity helped keep her mind off Ross, but she had to admit the two-day rest gave her a chance to almost finish the blanket she’d been making for Luke and Preston. So far, no one had spotted Ross, but rumor had it he’d crossed Montana’s state line for Wyoming to stay with one of his siblings who lived there. As long as he didn’t come back to Pleasure, she’d be happy. Preston sauntered into Mountain View’s kitchen for about the
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tenth time today. “How’s it going?” “Same as an hour ago, but I am making progress.” In the first two weeks, he rarely came back to check on her. Ever since the attack, he’d been overly protective. He picked up a stuffed mushroom and took a bite. “Not bad.” She laughed. “I’ll have you know, that appetizer was one of the most requested dishes in St. Louis.” “I can see why.” He looked down the hallway, appeared satisfied, and left. This hovering was driving her crazy. She caught sight of the slight wince when he tasted the onion in the canapé. Clearly, he’d come to make sure the kitchen was secure and not sample the party platter. She probably should have explained that she wanted to put the incident behind her. Routine brought her solace. If they would act normal around her, she could move on. To her, that meant getting the men to see her as a woman and not someone in need. The initial purpose of tonight’s party was to convince at least one, if not both of them, she was no longer a little girl who needed supervision, but rather was a sensual and desirable woman who would make a great addition to their lives. She wondered if the attack had totally derailed that plan. The moment the door between the bar and kitchen stopped swinging from Preston’s exit, both Vicki and Lydia rushed in. Vicki waved a piece of paper. “The band is here early to set up. They said with the storm coming, they didn’t want to bring their instruments in and chance getting them wet.” She glanced down at the paper. “The tables and chairs are off to the side so we can mingle and dance.” She held up a finger. “We’ve only had to turn away two customers because of the party preparations. They were passersby and didn’t know about the affair tonight.” “Awesome. I couldn’t have pulled this off without you two helping.” Lydia bounced up and down, her hands clasped together. “Wait
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until you see the decorations. I got balloons and streamers. The bar never looked better.” Pleasure was such a simple town. Any excuse for a party was welcome. “Great. I’ll check it out in a moment. I’m just waiting for a few hors d’oeuvres to come out of the oven. Then I’ll take a peek before I get dressed.” Lydia smiled. “Luke said I could go early, too, and get ready. I know I’ll be serving drinks like usual, but wearing a costume will be so much fun.” She stopped fidgeting and leaned a little forward as if she wanted to impart a secret. “Did the sheriff or his deputy RSVP?” “No one has let us know if they’re coming. I’m betting both Bradford and Carnes are focused on finding Ross and not on cutting loose tonight. I’m sorry.” She shrugged. “That’s okay.” “Why don’t you go and get ready now?” Chelsea checked the wall clock. “Be back by six, okay? I could use your help bringing all this stuff out to the bar.” “Sure.” Lydia was a good soul who loved to help people and helpless animals. She was still trying to find a good home for a litter of adorable kittens, but Chelsea didn’t have time to take care of the little creatures right now and had to turn her down. Vicki stepped near. “I’ll get dressed, too, then come back to help you.” Chelsea blew out a sigh. She sucked at doing makeup and Vicki had a talent in that department despite not wearing much herself. “Great.” The oven timer dinged, indicating the hors d’oeuvres were ready. “Go. Hurry.” **** “Stand still.” Vicki had been fussing for thirty minutes to get the costume to fit right. “Did your boobs shrink since we tried this costume on or what? This top is too big.”
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Chelsea looked down the bustier. If she exhaled too much, anyone standing over her could see right down to her nipples. “I don’t know how I didn’t notice that. Maybe I should take in the sides. The rest of the costume fits great.” “It’s a rental, and it’s too late now. Can’t you hear the band warming up?” True, and her sewing machine was back at her house. Chelsea held up the tail to her cat outfit and smiled. “I like it, though. If Luke and Preston don’t realize I’m no longer ten, I’ll eat this.” She waved the fluffy end. Vicki laughed. “My money’s on you. That costume leaves nothing to the imagination. Even your crotch is outlined. I wish I had the courage to wear something that tight fitting.” Vicki had chosen to go as a nurse, which wasn’t a far cry from her real job as physical therapist. “You look perfect the way you are.” The song changed, and the loud beat made the floor vibrate. She inhaled. “Time to go.” “Now, remember, act aloof and flirt with the rest of the town. Make your men jealous. If you come on too strong to them, you’ll make them uncomfortable, and no man likes to lose control.” “I’ll try.” By the time they got downstairs, the mayor and her lover were already there. Pleasure’s leader came as a priest and her girlfriend as a nun. Now that was a fun combination. Standing up at the bar were two women in skimpier outfits than the one she was wearing, and they were chatting up a storm with Preston. Every time they laughed, he reacted with a smile or chuckled as if they were two of the most exciting women he’d ever met. A ball lodged in her stomach at how much fun he seemed to be having. Shake it off. It was Preston’s job as the owner to make others welcome, but she wished he didn’t have to act so damned happy. All she’d seen in the last couple of days was a man in pain. Now all of a sudden he’s Mr. Cheer? A girl could get a complex.
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Turning away from them, she spotted Dora, Larry, and Nathan talking with a man she didn’t recognize. Dora had been married to her two Doms for years. Larry held a chain attached to the collar around Dora’s neck. The dim light made it difficult to be sure if the captive was wearing any underwear beneath the thin, white dress, but if Chelsea had to guess, she’d say no. Both men were in all leather and had whips attached to their belts. She couldn’t imagine what their sex life was like if the costumes happened to be an everyday occurrence. “Hey, Chelsea!” She turned around. One of her male friends from high school raced up to her. Wow. He’d grown a good five inches and had filled out a little, but his nearly white-blond hair was as unruly as a winter storm, and his skin as rugged as the Montana mountains. She’d heard he’d taken over as head foreman at the Three Horseshoe ranch and looked better than ever—though not nearly as sexy as Luke or Preston. No one could beat her men in that department. “I heard you were back in town.” He dragged his gaze up and down her body then back up again. “You’re hot.” She touched her slightly swollen face. “Thanks.” Vicki had done a masterful job covering up the bruising. Even the mark on her breast had faded to a yellow green, punctuated by two small reddish indents where the teeth had penetrated the skin. He lightly clasped her arm and tugged her closer. “You wanna dance for old times’ sake?” She’d been about to check on the food but recalled what Vicki had said—make the boys jealous. “Sure.” She took his hand and led him to the dance floor next to Dora and her two men. The three were doing some kind of strange, contortionfilled movement that was out of sync with the music, but they didn’t seem to care. The current country music song by the Rugged Canyon band lent itself to either being a slow dance or one in which each partner did his own thing. Choices, choices. She looked over her shoulder and
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noticed Luke staring at her. She pulled her friend close, threw her cat tail over his shoulder, and held on tight, letting the music pour over her. She enjoyed the sensual beat. By the time the dance ended, more people had come in, bringing with it a blast of cold air every time the door opened. She thanked him for the dance. An old girlfriend walked in with Chuck. From the way she was clinging to his arm, they were boyfriend and girlfriend, if not husband and wife. Chuck came barreling toward her, picked her up, and swung her around. She laughed at the exuberant welcome. “My, you grew up into a beauty.” “Why, thank you, sir.” The tempo of the next piece turned slow, and before she could find out what Chuck was up to, Preston took her by the shoulder and pulled her to the bar. His touch set her body on fire, but the scowl on his face tightened every muscle. And here, she hoped he’d come over to ask her to dance. He leaned close. “Do you have to fawn over every male?” She opened her mouth to say she was merely being friendly, but his harsh gaze stopped her. She’d wanted to make him jealous, not piss him off. “I’m not fawning. These are friends. I haven’t seen them in years.” Preston loomed over her and stared down at her chest. “As for your outfit, I don’t like having the whole town seeing you half naked.” His jaw tightened as he grabbed a handful of napkins off the bar and shoved them into her hands. “Either change or stuff these down your top to cover those nipples.” She planted a hand on her hip. “You aren’t my father, and you never could replace my brothers.” Oh, shit. The moment her words registered, her stomach churned. She wanted to tell him she didn’t mean it, that she loved that he wanted to take care of her, but when he acted like she had no idea what her costume would do to a man, she contemplated banging on
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his chest to tell him she wasn’t ten any more. His shoulders stiffened and he strode to the end of the bar, poured a drink, and chugged it. Dear God, now what had she done?
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Chapter Three After a good cry in the bathroom, Chelsea decided to do as Preston asked and cover herself the best she could. With her head high, she waltzed back to party, trying to keep the tears from streaming down her face. From the reaction of all the men, her outfit made her look good, and yet Preston treated her like she was trying to get into bed with them all. Did he realize she wanted only him and Luke? Since she bet she’d lost any chance of rekindling the affection they used to share, she decided to turn her attention to Luke. At least he never acted surly around her. She’d noticed that for much of the party, he’d mostly been outside, making sure everyone got into the party safely, and ensured the customers didn’t get blocked in. By now, he should be done with his monitoring duties as she suspected most of the guests had arrived. She ran her gaze through the growing crowd, trying to spot him. Off to the side, next to the band stage, the reverend had cornered poor Lydia, most likely trying to talk her into coming back to the church. Pleasant only had one organized place of worship, but no one seemed to know exactly what type of religion it was. Some claimed it was a cross between Baptist and metaphysical. For years, the reverend had tried to be a father figure and guide Lydia. Lydia was shaking her head. The poor girl was so sweet, but given her mother had been a whore, Lydia knew she’d have to struggle to break free. She hoped the reverend could help. “Hey.” Vicki tapped her on the arm. “Luke asked me to tell you we need more of those mushroom things.”
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“Where is he?” And why didn’t he ask me himself? “He’s busy.” She suddenly spotted him smashed between two women, grinding on the dance floor. She took a step toward him then stopped. Acting like a fool would only alienate him, too. “I’ll go get them.” Happy to take on her role of chef instead of siren, she headed to the back. She was preparing more goodies on a tray, when Luke came in. He swiped his finger in the near-empty bowl of salsa. “You volunteering for clean-up duty?” She smiled, trying to act like she hadn’t been affected by his overt flirting or the grinding action with two attractive women. “No.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “Mmm. I’ve never tasted anything so divine.” It was only salsa. “I can whip up something special for you later if you like.” Maybe some chocolate sauce I can pour over your body then lick off. He patted his flat belly. “If I let you cook for me full-time, I’d be bigger than a house.” Her smile faltered. “I use healthy ingredients, not fake crap like artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup.” She resented his implication that having her around would be bad for his health. “If you eat in moderation you won’t gain weight.” He rushed over and ran both hands down her bare arms. “I didn’t mean anything by it, Seach.” She stuck out her tissue-stuffed chest. “I’d prefer being called by my real name.” Her friends had dropped the nickname when she entered high school. She may only be five foot two, but she was no longer a kid. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a twenty-four-year-old woman.” “That may be, but to us, you’re still someone we have to take care of, but I will honor your request, Chelsea.” “Thank you.”
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“Keep up the good work. Everyone’s been raving about the food. Pleasure parties won’t ever be the same.” With that he left. The door squeaked and noise from the band rushed in. She slammed the heel of her hand on the stainless steel counter. “Damn.” She heated more platters of hors d’oeuvres and paced the kitchen while they cooked. What was wrong with these men? They had to know she was interested, so why wouldn’t they respond? Were they trying not to come on too strong for fear of reminding her of Ross? If only that were true. No, they weren’t interested. The oven timer dinged again, and she removed the goodies from the oven. Once she deposited the rest of the food on the bar, she stood with Vicki in the corner, refusing to expose herself to any more rejection. Talking over the band, however, proved mostly futile. As the food disappeared, so did her joy. Preston and Luke must have danced with half the women but never once asked her. She’d become the invisible worker. Around eleven, both Sheriff Justin Bradford and Deputy Tom Carnes came in, stomping their boots on the mat to dislodge the snow. Lydia’s face lit up, but Justin didn’t seem to notice. He made a beeline over to the band. A moment later the music stopped. Bradford took the mike. “Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention. According to KLVT out of Bozeman, there’s a real bad storm heading this way. I’m going to suggest you all get home before we’re snowed in.” The room gave up a collective groan. The end of the party couldn’t have come soon enough for her. Seeing Luke and Preston hobnob with the town put a sour taste in her mouth. Justin headed to Lydia. Maybe he had noticed her or else he recognized that single women shouldn’t be going home in a snowstorm. Tom headed their way and took off his hat. “Vicki, if you need someone to escort you home, I’d be happy to take you.”
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Chelsea hoped he wouldn’t get his heart broken. She knew Vicki’s heart was set on her two brothers. Good luck with that, given they only got home one or two weeks a year. Her friend looked over at her. “I can come by tomorrow to help you clean up if that’s all right by you.” “Sure. Go.” Vicki smiled and followed Tom out. Lydia put on her coat and waved good-bye. The band asked if they could break down tomorrow instead of taking another thirty minutes tonight. Preston said that wouldn’t be a problem. Within five minutes, the place was deserted. So as not to look like she was waiting for instructions from her two jailers, she picked up a tray filled with glasses and leftover food and brought it into the kitchen. Luke rushed in after her. “Let us carry in the heavy trays. I know your shoulder is still a bit stiff, and we can’t have you break open that cut on your finger.” They were overreacting. “I’m fine, but if you insist, I’ll let you two carry the heavier ones, and I’ll clean everything up tomorrow. Right now, I need to get this makeup off my face. I’m sure it’s getting ready to crack.” She smiled sweetly and left, not waiting for him to say anything about her bruised cheek. Upstairs, the wind beat against the window, sounding louder than when she was downstairs. A streak of lightning was followed by a clash of thunder. She jumped. Having lightning with a snowstorm was unusual and made her uneasy. She entered Preston’s room before either man made it upstairs, closed the door, and headed into the bathroom. When she lowered the top of her costume, the tissue floated to the ground. “Stupid Preston telling me to cover up.” It wasn’t like a few of the other women weren’t showing off their tits. Hell, Lydia’s nipples almost spilled out of her wench costume. Then again, that was Lydia.
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It took some scrubbing to get her face clean, but ten minutes later, she was snug in bed but unfortunately not tired. Her mind raced to all the people she’d gotten to see again. Some of her friends looked exactly the same as when she’d left, while others had grown up. Despite how things had ended with Luke and Preston, seeing old friends had boosted her energy. She closed her eyes and attempted to fall asleep, but the howling of the wind and the banging of one broken shutter on the street side made it difficult. After a few hours of doing nothing but picturing Luke and Preston having a good time with everyone but her, her body gave in to rest. She awoke with a start when thunder shook the whole building. The loud noise had her out of bed in an instant. She hoped the clanging came from outside and not from something sinister happening inside. Preston was in the living room, sleeping on the pullout couch, so he’d be the one in danger. The noise didn’t sound like an intruder, but one couldn’t put it past Ross or his brothers to seek revenge. She slowly edged toward the door through the dark room, feeling her way. She pulled on the handle and expected to see light shining from the water dispenser in the kitchen. Nothing glowed, not even the clock on the VCR. Damn, they’d lost power. “Chelsea, you okay?” The concern in Preston’s voice nearly made her crumble. She’d been so quiet, she was sure he couldn’t have heard her over the wind. “Yes, but I’m scared.” Damn. That was the truth, but she shouldn’t have told him. Convincing him she was an independent woman who could take care of herself was hard enough. “Come here.” Gone was the angry, fatherlike figure from before. In its stead was someone she could love forever. Tingles raced up her body at the thought of touching him. Her pussy even got in the act of imagining what could come next. Taking
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small steps, she bumped into the sofa, turned around, and sat on the edge. From the indentation, he must have been able to know where she was. His gentle hands pulled her next to him. He turned her back to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. She’d never felt more secure or more cared for in her life. **** This was a big mistake. His cock had taken over the moment her peach scent floated over to him. When she told him she was scared, he went into protective overdrive. She wiggled her butt close to his body and he had to pull his hips away, as he didn’t want her to know his dick was harder than the wooden bar. If she realized he was attracted to her sexually, she might succeed this time in seducing him. God only knew it had been hard enough when she showed up in that cat outfit tonight looking incredibly hot. What had she been thinking dressing like that for all to see? Every male in Pleasure, whether fifteen or ninety, had fawned over her, desire flooding each face. If he wasn’t mistaken, the lust-induced crowd included the good reverend. It took all of his control to demand she cover up. Once he got a look at her pink nipples barely touching the inside cup of her top, his throat had almost closed up. Being ten years her senior, he knew better than to get involved with someone so sweet. The promise he’d made to her brothers to keep her safe was never far from his mind. Since her arrival, though, he’d failed at tamping down his attraction or at keeping her safe. He prayed he could improve on both counts. Chelsea flipped around and snuggled her pliant breasts against him. He immediately rolled onto his back to get his cock away from her body. Another clash of lightning struck, and she jumped. “Easy.” The thunder came five seconds later. “It’s still a good distance away.” He prayed none of the old wooden buildings in town
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caught fire again. An electric storm like this hadn’t occurred in eighteen years. The last one burned down the old movie theater and part of the town hall. She stiffened in his arms, and he hugged her tighter. “Don’t worry, Chelsea, you’ll be safe here.” He swore she sniffled. “I remember being in a big storm when I was six, and the lightning cracked one of our walls and almost caught the house on fire.” He’d forgotten about that damage. She and her family had to sleep in the church for a week while the house got fixed. A small shiver raced up her body, and he pulled the blanket over her shoulders. He kissed the top of her head and she looked up. A flash of heat lightning lit up the sky, spilling light across her face and those adorable pouty lips. Without warning, she leaned forward and kissed him. His cock immediately thickened from her warm, tentative lips, and his internal control switch shut off. He drank in her sweetness and opened his mouth, hoping she’d delve in. His thoughts tangled as their tongues danced together. He wasn’t sure how his hands ended up massaging her tits, but there they were, kneading her warm flesh. Her groan sent him further over the edge, and his cock urged him to make love to her. Somehow reason intruded at the last minute and he pulled back. “Chelsea, we can’t.” She found his face with her probing fingers. “Why not?” Now wasn’t the time to tell her he couldn’t break his promise to her brothers, couldn’t claim her for his own when he knew Luke loved her as much, nor could he mention her life would be better if she went back to the big city and became the star he knew she could be. “It’s not right.” She moved closer and placed her head on his chest. “Yes, it is. We’re not related.” Had he not been so conflicted, he might have laughed. As it was,
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the frantic beat of his heart should have convinced her he was lying. Instead she sent out a contended sigh. “I don’t think of you in that way.” Shit, she’d cry at that false confession, but he wasn’t sure the alternative wasn’t worse. Chelsea pulled away. “Yes, you do.” Thank God he caught her wrist before she found his raging hardon. “Chelsea, don’t.” Needing to take control, he drew her to him, and in one fell swoop, stood with her in his arms. She wiggled. “What are you doing?” “Putting you back into bed. Don’t make me lock you in.” Not that he could. “Fine, but we aren’t finished.” Oh, yes we are. **** The next morning, the Mountain View Bar and Gill was snowed in. Luke hung the Closed sign in the window, not that anyone would be coming by to see it. The day respite worked for her. She needed a free day to clean up the kitchen from the party the night before. She had no problem if she bumped into Luke or helped him clean up the bar, but she wasn’t ready to confront Preston. Her attraction meter had been knocked off course the second she snuggled against his hard chest. Here, she thought deep down he liked her, and that he was fighting the attraction. Boy, had she misread him. She’d spent the rest of the night wondering what she’d done so wrong, but in the end, she wasn’t sure she had made the mistake. Preston just had issues. For now, she was going to pretend that he had no effect on her should their paths cross. That might be childish, but her fragile heart didn’t need any more stress. She loved them both equally, but Luke seemed more receptive.
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She wasn’t sure why she chose Preston to seduce first. Maybe it was because he paid less attention to her, or the fact he appeared so distraught over the attack that led her to believe he liked her. It didn’t matter the reason. She’d gone after Preston, and he’d turned her down. She truly did want them both equally, but if Luke shot her down, too, she’d be a real sorry soul. Once she decided to set her sights on the younger Caulfield, she made four of his favorite meals, the last being a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, topped with whipped cream. He’d already been in the kitchen to taste two of the delights when she’d shooed him out. Now it was close to 6:00 p.m. and it was time to turn up the heat. Bottles and glasses banged in the main room. She’d remained all day in the kitchen cleaning and cooking and didn’t give Luke any help in the main room, so it took him extra long to make the place spick-and-span. She hurried into the now-clean bar, which smelled faintly of bleach. “Hey, Luke?” He looked up and smiled. Her heart fluttered. “Need help with something?” “Just a mouth for a taste test.” While you’re at it, would you mind licking my achy pussy, too? He wiped his hands on the towel and dropped it on the counter. “You know there is nothing more that I like than to be the guinea pig for one of your new concoctions.” “I’m glad.” It meant she saw him more often. She went into the kitchen with Luke right behind her. She spun around. “Okay, I want you to do the taste test blindfolded.” He cocked a brow. “Like a double-blind study?” She wasn’t quite sure what that meant. “Yeah.” “Or in this case a single-blind study. Get it?” She grinned. This brother was so much easier to deal with than Preston. Luke’s demeanor was more even-keeled, and he smiled a lot. She prayed this seduction would end happier.
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She pulled a black cloth from her pocket. “Turn around.” “You’re the boss.” Like he believed that? Chelsea slid behind him and nearly groaned at his scent, a mixture of clean soap and rich whiskey. She had to stand on her tiptoes to reach him. He held on to the material as she pulled the cloth tight over his eyes and then tied the knot. Clasping onto his shoulders, she turned him around. “Can you see anything?” “Nope.” She let out a breath, took his hands, and placed them on the counter. “Don’t move.” Just touching him sent her sex drive into high gear. “I need to get a few things ready.” Hoping he’d think she was putting the last details on some dessert, she pulled off her apron and her big flannel shirt to reveal a low cut top and a tight, short skirt. She opened and closed the refrigerator door to throw him off track. From one of the kitchen drawers, she pulled out her five-inch spiked pumps. While Luke would still be five inches taller, at least kissing him would be easier. She took off her cap and shook out her in-need-of-a-haircut wavy hair. Here goes. She’d prepared two types of whipped cream. One was sweeter than the other, though she knew he’d like both. “Open up for your first taste.” “What is it?” She laughed at his skepticism. “Don’t you trust me?” “Sure, darlin’. You know I do.” Oooh. She’d graduated from Seach to darlin’. She liked the sound of her new endearment. “Open.” The first was whipped cream that wasn’t as sweet. She watched as he swirled it around in his mouth then smacked his lips. God, could he look any hotter? “Well?” Her hand somehow found her breast, and she squeezed it, imagining what it would be like for his tongue to be tasting her like that. “I’m waiting for batch two to compare.” “Okay.” This time, instead of using a spoon, she stuck in her finger to scoop up a big dollop of sweeter cream. “Open once more.”
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She slid her finger in his mouth. Her stomach nearly caved from the carnal lust assaulting her when his tongue touched her flesh. He seemed to ignore the delivery system and sucked on her finger, teasing her with his sensuality. Not able to stand the tension, she removed her hand. “Well?” He had to know the difference between skin and a metal spoon. “Definitely number two. What else do you have for me?” He grinned, apparently liking the game. Clearly, he understood what she was up to. She grabbed the bowl of leftover chocolate frosting, dipped her finger into the gooey food, and hovered her finger over his mouth, debating if she should go through with her plan. Yes. Quickly, she swiped it across his lips and held her breath, praying he’d play along. When he didn’t move, she leaned forward to lick it off.
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Chapter Four She thought Luke would buck the moment her tongue touched his skin, but he kept immobile as she wiped his lips clean. “Mmm, you taste good.” She prayed she’d laced her tone with the right amount of sex appeal. When she finished her mini dessert, he pulled her to him and returned the kiss, nice and easy. “Now it’s my turn.” That wasn’t in the plan. “I’m not sure about that.” “Darlin’, you started this game. I’d like to finish it, but if it makes you uncomfortable, you gotta tell me now.” She wanted him. There was no doubt about that. “So finish it.” Plans were made to be broken. He lifted his arms behind his head. “I’d like to see what I’m eating.” “No, keep the blindfold on.” He lowered his hands. “You are such a tease. How can I see where to put the chocolate?” “You’ll have to use the braille system.” God, was she really tempting him like this? This repartee was so heady, so enthralling and enticing. He grinned again. “I’m liking that.” He reached out and wiggled his fingers. “How about giving me some chocolate?” “Give me a sec while I make a few adjustments.” While she liked the top she’d picked out, being naked would be so much better. She slipped off her blouse, unlatched her bra, and placed both neatly on the counter. With two fingers, she scooped up the creamy chocolate and placed a bit on each nipple. She’d never been this wanton in her
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life, but with Luke it felt right. “You ready yet?” His voice sounded as if he’d personally blended it with cognac and chocolate and smoothed the combination on his tongue. She shouldn’t have spent so much time daydreaming. “Yes. I’ll guide you, if that’s okay.” He nodded, and she cupped his head until his mouth was an inch from her nipple. Arching her back, she lifted until the chocolate kissed his lips. His tongue darted out, and he swiped the cooling frosting from the tip, but he didn’t make contact. Damn him. Didn’t he understand what she wanted? “I’m guessing you’re wearing heels, but I still need you higher. Is the counter clear behind you?” She glanced at the clean top. “Yes.” He placed his hands on her waist and lifted her as easily as a glass of beer. “Now where were we?” His finger roamed over her arms and along her shoulders. Goose bumps shimmied up her arms trailing his touch. “That feels good.” Still grazing her skin ever so softly, he groaned. “Damn. I seemed to have misplaced your delicious tits.” She giggled. Not wanting to act too anxious, she inhaled before deciding what to say. “I guess you’ll have to find them.” Had she really said that out loud? As he leaned closer, she rested back on her elbows, hoping his mouth would find its way lower. When he realized she’d forgotten to wear any panties, he might understand the full extent of her desires. As if he’d memorized her body, he bent over, and his lips latched onto her right tit. He lapped up the rest of the frosting, sending her close to the edge. She’d longed for his touch forever, and once she got it, she knew it was worth every second of the wait. He gently bit the tip of her nipple and she moaned. “You like that, darlin’?” “Yes.” Thank God, he didn’t see her as ten anymore like Preston
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did. Impatient, she took his hand and placed it on her knee, hoping he understood her tactic welcome. Luke moved to between her thighs and abandoned her breast for her hungry mouth. His sweetness took her breath away. If only he could see how much she was willing to welcome him into her life. “Oh, God, Chelsea. You taste so good.” He kissed her harder, making her head spin and her pussy weep. “You taste good, too.” She sucked at small talk. All she wanted was to kiss him until the air left her lungs. Then she’d explore other sensual movements that involved intertwining their bodies. She pictured his cock inside her. She wanted him to love and accept her for who she was and not for whom they thought she used to be. No longer was she the scared little girl who cowered in the storm. Instead, she was a sexual being, albeit one without much experience. Like she was playing scales on a piano, she ran her fingers up and down his covered chest and kissed him with all her pent-up passion. While he explored different parts of her body, his fingers finally inched their way up her thighs. Go higher. He took his time, almost as if he were waiting for her to stop him. He’d be in for a long wait. She grabbed his face. “I want you.” “Spread your legs wider for me.” With her skirt on, she couldn’t move. “I need to remove something else.” “Go ahead.” As fast as she could she slipped the skirt down and tossed it on the freshly washed kitchen floor. She pulled him to her, his erection evident. When he didn’t respond as she expected, she pressed him tight against her bare, wet pussy. “Press harder,” she panted. “Patience, darlin’. How about letting me have some of that cake I love so much? You did promise me dessert, right?”
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She inwardly groaned. He wanted to eat now? Or did he want to lick the cake off her? That would definitely add to this heady experience. “I made a whole one just for you.” “Good. I got plans for that cake.” Sparks excited every body part. “I’ll have to get down.” He stepped aside so she could slide off the counter. Her heart pounded in her chest as warmth spread through her. Never had she experienced these wild sensations before. Her imagination grabbed hold, and she pictured putting some of the cake over his body, too. The cake was on the far counter. “I’m cutting a piece now.” “Make it big. I’m extra hungry.” She prayed it was for her. With a wedge centered on a plate, she carried it over to him and placed it in his hands. He tapped the counter and set it down. “Hop on up again.” Totally nude, her butt nearly froze on the counter. If it meant she could make love to her dream man, she’d lay down in the snow to have him. He picked up the fork on the plate, cut off a piece, and dropped it on her stomach. The cold icing added to the chill coursing through her heated flesh. Luke stepped between her legs, and after familiarizing himself with the location of her shoulders and breasts, he nibbled on her cakeless tits. Touch my pussy. It’s for you. “I know I left the rest of my dessert somewhere. Hmm. Maybe I put it lower.” She wanted to laugh at his glorious banter, but her throat had turned dry from anticipation. His tongue traveled over her stomach until he came to the first piece he’d placed. Without using his hands, his tongue lapped up every last piece. Chocolate smeared his cheeks and nose. She laughed. “You are a mess.” “No thanks to you, missy.”
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He dropped more cake, missing her stomach. Instead, crumbs tumbled on her pussy. He leaned over again and ate his way downward. With each flick of his tongue, Chelsea’s excitement grew. She threaded her fingers through his short hair, slightly guiding him to the desired location. “I can smell you, Chelsea.” What did that mean? “Huh?” “Your pussy must be so wet. Your sweet scent is driving me crazy.” Oh, my God. She never thought she’d live long enough to hear those words from his mouth. “How can you tell I’m wet?” Please touch me. As if he could see right through the mask, his fingers found their mark, and she bucked off the counter. “Yikes.” He crooked his fingers and found her most sensitive spot. “Luke, that’s too much.” “Love my fingers, Chelsea. Love what I have to offer, darlin’. I want to hear your moans and make you scream my name.” Lost in thought with her nerve bundles exploding everywhere like the fireworks at a Fourth of July grand finale, she emptied her mind of everything but Luke. He plunged another finger into her hot opening as he licked the cake off her pussy in slow, easy sucks. “I can’t stand it much longer.” That must have encouraged him, for his fingers moved quicker, and his tongue surveyed more of her body. The pressure built to near bursting. “I need your cock.” “Eventually. We have all night.” “I can’t wait. It’s almost dinnertime.” And Preston might walk in on us. “I have all the nourishment I want right here.” Those were welcome words to her soul. She’d never heard anyone act like he wanted her more. Opening her legs as wide as they could go, she yearned to touch his cock. She pushed up to a seated position.
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“What are you doing, darlin’?” “I’m hungry, too.” “Ah, I see.” He grinned, stood back, and stepped away from her. In a flash, he exposed his cock. She rolled over on the counter, thinking she could reach the cake tin instead of having to jump down and walk around the kitchen. Being able to eat cake off Luke’s body would be total heaven. His hands patted the counter until he came in contact with her body. He grabbed her ass. “Now, darlin’, I see you’ve found my weakness.” He tapped her butt. “What’s your weakness?” Other than a desire for fine food, Luke was a strong man. “Stay around long enough, and you might find out.” Did he think she was leaving? She wasn’t sure what he meant, but at the moment all she could focus on was putting cake and icing on his cock and licking him until he came. She stretched as far as she could, and with the tips of her fingers, dragged the cake pan near her. Luke’s mouth found her ass, and he pretended to explore every inch of her, licking, sucking, and touching. When his index finger slid near her bottom hole, she quickly flipped over. “Luke?” She hated that a hint of fear had crept into his name. “We’ll have to get you used to me stimulating your nether hole, darlin’.” She’d never heard it called that before, but the name seemed appropriate. Wanting more to lick him than to spend time exploring other sexual options she didn’t feel comfortable with, she took a handful of cake and grabbed his cock with the other. “Sweet Jesus.” She smeared the thick frosting all over him. To reach him with her mouth, she hopped down, leaned over, and drew him in. She nibbled at the cake that had managed to stay on him. Nothing tasted better. “Stick it all the way in your sweet mouth, darlin’. Your tongue is killing me.”
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She obliged, eliciting a groan. Her butt hit the cold counter. Even blindfolded, Luke found her tits and rubbed and tweaked them. Excitement raced down her body as her pussy nearly dripped. What was it going to take for Luke to want to have sex with her, to be one with her body? When she cupped his balls and gently rolled them around, his breath hitched. The swinging door between the bar and kitchen banged open. “What the fuck is going on?”
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Chapter Five Luke whipped off his blindfold. He glanced at Chelsea, who was smeared in chocolate, but it was her delectable pussy that caught his attention. She’d been shaved, looking more enticing than he imagined. His cock leaked cum. God, he wanted her. All the food tasting must have made him lose his mind. He waited a moment before turning to his brother, wanting the euphoria to last as long as possible. “Preston. I can explain.” Though why he had to, he didn’t know, other than the fact his older brother’s stare made him feel like he was twelve again. “Get dressed, Chelsea.” He nodded to Luke’s crotch. “You, too.” She turned a few shades of red. “I’ll go shower.” Without waiting for a reply, she raced out of the kitchen clutching her clothes, her high heels banging on the wooden floor. Once she was out of earshot, Preston marched up to him. “What the fuck were you thinking?” Before he had the time to come up with a reasonable answer, Preston poked him in the chest. “She’s here under our protection. I promised her brothers I’d watch out for her. And that meant making sure some horny bastard doesn’t come along and fuck her.” “She came on to me.” “I don’t give a shit. Stay away from her.” He’d never seen Preston so out of control. “Okay.” Though he would die a slow death every time he looked at her, knowing how amazing she was and how much he wanted her lips on his cock again. Luke returned his attention to his jeans. Chelsea had licked up most of the chocolate, so he zipped up his pants. “I’ll go clean up, too,
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then get us dinner.” It was a little past 6:30 p.m., close to the time they usually ate. “You do that, but don’t find an excuse to wander into her shower. Use the bathroom in the bar.” He looked off to the side. “When you get a bite to eat, fix a plate for Chelsea. No need for her to starve just because she’s in the mood to seduce you.” Luke blew out a breath. “So you believe she came on to me?” Preston’s chest caved as if the anger had been holding him upright. “Yeah. Last night she crawled into my bed, pretending to be afraid of the storm. I had to haul her ass back to her room once her lips claimed mine.” Luke chuckled. “You two should have called me. We could have had a three-way.” Preston’s face turned darker. “I don’t want to hear that kind of trash talk from you again. We can’t touch her. Understand?” As much as he wanted to disagree, his brother was right. Chelsea was young and naïve. He didn’t need to be having sex with her. “I was only trying to make light of the situation, bro. You know I wouldn’t do anything she didn’t want.” “That’s the problem. Chelsea seems to want both of us. I wouldn’t be surprised if she begged us to take her at the same time.” His balls tightened thinking of the image. “I won’t sleep a wink tonight with that image rattling around in my brain.” While he’d never before harbored any desire to settle down, there was one little minx who might be able to change his mind. “That makes two of us.” **** Luke had brought her dinner but left a few minutes later. His gaze went everywhere but on her. She’d come this far with him and didn’t want their relationship to end this way. “Look, I’m sorry I came on a little strong. I never
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wanted to come between you and Preston.” He waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it. Preston doesn’t want anything to happen to you. He thinks I might hurt you, but he’s dead wrong.” “I know you’d never hurt me.” That’s why I love you. He dragged a hand down his jaw. “Look, for the time being, I think we should keep our distance.” Her heart ached more than ever. “I understand.” Luke shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’m going finish cleaning up downstairs.” He held up a hand. “You need to stay here. We need to let Preston cool down some.” She saw his point. “You’re right.” Her heart sank as she watched him leave. She’d messed up royally. Damn. Having eaten and cleaned up, she went into the bedroom to read. Since the restaurant was about to close, she figured they’d come upstairs sooner rather than later. The problem was they might need to use the bathroom. Next time she spoke with them, she’d suggest she move into Luke’s room. That way all three could use this space more easily. Upset over the whole event, she took an anxiety pill and fell asleep. When she got up, both men must have come and gone. Maybe it was for the better that she didn’t have to confront them until things simmered down. When she got downstairs the next morning, she wasn’t in a very good mood. The short-order cook was fixing several meals. “Vicki’s in the restaurant waiting for you.” At least there was one friendly face around. “Have you seen Preston?” “He left real early to shovel driveways and help the town get back to normal.” She wasn’t surprised. Preston Caulfield was well suited to playing
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the white knight. “Let me know if you need any help back here.” “I’ve been cooking for forty years. I can handle it.” Even he wasn’t in a good mood. What was up with that? Maybe Preston had told him what she’d done with Luke. That would have been really embarrassing. She pushed open the louvered doors to the restaurant. Her friend was at the table near the window overlooking the street, while Lydia was hustling around, taking the breakfast orders. The other server was a kid who’d agreed to come in early to lend a hand. The western half of the town had lost power due to the storm and they all needed food. Mountain View Bar & Grill was probably the only breakfast place open, so the restaurant part of the bar filled up fast. She felt guilty not helping in the kitchen, but the cook had insisted he could handle the heavy load. Vicki smiled. “So how was your day off, sequestered with two handsome men?” She pulled up a chair and sat. “Good, then not so good.” She told her about the wonderful seduction. “When Preston caught us, I thought he’d haul off and hit his brother.” “That pissed, huh?” “You could say that.” “So are you only going after Luke, then?” She shook her head. “If only it were that simple. I’m afraid I want both men, and that’s the problem.” Vicki sipped her coffee. “Besides the fact Preston seems resistant to your charms, why is wanting both men such a big deal?” Chelsea rolled her eyes. “Assuming things work out like I hope, I can’t marry two men. I don’t know why I set my sights on having both in the first place.” She wasn’t sure how Dora had managed to be with her guys. “Not technically, but around here, the older man marries the woman, and the younger man abides by the vows.” “You sure?”
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“A lot has changed since you lived here.” She waved a hand. “Maybe not that much. I think we just weren’t aware of what went on when we were in high school.” “I was naïve back then. Hmm. Maybe things aren’t so bad after all.” The outside door opened, and Sheriff Bradford rushed in. His cheeks were ruddy, but it didn’t look like he’d taken the time to shave this morning. Lydia wiped her hands on her apron and rushed over to him. “What can I get you, Sheriff?” She acted all giddy and gooeyeyed. “Just looking for Preston or Luke.” “Luke’s in the back. I can get him for you.” “Appreciate it.” Lydia scurried off. Chelsea swore if either the sheriff or the deputy ever asked Lydia to wash their cars, she would. She was too trusting and too desperate for love to say no to a man. Uh-oh. She hoped she, herself, didn’t fall in that category. Justin’s gaze traveled over the room and came to rest on her. He wove his way over. “Got good news.” That was something she could really use. Other than the ecstasy she’d experienced with Luke, the rest of the week had been a real downer. “What?” “We caught Ross.” She sank back against her seat, the relief overwhelming. “That’s great.” She hadn’t realized how tense she’d been thinking he might walk in at any moment. “Did he confess to attacking me?” “Said you asked for it.” She narrowed her eyes. “That’s so Ross.” People like him never admit they’ve done anything wrong. “We know. I sent the evidence to Bozeman to be processed. Don’t worry. He’s going to spend many years behind bars.” Which meant Preston would want to send her home, pronto. “Do
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Luke and Preston know?” “I was hoping to find them here.” “Preston’s out doing community service.” “Figures.” Luke came out from the back. The sheriff tipped his hat. “Good day, ladies. I need to discuss some business with Luke.” When he was out of earshot, she leaned back in her seat. “I can’t believe this nightmare is over.” Vicki finished her cup of coffee. “You going to celebrate?” If her men would join her, her day would be complete. Perhaps now they’d be in a better mood since their protection detail was finally over. “I hope to. I’m also going finish the blanket and present it to them tonight. Maybe the gift will help mend a few fences.” “You better get going then.” She slid back her chair and carried her dirty dishes into the kitchen. The old man was working hard, preparing the meals. “You sure you don’t need some help?” He wagged a finger. “No. You need to rest.” So that’s why he didn’t want her to help. Bless his soul. “I’m fine. Luke said I could do dinner.” “Marge is coming over, so there’s no need.” He grinned. “I love it when me and the missus cook together.” “That’s sweet. Tomorrow for sure I’m reclaiming my domain.” “You got it.” She wondered if Preston cared if she rested instead of worked. “I’ll be upstairs if you need a break.” “Go.” She wanted to hug the old man. He’d been around Pleasure for as long as she could remember, but he waddled toward the freezer before she had the chance to show her gratitude for picking up the slack. Get moving. Chelsea wanted to make tonight special for Luke in appreciation of his willingness to see her as a woman, and for Preston, who seemed more troubled than a thirty-four-year-old man should be. She envisioned fixing a meal fit for lovers. Oysters on the half shell
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and pomegranates would be so perfect, but Pleasure’s small grocery might not carry such goodies. She guessed she’d have to be satisfied with steak and potatoes, but given the way she made the dish, those staple meals would be anything but ordinary. As for a drink, she’d find a recipe that wasn’t the usual beer and whiskey they drank. She’d made it halfway down the hallway when she remembered she needed to pillage for food. Returning to the kitchen, she opened the freezer. “You forget something?” the cook asked. “I found out the sheriff captured Ross. To celebrate I need some food.” “Well, that is good news.” She gathered what she needed, placed it in a cloth bag, and hurried upstairs. Not only did she need to marinate the meat for a few hours, she needed time to whip up a chocolate and vanilla cake that was sure to please Luke. Preston would be a harder one to make happy. Once upstairs, she got out her ingredients and made a plan for what to prepare first. As she worked, she tried to figure out how to convince the men she wanted to stay with them and not move home, but with Ross behind bars, they were sure to argue there was no reason for her to stay. Furthermore, Preston would want to reclaim his room. In between making the cakes and marinating the meat, she finished the blanket and managed to get in a much-needed nap. At 5:00 p.m., she jumped in the shower and took extra care with her hair. Since she kept it piled up in her hat all day, she decided to let it hang loose and be untamed, kind of like she wanted to be. So as not to look too forward, she chose a pair of snug-fitting jeans and a V-neck Tshirt that didn’t expose too much skin. Now to wait for the food to finish cooking, and her men to arrive. Before she had a chance to wrap up the blanket she’d made, Luke strode in.
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He grinned and sniffed. “Hey. Something smells good.” “I’m making you and Preston dinner.” She attempted to act like it was something she did every day. “Aw, darlin’, that’s so sweet, and I’d like nothing better than to stay, but Mrs. Hurley called and asked if I could help her with a leak in her kitchen. I shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. Can I get a rain check?” His mouth formed a delicious frown. “Sure.” She smiled, trying not to let the disappointment show. “With Ross in jail, you’re safe, and I can feel okay about leaving you for a few hours.” “Has my being here interfered with your daily routine all that much?” Please say no. “Not really, but it’s just that we don’t like to have both of us leave at the same time.” So the answer was really yes. Wow. She never knew how her being here constrained them. “Don’t worry. I’ll save a plate for you.” He headed into his room and returned a moment later with his jacket. He leaned over and kissed her quick. “Remember that one. I’m hoping to get a few more later.” He was halfway to the doorway when he whipped around. “Oh, if Preston is out of sorts when he gets back, it’s because today would have been Mom’s sixtieth birthday. Go easy on him.” “I didn’t know he was the sentimental type.” Clearly his mom’s birthday didn’t drag Luke down. “He’s the one who keeps everything bottled up. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day he explodes. Enjoy the meal with him.” Before she could console him about his mom, he rushed out. “Mrs. Hurley’s one lucky lady.” She touched a finger to her lips, savoring his taste. She sighed, thinking about all the wonderful things she wanted to do with that man. With Luke gone, the apartment suddenly turned colder. She went into the warm kitchen to make sure everything was progressing as
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planned. She hadn’t seen Preston all day and hoped he was coming back upstairs. She never knew with him. He might decide to sleep elsewhere just to avoid her. Ever since she pulled the eat-the-frostingoff-Luke’s-body routine, Preston had been distant. Tonight she wanted to change that. She wouldn’t be surprised if he told her he had to tend bar all night. According to the short-order cook, Preston had recently hired someone else to work the bar. Let’s hope the new man was on duty tonight. **** Preston had shoveled about ten driveways, pushed two cars to safety, and aided Mr. and Mrs. Damon with carrying their suitcases to the car. Every chore was welcome since it kept him away from the bar and away from the ever-alluring Chelsea. The image of her naked was seared into his mind, making him imagine all sorts of things. She was no longer a little girl, but rather a grown woman he could love. Only he wouldn’t. Not until her brothers returned and gave their blessing. He’d debated writing to them asking permission to…what? Sleep with their sister? No, he’d promised. Chelsea would have to be offlimits. The big issue he faced was if Luke caved, no telling where his own morals would land. The visual of all three of them together surfaced for the umpteenth time. He knew Chelsea wanted both of them. That was the problem. He squeezed shut his eyes, picturing him in her sweet pussy while Luke nudged open her rear. Together their cocks would fill her up so much she’d have to stay. The wind howled again, chilling the sweat on his brow. The sky had turned gunmetal gray in a matter of minutes, and from the looks of it, another storm was brewing. If he didn’t head home, even his four-wheel drive might not get him there. He’d wanted to put flowers on Mom’s grave before he returned, but with the snow so deep, he hadn’t been able to.
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His stomach grumbled. Christ. He hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Definitely time to go. With care, he drove home, stopping only once to help an old man out of a ditch. When he finally got back to the bar and grill, instead of heading inside and chatting with the patrons like he used to do, he took the outside stairs up to his place. His plan was to shower first then tend bar until closing. At least by working, he could keep his focus away from his mind wrecker. He unlocked the door and headed inside. Pots banged and a tantalizing smell of cooking potatoes permeated the air. It sounded like Chelsea was singing in the kitchen. He listened for a moment to her rich voice, and his cock hardened. That was not good. He didn’t need the cheerful woman to distract him tonight, especially tonight. His steely exterior was close to breaking as it was. Given she appeared occupied, he thought he’d sneak in a shower before she noticed he’d come home and slip out again with her none the wiser. His fingers were almost frozen and his feet were stiff, not to mention his back ached from all the shoveling. A shower was a must. With the heat set to high, the air steamed a few minutes later, and he inhaled the soothing mist. Once under the driving showerhead, the heated water soothed his body so much, he debated staying there all night, letting the massaging liquid calm both his physical and mental aches. That idea was cut short when his stomach reminded him he needed fuel. Wait a minute. Shouldn’t Chelsea be downstairs cooking? Yes, she was recuperating, but he overheard her tell Luke last night she was capable of handling her shift. Maybe the softhearted cook had been able to convince her to take another day off. Marge, his wife, had worked the dinner shift before Chelsea came on board. He turned off the water, towel dried, and stepped into the bedroom to get dressed in warm attire. Before he reached the closet, the bedroom door clicked open, and Chelsea barreled in. Her eyes widened and her mouth gaped open. “Oh, my.”
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Chapter Six Every muscle in Chelsea’s body froze, all except her pussy that seemed to be convulsing with carnal need. She could tell when Preston wore a T-shirt that he was muscular, but she’d never seen his bare chest, sprinkled with dark hair over bulging pecs and fabulous abs. Out of habit, she licked her lips. His chest expanded a bit as if he’d sucked in a breath. “Chelsea. You mind?” She finally realized she was standing in his bedroom staring at him. She held up her hands and backed up. “Oh. No. Sorry.” At least he had a towel wrapped around his waist. If he’d been naked, she wasn’t sure what she would have done. Probably fainted. She spun around and raced out. How many strikes could she accumulate against her? It was bad enough she had to move into his house, and he had to give up his bedroom. She hadn’t won any bonus points by dressing up in a cat outfit and flirting and dancing with every guy she’d known in high school, nor had she endeared herself to him when she’d snuggled in his tiny bed during the storm. The big no-no came when he’d caught her naked giving his brother a blowjob. Nope. She was definitely persona non grata where Preston was concerned, and tonight was probably going to be her last night in his bed before he kicked her out. In her defense, she had gone to the bedroom to find a way to package the blanket she’d stuffed in one of the drawers. Dinner didn’t need to be watched for another ten minutes. She honestly hadn’t heard him come in. With this latest mishap, she’d be eating this glorious dinner by
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herself. In the off chance he’d let her apologize, she mixed up the pitcher of martinis and poured two glasses. A few minutes later, Preston came out in a dark green pullover sweater, faded blue jeans, and scuffed cowboy boots. No one ever looked more handsome. Without asking, she handed him his drink. “I’m trying out a new recipe.” He seemed to hesitate a minute before taking the glass. His stomach grumbled. “Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to eat much today.” Perfect. “I happen to have cooked something I think you’ll like. Roasted potatoes and a sirloin steak with a jalapeño glaze. I know how much you love hot peppers.” He cocked a brow as if he was surprised she paid attention to what he ate. “You’re tempting me.” Really? “Good. Of course, you could take your chances with Marge’s cooking downstairs.” His brows pinched. “Marge? No, thank you.” Yes! “Well, have a seat. Dinner will be served shortly.” “What about Luke?” “He’s helping Mrs. Hurley with a water leak.” She could have sworn he looked a little green. Was he upset he’d have to eat alone with her? Too damned bad. It was time he realized she was here to stay, if not in his house, then downstairs in the kitchen. After she carried out the fragrant steak on a platter, along with a mixed green salad, baked potatoes, and freshly steamed broccoli, she sat down. If he was upset over the reminder of it being his mother’s birthday, she wanted to express her sympathy. Perhaps he’d be willing to share some stories with her. “Luke told me it would have been your mom’s sixtieth birthday today. I’m sorry. She was such a great lady.” He nodded, but his dour expression didn’t change. From the way he let his gaze linger, he seemed to appreciate the thought. When he didn’t say anything more, she broke the silence. “Well,
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dig in.” He placed the napkin on his lap. “What’s the occasion for the gourmet meal?” “Ross’s capture.” “Bradford called me. It is good news.” She expected a little more joy, or a declamation that the bastard deserved to be in jail for the rest of his life. She got neither. He picked up a piece of steak and shoveled it in his mouth. He seemed to eat in a circular fashion, taking a bite from one dish then on to the next before returning to the steak. In between he sipped the martini. “This is wonderful.” Had he just given her a compliment? Things might be reparable after all. “Thinking of Ross, I’ve been wondering what happened to make you go into business with him.” She’d heard why he’d bought him out. Luke had given her some information, too, but she needed something to talk about. He dragged the table napkin across his mouth and leaned back. “Ross came with money in hand and begged me to give him a chance.” “A chance?” “After his brother was put in jail for murder of a cable man, many of the townspeople had turned against everyone in the family. I wanted to give the guy a break.” “Being nice and going into business are two different things.” He finished chewing. “I know, but in truth, I needed his dad’s cash. To sweeten the deal, he said he had a lot of connections to good but cheap whiskey, and that with his daddy’s pull, we could get the permits to retrofit the bar in no time.” “That sounds a little shady to me.” He chuckled, but his tone held no humor. “It was, and I told him so. He backed off, but without the money, I couldn’t have my dream.” “What about Luke?” “He was working in Denver as a stockbroker.”
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“I can’t visualize carefree Luke trading stocks.” Luke seemed to imply the job was a way to escape. Like her, he hadn’t realized what a special place Pleasure was. “He’s good with money. Luke might act carefree, but when it comes to business, he’s savvy. Long story short, I joined forces with Ross with the idea I’d buy him out after some time. That opportunity came sooner rather than later. After I caught Ross trying to mess with some of the customers, I told him to get out. When he demanded his share of the bar, Luke came to my rescue, cashed in his stock, and bought him out.” “Ross probably learned of the anniversary of the buyout and wanted to hurt you.” He didn’t answer for a moment as he finished the steak. “You mean hurt me by hurting you.” “Maybe.” What a scum. Ross deserved to spend a few years in jail. Preston waved a fork. “I agree with you about Ross, but he’d always harbored desires for you. When he started talking trash about you, I wanted him out of my sight.” Her heart melted. He did care for her. “Did it take much work to convince Luke to join forces with you?” “At first, yes, but I could tell he wasn’t really happy in Denver. It didn’t take long before he called and said he could buy Ross out. We might not see eye to eye on everything, but in a pinch, I want Luke at my back.” She could see the love he had for his brother. Preston finished his meal and stood, looking as if he would go downstairs. “Before you go, I want to give you something.” “What?” Now why did people always ask that? A gift was a surprise. “Be patient.” She rushed into his room and, making sure the blanket was neatly folded, carried it out, upset she hadn’t had time to wrap it properly. “I’m sorry I got blood on your mom’s comforter. I feel
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really bad about that, so I made a little token. I know it will never replace her quilt, but given the short period of time I had to—” He took the blanket from her. “It’s perfect.” He studied the workmanship. “You even put a C in the middle.” “For Caulfield.” Geez. He could figure that one out. “This was so nice of you to take the time to make this for us.” He stood, walked over to the sofa, and placed the blanket on the arm. Before she had a chance to say how much spending time with him meant to her, her cell rang in the kitchen. “Sorry, it’s probably Vicki. I asked her to follow up on something. Hold on a sec.” The timing of the call came at the worst time. She didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?” “Is this Chelsea Mansfield?” “Yes.” “I’m with the Division of Armed Services.” Her muscles locked and her throat closed up. The man went on, but she only heard a few words. Something about her two brothers being sent home. “Are they alive?” “Yes, ma’am, just injured.” “Injured?” Her brain had difficulty with the words. “What happened?” “I’m sorry, I don’t know. They should be arriving in the next day or two. Do you have an e-mail address where we can send you their arrival information?” “Yes.” She gave it to him, certain he wasn’t telling her the whole truth. Did her brothers have their legs and arms intact? She still held the phone long after the man disconnected. She felt, rather than saw, Preston come in. “What is it?” His tone came out so soft she barely heard him. “Clint and Sanford were injured.” Her legs weakened and the next thing she knew, Preston was carrying her into the bedroom. He gently placed her on the bed and
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sat down next to her. “Tell me exactly what they said.” She tried to recreate the conversation. “I can’t remember much after I learned they were coming home. The man didn’t know the extent of their injuries.” Oh, God, if they were hurt bad, they might not survive. Physically, they might with rehabilitation, but what about the emotional toil of disappointing their team by getting injured? Had they been responsible for any other injuries or even deaths? Her noble brothers would never recover if they had. Tears gushed out and Preston wrapped his arms around her. He rubbed her back in soothing circles. “They’ll do fine. They’ll have you to help them. With your good cooking, they’ll be back on their feet in no time.” She knew he was trying to be upbeat, but in a way, it made it worse. “Why didn’t Clint or Sanford call? Or e-mail?” “It’s not always easy in Iraq. I don’t think Internet cafés have taken off there yet.” That brought a small smile, but one that didn’t last long. “I’m so worried.” She sniffled. Preston handed her a tissue from the side table and she wiped her face. “I know what will help. Why don’t you lie down and I’ll give you a back rub.” She couldn’t think of a kinder gift. “Okay, but don’t get upset if I fall asleep.” “I’m counting on it.” Preston gathered the four pillows on the bed. “Put these under your stomach and just relax.” She closed her eyes and forced the tension from her muscles. Her brothers could have a broken arm or some shrapnel in their leg, which would heal. Their tour of duty was up in January, so it made sense for them to be coming home instead of recuperating over there. Finally, some clear thinking had come through. In fact, getting to see them three months early was something to celebrate.
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“I think the man said they’d be on a commercial flight. That’s a good thing, right?” “Sure is. Their injuries can’t be too serious.” She could only hope. Preston massaged her neck and back. With each pass the pressure increased. “I can’t tell you how good that feels.” “Shh. Remove all thoughts from your mind and concentrate on the tension flying out of your body.” Easier said than done, but she obeyed and paid attention to his wonderful hands and the care he took. Preston methodically worked his way down her shoulders and over her back, leaving the heat of his hands on her body. When he picked up her right leg and kneaded her upper thigh, her ability to keep her mind blank dissolved. Erotic thoughts slammed into her harder than a bullet shattering glass. Despite his early rejection, she knew deep down that Preston wanted her. This time she wouldn’t make the first move. Her attempt at being aggressive had only gotten her in trouble. “I could unwind better if I wasn’t wearing my jeans.” Was that too lame? Hadn’t she just told herself she wouldn’t make the first move? Weak. Without saying a word, he slipped off her shoes and socks, and she wiggled her toes, enjoying the freedom of bare feet. She reached under her belly and unsnapped the button. Her stomach rejoiced at the extra room. “Don’t move. I’ll do everything. I don’t want you to have to think about anything.” When had anyone said that to her before? Her mom had died when she was eighteen. By that time, Clint and Sanford had enlisted. She alone had to navigate college and the loneliness of being by herself. His warm fingers reached under her to unzip her pants, nearly searing her heated flesh with his touch. She lifted her hips slightly to accommodate him and almost let a groan escape from the pleasure of him putting pressure so close to its desired location.
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As he slipped off her jeans, the tugging caused her panties to drop down, exposing her behind. Preston took a long moment before straightening them out as if he was debating whether to remove them. Please do. From the squirting sound, he must be using her body lotion she’d left next to the bed. “This might be cold.” “Go for it.” She’d take having his hands on her body any way she could get them. When he placed the cream on the back of her thighs, her butt muscles automatically contracted. He lightly patted her behind. “Told you to let go.” She relaxed again. Then the real massaging began. Up and down he went, soothing the back of her thighs. The bed sank and she could tell his knees were straddling her right leg. Wanting to open up for him, she moved the left leg wider. His hands stilled for a moment. Could he tell what she wanted? Probably. He was an experienced man. Even after he moved to her left leg, the right pulsed with need. “Roll over for a sec,” he commanded. She did, wondering if the massage time was finished or if he’d give her front the same attention. Preston took hold of the hem of her T-shirt and lifted it over her head. His eyes darkened when his gaze shot to her black lace bra. Figuring the reason he had her turn over was to remove her shirt, she partly rolled back to allow him access to the back of her bra. “As long as we’ve gotten this far, we might as well lose the rest, too.” **** Why had he said that? His libido had lost it. Preston stared as Chelsea reached behind her back to unhook her bra, her gaze looking anywhere but at him. He kept telling himself that this was what she
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wanted. She threaded her arms through the straps and tossed the pretty thing on the bed, looking way too adorable. His tongue tensed, waiting for the chance to suck on her nipples, but he forced down his needs. Chelsea needed comforting first. She’d just learned her brothers were injured enough to be given leave. Despite her getting to see them earlier than promised, he could tell she’d been upset. He glanced to the side for a moment. “Turn back over.” Not having to see those precious tits would help with his control, which, at the moment, was difficult to find. So as not to get cream in her luscious, long, blonde hair, he lifted the mass off her shoulders and smoothed out her curls to the side. The sensuous texture excited his callused fingers. When had this woman captured his heart? Probably when she was ten. He inhaled to refocus before adding more cream to his hands. Returning to her neck, he rubbed in the lotion to moisten her skin then began the ritual of massaging her back. He closed his eyes and let his mind lead him. Her shoulders were silky, but her arms were tight with tension. He increased the pressure, dragging his palms down one arm then the other. As he moved lower on her body, intense carnal thoughts invaded his brain. He wanted her. Plain and simple. Her thoughtful gift had broken his resolve. With her brothers returning, his promise would become void. Despite that, he wanted to look after her, see to her, and care for her for as long as he lived. Luke, he knew, felt the same way. When he opened his eyes to stop the mental picture, his hands were on her pliable ass. That damned image invaded of the three of them together, and he could picture Luke squeezed into her puckered hole while he enjoyed her sweet pussy juices flowing around his hardened cock. “Preston?”
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Drawing his attention back to her, he looked down and noticed his finger had ringed that tight, muscled bud. “Yes?” “Have you ever had sex back there?” He was thankful his groan hadn’t been audible. “Yes, sweet thing.” “Do women like it?” It was Luke’s passion, but he had engaged in the delightful experience more than once. “Oh, yes. It’s different from your pussy, but just as enjoyable. Sometimes it’s nice to have a woman’s muscles so tight around my cock that I can’t think.” “Oh.” An unexpected smile caught his lips. She was naïve but adventurous at the same time. Chelsea had the right combination of cheer and work ethic to fit right into their family. She wiggled her butt, and he realized he’d been off in his own little world. Once he left the land of her round orbs, he traveled lower and let his thumb brush against her enticingly naked slit to see her reaction. She groaned, a sound that made his cock even harder. He spread her legs wide and gently dipped a finger in her wet pussy. From the amount of fluid, his woman was quite excited, but rushing her would not be good. He wanted Chelsea to beg for him to take her, to really want what he was offering. He didn’t want to look back a year from now and think he took advantage of her in her distressed state. After adding a second finger, he curled his fingers to hit her sweet spot. Her butt rocketed off the bed. “Easy there. We’ve got all night.” “I’ve never felt anything like that.” “You’ve never really been pleasured then.” “Maybe not. I was hoping my homecoming would be a sort of awakening.” “Chelsea’s pleasure, so to speak?” She giggled. “Yes.”
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He inwardly groaned at her sweetness and had to adjust his jeans. “Enjoy the ride.” Needing to get a better angle, he rolled her over. This time, he couldn’t control the intake of breath. Her eyes popped open and she smiled. His heart pinged. Her scent filled his nostrils, and, keeping his gaze on her, he slid down the bed close to her delicious pussy. He realized that if he touched her intimately, he’d want her again and again. Go for it. He clamped his mouth on her pussy. Chelsea’s eyelids fluttered and her mouth opened as if he’d been able to take her to nirvana. Her passion spurred him on. He found the little nub again and pressed hard with his tongue. “That’s unbelievable.” She was such a responsive woman. Never would he have thought she’d be so free. He lifted his head. “I could eat your honeyed pussy for hours, but I want to sample other delicious parts of you.” She chuckled. Not able to keep away from her cute tits any longer, he slid up her body. Resting on his elbows to keep his weight off her, he lifted his jean-clad body a bit so he wouldn’t rub too hard against her. With his index finger he dragged the tip around the base, where her breast met body. “I love these.” “You didn’t seem to like them much at the party.” “Yeah, about that. I wanted you for myself. I didn’t want you to advertise your wares to others. I figured if we hadn’t had that storm the next day, the place would have been packed with suitors.” “I only had eyes for the Caulfield men.” “I hope that’s true.” She smiled, and he could have sworn she arched her back a bit. One stroke at a time, he dragged that finger up the side of her perfectly formed tits, but never actually touching her sensitive crest.
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Around and around he went until Chelsea squirmed under him. “You’ve got to touch me.” “I am touching you.” “No, I mean on my nipple.” He grinned at her lust. “Not until I’ve had my fill of the other one.” “You’re killing me.” That’s what he wanted to hear. “Good.” Repeating his sensual seduction on the other side, he finally gave in to her request and pressed on the tip. “Wow.” The more she reacted, the slower he wanted to go. He palmed the tip then closed his hand over her entire breast. She fit perfectly. She probably expected him to repeat the brushing motion on the other side, but instead he licked the tip and only the tip. “Preston!” “You want me to stop?” He knew she didn’t. “No, but why are you torturing me?” Because I love you. “I’m educating you in the fine art of lovemaking.” She pushed up on her elbows. “You mean you’ll—” He placed a finger on her lips, not wanting her to say the words. “Just feel.” Chelsea fell back down, and he tended to the other side. When he’d thoroughly ravished every inch of her skin, he flipped her over once again. “Scoot up and keep the pillows under your stomach.” She obeyed, but from the slow movement, she was trying to decide what he had in mind. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to enter you from behind. You couldn’t take my large cock anyway.” She started to flip over when he stayed her with a hand. She rolled back. “How do you know?”
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“Are you interested or just asking on an academic level?” She shrugged. “I might be interested.” That would make Luke’s day. “Tell you what, let me get something out of Luke’s room. Purely academic in nature. It’ll help you understand why I won’t fit.” “What are you going to do?” He was pleased fear wasn’t present this time. “Weren’t you the one who said to be patient?” Not waiting for her answer, he patted her adorable butt and rushed across the living room. From Luke’s dresser, he pulled out a box that contained newly packaged plugs, all silver and quite expensive, but then his brother liked fine things. At the doorway to his old room, he divested himself of his boots, socks, pants, and shirt. Naked, he walked to the bed and climbed on, ready to give Chelsea the ride of her life.
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Chapter Seven Chelsea let out a breath as soon as Preston returned to the room. They’d been in the middle of the most erotic interlude of her life. She yearned to have his big cock inside her. All that touching and rubbing had gotten her so hot she was dripping on the sheets. Good thing his mom’s almost-pristine comforter rested on the chair. He lightly knocked on the doorframe. “I want you to close your eyes and drift off to a good place.” God, but the man had a smooth voice. He came back to the bed and sat. She’d closed her eyes just as the palm of his hand trailed down her back in small swirls. Her muscles and mind picked up where he’d left off. After he made his way downward, he began again, only this time with his mouth. He kissed her shoulder and her neck. But it was when he lifted the hair from the nape and planted kisses under her ear that she nearly screamed his name. She wanted him so badly. His leg touched her inner thigh and it took a moment to realize he was naked. “Ah, Preston? Can you tell me what you’re wearing?” “Now where would the surprise be in that?” As if to show instead of tell, he slid forward, and his hard cock lodged neatly against her clit. “Oh, my God.” “He’s not here, but I am.” She appreciated his attempt at levity. “You’re conceited.” His hands squeezed her butt cheeks in reply, but he used a light touch. As he massaged her rear, his hands moved inward and down as if he was preparing her for something new. She understood what he
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wanted, and if he asked, she’d let him help her realize the allure. Paper ripped. “What’s that?” She would have lifted and turned around, but she knew Preston liked it when he surprised her. A jar opened and a hint of mint wafted toward her. Preston’s mouth found her crack and he dragged his tongue lower, getting her wet. She was ready for the new experience, but when he pressed in a slippery finger through her tight rings, she clenched. “Relax.” With his other hand, he massaged each of her cheeks until the muscles in her “nether hole” gave up the fight. Preston continued to work in his finger, sliding surprisingly far. When he crooked his finger, strange explosions happened. Nice but different from when he touched her clit. The more he pressed, the more stimulating the area became. It was when he added the second finger that her muscles tightened on their own. She forced herself to relax. “That’s a good girl.” He kissed the back of her thighs, never expecting him to reach between her legs with his other hand and rub her needy pussy. “Oh, yes.” Preston continued the double assault, and she climbed higher. As suddenly as the extra touch started, he pulled out. “This might be cold.” What might be cold? Something hard pressed against her tight ring. “What is it?” Damn, she should let it be and not ask. “It’s called a butt plug and it’s designed to stretch you out. It’s like a dildo, only made to fit in your ass. Luke and I want you to wear this for a couple of days. You can take it out to wash only.” She’d never heard of anything so outrageous, but when he pushed in a bit more, her pussy contracted. Then he twisted the plug, and her bundled nerves sang out. Never would she have thought something in her behind would feel so good. “You like that?”
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“Mmm.” With a final push, the plug seemed to be in. The only problem was that if she moved a fraction of an inch, it stretched and stimulated her at the same time. She couldn’t cook or move and not think of having a real man inside her. “It’ll take a little time for your body to understand a cock was meant to take you there. In a few days, and every day thereafter, Luke or I will give you a bigger one until we know that you can handle us.” Dear Lord. She was totally filled as it was. Her thoughts disengaged when he lifted her hips higher and repositioned the pillow beneath her. Preston climbed on top, his cock resting between her legs. Was this really happening? She waited for him to enter, but instead he leaned over and smelled her hair, his nose nuzzling her neck. “I can’t decide which part of you I like the best. You always smell so good.” He, too, was a mixture of sandalwood and pine, like a breath of clean mountain air. She lifted her rear to indicate he should hurry. He tapped her lightly on the butt. “Be patient. We’ll get to that in a moment. I want to savor everything about you.” Never had she thought any man could talk like that, especially the usually quiet Preston. For now, she’d give in to the moment and let him control what happened. When he shifted his weight, the plug drove in deeper, causing an intense electric current to shoot through her body. She found it hard to breathe from the radiating pulses. Chelsea widened her legs and Preston’s cock entered partway. “Oh, sweetheart, you are tighter than I ever imagined.” She hoped that was a good thing. Wanting him to plunge deeper, she pushed back, but then he retreated. He didn’t seem to understand her mounting need. “I want more.” He laughed and pulled out for a second before taking her again. This time he dove in harder, and her walls pressed down on his cock. “Dear God, Chelsea. You’re killing me.” Delighted, she squeezed again, only now both her pussy and her
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ass responded with such sensitivity, she was close to coming. Preston hadn’t used a condom, but if she ended up carrying his baby, she’d be the happiest person on earth. She loved him and wanted both him and Luke in her life. She’d overcome adversity before, and she’d do whatever was needed to gain their love. His hands dipped between the pillow and her body to take hold of her tits, one in each hand. When he rubbed each tip between his fingers and squeezed, she wasn’t sure she could last. Carnal desires swept her. But it was when he pumped with his cock into her over and over again, harder and faster, all the while dragging his tongue below her ear in that sensitive spot, there was no stopping the crescendo from spilling over. “Come for me, Chelsea.” She rocked back and forth, loving it when his tip slammed into the end of her womb. Blood pounded in her ears, and she ignored everything but him. “Preston!” He held tight and flooded her with his seed. Her breath caught as she waited for the pumping motion to stop. She swore his cock doubled in size, stretching her to the max. He’d been right. The plug added so much to the experience. It seemed he needed some time to recover, but he eventually rolled off her and slipped into the bathroom. He came back to the bed. “Roll over.” He wanted more sex? She had to catch her breath. When she obeyed, she was stunned by his naked form. Yes, she’d seen his bare chest, but his thick, still-rigid cock was a sight to behold. “I take it you like what you see?” He grinned and his cheeks dimpled. “Oh, yeah.” He moved in and swiped her pussy clean. “Now get dressed. Luke will be home soon.” ****
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Luke may well have come home that night, but not before she’d had time to clean up the kitchen, make him a care package, shower, and drop into bed. Her wonderful dreams kept her asleep most of the night. If she jerked in her sleep, the plug hit some sensitive spot, waking her up. She swore her pussy leaked all night long. She didn’t come fully awake until the front door closed, signaling either Luke had arrived early this morning or one of them was on his way to work. She was loath to move. Her pussy was sore but happy, and she wanted to enjoy a few more minutes of rest. The short-order cook would be taking the first shift, but she needed to get down there and prepare the marinades and chop the vegetables and salad ingredients for the lunch crowd. The moment she placed her feet on the ground, her butt plug wiggled, reminding her for the tenth time of being filled up with Preston. She tested the new sex toy. If she bent over, the plug hit a different set of nerves than when she stood straight and walked. How awesome was that? Sex on a stick all day long! She couldn’t wait for the real thing. There was one downside. Having something that large in her rear made her walk a little funny, but she doubted the cook would notice, given how he limped. She had considered removing it altogether and leaving it in the bathroom, but Preston wouldn’t be pleased when he found out. When she finally exited her den of pleasure, neither man was there. A note sat on the table. It was from Luke. Sorry, darlin’. Got tied up. Loved the dinner you left. Next time, I’ll be sure to attend. How sweet, and here she thought he might be avoiding her. Or was his note written out of guilt? In the time he was supposedly at Mrs. Hurley’s house, he could have replumbed the whole damned place. Nice to know he was such a handyman. Downstairs in her culinary domain, she relaxed and relived last
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night for the umpteenth time. She let herself picture what life would be like with both men, but she couldn’t make the picture in her mind come in clear. The fantasy was too much. Her cell beeped, indicating she had a text. She read the message a few times, not quite believing she was actually going to see her brothers this evening. That was sooner than she thought. Your brothers will be arriving in Bozeman tonight at 21:21 on Delta flight 4782 from New York. Please confirm receipt. She typed in her response. Her palms were sweating and her heart was racing way too fast. Her brothers were finally coming home. Relief began to seep in. At first, she’d pictured them on stretchers, hooked up to IVs, being carried down to the tarmac. Now she believed they’d walk toward her and encase her in big hugs. Their unexpected arrival wasn’t under the best conditions, but she refused to fall apart until after she knew the extent of their injuries. First things first. They’d need food. Before the Ross incident, she’d been staying at the house until they got back, at which time she planned to get her own place. Yikes. Step one was to find someone to take the dinner shift. Marge came to mind. Next, she mentally listed her to-do chores and realized she’d barely have time to get everything done. When she pushed open the door between the kitchen and the bar, a loud laugh reached her. About four of the fifteen tables were occupied. The usual suspects were present, with Luke at the bar getting organized for tonight. She slipped next to him. “Hey.” He grinned. “I heard you had quite the night last night. I’m so bummed I missed it.” “Shh. I don’t need to be reading about my exploits in the Pleasure News.” This time he laughed. “What can I do for you, darlin’?” “Clint and Sanford are flying in tonight and I need to take the day off. Can you get Marge to cover for me?”
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He positioned his back against the bar and pulled her to his chest, hopefully blocking her from most of the patrons’ view. “Preston mentioned they were flying home. You know I’d do anything for you, sweet cheeks.” She swatted his chest. “I’ll sweet cheeks you.” “Promises, promises.” When he placed his palm over the end of the plug and pushed, she nearly jumped from the erotic tingling. “Guess Preston told you about my new addition.” She kept her voice low. “Didn’t have to. For one, he’d hastily set my special box on top of my dresser instead of returning it to the drawer, and two, I can always tell when a woman is wearing one.” Oh, my. “Well, then I’m taking this out.” He leaned over and nuzzled her neck. “Don’t. I find it sexy.” Given he had to bend over close to a foot, everyone in the room would know what he was doing. Gently, she pushed him away. “Later.” He thought it sexy? Wow. She’d have to wear it all the time now. He straightened but still lightly gripped her arms. “When later?” “I don’t know. My brothers need me. I’ll come to work, but that may be all for a while.” She didn’t want to abandon them, especially with the passion she’d experienced with both men, but that couldn’t be helped. Family needed to come first. Surely, he understood. His lips pressed together as he nodded. “We’ll help with whatever you need.” She couldn’t love him any more, but she didn’t want to risk kissing him in front of the gossips. “Thank you.”
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Chapter Eight When Preston came into the bar a few minutes later, Luke told him that because Chelsea had to tend to her brothers, she was basically out of their lives for a while. “Shit.” “My sentiments exactly. What do you think we can do?” Even he didn’t know exactly how he wanted Preston to respond. His brother looked around and motioned they move to the far end of the bar, away from hearing distance of the patrons. “They don’t arrive until tonight. How about I cover for you while you try to convince her in private that she can love us while she worries about her brothers.” “I like that idea.” His cock thickened just thinking about what her mouth and pussy could do to him. His brother grabbed his arm. “But she’s not ready for all of you yet.” “I’m not a moron.” He knew he needed to stretch her out slowly. “I’ll handle her gently.” Luke tapped the bar. “Wish me luck.” In case he got lucky, he ran upstairs and grabbed a few butt plugs, one larger than the other. Driving down the old street again to Chelsea’s childhood home flooded him with good memories. While the extra babysitting money had come in handy in high school, he would have watched her for free. Chelsea had the best spirit of any kid and had been fun to be with. Two of the six homes in the neighborhood stood abandoned, their owners long since dead. Her house needed some work done to the outside, but otherwise it appeared to be in good shape. Her car sat in
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the drive, and his cock immediately thickened. With the plugs in his pocket, he knocked on her door. She answered a few seconds later. Her cheeks sank. “Is something wrong?” Why did she have to think something bad had happened? “No, you seemed overly stressed, and I thought I could help. I know you want the house to be in good shape for Clint and Sanford.” Her face brightened. “Yes. Come in. Can I get you something to drink?” He chuckled. “You don’t have to wait on me. I want to wait on you. Tell me what to do to get ready for their arrival.” “You want me to put you to work cleaning my house?” “Folks in Pleasure are always around to give a hand. You know that. It’s why we both came back.” He smiled. “For you, I’ll lend both hands.” From the upturn on her lips, she understood. “Okay, let me see.” She looked down to the right as if she were debating which chore to assign him. “Could you strip the bed in Clint’s room? That’s where I slept. I have an extra set of linens in the closet. You remember where everything is?” Could she get any more adorable? “Yes. Don’t worry. Beds are my specialty.” Now a grin appeared. “I’m sure they are.” By 2:00 p.m. they’d cleaned the house from top to bottom and even had time to get groceries. He’d patiently waited until they’d completed the work before snuggling up to her. He didn’t want her distracted during sex, sex he intended to have with her very soon. She blew out a breath. “I have to take a shower. I stink.” He doubted that. “Go ahead. I’ll watch some TV.” He headed into the living room knowing full well the moment the shower turned on, he’d be naked, ready to cozy up against her sweet pussy. He flipped on the TV in case she was listening. In the last few hours, he’d caught her looking over at him on
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numerous occasions, and she seemed to take every opportunity to be in the same room with him. He’d been good and resisted her charms. Until now. He hadn’t tried to steal a kiss from those delectable lips or pull her body close to him. How he’d kept his cock in his pants, he didn’t know. Now was as good a time as ever to find out just how receptive she was. She certainly had begged for him to take her when they’d been in the kitchen, but after she’d slept with Preston, she might have changed her mind about him. If she did, he wanted to change it back. His cock shot to attention thinking about the next hour. After he discarded his clothes, tossing them onto Clint’s bed, he pushed open the bathroom door, carefully placing the plugs on the counter. The vision before him caused testosterone to blast through his system. She looked up and covered her tits. He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Darlin’, if you recall, I’ve seen, touched, and tasted your beautiful body before.” “Gut reaction.” Her eyes widened a bit. “You’re naked.” At least she noticed. “Sure am, but I could use some cleaning, too. You up for the chore?” She hesitated for a second before sliding open the glass door. He stepped in. Taking up about one third of the shower was a teak stool wedged against the back wall. “You can move that.” “I’m thinking it might come in handy.” A few positions flashed in his mind. She smiled, and his cock stretched upward so much it nearly touched his navel. He’d worn the blindfold for most of their time together and hadn’t had his fill of studying how glorious she looked. Behind her sat a bar of soap. He picked it up and motioned she face the stream of water. “Let’s start with washing you.” She’d already wet her hair. “I need to shampoo first.” He took the bottle from her hand. “I have a better idea. You sit, I wash.”
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“Seriously?” “You don’t think I can?” “Well, sure. It’s that—” “You’ve never tasted my cooking, but that doesn’t mean I can’t cook. Nor have you tasted the famous Luke Caulfield daiquiri, but I assure you it is awesome. You’ve watched me clean the bar and change the sheets on a bed, so I don’t know why you don’t think I’m up to the task of shampooing your hair.” She waved a hand, a smile blossoming on her face. “By all means, wash away.” He repositioned the chair under the shower. She sat where he directed and leaned her head back. He turned off the water for the time being and dripped the thick liquid onto her wet locks. Lavender scent overpowered the small shower in a moment. He worked in the shampoo, careful to make sure every strand of hair was washed thoroughly. She might have moaned when he rubbed in the liquid soap, but he swore the intimate act excited him more. Her giggle drew him out of his musings. “Enough already,” she said. “Any more and my scalp will go numb.” “Sorry, but I love the texture of your hair. It’s so soft.” Touching her took him to a different place. “Stand so I can rinse you.” “I can do that myself.” He put the chair back against the wall then ran his hands down her arms before pulling her close. “I know, Ms. Independent, but I want to touch and caress you.” “Oh.” The little vixen had so much to learn about lovemaking and intimacy. Unhooking the showerhead, he rinsed her hair. It seemed to take forever since her hair was not only long and curly, but also thick. “You use conditioner?” They might be in the shower a long time, and he had other plans besides the cleansing process. “Yes.” She picked up a different bottle and handed it to him.
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“How much?” “It’s a delicate balance. Let me do it.” He let her take back the bottle and strategically place lumps of conditioner on her hair. While she rubbed it in, he took the opportunity to drag the soap over each breast, having fun flicking his palms across her rosy nipples. She pulled back. “That tickles.” “Good.” He loved how she went with the flow and didn’t get upset with his antics. Once he’d streaked the soap across the front, he tried to get it to lather. “This soap doesn’t foam.” “Darn.” Now for the fun part. “Does your pussy need cleaning?” “Is it part of my body?” Yes! With a little bit of soap on the tip of his finger he lightly rubbed her opening. When her eyelids drooped, he knew that making love with her would be off-the-chart good. “Your body excites me like no one’s ever has.” “Oh, yeah. What about my hand? Is that part of my body?” Before he could figure out why she’d asked, she grabbed his cock, and his control nearly shattered. Ever since she’d smeared chocolate cake on his dick and licked it off, he hadn’t been able to get the image out of his mind. “That, too.” The lift of her lips implied she was quite pleased with herself. Instead of finishing what she started, she dropped her head back and rinsed the conditioner from her hair. Her tits begged to be touched, and he did just that, brushing his palm against the tips. She jerked up. “Oh.” “Keep doing what you’re doing, darlin’, and I’ll occupy myself with these two beauties.” He studied every inch of her body, but fortunately couldn’t tell where Ross had hurt her. Even the scratch on her belly had healed. Soapy water cascaded down her chest, so instead of sucking on the little peaks, he rolled her nipples between his fingertips, pressing
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hard enough for pleasure but not too hard for pain. “That…feels so good.” Her hands stopped moving for a moment. “You have no idea what good means yet.” Once she rinsed the back of her hair, she turned around and bent over to finish the job. Only then did he see the plug in her ass. “I’m glad you didn’t take this out.” He patted her butt. “You said you thought it sexy.” His groin swelled knowing she was doing this for him. “You can bet on that.” He slid his palm under her stomach and held her tight against his thigh while he pressed the plug in with his other hand. Her groan tightened his balls. She wasn’t ready for him yet, but how long could a man last wanting her so much? “Preston said you’d put in a bigger one.” “He did?” Not only did his cock scream, but his balls turned into rocks. Dear God. She was too much. “I just happen to have one on the counter.” He tried to keep his breath even. “Really?” “Just you wait.” He stepped from the shower, slid all three plugs closer, and grabbed the largest one, hoping it would fit. The sooner he stretched her out, the sooner he could have her. His fingers slipped, and he had to use his mouth to tear the paper. Once back in the shower, he held up the little silver devil. “Did you bring the lube?” Damn, he’d forgotten. “I’m thinking you don’t need it with the other one greasing up your sweet hole.” He inhaled, willing himself to only replace the plug with the new one and not use his own hardened cock. “Can you bend over for me?” She obliged. “Like this?” His balls tightened as he viewed her sweet ass. How had she learned to be such a temptress? “Yes, like that. I’m going to pull the small one out.” Going in took a lot of wiggling, but taking out the plug would take
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some work, too. Making sure not to hurt her, he swiveled the plug, and her cheeks instinctively squeezed. “I’m going to have to punish you if you don’t stop clenching like that.” Fortunately she laughed. “What kind of punishment did you have in mind?” “Don’t even go there.” As a small demonstration, he tapped her butt. “That all you got, cowboy?” Who was this woman? “You just wait and see what I got.” The moment her cheeks relaxed, he eased out the old plug and held it under the water. She wiggled her butt and stood. “It feels funny being so empty inside.” He could fill her up in a second. “Hold that thought.” Dipping the new plug in the water then soaping it up, he waited until she washed the area. “Okay, I’m ready for the new one.” She had the nerve to dip her finger in her pussy and hold it up for inspection. The white coat on her finger confirmed she spoke the truth. “I see you are. Now assume the position, soldier.” He loved when she giggled. With her hands on her knees, she spread her legs wide. This time his groan escaped. Before he did something they’d both regret, he soaped his finger and slid one digit in her hole to make sure all was well. “Oh, yeah.” Who was he kidding? He just wanted to feel skin on skin. Removing his finger, he replaced it with the plug. Ever so gently, he twisted it to get it past the first tight ring. She inhaled. “You okay?” “This one is a lot bigger.” If only she knew how large he was going to feel inside her. “Yes, it is.” With one hand, he rubbed her butt while he manipulated the plug
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with the other. Leaning over her back, he kissed her wet skin, loving the cool, slick feel on his parched mouth. “You taste good.” “I bet you do, too.” He swallowed hard. She could taste him all she wanted once he finished with her. With a hand on her belly and the other on the plug, he pulled and pushed at the same time until the end was tight against her anus. He squeezed his eyes shut as he pretended he was the one inside her. Overwhelmed with need, he rinsed his hands before driving two fingers into her pussy. “Luke!” She straightened. She’d panted his name, driving him further to the edge. “I want you.” But for her sake, he had to wait, had to take it slow, even if it killed him. She braced herself against the tiled wall and the glass shower door. “Have at me.” Luke lathered up his hands and soaped her back, working his way from her neck to her waist then from her feet to her desirable pussy. Before he could drag a hand across her sensitive slit, she turned around and spread her legs. “I’m dying here.” The invitation was too much to deny. His gaze latched onto the apex of her thighs. Naked and divine, he knew she was very wet, and not just from water. Using his thumb and forefinger, he opened her lips and slid in three fingers this time. The warm, wet walls nearly did him in, and his cock throbbed from need. Though how he could get any harder, he didn’t know. She grabbed his arm, and he stilled. “I need you, now,” she said, gritting her teeth. “None of this teasing stuff. The plug is driving me crazy.” “You’ll have to wait until I think you’re ready.” That might have been one of the hardest sentences to get out. “You don’t understand. I’m already filled up, but I need more.” He chuckled. She was a greedy little thing. Crooking both fingers,
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he rubbed her most sensitive spot. Her mewlings and groans almost made him break and take her right then, but for her sake, or rather for their sakes, he had to take his time. He wanted to show her loving was about intimacy and not just two people coupling. It was about the touching and being tender before the final act, which could be wild, hard, and passionate. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he didn’t have the heart to tell he wanted her to only be a receiver of the touches because, damn it, he yearned for her touch too much. As if she could read his mind, she trailed her fingers over his pecs, brushing hard against his flat nipples. Her look of awe as she studied him drove him crazy, but he understood her need to know every inch of his body. He let go of her pussy lips and returned his attention to her hard nipples. My God, the woman was amazing. He needed to explore her at eye level. In one quick movement, he lifted her up by the waist and deposited her on the stool. Even standing, she was only about three inches taller than him. The water hit him in the shoulder and he turned it off. Distractions weren’t needed. She had to tilt her head down a fraction to be eye to eye. “It’s different from up here.” “I’m liking the vantage point, too.” To make his point, he drew one tiny bud into his mouth and twisted his tongue around the nub as he stroked the sides of the plump orbs. “Oh, yes.” Her hand found his cock and began rubbing the head. When her nail slid across the slit, a bit of cum breached the top. He wasn’t sure she knew what she did to a man, but if she kept it up, she’d soon realize how close he was to exploding. He dragged his tongue from her breast down to her belly button. With a few rapid flicks, he darted in and out. As if to equal his parry, she pumped her nearly closed hand up and down, like she was loading a shotgun over and over. As gently as possible, he took her wrist and
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moved her arm aside to allow him to kneel before her, his face right at her stunning pussy. “I can’t wait to taste your sweet honey.” She laughed. “I bet you say that to all the girls.” The accusation prickled. In truth, he hadn’t messed around much in Pleasure or in Denver, for that matter. He wanted a particular type of woman, and Chelsea was that one. “Only to you, darlin’.” Not wanting to get into a long discussion of his experience, he slipped his tongue into her, sucking on her juices. He grabbed her behind and drew her hips toward him. When her fingers slid through his hair, his cock pulsed and throbbed. Enough was enough. He couldn’t last any longer. He stood, lifted her up by the waist, and slowly slid into her, making sure her slick entranceway could accommodate him. Her eyes widened then slid closed. She dropped back her head. She’d been so damn wet he knew she could take all of him. When she shifted, her eyes opened. “I think your cock is touching the plug. Don’t move too much. There’s no room.” “There’s always more room for love.” He winked, not wanting to scare her off. “Why don’t you wrap your legs around me? You can control how fast or slow we go. I’ll keep myself occupied in other wonderful ways.” She pressed up with her thighs and his cock glided out partway. His balls were already too tight, but he brought his attention to her sexy mouth. He nibbled the corner and licked the seam between her lips. She opened up, but he wanted her to want it more. His kisses trailed down her cheek to that tender spot on her neck. “Luke, I can’t concentrate when you do that to me.” “Like I can concentrate when you keep milking my cock?” Not controlling the speed took the sensations to a higher dimension. He held on to her behind and spread her cheeks wide, hoping to drive the plug in deeper. Her breath intake told him he’d succeeded. With a constant pressure, he pushed his cock to the back until his
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balls slapped against her ass, all the while pushing the plug in as far as it would go. She leaned over and captured his lips. He lost it. He pressed his chest tight against her breasts, loving the way her soft tits molded to him, and delved into her mouth. The cinnamon gum she’d been chewing exploded on his tongue. Not able to get enough of her, he ran his hands up and down her back, stopping only to finger the long wet strands of hair trailing down her back. God, what she did to him. “I’m coming!” Her abandoned cry tilted him over the edge. Like a 9.0 earthquake, his cock shook as he exploded jism into her. Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tight, lifted her off his cock, and set her down. Her breaths came out fast. “That was amazing.” With her tits rising and falling with each breath, he debated feasting on them again, but he knew their time was up. He always used a condom, but with Chelsea, he didn’t want to. Having a child with her would be his dream come true. “Yes, amazing. I couldn’t agree more. Now let’s finish cleaning up and get those brothers of yours.”
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Chapter Nine Luke had insisted he drive his larger car to the airport in Bozeman. Good thing, too, as she couldn’t keep her mind off either of the Caulfield men. Yes, they were brothers, but in two days she’d slept with both of them. She loved each one, so did that mean she’d been wrong in having sex with one then the other? Preston had mentioned the idea of all three of them together, but could she handle having sex with two men at the same time? She always imagined doing so, but now that she’d been with both, the idea boggled her mind. Vicki assured her sleeping with two men at once was the norm in Pleasure, but it would take a while for her to get used to the idea. “You okay, darlin’?” He glanced in the rearview mirror before changing lanes. She had to stop her mind from wandering. “Yes. I’m just worried about Clint and Sanford.” Not telling the whole truth was not a good way to start a relationship, but she needed to wrap her mind around her feelings before expressing her thoughts. “We’ll be there shortly. Remember, time heals all.” She tried to keep that in mind when he pulled into the airport parking lot fifteen minutes later. They were forty-five minutes early. “How about getting a bite to eat? I need to keep occupied. Plus, I’m starving.” “Keeping you occupied is what I like to do best.” That brought a smile to her face. She ordered a shake and carried it to the waiting area while Luke had two hot dogs, a banana, a chocolate muffin, and a coffee. If she’d eaten all that, she’d never be able to sleep.
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Luke did his best to keep her mind off seeing her brothers, but even when he played with her hair and rubbed her neck, the muscles wouldn’t release. The arrival screen indicated the plane had landed. She figured they might be last, but that only made the wait worse. Pacing in front of Luke, he stopped her, his hands on the back of her thighs. He pulled her between his legs. “Darlin’, remember what proud men they are. Any tears or show of sympathy is going make them feel less of a man. I can only imagine how bad they felt when they got hurt. Let’s hope they don’t think they let down their team. So, smile sweetly and give them all your love.” He winked. “But save some for me.” She swiped his shoulder. “You are incorrigible. Is sex the only thing you think of?” Her words came out a whisper. “When I’m around you it is.” His upbeat tone lightened her mood. As she turned around and watched the exiting passengers, she spotted her brothers in uniform taking up the rear. In the year since they’d been gone, their shoulders had broadened, and if possible, they were better looking. “Clint! Sanford!” She waved and both broke out in smiles. Clint had his arm in a sling, and Sanford was using crutches with his leg encased in a removable cast. Like a fifty-foot waterfall, the powerful release of seeing them fairly healthy nearly drowned her. They would be fine, or at least they would be after a little rehabilitation. Vicki’s image came to mind. She bet her best friend wouldn’t mind helping to work them out. Hopefully, in more ways than one. Clint, older than Sanford by a year, hugged her with one arm and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I see you haven’t grown much.” She hated all the short jokes. Both of them were over six feet. How fair was that? “You look good.” “Yeah? Don’t feel it.” Sanford had been waiting patiently behind. “Come here, you.”
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He handed the crutches to Clint and stood on one leg. “Let me have a hug from my best girl.” God, he felt good in her arms. She hadn’t seen her two brothers enough since they entered the service. They both turned to Luke and hugged him, too. Luke looked at all three. “Well, you want to get home or what?” They picked up their bags at the baggage claim. Luke insisted he carry their gear to the car over the objections of her brothers. On the ride home, Sanford was sweating, despite it being close to freezing. “I’m guessing your leg’s broken, but do you have a fever?” “I got a new knee, along with a rod in my leg. It’s fine. The wrap here is to keep my knee stabilized. The doctors said with therapy, I’ll be stronger than ever if I can keep the infection under control.” So he did have a fever from an infection. Her previous joy disappeared. “They shouldn’t have sent you home.” He shrugged. “They gave me lots of medicine.” He smiled, but in the dim light, she couldn’t see if his eyes spoke the truth. “I’ll be all right, don’t worry.” “I can’t stop worrying. In fact, other than going to work, I’m going to be by your side making sure both of you get on your feet fast.” Clint chuckled. “Sanford has turned into a bear. Good luck.” **** Chelsea could barely keep her eyes open. For the last three weeks, she’d been waiting hand and foot on her brothers and taking her shift at Mountain View Bar & Grill. Her energy was just about spent. Luke and Preston kept finding time to drag her into a quiet corner and kiss her silly, but even their attention couldn’t make up for the lack of sleep. Today had been her day off, and Vicki had insisted Chelsea have some fun.
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“I’ll stay with them. It’ll be good for me to see what they can do. I want to assess what needs to be done in regards to their rehab.” “You sure?” Getting away for even a day would be great. “Yes!” Chelsea had wanted to get some new pots and pans for the restaurant but never had the time. She managed to land a parking space right in front of the Mountain View and went in, hoping to find Preston. She believed spending the day with him would do both of them some good. Since he wasn’t in view, she passed the bar and went down the hallway to the office. She knocked and entered. Preston was at the computer. He turned around. His eyes smiled. “I thought you had the day off.” “I do, but I thought I’d take a trip to Bozeman. Remember, you said I could buy some equipment.” He leaned back in his chair. “I do.” “You want to come with me?” He seemed to study her for a moment. “Sure. Let me tell Luke we’ll be gone for most of the day.” She liked that. “I’ll wait for you by the front door.” Two minutes later he came out from the office. He wrapped an arm around her waist. “I’ll drive. We can put all the stuff you need in the back of the truck.” “I’m not buying a stove or anything.” He chuckled. “I know women. You get into that kitchen equipment store and you’ll go crazy.” “You might be right.” Once she got her hands on some of the new stuff she’d seen on the Internet, he might be sorry he gave her carte blanche. The drive there was nice. They talked about how she got into cooking and why she decided to leave. Once at the store, they both wandered around. From the way he picked up some of the big pots, he
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was thinking maybe the equipment could be updated. He brought over a large wok. “How about this? Could you use one of these?” “It’s beautiful, but I have a big fry pan that works just as well.” She’d already picked out close to a thousand dollars worth of goods. She’d chosen several pots and pans, along with a new toaster oven, a new mixer, and a grand blender she knew Luke would love to use for making his famous daiquiris. She nodded to her stash. “I think I’ve done enough damage.” “I can see we’ll have to raise our prices to pay for all this.” Luke had told her the Mountain View was doing quite well. “Funny.” He took her hand and led her to the back of the store, where the new gas stoves and ovens resided. “I’ve heard you comment how hard it is to bake the cookies evenly with an oven so old. How about we get this one? The stove top has a grill and eight burners.” Her heart nearly burst. She ran a hand over the metal. “It’s the most beautiful piece of equipment I’ve ever seen, but we can’t afford this.” “You can’t, but I can. I want you to be proud to cook at the Mountain View.” He tapped her nose. A few weeks ago that little tap might have pissed her off. Today, she knew the touch was out of love. “I don’t know what to say.” “I’ll tell the store to have it delivered.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.” Never had anyone done something this nice for her before. Since they’d parked near the entrance, carting their purchases wasn’t a problem. Had she not helped carry the smaller items, she probably would have skipped to the truck. Once everything was stored in the back, Preston nodded to a small café. “I don’t know about you, but spending money makes me hungry.” Anything to get more time with Preston was good by her. “Works for me.”
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He asked the hostess for a booth in the back. The romantic gesture wasn’t lost on her. He clasped her hands in his. “So have you told your brothers about us?” Her blood pressure dropped. “No.” His brows rose. “Then did you mention you’d slept with Luke?” She heard no censure in his tone. “No. I don’t think it’s any of their business.” The waitress came by to take their drink orders. Chelsea had been debating how to break it to her brothers that she loved two men. While Pleasure was open-minded, her mom had not been. As a result, her brothers seemed to favor the traditional approach to marriage. Not that either Luke or Preston had used the marriage word, but given how they’d doted on her, she suspected they’d ask sooner or later. Once they’d given their drink orders, Preston leaned forward. “You can’t stall forever. I did give them my word I’d take care of you.” “I won’t have to care for them for too much longer, I suspect. They’re getting stronger every day.” “I miss seeing you every day, all day.” “Me, too.” He leaned back in the booth. “What would happen if your brothers saw you with me instead of Luke?” Luke had been the one to drive her to the airport. “I’ll tell them I can’t decide which man I want, so I’m going to date both.” His grip tightened. “Is that the truth?” “No. I want both of you.” He let out a breath. “We have to tell them.” “I will when the time is right.” “Do you think they’ll put up a fuss?” She looked down at the table. “I’m hoping not, but I’m thinking they will.” She really didn’t want to get into this discussion. Her lack of sleep, coupled with all the worry about Sanford’s on-and-off-again
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fever, had lowered her ability to deal. “Can we just have a good time now and worry about telling them later?” He smiled. “Sure.” They spent the rest of the lunch talking about their customers and the possibility of buying the beauty salon next door to the Mountain View for expansion purposes. “That way, we can have more room for dancing, darts, and good old fun.” “That sounds wonderful.” By the time they left the café, it was close to 4:00 p.m. Since they’d been in the back, neither had noticed the storm brewing. “I’m not liking this,” Preston said. “Me, neither.” She’d almost forgotten how treacherous the storms in Montana could be. The wind was howling and the air pregnant with snow. Fortunately, they’d park nearby. They climbed into the truck and headed back home. About halfway there, the snowstorm blanketed the area, dumping over a foot of snow in a short period of time. The winds shook the truck and slanted the snow almost horizontally. She strained to see the trees along the side of the road. “How can you even see the road?” Preston gripped the wheel. “I can’t very well.” “Maybe we should stop?” He glanced over at her. “I’ve got some supplies in the back if we get hungry and two solar blankets, but I’d hate to have to spend the night in the cab.” The image of snuggling came to mind. “I could think of a few things we could do.” That got a smile out of him. “I’m afraid if I started to kiss you, I’d want you naked, and then you’d freeze to death. Nope, wouldn’t want that.” The wind shoved the truck off the road, but he managed to steer it back toward the center of the road. “I’m going to have to find a place to stop. This storm is too dangerous.”
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She searched through the side window. “I see some lights over there. Given how isolated it is, it could be a farmhouse.” He turned right at the next road. The snow was deeper, but he plowed through. The farmhouse sat off to the left down a long drive. “Preston, we can’t just go up to his door, knock, and ask for shelter.” “Why not? People know a person can die in a storm like this.” He pulled to a stop and shut off the engine. “How about this? I’ll go ask, and if they ask us in, I’ll come get you.” She shivered. “Works for me.” Preston ducked his head and seemed to have to work to get up the path to the house. The snow was coming down so hard she lost sight of him halfway to the door. With the engine off, the cab cooled quickly. Maybe Preston was right. Spending the night in the cab wasn’t such a good idea. The passenger-side door opened a few minutes later. “We’re all set. The farmer insists we spend the night.” “Awesome.” Too bad she had no toothbrush or any amenities with her, but stranded people couldn’t be picky. Preston helped her out. Good thing he was sure-footed, as the path had already iced over. Inside, the cozy space was warm from a crackling fire. Their savior looked to be in his sixties or seventies. His worn face attested to a hard life. “Welcome.” He came over and held out his hand. “I’m Chester Dinder.” “Hi, I’m Chelsea Mansfield.” “Howdy. Can I get you some hot tea or hot cider?” “Tea would be great.” “Have a seat and make yourself welcome. I love having company, so don’t think you’re intruding.” As soon as he disappeared into the kitchen, she looked over at Preston and shrugged. “He seems nice.”
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“Sure does.” A moment later, Chester returned with two hot teas. “Where you two headed?” “Pleasure.” “Really?” His eyes sparkled. “You see the UFO that flew overhead last week?” Uh-oh. While she was open-minded about a lot of things, she wasn’t so sure she believed in aliens. “Can’t say that I did.” “I saw them pass by here. Then a friend of mine near Pleasure calls me and says he sees it, too. I think they were coming to take me back.” She held the hot tea, wondering if it was safe to drink it. Preston took a sip out of his, so maybe it wasn’t poison. “Why would you think that?” If they let him talk, she’d be better able to assess if this guy was a threat. Preston had this little smile on his as if the old man amused him. “’Cause I was a real value to them when I visited them.” “You visited who?” “The Ebens. They live in Zeta Reticuli solar system on planet Serpo.” Preston stretched an arm around her shoulder and squeezed. She glanced at him, but only interest filled his face. “You went there?” The man appeared serious. “You bet. Went back in 1975. Our government set up the trade. The Ebens told me they’d come for me someday. Yesterday, I seen their ship. You sure you didn’t see it hover high in the sky?” This was way far-out for her. “No.” Preston removed his arm and picked up his tea with both hands. “We spend most of the time inside,” Preston said. “So tell us about what it was like when you visited.” Did Preston believe in aliens? “The land is bleak, I’ll tell you that. We had to live underground,
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but the Ebens knew how to make oxygen. Their technology is much more advanced than ours, but I don’t want to bore you two to death.” “No. We’d love to hear all about it.” Chester grinned. For the next few hours, he told them in great detail what it was like in the other solar system. She couldn’t help stifle her yawn. Chester stood. “I can see you’ve had a hard day. Let me show you to the guest room. I call it that, but it used to be our son’s before he got killed in the war.” How sad. Maybe the farmer was just lonely and had to make up stories to pass the time. “What was his name?” “My son? William, but we called him Willie.” The man’s eyes watered. “I sure do miss him. My wife passed just last year. It’s been hard without them both.” Her heart ached for him. He waved a hand. “Come on. I’ll show you where you can sleep.” They followed him to the back of the house. The room had one double bed. While he never asked if they were married, he didn’t seem to care if they shared a bed. “We really appreciate this.” “Sure. My pleasure. If you hear me walking around during the night, just ignore me. I’m a light sleeper.” Once he left, she closed the door. “The poor man. I wish there was something we could do for him.” “I think just being here is good for him.” She snapped her fingers. “I know. If the storm ever lessens, we can go outside with a flashlight and pretend to be a UFO landing.” Preston chuckled. “Chester would investigate and find out we were hoaxing him. That wouldn’t be nice.” She opened her mouth. “You know what would be cool? You could maybe get in the attic and talk into a vent or something. You could pretend to be Willie’s ghost from beyond and tell him you send your love.” Preston folded her in his arms. “You, Chelsea Mansfield, are one special woman. You always want to make people happy.”
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“I just hate to see him be so sad that he has to make up stories.” “What? You don’t think actually visited Serpo?” She slapped his arm. “Do you?” He kissed her forehead. “I’m not sure, but there’s one thing I do know. And that is that I love you.” Her knees almost buckled. She looked up to be sure he wasn’t kidding. “You do?” “Hell, ya.” “I’m not sure I believe you. Maybe you should show me.” He picked her up, dropped her on the bed, and kissed her. “You might be sorry you asked.”
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Chapter Ten Chelsea arrived home the next morning energized. Not only did she get a ton of new cooking equipment, but the adventure with the farmer was something she’d never forget. She still wished she’d been able to convince Preston to pretend he was Chester’s son. Too bad he thought it was cruel to give the man false hope. In the end, they fell asleep in each other’s arms talking about the possibility of life on other planets. Now she was back to her ordinary world. She’d finished putting the dinner dishes in the dishwasher and had cleaned the kitchen, but the realities of her life weighed heavy on her once again. She worried that Sanford’s eating habits weren’t where they ought to be to give him the best chance of recovery. In addition, he seemed depressed on way too many levels, which would further hinder him getting better. He’d always been the surly one of the two, but the last time she’d seen him on leave, he’d been more upbeat. Hell, what did she expect? She’d be depressed, too, if she’d injured her hand and couldn’t cook. Bed called to her. With her brothers home, she took to sleeping on the living room sofa, which might be why she wasn’t getting the needed rest. As she placed the blanket on the couch, her cell rang. It was only 9:00 p.m., but most people didn’t call after 8:00. She didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?” “I need to speak with a Chelsea Mansfield.” “This is she.” Was this the service calling to see if Clint and Sanford had arrived home safely? “This is the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.” All she could think of was that Sanford was supposed to report to
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therapy there or some bad lab result had come in. “Yes?” “I’m calling to inform you that a Luke and Preston Caulfield have been in a serious car accident and were rushed here an hour ago. I found your name as a person to contact.” Her heart stopped for a moment. Bile raced into her mouth. “Oh, my God. What happened?” “Ma’am, we need you to come here right now. They may not last the night.” “Yes. Sure. Now?” Damn, he’d just said to come right now. “Yes.” The man disconnected, but she couldn’t let go of the phone. Her fingers wouldn’t stop shaking. “Chelsea?” Clint was calling her. “Who was that?” He came out of the bathroom, dressed in a towel and his shoulder sling. Only now did she notice the two bullet wounds in his leg and one in his arm. For a moment it took her mind off the other tragedy. “Chels?” She didn’t know which issue to address first, but since his wounds didn’t look too bad, she told him about the call. “Jesus. You want one of us to go with you?” “No. I don’t know how long I have to stay. I’m going to pack a bag in case they need me to spend the night.” Her mind couldn’t understand much other than some terrible event had occurred and had harmed the two men she loved. “I want to help.” She looked up at him. His sincerity made her heart lighter. “You can help by staying here with Sanford. I’ll call when I know anything.” He nodded. “Don’t worry about us. Drive carefully.” After she gathered a few essentials, she dragged on her coat and left. Her luck disappeared when three miles from her house, the snow began to fall in earnest. The traffic was almost nonexistent, thank goodness, so she could go as slow as she wanted. Still, without any
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streetlamps, it was hard to see the road, even with her headlights on high. The fields on either side of her were sheets of white and even the distant mountains were obscured by the storm. As she got closer to Interstate 90, the curves and hills worsened. A set of bright lights seemed to come out of nowhere and flash behind her. Was it a cop? She certainly hadn’t been speeding, and Justin Bradford didn’t drive a dark car. The vehicle came within inches of her bumper. “Hey.” Adrenaline rushed through her. “If you’re in such a hurry, why don’t you pass, buddy?” Some people were just rude. Too bad he couldn’t hear her rant. The car didn’t pull back. Anger mixed with a touch of fear. “Okay. I get the hint.” She pulled over, careful not to slide into the ditch, willing him to drive on by so she could continue at her snail’s pace. Instead of going by, he stopped, right next to her, blocking her chance of pulling away. This was bad. Who was he? Her mind raced to what she could use as a weapon, but there wasn’t anything in her car to use. She doublechecked her doors were locked. Someone got out of the vehicle and approached on the driver side. He tapped the window. Heart pounding, she tried to make out who it was, but couldn’t. She decided she didn’t need to be there, so she put the car in gear, deciding to chance driving on the side of the road until she cleared his car. Before her foot pressed on the pedal, the passenger-side window shattered. Her gut churned. The side door was ripped open and a masked man pointed a gun at her head. **** Preston paced behind the bar. He’d called Chelsea’s cell three times, and each time the call went to voice mail. Either her battery was dead or she’d turned off her phone. Damn. She was over two hours late for her shift. It wasn’t about her being here to cook, as he or
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Luke could have taken over her shift. He was worried something bad had happened to her. The storm last night had caused some roads to close and she might have gotten stuck on her way here. Since he didn’t have either one of the brothers’ cells, he called Vicki, hoping she’d been in contact with them and knew the number. “I might have it somewhere. It’s not like I’ve ever called them in Iraq, though.” He understood her being a little testy. She was in the middle of working with a patient. “I know this is a bad time, but I’m afraid something might have happened to Chelsea.” “Oh, no.” Her voice immediately softened. “Give me a sec, okay? I’ll check my computer.” He waited for what seemed like forever. “Here it is. Chelsea sent me an e-mail with a bunch of emergency numbers when she was eighteen. I can’t believe I kept this.” She gave him the number. “I’m not sure if these are still good.” “It’s worth a try.” He jotted down the number and then dialed. Clint answered on the second ring. “Preston, that really you?” He didn’t have time to wonder why he sounded so surprised. “Yes. I’m looking—” “Jesus, man, you sound good. I thought you were a goner.” “What are you talking about?” He told him about the phone call Chelsea had received last night. “She left for Bozeman right away.” Shit, that was fifteen hours ago. His legs weakened, and he had to hold on to the bar for support. “Have you heard from her since she left?” He wiped his palm down his jeans. “No, but she took her suitcase thinking she’d spend the night, or maybe even stay a few days. She wanted to be by your side. And Luke’s.” While his heart warmed at her concern, worry overtook him. “Shit. Something must have happened if she isn’t back yet. I’m going look
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for her. I’ll be in touch.” “I want to help.” He knew the serviceman would step up to the plate. “I need you to stay home in case she comes back. Let me know if she does.” “Will do. And Preston?” “Yeah?” “Find her.” Preston raked a hand through his hair, weighing his options, trying to figure out the most efficient way to search for her. With the storm last night, their customers had been few and far between, so he placed a Bar’s Closed sign on the counter. Lydia could take orders, and he’d ask the cook to stay late. After he told the old man that Chelsea was missing, he volunteered to stay for as long as Preston needed him. “I appreciate that.” He then dialed Luke, who’d gone to the bank to deposit money. When he told him what happened, his brother swore up a storm. “I’ll be right there.” “Meet me at my truck. We’ll find her.” Too bad his tone didn’t sound convincing even to him. There had to be a logical explanation for her disappearance. She had to be safe. While Preston waited in the SUV for Luke to make his way down the street, he notified Sheriff Bradford as well as Evan Thomas and Sparks Langston, the two forest rangers who patrolled the area. “We’re headed down toward 247 right now,” Sparks said. “We’ll keep an eye out for her car.” “Thanks.” The man could spot a puff of smoke from miles away. Hence the nickname. Luke jumped in the passenger side and Preston took off. Luke slapped a hand on the dash. “I can’t believe this is happening. Maybe she got to Bozeman, found out it was a hoax, and spent the night. She wouldn’t want to have driven home in this storm.
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Does she know anyone there?” “She’s been living in Missouri for six years, so I doubt it.” “Damn, I’m going to call her brothers to be sure she doesn’t have friends we don’t know about. Let me have their number.” Preston blew out a breath and handed the paper he’d written the number on. “I’m praying she isn’t sitting in her car freezing to death.” The thought made his own bones chill. Luke spoke to one of the brothers and shook his head. How could this be happening? His brother disconnected. “No friends there that they know of, but they have been out of the country. There’s basically only one way to get to Bozeman. I say we retrace her drive.” “Good. In case she broke down near home, we’ll need to double back toward her place, and then set out along the road she’d have taken.” Good thing they had chains on their vehicle. Driving would have been near impossible after this storm. They had no luck near where she lived and now were a good ten miles from town, searching the road and the surrounding area. “Good thing Chelsea doesn’t drive a white car,” Luke said. “Her blue Ford should be easy to spot.” “True.” To his surprise, they hadn’t passed any broken-down cars. He’d expected a few. His cell rang and his heart jumped. “Chelsea?” “Sorry, it’s Sparks. We found her car ’bout fifteen miles up Route 247.” Preston’s foot hit the brake and they skidded to the side. “How is she?” He turned into the skid and straightened. “She’s not here. Her passenger-side window was smashed in, and her suitcase is still in the backseat.” He swallowed to wet his mouth. “I’m on 247 now. We should be there shortly. And Sparks?” “Yeah.” “Thanks for the call.” He disconnected and his heart died a little bit.
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Chapter Eleven Chelsea woke with a start from a noise sounding in the other room, like a door shutting or opening. Her captors must have returned, but their voices sounded too muffled to tell what they were saying. It probably wasn’t good, whatever it was. They’d taken off her gag, but her hands and feet remained bound. Despite there being a bed, a chair, and a dresser in the small room, they’d dumped her on the floor with a rope attached to the closet door, preventing her from going anywhere. Her position gave her some hope they weren’t interested in her for sex, but why else take her? Her brain was too numb to think straight. My God, but it was cold. They had let her keep her jacket on, but they hadn’t given her any water or food since she’d arrived last night. During the ride from her car to this place, they’d blindfolded her. That didn’t mean she had no idea where they’d headed. From the way the engine had groaned then purred, she suspected they were in some mountain cabin. It had taken them about a half an hour to arrive. She knew the time because they’d kept the radio on, and the broadcaster mentioned the time twice. They’d headed north first, then got off on a smaller road. From there she couldn’t say as there were a lot of switchbacks. She’d had her iPhone in her jacket pocket, but they’d confiscated it as soon as they brought her in. Otherwise she would have found some chance to call, assuming there was even a signal up here. She wasn’t sure why they wore masks. She’d know Phil and Dave Scanlon’s voice anywhere. Phil was younger than Ross and Dave was two years older. In a town as small as Pleasure, and them having a
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father who’d practically built the town from the ground up, the Scanlon kids were always visible and always in trouble. The door snapped open, and her breath caught. Both men loomed in front of her, their masks tightly in place. To her, the disguise implied they didn’t plan on killing her. Yet. “We’re friends of Ross Scanlon,” Phil announced. No shit. “Okay.” Had they expected her to cringe? Dave stepped forward. “We want you to tell the sheriff Ross didn’t attack you, that you two was just playing around.” Was he stupid? “I’d really like to help you out, but the sheriff took photos.” She detailed her injuries. “With the record of the bite with his saliva on my skin, how do I explain without incriminating him?” “Tell him you and Ross like to play rough.” She wasn’t sure how to respond, but laughing at him wouldn’t have helped. If she agreed right away, they’d know she was lying. “Why don’t you write up something and I’ll sign it.” She tried to smile but couldn’t quite manage. They turned to go. “Wait. Can I get a drink of water? I’m so thirsty, my hand is shaking.” She didn’t want to appear pathetic, but she understood she was losing body heat too fast. They grumbled something, and she slouched back to her dark, cold corner. **** Luke jammed his hands in his coat pockets to keep them warm and leaned against her car. “So, where the hell is she?” Preston’s phone rang. “Yeah, Justin.” His shoulders eased. Hopefully, the sheriff was calling because he’d discovered something. Preston nodded. “I appreciate that.” He disconnected. “Bradford got Judge Williams to issue a court order to the telephone company. If she still has her phone, we might be able to get
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her GPS coordinates.” “And if not, we’re screwed.” Sparks and Evan had searched the other side of the highway before returning to the car. “No sign of her, but there are a few cabins in the mountains that sit vacant all winter. We’re going check them out. Someone might have seen something last night.” “Let us help.” Evan rubbed his hands together. “That would make it faster. Let’s sit in the truck. It’s too damned cold out here for my fingers to work.” He and Preston piled in the back of the cab. Sparks and Evan conferred and came up with six empty cabins that could possibly be used. “Besides the empty ones, who actually lives up there?” The cabins were a little too far out of town for them to know everyone. “One belongs to Sara Phillips, another to Mr. and Mrs. Bonheart. Then there’s the Scanlon place, but it’s been empty for a while. It belonged to the brother who went to prison last year.” Luke punched Preston in the arm. “That’s it, bro. I bet the bastards want revenge for what Chelsea did to Ross.” Excitement filled him at coming up with a clue. Preston grinned. “I’ll call the sheriff and ask him to give us backup. Sparks, can you give us directions?” “You bet.” The fact it was daylight was both an advantage and a disadvantage. The drive would be easier to navigate in the light, but on the other hand, if one of Ross’s brothers had taken her, they’d be sitting ducks coming up the road. Even if they were invited in, there was no way they could search all the rooms without suspicion. Shit. Sparks handed him the hand-drawn map. “We’re still going to check the other five cabins in case your idea doesn’t pan out.” “Good. We’ll be in contact if we find her.” He and Preston got out of the truck and climbed back into their vehicle.
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Preston pulled out his phone. “I’m calling Justin and Tom.” “If he knew her GPS already, he would have called.” “True, but, besides backup, we could use some rifles. I don’t like going there unarmed.” He called Justin and they devised a plan on how to proceed. He pivoted toward Luke. “They’ll meet us there.” “Good. Let’s get close and head on up by foot. We might be able to sneak a peek.” “Sounds like a plan.” With Sparks’s crudely drawn map in hand, they crossed a road in serious need of plowing. “We’d do better in a snowmobile.” He glanced at Preston. “You got one hidden in the back?” “Don’t I wish.” They kept quiet for the remainder of the drive. Talking would only rile them up. When they got to the last turnoff, Preston cut the engine and maneuvered the vehicle around for a faster escape. “Good thinking.” “Let’s hope we don’t need it.” Preston’s phone rang again. “It’s Justin. Yeah?…You sure?…Thanks.” He faced Luke and smirked. “We got the bastards. Her phone’s in the cabin. Guess they didn’t know about the GPS feature.” He tamped down his relief. Only when he had Chelsea in his arms would he rejoice. “What’s Justin’s ETA?” “Too long for me. I think we should chance it. I doubt Dave or Phil will be expecting anyone.” They both exited the car, and he followed Preston up the path toward the house. The air turned the hairs in his nose to ice. Luke pointed to the recent tire tracks cut into the snow. Clearly, someone had been there. When the cabin came into view, Luke motioned he’d go east while Preston should take the west side. Their intent was to circle around back and check the windows before confronting whoever was inside. After making certain their cell phones were turned to vibrate, they
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began their circuitous path to find the woman they loved. Luke dashed from one tree to the next until he made it to the back of the house. His breath formed a cloud in the air, which would be easy to see if anyone were looking. When no alarm sounded, he slammed his back against the back wall of the cabin. Preston kept a lower stance as he sprinted across a more exposed area. With both hopefully hidden from view, they slid toward each other. The cabin had three windows that faced the back, but no doorway. He motioned they take the window nearest each of them. The first window on his side was an empty bedroom with the bed unmade. There was no sign of Chelsea. He looked up, and Preston’s thumb pointed upward. His heart pounded, but the fact his brother didn’t smile turned his stomach to mush. Ducking, he dashed across the back and peered in Preston’s window. In the far corner, Chelsea was on the floor slumped forward. Her feet were bound. Fists clenched, he wanted to rush in and confront the bastards. Preston moved closer. “I’ll go to the front and distract them. You break the window and get her out. Give me ninety seconds before you try the escape.” He nodded. The moment Preston disappeared around the side, Luke dug through the snow for something hard. Six inches down, he hit a rock. Perfect. Footsteps pounded on the front steps and a shout sounded from inside. With the kidnappers distracted, he smashed the window, reached in, and unlashed the sash. Chelsea glanced up. With a finger to his lips, he lifted the window and climbed in. Adrenaline flooded his system. He wanted to run to her, hug her, and kiss her, but they couldn’t afford the time. He smiled to let her know she’d be safe. More shouts sounded in the room. Luke wanted to pick her up and haul her out the window, but instead held up a finger and stood behind the door waiting for someone to barge in.
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Chelsea mouthed, “Untie me.” He wanted to, but he had to take care of the kidnappers first. The bedroom door burst open, and a stocky man rushed in and glanced toward Chelsea. Luke stepped from behind the door, collared him, and yanked hard. A knee to the back and a twist to the man’s neck caused the opponent to drop like a stone tossed off a cliff. In the other room, Preston was duking it out with a taller man. Luke crept up behind the kidnapper and put a stranglehold on him. The man grabbed Luke’s hands, but with the victim’s stomach exposed, Preston took his best punch. The man groaned and his knees weakened. Luke let go and the guy stumbled backward. The moment Preston moved in, Luke rushed back to Chelsea. The man in her room was still prone, apparently out cold. “Are you okay?” His throat had dried. “Yes.” With his pocketknife, he cut the ties that bound her. The moment she was free, he pulled her to his chest. “Darlin’, I was so scared.” She sniffled, and tears flowed down her cheeks. “You? I was scared, too. Those were Ross’s brothers.” “I know. Did they hurt you?” “Only from the ropes.” The relief caused his muscles to nearly give out, but he managed to stand and help her up. Footsteps sounded on the porch, followed by shouts that the sheriff’s department had arrived. “The cavalry’s here.” “That sounds like Tom and Justin.” “It is.” “How did you find me?” “Let’s get you out of here, and we’ll tell you the whole story.” “Sounds good.” She shivered. Luke stepped over to the bed, pulled off the blanket, and draped it over her shoulders. “We’re never letting you out of our sight again.”
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**** “I don’t need to stay in bed.” Chelsea had already had a hot shower and eaten a meal both men had prepared. “I’m good, and I’m sure whoever is cooking downstairs would like to go home sometime.” She’d felt guilty enough that the old man had to cover for her all day yesterday as well as today. Preston slid down on the bed. “You need to rest after your ordeal.” “It’s not even 5:00 p.m., and I should see my brothers. I know they’re worried.” “They’re fine. Vicki’s with them.” Maybe they were better off. Vicki would fuss over them, and she’d already spoken with Clint when he called to check on her. He said Sanford’s fever had gone down. He, too, had insisted she stay with Luke and Preston for a few days until they were sure there would be no more threats on her life. After all, there was still one more Scanlon brother who’d suspiciously left town, but she bet their insistence might be an excuse to be with Vicki. “Fine, but I’m not even tired.” “How about if Luke and I cuddle next to you. I’ll rub your back to help you sleep.” She liked the cuddle part, but she had no intention of sleeping. “Okay.” “Hey, Luke,” Preston shouted. “Yeah?” “Bring in the lotion, will ya?” A moment later, Luke came in with a tall bottle. He smiled. “We ordered some special cream off the Internet.” Her men were too considerate. “Let me turn up the heat,” Preston said. “We don’t want you to get chilled while we rub you down.”
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“Sounds wonderful.” No man had ever been more considerate. Luke placed a knee on the bed. “We need to get you out of those clothes, darlin’.” That worked for her. She was already barefoot, but as soon as she unbuttoned her jeans, Luke’s hands stopped her. “Let me.” She wasn’t going to argue. When she’d been tied to the wall in that terrible cabin, what kept her going was thinking about her two men making love to her. He tugged off her jeans and ran his hands up her legs. “Let’s keep the top on for a moment until the heat kicks in.” She expected him to drag off her panties, but instead, he squirted the lotion in his hands and began his massage on her feet. His thumbs pressed into her tender soles, and she moaned. Preston came back in from resetting the thermostat. “You started without me.” She laughed. “There’s plenty to go around.” He got some lotion, lifted her shirt, and rubbed her stomach. The cool lotion startled her a bit. “It’s cold.” “I’ll do something about that.” Preston rubbed and rubbed until his heated hands warmed her. When his fingers traveled upward, he contacted her bra. His brows furrowed. “I think we need a new rule in the house. No bras when upstairs.” She smiled. “You got it, but on one condition.” She didn’t wait for them to ask what it was. “How about you both go shirtless? That way we both get some eye candy.” Preston looked to Luke and shrugged. “I think we can accommodate you.” With that, they both took off their flannel shirts. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Preston removed her top and lowered the straps on her bra. He rubbed more cream into her shoulders before applying the cool lotion on the top of her breasts. “I’m thinking I need to taste these ladies first to see if they even need softening.”
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She’d heard come-on lines before, but this might be a first. “Go ahead.” He dragged his lips between her tits before shoving the cup out of the way and capturing the tip with his mouth. The instant shock made her pussy wet. Oh, how she wanted her men. Her back arched just as Luke’s fingers reached the top of her thigh. Distracted, she diverted her attention to what he was doing. He slipped his finger between her warm folds. She gasped. “You like that, darlin’?” “Dumb question.” “I guess so, since your pussy is dripping for me.” He slid down the red lace panties she’d put on just for them, and his mouth latched onto her opening. Preston increased his teasing by licking and biting her hardened nipples, almost as if they were competing for her attention. Her mind couldn’t separate the sensations. It was too much, too fast. She gripped the spread. “Hold it.” They both stopped and looked up. “What is it?” “Every time I’m in bed with one of you, you always want to take care of me, but there’s something I’m not getting.” Their brows furrowed. “What’s that, darlin’? All we’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy.” “I want to touch you without you touching me back.” “That will be pure torture,” Preston said. She grinned. “Precisely.” When they didn’t respond, she thought they’d turn her down. “Where do you want us?” Yes! “First I want to strip both of you.” She looked at Luke. “You first.” She patted the bed. “Foot, please.” With some effort, she got off his boots and socks. Taking her time around his waistband, she eventually unbuttoned his jeans, but not before she licked his flat nipples.
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“You’re killing me, darlin’.” She laughed. “I haven’t even begun. You should just be lucky there’s no icing up here or I’d have to smear it on your body and lick it off.” That got a groan. “I’m hoping I still get that hot tongue of yours on my cock.” “Oh, yeah, but you’ll have to wait.” This was going to be fun. “Stand.” Luke obliged, and she pulled down his pants. Apparently, boxers weren’t part of his attire today, and his big cock popped out, all nice and hard. She was about to take ahold of him when he grabbed his cock and lowered the head. He stepped forward and dragged it down her stomach. She backed up. “No touching. You’ll get your turn.” She picked up the bottle of lotion, put some on her palm, and dragged her hands down his chest, making sure to give an extra rub to his nipples with her thumbs. Going lower, she took her time moving up and down his fabulous abs, enjoying the ridges and valleys of his flesh. But if she was going to last, she couldn’t spend all of her time exploring his glorious body. “Sit and move back on the bed.” Now for the torture.
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Chapter Twelve Preston moved over, apparently understanding what she had in mind for his brother. If the lotion had been edible, Chelsea would have smeared it on Luke’s cock. Instead, she got on her knees, bent over, and teased the tip of his cock with her tongue. Luke grabbed her shoulders and squeezed. “Easy there. I’m like an active volcano today.” Wasn’t he every day? Not put off by his warning, she took hold of his cock with one hand and cupped his balls with the other. As she slid her mouth downward, encompassing most of him, she rolled his balls. The intake of his breath urged her on. Wanting to get a better angle, she sat up. “Can you kneel before me?” “Anything.” His voice cracked. Hiding her smile, she lowered her head, grabbed his ass, and plunged down onto his cock. She wanted to swallow him whole, but he was too damn big. Sliding his throbbing member in and out of her mouth, his moans grew, exciting her more. She lowered one hand to cup him again, when Preston dipped a finger into her pussy. She rose. “Preston, that’s not fair.” He turned her around. “What’s not fair is you ignoring me. There is no way I can sit here and watch that sweet ass of yours sway and wiggle and not want to make love to you.” “You’ll get your turn.” With her facing Preston, Luke managed to slip off the bed. “Where are you going?” “Undress Preston. I need to get something.”
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She could guess what he needed, so she went along with his request, but first she needed to taste Preston’s glorious lips. “Come here.” Each of the brothers was unique, but alike at the same time. She scooted closer as he leaned forward. She dragged her hands down Preston’s face, opened her mouth, and pulled him toward her. When their lips met, it was like fireworks exploding inside her. He tasted like the spicy sauce he’d served over the chicken. Carnal need blasted her, the need to touch him intense. Digging her nails into his skin, she dragged her fingers down his back, careful not to leave any marks. His muscles flexed under her touch and she pressed him closer, desiring more contact. The bed dipped behind her. The second she heard the squeak of the lid opening, her pussy gushed fluids. She’d finally get to experience both men at the same time despite knowing taking both cocks would be a tight fit. Luke leaned forward, his nose against her hair. “I hope you want me as much as I want you, darlin’.” Her mouth went dry. “Yes.” The two brothers must be telepathic, for the moment Luke found her tight hole in her rear, Preston discovered her pussy. The simultaneous stimulation nearly lifted her off the bed. Her exploration of Preston’s mouth was momentarily forgotten. Luke’s second finger joined the first. She tried to relax those muscles, desperately wanting to take in all of him. Preston crooked his finger and rubbed her most sensitive spot, brushing her clit along the way. “I need you both, now.” She didn’t know why she asked. They’d told her to be patient, that they wanted to make love to her slowly, but sometimes her needs overpowered her so much, she couldn’t think. They didn’t verbally respond. She’d been about to beg again when Preston’s lips captured hers, making her forget everything but his warm, supple lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with every ounce of love in her body.
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Luke trailed kisses down her back while he used his free hand to massage her ass. So relaxed, she pressed down on his fingers to get more of him. “I think she’s almost ready, Preston.” Preston’s thumb and forefinger captured her nipples and squeezed. “Oh. God, yes I’m ready.” “Lean over, darlin’, on your hands.” Before she had the chance, Preston dropped down on the bed and pulled her to him. With her ass in the air, Luke moved closer and nudged his cock against her puckered hole. With steady pressure, he eased in the head past the tight muscles. My God, his fingers didn’t come close to being the same size as his cock. Getting in took some doing, despite the lube easing the way. “Relax those sweet cheeks.” He lightly slapped her butt, and she tried to do as he asked, but with each push, her body wanted to contract around him. Probably to distract her, Preston held her up by her ribcage and nibbled on her tit, drawing the tip into his mouth and swirling his tongue around the hardened crest. Her fingers wove through his hair. As she leaned over to kiss his eyes and his nose, Luke dove in, filling her to the near breaking point. “That’s too big.” “Easy.” Luke massaged her behind. “I’m going stay here a moment to let you get used to me, and then I’m going to pull you back so you’re sitting on me.” While she tried to adjust to his huge cock in her rear, Preston continued his assault on her lips. When she finally relaxed the muscles in her rear, he pulled on her hips and tilted her back. His cock drove up her ass halfway through her body. Her throat nearly closed from the amazing pulses radiating through her body. With her breath lodged in her throat, she was unable to even groan. “Sweet Jesus,” Luke exclaimed. “Darlin’, I’ve never had a woman this tight. My cock is ready to explode.”
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Preston was on his knees in front of her, his cock hard and ready. “I’m going to impale that sweet pussy. Lean back for me.” She was so wet, he didn’t need to prime her, but when she leaned back, Luke’s cock sank further. She wasn’t sure she could take any more. Preston’s fingers had already gotten her sopping wet, and she was so ready for him, assuming there was any room left. “Lift her up, Luke.” She didn’t understand the command until Luke lifted her hips and pulled out a little before plunging in again. Every inch of movement sent sparks of need through her. Luke’s thrusting sent her over the edge. “I’m going to come.” Preston kissed her hard. “Don’t you dare. Wait for me. You’re going to love having both of us fuck you at the same time. Your pussy is going to weep and quiver before we let you explode.” Oh, how she loved it when he talked dirty to her. With that, he nudged open her pussy and pressed in. Her eyes widened. Taking two cocks at one time ignited every nerve bundle in her body. She couldn’t breathe, despite her heart racing too fast. She had to hold on to Preston’s shoulder as he drove into her. Both men seated themselves at the same time, and she was sure something would break. “Take a breath, Chelsea.” They didn’t move their hips. Instead, Preston trailed his fingers down her arms, sending shivers of delight to her heart. Her pulse slowed. Luke caressed her neck and swirled her hair in his fingers. When she leaned back her head, Preston took advantage of the space and captured her breasts. When her body started to relax again, Luke slowly glided out partway and stopped, allowing Preston to begin his seductive thrusts. “Love us always,” Preston said in almost a whisper. She closed her eyes, inhaled their scents, and went with the flow. Their cocks ruled her mind as they began another attack on her senses.
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When one went in, the other would pull out. She moved her hips to keep pace with their rhythm. Luke reached around in front and kneaded her breasts while Preston reached down and rubbed her clit with his thumb. “This is too much. I need it faster.” She wanted all of them now and forever. As if they sensed her near release, they both claimed her at the same time, dipping deep into both of her channels. She clasped Preston to her chest and kissed him hard. Their breath mingled. Luke’s fingers traced a path under her ear. Both men pulled away at the same time, and she gasped. “You can’t stop.” Preston smiled. “Not on your life. We’ve just begun.” Now she moaned. Her resolve was about to break. Luke held her hips while Preston grasped her shoulders. Holding her steady, they increased the speed, pumping hard into her. Blood pulsed through her body. Lust crashed down on her and she screamed. “Come for me.” She wasn’t sure who said it, but she let go of every thought and climaxed so hard, she couldn’t catch her breath. As she milked their cocks, Luke exploded, his warm cum drenching her behind. Preston gave one final thrust, his balls slapping her bottom. He pressed firmly on her shoulders. His eyes closed and his hot jism filled her. Never had she believed anything like that could ever happen to her. Not wanting to move, she, too, closed her mind to relive the momentous occasion. “You liked that, darlin’?” “You have no idea.” Too bad every muscle in her body throbbed, especially her pussy and her “nether hole.” They stayed connected for a while until both men’s cocks started to soften. She lifted up, and Luke groaned. “If you move too much, we’ll have to start again.” She laughed. “I think my body needs a little rest. You two were so
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huge, I’ll be surprised if I can walk. And here I thought I walked funny wearing a plug. The whole town will know what happened when they see me.” “Then we’ll have to keep you captive until you can walk normally again. Since we plan to repeat this performance at least once a day, you might not get to leave for years.” She laughed at their antics. “But then I couldn’t cook, and you know how much I love to make special meals for you.” “That’s true, darlin’. We’d never want to interfere with your intimate desires.” He winked, and she fell more in love with him. Once uncoupled, she lay back on the bed. She was sure she’d made a mess on the sheet. Luke jumped up. “Let me get something to clean up.” When he came back, he rubbed her lower half with a warmed cloth. The soothing heat felt so good, she closed her eyes. “Would you like a massage?” She opened her eyes. Preston waved the lotion bottle. She chuckled. “Can I have a rain check?” “You can have anything you want.” **** A few days later, the sheriff, Luke, and Preston came back into the kitchen. She closed the oven door and took off her mitts. “Hi, Justin.” “Just wanted to let you know, you won’t have to worry about Dave and Phil any more. The judge threw the book at them. They’ll be in prison for a while.” Given the nearest prison was in Deer Lodge, more than two hours away, she would be safe. “That’s a relief. What about Sam?” There was one last brother no one had been able to find. “You thinking if two of Ross’s brothers want revenge, the youngest will, too?” “Maybe.”
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“Nah, he’s a good kid. For now, I think you’re safe.” Preston smiled. “I appreciate your help, Justin. Can I talk to you about something?” “Sure.” “Let’s let Chelsea do what she does best and chat at the bar.” She did have several pots that needed watching, so she was okay with them leaving. She was sure they’d tell her what was going on if it concerned her. The oven timer dinged, and she removed the cookies she’d been baking. Lydia came in to deliver two more orders, and she got busy with the requested items. By the time her shift was over, she was beat. She’d already told both Luke and Preston that she planned on spending the night with her brothers. While Vicki had kept her apprised of their progress, Chelsea missed Clint and Sanford something fierce. She still hadn’t heard about the incident that had injured both. Luke insisted she keep some clothes at their place in case she wanted to spend the night. She agreed. He was wiping down the bar by the time she finished cleaning up and was ready to leave. He smiled and came over. “Promise me you’ll call when you get home.” “You don’t have to keep track of me.” Though she liked it when he did. “I know, but I worry.” He kissed her, and every part of her body reacted. She pulled away. “If we don’t stop, I’ll have to strip you and eat you.” He laughed. “Promises, promises.” “I have the day off tomorrow, so maybe the three of us can get away for an hour.” She winked. “I’ll make sure of it. Now drive safe.” On the way home, she kept a keen eye on her rearview mirror, not wanting another incident to occur. When she pulled up to her house, the lights were still on. She smiled. Her brothers were just as protective as Luke and Preston.
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Inside, she hugged them both. “It’s late, and you two need your sleep.” They shouldn’t have waited up, but she appreciated their concern. “Hey, that’s our line.” Clint dragged a finger under her eyes. “Looks like little sis hasn’t been getting her sleep either.” He smiled, but immediately sobered. “You worried about another attack?” She told him about the Scanlon brothers no longer being a threat. “I think I’m finally safe.” “Good.” “How’s your shoulder?” “It’ll take a good six weeks to heal from the surgery. I’m betting I’ll need another two months of therapy to be back to normal.” “Will you reenlist?” “Hell, yes. I’m a lifer. I love the military.” But what happens when you step on a mine or a run into a terrorist? She wouldn’t bring up their departure. “And Sanford?” “As soon as he rehabs his knee, he’ll be good as new.” From the tick around his eyes, he wasn’t telling her everything, but her mind was too tired to question him. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re both back, even if it is for the wrong reason.” “Yeah, me, too.” She made up the sofa bed and crawled under the covers. As she drifted off to sleep, all she could think of was Preston and Luke and the life she wanted with them. The morning came all too soon. Her body rebelled at getting up, but when pots banged in the kitchen, she had to get up. No way did she want to eat something Clint had made. He hadn’t inherited the cooking gene. After dressing, she wandered in to see how much of a mess he’d made. A bowl sat next to a carton of eggs. Good, she’d caught him in time. “Good morning. Mind if I take over?” Clint grinned. “I was hoping my banging would get your sorry ass
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out of bed.” “Pour the juice.” Sanford clomped in, his crutches banging on the wood floor. “Morning, all.” His skin was a little gray and he’d lost too much weight, but she kept her mouth shut. “Eggs?” “You bet.” She fixed a hearty breakfast then joined them at the table. They chatted about the service a bit, but most of the time they said what went down in Iraq was strictly confidential. She figured it was more a matter of them not wanting her to learn of the horrors of war. They’d just finished when a knock sounded on the door. She stiffened until she remembered Luke said he and Preston would try to take off some time to see her. Clint held up his hand. “I’ll get it.” Like he could defend her with one arm? She let him go. “Thanks.” Luke and Preston strode in wearing wool coats, jeans, and cowboy hats. “Hey, pretty lady.” Both men kissed her cheeks at the same time. Whoops. She guessed she should have told her brothers about wanting both men. Clint puffed out his chest. “Chelsea, what’s going on?” Damn. “I’d meant to talk to you all about Luke and Preston, but I didn’t want to burden you, given your injuries.” Clint’s eyes narrowed as he swung his gaze between the two men. “What did you want to tell us?” She didn’t like his harsh tone, but she wasn’t going to be cowed by her brothers. “I came back to Pleasure for several reasons. One of which was to be with Preston and Luke, if you get my drift.” His lips firmed. “They’re your babysitters.” “They were, but they aren’t anymore.” Both Preston and Luke placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Preston stepped forward. “I know I promised that I’d make sure no harm would come to her. I admit I failed. I should have seen the
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attack from Ross, and if I’d been smarter, I might have chained her to the restaurant. But you know your sister. She’s feisty and does things her way. That’s one of the reasons I love her.” Sanford’s eyes widened. “You love our sister?” “We both do.” Clint glared at her. “Jesus, Chels, you fucking both men?” She flinched. His bitter comment cut through her. “I love both of them.” She wouldn’t dignify answering his question about whether she’d slept with them. “How could you?” “What’s that supposed to mean? It’s not as if there aren’t a lot of couples involving two or more men and one woman. I thought most of us were tolerant. I guess I was wrong.” Clint stepped in front of her and looked down. “What would Mom say?” That hurt. “She’d say if I was happy, she was happy. Why can’t you be like her?” He turned her around and pulled her against his side, acting as if she and her brothers were a united front. “Chelsea won’t be seeing you again.” She jerked out of his grasp. “You can’t tell me that.” Luke took her hand. “No, they can’t. We won’t let them.” Clint stood face-to-face with Luke. “She’s our sister and we say who she can and can’t date.” He looked over at Preston. “I trusted you, man, to take care of her, and you fucked her?” Preston stepped forward and punched Clint in the face. Her heart stopped. Clint stumbled back. “You ass.” He wiped the blood from his lip with his good hand and charged after Preston. Clint punched Preston in the gut, but Preston stepped back and held up his hands. “I don’t want to fight you. It wouldn’t be fair.” Luke started forward, but she held his hand. “Don’t.”
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Preston looked over at her first, then back at her brothers. “I think we should let Chelsea decide what she wants to do.” Sanford had gotten up and was leaning on the table for support. “You ever consider she’d be better off in a big city than stuck here with you? Chelsea could be a real star if she left.” She’d had enough. “Don’t I have a say-so in how I live my life?” They all turned to her. “No,” they said in unison. “Well, I’m not going to stand here and watch you all duke it out over something that only somewhat concerns you.” She faced her brothers. “You guys will be in the service before I know it. So don’t think you can tell me what to do forever. I plan on being with my men whether you like it or not. If you care for me at all, you’ll be happy for me instead of trying to control me.” Her stomach was churning so much, she couldn’t handle any more bickering about her morals or her choice of men. With that, she stomped to her bedroom. Not wanting to be around all the testosterone, she threw a few outfits and some toiletries in a case, got in her car, and took off. Lydia had offered her the spare bedroom. Now might be a good time to take her up on her offer. **** Luke paced their living room. “Why won’t Chelsea answer her phone?” Preston raised a brow. “Maybe because I hit her brother?” “I think she thought he deserved it.” “Doesn’t matter. We messed up. We came to ask for her hand in marriage and ended up alienating them all.” Luke dropped onto the arm of the sofa. “What do you think the real reason was for their aggressive stand?” “What do you mean?”
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“When people react, it’s not always for the reason they say. Chelsea’s brothers basically are pissed because she’s in love with two men. Is that the real dilemma? Or are they feeling powerless right now because of their injuries, and they want to establish they are in control?” Preston dragged a hand over his head. “Maybe, or else they don’t want to lose her. If she marries us, perhaps they’re afraid she won’t love them as much.” “Doubt that. Chelsea’s heart is big enough to love a whole town.” His brother swiveled around. “I know. They don’t believe we love her as much as we say we do.” “Are you saying they want proof?” Luke couldn’t quite buy his brother’s theory. “Think about it. Chelsea’s best friend, Vicki, has been helping Clint and Sanford with their physical therapy. I wouldn’t be surprised if they knew all along how Chelsea was basically pursuing us. They might think we’re taking advantage of their little sister.” He had to think about that for a moment. “Maybe you’re right. If so, what’s our next step?” Preston shrugged. “Prove to Clint and Sanford how much we love her. Basically, we need to fight for her.” “I agree, but how?” “Include them in our new family.” That made no sense. “As in?” “Look around us. To them, Chelsea shouldn’t be living above a bar. I agree. If we really want Chelsea, we’re going to have to buy a house that would make her happy. That should show her brothers that we’re serious.” The idea of moving sounded fantastic. “Why didn’t I think of that?” “Because I am the older brother who is without a doubt the smart one.” He laughed. “You got a place in mind, Mr. Smart One?”
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“As a matter of fact, I do. The old Eason place. No one’s lived there since old man Eason died. It’s got at least four bedrooms, and it’s on a good ten acres. In the summer, Chelsea could have a vegetable garden if she wanted.” “She’s talked about planning a co-op in town.” Preston smiled. “There you go.” “Should we ask her?” “No, but we should talk to her brothers first. Get them to come with us and check it out. If they feel part of the plan, they’ll know how much we care and that we’re not a threat to them. We aren’t here to take Chelsea away.” He did the math on the purchase. “I thought you wanted to use our savings to buy the beauty salon next door.” He raised a brow. “Chelsea is more important than expanding our business. That can wait. Loving Chelsea can’t.” “I couldn’t agree more.” **** Preston had to put up the Mountain View as collateral to get the bank loan. Fortunately, the executors of the Eason estate were eager to sell, and they got a good deal. There had been only two hurdles to the whole affair. One was not letting on to Chelsea about the new house, and two, getting her brothers to go along with the plan in the first place. Once they saw how much he and Luke were willing to sacrifice for their sister, they slowly came over to their side. All four of them had convened at Vicki’s house to discuss what came next. Vicki carried in a tray of sodas. “You don’t think Chelsea will be a little bit upset when she finds out you bought a house for her without giving her any options?”
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Preston had been worried about that. “We didn’t have a choice. I know what she likes, and I think she’s going to love this place.” Vicki smiled. “You’re right. She’s going to go bonkers when she sees it.” Sanford’s color had returned in the last few weeks and he’d been able to lose the crutches. Vicki had done a great job working out the men. He couldn’t help but wonder if the therapy consisted of something more than just using equipment. Sanford grabbed one of the glasses. “So how and when are we going to surprise her?” Preston had worked hard to include her brothers in the decision. “What would you suggest?” Sanford glanced at Clint. “I’m thinking you two should drive her to the house, but tell her nothing. I know you haven’t closed on it, but I’m thinking the Eason family wouldn’t mind if you show it off.” Clint chimed in. “How about if Sanford and I are there to surprise her and show our support?” Luke had been right about Chelsea’s brothers. They said they didn’t approve of her being with two men, when in reality they just wanted proof that he and Luke loved Chelsea enough. “Sounds great.” Vicki piped up. “I can bring some cookies and punch.” “As Chelsea would say, works for me!” They all laughed. **** Chelsea had gone to work every day, but Luke and Preston had been a little standoffish. Okay, standoffish might be the wrong word. They hadn’t ignored her exactly, but they hadn’t brushed her hand when they came back into the kitchen, or leaned over and stolen a kiss like they usually did. She missed those forbidden touches.
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What hurt the most was that they hadn’t dropped by Lydia’s place to visit or asked if she wanted to come upstairs for a little extra loving. In fact, she was beginning to believe that her brothers had convinced them to leave her alone. After three weeks of them merely being friendly, she needed to find out what was going on. Both Luke and Preston were probably in the office, so she hunted them down. “Hello?” They both turned around. Preston opened his desk drawer, slid some papers inside, and closed it. “Hey.” When they said nothing more, she wasn’t sure whether she should turn around and leave or demand an answer. Her frustration level caused her to stand her ground. “Have I done something wrong?” “No, why?” Luke always did make innocent look easy. “Well, we haven’t made love in a while.” Preston stood and wrapped her in a warm embrace. “We’re sorry. We’ve been busy.” “So I’ve noticed.” Luke stepped behind her and it felt like old times. “We wanted to give everyone some time to think about what you said about your wants and desires.” Could that be true? Chelsea stepped out of the embrace. “Have my brothers bullied you into leaving me alone?” Preston laughed. “No one can stop us from loving you.” “Then why haven’t you?” He approached. “You want me to clear my desk and do you right here?” Yes. “I don’t think that would be comfortable. Besides, I want you guys to want me.” Preston cupped her cheek. “Trust us when I say we want you. In fact, why don’t you get your coat? We want to show you something.” “I have to prepare the meals.”
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“I asked Marge to come in for the evening shift.” “Why?” He kissed her and all thoughts of them not loving her disappeared. “Because I asked her to?” They were hiding something. She decided to go along with their plan if only to find out. “Okay.” From the twinkle in his eye, something had changed between them. For that she was grateful. She gathered her coat and stopped to chat with Lydia before Luke and Preston appeared. Luke spoke with the other bartender before joining them. “All set?” Preston said. “Yes. So where are we going?” He grinned. “It’s a surprise.” She loved surprises. Luke climbed in the back of the four-seater truck, and they headed south. Since Bozeman was northeast, she had no idea the destination. The mountains were covered in snow, but the late afternoon skies were gloriously clear. Knowing neither of them would give a hint as to what was going on, she relaxed and enjoyed being with them. Less than fifteen minutes later, they pulled up to a large estate. Confusion spread over her. “Who lives here?” Preston smiled. “Let’s knock and find out.” “Some old alien-loving farmer better not be here.” While Preston had been able to convince her that life could exist on other planets, she couldn’t buy into the idea that aliens actually lived on earth. Both men held her hand and walked her up to the white, wooden two-story home. “Wait ’til you see the inside.” They’d been here before. “It’s lovely.” Luke squeezed her hand. “You like it?” “Who wouldn’t?” When Preston pulled open the door, more confusion blasted her. “Who owns this house?”
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He didn’t answer as they led her into the foyer. The house was only slightly warmer than the outside and cobwebs lived in the corners. So why was she smelling cinnamon and chocolate? With a hand on her back, Preston led her into the living room. Vicki, Clint, and Sanford were standing, despite there being a few folding chairs set up. “What are you doing here?” She was so puzzled. Clint stepped forward. “We wanted to surprise you.” She couldn’t put any of the pieces together. “You did, but tell me what’s going on.” She looked up. “Preston? Luke?” Preston led her over to a seat. Vicki bent down and picked up a tray of cookies. “We’re celebrating.” She offered one to Chelsea. She held up her hands. “Will someone please tell me?” Sanford raised his hand as if he were still in school. “Let me explain. When Luke and Preston stopped by the house, we were, let’s say, shocked that our baby sister had succumbed to their charms.” “I didn’t—” “Let me finish. Clint and I needed you. I think we weren’t ready for you to grow up. We have no problem with a woman loving two men.” They glanced at Vicki, who blushed. “In fact, the more love the better, but we didn’t think that Luke and Preston loved you enough.” “They do.” “We know that now.” Preston butted in. “They thought that since you were the one who pursued us they didn’t understand how much we loved you. We never really showed them how much you meant to us.” She looked up at her brothers. “Is that true?” “Yes.” Preston took her hand. “I think when I saw the joy in your eyes when you strolled around the kitchen store in Bozeman, I knew you needed a place of your own.” He swept a hand around. Her stomach flipped. “Are you saying you bought this place for me?” All five people in front of her grinned. Now her heart beat against her chest at her dream come true. “For real?”
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Preston and Luke approached her and got down on one knee. Her hands began to sweat at the implication. Preston handed her a velvet box. “It’s not grand, but it’s a token of our love.” Her heart rattled inside her ribcage. She opened the box, not daring to hope what might be inside. It was a beautiful diamond ring, surrounded by two small sapphires. “It’s beautiful.” “It was our mother’s. We both love you. Would you do us the honor of marrying us?” Despite dreaming about this moment for years, she was speechless. Preston squeezed her hand as if he wanted to make sure she was still alive. “Well?” She smiled. “Yes.” They both grinned. The fact that her brothers were both here implied they were in favor, too. Her men stood and pulled her into an embrace. Preston stood at her front with Luke at her rear and nuzzled her neck. “Hey,” Clint said. “We want to congratulate little sis, too.” She spent the next few minutes hugging and kissing all of them. Luke pulled her away. “So you want to see where your new bedroom is going to be?” “Don’t I have a choice?” “Absolutely. We would have moved in a few things, but the closing isn’t for another few days. You get carte blanche to fix this place up any way you want.” “How many bedrooms does it have?” “Four,” Preston said. “I’m guessing that means you’re planning on expanding our little family.” “As soon as I can get the reverend to pronounce us man and wife, well, men and wife, we can start making that family.” “Well, what are we waiting for?” Little did they know that the tiny
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seed of life had already been planted.
THE END WWW.MELODYMONROE.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Unlike most other authors, I started writing late in life. Writing stories in high school and college was not for me. Only after I graduated did I fall in love with romance novels. For the next twenty years, I read voraciously. It got to a point where my book-buying habits cost as much as my groceries. At that point, my husband suggested I write a book. Hey, it looked easy, right? All the stories started in the same spot (hero and heroine at odds) and ended the same way (happily ever after). Only it was anything but easy. Eleven years and fifteen completed romantic suspenses later, I finally published. I never would have gotten that far had it not been for two local chapters whose generous members shared their amazing wealth of knowledge.
Also by Melody S. Monroe Ménage Everlasting: Fantasy Resort 1: Three Hired Lovers Ménage Everlasting: Fantasy Resort 2: Undercover Fantasy Ménage Everlasting: Fantasy Resort 3: Hidden Fantasy Ménage Everlasting: Fantasy Resort 4: Deception Fantasy Ménage Everlasting: Fantasy Resort 5: Fantasy Ranch Siren Classic: Verdict
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