Lang, Chloe - Running Wilde [The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada 3] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) (10 page)

“Or motorcycle,” Samantha informed. “Well that’s a shame. I thought I might introduce you to some men in town who were more along the one-on-one variety.”

Jessie sighed. “I’m not sure I could ever go back to the norm after being with the Wilde brothers.”

“Suit yourself. Would’ve been fun.”

“Maybe next time, Samantha.”

“Sure thing.” The woman winked, turned, and went to another table to take their order.

Well, best to get this over with right now.
I’ve been bitchy to him long enough.
Jessie slid out of the booth and walked over to Dallas’s table.

“Mind if I join you?” she asked.

Dallas smiled broadly, his relief evident on his face. “Please, have a seat.”

She took a deep breath. This was going to be awkward. “I need your help.”

“Anything. You know that.”

“I need to go to the old mine. I understand the only way there is by horseback or motorcycle.”

He shook his head. “It would be difficult to get to the mine by motorcycle. The old creek washed out last spring.”

“Will you help me?”

“Love, I would do anything for you.”

Jessie felt tingles spread through her body. She reached across the table and took Dallas’s hand in hers. “I want you to know I’m not mad at you. Actually, I kind of understand why you did what you did. But no more lies, Dallas.”

“Agreed.”

“But you have to know that this is all new to me. I’m not sure if I can really be what you want me to be.”

He squeezed her hand. “Sweetheart, you already are. I know there’s a lot to take in. My family is…not like others. I want you to know one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“If a plural marriage isn’t something that you can wrap your head around, I’d like you to consider a more traditional proposal. If you’ll have me, I’d like to be your one and only.”

Her heart slammed in her chest. She couldn’t believe her ears. “If I understand what Selby and Samantha told me, if you don’t share a wife with your other brothers, you lose your inheritance. Is that right?”

Dallas shrugged.

My God, would he really do that for me?
Somehow she knew he would. “Well, let’s just take it one day at a time. Stick to the here and now, as someone pretty smart told me one time.”

“Love, we’re good?”

“Green, Sir. We’re green.”

A familiar voice came from behind her. “Jessica!”

She whirled around and saw Michael pushing his way through the line of customers.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” she said loudly, hoping he could hear above the din.

She grinned, knowing that what he was wearing had likely never been seen in this small mining town ever before. Actually, she doubted purple jeans and silver shirts had been seen since the seventies. Even his sunglasses were massive, pointing back to the disco era. Jessie jumped from Dallas’s booth. Her ex-fiancé walked over and gave her a big hug. She melted into his embrace. Gay, yes, but Michael had muscles to spare. He was tall, too. Six-three. Being held by him felt good and peacefully familiar.

Dallas stood and glared at him. “I think that’s enough. Get your paws off of her, now.”

“He’s my friend. Don’t be jealous.”

Michael’s eyebrows went up, but he didn’t let go. “Wow, Jessica. You really did trade up.”

Dallas grabbed Michael’s shoulder. “I said let her go.”

Jessie could tell he wasn’t kidding. His face was clouded with rage. She looked at Michael. Per his norm, he wasn’t going to take orders from Dallas or anyone else.

“Michael, please.”

Her ex grabbed Dallas’s wrist and not so gently removed it from his shoulder. All the while, keeping one arm around her. “Cowboy, if it’s a pissing match you want, I’m game. Of course, I’d prefer a kissing match.”

Dallas swung his fists, but Michael ducked, avoiding his jab. Then Michael landed a punch in Dallas’s gut, and another at the side of his face. Dallas rubbed his jaw then landed two blows that put Michael on the floor.

“What the hell are you two doing!” Jessie looked around the diner. Customers were staring, but none moved to stop them. In fact, they looked more amused than surprised, as if this was an everyday occurrence in Wilde. “I can’t believe this.” She snapped, “Dallas, this is Michael. My ex-fiancé.” She turned to Michael on the floor. He was smiling. “Michael, you’ll never change.”

He stood up, and held out his hand to Dallas. “That last left hook was amazing. I’m sure I could have two black guys in the morning. Oh… I mean two black eyes.”

Michael’s joke seemed to unhinge Dallas’s anger. Then the cowboy laughed. “Pleased to meet you, Michael.”

“The pleasure is mine, cowboy. Boy, I’m going to have to get back to my boxing classes at the gym.”

Dallas shrugged. “You should thank your coach. You landed some tough punches.”

“Thanks, I’ll let him know. By the way, I’ve never seen Jessica looking more beautiful. I think you’re the one to blame for that.”

“I sure hope so.”

The two men shook hands like they were long lost buddies. Male bonding was so screwy to her.

“Michael, why are you here?”

He grabbed her hand, but this time Dallas didn’t seem annoyed. “After our talk last night, I had to come see for myself. This is some town. There are more yummy men per capita in this backwater town than any other place I’ve been to in the world. I might have to buy a vacation home here.”

Dallas snorted. “There’s some guys in town who swing your way that I’m sure would be glad to show you around, buddy.”

Jessie shook her head and sent him a mocking glare. “Stop teasing Michael. Besides, he could never live in a place without a gay bar.”

“He wouldn’t have to.” The cowboy patted Michael on the shoulder. “It’s called Phase Three.”

“Cool,” her ex said. “You know a good real estate agent, Dallas?”

Jessie laughed. She was thrilled that they were hitting it off.

* * * *

Dallas had left moments ago to get the gear ready for the trip to the old mine, leaving Jessie alone with Michael. She was glad.

Michael was staying in another room at the hotel. The Hotel Cactus was nice, but it wasn’t the five-star accommodations her ex normally stayed at. She wondered what he thought about the place. Still, he was a pretty good sport about such things. Besides, he’d come to Wilde to make sure she was okay. He’d proven time after time that he would endure a plethora of inconveniences if it meant rescuing her. She loved him for that.

She and Michael sat in the hotel lobby, sipping the iced tea that Maude had brought them.

“How long are you here for, Michael?”

“Tonight only, but I could cancel my plans if you need me to stay.”

“Don’t do that. You can see I’m okay.”

“So I talked to your dad yesterday.” Michael rubbed his jaw.

Jessie tensed. “What did he have to say?”

Michael shrugged. “You know your dad. He didn’t say much. Just wondered where you were and how
we
were doing.”

“I know where you’re going with this. But I’m just not ready to tell him.”

“Jessica, this is crazy. It’s clear that you have a chance at a life in this town.”

“You really think I have a chance with Dallas and his brothers?” she asked.

“Why not? I know it’s not traditional. But who gives a damn. Look at me. I screwed up not only my life but much of yours by trying to be what everyone else wanted me to be. I should’ve just been true to myself. There are at least four of the five brothers that you’re interested in. If the others look anything like Dallas, I’m not surprised.”

“You are so pushing it.” She threw an ice cube at him.

Michael laughed. “I like what I am seeing in you. You are more alive than I’ve ever known you to be. You’re taking risks. You can’t stop smiling. Hell, you’re even glowing.”

“You’re quite the liar. I just don’t know. You’ve only met one of them.”

“Tell me. I want to know more.”

Jessie smiled. He knew more about her than anyone on the planet. She honestly loved him. “Well, Jackson is the youngest.”

“Right. He’s the one that took your virginity.” Michael grinned wickedly.

“Unlike you, Mr. Let’s-wait-until-we-get-married.”

Michael’s smile evaporated. He took her hand and said, “I’m really sorry about that. You deserved better from me.”

She kissed his cheek. “Honey, you did the best you could. The closet is a terrible place. Besides, I guess it was worth waiting for. Who knows? I might’ve hit the jackpot here in Wilde.”

“That’s my girl.” He nodded. “Seriously, are these guys being good to you?”

“Yes, they are. Very good to me.”

* * * *

Dallas waited in the lobby for Jessica to come down from her room. He looked at the clock above the reception desk and realized they would have to leave pretty quickly if they were going to make it to the Old Mine and back before dark.

He looked up and saw Jessie standing at the top of the stairs. She looked amazing. He couldn’t get enough of her. Her hips swayed from side to side ever so slightly, tempting him. God, he was happy that she’d forgiven him.

“Hi, Dallas. Sorry I kept you waiting.” Jessie smiled, making him instantly hard.

“Don’t worry about it. You’re worth the wait, period.”

She blushed, and that pleased him. Jessie was the most delicate and sweet woman he’d ever known.

“So, are we ready to go?” she asked.

Dallas walked over to her. He pulled her in tight and kissed her, enjoying the taste of her full lips.

Dallas was through playing the gentleman. If she didn’t want to marry his other brothers, as much as that would hurt his family, then so be it. But he was never letting her go ever.

“I’ve got the horses out back, sweetheart. Shall we?”

She giggled. “I guess you go play boss in the morning, too?”

“It’s my nature.” He put his arm around her and guided her out the door.

When they got to the horses, she surprised him. With clear know-how, she hoisted herself up in the saddle. “Jessie, you ride?”

“My dad had me enrolled in some jumping classes. Sure, the saddles differ, but the horses are about the same area, so let’s hit the gas.”

* * * *

They were halfway to the mine when the clouds began to darken. The storm was gathering. Dallas knew they must find shelter, and quick.

“Follow me, love. We have a chance to keep from getting soaked if we hurry.”

“We’re not gonna make it to the old mine today, are we?” She looked up at the sky.

“Depends. This could be a quick storm. Typical for around here. If it blows over, we might make it. But it will be tough riding in the mud.”