Mallory's Bears (6 page)

Checking her appearance in the mirror—
why are my cheeks so pink?
—she opened the door and found his big mug staring at her, worry emphasizing the lines in his lovable face. Guilt swamped her. He cared for her like a sister and she’d slammed the door in his face.

Determined not to let him get the first word in, she preempted his first question with one of her own. “I’m starving. Want to raid the kitchen? I didn’t get much to eat at dinner.”

Kid was never one to turn down food. “Sure. You know what I always say. If there’s a fridge, I’m a-eatin’.”

She led the way, easing around corners, then checking below before they hurried down the stairs. Only a couple of lights were on, but they gave her enough room to find her way to the kitchen.

“I guess Rick and Gunner have already gone to bed. Do ranchers do the ‘early to bed, early to rise’ thing like farmers?”

She hunted for plates, utensils, and whatever food she could find. After getting two plates, she found the walk-in pantry and a loaf of what looked like homemade bread. Did people still make their own bread?

“Beats me, Kid. Either that or they’re trying to avoid their house guests.”

“There’s no way they’re avoiding us. Or at least, not you. Not after the way they were looking at you over dinner. I’m surprised they remembered I was there.”

She rummaged in a drawer and found a knife. “See if you can find some jelly in the refrigerator. And maybe some raw veggies.” Getting out six pieces of bread, she began spreading the peanut butter along its smooth, soft surface. Kid would no doubt eat three of the four sandwiches.

“Here you go.”

She took the grape jelly and dipped her knife into its gooey goodness. “I am so hungry.”

“Then you eat two of them.”

She gave him a “yeah, right” face and had them both laughing. “Shh. We don’t want them to find us. In fact, grab a couple of those water bottles and let’s take our food out to the porch.”

The night was balmy whenever the slight breeze let up. They sat in two rockers with a small table between them and began eating. For several minutes, nothing was said. Instead, she leaned back and studied the bright stars above her.

“I could live on a ranch like this.”

Kid stopped rocking, almost as surprised as she was at her admission. “Could you live on this ranch?”

She tried to make a sound somewhere between a laugh and a scoff, but fell short. “Where did that crazy idea come from?”

“From the fact that they’ve got a hankerin’”—he grinned at using the old-time word—“for you big-time. If I had to make a bet, I’d say those two guys fell head over boots in love with you the second they saw you.”

Did he really think so? A flutter erupted in her stomach that had nothing to do with her hunger. “Oh, my God, Kid, you’re such a hopeless romantic.”

“Yeah, I am, but I know what I saw. And I saw the same thing from you.”

Obviously, he wasn’t going to drop the subject. She took a sip of her water, determined not to meet his intense gaze. “I think you were in the sun too long.”

“Go on, Mal. Try and deny that you feel something for them.”

She could try to lie, but Kid had a way of knowing whenever she did. “Fine. I admit it. I’m attracted to them. But simple lust is a far cry from falling in love with two men I don’t even know.”

Kid finally leaned back in his chair, letting her relax. He took a huge bite, devouring half his first sandwich. “Normally, I’d agree with you, but not now. Uh-uh. I don’t know what’s going on, but something sure is.”

She worried her lower lip, then decided to tell him. Setting down her plate and drink, she gripped the arm of the chair and dived in. “Maybe you’re right. At least about something going on.”

His eyes grew big as he put his food and drink down and leaned toward her. “Finally. You admit it. Spill.”

“I can’t explain it, but every time I’m near them, hell, even now when they’re not right here, I get this strange sensation inside me.”

“What do you mean strange? Good strange or bad strange?”

“Good.” She thought about it a moment longer. “Yeah. Definitely good. Amazing. Exhilarating. Like I can’t wait to run my hands and tongue all over them. Like I want to crawl on top of them and have my way with them.”

“Wow. That sounds incredible.” Kid crammed the rest of his first sandwich then most of his second sandwich into his mouth. He swallowed it all whole. “Then why don’t you?”

She paused, her hand in midair with the water bottle. “What? Are you kidding? First, I don’t know them.”

He waved that excuse away. “Oh, bull. I can’t think of a better way to get to know them.”

She let out her exasperation in a groan. “Second, they might be involved with cruelty to animals.”

He hesitated, then spoke his mind. “Sorry, but I think we’re accusing innocent men. From what we saw today, they treat their animals better than most people treat their pet dogs. The only thing missing is for them to carry a calf around in a very large purse.”

“And third…” Her mind blanked.

“See? You can’t come up with another reason. So just do it already. I know I would.”

“You’d hump a post if you thought it would call you later.”

Instead of being insulted, Kid let out a loud laugh, then slammed his palm over his mouth. He paused a moment to see if he’d awakened the men. “That’s the truth. Still, how many times have you told me about your fantasy of sex with two hot cowboys? Well, here’s your chance. Grab it before you lose it.”

A tingle ran down her spine. Could she do that? Should she? She may not understand why her body felt so wonderfully weird whenever they were around, but she did know that she’d love to fulfill her fantasy. Even if only for a short time.

Kid waited, an expectant expression making his face light up. “Besides, you could use a good fucking.”

“Kid!”

“I don’t mean that you’re a bitch or anything, but it wouldn’t hurt you any to let go for a night or two. So will you?”

She didn’t want to say, knowing he’d hold her to it like a promise. “I’ll think about it.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He stood, snagging his empty plate. “I’m going back for fourths. Do you want another?”

“No thanks. I’d rather sit here and look at the stars.”

“Suit yourself.”

She lay her head against the chair and let her mind wander. As they had almost all day, her thoughts took her back to the men. She smiled as the image of them riding toward her grew stronger. Their eyes, sometimes growing brighter with bits of an amber color mixing with the brown, locked onto her. Or were Rick’s eyes hazel? They not only brought in the amber, but changed with the way the sun hit his face. She’d have to look closer next time to be sure.

“Couldn’t sleep, huh?”

She jolted upright, aware that she’d gotten so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn’t heard them coming. “Um, I was just kind of daydreaming. Or rather, night dreaming. Whatever you call it.”

Rick eased into the chair Kid had vacated while Gunner leaned against the railing and stretched out his legs, crossing them at the ankles. He didn’t appear apologetic even though he said, “Sorry. We didn’t mean to bother you.”

Oh, you bother me, all right. You bother me in all the right ways.

She realized now that she’d felt the zing of the energy whip into her again before they’d let her know they were there. Her body came even more alive as though dosed with a full load of adrenaline. Should she ask them about the sensation? But if they didn’t feel it, she’d get nothing but embarrassment for doing so. It was better to keep quiet.

Surely if they’d felt the same thing, they’d say something.

“That’s okay. I guess I should be going to bed.” She began to rise when Rick took hold of her arm.

“Stay and talk a bit first.”

His request wasn’t gruff or confrontational. For that reason and because she couldn’t bring herself to leave them, she nodded and sat back down.

“I wonder where Kid went to. He was supposed to be getting more to eat. I hope you don’t mind that we helped ourselves.”

“Not a problem. You didn’t eat much at dinner.”

She resisted the urge to say why, and instead, decided to change the subject. “It’s really pretty out here.”

The pride shone on their faces. Gunner stuck his hands into his pockets and slid his gaze skyward. “Yeah, it is. And quiet. At least, it usually is.”

“Usually?”

“Kid has one hell of a snore on him.”

She laughed, knowing what he was talking about. She often had to take a sleeping pill whenever they traveled together, even when they had separate rooms. Kid’s snoring reminded her of a 747 airplane revving its engines. “You might want to invest in earplugs. Or move him into the barn.”

She winced at her slip of the tongue. “Not that we’re staying longer than tonight. Oh, wait. So he went to bed instead of getting more food?”

That was odd. He’d only had three sandwiches, hardly half what he’d normally eat.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.” Rick’s mouth twisted into a smile. “To get the evidence you need, of course.”

“Thanks.” What more could she say? That she’d use the time to crucify them? Or that she’d love to spend more time with them? More personal, got-to-have-you time?

She met Gunner’s gaze and felt the sizzle heighten so fast and hard that she was sure they could hear the hum of her body’s sexual motor going into high gear. She crossed her legs, sure that if they looked at that part of her body, they’d see a dark spot forming between her legs. She was wet, hot, and needing relief that only they could provide. She trembled and lowered her eyes. That, however, didn’t help when her attention landed on Gunner’s crotch.

“We meant to ask at dinner, but we were…” Rick hesitated, searching for a word.

“Distracted,” offered Gunner.

She jerked her gaze away.

“Anyway, we wanted to ask about Kid. He said he was your friend.”

“He is. I’ve known Mike—Kid—for a year now.”

“And how good a friend is he?”

She frowned at Rick. “Not that it’s any of your business, but he’s a very good friend. Why do you ask?”

“I know you two say you’re friends, but is there anything else between you?” Gunner shifted from one foot to the other.

“Are you asking if Kid and I are emotionally involved?” The fact that they were asking the question had her trying not to beam. That was verbal proof that they were interested.

“Emotionally or sexually,” added Rick who didn’t appear half as nervous as Gunner.

“Again, not that it’s any of your business, but no to both.” She paused, giving her next revelation more impact. “Besides, I’m not his type. He’s gay.”

If that wasn’t relief swamping their faces, she didn’t know what relief looked like.

“Gay, huh?” Rick nodded over and over, as though he really liked her answer.

“Yep. He likes his sexual partners with different equipment than mine. And hairier. You know. As in bears.”

From their reaction, she wondered if they knew the nickname for gay men who were larger, hairier, and masculine-looking like Kid.

Gunner’s laugh rang out and Rick soon joined in. “He’s a bear. Well, I’ll be damned. We should’ve picked up on that.”

“I guess we were too involved to pay attention. That’s a hell of a good deal.”

“What’s up with you two? I don’t get why Kid being a gay man is so funny.”

They exchanged another telling look. It was obvious they didn’t want to tell her. “Okay, well, it’s fine if you don’t want to answer. I’d better get some real rest anyway.”

She never made it to the door.

Rick grabbed Mallory’s arm and yanked her to him. The force of his hold swung her around until she bumped against his chest. He inhaled, drawing in her sweet aroma, and let the whirling spin of his lust wreak havoc in his body and mind. Restraining himself a minute longer wasn’t an option. Having done so for most of the day had been hard enough on him. If he didn’t have her soon, he’d break apart.

The soft “oh” she made as he spun her around was like a siren’s call to his inner bear. The beast inside him growled, then burst outward. If he hadn’t expected that to happen, he wouldn’t have been able to hold it back. Even then, it was like standing in front of a fast-moving semitruck and holding up a hand to stop it.

He held her arms, her body flat against his as he gazed into her brilliant green eyes. Her eyes were unique, smoldering orbs of emerald that took hold of his cock and sent it straight into an erection. Her body was warm against his, radiating a heat that only his intended mate could give him. She trembled and it delighted him.

“What are you doing?” Her whisper was breathy in an urgent seductress way.

He shook his head, determined not to let her talk him out of it. “Don’t talk.”

He should’ve known she wouldn’t obey him, but that was part of her charm. He’d always liked spunky women who had minds of their own. Crushing his mouth to hers, he cut off her attempt to speak, no doubt to argue.

Had anything ever tasted so good? She was like his favorite food, his need to breathe air, the wine he loved in the evenings all rolled into one. He devoured her mouth, craving more and more of her flavor. She was a sex kitten and a wild cougar combined into the form of his intended female.

She pushed against him, but it wasn’t forceful enough to convince him that she meant it. If she’d fought against him, really fought against him, he would’ve turned her loose even though he feared it would kill him. Instead, when she didn’t fight, he pulled her even closer. If he could’ve made her body sink into his, he would have done just that.

She moaned, another sign that she didn’t want to resist. His hand slid to her rounded butt, then cupped it to shove her crotch against his legs. She was short, but he’d solve that problem easily enough. Taking her under her arms, he lifted her and moved forward, driving her back against the house. She broke their kiss, her eyes wide with alarm, until he couldn’t stand to see the fear any longer. But that didn’t mean he’d let her go. Instead, he buried his head against the curve of her neck. He nibbled as his hand found its way to her legs.