The Reluctant Virgin [Ride 'em Hard 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (18 page)

She chuckled softly. “It may be too late. I seem to be very good at pushing men away.”

“I know that. It’s driven me crazy for years.” Her mother kissed her cheek. “Who is it? Was it Chance Anderson?”

She had to explain so much. “Not just him.”

“You love more than one man?”

“Three.”

“You see. That’s what happens when you wait too long.” They both laughed. Her mother held her tighter. “Now don’t cry because you’re loved, child. Don’t question it. You have too much life left to live to only know sadness.”

“Thank you.”

Cindy knew what she had to do. She only hoped Chance, Matthew, and Josh were willing to hear her out after so many disappearing acts.

The next morning, Cindy awoke early, showered, and hit the road. She had to finish the service calls on her list and then speak to Mr. Oakley about her future at the company. After a good night’s sleep, she felt revitalized, ready to turn the next page in her life. She had absorbed her mother’s wise words and planned to accept the love from her men. No more pushing them away.

She parked in the lot of the Donner Ranch. Johnny came out of the barn to greet her, a coil of rope over one shoulder. He had a haughty look on his face today, probably because he was pissed she didn’t show up the other day.

“Didn’t think you’d show,” he said.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy.”

He smirked. “So I’ve seen.” Johnny acted like he knew a secret she didn’t. He made her more uncomfortable than usual.

Cindy decided to just keep professional and not encourage his behavior. “Where’s the problem, Johnny?”

“What? No small talk? I’ve been flirting with you for years and all you’ve ever done is cut me down.”

“I’m here on business. Nothing more.”

“And Chance Anderson? Was he only business?”

Her heart began to race. She looked side to side, hoping to see one of the farm hands. They were alone.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Johnny. I have other calls to make today.”

“I’m sure you do.” He backed her up until her rear hit the door of her truck. She swallowed hard. “What does it take to get myself a service call? I know I can offer you more compensation than Anderson, a common labourer.”

“You were there,” she said in sudden realization. It was like a nightmare, one of the biggest embarrassments of her life. She’d heard footsteps when she’d had sex with Chance and Josh at the Connery Ranch. Johnny must have seen them, watched them through the slats in the barn. Now he expected she was a common whore, selling herself to cowboys for profit. He couldn’t be more wrong.

“It was quite the show. I didn’t peg you for such a little siren, Cindy.” He reached to cup her cheek, but she pulled back hard, hitting her head on the metal truck.

“Don’t touch me. It wasn’t what you think.”

“I’ll be the laughingstock when this goes public. Which it will. I mean, who refuses a wealthy rancher for a penniless nobody? It’s embarrassing.”

“Move,” she said. “I’ll get Mr. Oakley to send someone else to handle your calls.”

“But I want you.” He held her chin in a too-tight grip, forcing her face up for a kiss. His lips were wet and crushing. She forced her head side to side in a failing attempt to avoid his mouth. His body pressed so tight to hers she could scarcely breathe. She had no other choice—she bit his lip.

Johnny roared and staggered back before rushing forward. She ran across the yard, hoping to garner the attention of another cowboy. Cindy screamed when he grabbed her by the back of her hair, jolting her to a stop. She kicked and struggled until they were rolling on the gravel.

She may be quiet, but she wasn’t easy prey. Cindy was raised working on a farm, dealing with wayward cowboys. But not like this. She bit and scratched, anything to fight him off.

“What’s going on here?” The loud, commanding voice was her saving grace.

Johnny rolled off her and got to his feet. “Nothing.”

She recognized the other man as one of the foremen. He reached to help her up. The man glared at Johnny, and then he escorted her to the working trailer.

He pulled out a chair for her. “You hurt?”

Cindy took a breath, mentally tallying her injuries. “I’m okay. Just some scrapes.”

“That boy’s a menace. I’ve told his father on more than one occasion. Is there anyone I can call to pick you up? I don’t want you leavin’ on your own.”

She didn’t want to upset her mother, so she gave him Josh’s phone number.

In half an hour, less time than it ever took her to drive from one location to the next, all three of her cowboys arrived to claim her.

“Don’t tell what happened,” she said when she saw them coming from the window. “Just say I fell.”

“Too late, little lady. I’ve already told them the truth.” He traded places with the men, leaving the trailer as they entered.

“Baby girl, are you okay?” Chance dropped to one knee in front of her. “That fucking little prick will pay for this.” He knew Johnny well. The three of them lived in the same town, and Chance had even worked his ranch a few times during the busy season.

“Don’t. I don’t want any trouble. It’s over.”

He shook his head. “You’re mine. No man touches what’s mine.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, needed to feel comfort and the strength of his body.

“You should never had ran, Cindy. You belong with us,” said Matthew. He reached down and scooped her right out of her seat, holding her close to his chest.

“Have you had enough time to think?” asked Josh. “I can’t take this anymore. One day hot, the next cold…Fuck, what if the foreman hadn’t shown up?”

“I—”

“No. I don’t want to hear this anymore. Always the excuses. I’m too old for this shit.” Josh burst out of the trailer.

Matthew held her closer. Chance followed Josh out of the trailer. “He’ll do something stupid, Matthew.”

He chuckled. “Darlin’, I have two older brothers. There’s a code on the prairies. You should know what the number one rule is.”

She did. “Never mess with another man’s woman.”

“And you’re ours.”

“A little to the left,” he said. The irrigation system was fully operational. There were just a few last minute tweaks to get it running like clockwork. Cindy climbed down the ladder and dropped into his arms before she reached the bottom. Josh swung her around in a circle, kissing her with all the love in his heart.

“Record time on this project.”

“You did have three extra labourers at no cost,” he reminded. It had only been ten weeks since Cindy collected the information for his irrigators. He had his system in place, ensuring the Granger Ranch would be around for generations to come. But he had much more than that. He had a wife, love, a family, hope.

Cindy moved into his home along with Chance and Matthew. It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for them.

“You know you’ve been avoiding us for weeks,” he said as he set her on her feet.

“Have not.”

He waved his arm at the massive structures watering the crops. “These have been your priority,
your babies
, as you say. I’ve missed you.”

“I didn’t even realize.” She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. He loved the little blonde more than life itself. Committing to her had been the best choice he’d ever made. It could never compare to a fast life, one where he avoided love in fear of loss. One day at a time.

Two horses galloped across the field. He could feel the earth trembling under his boots. “Looks like two more neglected men are coming to see you.”

“Stop making me feel guilty,” she said, slapping his arm. “I got this system wholesale, so you should thank me.”

He narrowed his eyes. “No amount of money is worth your time. I need you, baby girl.” Josh nuzzled her neck, his cock painfully hard. They hadn’t pestered her during the peak of the installation, because she was stressed and overly exhausted. Now that it was securely in place, it was time for some lovin’ in the marriage.

Josh was officially on the marriage certificate since the house was in his name and he was the eldest. It seemed the right move to make, but they all knew the truth. It was a wedding for four, and the honeymoon certainly attested to the fact.

“All finished?” called Chance from atop his horse. One of the first things Chance did after moving onto the ranch was buy his own horse. Every man should have his own. Matthew was already a close friend, but Chance fit into their new family arrangement effortlessly. He was a hard worker, loyal, down-to-earth, and he loved the same woman.

“It’s perfect,” said Cindy. She looked so proud. His little cowgirl was his pride and joy.

“Send her on up here,” said Matthew. He walked his horse up next to them, and Josh hoisted Cindy up into the saddle with him. “Get a ride with Chance. We’ll meet you back at the ranch.” Then Matthew jabbed the horse with his spurs and they were off, racing through the fields to the house on the horizon. A house that was now a home.

Cindy couldn’t even get her boots off before Matthew had her slammed against the wall inside the door. He tore her blouse open, ripping the seams and sending the buttons ricocheting.

“I want you, baby. I’ve been watching you run around the house in those little panties and baby-doll nighty all week. A man can only take so much.”

“It was hot out,” she said. Cindy knew what she’d been doing. The guys thought they were being sweet to keep their distance while she spearheaded the irrigation project, offering massages and pampering, never asking for sex. But she needed them, too. She started wearing the skimpy, transparent baby-doll nighties to turn them on, but she thought they had no effect. Until now. It was amazing to be desired, to be able to walk around with her legs bare and prosthesis exposed and still feel sexy. Her men had managed that, taught her through patience and plenty of spankings that they loved her unconditionally.

“No excuses. You’re a tease, baby girl. You need to satisfy your man.”

He bent lower, trailing kisses down her center while holding her by the sides. He suckled her tit through the lace of her bra.

“I never refused you,” she said as her muscles relaxed, giving into Matthew’s ministrations. With the promise of sex, her pussy wept, rubbing tauntingly against the crotch of her jeans. “You never asked.”

“I’m asking now.” He was on his knees now, kissing down her stomach as he unbuttoned her pants.

She reached down and grabbed the sides of his T-shirt, tugging it off over his head. Cindy smoothed her hands over his shoulders. “Matthew, please.”

“Please what?”

“Make love to me.” She loved his cock. It was exactly what she needed to bring her the satisfaction she’d been craving. He’d been working hard, his hair tousled and body scented a delicious masculine musk. He was all male, and she wanted him to take her.

“Yes, ma’am.” Before he could rip her pants down her hips, Chance and Josh joined them in the house.

“Bastard! You know we’ve all been sporting blue balls.” Josh tossed his Stetson on the sofa and kissed her hard on the lips.

“You should have ridden faster,” said Mathew, continuing to undress her.

Once Josh and Chance saw them getting intimate, they seemed to lose all control, giving in fully to their pent-up desires. Chance began to undress right there in the living room, removing his plaid shirt and unbuckling his thick leather belt. Josh removed her torn shirt and bra while Matthew slid her pants all the way off along with her boots.

“You’ll be sore tomorrow, sweetheart. It can’t be helped,” said Josh. “Next time don’t hold out so long.”

“I did not,” she complained. “I’ve been aching every night for one of you to man up and take me.”

Matthew groaned, leaning over to toss her over his shoulder. “A misunderstanding that won’t happen again.” He smacked her bare ass as he carried her to the kitchen.

“The kitchen?”

After being laid on the heavy oak table, she tensed. The wood was cool against her back. “We haven’t christened this room,” said Josh. “I want new memories for this table.”

It was so inappropriate but turned her on none the less. Chance parted her legs, the sun beaming in from the window providing no privacy. She was on display, every intimate part. It was titillating knowing they were hard and ready for her, anxious for their chance to stick their cocks into her.

“Adam?” she asked.

“He won’t be back until sundown,” said Josh. “I sent him on a few errands.”

“You’re cruel, Josh Granger. This is his home, too.”

He shook his head. “Trust me on this. He doesn’t want to be here. Not today.”

Josh and Matthew were on opposite sides of the table. They both leaned over and suckled on a nipple. The dual stimulation had her writhing on the hard table, needing more than they were giving.

“Look what I have, darlin’.” She focused, looked down at the foot of the table. Chance had one of her sex toys in his hand and a tube of lube. It was her chubby green, silicone dildo. They had a little treasure trove of playthings. It seemed they each had an insatiable sexual appetite. Cindy had a lot of time to make up for since her years as a reluctant virgin.