Corralling the City Girl

Ride 'em Hard 2

Corralling the City Girl Jane's just inherited her late uncle's estate. But there's a catch. She has to ride along in a two-week-long cattle drive or she'll forfeit the ranch and money. The city girl doesn't have a clue where to start, so she advertises for three cowboys to assist her. Chase, Brad and Dawson are hired to drive five thousand head of cattle across the prairies of Alberta. They expect their boss to be some spoiled rich boy looking for adventure, not a stunning woman with legs to die for. She's unlike any cowgirl—complaining, cursing, and driving them nuts with her forked tongue. It'll take some tying up and rough cowboy handling to teach the little siren how to behave. Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys Length: 45,476 words

CORRALLING THE CITY GIRL Ride ’em Hard 2

Stacey Espino

MENAGE AMOUR

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Amour

CORRALLING THE CITY GIRL Copyright © 2011 by Stacey Espino E-book ISBN: 1-61034-906-7 First E-book Publication: October 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover 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 Corralling the City Girl by Stacey Espino 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 Stacey Espino’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Espino’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION This one is for Marden, my inspiring husband.

CORRALLING THE CITY GIRL Ride ’em Hard 2 STACEY ESPINO Copyright © 2011

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.—Mark Twain

Chapter One Jane dug her nails into the upholstered arms of the Vimercati armchair. “How many did you say?” “Five thousand head, Ms. Williams.” The overpriced lawyer tapped his pen on the contract, becoming impatient with her many questions. What did he expect? It wasn’t every day a girl inherited enough cattle to feed a small country. “And these stipulations… Why? It makes no sense.” “Ms. Williams, your uncle was very specific in his will. If you don’t personally oversee the cattle roundup, and get the animals to the designated area by the deadline, you’ll forfeit your rights to not only the herd, but the ranch and acreage as well.” He leafed through the contract until he reached the signature page, and then turned the stack of stapled paper toward Jane. “I suggest you sign. Just the value of the ranch alone is worth a small fortune.” Her uncle had been an eccentric man, but she hadn’t seen him since she was a young woman. Why would he leave his entire estate

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to her? He had other nieces and nephews he could have passed his legacy on to. Although she should be thrilled with the prospect of inheriting a million-dollar cattle operation, it wasn’t a sealed deal. She was expected to join in on a cattle run, to spend weeks on the open fields. Jane knew absolutely nothing about farming, cattle, or country living. As she signed the contract, she continued to question the lawyer. “And how do you expect me to get this done when I don’t have a clue what I’m doing?” Once the papers were signed, his demeanor changed, a satisfied smirk on his face as he returned the contract to a folder on his desk. “I suggest you hire yourself some cowboys, Ms. Williams.” Cowboys? Weren’t those historical characters from black-andwhite Wild West movies? Was there really a need for real, live cowboys in this day and age, the twenty-first century? She glanced around the room one last time. Tiffany lamps, priceless artwork on the plum-painted walls, and Fabergé eggs displayed on waist-high pillars. Mr. Reznik must be earning a pretty penny for being the executor for her uncle’s will. She imagined he’d get paid whether or not she succeeded on her little adventure. The haughty look on his face as he stood and showed her the door confirmed her suspicion. “Where am I supposed to hire a cowboy?” she asked as he ushered her out of his office into the reception area. Desperation crept up her collar, along with enough heat to make her skin turn clammy in the overly air-conditioned office. She’d just got the call this morning to come in for the reading of the will, and then had her world turned upside down from all information thrown at her. “I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it work. If you don’t, I’m instructed to give the same offer to your cousin, Ronald.” Great. Did she really expect he’d hold her hand through the process? She swung her purse high up on her shoulder and made haste getting out of the office. Jane was on borrowed time, and had to get her ass back to her own office before the clock struck the hour. She

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really didn’t need another overbearing suit breathing down her neck for being late back from lunch. As she took the elevator down the fourteen stories to the ground floor, she pulled her compact from her purse to touch up her lipstick. She scowled at her image. It was only late May, but the heat was already unbearable, thanks to the recent heat wave. Her makeup had begun to melt off her face just from travelling from one point to the next. Once she got outside, the humidity would finish her off, leaving her a hideous mess when images were everything. She fished for her keys as she neared her car. Heat waves radiated off the vast asphalt parking lot, the sun blinding. Where had she left her sunglasses? Jane continued to struggle with her purse as she leaned against her car. She blamed her nervous fingers on the array of worries and thoughts pounding in her head, working together to build up a wicked migraine. “Cattle roundup?” she muttered as she started her car. Jane pulled out of the parking lot and squeezed her way into the gridlocked downtown traffic. “Cattle roundup?” After offering her finger to the ass that honked behind her, she cut across the two lanes of traffic to make a left at Galveston. She’d worked too hard at her job to get where she was, and had no plans on ruining her ironclad reputation by being late. The inheritance wasn’t even a done deal, so she wouldn’t play roulette with her job just yet. When the ranch was officially signed over to her, she’d sell it in a heartbeat, quit her job, and spend the rest of her days lying on some nice, sunny beach somewhere. She pushed open the glass doors to the office, wiping the sweat from her brow with a folded napkin. “Cattle roundup?” “Did you say something, Jane?” Mandy tilted her head as she assessed her. She couldn’t think about the ranch right now. Pushing all thoughts and worries out of her head for the time being, she readjusted her ponytail before slipping into her seat behind the main desk. “Sorry, Mandy. Traffic.”

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“You’re right, it’s like a cattle roundup, isn’t it.” Mandy relayed the messages, shuffled through more contracts that needed typing, and warned Jane that Mr. Seymour wasn’t in the best mood. That made two of them. She hadn’t even had time to freshen up, but her job needed her. Who was she kidding? Her nails may be manicured, her skirt suit a very good designer knockoff, but she was no executive. Jane was an executive assistant—the fancy word for secretary. If this whole inheritance deal didn’t pull through, she’d be pushing pencils for the rest of her life. She had to make it work. Her sanity depended on it. After getting her to-do list done, she stole a few minutes to sift through the yellow pages. Where the fuck could a woman find a cowboy? How much would they even charge her? She’d have to work out some sort of deal—if they didn’t get her to the finish line by the due date, nobody got paid. Hopefully they’d go along with it, because her bank account had about ten bucks in it. There was no listing of any use to her, so she looked up cattle farming. She jotted down a few numbers just before her boss came down the narrow hallway to her right, forcing her to slam the phonebook shut. “I need the files for the Harrow account, and the contracts I asked to be typed up this morning.” Before continuing on to the conference room, he turned back. “When Peters and Branner get here, send them on in. Oh, and be a dear and set us up with a full round of coffee and sandwiches.” He didn’t wait for a reply or bother to use basic manners. Please and thank you could go a long way, but she’d never heard them from her boss’s lips. She ground her teeth together and paged Mandy on the phone. “Can you watch the desk for me again? Seymour wants Timmies.” The bubbly accountant was at her desk in a flash, all smiles and optimism. Too bad it wasn’t contagious. It pissed her off that her boss couldn’t settle for the coffee they made in the office, or donuts from the little café on the main floor. It had to be Tim Hortons, and the

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only one was ten minutes of wall-to-wall traffic away from their building. She grabbed her purse and stormed out. If her car had air conditioning it wouldn’t be half as bad, but she wasn’t ready to fork over eight hundred dollars to get it fixed. Instead, she drove with the fan on and back windows rolled down in a futile attempt to save her hair. It was rush hour at the coffee shop, so the lineup trailed through half the store. She clicked her heels on the tiled floor, tapping out an impatient beat, checking her watch continually. There was a small group of construction workers in the line ahead of her. They looked rough-and-tumble. Maybe they’d know where she could find some cowboys. A lot of locals attended The Calgary Stampede every year, so it wasn’t a completely off-the-wall question. She cleared her throat to get their attention. “Excuse me. Would any of you know where I could find some cowboys to hire?” They took note of her now, sizing her up with goofy grins on their faces. When she replayed what she said back in her head, she mentally cringed. This was downtown Calgary, not a small farming town. Surely they didn’t think she was looking for a good time. “I’m a cowboy,” said the balding man with the potbelly. “Yeah. Sure.” She stepped away, her back hitting the person in line behind her making her face heat. “What do you need a cowboy for? Do you need someone to teach you how to ride?” Jane felt nauseated. Whatever happened to good manners and common sense? Men were pigs, every last one of them. Maybe she needed to escape this urban landscape more than she realized. It would be nice to be around people with old-fashioned values, respect, and more on their minds than just the bottom line. The idea of taking off work for a few weeks to escape to the country was gaining appeal by the minute. After half an hour of waiting in line and then ordering, she precariously balanced the two trays of coffees and bag of sandwiches

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while making her way to her car. Her spiked heel got caught in a sidewalk grate, nearly making her lose her load. She recovered, hot coffee splashing her chest and burning her exposed skin. Jane stood in place for a couple minutes after letting out a shriek and several unladylike obscenities. She took deep breaths, dealing with the pain from the hot coffee and a newly twisted ankle. Did anyone offer to give her a hand? Countless women and men brushed past her, but nobody had time to care about another human being. She sucked it up and limped the remaining distance to her car and made her way back to the office. The same thought continued to plague her mind as she fought traffic. Where the hell was she supposed to find a cowboy?

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Chapter Two “You’ve got to be kiddin’ me, Chase. It has to be a joke,” said Matthew, busy shoveling hay beside him. Sweat already rolled into his eyes, despite being in the shade, and wearing no shirt. The weather was brutal, and it wasn’t even officially summer. “Don’t jinx it. If some upper-class suit wants to throw his money away, I’ll be more than happy to take it.” Chase really did have to read the sign posted in the feed store twice. Who in their right mind would pay a cowboy ten thousand dollars just to help in an old-fashioned cattle roundup? Probably some city slicker looking for fun and adventure. Even on the Garner ranch, they rarely did a roundup solely on horseback. ATVs made the job faster and easier. He talked with Samson, the store owner, who’d confirmed the notice was legit. Apparently the wanted ad had been posted at every major feed store across the province. The title still made him laugh: Cowboys Wanted. “When do you leave?” Chase stabbed his pitchfork into the remaining hay and reached for the water bottle on the fence rail. After taking a drink he let his eyes wander across the vast open fields. “Next week. There’ll be hired men and some of the regular staff from the old Williams ranch.” “Five thousands head by horseback? Have fun with that.” Matthew cupped his hands under the water in the rain barrel and washed his face. He grabbed the checkered rag off the fence and scrubbed dry. “You’ll owe me and Grant for picking up the slack while you’re gone.”

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“I said I’d give you each a cut. Don’t go gettin’ greedy on me. Besides, someone had to stay home to keep things running and watch out for Angel.” He’d never have agreed to the three-week-long job if he didn’t have two other brothers to keep an eye on their little sister. It’s not that she was a bad girl, but the other cowboys around town were not to be trusted. She was young and innocent, and could easily fall for sweet words and promises. If there was one goal he had in life, it was ensuring Angel’s virginity remained intact until after she was married. Or maybe longer. Matthew chuckled. “I’m just pulling your leg. We’ll be fine. If there’s any trouble, we can always call up the Carsons for help.” “That’s if they can pry themselves away from their woman for two minutes.” Their neighbors and childhood friends on the next ranch over had entered the first ménage relationship Chase had ever heard of. The mere idea had disgusted him from the beginning, but seeing the love in his friends’ eyes for their woman spoke volumes. It wasn’t his place to judge when he’d never seen them happier. “Make sure you get some money up front. Still sounds fishy to me.” Matthew briefly looked up to the sun before walking toward the house. “Come on. Mom will have lunch ready by now.” He followed his brother to the ranch, using his Stetson to free most of the dust from his jeans. As he reflected on his brother’s words, a sense of dread filled his blood. He didn’t want to be made to look a fool. When he’d called the number he got a voice mail telling him to email his credentials. Unlike most of their neighbors, they had Internet, which was a bonus for him. He still snagged the last available space, which was either a godsend or a curse. That was left to be seen. “Sun’s not letting up, Ma.” Matthew sat at the table and reached for a roll, only to have his hand slapped. “Wash your hands before coming to the table. Are we savages now?” Their mother was a stern but loving woman. He was thankful

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for her every day of his life, especially seeing how difficult life had been for the Carsons after their mother died. “Yes, ma’am.” Chase might have been in charge most days, but he still humored the woman who gave him birth. Real men knew how to respect a woman, even under the most trying of circumstances. Sometimes the women in his life drove him to the point of insanity, but he’d button his lip and remember everything his daddy had taught him about the fairer sex. His father still wasn’t too old to dole out a whoopin’, even if they had to pretend it hurt. Chase and his brothers were workhorses, often spending over twelve hours in the fields or tending the cattle. They towered over their father and were known for their size and strength in their small town. Muscle upon muscle and a thick layer of cowboy skin was the best defense for pain. Besides, there wasn’t time to stop for injuries on the Garner ranch. Work needed to get done, and the cattle didn’t care for themselves just because one of the brothers wasn’t in top form. Their mother ladled stew into their bowls once they were washed and seated. The familiar scent of beef and potatoes was rich and hearty, making his stomach rumble. Grant came in at the last minute and took his place. He’d been mending fencing on the east perimeter since sunup. “Chase, I’ve been talking with Wendy, and she found out some things about this cattle drive of yours.” “What about it?” he asked. Information from his aunt wasn’t always the most reliable. She was the town busybody, but he was still eager to find out about the job he knew so little about. “She knew Mr. Williams somewhat. He used to come into the diner once in a while. It’s sad that he had no children to pass down such a thriving cattle business. Apparently he willed his entire ranch to a family member.”

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“Interesting.” He didn’t want to get into gossip with his mother. As long as he got his money, he could care less about the late Mr. Williams or his mountains of wealth. Whatever snot-nosed brat got the fortune handed to him on a silver platter was not anyone he wanted to get to know. Real men worked for what they had. On a positive note, the new landowner may lead the business into bankruptcy, and Chase could buy some of his cattle at below market value. Regardless, in a month he’d need to worry about his own family cattle ranch and the massive branding and immunizing of new stock. “Ten thousand dollars is a lot of money, Chase Garner. I hope you have good plans for it. Perhaps a nest egg for a wife?” Fuck, not again. Being the oldest brother had as many disadvantages as perks. None were worse than his mother’s constant demand for grandchildren. He just wasn’t ready to settle down. Why should he when his life was perfect? Only a fool would purposely ruin a good thing. He had admittedly started thinking about settling down more seriously after his best friends—Wyatt, Val, and Cord Carson— had gotten hitched to a woman, one woman, but still. Chase believed it was the constant pressure from his family that turned him off of the idea of a wife. Push him, and he pushed back. **** Jane loaded the last of her bags into the trunk of her car. She took a deep breath, looked back at her building, and then boarded the driver’s seat with mixed feelings. Mr. Seymour was not happy about her taking three weeks off work. Although her lawyer insisted two weeks should be enough for a normal cattle roundup, she wasn’t taking any chances on returning late. She had everything riding on this adventure. It had been a bitch to find three bona fide cowboys to hopefully guarantee her success. She hoped they wouldn’t question the fact they weren’t getting paid unless she was successful.

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She hit the highway. It had been well over a decade since she’d visited her uncle’s ranch. Although she hadn’t been especially close to her uncle, the few memories she had of her visits were all positive— bonfires, brushing the horses, staying up late and watching the stars. Jane hadn’t even been to the country since those carefree days of her youth. She was all about modern conveniences and attempting to move up the corporate ladder. Her dreams hadn’t exactly panned out. College was not a possibility for a girl raised by a struggling single mother. As an adult she took as many computer and business courses she could afford, but they still hadn’t helped her advance at work. Making runs to Tim Hortons didn’t earn her any brownie points, only showed that she was easy to manipulate. If the cattle run wasn’t a success, she planned on looking for a new job, one where she was respected and given a chance to advance. Even though her job wasn’t what she’d hoped, her life wasn’t a forfeit. Jane had good friends and good times. She enjoyed living it up on the weekends, going to the occasional club, and feeding her online solitaire addiction. There were plenty of lonely nights, but she was set in her ways, not willing to give up her freedom for a man who’d just turn out to be another disappointment. It seemed all men wanted was sex, and as soon as they got it, or knew they wouldn’t get it within three dates, they were gone faster than Louis Vuitton handbags at a half-price sale. Her father had been a deadbeat and so had every other loser she’d dated. She drove for hours, leaving behind the cityscape in exchange for fields of barley, herds of cattle, and impenetrable forest. After driving without reprieve, she entered the sleepy little town. She consulted her road map and the sheet of directions she’d printed off before leaving. Trees lined the quiet streets, and colorful planters of flowers hung from light posts. Such old-world charm, but rather than endear her, it only made her feel claustrophobic. Jane wasn’t a country girl. She already missed the noise, the people, and the modern technology.

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The gravel beneath her tires crunched as she slowed her car at the end of the driveway. The sweet smell of hay drifted in the open windows. Before stepping out, she stared at the brick house, forgotten memories filtering into her mind. Her uncle Williams had been a kind, patient man. He’d taught her how to recognize poison ivy, pick berries without harming the plant, and never to walk behind his green broke horses. She hadn’t even gone to the funeral service. There were a pile of newspapers on the wooden porch. Jane bent down and arranged them to the side of the door. Only after she unlocked the front door and stepped into the spacious foyer did she realize that this home could be hers if everything went well. Would she sell it? Originally, it had been her first and only thought. She could use the money to buy one of the luxury lakefront condos, travel, and do sophisticated things like her boss and his clients. People would look up to her, and the money would give her a sense of security she currently lacked. She couldn’t wait until the day she could wag her resignation in Mr. Seymour’s face. But being back here was like entering a different world, and she actually questioned her decision to sell it. No, she was just being sentimental when she should be thinking like a wise businesswoman. This was an opportunity for profit and a better life. If she started thinking about her late uncle, her childhood memories, and the endless possibilities, she’d never succeed in her task. In less than an hour she had to head back into town to meet up with her three hired hands, and prayed they didn’t demand half their payment up front. None of this was a done deal, so she needed to focus on succeeding in the cattle run before she thought about spending the spoils. Her heels echoed with each step on the hardwood. She looked around the empty house, neat, but lived in. There was an old patchwork quilt tossed over the back of the sofa, and a functional fireplace. She’d always loved the smell of burning wood, and realized that scent originated from her visits to the ranch. As she continued

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walking down memory lane, a gruff male voice had her squealing and whirling around. The man was well over six feet. His plaid shirt fit snuggly around his muscled shoulders and chest, and as she looked lower, his jeans hung low on narrowed hips. Her eyes became riveted to the large silver buckle on his jeans. “You like my boots?” She quickly averted her gaze to his eyes. The bluest eyes. He had to know she wasn’t looking at his cowboy boots, but in the vicinity of his crotch. The stranger smirked at her, his face rough with stubble. “Do you have business here?” she asked, changing the subject. It was time to prove her value as a savvy, no-nonsense businesswoman. She stifled her urge to drink in the sight of the rustic Adonis, and focused on the here and now. “If you’re Jane Williams, I’m here for you.” Here for me? This was beginning to sound like one of her fantasies. But rather than an Armani suit and expensive cologne, he was all country, and smelled of horses and clean sweat. “How do you know my name?” Should she have admitted he had the right woman? He had a commanding presence, and his eyes held secrets. But she still felt relatively safe. If she could walk the downtown strip alone at night, or brave the dark parking lots after working late at the office, she could handle anything. “You hired me to help you run some cattle. The offer still stands, doesn’t it?” “Oh… I thought I was supposed to meet you in town. How did you get this address?” He narrowed his eyes, plucked off his cowboy hat, and dragged a heavy hand through his hair. “Everyone knows where the Williams ranch is. It’s one of the largest cattle farms in the area.” “Right. Can I get your name?” She began to dig through her purse for her list, thankful for the distraction.

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“Dawson Reed, ma’am.” She scanned her list. Dawson Reed was indeed one of her three hired cowboys, and would definitely be a distraction during the roundup. She still had to meet Chase and Bradley. “Okay. That’s great. I sent you all the information. Are you sure we can get all the cattle moved within the two-week deadline?” He stepped closer, his eyes narrowed. She had to look up to see him, and when she did, he reached out and felt a section of her hair between his fingers. “That depends. How many men have you hired?” She pulled away, smoothing her hair back into place. “Three. And I’d like to remind you this is a purely business relationship. If you can’t handle that, I’ll find someone who can.” Jane hoped he agreed, because she didn’t have time to find a third cowboy. They needed to get this show on the road if they were going to make their two-week deadline. Having some horny cowboy think she was going to put out like country trash was not going to happen. Despite her attraction to the brick house of a man in front of her, her only priority was getting this cattle run on the road so she could collect her inheritance and return to the city.

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Chapter Three Dawson hadn’t expected Jane Williams to be so darn cute. A city girl if ever he saw one, but there was a spark in her eyes that pulled him in. She had deep red hair he imagined came from a bottle and big green eyes he hoped were her own. His job would be easier if she hadn’t been so blessed in all the right places. Her suit was professional, but left little to the imagination. The skirt was above her knees displaying long, shapely legs. Her jacket only buttoned up near the bottom, leaving the full cleavage behind her silky blouse easy for him to visualize. “Whatever you want me to do, Ms. Williams, I’ll do it.” He purposely licked his lips, offering her a tease of what he’d willingly give her. “Good. And call me Jane.” She glanced around the house, adjusted her jacket, and took a deep breath. “Okay, we better head out and meet the other two cowboys.” “You’re serious? There’ll be three men for five thousand head? On horseback?” “That is what we agreed on, isn’t it?” He supposed he shouldn’t complain too hard, or she might actually consider hiring more men. His mission was to ensure the cattle run never succeeded. There was a thirty thousand dollar paycheck waiting for him if the cattle didn’t reach their destination in time. With only three men to do the work, his mission just became a whole lot easier. “Of course.” He almost felt sorry for the little filly. She was all puffed up with bravado, but by the end of their trip she’d be begging

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to go home. A city girl wouldn’t last a few days on the open fields, never mind weeks. His job was just too easy. “Do you mind if I follow you to the city hall? It’s been ages since I’ve been here, and a lot has changed.” She hooked her purse up high on her shoulder and eyed the door. “Why don’t you come along with me? I’m assuming that’s your Civic out front? It wouldn’t last a minute where we’re heading. It stormed for two days straight, and only a four-wheel drive will be able to navigate the mud on the outskirts of town.” Dawson knew he’d have plenty of opportunities to slow them up once they were out on the prairies, but figured it couldn’t hurt to start stalling her now. The clock was already ticking toward the deadline when Ms. Williams would forfeit the fortune to her cousin Ronald. And Dawson would be thirty thousand dollars richer. “I guess that would work.” He could practically feel her mind working, questioning her decision to give up even a little bit of independence. He knew her type well. This would be the easiest money he’d ever earned. She set for the door, her heels clicking and ass swaying. Maybe he’d get a bonus out of the job and get to fuck the hot little number. It wasn’t totally out of the question. Once night settled over the open land, no artificial lighting to offer even the slightest illumination, it would take just a twig snapping for her to jump willingly into his arms. He held open the passenger door of his truck. She looked at the entrance with a look of horror. “You expect me to get up in there?” He’d pimped out his pickup, raised the suspension, and added oversized tires. “Problem? Just use the running boards.” She scowled at him and then turned and hiked up her tight skirt to just below her ass, grabbed the side of the door, and climbed up. He had a brief view of her pink panties before she settled in the

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passenger’s seat, adjusting her skirt and growling her irritation. He chuckled which appeared to further annoy the little siren. “I don’t know what motivates men to drive these monstrosities.” He shifted in the driver’s seat to hear what else she had to say. “Are you compensating?” “Would you like to see?” He grabbed his belt buckle, taunting her. Her face heated to a flattering blush. She faced the windshield. “We better get moving. The other cowboys I hired will be meeting me soon.” She tossed him her car keys. “My bags are in the trunk.” She still wouldn’t look him in the eye. “Yes, ma’am.” He stifled a laugh, but couldn’t help but smile. **** Dawson pulled up to the old city hall and cut the engine. They sat in uncomfortable silence, no signs of life around them. The parking lot was deserted, but they were a bit early. She only prayed the other two men would show up as promised, or she’d be royally screwed. There wouldn’t be enough time to find and hire two other cowboys, and Dawson already complained about being understaffed for the job with three of them. “So…have you done this before?” she asked, hoping to break the hush. “Darlin’, I was born and bred on a working ranch. You won’t find a more experienced wrangler in Alberta than me.” He half ignored her, leaning over to open the glove box and grab some tan leather gloves. His proximity was disconcerting. “That’s good to hear. But I’m sure it’ll be an uneventful trip. My uncle’s old employees have prepared everything we’ll need.” “Such as?” How the hell should she know? She assumed tents, food, and camping-type gear. The finer details had been left to her uncle’s old crew, and she trusted they knew what they were doing. Jane had to

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think positively, or she’d lose her mind completely. It hadn’t been easy arranging the whole trip and finding her cowboy guides. There was no one to fall back on because this was her mission, everything her responsibility. If things went bad, she’d lose a lot more than her pride. “Cattle drive stuff. All you need to worry about is getting the cows from point A to point B.” She needed to remain professional. This was business, and she didn’t want to appear incompetent. He wet his lips and entered her personal space. “Sounds nice and easy when you put it that way.” His voice was smooth, controlled, decadent. Think business, Jane! Dawson wasn’t the first heartthrob she’d seen. There were plenty just in her downtown office building. They may not smell like the outdoors, have fuck-me eyes, or muscles earned from working long hours under the sun, but they were still heartthrobs nonetheless. She considered herself immune to the charms of men. He reached for the hem of her skirt, running a finger along the inner edge. Her pussy sparked to life as his skin brushed her sensitive inner thighs. His face hovered dangerously close to hers. She could feel his warm breath and the heat from his skin. When he bit his thick lower lip, she instinctively swallowed hard. “This what you plan on wearing?” She hadn’t realized how far from reality she’d drifted. Had she really been awaiting his kiss? Jane focused on his words and looked down to where his hand rested. “I brought my jeans.” He slapped her leg with his big, rough hand, shocking her into the present. “Good thing. You wouldn’t have much fun riding a horse in your little business suit. The open land is no place for a city girl.” With that, he effectively dismissed her, shattering the momentary bubble of intimacy. He opened his door and slammed it shut behind him, walking away as he donned his work gloves. She hadn’t even noticed the other trucks now parked in the lot. God, she was an idiot, and wanted a do-over. No more Mrs. Nice-Guy. She’d reign over

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these cowboys with her hormones tightly in check for the rest of the trip. Jane carefully crept out of the ridiculously high truck and took a deep breath before facing the other men. They were gathered between the other two pickups—one navy, one red. Dawson had been right. What the hell was she thinking wearing a tight pencil skirt and stilettos to a cattle run? She supposed she was so used to dressing in her business wear every morning, and wanted to give off a good, professional impression to her three-man crew. As soon as she had the opportunity, she’d change into her jeans. Walking along the rough, gravel drive was precarious when she had to balance on two thin spikes. Her ankle was still tender, but images had to come before comfort. She kept her shoulders back and approached the men with feigned confidence. If any one of them asked for partial payment up front, she’d crack right down the middle. This entire adventure, and her confidence, was held together by thinly constructed glass panes, so easily fractured. “Bradley McCay and Chase Garner?” She prided herself on maintaining her composure, because these two men were cowboy gods. What did their parents feed them? Did they all look like this? Dawson stood to the side, arms crossed over his chest, and a satisfied smirk on his face. “Yes, ma’am. And who would you be?” The man with the tan cowboy hat stepped forward, his spurs ringing with each step. When he got closer, she noted his hair was thick and dark, his eyes catlike and hypnotizing. “I’m Jane Williams, the one who hired you. Are you Bradley or Chase?” He looked back to the other man with a look of utter disbelief marring his handsome features. “Chase Garner. Now, you said you hired us?” “Problem?” She planted her hands on her hips and stood firm.

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“No problem. I just thought you’d be a man, is all.” He plucked off his hat and ran a hand through his tousled hair. “Can’t say I’m disappointed.” He looked at her with a twisted hunger, not much different to the way Dawson had devoured her with his eyes. Would she even be safe traveling alone with these men? Would she complain if either of them forced her to the ground and fucked her raw? God, how long had it even been since she had a real man as opposed to a battery-operated toy? She blamed her years of abstinence on the sexladen hormones bombarding her. “Well, where I’m from, women don’t spend their days in the kitchen. They run companies, and rule over their male subordinates.” They may be hot, but they were just backwoods heathens. The only thing they’d be good for is a quick roll in the hay. Bradley, the dirty-blond stud, who looked more like a quarterback than a cowboy, joined Chase in front of her. They were all tall, heavily muscled, and unkempt in that rustic cowboy way. “Is that what you want? To rule over a man? If these two jokers have a problem with that, I’m all yours.” She took a cleansing breath. This was not the time or the place to give into her desires. She had to maintain control over these men or she’d lose all credibility, and they’d be impossible to manage. Her entire inheritance, her future, was at stake. “Never said I had a problem with a woman,” Chase defended. “I love my sister and momma more than anything.” He adjusted his belt, and her eyes dropped to follow his movements. His jeans hung down too low to be holy, and even with a tight T-shirt on, she could see the outline of ripped abs. Now that’s a man. A few of the men in her office building had been handsome, but it was the suit that made them. She was sure they’d be soft and toneless once the layers of Armani were peeled away. “That’s good to hear, since I’ll be leading this cattle run. Are you all ready to head out? Time is of the essence.” The sooner she got deep in the fields with the cattle, the better. Until they were miles

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from civilization, she’d worry they’d bow out, especially if they found out they’d only get paid if she made the deadline. That little tidbit could wait until it would be more work to turn back than go forward. Bradley hooked his thumbs in the loops of his jeans. “You realize these types of roundups are rarely done these days, don’t you? There’re easier ways to move cattle.” “That’s all well and good, but the job was posted this way for a reason. If you’re not man enough for the job, let us know now.” Appealing to a man’s Neanderthal arrogance always guaranteed success. Right on cue, he scowled, looked to the other men, and then straightened his posture. “Whatever you want, little lady.” He returned to his pickup. Chase dipped his hat to her, and also walked away. They were already essentially in the middle of nowhere, only endless fields behind the run-down, boarded up building. Soon she’d be one with nature, and felt apprehension and rising heat creep up her collar. Once she kissed civilization good-bye, she’d be at the mercy of these men and the elements. She’d never even gone camping, only enjoyed girls’ night out at various hotels for pampering. Dawson was right—she was a city girl, born and raised. This trip would put her limits to the test. “Come on, darlin’. They’ll follow us to the site.” Dawson used a gentle hand to the small of her back to lead her away. She couldn’t help but peer back over her shoulder to get a better look of the cowboys walking away, to ensure they were real and not a figment of her imagination. Jane hoped this trip wouldn’t prove a nightmare.

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Chapter Four Chase was still dazed as he hit the gas. He came to the designated address expecting to meet some spoiled little rich boy, not a woman, and a tempting one at that. She had an air of confidence mixed with guarded vulnerability. Not much different than his sister, Angel. He had no clue why this modern woman willingly agreed to partake in an old-fashioned cattle roundup. It’d didn’t make sense. If she was old Mr. Williams’s niece, it may be sentimental in nature. Sure was one expensive walk down memory lane if she was paying each of them ten large. But he wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Easy money was a rarity in the grasslands of Alberta. With the devil of a summer, things could go from bad to worse for farmers if they didn’t get rain back home soon. The ground here was moist, so he prayed the clouds would shift north to bless his town in the same way. They weren’t far from the edge of the Williams property, where the horses and supplies should be waiting. He brought his own saddle. If was going to be on horseback for weeks, he wanted to be comfortable. He’d prefer his own gelding, but wasn’t willing to put him through the long ride by trailer. He slowed down when the two trucks ahead of him halted to a stop near a wooden lean-to. The city girl struggled her way down the passenger side of the truck. Chase parked and watched, finding the sight amusing. He shifted to the side to reach his pack of smokes. After lighting up he took a heavy drag, sighing as he released the cloud of smoke in the cab. Regardless of what Ms. Williams said, he didn’t judge her ability to lead a cattle roundup because she was a woman. Hell, he’d trust Angel, or even his mother, to outshine most

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cowboys. It was the fact she was clueless. He had sized her up in less than a minute, knowing she was ill-fitted for the task ahead of her— manicured nails, improper clothing, salon hair, sinfully high heels, and that smug urban attitude he detested. He took another deep inhale from his cigarette as she approached his truck a while later. Chase admitted the woman had nice legs, long for her petite size. She tried to maintain her balance in the improper footwear, but just looked like a sorry fool, wobbling as if she walked a loose tightrope. She knocked on the glass and he rolled it down, leaning an elbow out the driver’s side window. “Mr. Garner, do you plan on joining us, or do you plan on taking a nap?” “Didn’t know you were ready to head out just yet.” “Well it’s going to take time to get prepared, and we’re on a very tight timeline.” The wind fluttered her auburn hair, but she was quick to rearrange it behind her ears. “My uncle’s workers just dumped everything in that shack. The horses are tied up on an old post.” He laughed out loud and flicked his cigarette out the open window. It landed near her shiny black shoes. Seemed even wealth didn’t guarantee good help. “Gross!” She took a step back. “And what’s so funny? That just means more work for the three of you.” “I was hired to transport cattle, not for manual labor.” He watched as her eyes widened and her mouth went slack. Chase wondered how long she’d be able to maintain her icy exterior once faced with cold, pitch-black nights, wild animals, and less-than-stellar food. All it would take was one little “please” and he’d be more than happy to assist her, make her mission easier. But as long as she chose to be a spoiled brat, he’d treat her how his momma would, and not encourage her behavior. A good spanking would do her a world of good. He’d love to dole out that kind of punishment.

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“Ten thousand dollars is a lot of money in this day and age. I figure you could buy yourself plenty of clean jeans with that. Maybe some shaving cream and razors, too.” He bit his lip and the retort begging to blurt out. Rather, he spoke slow and controlled. “Does my appearance bother you, Ms. Williams?” “Well, I’ve never met a cowboy until today, but it appears you all have the same lack of hygiene. I suppose I shouldn’t have expected much else when you work with cows, pigs, and horses all day.” Chase didn’t know whether to fume or laugh. He did know that he’d had enough of her forked tongue. She was forced to back up when he pushed open his door and slammed it shut. The haughty look on her face morphed into one of submission. She was a slip of a woman, easy to trap between his arms against his truck. He looked down at her, taking a deep breath before speaking. “Listen, little lady. You may be paying our wage for this fool adventure of yours, but don’t forget who’s in control when we’re out on the prairies.” “Let me guess—” “No, not me,” he interrupted. “Mother Nature.” He tilted her chin up so she’d be forced to look him in the eye. Her eyes were green with a flame of gold around her pupils. “If you’re gonna survive two weeks out there in the elements, you’ll need men who know what they’re doing. In my humble opinion, you’d be wise not to piss off those men before the trip even begins.” She ducked under his shoulder so fast he had to do a double take. As she stumbled away on her heels, she called back over her shoulder. “And I suggest you recognize the woman offering three hicks a ton of easy money. There was a long list for me to choose from, cowboy.” Could he strangle her now? ****

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Jane bit her tongue to keep from whining from the pain in her ankle as she stumbled away. Stupid Mr. Seymour and his Tim Hortons run. She was completely out of her comfort zone in so many ways. The decision to go through with this crazy stipulation in the will had taken a lot of thought. She’d almost called the lawyer about a dozen times to tell him to give the offer to her cousin. But when she set her mind to go through with the roundup, she put her whole heart and soul into it. She put everything on the line. Chase was one hundred percent right—without her hired hands, she’d be helpless, and never meet her deadline. What on earth would she do with five thousand smelly cows on endless acres of land? It would be a living nightmare, and she’d only fail. But there was more to it than that. Of all the luck, she had to be teamed up with three of the most mouth-watering men she’d ever seen. Why couldn’t they be older, fatter, uglier? It’s what she’d expected—some old rodeo has-beens looking for part-time work. Instead, it looked like she had advertised for cowboy cover models. They’d only serve to be a distraction. She wanted nothing to do with the three ill-mannered bush men. There was no room in her life for a man, especially one straight from the farm. They were rough, dirty, probably spit every two seconds, pissed on trees, and fucked anything that walked—including farm animals. Then why couldn’t she stop picturing them naked, on top of her? Back at the lean-to, she noticed the other two men were rummaging around the back of the oversized pickup. Whatever they were discussing amused them both immensely. The only thing funny for Jane was her joke of a life. As she neared, she realized they were rooting through one of her matching pink bags. “Hey! What are doing in my stuff?” Bradley, the cute blond, jumped when she spoke and shoved whatever he held back into her bag. “Nothin’.” “What do you mean nothing? You were in my bag!” She hobbled the remaining distance and pushed both of them aside. All her lace

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panties were sitting on the top, and her clothes ruffled. Then she found the object of their amusement. She’d ordered the nine-inch silicone vibrator online to relieve those late-night urges. It was thick, pink, and worked on just two AA batteries. Her face heated. She all but stomped her feet, and that was only because her ankle hurt and toes were painfully scrunched. “You saw fit to pack your little friend for this trip? Can’t go too long without pleasuring yourself, eh, sweetheart?” Dawson had a victorious smirk on his face. “Look, it’s really none of your damn business.” She hastily zipped up her bag. “It is if I have to worry about a horny city girl jumping my bones when I’m sleeping under the stars.” She ground her teeth together, her heart rate increasing by the second. “For your information, Romeo, that little gadget can give me a hell of lot more satisfaction that a real man. It’s hard, always ready, and makes me come in two minutes flat.” Jane wasn’t stupid. She knew what turned men on and what didn’t. She’d chosen her words carefully, hoping to shut them up and put an end to the uncomfortable discussion. What she said had been partially a lie. Real men couldn’t bring her to orgasm, but her little friend was becoming less and less fulfilling the longer she used it. Still, it was the best choice she had next to complete celibacy. “Sounds like you’re describing me. But, I promise, I’d bring you to heights your plastic substitute never could.” He didn’t give up easy. Dawson may have pissed her off, but he also aroused her, making her wonder exactly what it would feel like to spend one night with him. He was untamed and would probably be a stallion in bed. “You’re disgusting.” She dragged her bag out of the truck bed and pulled it behind her by one handle. “We need to get going. There’s really no reason for us to speak, so unless it has something to do with business, kindly keep your crude comments to yourself.”

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“She still running her mouth?” Chase joined the other two heathens at the truck. Dawson felt the need to fill him in entirely. “She’d a tad testy we found her vibrating dildo.” She cringed as she walked toward the horses. Leave it to a man to make something so good sound so dirty. “She won’t need it with three cowboys to keep her company.” Chase’s deep, rich baritone promised hours of mind-numbing pleasure. “Shut up! Load the horses and let’s get the fuck out of here!” She’d reached her boiling point. Her pussy throbbed and her nerves were shot. The sooner she could be away from these men and on her own horse, the better. Once alone and hidden by the wooden planks of the old shed, she sagged against it and took a cleansing breath. Why was she close to tears? Sexual frustration, her whole future at stake, and these infuriating cowboys—no wonder she felt ready to crawl into a hole. Back at her office, she may have hated her job, but she could do it with her eyes closed. Everyone came to her for help and advice, even her boss, but here she was nothing, completely clueless. The vulnerability drove her nuts. Once she’d gotten her bearings, she realized the three men were talking amongst themselves, so decided to eavesdrop to see if they were gossiping about her. They had out land maps, surveys of the land, and what looked like a high-tech compass. She sighed in relief. At least they finally had their heads on the task at hand. She approached one of the horses. They were such majestic animals, but also large and intimidating. When she’d visited her uncle, there was one horse she’d fallen in love with. She loved to brush, feed, and care for him, but riding was another story. Jane had never taken well to the saddle, mostly due to her fear of heights, but had to put aside her reservations for the sake of her future. These two weeks would be the catalyst for the rest of her life, positive or negative was left to be seen.

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No matter what she felt, she certainly wouldn’t give her companions the satisfaction of witnessing her discomforts. How hard could it be to pretend to be an expert rider? She’d love to show them up, certain they’d look for any weakness. “They didn’t leave a chuck wagon?” Jane whirled around, her hand on one of the horse’s necks for balance. Bradley patted the horse. The sun glittered off his blue eyes as he held her gaze. “What’s a chuck wagon? I don’t know everything about country living. I live in a high-rise condo. The only trees I see in a day are decorative ones planted by the city on the boulevards.” Her anger and passion had drained away. They hadn’t even begun the trip, and she was mentally exhausted. He moved around her, adjusted the horse’s halter, handling the animal with respect. “Usually there’s a wagon with food and a cook that come along on these long trips.” Bradley wasn’t like the other two. His demeanor was softer around the edges, and he had yet to outwardly insult her or bark out a sexual innuendo. “Great.” “Let’s check the bags before you start frettin’.” He made his way to the supplies unceremoniously piled in a heap by the side of the lean-to. As the crouched over and unbuttoned some of the saddlebags, she noted the bunched up muscles in his shoulders working. His hair was dirty-blond and his neck was sun-kissed a beautiful golden hue. She wondered if he had one of those nasty farmer’s tans, or if his muscled torso was evenly tanned. “Look here, darlin’. We’re all set. Won’t be fancy, but we won’t go hungry.” Jane peeked over his head. There were provisions such as jerky, dried fruit, beans, and coffee. A dog sidled up next to her, making her jump in surprise. Bradley turned and the dog was eager to greet the man, tail wagging a mile a minute. “This is Butch. Hope you don’t mind if he tags along.” “He’s yours?” He didn’t look like a Butch. The dog had black and white patches, medium-sized, and friendly.

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“He’s my shadow.” Bradley laughed, and his smile was infectious. “One of the best cowdogs out there, too. He’ll be a benefit to us, especially since we’re so understaffed.” Her heart sunk on the word “understaffed.” She didn’t want the men deciding the workload wasn’t worth it and walk out on her. “Are you sure he can keep up? We’ll be on horseback.” Another healthy chuckle. “Don’t worry about Butch. He’ll be just fine.” He closed the flaps to the saddlebags. Bradley stood back up and since she was directly behind him, their fronts rubbed together briefly. Bradley was tall, and she had to bend her neck back to see his face. He steadied her by the shoulders before she toppled backwards. “Why’d you take a job like this?” she asked, barely above a whisper. He seemed like a good man, one who should have the perfect wife, perfect children, and the whole white picket fence deal. “It’s good money.” She could tell he wasn’t comfortable opening up, so she didn’t push him. If he asked about her, she’d have done the same thing. Jane didn’t realize his hands were still on her until he began to slide them down her arms as he bent down in front of her. “Lift your leg.” She obliged him, curious about what he was doing. Had she stepped in something gross? He slipped off one of her best stilettos and before she could blink, snapped off the three-inch heel. “What the hell?” “Next.” For some reason she complied. Another quick snap of her other heel, and she was even shorter than before. Damn, these men were massive. “Those weren’t cheap.” “You’ll thank me later.” He winked at her, and then left to rejoin the other men, his dog following faithfully behind him. Jane had noticed he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything. She felt a sense of brief abandonment when he left her standing there. He’d been thoughtful and sweet, and she had the deep-

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seated urge to connect with another human being, anything to anchor her in this time of uncertainty.

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Chapter Five Brad felt sorry for the woman who’d hired them. The other two cowboys were giving her a hard time, and although he found it amusing, he also felt her frustration. He was the youngest child with three older sisters, so he was more sensitive and in tune to women than most men. He’d normally advise her not to bother with the trip, that it was one of the most foolish and ill-planned cattle runs he’d ever heard of. But she looked ready to jump the ledge, and he didn’t want to be the one to give her that final push. So he decided to humor her and earn his ten thousand dollars. He was hired for a job, and no matter how destined to failure it may be, he’d give it his all. If his colleagues had any sense of work ethic, in addition to a little luck, they may just get the cattle moved as requested. “You from around here?” asked Chase, holding one of the acreage maps out on the open flatbed of Dawson’s pickup. “Not too far,” he said. He’d done deliveries to this town several times in the past, in addition to driving through. Everyone he knew had heard of the Williams ranch. It was one of the largest cattle operations in this neck of the woods. “Good. I’m from way up north. Never even heard much of the Williams’ until I took this job.” He turned to see what Jane was up to. She was still enamored by the horses. Most city girls were. The sun shimmered off her coppery hair, which fluttered gently in the breeze. She was a beauty, the type of woman he’d expect to find on a glossy magazine cover. Jane was nothing like his sisters, homegrown cowgirls who’d never seen nail

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polish or earrings. She certainly piqued his interest. He wondered if the stories were true about modern women keeping their pussies clean-shaven. “The Garrow Pass? Bradley?” He blinked his eyes and turned back to the men who he hadn’t even heard speaking. The little redhead had invaded his thoughts, pulling him from reality. “Sorry. What?” Dawson trailed a finger along a river system on the map that cut through the territory they needed to pass. “Do you think we should follow The Garrow? It would be a good locator, and we wouldn’t have to worry about water for the cattle and horses.” “But it might be impassable, especially with the recent rain. Could be a mistake,” said Chase, pointing out an alternative, but longer, route. Bradley didn’t know these two men from Adam, but hoped to God they were everything they claimed to be. With just three of them, it would take hard work, long hours, and plenty of determination to round up so many cattle. There were just six horses, so they’d have to rotate them to keep them fresh. “I never trust these old maps. This one probably hasn’t been updated in years. Besides, obstacles like gorges, forests, and smaller rivers won’t necessarily show up.” He instinctively turned toward the horses again, but Jane was gone. “I say we take a day at a time and reevaluate as we go.” “She’s a looker, ain’t she?” Chase smirked, raising his chin to where Bradley continually glanced. “That she is.” “Either of you know anything about her?” asked Dawson. The maps now forgotten, they all shifted to face the wooden lean-to. “Don’t know her, but I don’t know you either,” said Brad, not attempting to disguise his callous tone. He knew Dawson’s type. He had no doubt the man was a drifter, and more often than not, drifters were womanizers. Brad couldn’t stand men who offered false, sweet words in exchange for a woman’s trust. He had to dry the tears of his

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sisters on more occasions than he’d like because of men looking for a few nights of fun and nothing more. Although he didn’t know anything about Jane, and she wasn’t his concern, he wouldn’t just stand to the side while one of these men decided to work their twisted charms on her. Dawson glared at Brad as he straightened his posture. “We’re all strangers to each other, aren’t we? Only makes sense to try and trust each other if we’ll be living together day in, day out for weeks.” Chase lit up a cigarette, seemingly nonchalant considering the hostile energy passing between Brad and Dawson. “Trust has to be earned. So does respect.” He exhaled a cloud of smoke and sat partially on the open tailgate. “What we need to do is get along so we can get this shit done, and I can get paid.” Dawson nodded, his rigid stance softening. “You’re right. Nobody says we have to be best friends, but the job will get done faster if we work well together.” Brad took a few steps away, the gravel crunching beneath his boots. He looked to the sky, a clear, pale blue, but the distant horizon was dark and ominous. The storm that had passed through the town appeared to be retreating, but a rancher could never truly trust the weatherman or signs in the sky. Mother Nature had a perverse sense of humor. He wasn’t worried about himself. Brad was a man, a cowboy, and didn’t fear the elements or hard work. What he worried about was the petite little redhead who didn’t know what she was getting herself into. He decided to find Jane so they could get this show on the road. The spare horses needed to be loaded with all their supplies, and watered. They also needed to load their saddlebags with personal effects. He’d brought his own saddle and noticed the other two riders did as well. Maybe they weren’t all show. Real cowboys wouldn’t be caught on a run in another man’s saddle. Thinking about personal items, he recalled the toy they’d found in Jane’s bag. They had just been curious to see if she’d actually brought

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appropriate travel wear, and came across the pink dildo tucked between her clothing. It didn’t take much effort for him to envision her using it to pleasure herself. She had a fiery temper and would no doubt be passionate in bed. Unlike his companions on this trip, he wouldn’t mind letting her use his body, as opposed to him using hers. Brad didn’t care about male dominance or bravado like the common cowboys in these parts. He had nothing to prove. And his momma taught him how to treat a woman. He’d learned on his own how to worship the female body. “Will you look at that,” said Chase from right behind him, letting loose a barely audible whistle. Brad looked up, shifting out of his daze to see Jane walking toward them. She’d changed, now wearing skintight blue jeans and a hot-pink T-shirt with sequins designs. Her breasts jiggled as she walked, even more so since she moved with a limp. So it wasn’t just the heels. She was hurting. “If you’re not too busy, it would be nice if you’d help load the horses.” Brad ignored her, but bent down in front of her. Chase seemed to know what he was up to and moved behind her, his hands planted firmly on her hips. “Lift your leg,” ordered Brad. “What do you two think you’re doing? You’ve already destroyed my shoes, Bradley McCay.” “Just call me Brad,” he said, never having liked his full name. “And I’m trying to help you. It wouldn’t kill you to tell me that your ankle hurts, you know.” “Real women don’t worry about inconveniences like pain and suffering. Life goes on, bills need to be paid, and clients demand results. Right now I have five thousand filthy animals waiting for an escort across this godforsaken land. Don’t worry about my ankle.” She took a breath after her minitirade. “Well, she’s a live one,” said Chase with a chuckle in his voice. After he spoke she shifted her head, her back falling against the

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cowboy’s chest. Her face matched the shade of her hair, and she struggled to upright herself with only one foot planted on the ground. “You stink of smoke,” she muttered, but her face was still flush. Brad let her chatter on while he massaged her ankle, feeling for swelling or breaks like he did with the horses on his family ranch. Any worthwhile cowboy was also a vet, a mechanic, a handyman, and about a dozen other titles. “Nothing’s broken,” he said, giving her one final assessment. “I could have told you that. It’s just sore. I’m fine.” She began to hop about on her good leg, struggling in Chase’s grasp. “The longer we stand here, the further we are from the deadline!” Chase swung her up into his arms to her great disbelief. “The only one going to slow us down is you, darlin’.” He carried her toward the horses. Dawson and Brad followed. The woman could sure cuss. He wasn’t used to women talking like men. His sisters had been raised with a leather belt, same as him. They all learned quickly not to talk back or curse in front of their momma, so the belt rarely made an appearance. He couldn’t blame his mother for her hard ways, not when she had to raise the four of them alone. “I don’t think you understand who’s in charge here, mister! Put me down this instant!” Chase finally obliged her when he’d reached his destination. She immediately started fussing with her hair and tugging her shirt back into place after being set on two feet. “Better. Now we just need to load all that gear onto those horses and we can be on our way.” She pointed to the pile of supplies in her dictator-like fashion. “What’s the rush, baby doll?” Dawson leaned against the shelter, one leg bent up. “Thought you were lookin’ for an adventure on the open land? All I’ve heard so far is talk of deadlines.” ****

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Jane couldn’t come right out and tell them she had to meet a deadline to avoid forfeiting her entire inheritance, including their salaries. She’d have to control her temper, keep on a poker face, and appear less rushed. “It may be an adventure, but I only have a certain amount of time off work. We can’t just round up the cattle to a certain point and abandon them. They need to get them to their new territory before I have to go back to work. I don’t have the luxury of lollygagging around like the three of you.” There. That made sense. The cowboys moved in around her. Brad halted his brief rummage through the supplies, Dawson’s spurs chimed as he closed the distance between them, and Chase attempted to light up another cigarette. She wanted to smack the satisfied smirk off his face. As Brad stood and joined them, he asked, “What do you do for a living, Ms. Williams?” Her defenses rose. “I’m an executive assistant for a very prestigious accounting firm.” Jane crossed her arms over her chest feeling suddenly claustrophobic with the three of them cornering her, asking her questions she didn’t want to answer, and an invisible time clock clicking down to certain detonation in her mind. “Sounds mighty fancy,” said Dawson. “I suppose that’s why you’re acting like a spoiled little rich girl.” “Excuse me?” Her jaw dropped from his gall. “Sounds about right to me,” Chase agreed, blowing out a puff of putrid smoke. “Maybe we should hogtie her and load her on a horse with the supplies.” “Don’t forget the gag,” Dawson added. They were all so nonchalant, laid-back, everything she supposed a cowboy should be. It infuriated her, but also ignited something inside her she wasn’t willing to explore. She concluded that it was only natural for her to be attracted to them. They were ruggedly handsome, domineering, and everything she normally didn’t go for in a man. She only dated men she could control, the ones who doted over her and

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kissed her ass. They did little for her libido, which was probably why none of her relationships lasted long enough to develop into anything meaningful, and why she’d never had an orgasm during sex. Jane couldn’t handle a take-charge man, even though she secretly drooled over these three ruffians. “Fine. I’ll do the work myself.” Nothing she said back would stop their teasing, only encourage them. She was yet to even meet one of these cows and it was already growing late in the day. Saddling up once the sun was down would likely be much more unpleasant than in the light of day. She stormed off, shoved past Dawson and Chase, and snatched a saddlebag from Brad. Jane grit her teeth from the pain of her sprained ankle so she wouldn’t appear weak in their eyes. She scooped up as much as she could and dropped it near one of the horses. Looking into the horse’s deep, dark eyes somehow calmed the rage inside her. They were such majestic animals, bringing back fond memories from her youth. Riding was another story, but she stifled her fears and focused on loading up. Jane flung a leather saddlebag over the horse’s back, trying not to frighten him. She truly decided to do the work herself and ignore her crew. They’d be ready to go faster with at least one of them putting in an effort. She jumped when a muscled arm stretched out to her left, patting the horse’s rump. “You plan to ride bareback?” Dawson tilted her chin up, but her jerked away. “We’re not joking about tying you up. There’s plenty of good, strong rope in my truck.” “Cute.” Jane rolled her eyes. She hoped he didn’t notice her drinking in the sight of his hard forearm, rough hand, and distracting proximity. “You’re in our world now, little lady. The city’s far from here. You need to play by our rules.” His tone was confident and all male. As much as she wanted to refute him, he was right, and why the fuck was her pussy pulsing?

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“I’m still the boss.” She flipped her hair and returned to the shelter, not giving him another glance. “We’ll see,” he called after her.

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Chapter Six Once they decided to load up, they were done packing the six horses in less than an hour. The sun was lowering on the horizon, streaks of pink and orange coloring the sky, and Chase knew they’d be smart to at least find the herd before darkness blanketed the land. By his estimate, they were grazing about five miles to the south-east of their location. “You’re doing it all wrong,” Dawson complained. “I said I can take care of my own horse. Leave me be!” Their boss lady may be cute, but she was becoming a huge pain in the ass. He had been tempted to shut her up with a mind-numbing kiss on more than one occasion. Now she refused to accept help in securing her saddle. If anyone slowed them down, it was her. Chase clapped the cowboy on the shoulder as he walked away from the little firecracker. Personally, he’d had enough of Ms. Williams and her attitude. Ten thousand dollars was looking less and less appealing the longer he spent with her. “If you don’t saddle him proper, the straps will loosen in the fields and you’ll end up on the ground, hurt, or worse.” He caged her to the horse with an arm to each side of her body, not allowing her much wiggle room. With her back to his chest, she wasn’t able to turn around. “I think I can tie a knot.” He stole the tether and cinch straps from her hands, despite her protest, and made short work of looping the proper knot. As he pulled the tether taut, he inadvertently pressed her against the horse. He was able to smell the sweet floral scent of her shampoo, and feel the softness of her ass shifting against his Wranglers. Chase would love a

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chance to get the wild filly into bed, but even the chance to break her wasn’t enough of a lure if he had to deal with her attitude. He expected a string of expletives after getting too close and personal, but she shocked him and remained silent. He flipped down the holster and spun her around by the shoulders, still keeping her in place with his frame. “There. Now it’s done proper, and you’ll be safe when you’re riding.” She swallowed, but said nothing. When she looked up at him the remnants of sunlight highlighted her eyes. Gorgeous green eyes. When she wasn’t full of piss and vinegar, a scowl marring her features, she was a beauty. “Thank you,” she whispered. It was the first time he heard her say the words. Even for barely knowing her, he had the feeling she rarely said them. “It’s no problem, sweet thing. Next time ask for help. That’s what we’re here for.” He tweaked her nose and stepped away before she ruined the moment with some godforsaken complaint. He helped Brad tie the two spare horses behind theirs. They checked the gear, grabbing the supplies and tugging to ensure they were secure for a long, rough trip across the prairies. “We’ll have to make shelter in a couple hours. It’s a new moon, too, so it’ll be a bitch when the sun sets.” Dawson donned his Stetson and then adjusted his chaps before throwing his weight over the side of his horse. “I think our little princess expects a five-star hotel tonight.” Chase laughed, but also internally cringed. Jane Williams would likely drive them all to insanity tonight when she realized she’d be sleeping out in the open elements. “I’ve already said she needs a good spanking. I wasn’t kidding.” Dawson tested out his new ride, shifting the reins and commanding the horse to do a few circles around them. “I can hear you,” snapped Jane, squeezing between the horses with her pink suitcase clutched to her chest.

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“And where do you think you’re going with that, darlin’?” Chase eyed her skeptically. “We’re already loaded. Ain’t no room for your bag of goodies.” “It’s just my clothes, smart-ass.” She placed the case on top the saddle of one of the pack horses. “Strap it on.” “Didn’t you hear the man? You’ll have to leave your bag behind. Now mount your horse and we’ll be on our way. God willing, we’ll find your herd before we lose all traces of daylight.” At least the other men had his back in dealing with the crazy woman. “I’m not leaving all my clothes behind!” “Why on God’s green earth didn’t you give us your stuff when you saw us loading the damned horses, woman?” Dawson leaned down from his horse, snatched the bag and tossed it back toward the shed. Then he spurred the horse and began the journey on his own, one of the pack horses in tow. “The nerve!” Jane went to retrieve her bag. Maybe Dawson had the right idea. If they started without her, she’d have no choice but to saddle up and follow. He mounted his horse, welcoming the familiar feel of his working saddle beneath him. Chase took one last look at the painted skyline, took a deep breath of sweet country air, and then prodded his horse to follow Dawson. “Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” He turned back to see Jane stomping, her bag in hand. The twilight already shadowed her form. He chuckled just thinking about everything ahead of her during the next two weeks. Maybe this trip would do her a world of good. **** “Let me help you.” Brad took her suitcase from her. “It may be hot now, but I guarantee it’ll be bone-chillin’ in the dead of night. You’ll need your clothes.”

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She watched as he rearranged the supplies on her horse. He used some thin yellow rope and tied her bag to the rear of her saddle. It looked ridiculous, but she was glad he humored her and helped, unlike the other two heartless cowboys. “Will you be able to find them?” They had already disappeared in the dark shroud of night where the fields blurred into nothingness. A shiver of fear and apprehension raced up her spine. She was thankful she wasn’t alone and had Brad. There were no comforting city lights, traffic, or sirens. Just silence, and the snorting and pawing of the horses. He adjusted her horse’s bridle and arranged the reins near the saddle horn. Brad gave a confident wink. “Don’t you worry. Now hop on up.” She took a deep breath and looked up, up, up. The horse had to be a good six hands, and her phobia kept her frozen in place. “Come on now, darlin’. I may be a good tracker, but no sense making it more difficult for me.” “Right.” She bit her lower lip and reached up for the horn. Jane placed her right foot in the stirrup and counted down in her head, trying to work up the courage. Before she could lift her left leg over the saddle, Brad’s strong hand was on her inner thigh, heaving her up onto the horse. “Just keep up the pace and your horse should follow mine.” He leaned in close enough to touch, and she wanted to grab the collar of his shirt and hold him close. She wanted to scream out that she was afraid and didn’t want to be alone in the dead of night. What if she lost him? Instead she did what she always did and buried her true feelings, keeping her stoic exterior intact. “I’ll be right behind you.” Her horse took a step forward and she squealed, feeling as if she was weightless and about to fall into a dark abyss. The dog barked. “What happened?” Brad was up on his horse faster than her eyes could track. He sidled up next to her. “Nothing. Just a bug.”

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He laughed as he tugged his reins to the left and took off into the darkness. “You ain’t seen nothing yet. You’ll meet lots of creepy crawlies where we’re heading.” She watched in horror as he disappeared from her sight, while her stupid horse stayed rooted in place. “Move it you, idiot!” Her heart rate increased as she scanned the land around her. Crickets deafened, drowning out the faint beat of Brad’s horse’s hooves on the ground. Where had the sun gone? She’d never felt so vulnerable in all her life. “Walk you stupid horse!” Jane thrust her pelvis back and forth, but the horse wouldn’t respond to her. When she was close to tears, she heard Brad’s horse closing in even though she couldn’t see a thing. “I told you to follow.” “He won’t listen to me,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “Haven’t you ever ridden a horse?” There was no sense in hiding the truth now. If she continued to play her game to maintain her air of superiority, it would only continue to backlash. “No. Not exactly.” He ran a hand through his hair and studied her. “There’s no time to be teaching you now. Again, this is something you should have told me beforehand. Do you want to ride with me?” She didn’t even think of the consequences before barking out a “yes.” Her heart-stopping fear of heights stole her logic. He slipped off his horse, the ground crunching beneath his boots as he came around to the side of her horse and beckoned for the reins. She stayed in place as he secured her horse behind his. He worked quietly. “Okay, darlin’. Jump down.” He stood to the side with his arms upstretched. At that moment, in the pitch darkness of night, she saw Brad as her savior, her knight in shining armor—or Wranglers and a Stetson. She held onto the saddle horn in a death grip as she swung one leg around. With a slight twist she dropped down into his waiting arms, secured in a hard embrace before her feet hit the ground.

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“Gotcha.” Jane looked up at him, only finding his handsome face blurred into shadows. He smelled like musky cologne and the great outdoors, not like dirty animals and body odor as she’d expect from a working man. “You’re trembling. Don’t tell me you’re afraid of horses, too.” He still had his arms draped around her, and she hadn’t made a move to disentangle herself. “Heights.” “Didn’t you say you lived in a building?” “It’s the best,” she said matter-of-factly. Brad chuckled. “I’ll never understand people like you. You care more about what others think than your own happiness.” “That’s not true. I have a great life.” She had her own money, her own condo rental, she did as she pleased, and had no one to answer to. Jane had it all—or did she? Sure she came home to an empty place every night, but it was better than hooking up with some deadbeat who’d only disappoint her. She wouldn’t make the same mistakes her mother made. “Whatever you say, darlin’.” He twisted her around to face his horse and helped boost her up. Her breath caught as she was once again up high in the air, now unable to even see the details of the ground below her. “This may not be too comfortable. My saddle was made for me, not two riders.” “Why haven’t Chase and Dawson come back to check on us?” Brad’s large body was behind her the next second, pressing against her back as an arm came around her waist, tugging her close. “You may have scared them off with your bitter attitude. A ripe peach is more digestible than a crab apple.” He clucked his tongue and the horse jerked forward. Her retort stayed lodged in her throat as she clutched Brad’s arm like a lifesaver. Her heart raced. It amazed her how the lack of light could level the playing field, or throw it completely off balance. Any power she

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held vanished with the sunset, leaving her at the mercy of these cowboys. “How can you see where you’re going?” He snuggled her against him and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “I’ve got you, Jane. Why don’t you try and rest.” His breath was hot and soothing against her sensitive flesh as the chill of the night crept in around them. Somehow this cowboy she’d never met offered her security, and she believed him. Maybe he was right about everything. Was she that superficial and unlikeable? She was becoming everything she wanted to be—independent, strong, and detached from emotion. If the cattle roundup went well, she’d add the final ingredient to her perfect life—wealth. But was that what she truly wanted from her life?

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Chapter Seven Dawson heard the other horses approaching over an hour later. At least they’d been delayed a bit, but he’d hoped Ms. Williams had called off the run altogether. He’d get paid whether or not they went through with this pointless roundup. One way or another it would fail, and if it didn’t, he’d make sure it did. With the thirty grand promised to him, he’d be able to take a year off the rodeo circuit and rest his injured ribs. At his age, if he kept pushing himself without allowing his body time to heal properly, he’d be heading for an early grave. “’Bout time you two showed up.” Dawson couldn’t sleep, wondering if the other two would find them at all. He had a small fire going within a ring of rocks he’d collected from the forest behind them. After tonight, it would be solid prairie with no protection from the elements should the weather turn ugly. “Hush now, she’s asleep,” said Brad. Dawson poked the kindling with a branch, the embers fluttering above the flames. He slowly stood up from his perch on a section of downed log. For a brief moment he flinched from the pain in his ribs, but recovered quickly. “Pass her to me. She can have my bedroll.” “Where’s Chase?” “Asleep.” The other cowboy didn’t have a care in the world, other than mentioning a little sister before passing out like a stone. Brad slid the girl off the saddle and into his waiting arms. She was a slight little thing, not enough to cause him much discomfort. Common labor was far more taxing than handling her sleeping body. She roused briefly as he supported her weight in both arms, cuddling

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up against his chest and wetting her lips. Shame he had to bring her down. She had no idea that the trip was destined to failure. His only consolation was knowing she’d never have made it anyway. Five thousand head needed more than three fucking men to round them up and escort them across the province to new grazing territory. Jane was no cowgirl. He’d dealt with country girls on his travels. They usually had more testosterone in their veins than him, and he had no desire for the domineering tomboys. If one of those women led the roundup, he’d have his job cut out for him. Not with the city girl. She was clueless. “Dawson?” He could barely hear her faint whisper. Her head was tucked against his shoulder, and he thought she was still asleep. “What is it, darlin’?” “I’m sorry.” It’s all she said, and he didn’t reply. He lowered her to his cot, placing her on her side before pulling the blanket over her shoulders. He assisted Brad in securing the horses for the night. Only the glimmer from the fire and starlight provided illumination. He unfastened the extra bedrolls and supplies, and prayed he’d get at least an hour’s sleep with his conscience doing flips in his head. **** “Good morning, sweetheart!” Her warm blanket was stripped from her body before she even opened her eyes. As soon as she moved a muscle, the pain and ache in her back screamed to life. She tried to reach for the blanket to stave off the morning chill, but her efforts were in vain. Jane was not a morning person. When she finally squinted open her eyes, three cowboys were standing side by side in front of her, partially blocking out the early morning sun. They were dressed, refreshed, and wideeyed when she felt worse than shit. “Leave me alone,” she complained, draping her arm over her eyes.

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“Oh no, you don’t,” said Chase. “You’re leading this roundup, remember?” “Forget it. It’s not worth it.” She moaned when she twisted to give them her back. “This is inhumane.” More than one set of hands hoisted her unwillingly to her feet. Her stomach protested in hunger, her muscles ached, and she could just imagine how haggard she looked—hair wild, no makeup, and puffy morning-eyes. “The early bird gets the worm. Warm up by the fire and have a bite to eat before we head out,” said Dawson. “I scouted out the herd this morning. They’re only an hour away.” “What time is it?” Jane ran her hands through her hair, trying to smooth it out as best she could. “Just past sunrise.” “I need my bags.” She did a visual of the land now that darkness didn’t hide it from view. Where would she go to the bathroom? Change? Wash? Brad directed her to her horse where some of her supplies, including her pink suitcase, were piled on the ground beside it. She bent down and unclasped her bag and began rummaging through her stuff. Even under the dire conditions, she could still try and look halfdecent. She pulled out her compact and makeup bag. “I wish you’d keep that paint off your face. You look lovely all natural. The way a woman should be.” Jane turned to the deep voice beside her. Brad crouched on his heels, his dark-blond hair slightly damp and tousled off his face. “No. I was teased enough with my name growing up.” He tilted his head, not comprehending. “You know…Plain Jane. I vowed to always try my best to stand out in a crowd.” He reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear, and then raised her chin with a bent finger. “Leave it off.” His tone and intense eye contact did crazy things to her body. The way he touched her, even though slight, was gentle and comforting, making her forget all her

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rigid no-touch rules. Even when she dated, she rarely kissed. Anything to keep the emotional barrier safely in place. “Okay.” Her voice came out half-breathless. “Time’s up, little lady!” shouted Dawson, who came riding up beside them on his horse. “You gonna babysit her again today?” His horse pawed the ground and snorted. She glanced up at him. He wore a dark cowboy hat, leather chaps, and a checkered shirt. It was his squinty blue eyes that continually teased her, as if he played a game he intended to win. But with the light of day came a new inner strength. “You said I could eat first.” “I gave you time for that. Next time, don’t dillydally around.” With that, he tugged the reins to the side, gave a nudge with his heels, and he was off. As soon as he took off galloping, Chase joined behind him, leaving her alone with Brad. “I assume you’ll be able to find them again?” She stood up and straightened her shirt. Brad rose to his full height and crossed his arms over his chest. “I want to help you get where you’re going in time, but you have to put in an effort.” He watched the two riders disappear across the open land, letting out a disapproving sigh. There was a mess of supplies and four unprepared horses around them. “I am making an effort. I’m on this stupid roundup, ain’t I?” “This was your idea, darlin’. You should want this more than us, considering you’re the one paying the tab.” He started to tighten her horse’s girth strap. “Doesn’t make much sense to me. If you hate the country, and aren’t interested in the cattle run, why bother? You’d save yourself a ton of money and heartache if you just stayed home in the city.” “Don’t worry about my intentions. Just do what you’re paid to do and help me get the job done.” She stalked off to the forest to relieve herself, wishing she could change and wash up properly.

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By the time she emerged from the underbrush, Brad and his horse were nowhere to be seen. Her horse and the two pack horses were eating the green grass in the shade of the trees, not a care in the world. “That bastard!” she muttered to herself. It took her over half an hour to load up the horses herself. Mounting the beast was another story. It took several good personal pep talks before she worked up the courage to get into her saddle. At least he’d secured her saddle before disappearing. Brad had told her how to start and steer the animal, but knowing was half the battle. As she started to walk in the direction the cowboys took off in, she peered behind her to ensure the other two horses were following on the leads she’d tied. Not so bad, if she said so herself. She didn’t need a man at all. Jane walked the horse without stopping. It took her hours before she saw the countless dark dots on the horizon that she knew represented her uncle’s herd. Then she heard the distant yells and whistles. She focused as she neared, completely in awe as she watched her three cowboys race their horses back and forth behind the cattle. The trembling of the earth vibrated into her bones as the cows began to stampede in the direction they were given. The men certainly knew what they were doing, and appeared to work well as a team. She dared not get too close to the melee, but stopped and watched. The hoots and hollers they made were reminiscent of the rodeos she’d go to with her girlfriends. It was hard to avoid The Calgary Stampede altogether when you lived in the hub of the tourist district. Her attention was piqued when one of the men pulled off his button-up shirt, leaving him gloriously bare-chested. With the heat already making her skin damp, they must be downright boiling. They’d been working for hours already and had the entire day to go before they’d get a proper break. She watched in rapt awe as the other two followed suit, stripping off their shirts. In just cowboy hats and blue jeans, they rounded up the cattle, pushing them further toward their destination.

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Brad’s little dog worked just as hard, corralling the odd stray that veered away from the herd. She dug in the saddlebag and pulled out a strip of jerky. It was too salty, but anything would taste good with her hunger becoming distracting. Jane giggled to herself when she noted none of the men had a farmer’s tan. They were all evenly bronzed, muscle upon lean muscle. Her traitorous body responded, her stomach fluttering, not from hunger, but baser needs. It wasn’t every day she got to see such eye candy in the flesh. One of the men broke free and started riding straight toward her. She shifted out of her lust-filled daze, sitting straighter in the saddle. It was Chase. “Finally decided to join us, sweet thing?” He came to an abrupt stop, his horse rearing slightly before settling. His bare skin shimmered with clean sweat, and she followed a single droplet of perspiration that fell from his hair to his chest and down his ripped abs. “We’ll be coming across a stream within the hour. You can wash up then if you like.” Washing in a river wasn’t exactly what she considered a good time, but it would be better than feeling sticky all day. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak when her mouth was dry as cotton. Apparently her bravado fizzled away along with Chase’s shirt, which now hung in one of the loops of his blue jeans. She itched to feel and test the strength of all those hard muscles, and feel his little brown nipples between her teeth. A second horse snorted and stopped on her right this time. Brad had a naughty smirk on his face. “Sorry about this mornin’. I knew you just needed the proper motivation to shift yourself into gear. Seems to have worked.” He rode around behind her, checking her job of packing the supplies. “That was a wicked thing to do, Bradley McCay!” She glared at him as he steered his horse back alongside hers, his leg brushing her thigh.

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“It’s called tough love, sweetheart,” said Chase. “I would have done the same thing myself.” “Of course you would. Do none of you have a sympathetic bone in your bodies?” “When the situation calls for it.” Chase sandwiched her between his and Brad’s horses. She wasn’t sure what his cocky smile did to her—did it annoy her, or turn her on? He was so close she could practically sense the heat from his body, taste his skin, and feel his muscles. Her imagination went on overdrive and her pussy rubbed uncomfortably against the leather saddle. She was damp and overstimulated from just looking at these shirtless gods. Jerks, but still nice to look at. Jane knew what she’d be thinking about when she returned home to lonely nights with her vibrator. “Well, it calls for it right now. I’m tired, hot, hungry, and need a shower.” Chase grabbed her saddle horn, making her unbalanced. Her nerves spiked, and she gripped his forearm as a lifeline. The man was hard, sinewy muscle. She wanted to trail her tongue over the golden curve of his shoulder so close to her lips. “Be a good girl, and maybe we’ll take care of you.” His eyes bore into hers, promising every kind of wicked temptation. Or was it her imagination? She remained silent, not trusting herself to say something stupid when her thoughts were focused on carnal matters. “She’s a darlin’ thing, Chase. We won’t have any trouble from her, will we, now?” Jane tried to steady her breathing as she turned her head to the right. She still clung to Chase, but Brad’s steel blue eyes were so close, so hypnotizing. It was as if they called out, kiss me, kiss me, kiss me. Before pulling his arm free, Chase leaned in close, the scruff on his cheek rubbing against her face. Her nipples pebbled as he whispered in her ear, his breath hot and erotic against her erogenous

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zone. “That’s a good thing. Otherwise, we’d have to corral you, tie you down, and teach you some manners, cowboy-style.” She swallowed hard, but before she choked on her own spit, he was gone, galloping back toward the herd. Brad winked at her before making his pursuit. Barely two days alone with these men, and already her impenetrable inner fortress was toppling down.

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Chapter Eight The roundup had been a killer with the unrelenting heat and sun over the open prairies. Dawson wondered where the rain clouds had disappeared to, but there certainly was no sign of them now. He hadn’t tried to stall their progress yet because he really wanted to hit the stream before nightfall. The horses needed water, and he could use a good soak. There would be plenty of opportunities to hold the cattle back from reaching their destination during the next two weeks. Ronald Williams said Jane had exactly two weeks, ending at noon on the day in question. If she was even a minute after twelve o’clock, Dawson was guaranteed his thirty-grand paycheck. He’d never bothered to ask questions. That was part of the reason he was hired—he didn’t give a shit, and did his job well. This was, however, the first time he was paid where someone would get hurt. Jane would be crushed if she didn’t make her deadline. But what did it matter if she was a few days or even hours late? The girl just inherited a fortune. She’d only be a bit vexed, but Dawson would be thirty thousand richer. It eased his conscience when he thought of it that way. Dawson knelt down at the edge of the shallow river. They’d already driven the cattle across the water, and it had been a bitch with just the three of them to get the job done. Now the cattle grazed on the right side of the river, so they could rest for the night and continue at first light. He splashed water up on his face before looking up to appreciate the sunset. The sun was a great orange sphere, and random splashes of color decorated the horizon. Never in his life had he seen

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the same pattern, the same beautiful miracle painted across the prairie sky. “How am I supposed to bathe in that?” The irritated female voice made him cringe, ruining the perfect, peaceful moment. “Never said you had to. But I’m covered in sweat and dust, and I’m not complaining about this cool, fresh water.” Dawson stood up and unbuckled his belt before unzipping his Wranglers. He kicked off his cowboy boots and stripped to his black boxer briefs. “What are you doing?” She looked horror stricken, taking a step back. He ignored her, not willing to deal with her when he was too tired to stand. He eased into the cold water. It was only knee deep, but he couldn’t be picky. Dawson sat in the gentle current for a few moments before lying back and savoring the refreshing rush. His temperature began to lower, along with his stress level. He wouldn’t allow the little spitfire to ruin this moment for him. “If you plan on bathing, you’d best get to it before the sun sets.” He closed his eyes and let his upper body float, his arms behind his head. Dawson believed the smallest pleasures were a cowboy’s reward for an often thankless job. **** Dawson’s cock wasn’t even erect, but it was huge. His soaked boxers clung to every detail, leaving nothing to the imagination. All three of her hired hands were abnormally built. She wondered what the fuck they had in their well water in the upper prairies, but it created a generation of cowboys built for some serious hard labor. Why couldn’t she peel her eyes away? The sound of clothing rustling stole her attention from her focus in the river. Chase and Brad, already temptingly bare-chested, began to strip off the rest of their clothes, too. Their thighs were strong and muscled, with a light dusting of masculine hair. Their stomachs

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mirrored each other’s—hard and etched, as if made from granite. She studied Chase as he ran both hands through his mess of dark hair, his shoulder muscles bunching up. She’d give almost anything to run her hands down his pecs, all the way down his abs, to the thin trail of hair leading into his boxers. “Joining us, sweet thing?” Chase approached her. He seemed taller, larger, more intimidating with nothing on but the thin material covering his intimate parts. “I’ll pass.” He shrugged and entered the water a few feet downstream from Dawson. After a tentative step, he immersed himself in the crystal clear water. The sky was changing as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. It looked like an aerial wildfire, burnt orange flames licking the heavens, giving a warm glow to the earth below. She was as awestruck by the natural wonder as she was by the three nearly nude cowboys. Wait until Mandy hears about this! “Once again, you’re not thinking with your head.” Her feet were off the ground in a flash as Brad scooped her up into his arms. She caught her breath and held onto his shoulders. Hard, warm shoulders. “What are you doing? Put me down!” “Oh, I’ll put you down. In the water.” He carried her to the river’s edge. “You’re sweaty and cranky. There won’t be another water source for a couple days, so I’m not letting you act a fool and not bathe while we have the chance.” Brad continued to walk straight into the water. She wrapped her arms around his neck in a secure lock. “Don’t you dare!” “I have three sisters, darlin’. Sometimes women just can’t see what’s best for them.” He sat down, still holding her in his arms. As her bottom hit the cold water, she squealed and then ranted. Within seconds she was down to her neck, and there was no point in fighting. It did feel refreshing, even though she was still wearing her clothes. If she was alone, she’d have stripped off her jeans and T-shirt without

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thought, and plunged into the shallow river to escape the heat. Maybe she did need a little prodding, but she wouldn’t admit it. Dawson sat up, water dripping down from his hair and chest. He looked like a god, so unbelievably edible. “Better?” “I’m soaked, and I don’t have a change of jeans. I only own one pair. I’ll probably catch pneumonia tonight when the sun goes down.” After she spoke she realized what a total bitch she sounded like, but she couldn’t help herself. She was so used to pushing away men that it became second nature. When would it end? Would it ever? “Take off your clothes,” said Chase, moving into their circle of space. “I’ll dry them for you after I build us a fire.” “How about no.” She lifted her chin in defiance, only to be plunged into the water when Brad removed his arms. Jane sputtered and pushed the hair from her face. “You jerk!” One of them tugged at the hem of her wet shirt from behind. She was too dazed to fight or focus, water still streaming into her eyes. When the material was lifted over her head and dropped on the bank, she instantly felt the vulnerability of sitting there in just her pink lace bra. It felt oddly titillating, the gentle breeze caressing her moist flesh, and the many eyes she knew were drinking in the sight of her. “Fancy. Her bra matches her panties,” said Dawson. She whipped her head around. “How would you know?” Jane cupped her breasts to give her some sense of decency. “It was a long climb into my truck.” “Pig!” She splashed water at him, but he only crawled closer. He wrapped an arm around her waist and gave a sharp tug until she was straddling his lap. She fought and struggled, but he held her tight. “Remember what I told you, baby doll? This is our world. If you keep being difficult, we’ll leave you here and get the roundup done without you.” She could feel the hard ridge of his cock against her sensitive folds. Her pussy pulsed strong and demanding. “How long would you survive out here alone?”

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“I–I could…” She was breaking. Jane could feel her guards cracking and shattering when she wanted more than ever for them to be intact. She didn’t like herself or her life. It took only a glimpse at the sky around them to know she needed more out of her existence. Working a job she hated and coming home to an empty condo—it was a meaningless routine. She could go out with her friends, live it up on the weekends, and almost convince herself she was satisfied, but it was a lie. Sure, she didn’t set herself up to get hurt by men, but at what cost? She wanted to be nicer, for people to like her, but was so used to being a hard-ass. Being superficial was all she knew. It was safe, but it had to stop. These three cowboys had surprised her, putting up with her bullshit for two days straight, and she’d pushed them to the limits. Had they finally had enough? A tinge of fear traced up her spine. Maybe she’d gone too far with her snarkiness. If only they knew the truth, that on the inside, she was a pathetic mess. Dawson’s hands smoothed down her back, finally resting on her hips. He didn’t look angry, though he should be. His gaze briefly roamed over her chest, then back up to focus on her eyes. He was ruggedly handsome with a strong jaw, straight nose, and full lips. “You’re playing a game you can’t win, little one.” She whispered, “I just want to get this cattle drive over with.” “That’s what we all want. No sense making the worst of it.” Brad knelt beside them, running a hand through her hair. She forced herself to accept his gentle touch without pulling away. Her instincts screamed for her to snap back and pull away emotionally, but she fought it. She needed to change, needed to feel, and what better way than on vacation with these three gorgeous men she’d never see again? It was time to allow herself to experience true affection, to fully let go without holding back. Dawson made the first move, the one that symbolized no turning away. He kissed her just below her ear, sending a wave of heat

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washing down to her clit. She controlled her breathing, battling the need to pull away as much as she wanted to spur him on. “You have beautiful tits, Jane.” He kissed down her neck, moving closer and closer to her breasts. She wanted to scold him, to tell him he was a dirty, filthy pig—but she didn’t. Jane kept quiet, her head lolling back on her neck as he trailed his hot, moist lips along her sensitive skin. Everything she’d said to them, thought about them, convinced herself about them—it had all been a lie. She knew what they were. Dawson, Brad, and Chase were hardworking cowboy ranchers. They probably had old-fashioned values, and she knew they had the patience of saints. By dehumanizing them it became easier to resist them. Acknowledging they were decent men gave her permission to indulge in their hard, muscled bodies, and to allow herself to accept their sexual advances.

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Chapter Nine Chase was drawn to Jane. She wasn’t sugar and spice, but not many of the women in his life were. His mother and sister were smart-mouthed cowgirls, and this city girl wasn’t much different. He'd even forgotten to ask for half his money up front after just a glimpse of her sexy curves, and now it was too late to mention it. It shocked him to see Jane melt in the wake of Dawson’s advance. He expected her to give him a fist to the gut or slap to the face, not silence into submission. Brad moved in like a lion scenting the kill, but Chase wasn’t so sure. Yes, he wanted Jane, had from the first moment he saw her. But that wasn’t unusual. She was a beautiful woman, an unattainable woman—until now. Knowing she may just accept him had him putting on the brakes. His neighbors, the Carson brothers, had settled into a ménage relationship last year. The whole idea of multiple partners was no longer an abstract idea, but he still didn’t think it was something he could engage in. But every moment watching her made him more willing to try. “Have you ever had a cowboy?” asked Brad. The younger blond reached around her waist and began unbuttoning her jeans. She still hadn’t protested. Jane shook her head, so she was still coherent. He realized the shade of her hair mimicked the expanding sunset. What would happen when the lights went out, leaving them alone in the darkness? His cock hardened against his will. “Comparing a city boy to a cowboy is like saying a circus pony is equal to a stallion.” Dawson unclasped her bra, and Chase’s heart

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dropped to his stomach. A thousand thoughts flitted in his head. If things went bad, would he lose his ten grand? Would he actually join them in this sexual experimentation? He even heard his momma repeating her desire for grandchildren, in his head. But Jane Williams was certainly not marriage material. She came from the glitz and glam of the city, and obviously held contempt for everything simplistic— everything Chase was. This sudden shift in acceptance was probably just part of the fun she planned for her little adventure. She’d experience a cattle run and fuck a few cowboys, and then return to her real life and joke to her friends about it. The wet slop of Jane’s jeans hitting the embankment pulled him out of his thoughts. She was naked, still straddling Dawson’s lap. Her tight, round ass reflected the remnants of the sun. He palmed his cock wondering if he could go through with joining a ménage. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d screwed around with a woman, never to see her again. Having two male strangers sharing was something he wasn’t used to. Chase was not one to share anything. In fact, he was possessive to a fault. His sister always gave him hell for being too controlling, not allowing her to do as she pleased. He had the same streak when it came to his cattle, possessions, other family, and friends. Chase was one hundred percent loyal to everything and everyone in his life. He had a feeling one night with Jane would never be enough. **** Brad knelt behind Jane and ran two fingers down the indent of her spine, making her straighten. She let out a soft mewling sound which went straight to his balls. With three sisters and a single mother, he wasn’t the type to take advantage of a ripe young thing like Jane. But her body language screamed that she wanted this, wanted more. Part of him thought a good fucking was exactly what the stuck-up city girl needed, the other part knew most of her bravado was an act.

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“Brad, you ever shared a woman before?” asked Dawson. He shook his head. “Can’t say I have.” It was hard for him to focus when the skin beneath his fingertips was feather-soft, unmarred from hard labor or the damaging sun. “Well, our little wildcat is gonna let us triple-team her tonight.” Jane’s body went rigid. “What?” Her voice was breathless, as if waking from a dream. As much as he should pull away and play the gentleman like his mother taught him, he had to take more. His cock was painfully engorged, and his sense of reason grew less and less significant to him. Already sitting in the shallow water, Brad used a finger and searched out her tight little asshole. He breached the first half inch which earned him a squeal. “What are you doing?” She attempted to turn around, but Dawson held her hips securely in place. “Ouch!” “I’m not even hurting you, darlin’. Just relax your muscles. I promise you’ll like it.” He didn’t push further, only kept his finger partially in her ass as he reached around to massage one of her soft breasts. Dawson approved, chuckling softly as he nipped along her jawline. “How does it feel to have a man’s finger up your tight little ass, baby doll? How would you like to replace it with my dick?” “Pig,” she muttered. But her words didn’t match her actions. She wiggled down, slowly, impaling her ass deeper over Brad’s finger. He assisted her, shoving harder, rimming her unforgiving anal ring. “Don’t be rude. Only good girls get fucked hard enough to make them scream. Unless you want to go to bed with a wet, achy pussy, I suggest you control that forked tongue.” Dawson pulled her against his chest so he could see down her back to her ass. The men shared a brief glance, not needing to say a word, as if knowing how they’d handle the little vixen. She needed a firm hand, or else she’d run amuck. The bossy city girl craved to be dominated—she just didn’t know it yet.

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Dawson reached for her ass, assisting Brad in stretching her. Two fingers worked the small hole, circling, caressing, and eventually finger-fucking. She wrapped her arms around Dawson’s chest in a death grip, her breathing coming in rapid, shallow pants. “You like that, Jane?” Brad could feel her relaxing, giving in to their ministrations. He never expected her to answer his question. Going along with them was reward enough. To hear her ask for more would be too much for the executive assistant. It would take time to hand over that level of control, but he hoped by the end of the night, or the end of the roundup, she’d be begging for more. Brad could smell the scent of sweet, burning grass. He turned to his right. Chase was building a small fire with the bundles of kindling they’d strapped to the pack horses. He hadn’t even noticed that the sky no longer held color, now a dark slate-gray and dimming by the minute. Despite his desperate need to continue this party in the river, he knew he had to get Jane out of the water and dried off before the chill set in. “Let’s get you to the fire.” He kissed her back once and gently slipped his finger out of her body. She sat upright before he and Dawson assisted her to her feet. Her knees were wobbly, but then again, her ankle wasn’t in the best shape. Brad scooped her up into his arms again and carried her to the fire and the several bedrolls set out around the periphery. He lowered her onto the thickest roll. She immediately covered her breasts, and looked up at him with a mixture of embarrassment and shame. He cocked an eyebrow and shook his head, not wanting her to feel sorry for anything they shared on this trip. Dawson had a similar expression, and he crossed his arms over his chest when he came to stand beside Brad. “Uncross your arms and lay back, darlin’. You’re not going to hide that beautiful body from us, understand?” She kept her hands on her breasts, but leaned back in measured increments, her knees tightly together. Dawson slipped away to tend

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to the horses, which was odd, considering the sexual energy snapping in the air. Before he could say a word to the little redhead, the other cowboy returned, carrying her pink, vibrating dildo. Jane’s cheeks were pink from embarrassment, but she said nothing. No cursing, no insults, no demands. “Open your legs,” Dawson said. Brad had to stifle a laugh at the man’s bravery. Chase appeared to gain interest, coming to stand next to him. They all only wore boxer briefs, soaked to their skin. The last thing he worried about now was his physical comfort, not with his cock hard and ready. When she didn’t comply immediately, Dawson prodded her knees apart with his foot. She still wouldn’t open wider. The cowboy dropped to his knees, vibrator in hand. “You best learn to listen. Not only do bad girls never win, they also get punished.” He spread her legs wide at the knees, exposing her glistening pussy. The firelight highlighted her intimate parts like a work of art. “Drop your arms, darlin’.” This time she listened, but Brad could see she held her breath, her body stiff. Poor thing. With her arms and legs open, he could freely study her full breasts and tight, peachy nipples. He wanted a taste, more than a taste. Brad wanted to eat her pussy until she had his hair in both her fists, calling out in orgasm. “You remember your little travel buddy, don’t you?” Dawson held up the toy, and then ran the head of the silicone cock along her engorged clit. Her whole body trembled. “Yes, you do.” He twirled the tip in her overflow of moisture before forcing the phallus into her cunt. She let out a satisfied cry. The resulting echo spooked the horses. “Fuck,” murmured Chase. The other man held his hand to his groin, no doubt trying to calm the need Brad could understand too well. “You have no problem fitting nine inches of factory-made cock into your sweet little pussy. Do you like to be filled like this, or do

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you need more? Should I turn on the vibrator, suck your swollen little bud, or play with your ass some more?” She said nothing. “Tell me what you want, Jane, or I’ll choose for you.” Dawson shrugged nonchalantly and gripped the base of the toy. He pumped it in and out of her body, occasionally needing to stop her from covering her breasts or pulling her legs together. The sight was the most erotic thing Brad had ever seen. Jane’s sexy, petite body stretched out on the open prairie being fucked by a dildo. She writhed on the cot, arching up to capture more of the fake cock. God, he wanted to give her the real thing, ease her suffering, but he held back and allowed Dawson to lead this show. “Do want to come, Jane? Tell me or I can keep this up all night.” She licked her lips and swallowed, and then nodded. “You have to tell me.” “Make me come, okay!” **** Jane was on a new plane of sexual awakening. She’d already decided to try and be nicer, but allowing the men to seduce her had not been her plan. Something within her had been awakened, a need to be controlled, a desire to connect with a dominant man who wouldn’t put up with her shit. All three of her hired cowboys fit the bill. It had been liberating to hand over control, allow Dawson to order her into submission. Every illicit direction, every word, made her pussy tingle and throb as if hungry for every carnal, debased act the cowboys could conjure up. Now her need to reach that elusive peak was all she could focus on. She’d reveled in the sweet zone long enough, and needed a release before she lost her sanity. “Still a spitfire.” Dawson gently removed her toy and dropped it beside her. The void it left made her desperate. Still kneeling between her legs, he lowered his boxers enough to release his cock. The

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cowboy was even more well endowed than she’d imagined. Harder than oak by the looks of it. He caressed the length in a loose fist, watching her reaction. She was transfixed on the beautiful erection, so virile, thick, and straight. Inwardly, she sighed, knowing relief was only a foot away. But he made no move to drop down over her and fuck her like she needed. He stayed in place, using his hand to stroke his length. “Touch yourself. Make yourself come.” “But—” Jane didn’t want to get herself off. She wanted him, his cock, everything she knew he could do to her body. This just wasn’t acceptable. “Hush. We have two weeks to learn each others’ bodies.” The man had the control of a saint. Were all cowboys this way? Cruel, sadistic, and hotter than hell? She cursed under her breath and began to rub small circles over her clit. Normally she’d never be able to orgasm under her own touch, but she was so exposed, so turned on, that it would take little effort tonight. She beseeched Chase and Brad with her eyes, hoping they’d volunteer to fuck her. The audience made her more anxious, more desperate for release. Within minutes she felt heat bloom in her cunt, tightening and readying her for something monumental. When it erupted, she pressed down on her clit until the heavy pulsing eased, leaving her a panting, spineless heap. With her eyes half-mast, she watched Dawson jerk his cock to completion, a thick white arch of ejaculate releasing onto the grass near her bedroll. Jane wondered how she’d feel in the morning. Would she be her old, independent self, closing off any connection? Embarrassed and uncomfortable around the men? Or would sex be the only thing on her mind until she got it?

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Chapter Ten The day after the vibrator incident, they were all gone before she woke up. Brad ensured the extra horses were packed and ready, and he hoped she had the wits enough to follow the path they’d been taking the cattle on for two days. He’d watched her for a while before he got up to dress and wash up. When she slept, no irritation contorting her face, she looked like an angel. Now, more than ever, he wanted to ensure he got the cattle to the destination in time, unwilling to let her down. She’d fallen asleep like a baby the night before, but he’d lain awake for hours after jerking off. At least now he could expel his pent-up energy during the roundup. He rode his horse hard, focusing on moving the herd. Dust obscured his vision as he galloped from one end of the perimeter to the other, occasionally passing Dawson or Chase on horseback. His dog was an asset, appearing in his peripheral vision from time to time, doing his job tirelessly. By the time they took a lunch break, he could see the three horses nearing from the distance. He flipped open his saddlebag and took a long, much-needed drink of water. As she neared, there was no expression on her face, just a blank slate. He hoped she hadn’t reverted to the obnoxious woman who he’d first met. With an arm draped up over his saddle, water bottle in his other hand, he watched her as she made her slow, drawn-out approach. “Thanks for leaving without me again,” she said before slipped out of the saddle. At least she appeared more comfortable with heights than she had been the first couple days.

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“Didn’t want to wake the sleeping beauty.” He tucked his drink back in the leather pouch. “Have a good sleep?” “A thin cot on the rocky prairie floor? Not so much.” “You could have fooled me. After last night, you nodded off as if you were shot by a tranquilizer gun.” Now she scowled, losing that innocent quality she had when she slept. “I can hardly be blamed for what happened. Let’s never speak of last night again.” She began to fix her hair as she took a few steps to monitor the herd. “Are we still on schedule?” “If it was a small herd, we’d have them to the new fields in a few days. A herd this size with just the three of us is no easy task.” “Are we on schedule or not?” She looked tired and flustered, her usual irritation creeping back when he’d hoped it would stay away. “God willing. Now I best get back to work.” He was honestly disappointed she was being snappy. Brad was certain she was sweet deep down, but kept her true self hidden for some reason. He refused to deal with her if she continued to act like a spoiled brat. As soon as he adjusted his reins to mount his horse, he felt her hand on his bicep. “Don’t go yet. I’m sorry.” He smiled, removing his boot from the stirrup. “Was that so hard?” She shrugged. “You don’t understand. I wasn’t myself yesterday.” “Or maybe you let the real you out for a while?” He held out his hand, and she gave him a subtle smile and took it. Brad pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “You remind me of my youngest sister.” Jane looked up at him, the new sun reflected in her pretty green eyes. “A sister? Is that what you think of me? Even after last night?” “That’s not what I mean.” He tweaked her nose playfully. “You’re headstrong, stubborn, and downright impossible at times. But you have a good heart. I know it.” She sighed. “You didn’t look interested last night.”

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“That’s because Dawson was having his way. Doesn’t mean I didn’t want you. Not for a second.” He licked his lips and shifted to accommodate his thickening cock. “I bet you wouldn’t approve of your sister doing what I did, would you?” Jane bit her lower lip, her eyes wide in anticipation of his answer. He didn’t think of her as a whore. Anyone could fall in lust at any given time. It was only human. “No, I wouldn’t. But, like I said, you remind me of my sister’s qualities. That’s all. I don’t want to fuck my sisters.” “But you do me?” She whispered the words, seemingly as caught up in the shifting mood as Brad was. “I do.” His heart was pounding inside his chest. He’d have one shitty afternoon on the fields with a hard-on in his jeans. She trailed her free hand down his arm, watching her own movements as if fascinated by her own touch. “You’re strong. Do you work outside a lot at home?” “We have a fourth-generation cattle ranch. Since I’m the man of the house, everything falls on me. I work from sunup until sundown, seven days a week.” “That’s not very fun.” Her probing hand drifted down to his leather belt. “Where’d you get this?” she asked, lightly caressing the silver buckle. He had to find his voice. Her little hand was so fucking close to his cock, he could hardly think straight. “It was my daddy’s.” She halted and tilted her head before addressing him, her auburn hair falling to one side. “Why are you here if you have all that work to do back home?” “I need the money for something special.” He didn’t want to elaborate, so he shifted out of her grasp and pretended to assess the sky with his undivided attention. “Looks dark in the distance. We may come across some rain clouds tomorrow.” “Great.”

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He took a much-needed cleansing breath before turning around to face her again. If he allowed himself to explore his desire for Jane, he’d only be able to think about her naked and under him. He had a job to do, and intended to get it done. Her hand running up his back, under his T-shirt, made every muscle in his body tense. He briefly closed his eyes and savored the feel of her fingers exploring his skin. Damn, but it felt good, not just the touch, but because Jane made the first move. There had been a few times last night that he almost stepped in and told Dawson to knock it off, but he held back only because he knew she enjoyed the game. “Brad?” He exhaled and turned around, shackling both her wrists in his hands. “You’re playing with fire, sweetheart. If you push me, I’ll end up knocking you down to the grass right here and now.” **** It turned her on to see the sweetest cowboy of the three lose all control. His breathing had increased, his heavily muscled upper body heaving with each breath. Lust danced in his eyes, and his feral needs became prevalent. Sure, she’d gotten off with her hand last night, but it wasn’t nearly enough, not possibly what she required to satisfy her libido after what Dawson and Brad had put her through. It may be unladylike, but what the fuck did she care. She wanted Brad. Now. “I’m not breakable,” she said, hoping he wouldn’t be able to hold back another minute. The mere thought of him forcing her to the prairie floor, tearing off her clothes, and fucking her raw made her folds moisten. An insistence throbbing in her pussy continued to increase in intensity. Jane needed relief, and the dirty-blond cowboy in front of her couldn’t have been a better choice.

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“My mother raised a gentleman, but you’re not making this easy on me, darlin’.” “Being a gentleman is overrated.” Jane could have sworn she heard him growl, his steel-blue eyes lethally trained on her. He said nothing else as he reached for her waistband and tugged her against him. She could feel his rigid cock like concrete against her stomach. She wanted it inside her, pleasuring her, relieving the deep-seated itch that was driving her mad. She’d woken up in the morning with such a desperate need for sex it was unnerving. Then she realized the cowboys had left without her…again. Jane had to ride for hours in the saddle, every bump and movement stimulating her hypersensitive parts. Now she saw relief in the forecast. His schoolboy charm had vanished, replaced with a dominant masculine aura that made her breath catch. Brad lifted her shirt and peeled the cup of one bra down. He descended over her breast with no invitation, his hot mouth covering her areola and sucking greedily. His free hand roughly undid the button on her pants and snaked down the front. “Yes,” she murmured. Heat already flooded her system, pulling into that pre-orgasmic bliss, and they had barely started. Brad curled two fingers into her cunt, hitting her G-spot with every short thrust. He kissed up her chest, her neck, until finding her lips. She’d never been good with kissing, but wouldn’t refuse him when they were this far gone. His kiss was intoxicating, a thorough exploration, both sweet and erotic at the same time. She became lost to him, not just his lust, but something deeper. What would she give to find love, find a man worth holding on to? She pushed the fantasy away and tugged up his shirt, needing to see him in the flesh. Knowing she’d never turn back once she got a glimpse of his sculpted, tanned muscles. He removed his hand from her pants and chucked his shirt. She used her palms to feel every inch of his upper body, from his broad

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shoulders all the way to the trail of hair leading into his jeans. Jane dared to unbuckle him. He tilted her chin up and kissed her on the mouth again. She wasn’t used to such untamed passion from a man. The guys she’d dated were cold fish, mostly worried about their conference calls during sex or the dry cleaning they had to pick up. Her cowboys were true men, raised to know hard work intimately from a young age, like most Alberta ranchers. She knew they wouldn’t whine if hurt, or lie to get ahead at work. Their old-school values were less of a joke, and more of an appeal now. Why hadn’t she realized this before? The ground rumbled as the herd stampeded further away, only a distant storm of dust marking their retreat. She wondered if Chase and Dawson would show up soon, and it made her pussy tingle just remembering having three sets of eyes watching her pleasure herself, nude and vulnerable. “Do you have a man, Jane? Someone waiting for you when you go home?” “Just an empty condo. Not even a cat.” She giggled as she unzipped him, but didn’t have time to dip into his boxers before he tackled her to the ground. He used his arms as protective bars behind her back to keep the uneven earth off her. Chest to chest, he stopped to study her face, his eyes roaming over every feature. She wasn’t used to this—affection from a man, something deeper than a forgettable fuck. Jane wasn’t sure if she hated it, liked it, or had now become addicted to it. He tugged her pants down her hips. Brad looked like a starved man unsure where to indulge himself first. She felt every gaze burn into her flesh, leaving her a throbbing, needy mess. His muscles coiled tight as he supported his weight over her body. So tempting. She turned and kissed his hard forearm, loving his size and strength. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he said as he poised himself between her legs. She felt the head of his cock prod her slick folds. It was a tease when she could barely contain her excitement to be fucked by

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such a hot cowboy. She knew she wanted this, not just because she was pent up, but more than that. Jane had allowed herself to tear down some of her protective barriers with these men. She submitted and reveled in the glory of it all, the eroticism, and liberation. “You can’t hurt me, Brad. Give it to me hard.” He delivered, pulling back and thrusting into her cunt in a smooth, easy entry. Once fully seated, she savored the tightness, the fullness of being filled to the max. She dropped her head back and looked up into the great blue beyond around her. This was the first time she’d had sex outdoors. The smell of the fields, the gentle breeze, the warmth of the man above her staving off any chill to her exposed flesh—it was surreal, a dream she never wanted to end. “Darlin’, you feel incredible.” Brad drove into her with skill and the impressive cock God gave him. He satisfied her ache, his pubic hair rubbing her clit on each up-thrust, bringing her closer and closer to detonation. She was so lost to the combination of passion from his gentle caresses and kisses, and the intensity of his lovemaking. Jane didn’t even hear the horse hooves approaching, not with the movement of cattle and hot breath in her ear. She could feel Brad’s dick pulse as he came, hot spurts of cum filling her body as he released with a satisfied groan. His weight briefly dipped, cutting off her air before he righted himself. “Thank you,” he whispered, kissing her nose as he pulled free of her body. “Don’t be angry with me. I would have held off for you, but it appears we have company.” Jane tried to focus on what he said, still on the cusp of orgasm, and left hanging to dry. She heard them before she saw them. “You want the real thing now, do you, baby doll? The rubber toys no longer cutting it?” She wanted to tell Dawson to fuck off and give her what she wanted without being a jerk, but she was too hotwired for sex to argue with him. Besides, the man looked sinfully delicious in his cowboy hat, chaps, and spurs. She wanted him to ride her with the same

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dominance he showed with the horses, spurs and all. Hard, fast, and dirty. Chase stood over her, blotting out the sun. Brad had tossed his Tshirt over her when he stood to give her some decency, and now she sat up holding it over her nudity. “This what you hired us for? Maybe I should have asked for half the money up front.” Her nerves fired off. They’d gone this far on the trip without mention of payment, but now of all times, Chase brings it up. Did he actually think she was some depraved slut, luring cowboys into the grasslands for an orgy? She cringed envisioning herself through his eyes. Jane was not a harlot, a city socialite, or anyone of importance. The most daring thing she did was wear sexy stilettos to work, but that was the most of it—her shoe fetish. She blamed these men and their stupid, sexy bodies, deep voices, and rugged appeal. So what if they judged her falsely? She shouldn’t care, not when she’d never see them again when the cattle drive was over. But Jane did care. She wanted Chase to want her, to accept her. That’s what she did in life. She seduced the men she dated until they fell for her, and then she lost interest. Fucking daddy issues. Right now she needed a reality check, someone to give her a shake so she’d stop replaying the dysfunctional relationship cycle in her life.

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Chapter Eleven Chase had seen Brad lift off their boss lady. She was no innocent summer rose. She’d just fucked a virtual stranger on the dirt and grass like an animal. He wasn’t sure why it made him so angry. It wasn’t his concern who she shared her body with. She wasn’t his sister, or even his girlfriend. Did he want her to choose him? No. He wasn’t interested in the complications of a relationship, whether casual or serious. Chase was already pressured enough by his mother to settle down, so he tended to avoid the potential for real intimacy. He’d choose a woman when he was good and ready. Besides his feelings of indifference to Jane and Brad’s new status, he had to worry about the actual job. His brothers would laugh him out into the fields if he came home without getting paid. They’d warned him the roundup was probably a scam, but he insisted it was legit. He had to make sure he completed his job, got him money, and returned to his real life. Jane was just a fantasy. A beautiful city girl used to glitz, glam, and men doting over her like a princess. She wouldn’t get that from him. She probably bought and sold men like him every day. When he decided to settle down, if he decided to settle down, it would be with a woman who had a balanced head on her shoulders. She wouldn’t be scared of hard work, would know how to handle livestock, and wouldn’t give him a headache every time she opened her mouth. Jane. Why the fuck couldn’t he stop thinking about her? She was everything he didn’t want in a woman, and she’d willingly bedded another man without hesitation. He needed to steer clear of her for the next week or so.

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“Don’t look at me like that! Are you a saint, Chase Garner?” “No, but I know when something’s fishy. It just seems too lucky for three cowboys lookin’ for money to come across a too-good paycheck and a gorgeous city girl willing to submit to them.” “You think I’m gorgeous?” “Obviously. You’re the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen.” She bit her lip and rubbed her legs together. He hadn’t lied. Chase liked his women petite and curvy. “I’m not here to hurt anyone. I just want to get my uncle’s herd moved by the deadline, pay you each your ten thousand, and be on my way.” It sounded good to him, if it were true. They’d worked themselves to the bone all morning. Chase craved a good meal, comfortable bed, and a bottle of Molson while he watched a game on satellite. Those days would have to wait. Now, the most he could hope for was getting a decent fire started so they could prepare some beans and coffee. “Don’t worry about Chase. I don’t plan on refusing you.” Dawson stripped off his shirt and used it to wipe the sweat and dust from his face. The drifter was heavily muscled with numerous scars marring his back, no doubt from being gouged on more than one occasion. His neighbor, Wyatt, had similar scars from travelling with the rodeo for over a decade. As the other man crouched down beside Jane, Chase’s ribs felt as if they were clamping down on his heart and lungs, making it difficult to breathe. He didn’t want Dawson to take what he wanted, but was too proud and cautious to take. “Never said I was refusing her.” He began to unbuckle his Wranglers, eager to connect with the beauty on the ground now that he’d mentally committed to taking her. It felt foreign to share or have other men watch, but then again, last night had been one of the most titillating experiences of his life. Even if she accepted him, their intimacy wouldn’t go anywhere, it would just be sex. But right now it’s all he could think about.

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“Then we’ll share her,” said Dawson, a determined gleam in his eyes. **** Jane wanted to feel all three men—to touch their muscles, feel the sweat glistening on their bodies—and allow them to ride her hard. But even being denied the orgasm which had loomed on the cusp of release, she began to feel like a piece of meat, and didn’t like it. The other two cowboys had converged on her, stripping off their shirts, and making it harder to say “no” to them. She scooped up her clothes, danced into her jeans, and returned to her horse. “Hey, where you going, darlin’?” Dawson called after her. “Like Chase said, this isn’t why I came here. I think I had a bout of temporary insanity, but it won’t happen again.” She dug in the saddlebag to search for something to nibble on. It was hard going without her Starbucks latte every morning, and she missed her berry yogurt. The diet during a cattle drive left little to be desired. She consoled herself with the idea that she’d probably lose five pounds by the time she returned to the city. Jane looked up at the sky, noting the sun still high and unrelenting. She wished the days could pass quicker so she could get the hell away from these men. Her past relationships had been brief, but she’d never willingly participated in a one-night stand. Something about these cowboys made her eager to toss her standards just to experience what they could give her. She wanted more, too, but had to get her act together. The whole point of this trip was to fulfill the stipulations of her uncle’s will. Once she succeeded she could quit her miserable job and have some security in her life. If she blew her chance by flitting away time consorting with her crew, she’d only have herself to blame.

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She could worry about other long-term concerns like relationships once she returned home. Not having a job to worry about would give her more free time to meet men. Men like Brad, or Chase, or Dawson? Jane shook her head to dismiss the idea. None of these guys had long-term potential written on them. They were too hot, no doubt players with countless cowgirls sniffing around them when they weren’t trapped out on the fields. Jane couldn’t deal with another deadbeat. The whole commitment, open-yourself-up-to-your-partner thing—it just never worked for her. Exposing her inner thoughts and fears would set her up for pain and disappointment. She’d witnessed how much her mother suffered over the years, and she refused to be like her. “I’m sorry. Are you mad?” Brad touched her shoulder from behind making her jump. She hadn’t realized how affected she was by everything that had just happened. “No. I’m just disappointed with myself. That wasn’t like me at all.” “I don’t think any less of you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He stilled her hands as she fidgeted with her horse’s saddle. “Jane, look at me.” Why was he doing this to her? He’d gotten what he wanted. “What!” He laughed and pulled her against his chest as if she were his. “Still feisty.” His calm, gentle nature soothed her, but also brought her emotions to the surface. She looked to the side. Dawson and Chase were standing in the clearing, out of earshot. “I came here to conduct a business arrangement. I wanted to keep professional, to present a certain image, and I failed royally.” Brad draped his arms around the small of her back. “It’s a cattle drive, sweetheart. There ain’t no room for fancy arrogance. Just be yourself…because that’s the kind of girl I could fall in love with.” Her eyes darted up to his. “You did not just say that.”

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He kissed her forehead, ignoring her comment. “We best get moving. We have to push the cattle another two miles before we settle for the night.” Jane watched him return to the other men. They already got along so well, talking, joking, and working together like a well-oiled machine. When the three were grouped together they emitted so much testosterone that she couldn’t think straight. What would it feel like if they played games with her again like last night? What if they went further this time? She craved to submit to Dawson again, to feel Brad’s fingers probing her virgin ass, and she wanted to know Chase intimately. Her pussy sparked to life again, demanding to be touched and fucked. Get ahold of yourself, woman! Jane mounted her horse, ready for two miles of torture with her pussy rubbing against the Western saddle once again. She began to doubt her choice in rejecting Chase and Dawson and their promise of sweet relief. “Darlin’, we’re heading out. Follow behind us,” called Brad after he saddled up. His smile had a direct effect on her mood. She responded with feigned irritation because it’s what they’d expect from her by now. But, on the inside, her body glowed every time he gave her a bit of attention—a smile, a touch, a kind word. Hours later, when they had the cattle settled and grazing, the three cowboy riders rode back to meet her. Her heart went out to them. Even though she planned to pay them very well, the job was taxing. Each man was sweaty, weary looks on their faces, and clothing dusty and dirty. Dawson dropped down onto two booted feet, his spurs ringing. He brushed his hat across his leather chaps, and then stretched out his long, lean-muscled body. “A chuck wagon would be a welcome sight about now,” he said. “I’m starving, myself.” Chase dismounted and led the horses to the small patch of trees on the vast, open land. “I’ll get a fire going and we can heat up what we have.”

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“We should try and snare a rabbit when we reach the Highland Forest tomorrow. Some fresh meat would do us a world of good,” said Brad. Dawson sat on the grass and tugged off his boots, then removed his chaps. She watched, awestruck, from her perch on her horse as he slipped his shirt off and dropped down to his back. “Rather than frolicking around the prairie while we work, you should be preparing our meals like a good woman.” She knew he was goading her, and it worked. “A good woman? I guess I’ll never be one then. Barefoot and pregnant, living in the kitchen, is not the life for me.” “Right. The city girl’s too good for country living,” said Chase, now creating a makeshift fire pit. “I never said that. But just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I should be expected to cook. I don’t even cook for myself at home.” “You sound like my sister.” Chase shook his head in mock irritation. The mood wasn’t heavy, but calm and tranquil, despite their little spat. The sun was setting, and the heat less intense. She finally slipped off her horse once the men had the fire roaring and a couple pots positioned over the flames. Her stomach was beginning to grumble. Every step she took crunched the dry grass beneath her shoes. It was all golden, scorched, unlike the prairie near her uncle’s ranch. “Hope you’re not too good for beans and dry bacon,” said Dawson, now lying on his side facing the fire. He poked the flames with a stick, his eyes dreamy and distant. The man didn’t have an inch of extra fat. Too bad she felt like throttling him half the time. “Stop saying that! You make me feel like a bitch.” She twirled her sweat-streaked hair up in a loose roll and secured it with the hair tie she kept around her wrist. The gentle breeze on her moist neck felt heavenly. “Hot, sweetheart?” Brad rose from his crouch beside the fire and approached her. “You’re dressed too heavily.”

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“Don’t get excited, cowboy. I don’t plan on getting naked again.” She sat down cross-legged a few feet from the fire. The heat was slightly uncomfortable, but the scent of food and coffee was pleasant. Maybe tomorrow she’d try and do some of this herself. The men looked so exhausted, and couldn’t relax because they had to care for themselves. “Even if you were, I don’t think I’d have the energy.” Brad winked, and sat next to her. As the sun lowered on the horizon, the quiet hush around them increased, leaving Jane slightly on edge. She shifted closer to Brad, feeling a sense of comfort and protection from his presence. The little cowdog appeared from seemingly out of nowhere, whining near the fire. Brad reached into one of the leather bags on the ground and pulled out a piece of dry meat, tossing it in the air. The dog caught the food with ease, and slunk off to enjoy its meal in peace. “I almost forgot about him,” she said. “He’s there when I need him. Butch had a long, hard day, same as us. He’ll sleep like a log.” Brad suddenly put an arm around her shoulders, tugging her enough that she’d lean against him. She tensed at first, but thought better and relaxed her muscles. The rise and fall of his chest, and the sound of his breathing, it all lulled her after a long day under the sun. Chase passed her a metal cup filled with black coffee. Normally she’d never touch the stuff without milk and sugar, but anything looked appealing about now. “Thank you.” “Tell me, Jane Williams. Why the whole roundup? You don’t seem the type itching for a wilderness adventure. Did your uncle leave you these animals?” Chase cupped his own mug as he dropped down to his hip and elbow. Dawson looked like he’d fallen asleep, a forearm draped over his eyes as he lay a few feet away on his back. “They’re mine.” Almost. “I wanted to experience a real cattle drive for myself. Just the once.”

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“Doesn’t sound like you, sweetheart.” Chase eyed her suspiciously, but dropped the subject. Darkness crept in, making the firelight appear brighter, and the periphery of their little circle more menacing. “Are you going to move up here and take over your uncle’s ranch?” asked Brad. She scoffed. “Are you kidding me? I’d die if I had to live out here. No stores, no people, just acres of nothingness and mindless animals.” “I don’t know.” Brad patted his lap, signaling her to use him as a pillow. With her eyelids heavy, she shifted down to her side. He ran his fingers through her hair. She drifted, savoring the feel of his touch as she listened to the crackle of the fire and chorus of crickets. “I could see you as a country girl. The prairies grow on you. You may just have a change of heart over the next week.” She never gave him a comeback, because she was too lost to the rustic lullaby.

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Chapter Twelve The distant thunder boomed, echoing ominously across the open land. Dawson mentally tallied each rumble, knowing the storm would be upon them within an hour. They were six days into their trip, and he needed to start slowing them up. Chase and Brad were determined and hardworking, but he assumed their herculean efforts were due to the hot little number riding with them. Dawson had to remind himself that he was there to keep Jane from reaching her goal. He’d use the rain as an excuse to stall their progress. “We better set up shelter before the rain hits,” said Chase from behind him. Dawson had checked their supplies more than once, but they were ill prepared for inclement weather. After travelling for days in drought-like conditions, he honestly hadn’t expected to come across a storm system this soon. It was a blessing and a curse. They needed the rain, as did the land, but they were in for some miserable sleeping conditions with the measly gear they had packed. “I assume you didn’t find anything of use?” “No, no tarps.” They were in the heart of the prairie now, the longest stretch of open land before they started coming upon the occasional mixed forest. “We’ll have to bunker down and pray it’s not too bad. Stake the horses, because if they spook, we’ll be fucked.” Dawson turned his attention to the redhead and her shadow, Brad. The younger cowboy was smitten, it was written all over his face, mirrored in his actions, and nearly tangible when he was close to Jane. Dawson remembered falling in love. He also remembered the pain of losing it. It wasn’t something he ever planned to risk again.

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Brad would have to learn the hard way, and with a smart, modern woman like Jane, she’d eat him alive and spit him out when it was time to move on to one of her fancy suits in the city. He pushed thoughts of Jane and love out of his head because they served no purpose but to make his heart ache. Dawson preferred living on his own, keeping his matters private. That way there was no one to disappoint him. The clouds blocked out all starlight, so the night was blinding, and soon the small fire would be snuffed out by the increased wind and approaching rain. They all tucked their bedrolls in close together, making a protective nest of bodies with Jane in the center. “This will put us back a day in progress,” said Brad. “By morning, the cattle will be scattered, and we’ll have to work extra hard just to get back to where we left off tonight.” “But we have to make it! I only have seven days left. You promised, Brad.” “I’ll do my best, darlin’, but I can’t play God.” Chase leaned up on an elbow. “If we’re a few days late, it shouldn’t matter to you. Your uncle’s ranch is worth plenty, so if you’re late returning to work, it shouldn’t make or break you.” He dropped back down on his blanket, arms cradled under his head. “If you’re worried about paying me more than we contracted for, don’t. Just pay me what you owe, and that’s that. So stop worrying about deadlines.” “I do worry. And so should you, Chase Garner. If I don’t get these stupid cows to their new grounds by twelve o’clock in seven days, I lose everything.” Dawson’s attention perked up. He narrowed his eyes and leaned closer. “Lose what exactly?” “Everything! The ranch isn’t even mine, but it will be if I succeed in this ridiculous stipulation of my uncle’s will.”

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“Wait a minute. Your daddy’s rich too, ain’t he? I mean, you’re paying us our fee whether or not you meet your deadline, eh?” Chase sat up now, his blanket pooling at his waist. “Didn’t I mention that? I thought I did. Obviously I won’t be able to pay you if I don’t get my inheritance.” The girl spoke so nonchalantly. They’d broken their backs for days, possibly for nothing. It didn’t bother Dawson, because he had ulterior motives and would get paid regardless, but the other two cowboys would no doubt be growing hot under the collar about now. “Jane, I was counting on that money, darlin’.” Brad actually spoke out against the woman who appeared to hold his heart for so many days. “Counting? No, I fucking need that money. I’m supposed to be home working my own fields and tending my own animals. This is one of the busiest times of the year.” Chase stood up, even with the storm a breath away. “If anything happens to my little sister while I’m gone, God help you!” He bound off, disappearing into the darkness. “Look, I’m sorry, okay? I meant to tell you. I’m not a rich executive. I’m a secretary with two bucks to my name. There was no way I’d be able to do a roundup on my own, and who do you know that would offer to do it for free?” “Maybe if you were honest and forthcoming, we’d have wanted to help. But instead you acted all high and mighty to make us feel as if we belonged beneath your heels.” Brad exhaled and stayed quiet for a couple minutes, which felt like hours. “We’ll get the cattle moved by the deadline. That’s all there is to it.” The following silence had the lethality of a sharpened blade. Jane rose from between them. “I’m sorry. I have to find Chase.” She bolted off without listening to their protests. ****

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“Chase!” she called out into the black void around her. Her fears had adrenaline pumping through her bloodstream. Even though they were on miles of open land, with little threat of wildlife, her nerves still flared. It was no different than swimming in a pool at night. Even though you knew there were no sharks about to bite your legs off, your imagination would run wild. Not unlike now. She’d braved the spooky unknown because her conscience was eating her alive. Chase had grown on her, as all three men had. When you lived day in, day out with people, it was hard not to connect, to care. This was the moment she’d dreaded, the moment she had to fess up about the payment arrangement. They were halfway to their destination, so it seemed like a good time to come clean. It hadn’t gone well, but what did she really expect? The men had worked like dogs and treated her well. She wanted them to get their money more than she cared about getting the inheritance for herself. “What do you want?” His deep, masculine voice came from right behind her, startling her enough that she let out a yelp. She turned and reached for Chase, unable to see where he stood. Her hands found the hardness of his chest, which she instinctively had to explore. “I’m sorry. As long as we make it, you’ll still get your money.” “If we make it. I don’t like being lied to, Jane.” “I never lied. I just didn’t offer you all the details.” She spoke softly, hoping to appeal to his emotions. It seemed she’d been trying to gain Chase’s approval for the whole trip, and now he was downright pissed with her. She wanted him to forgive her, understand, and accept her as a business partner…and as a woman. His skin felt so warm. She wanted to cuddle up close to him and bask in his heat. The storm had brought a chilling breeze with it, and without the strength of the sun, she felt the effects all the way to her bones. She wasn’t thick-skinned and muscled like her companions. Although she prided herself on her independence at home, she wanted

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to let it all go now, and allow these men to take control. Jane was as tired of the charade as she was with her so-called life. “Where I come from, that’s no better than a lie.” He exhaled, his rigid muscles loosening under her touch. “I don’t know what to believe about you. What’s real and what’s fake?” His arms shifted, and then the flame from a lighter appeared between them. He looked shadowed like a predator. God, she wanted him. “Tell me.” “What do you want me to say, Chase?” He used his free hand to tug her against him, his other hand holding up the flame so they could see the glint in each others’ eyes. “Tell me something real. We’ve been out here for a week, and all I’ve seen is an empty Barbie Doll.” Jane had honestly felt things had changed over the past few days. She didn’t complain as much, tried to help out, and had grown closer to the cowboys—especially Brad. The prairies started out as a nightmare, but grew on her until her heart went soft at the sight of a sunset, or when a calf ate from her hand. “I’m real. You can see me and feel me, can’t you?” “That’s not enough. Tell me about you. Why you’re here. Give me a reason to give a shit, Jane.” “I don’t know! I was told I’d inherit my uncle’s ranch if I participated in a cattle run. The problem is, I know nothing about ranch life, and my uncle knew that! Why he set me up for failure, I’ll never know, because he’s gone.” Where the fuck were the emotions coming from? She was a self-professed ice-queen. Burying her memories and feelings kept her free from heart ache. She had only positive memories of her Uncle Williams until now, and although she’d missed his funeral, she thought she'd dealt with the loss. “If he were here I’d ask why he’d dangle peace and security in front of my face when he knew I’d never be able to reach it.” “What are you talking about? You’re a Williams girl. You should be rolling in money.”

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“Wrong. My mother was shunned from the family for hooking up with my father and having me out of wedlock. I never met the bastard who fathered me because he was gone before I was born. Life has been one pile of shit after the other, but I make the best of what I’ve been dealt. Like now. We have seven more days to get the cattle moved. Then everyone will be happy.” “Why’d your uncle give you this chance if he disowned your mother? A real man would have helped her, not turned his back.” “I don’t blame my uncle.” Tears pricked at the backs of her eyes. “He was the only one who reached out to my mother. He let me come to his ranch during the summer months. Those were some of the happiest memories in my life. I don’t why he’d test me like this now. It doesn’t make sense.” She bit her lip, hoping the pain would stifle her rising emotions. Jane had been so busy the past couple weeks arranging the trip that she hadn’t had time to reflect…or grieve. Her uncle loved her, she knew he did. She also knew he’d reached out to her mother, his sister, when no one else would but the woman was too stubborn to take his help. Why the stipulation? “He loved you.” Her eyes flashed up to his. His voice had been gentle and certain, unlike his the explosive irritation he’d just displayed. “How would you know?” “My mother would do the same thing. Mr. Williams knew what you needed more than you did, darlin’. I think the city’s eating you alive, stealing what makes you human. Nothin’ like the prairies to show you how insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things.” “A lesson?” It made perfect sense. Her uncle always tried to teach her new things, expand her horizons when she received no culture living in the cramped, subsidized apartment with her mother growing up. Chase ran his hand up and down her back. She watched the flickering flame from his lighter. The storm was closer now. “A lesson in life. Your uncle was an old-school cowboy. He’d want you

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to love the land and animals before handing them over to your trust. Does that make sense, sweetheart? It doesn’t mean he didn’t love you.” She whispered, “I wish I could have said good-bye.” Then a couple tears escaped, trailing hot streaks down her cheek. Chase surprised her, leaning down and kissing her tears away, then moved to her moist lips. Her emotions were coiled tight. She hadn’t expected any sort of affection from Chase of all people. “We’ll get the cattle moved in time. Don’t worry, darlin’.” He muttered his words between gentle kisses. His hand snaked just under the waistband of her jeans at her back. “I’m tired of life, Chase. Tired of everything.” “Let me take care of you.” He kissed her lips so deep that she had no choice but to close her eyes and drop her head back. When she opened her eyes again, the tiny light was gone, and both Chase’s hands were on her hips, squeezing and testing. A crack of thunder sounded, much closer than it had been. She flinched. The following flash of lightning briefly revealed the hungry cowboy looming over her. “I’ve wanted you from the first moment I saw you.” “I’m not like my mother. I don’t sleep around.” He knew about the one time she messed around with Brad, and it ate at her a bit each day. She didn’t want the men thinking less of her. There was just something about this place, and these specific cowboys, that did crazy things to her libido. But what they thought of her was even more important than her desire for them. “I don’t care about your mother, just you.” If only that were true. If only she could rely on a man, drop down her guards enough to love and be loved. She could feel the firmness of his erection pressed tight against her. Knowing he was aroused for her, rather than angry, made her nearly dizzy with need. Just when she was ready to let it all go, to give herself body and soul over to this virtual stranger, the rain fell. It was as if the heavens

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opened up and let the water loose. The rain was cold and heavy, soaking her hair and shirt within seconds. Chase grabbed her hand and ran. She held on and plodded blindly behind him, waving her free hand around in fear of slamming into something, even though there was nothing but grassland. The remnants of a fire gave a faint glow of illumination as they neared the campsite. “You found him,” Dawson shouted over the roar of the rain. The fire fizzled and steamed until gone completely. Their blankets would be soaked, and they had no shelter, not even a natural barrier of trees. She wrapped her arms around Chase, unwilling to brave the storm alone, and needing him more than ever for a lifeline. “Any ideas?” Chase asked. A light appeared, giving her something to focus on other than a black slate. Brad crouched low, winding a plastic lantern to life. “This will help. But I can’t imagine getting much sleep tonight.” She wasn’t sure who started, but soon they were all laughing hysterically. Jane was drenched to the skin, her hair plastered to her face, and nipples pebbled from the cold. A week ago she’d be pissed out of her mind being in such a miserable situation. Now it was just funny. She felt like a girl again, carefree and innocent, a lifetime of possibilities ahead of her. They all joined each other on the ground, foreheads together in a makeshift circle, and the lantern set in the middle. “So, how long do these flash rainfalls usually last,” she asked. “Could be hours or days,” said Dawson. “Let’s hope for hours then.” Hours was still a long time to put life on hold and huddle together. “And hope we don’t all catch pneumonia.” “There are other ways to keep warm.” Chase squeezed her hand, his eyes holding the same heat they’d shared in private. The moment he suggested intimacy, her pussy responded, nearly stealing her breath. The mixture of emotion, laughter, letting go, and the crazy

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weather were enough for her to become open to the idea of one crazy night. It wasn’t as if there hadn’t been sexual tension the past week. “I’m very cold,” she whispered, just loud enough to be heard in their little circle. “It’ll be wet and dirty. You sure a city girl can handle that kind of lovin’?” asked Dawson. “With three hardcore cowboys?” “How hard?” she teased. Dawson smirked in that devilish way that made him even more handsome. Water streamed down from his bangs. She wanted to lick the drops running over his thick lips. The men parted, rising to their feet, allowing the rain to fall down full force over her face and body. Dawson sat his Stetson on her head after standing up, which kept the rain out of her eyes. The blurred light reflected off bare skin, highlighting rippled muscles and delicious contours. She shivered with her drenched clothes on, and couldn’t imagine getting naked under the chilly conditions, but knew she wouldn’t say no to anything.

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Chapter Thirteen Brad never stopped thinking about the night Dawson had Jane pinned naked and needy on ground, touching herself as she writhed like a wild woman. Since then he’d experienced her body, shared an intimacy that the other two cowboys could only dream about. Now they planned to take what was his. He wasn’t foolish enough to believe Jane loved him. They’d only just met, but there was something special between them, a connection even she couldn’t deny. He loved caring for her, teaching her the ways of the land, and reveled with each new experience that lit up her pretty green eyes. Brad had always wanted a woman of his own, children, and a family. It was a dream that continually got postponed due to his responsibilities on his ranch. His momma had no husband, he’d died when Brad was young, and he had three sisters he felt responsible for. Only his oldest sister had moved out and married. She was the reason why he took the job Jane offered in the first place. “Jane, you don’t have to do this, you know.” He knelt down beside her while the other men stripped off their clothes. If he had to, he’d die defending her honor. It’s what any good cowboy would do. Women were supposed to be cared for and cherished. Even modern, ornery women who claimed they could take care of themselves. “I think I want to. Don’t you?” Her eyes were glazed over, already committed to offering her body for play. “I know I want you. You sure you want to share with them?” He wanted her to say “no,” say that he was the only one she wanted, but knew it wasn’t going to happen.

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“Of course she does. Stop trying to hog her for yourself. I don’t see a ring on her finger.” Chase crouched down low and kissed her on the lips. Odd, possessive urges assaulted Brad. After their shared intimacy, days ago, he couldn’t stop thinking of her, wanting to claim her as his own. If he had to choose a wife, she’d look just like Jane. Long reddish hair which shimmered in the sunlight, eyes as green as emeralds, and milky white skin he could sample all day long. She wasn’t fat, but not stick-thin, either. He could still remember how her tight pussy hugged his cock, and he desperately wanted to indulge in her sweet heat once again. Despite the snooty show she gave early on, he knew there was much more to the woman than met the eye. And she liked his dog, which said a lot in his book. Dawson joined them, appearing from the static rainfall. This whole idea was pure craziness, but also the hottest thing he’d ever done. Brad was at his sexual peak, easily able to fuck several times a day, but here he was, traveling for days on end with no relief, and his dream woman beside him twenty-four-seven. He wasn’t a playboy, but at least he had the privacy to jerk-off back home. “Baby doll, get out of them wet clothes. We’re gonna have some fun with you, and soon you’ll forget all about rain.” Dawson removed the last article of his clothing, leaving him completely nude, his cock bouncing freely in front of him. Jane’s eyes widened at the sight. “I know you like it when I take charge, but if things go too far and you want us to stop, you need to use a safe word. Without the safe word, we’ll keep on doing whatever we’re doing despite your protests. Only the safe word will get us to stop. Understand?” Jane nodded. “What’s the word?” “Whatever you want. Think quick.” Dawson stoked his erection, no signs of modesty whatsoever. “How about Alberta? It’s not something I’d say in the throes of passion.”

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What the fuck did Dawson have planned for his woman? A safe word meant there would be pain or discomfort involved, and he didn’t like the sound of that. He was surprised Jane agreed to go along with any of this. “Good girl.” Dawson helped her to her feet and began undressing her. The sopping wet articles of clothing fell heavily to the ground. Her breasts were full and perky, the dusky pink nipples tempting little buds. Chase stood next to him, watching in silence. They were all waterlogged, and seeing through the torrential rain proved difficult, but not impossible. “I’ve never seen a lovelier body, darlin’.” Brad couldn’t wait. He needed to touch her, taste her, be closer than even the few feet separating them. Before he could reach out and touch the moist peak of her breast, Dawson blocked his path. “She’s not just for you,” Brad warned. “She has to earn your attention.” “She has my full attention already.” Dawson growled, the rain dripping over his heavy scowl. “If you want to touch her, give her something to do first. She needs to obey.” “Stop it, Dawson!” Jane kicked off her shoes to release her pants. Her breasts jiggled temptingly. Brad swore his dick would explode if he had to wait much longer. “You gonna use your safe word already, baby doll? The fun hasn’t even started.” Dawson stepped closer and grabbed her wrist, bringing her hand to his cock. She wrapped her hand around his girth. Her irritation vanished. Jane leaned into Dawson, their dripping, bare flesh rubbing together. “I’m not as delicate as you might think, cowboy.” She dropped down to her knees, mud from the earth splashing up on her thighs. Brad watched in rapt awe as she wrapped a fist around the base of his cock and brought it to her lips. She sucked greedily, her cheeks hollowing each time she pulled back. He wanted to feel her mouth around him.

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Brad’s trepidation and hesitation about sharing Jane seemed to slip away with the rain drops running down his arms. He began tugging off the clothes clinging to his body. The lantern light waved, but Chase wound the crank before it could die completely. Thunder rolled overhead, followed by shocking flashes of light that highlighted their illicit act. Brad cursed under his breath. If his momma knew what he was doing, she’d hide him good. But right now nothing mattered but the uninhibited woman willing to share her beautiful body with three randy cowboys. He kicked off his boxer briefs, leaving him naked and ready. Chase had stripped at some point, too. Four naked bodies in the open prairie, dark and wet, ready for a dirty night of fucking. **** A storm on the prairies created a different world. There was no city, no bills, no will stipulations, no Tim Hortons runs. It was just Jane and three hard-muscled cowboys that wanted her. This wasn’t pity, or some loser who barely tolerated her. They emitted a passion so strong it was palpable, sparking in the air around her, filling her blood with heat. She already developed an emotional bond with Bradley. From the first day she was drawn to his genuine nature and calm strength. She could even envision a future with him, because the thought of walking away in another week and never hearing his deep, slow drawl again filled her with dread. Chase was a continual challenge. She nagged him about smoking and working too late into the night. Why did she care? He had such a raw, rugged appeal and the little girl inside her wanted him to accept her. Accept her because her father and every other man in her life had rejected her. Dawson was different. There was no emotional bond between them, as if he held back, built a brick wall between them. Yet the sexual energy he emitted was unparalleled. Just a look from his

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narrowed eyes made her ready and willing to submit, to drop down to her knees and suck his cock, like she did now. She tucked her safe word away in her head, knowing she wouldn’t be using it. Didn’t want to use it. Dawson’s strong hands held the sides of her head, assisting her in gliding over his length. She gagged slightly, but never faltered, savoring the thick cock in her mouth. The other two cowboys had to be watching, which turned her on more than if they were alone in a private bedroom. There was so much water flowing over them from the storm, coating the dick in her mouth with cool, refreshing water, distinct from the tart pre-cum she could taste. “That’s enough, little one. I don’t want this to end just yet.” He removed her from his cock, leaving her anxious for more. Her pussy pulsed in deep, distracting waves. She stood up on wobbly knees and brushed her slick hair from her face. Jane closed her eyes and faced the sky, savoring the shower falling over her. The rain signified a cleansing of sorts. She didn’t want to be the girl she was a week ago, existing, but not really living. Country living, nature, the cowboys— they were real, they gave her soul peace. Chase had been right, she was an empty Barbie Doll, only living for the outside image and material success. Brad and Chase moved in, touching her, kissing her. Their hard muscles were cool and slippery, heavenly under her fingertips. She couldn’t seem to have enough of them. One of the hands that were wrapped around her smoothed down the curve of her ass, inching closer to her nether hole. The gentle caress over her ass ignited deeper desires, a raw anticipation of what taking three men entailed. Could she handle what she knew was coming? She could feel their wet cocks prodding her stomach and side. It excited her. Jane wanted one of those virile erections to fill the void in her aching pussy. But she wanted more than straight sex. She wanted

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to know what love felt like, to have sex with a man who she couldn’t live without. How did they feel about her? Was it all about an easy lay, or had they grown close enough to her over the past week that they could see a future with her? “Careful you don’t break me,” she said before Brad’s lips crashed against hers. During the kiss, she lost herself—it was just her and him, and endless possibilities. “Don’t you know the cowboy motto, darlin’? Ride ’em hard and put ’em away wet. It has nothing to do with horses.” Chase impaled her pussy with two thick fingers. “You’ll never settle for a city boy again.” She didn’t want a city boy anymore. Jane wanted these men, real men, and she wanted them to want her even more. “Yes!” Jane moaned against Brad’s mouth as Chase’s fingers teased her cunt. “Like that?” Dawson was behind her, nipping her shoulder. The darkness made their act more sensual, forbidden. Shadows and light blended the three men into one. She didn’t know whose finger impaled her ass, suckled her tit, or kissed her clit. She began to spiral out of control, lost to the depravity and never wanting it to end. The cowboys turned feral, bringing her down like a herd of lions to a kill. Her back hit the squishy grass, cool mud coating her back as the warm bodies cocooned her in male warmth. She felt dirty in a good way. When one of her men lowered their weight over her, she eagerly wrapped her legs around him, unwilling to let him escape. She used the minimal light from the old lantern to focus on the face in front of her. Dawson’s expression was blank, his eyes intense, staring at her as if seeking her very soul. “Please,” she begged, desperate for relief. “I think it’s better if I stay out of this.” He rolled off her, and Chase took his place before she could mourn the loss of his body against hers. Dawson was the one she expected to lead this party, to bring her to new heights of pleasure. What had she done wrong? Why did he suddenly lose interest in her?

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“Bring her to her side,” said Brad. Chase rolled her to the right, tugging one of her mud-slick thighs over his. He didn’t hesitate. Without warning his cock was penetrating her, thrusting deep into her cunt, filling, stretching. She gasped at the sudden intrusion, holding onto his shoulders as he claimed her. Brad took residence behind her, a rough hand on her hip as he nudged her puckered ass with the smooth head of his cock. “Brad, I’ve never—” “You wanted three cowboys, darlin’. This is just two. Surely you’re ready to be double-fucked.” Brad’s voice had deepened, more animalistic than man. She liked this new, erotic side to him, the one with base needs and desires. But the idea of him entering her virgin entrance sent a shiver of fear up her spine. She knew this was coming, but the reality came crashing down on her hard. He continued to press into her, her body already stuffed with Chase’s big cock. It burned as he stretched her. She whined, and Dawson responded from above, “Remember your safe word.” No, she had to do this. Surely she could handle anal sex. Many of her friends had experienced it and said they loved it. There must be some appeal, but she was yet to experience it herself. “It hurts,” she whimpered. “Push back against him, darlin’.” Chase coached her through the ordeal, slowly thrusting from the front, kissing along her jawline. He barely flinched when she dug her nails deep into the muscles of his arms. She needed to deal not only the pain, but trust, something that didn’t come naturally for her in relationships. But if ever she were to trust a man, it would be Brad. She knew he’d never willingly harm her, and that brought her a measure of relief. “I won’t hurt you, Jane. I’m going as slow as I can under the circumstances.” Yes, she could hear the need in his voice. Brad reached around her and toyed with her clit. The stimulation loosened her up, tamped down her fears, and helped her focus on following Chase’s advice. She bore down, the sensation unnatural and new.

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Brad entered her only an inch and stalled as her too-tight anal ring stretched to accommodate his cock. Each passing moment helped her adjust, dulled the discomfort, and piqued her curiosity. She felt as if she were drowning under the downpour, fighting for air and sight. This was something she’d never have dared to participate in before. But everything had changed for her over the last week. He eased into her ass, the worst of the pain behind her. Jane could feel the two cocks fighting for space, gliding along each other with only a thin membrane separating them. She quickly learned to love this new fullness, being fucked from both ends from two gorgeous men. They began to work her body, cautious not to get too rough for her first time. She could feel them holding back, but knew she’d be able to handle them proper in a few more minutes. “Do you like it, Jane?” Brad crooned in her ear. She nodded, wiggling back against his cock, wanting him deeper. She wanted their big dicks wedged so far inside her, she’d choke on them. “God, yes!” Jane pulled Chase’s head closer and kissed him with hunger. She sucked his tongue, his lips, and devoured him as the two men pumped in and out of her body with increasing stamina. The cool earth beneath her was only an afterthought to the heat building in her core. Slick mud coated their bodies as they writhed and fucked on the grass and mud like animals. She loved it, savored it, and never wanted the night to end. “You have a tight little ass, darlin’.” Brad squeezed her tits, playing with her hypersensitive nipples. It was enough to start a chain reaction in her body, a chemical effect that curled her toes and crept up her legs. She needed this so bad, an orgasm delivered by a man, not herself or a toy. After being denied by Chase and Dawson days ago, she’d had to stifle her urges just to stay sane. “I think I’m coming…” She could barely speak, too focused on the runaway train inside her. Any minute and she would explode.

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“Sweetheart, let loose. I want to feel you milking my cock.” Chase increased the tempo, slamming into her in an alternating rhythm from Brad. Jane had no idea it could feel this good having sex with two men, or that it was even possible outside of erotic novels. She briefly wondered what happened to Dawson. She had craved his taboo delights the whole trip and now he’d vanished? There was no time to ponder his whereabouts, not when light began to flash behind her eyelids and her body jolted in awareness. Jane wasn’t a screamer, but she called out through the roar of the rain, over and over as her orgasm washed through her. Her ass and pussy spasmed, grabbing at both cocks until each man groaned his own release. They slid out of her, dropping to their backs on either side of her. She could barely open her eyes as exhaustion pulled her into unconsciousness. Just before she drifted, she saw the silhouette of Dawson looking down on her. He was in his blue jeans, and his face was set hard, staring at her as if she were a problem to solve. At that moment, she knew she had to win him over.

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Chapter Fourteen The next morning, Dawson returned to the campsite. He’d left in the night, finding his own place to sleep. The cattle were off course and the packhorses were running wild with the supplies they’d need for the next week. He kept extra food and emergency needs safely tucked in his own saddlebags. The rain may have helped to slow them up, but he had to ensure they wouldn’t make their deadline. It didn’t feel good being a scoundrel, but it’s what he was paid to do. Jane had Chase and Brad around her little finger now, he had no doubts about it, so they’d push hard to meet her goal. A man couldn’t share such a woman and just walk away. Dawson hadn’t even bedded her, but possessive thoughts continually flitted in his head. There was just something about the fiery little redhead that he couldn’t shake. “Hey, lover boy!” He nudged Chase with his boot. “Storm’s passed, and the sun’s been up for an hour. Time to get moving.” The two men began to stir, their naked bodies coated in a dry crust of brown mud. It was a sorry sight once the heat of the moment was all but forgotten. Once they shifted their arms and legs, Jane’s petite, curvy figure was revealed. She was still dead to the world, her chest rising and falling rhythmically in the depths of sleep. Brad got to his feet and stretched out his encrusted body. “Shit, that hurts. I need to find a stream, fast.” “Should be one about a mile up if the maps are right.” Dawson saw the stream first hand. He’d set up camp next to it, and used it to cook and shave. Once the rain had tapered off, his night hadn’t been half bad.

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Chase sat up and studied the sky. “Storm’s moved on. We should have clear riding.” Then he turned to the sleeping beauty beside him. Dawson watched as Chase brushed her hard, muddy clumps of hair from her face with care. He even dipped forward and kissed her shoulder. “We should let her sleep.” “No, we have to bring her to water,” said Brad as he fought to pull on a pair of boxers. “I’m not dressing until I’ve washed. I’m sure she’ll feel the same.” “I’m sure she’ll give you both a tongue-lashing for taking advantage of her when she wakes up.” Dawson crossed his arms over his chest, feeling a hint of resentment for the two cowboys who shared Jane last night. He’d willingly left, but it didn’t change how he felt about Chase and Brad. Chase tugged on his Wranglers. “She wanted it, you could see that yourself. I didn’t see you complaining when she went down on you.” “I wasn’t expecting that.” Dawson returned to his horse. “You two can play around if you want, but I’m gonna start working. The lightning scattered the cattle for miles. It’ll take all day just to round them up. Pack horses have run off, too. I thought I told you to stake them good.” “Scattered for miles?” Dawson saw the suspicion in Chase’s eyes, but the other man had no reason to direct it at him. Cattle usually huddled together during a storm, not run amuck. Dawson had scared them off in different directions during the night, creating as much havoc as possible before he had to catch a few hours of sleep. “I’ve already been corralling stragglers all morning while you two jokers slept like the dead.” “That’s because we were busy corralling the city girl last night.” Brad mounted his horse in one swift motion. “I, for one, plan on keeping what I work for.” Then he galloped off in just his boxers, in search of a watering hole.

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Dawson scoffed. “You hear that? He plans on keeping her? That’s the most foolish thing I’ve heard since learning just the three of us were hired for this job.” “Why does it sound so foolish?” asked Chase. “Maybe I’ve been thinking the same thing myself.” He hadn’t expected to hear that. Chase only seemed intent on earning his money so he could return to his real life. He constantly talked about a family he loved—a kid sister, two other brothers, and loving parents. Dawson didn’t know what it felt like to have a family, but he assumed all Chase wanted was to get back to them, not to try and court Jane Williams. “You so sure she’d choose you over Bradley?” Chase shrugged, pulling a pack of soggy cigarettes from his rear pocket. “Fuck!” He dropped them on the small pile of supplies before returning his attention to Dawson. “Nobody said she had to choose. My neighbors share a woman, and I haven’t seen a happier union. Besides, Brad reminds me of my younger brothers.” “You’re actually considering this? You think Miss High-andMighty will settle down with two washed-out cowboys? For the love of God, look at her. She’s a high-maintenance beauty. As soon as we’re done here she’ll hightail it to the city.” Chase saddled his horse, taking extra long as if lost in thought. “Not necessarily. You’ve seen the same as me how much she’s changed since starting the roundup. I was ready to throttle her those first few days. But I know better than anyone how people can change.” Dawson growled his disapproval and shook his head as he returned to his gelding. He had purposely sabotaged the cattle drive, and now unwittingly sabotaged a budding relationship. Why? He didn’t want to admit it, even to himself, but he harbored strong feelings of jealousy, resentment, and unfulfilled desires. In a perfect world, he’d court Jane for his own. But he didn’t deserve a proper woman like her. She was used to good things, and would want a man

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with an education and six-figure income earned from behind a desk, not from shoveling horseshit, as she’d mentioned on more than one occasion. His life was the way it was for a reason. He was a drifter, keeping to himself. If he were any sort of a man, he’d block the little vixen out of his mind permanently and wish the two younger cowboys the best of luck trying to woo her. It was easier said than done. The old Dawson would have partook of her willing body last night, fucked her hard, spanked her ass, even tied her up and played some wicked games. Every time he entered a new town when travelling the circuit, there were always more than a few buckle bunnies eager to obey and fulfill his dark fantasies. Jane was different. He knew the whole ménage thing, even casual sex, was new to her. She had a good head on her shoulders, even if she denied to let her true colors shine through. He did the same thing, putting up walls to keep from getting too involved with other people, people with the potential to hurt him. When he had looked into her eyes his conscience scolded him, told him he couldn’t use her when his original plan had been to foil her adventure. The guilt of playing the good guy, when he was really the enemy, ate at him each day. The closer he got to Jane and the other men, the shittier he felt. He felt bogged down, soul deep. Was thirty grand worth this moral black mark on his psyche? All he knew was that he couldn’t fuck her knowing he had ulterior motives regarding the cattle drive. He’d wanted to, more than any other woman in the past, but he had some shred of decency left. **** Jane had woken up as Dawson rode up to the campsite, his horse’s hooves pounding a steady beat onto the earth. She’d noticed his absence the evening before and, even though exhausted, she’d laid awake half the night worrying about him.

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What she hadn’t expected was the loving declarations made by Brad and Chase. She laid silently, her eyes closed as she listened to their conversations. A ménage relationship was unreal, nothing she’d ever really considered. She liked each man individually, and she supposed the main reason she kept them all from entering her heart was knowing she’d have to choose…if they wanted her at all. Now she knew better. Her mind was a jumble. And what of Dawson? She knew damn well there was more than just his stoic exterior. There was a troubled man behind those beautifully intense eyes of his. What was he hiding? Was she really that undesirable to him? She began to move once Chase rode off after Brad in search of a place to wash up. Her skin felt tight and dry, the mud from the previous night had cemented into every nook and cranny of her body. Even bending her limps felt uncomfortable. “Good mornin’.” Jane opened her eyes, scowling from the effort it took. How had she gotten her face plastered with mud? “What time is it?” “Time to head out. There won’t be any breakfast or rest until we find the missing cattle and horses.” “Why not?” After her heavy-duty sex party with Brad and Chase, she was hungry and thirsty. “All our supplies were packed on the spare horses.” She stood up. “Well isn’t that just lovely. What am I supposed to do like this?” All her intimate parts were hidden under a layer of grime. She’d had all the hair lasered off her pussy years ago, so only her pert nipples shone through the disguise. Dawson’s eyes still travelled up and down the length of her, making her feel more exposed than she was. “I’d wash you, but I have no water.” He stepped closer, his jaw set hard. “Would you like that?” His voice was husky and sensual, leading her into an erotic trap.

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“Dawson, what game are you playing with me? I offered myself to you yesterday, but you blew me off as if I repulsed you. I don’t know many men, actually I don’t know any men who could deny a woman begging to be fucked.” “Chase and Brad took good care of you.” “Maybe I wanted you, too. Maybe I wanted you to live up to all your teasing about safe words and submission.” She swallowed hard, wondering if she should regret opening up or not. “I’m no good for you, baby doll. You should thank me for walking away when I did. It wasn’t easy.” “Only I know what’s good for me, Dawson Reed.” He stood tall and defiant when she needed him to accept her, show any slipup or weakness to prove he had feelings for her. “You think I’m good for you? You’re only falling for the temporary lure of the prairies, darlin’. Once this roundup is over you’ll forget all about this cowboy in a heartbeat.” “You don’t know me at all!” As her pulse quickened with her rising anger, she became more aware of her nudity. She cupped her breasts, wishing she had something to cover herself with. As if sensing her insecurities, Dawson wrapped one of the clean saddle blankets from his gear around her shoulders and tugged her against him. “Don’t hide yourself from me.” “Why? You obviously don’t want me. Stop making excuses and putting words in my mouth. You don't want anything to do with me, that’s fine, Dawson.” He licked his thumb and used the moist pad to clean the dried mud on her lower lip, and then he bent down and kissed her. “I do want you, that’s the problem.” He inhaled near her neck, holding her close. “Tell me who hurt you." Where would she even start? She should keep her mouth shut and save him the boring life lesson, but the words came tumbling out. “Everyone. My father deserted us, and my mother decided she’d date every known loser after he left. Every man I gave the time of day as

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an adult only disappointed me…the same way you are now. Maybe I’m unlovable.” She whispered her last words. The magnitude of the statement she’d secretly believed for years hit her hard, clogging her throat with emotion. She realized that trying to attain success at work, and building up a stone-cold reputation, was all in a futile attempt to become a better woman than her mother. She didn’t want to be a single welfare mother broken apart by every jerk who didn’t stick around. Dawson sighed and hugged her tighter. “I’ve been a fool. I never intended to hurt you. You have to believe that.” He was so strong, his arms swallowing her up. She felt like a child in a comforting embrace, and she reveled in that momentary sense of security and belonging. The ensuing silence was uncomfortable. Where did they stand now? She felt uniquely vulnerable after spilling her guts. Say something, dammit! “You’re a good man. I’m the one with stupid illusions. I’m sorry.” He tilted her chin up and scolded her with his expression. “No illusions here, darlin’. I’d like nothing more than to carry you off into the sunset with me, but it’d be no life for you.” The elusive happily ever after. She’d avoided love like the plague all her life, terrified of getting burned like her mother did time and time again. Jane didn’t want to grow old alone and resentful. Could she open herself up enough to let another person in? Maybe three? “Because I’m a spoiled brat from the city?” “Because you deserve better than a drifter with no fixed address. I’d want to give you everything you wished for, and it’d kill me not to be able to.” That sized her up in a sentence. Before coming to the prairie, she’d judged herself on her appearance—the label on her suit, make of her shoes, and designer of her purse. It was all a deceptive paradise where no one was truly happy, only going through the motions to be better than the Joneses. It was supposed to somehow compensate for years of emotional abandonment, but it was a poor substitute for real happiness.

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Chapter Fifteen They’d barely spoken for two days straight, any of them, as if they’d all gone mute. The camp fire at night was quiet. Riding alongside each other on the soft grass was quiet. Any more quiet and Chase would lose his mind completely. Everything had changed after their night in the rain. That magical night he’d never forget. He thought things would shift to the better afterwards since he’d mentally committed to Jane, whether she knew it or not. The idea of returning home just to hear his mother nag him about getting hitched would claw his innards when the only woman he could imagine by his side was the feisty, sensual little spitfire. “We’ll never make the deadline,” Jane finally said. She cleared her throat after, as if her throat couldn’t handle speech after so much silence. They’d survived on such little food the past couple days, that he was surprised they had the energy to chase after the cattle. The missing horses had finally come into sight early in the morning, so they’d all indulged in jerky and dried apricots until nearly sick. Tomorrow they’d reach the nearby forested land where they could use their survival skills to snare a rabbit. “Don’t talk like that,” said Brad. They all rode their horses in a calming walk as they scouted an area to rest for the night. The cicadas in the distant forest could be heard as a faint drone all the way to their location. “If we don’t make it, we don’t make it,” said Chase. Going home empty-handed would get him teased by his brothers for months to come, but Jane was more important than money. He wanted to see her smile, ask a question about the wildlife around her, or even give him

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some sass. She’d been so sullen, as if hanging on to life by a thread. It made no sense, unless Dawson had said something to upset her. Brad looked at her with love-sick puppy dog eyes, so Chase knew he’d never intentionally upset Jane. Jane pulled on her reins, bringing her horse to a standstill. “You make it sound so simple, Chase. Have you forgotten that nobody gets paid if we don’t make the deadline? It’s only five days away now, and only a miracle will get us there in time.” Even though she spit her words, at least they were talking. “It’s just money.” “Really?” Her voice dripped of sarcasm. “I thought this was all about getting your ten large and splitting. Remember, you have a ranch you should be working, not wasting your time on a wild-goose chase.” She threw all his past words at him, which wasn’t fair because things changed so much since he found out about her underhanded arrangement. Jane would be getting the shortest straw anyhow, losing her entire inheritance, not just a few thousand dollars like them. “Jane Williams, don’t test me. It’s been a long day, and I don’t want to argue with you.” Twilight encroached on the land. The fireorange sunset had already begun to fade, and they needed to set up camp for the night. With the sky clear, they wouldn’t be night-blind as they had been days earlier when the cloud cover was heavy. The same thoughts he’d had on that very first day came to the forefront of his mind—the little smart-aleck needed a good spanking. He suspected that would be the only way to convince the redhead that his intentions were honorable, that he wanted her, and that she didn’t have to continually play the stone-cold bitch. Chase liked Jane, the real her, honest and vulnerable. After the horses were secured, Chase joined the others by the fire. The rainfall had doused the wicked humidity, making the long rides bearable. He sat across from Jane, who stared mesmerized at the leaping flames. The firelight danced in her sultry green eyes. If only

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he knew what she was thinking. Brad had three sisters, maybe he’d know what ailed her heart. It was much more than not meeting a deadline. Dawson’s spurs chimed with each slow, heavy footfall. He squatted near the fire and dropped his leather bags next to Chase. “Open them.” He complied, flipping open the flap. There were extra fixings, the ones thought to be lost when the pack horses took off from the lightning. “Where you find them?” “I didn’t.” Dawson stood back up. “I took them. I’m the one who set the horses loose and scattered the herd.” “What!” Jane hollered. Chase and Brad both stood to attention. Chase pushed Dawson in the chest, an aggressive shove meant to taunt the man into more than an argument. If anyone could fight, it was Chase. He had two brothers he regularly brawled with, and he did the same with the Carson brothers the next ranch over from them. “Why the fuck would you do that? Don’t you want to get paid?” “I was hired to sabotage the drive, to ensure Jane didn’t get the cattle to their destination in time.” Brad's face was more severe than he thought possible. "We've been working our asses off, including you, or so I believed. Fuck, I can't believe this! I thought I knew you, Dawson Reed. A real man doesn't try to swindle his friends." And they were all friends, weren't they? More than that. They were all brought together through Jane, and through the magical enigma of the prairies. "Everyone makes mistakes," said Dawson. "Not like this!" said Jane, tugging his shirt. "I trusted you! God, I was even falling for you..." She went quiet, her fists holding onto his clothing as if it were the only thing left linking them together. "You complained about Jane being a materialistic city girl, but you care more about money than the next guy. I hope you have a clean conscience when you sleep tonight," said Brad.

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“Sabotage? You were paid more than ten thousand?” Chase asked in utter disbelief. “Triple the amount. When the job's complete. Apparently not everyone wants Jane to get her due. If she fails in her task, her cousin will have the next chance at inheriting the Williams’ fortune.” “Ronald?” Jane stomped to her foot. “That little weasel!” “Never met him myself. I was just contacted through the grapevine and offered the easiest money imaginable. Everything was going along great…until one little city girl opened my eyes.” Chase’s defenses lowered slightly, but he was still pissed off. “You realize you won’t get paid now—from anyone.” “I know. But I had to come clean. It’s been tearing me apart holding onto this secret.” “Good,” shouted Jane. She pushed Dawson in the chest with both palms. His body didn’t budge. “I trusted you! What happened to the cowboy way?” “I only had my own way until I met you.” He grabbed her wrists and brought her arms down to her sides. “I’ll never lie to you again. That’s a promise.” She writhed in his grip, but he didn’t give her an inch of freedom. “That’s it? I’m supposed to trust you now, Dawson? Was anything between us real?” “I’m no different than you, darlin’. When we started this trip you were an empty shell, and nearly impossible to like. Now look… You’ve managed to get three hardcore cowboys to fall head over heels in love with you.” "Love? You have a funny way of showing it." She swallowed hard, a mix of emotions playing on her face. "I gave up everything and tried so damn hard to make this work. Meanwhile, someone I grew to respect was trying to make me fail." "I'll make it up to you, Jane. If it's the last thing I do, I'll make it up to all three of you. I was wrong. There's no sugar-coating what I did."

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"It's honorable to admit when you're wrong," said Brad. Where had the malevolence gone? It was clear that Dawson wasn't out for blood, or proud of what he'd done. Although knowing he'd made a terrible mistake didn't make up for screwing them all this time, it softened the blow. Chase looked at Brad, standing on the other side of the couple. Their gaze held volumes that words could never express. This was a ménage romance in the making, and Chase was dumbfounded. His daddy always taught him not to judge others on appearances, not until you’ve walked a mile in their boots. He admitted to judging his best friends, the Carson brothers, when they declared they were marrying one woman. Chase even found the arrangement nauseating, despite how happy his friends were. Eventually he decided it wasn’t his business, and stopped obsessing about their unorthodox relationship. Now he was only a breath away from entering into something similar. The only difference was these men weren’t his brothers, but strangers. How would something like this ever work out? They all had homes and families to return to. Were they destined to break apart no matter how hard they worked at their relationship? “What are you saying, Dawson Reed? Is this your way of redeeming yourself?” “No, it’s the truth. You’re all I can think about, baby doll. I’d stall this cattle run until the end of time if it meant more time with you.” If Dawson was this into Jane, then the possibility of things working between the four of them just increased. With three dedicated men determined to please one woman, they could shift the world off axis if they set their minds to it. **** Three nights until the deadline, and they all lay on their cots looking up at the stars. Observing the heavens from such vast grasslands was no different than floating on the ocean at night. Jane

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could transport herself anywhere with her imagination. The black expanse surrounding them was like a planetarium of stars. She was fascinated by the power and might of Mother Nature. Chase had mentioned the strength it could hold over a person before they started this life-changing journey. “You see the dipper?” asked Brad, pointing to the well-defined icons in the sky. “I’ve found them both,” she said. The heat had begun to increase again, making work and travel by day long and tiring. Evenings were another story. A gentle breeze caressed the land, traveling across Jane’s body and soothing more than her flesh. Chase rolled to his side. “What do you say about coming home with me when this is all said and done? Forget the city, leave the rat race behind.” She could feel the tension stir in the air. Brad sat up, and when she glanced at Dawson, his features were set hard, but he remained quiet. How could she choose one over the other? Could she really abandon everything she knew from the city? “Actually I was thinking that maybe I wouldn’t sell my uncle’s place. Maybe I’ll fix it up and move in. I’m still thinking on it. And that’s assuming I don’t blow the deadline, which doesn’t look good at the moment.” “Darlin’, if I could make the cattle grow wings, I would. But, regardless, I want you with me even if you don’t get the money,” said Chase, his voice rich with conviction. This was what she sought and never found all these years in the men she’d dated—passion, commitment, love. It must be too good to be true. Nothing fell in her lap, including her inheritance. “I knew your uncle. He was a good man. I don’t think he’d have approved of a stranger working the ranch he built all his life. Some things should remain sacred and stay in the family,” said Dawson. “You knew my uncle?”

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Chase bolted up. “Wait a minute. You’re just trying to get her to refuse my offer. Let her make up her own mind!” “I’m not trying to brainwash her like you, Garner. I’m telling her what I think is in her best interest.” “And I suppose you’ll offer to move in with her?” Jane didn’t want them fighting. All their suggestions only added to her confusion, which already had her bogged down. She’d had days, which felt like years on the prairie, to decide what to do with her future. It was premature, but she loved them each in their own way. She wanted to give the relationship a chance, to have the opportunity to learn about each man, their history, dreams, desires, likes, and dislikes. But she was also terrified of giving a man power over her life and emotions. Was she destined to end up like her mother—a jilted, torn, resentful woman who’d had to endure countless heartaches in her life? “Stop!” She exhaled and silently pleaded to the stars to solve all her problems. “Can’t we just get along?” “I have no problem with them,” said Chase. “The more the merrier, I suppose, but I know my momma won’t approve of me bringing two grown men home to share in my new woman.” “Then maybe momma’s boy should head home alone.” Dawson’s impassive nature turned challenging. As much as she hated to see them at each others’ throats, it was bizarrely erotic. When had men fought for her before? Never. “At least I know about commitment and roots. What’ll Jane do with a drifter when you get bored or crave to hit the circuit again?” “Who said I was a rider?” “I know that buckle.” Chase pointed to Dawson’s belt. “My neighbor, Wyatt, has the same one. Only hardcore riders earn those badges of honor.” “Things have changed. Jane’s opened my eyes to better things.”

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Brad had been quiet until now. “Jane, this is hogwash. You best make a decision. You know I care for you. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you happy.” “If you three could get along, I wouldn’t have to choose!” Jane was up on her feet now, ready to play referee at a moment’s notice. She stomped her foot like spoiled child. She wanted it all. Making her choose would be cruel after growing close to each of them. They all shut up as soon as she quieted. The lust dancing in their eyes was dark and hypnotizing. They’d all shifted moods at the same moment, as if her words changed everything. Dawson ran a hand through his mess of thick brown hair. “Why don’t you show us just how much you want to share the three of us?” His words were smooth and tempting, like melted chocolate. Her body fired hot when the other men didn’t protest. They wanted her— all three of them. Her pussy and ass pulsed in anticipation. There was no rain to shadow any sexual act this time. It would be more real, and there were promises of commitment attached. “You gonna to run away when things get hot?” “Not this time, baby doll. There’re no more secrets, which means no more guilt. I plan to enjoy you proper.” He ran his fingertips along her cheek. Was that adoration in his gaze? “Do you remember your safe word?” She nearly gasped. He was still ready to play games with her? Her heart raced as she tried to imaging what he planned for her body. “Alberta.” “I don’t want to hear it again unless you mean it, understand?” Jane nodded, anxious for him to demand her clothes come off. There was something titillating about standing naked and exposed with three sets of eyes watching her every move. It was easier knowing they each cherished her body, constantly telling her how beautiful and tempting she was. Brad moved behind her and pulled her shirt off over her head. She’d lost her bra since the rainstorm, so her breasts jiggled once the

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fitted shirt was removed. His arms snaked around her and he palmed her breasts. Brad’s hot breath was at the side of her neck, coming out as a half-growl as he kissed her erogenous zones along her neck, up to the shell of her ear. “Will you suck me like you did for Dawson? I haven’t stopped dreaming about it.” His wish was her command. “Lose your pants, cowboy.” She twisted her head enough for him to kiss her lips, once, twice, before he broke away to remove all his clothing. It was strange, but somehow sex connected them, bonded them more than laughing, sharing memories by the fire, or working together ever could. Chase unbuttoned her jeans and tugged them down her hips, leaving her in just whisper-thin lace panties. “We’ll leave these on for now,” he said. She turned to see if Brad was ready. He was undressed, sporting a thick and ready hard-on. She salivated as he stroked himself, watching her with interest. “Ready?” “Not hard enough for you, darlin’?” Jane bent down to her knees, followed by Chase, who knelt down behind her, her calves between his. She reached for Brad’s cock and tugged it to her waiting mouth. He was warm once she wrapped her lips around him, and his appreciative growl only encouraged her to try and take him as deep as she dared. Chase nipped along her shoulder, massaging her tits as she sucked Brad. When he reached around to impale two fingers into her cunt, she briefly opened her mouth to draw in more air. He didn’t fingerfuck her as she’d hoped, but dragged the moisture back to her ass. He caressed her puckered rosette, featherlight strokes that ignited all her nerve endings. She was in heaven, only the sound of crickets and wet sucking around the campfire. Chase began his invasion, pressing one digit deep into her ass, nearly making her come from the pressure alone. She clamped down hard, trying to pull him deeper. “Our little lady loves being double-fucked, but tonight she’ll be getting it three ways,” said Dawson. She shifted just her eyes and saw

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he was shirtless, all those beautiful muscles dancing in the firelight. The bulge in his jeans proved he enjoyed the sight in front of him, and she wanted to impress him by not shying away from their rough handling. She noticed he had a whittling knife out, carefully carving what looked like a small piece of driftwood. “She likes my finger in her ass,” said Chase, pulling out and adding a second finger. The tightness increased, slightly uncomfortable as he stretched her. She was too far gone to worry about pain, not when she knew how good it would feel once she was properly prepped for his cock. Dawson patted Brad on the shoulder. “Don’t let her finish you off now, or you’ll miss out on the fun.” Brad pulled away from her mouth, but continued to slowly stroke his swollen dick, almost purple from arousal. “Chase, lay her on her back. I know she’s eager to experience some forbidden pleasure.” Looking at the stars again, she gave thanks for the quick change of direction the night had taken. The evening could have turned out much worse. Now it couldn’t have been better. Her body was coiled tight and she couldn’t wait for her cowboys to give her everything they had, no holding back. The cool grass against her back made her nipples pebble. Their fire was strong and the stars gave enough added illumination so that she could enjoy watching every move of the men, even if sinister and shadowed. “Spread your legs,” Dawson ordered. He moved in closer and crouched between her open thighs. He observed her nearly nude form, every gaze marking her like a hot brand. When he held up the object he’d been whittling, she noted it was a large section of the ginger he kept in his saddlebags that he boiled in their tea. He’d carved it into the shape of a small cone, a few inches of a smooth tubular shape with a wide, flared base. “What’s that for?” “It’s ginger. You liked it in your tea, didn’t you?”

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She nodded, feeling apprehension slip in. Jane supposed it wouldn’t be so bad if he wanted to fuck her with it, no different than her dildo the other night. The fact it was edible was odd, but not a turnoff, not with her hormones on overdrive. “I’m going to put it in your ass because I don’t want you tensing up on me when I spank you.” Her mouth went dry. She said nothing as he used some of the fat they used on their crackers to coat the moist tip of the root. He pulled her panties to the side and placed it at her nether hole and twisted it in. “Take it all, Jane. Be a good girl.” How could he keep his voice so steady and controlled? She whined and bucked as he shoved all three inches of it into her ass. It wasn’t like a sex toy, though. When she clamped down on it, the ensuing burn made her yelp and reach for it in an attempt to toss it away. “Tie her hands,” he told the other men. “She has to be broke.” The bastards complied. Brad fetched a length of thin yellow rope from the side of his saddle and assisted Chase in tying her wrists together. They secured her bound arms above her head. “She’s secured,” said Chase. “Start the lessons.” “It fucking burns. Get it out!” she blurted. Dawson chuckled, holding her legs apart at the knees despite her attempt to close them. “I don’t hear your safe word, darlin’.” “Dawson!” “Nope. That ain’t it.” He trailed a fingertip down her stomach until he reached her clit. Only the thin lace separated him from touching her flesh to flesh. He pressed her button, holding his finger in place. “The ginger is meant to teach you. When you clamp down, it’ll hurt. If you learn to relax, trust, and enjoy, you’ll be just fine.” She tried her damndest not to clench her muscles if that was the key to avoiding the unpleasant burn. “Roll her over.” Brad tugged her his way until she met her stomach.

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“She has such a cute little ass,” said Brad. “I can’t wait to fuck it again.” “You had it last time while I watched. This time it’s my turn.” Dawson’s tone didn’t leave room for argument, and it made her hot. Her pussy pulsed and she clamped down, only to feel the gingerroot release in her ass in a painful wave. She squealed. “Relax.” Chase pulled the rope taut, stretching her arms so she couldn’t fidget or fight to get free. “What are you doing to me?” “This punishment has been a long time coming, darlin’. I put up with your forked tongue for nearly a week.” He pulled her panties down to her thighs. Dawson’s hand came down on her ass, the fleshy sound filling the campsite. She tightened, only to regret it. His big, rough hand came down several times on each ass cheek, and every time she squeezed her muscles, earning her a sharp burn from the gingerroot. “Get it out!” A hand smoothed up and down her back, attempting to placate her. She wouldn’t admit that this wicked night made her cunt hungry. Her mind drifted to every base desire she’d ever imagined. “Once you relax through these spanks, I’ll know you’re learning.” Dawson smacked her ass, harder, and she fought for control this time. She didn’t clamp down, and the vibrations traveled all the way to her engorged clit. It was an eye-opening moment, and she knew things would only get better. “Learning what?” He switched positions with Chase, who answered for him. “You’ll learn you belong to us, that we love you, and that we’re in control when we fuck.” “It’s all for your pleasure, darlin’.” Brad brushed the hair off her forehead. “If you stop fighting, I promise you’ll like it.” “You’ve done this before, too?” She was shocked that all the men seemed to know another use for ginger. Never in her life had sex been like this for her. It had always been vanilla and unsatisfying. Her

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greatest thrills came from her toy, and it couldn’t compare to what these men offered her. “I think every cowboy of age has. You’ve been in the city too long, Jane.” Chase spanked her, not as hard as Dawson had. After each spank, he trailed his fingers between her legs and teased her clit. Every sequence taught her more, and she relaxed as they suggested and truly began to enjoy the sting of each spank. Pleasure and pain combined, beginning the build-up of a monumental orgasm. But this was only a prelude, and she wanted their cocks, not just their sex games. “I want cock,” she said. Her cheeks heated after the words escaped her lips. It sounded so dirty, and she hadn’t meant to say it aloud. “Bring her to her knees,” said Dawson. Chase’s strong arm slipped under her belly and hoisted to her knees, doggy-style. Brad continued to hold her rope, so she couldn’t rear up to her knees. “That’s better. You look lovely like this, baby doll.” He took the rope from Brad and tugged it up so her face was near his groin. She sat on her knees, her panties below her ass, and the ginger still penetrating her. He unbuckled and unzipped, only releasing his erection. She didn’t have to be asked. She wanted to taste him, to please him. Jane sucked in the thick head, twirling her tongue around the spongy surface, flicking the firm nub on the underside. “That’s enough. I need to be inside you. Right now.” His sudden urgency made her stomach flutter. He pressed her back down until her breasts hit the grass, her ass still kissing the night air. Dawson plucked the root from her anus, and she sighed in relief. She could feel the moisture from the ginger and fat drip down after it was released. He didn’t wait, didn’t let her stretch, just forced his big cock into her ass, and he was big. She moaned, savoring the fullness, the sweet relief and the rawness of the act. “Do you like my dick in your ass, little one?”

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She nodded, unable to speak, only focusing on the rhythm of each delicious stroke. Jane wanted it harder, faster, and to be honest, she wanted another cock to fill her body. “More!” Chase didn’t let her down. He dropped to his back beside her, gloriously naked, his cock jutting up, virile and proud. “Come straddle me, sweetheart.” Dawson assisted her, shuffling them over without pulling out of her body. She rested her bound hands on Chase’s chest, and he reached down to tear her thin panties clear off her body. “More,” she repeated, feeling more savage than human. “Sit on my dick. I’m gonna fuck you until you’re screaming my name.” She sank into relief, enjoying the tug and tightness as the second hard erection fought for space in her body. Jane loved it—the naughtiness, the grit, the untamed desire. She rode him hard, and Dawson rode her. They were one pass of flesh and fucking. The only missing element was her sweet Brad. She searched for him. He was standing a few feet away, holding the slack end of the rope, watching. “Brad, I need you.” He dropped the rope and followed her voice, crouched beside Chase’s prone body. She licked her lips, an invitation which he took. They kissed as the other men worked her body—deeply, passionately—enough to create their own bubble of space within the foursome. “I don’t want you just watching, Brad. Give me your cock so I can suck it.” He didn’t ask questions, only stood up and fed her the prominent erection. The balance was the biggest challenge. Fucking, being fucked, and sucking was an artwork, a delicately played choreography. The craziest thought entered her head. If only Mandy, back at the office, knew she was being triple-teamed. She’d never believe it, not coming from Jane.

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Her orgasm began to reveal itself in small spasms. She knew it was coming, but wanted to hold off, to enjoy this night for as long as she could. “Come, Jane,” said Dawson, slamming into her ass. “Now. Come for me!” He commanded her, and it ignited a volatile heat in her cunt. She took small gasps, bracing for the detonation she wasn’t sure she could handle. “Now!” That last gruff order sent her orgasm over the peak, and she cried out into the night. Brad pumped his cock a few more times and sprayed his ejaculate over her breasts, streams of hot, white cum dripping down her chest. Her other two cowboys rocked her as she settled, releasing into her body, groaning like animals. They all collapsed together, spent, and sated. Their ménage relationship may have been cemented, but the journey wasn’t over. She’d never rely on a man, no matter how honorable. If they didn’t make the deadline, she’d be forced to return to her job in the city…and she knew that was the one place her cowboys couldn’t follow her.

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Chapter Sixteen “What’s wrong with her?” Jane leaned over his shoulder as he examined the heifer. Dawson replied, “Looks to be milk fever. These animals need to get to their new grounds and given proper nutrition and licks.” “There’s tons of grass here.” “That’s not enough, darlin’. They’re getting low on minerals, which is probably why they needed to be moved in the first place.” Jane looked genuinely concerned. She started out hating the cows, thinking of them as filthy beasts, but slowly grew fond of them. Now he’d catch her talking softly to them as the sun rose. They would have been hers, but it didn’t look like they’d make their deadline tomorrow. There was no way they’d get to their destination in less than twentyfour hours. No one talked about it because there was no sense worrying over something they couldn’t change. Besides, things were different now. The outcome of the drive wouldn’t dictate if they had a future. Jane was theirs. It had been reconfirmed every night since they committed to each other. “Can we do anything?” “It’s not far now. They’d be okay until then.” Jane ran her hand over the side of the animal in a loving gesture. “The more I think about it, the more I wish things would have worked out differently. It would have been nice to live on my uncle’s ranch. All my happy memories were grown there, and after the past two weeks, I know there’s nowhere else I want to be.”

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His heart went out to her. The thirty-grand paycheck meant nothing to him now. All he wanted was Jane, her happiness, and a future with roots. “We’ll make the deadline.” She laughed. “That’s impossible. Don’t worry, I’ve accepted the fact, it just hurts knowing that if I tried harder I may have succeeded.” “I ain’t joking. I’ll drive them straight through the night. No rest. We’ll make the deadline.” He rose to his feet and cupped her sweet, angelic face in his palms. “Don’t you understand, baby doll? What affects you affects me, affects us. I know Chase and Brad won’t complain about working through the night. If we can make the deadline, I’m sure we can all agree to settle on your uncle’s ranch. A new start for all of us.” “Will Chase leave his family? What about Brad and his sisters? Even if they did agree, there’s no way we can make it. You said yourself, the cattle aren’t well. Pushing them too hard can’t be a good thing.” “We’ll talk about it tonight at dinner, okay?” He kissed her, not liking that she was getting upset. Without hope, what the fuck did they have? If he had her, he could face any obstacle, but things were still uncertain. He needed to ensure Chase and Brad were as committed as he was, because Jane wanted each and every one of them. To break off a piece would ruin the whole. He never admitted it aloud, but the other two cowboys were okay. They were hardworking, dedicated, and fun company. He wasn’t used to having many friends, always being on the road. Settling down with his three travel companions would be a whole new experience for him, one he was eager to begin. They continued to move the cattle, Jane tagging along with the pack horses. He wanted to push them as far as possible before nightfall. They’d stop, have a meal, and talk before working through the night, whether Jane agreed or not. “They’re straggling,” said Chase, riding up alongside him, his little cowdog coming up the rear.

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“I think it’s milk fever.” “Fuck. I thought as much. This herd needs some serious TLC. I doubt they’ve been cared for proper since Mr. Williams passed.” Dawson took off his Stetson and ran a hand through his damp hair before replacing it. “They’ll be ours to care for if we get them to the target on time.” “Twelve o’clock tomorrow? It’s nearly sunset. How you plan on accomplishing that?” “Cowboys aren’t afraid of hard work, eh? We drive them in the dark.” “That’s fool talk!” “Tell me, Chase. Where you headin’ when we’re done here?” He scoffed. “Home, of course.” “What about Jane?” Chase scowled. He scratched the side of his head before speaking. “What about her?” “She expects you want something long-term. You plan to walk away from her?” “Fuck no! I just need to check on my family. I have parents, two brothers, and a little sister.” Dawson began to ride away, but he called back over his shoulder. “You’ll break her heart because you can’t let go of the apron strings. Cut her loose. I’ll take proper care of her, same as Bradley.” **** Chase watched Dawson blend into the massive herd. Dust obscured him from view within minutes. He had nothing to retort because the man had been right. Chase hadn’t made any plans for the future, and like his momma constantly reminded him, he needed to. He was the eldest of all his siblings. Men his age had ranches of their own, women, children, real lives. What was he holding back for? He often convinced himself he had to stay home to keep watch over his

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baby sister, but she was a woman, and had Grant and Matthew to watch over her regardless. If he could just let go, settling on the Williams’ ranch would be ideal. Five thousand head would be plenty of work for the three of them. They’d never be bored. His family ranch wasn’t too far, just an hour’s drive north. Could it really work? They’d have to get satellite, because he couldn’t miss the games. He could already envision Jane walking around the house in just one of his jerseys. By the time they settled for the evening, he was saddle sore, and exhaustion had him walking hunched over like a man twice his age. He crashed by the fire Brad had started and took a cleansing breath as he stared up at the great beyond above him. “You okay?” asked Jane, kneeling beside him. “Want a back rub?” He smiled. Just seeing his little beauty was enough to brighten his mood. “Sounds good. You’re an angel, you know that?” Chase rolled to his stomach and struggled out of his shirt. When her hands began working his tired muscles, he groaned deep in his chest. She kneaded and rubbed until he nearly fell asleep under her touch. “We need to talk.” Dawson’s voice cut through his reverie like a rusty blade. He cringed, knowing this talk would be significant. Brad and Dawson sat by the fire. When Chase and Jane joined them, Dawson passed him a tin cup of coffee. “What’s this all about?” asked Brad. Dawson began, “We’ve been out here for two weeks now. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we’ve all grown close, close enough we don’t want to be apart, ever.” “That’s true. I plan to go anywhere Jane does.” Brad winked at Jane from across the fire. “It’s not so black-and-white,” said Chase. The younger cowboy was like his brother, Matthew, impulsive, with his heart on his sleeve half the time. “You have sisters back home, and a momma, no? What will happen to them if the man of the house doesn’t return?”

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Brad went quiet. “Why’d you take this job in the first place?” “We ain’t hurtin’ back home, but my oldest sister can’t have children… I wanted the money so she could have her dream of international adoption. It costs a pretty penny. She won’t be able to save for years to come, and she’s not getting any younger.” Brad took a deep breath and turned to face the fire. “I didn’t know,” said Jane. “You have such a big heart. Surely God will reward that. I know it’ll all work out for all of us.” Dawson stood up and stretched. “If we work through the night. If we sacrifice a night of rest it could mean the difference of Jane getting her inheritance or getting fuck all.” He grabbed his horse’s halter, leading him away. “You two need to consider if you’re ready for the commitment of a lifetime. Jane doesn’t deserve any less.” He mounted and disappeared into the twilight. “What do you say, Brad? Can your womenfolk survive without you?” Chase wanted to hear how far he was willing to go for love. “I’m not worried about them. Don’t you have a cowgirl in your family? If you do, you know they’re quite capable. I think they take more care of me half the time.” He hadn’t even noticed when Jane got up, too busy speaking with Brad. By the time he heard her horse whinny, she was mounted and turning the horse toward the open field. “I won’t have you choose your families over me. It’s not fair to either of you, and you’ll only resent me later on.” Then she was off, and he felt every hoofbeat as she galloped away. “Great! Now you’ve gone and done it!” Brad stormed away from the fire, kicking the supplies before reaching his gelding. “Both of you couldn’t leave well enough alone.” “So you are willing to give it all up—for her?” “What do you think? I’m not a playboy. I don’t fuck ‘em and leave ‘em!” Chase met him at by the horses. “So you’re guilty?”

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“No! I love her, Goddamn it!” He tossed a saddle blanket on his horse, and then bent to pick up his Western saddle. Chase stopped him with a hand to the shoulder. “You sure about that, cowboy? Love is a big word. It can destroy a man as easily as it can bring him joy.” Chase was even more confused. Could a man fall in love in two weeks? He couldn’t imagine life without Jane, thought about her every hour, and wanted to do everything in his power to make her happy—was that love? “I know what love is which is why I’m going after her and telling her exactly how I feel.” Brad left Chase alone to consider the choice of lifetime. He returned to the fire. Let them all run off like fools. The flames leaped and danced, pulling him into a trance. Minutes passed until one blurred into the other, and he soon lost track of time. Every crackle of wood and red spark flitting into the night reminded him of his humanity. He wasn't getting any younger. He'd done exactly what he teased other men about—he held onto the safety of the apron strings far too long. It was beyond time for him to get his act together. What did his future hold? Chase had avoided commitment with women partly to defy his mother's constant demand he marry. But he was also avoiding responsibility, the future, true emotion. Jane was his chance to have it all. She was gorgeous, but feisty. Her multifaceted personality would keep him on his toes until he was old and gray. But could he make that move? Would she even accept a proposal from him, especially when Brad and Dawson wanted her just as much? Considering their current predicament, she wasn't going to be a rich woman. If he committed to Jane, it would be for one thing only—love.

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Chapter Seventeen They'd spent the entire night pushing the cattle. Jane had almost fallen asleep in the saddle on a few occasions, but one of the men would always be there to nudge her awake. It amazed her to see how enthusiastic they were for her to reach her goal, not to earn their money, but because they wanted her to succeed. They really cared about her, and she felt it all the way to her marrow. She'd wanted to give up in the wee hours of the morning before the sun rose, her body and mind beyond exhausted, but Dawson was there to give her the encouragement she needed. The cowboys worked themselves sick trying to make the nearly impossible deadline. Her heart went out to them, especially when she wasn't as optimistic. Come morning, they didn't even break to have a bite to eat or rest. She saw the heaviness of Chase's eyes and forward slump of Brad's shoulders. Her heart went out to them. They did this for her, out of cowboy honor or love, she wasn't sure. More than anything, she wanted Dawson, Brad, and Chase to get the cattle moved in time because they deserved to succeed. She didn't even care if she had to forfeit every penny, as long as they got well-deserved recognition and their ten thousand dollars a piece. When they were ten minutes from hitting noon and miles away from where they needed to be, she felt tears prick the backs of her eyes. She was so overly tired. The entire trip had been life changing, and the last final push cemented the bond between the four of them. Jane blamed herself, wishing she hadn't been such a drag earlier in the roundup. Every extra minute would have counted now, being so close, but still too far. The cowboys wouldn't let her take responsibility for

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the failure. Even once they knew they wouldn't be getting paid, they still tried to comfort her. They spoke sweet words that blended into her daydreams as she drifted in and out of consciousness. As they finally neared the meeting place, she saw her cousin Ronald standing near a group of attorneys. Just witnessing the satisfied smirk on his face set her volatile emotions aflame. “Congratulations on reaching your goal, Ms. Williams.” Jane hadn’t expected to see Mr. Reznik at the finish line. The cattle grazed around them, already settling onto their new territory. She smiled as she glanced at them. She couldn’t help herself. Those animals had become of part of who she was. The entire experience had. “Unfortunately, you’re a little too late.” He glanced at his Rolex and shook his head, almost mockingly. “Yeah, well, we tried our best. Even rode through the night.” She knew she looked like a mess next to the clean-cut lawyer in his Armani suit and shiny black shoes. There were other suits behind him, carrying briefcases and looking around the dilapidated barn with a look of disgust, as if they were too good to be anywhere but downtown Alberta. They had no clue how much blood, sweat, and tears went into driving the cattle. It would have utterly horrified her to be caught like this before the journey began—clothes dirty and torn, hair matted and filthy, no makeup, and dark bags under her eyes from lack of sleep. But it didn’t matter now. Being superficial was only a way to hide from the past, her pain, and her fears. What scared her now was the thought of losing Brad, Dawson, and Chase. They cattle drive was over and they’d be on their way, and she couldn’t even pay them for the blood and sweat. “Like I told you in my office, Ms. Williams, your uncle was very specific in his will.” "Too bad, but I wouldn't want to go against my uncle's wishes," said Ronald, winking in Dawson's direction. There was nothing innocent about the man. He'd sold out his own blood for money,

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stomped on his uncle's wishes by sabotaging the roundup, and now played the hero when he was anything but. Jane reined in her temper. What was the point? “My uncle Williams gave me more than he could ever know, even if I don’t inherit a thing.” He had forced her to face reality, to allow Mother Nature to soothe her soul and teach her what was really important in life. She turned back to the three cowboys on horseback. They looked sullen and exhausted, but she still wouldn’t choose any other men in the world. "Keep your money for the roundup, Ronald," Dawson called out. "I'm just sorry I agreed to help you ruin this girl in the first place." Ronald leaned toward Mr. Reznik. "I think that one's been out in the sun too long." The lawyer scowled. “I have vehicles that are ready to drive you back to the city, Jane.” She didn’t want to go back to the city, but was empty-handed now. What other choice did she have? She wouldn’t allow any one of the cowboys to support her, not because she’d be dependent—she was beyond that now—but because it wasn’t right. She had always supported herself, and wouldn’t be a leech. How would she say good-bye? Tears began to prick at her eyes as the men in the outlying areas began to return to their vehicles. She wanted to plant an anchor, refuse to move if it meant distancing herself from Dawson, Brad, or Chase. They’d transformed her, helped her realize who she really was with their raw grit, passion, and rugged cowboy ways. Chase dismounted and walked toward her, his face not carrying his usual boyish charm, but blank, even a little sad. “Is this good-bye? I said you could come home with me. I meant it.” She shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, her throat tight. He kissed her forehead and turned his back to her. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs for him not to walk away from her, but she kept silent.

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Brad was next. He pulled her into a full embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head. “Jane, don’t go back. I know you better than this. You’re a cowgirl at heart, darlin’.” “No. I’m not. This is your world, and your family needs you. Wish your sister the best of luck for me. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the money for her adoption.” “She’ll be fine. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Jane leaned back and gazed up into his ocean blue eyes, a reflection of the sky above them. “I love you.” “You don’t, Brad. You really don’t.” She bit her lip hard to keep the emotion at bay. The metallic taste of her own blood filled her mouth. He said the one thing she couldn’t hear now, not when her emotions were more a muddle than they’d ever been. She saw Dawson ride off in her peripheral vision. He didn’t even say good-bye. Mr. Reznik called for her, “Jane…” “I have to go. Thank you for everything.” Jane ran the short distance to the vehicle where a man held a door open for her. The interior of the car smelled new, the leather seats plush, and the dashboard had every modern gadget. Before this journey began she would have been impressed, dreamed of the day she’d buy or lease one of her own. Not anymore. She wanted to watch the prairie sky light on fire when the sun set, watch the billions of stars, knowing she’d never be able to count a fraction of them before falling asleep, and she wanted to feel the strength of the three men who’d taught her what unconditional love was. Claustrophobia encroached on her, making her feel tense and desperate. She bolted out of the car despite the protests behind her. Jane ran as fast as her weary legs could carry her, but she was too late. There was no sign of the three men who held her heart. Why hadn’t she realized what she wanted until now? “Where’d they go?”

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Mr. Reznik set his briefcase on an old rain barrel and lifted the lid. “I would prefer to do this in my office, but I think you’ll appreciate it more now.” “Appreciate what? That Ronald will get the ranch now that I’ve failed?” “Ronald? No, no. Like I said, your uncle was a very unconventional man. He wanted his family ranch to end up in the right hands. It was important to him that the new owner loved the land and appreciated the simple things in life, like any good cowboy should. His words, not mine.” He sorted through some paper work. “Sign here.” “For what?” “The ranch, cattle, and acreage are yours, Ms. Williams. Your uncle wanted to ensure you’d go through with the cattle run. Apparently he thought being out on the prairies for two weeks would make you worthy of inheriting his estate. He said you were his favorite niece. Even in his final years, he’d mention you on his visits to my office.” "What?" Ronald shouted. "This is ridiculous! You specifically told me that I'd have the chance at getting the ranch if Jane failed." "Like you said, you wouldn't want to go against your uncle's wishes. He fully intended on giving Jane his estate, but thought it would be a good lesson for both of you to think otherwise." Ronald spat on the ground and stormed off to his waiting vehicle. Jane cupped her mouth and nose with her hands. It was too much for her to take in. She really needed to be alone to cry, to scream, to sort through the myriad of emotions assaulting her. “My job? I don’t have to go back to my job, then? Ever?” “You’re a wealthy woman now.” He held out the pen to her. She took in and absently signed the contracts giving her the estate. “But I promised my hired hands ten thousand each. Brad was going to help his sister adopt a child. I have to find them.”

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“For what? Let them go and keep your money. Even better.” Mr. Reznik closed his case and clicked the locks shut. “Shall I drive you back to your condo?” “No. I have a perfectly good horse.” She expertly mounted the animal, so different than two weeks ago when she had so many fears. “I’ll see you around.” Jane clucked her tongue and prodded the horse with her heels, and she was gone. Alone on the open prairie, the wind whipping her face and hair, she cried. She cried loud, without holding back—for losing her uncle, for the wonderful gift he gave her, for the years she wasted being filled with hate, and for the loss of the three cowboys who taught her that ginger wasn’t just for tea.

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Chapter Eighteen “There’s my old beast,” said Chase as he approached his pickup truck. He heaved his saddle into the back and then leaned against the side, crossing his arms over his chest. “Heading back up north?” asked Brad. “Sure thing. My brothers will be waiting. We have an immunization and branding to get done before the busy season.” “You, Dawson?” Brad used his hat to swat the dust off his jeans. They were all speaking to each other like distant relatives. They used their manners, but didn’t dare delve into deeper topics other than weather and basics. What was done was done. Jane had chosen to return to the city, without them. Chase would always wonder if she left out of guilt, not wanting them to be forced to choose between her and their families, or because she really couldn’t see a future in a ménage a quatre relationship. If it were the former he’d blame himself until the day he died for not admitting his true feelings when he had the chance, for not realizing that he was no spring chicken and needed to start his own life away from his parents’ rule. With Jane. **** Had it really been three weeks already? Jane felt as if it were just yesterday when she watched her cowboys walk away from her for the last time. Why hadn’t they fought for her, for them? She had no one to blame but herself for her predicament. Whether or not their feelings for her were genuine, she should have been more

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open. Fuck, she should have fought for what she wanted rather than feeling sorry for herself. “Hello?” There was someone in her living room, setting her heart racing. It was odd living in the big old country home. She was used to her matchbox condo, not two levels of empty rooms. Jane knew now that all the money in the world meant nothing when you had no one to love, no one to share life with. It was a blur of meaningless function, getting through one day to the next. When she entered the other room, oversized hardcover novel in hand as a weapon, she noticed her cat had knocked over her coffee mug from last night. Coffee by the fire in the evenings had become a ritual for her, a time to reflect on her life and battle the regrets she knew would keep her up at night. The cat was one of four. Jane figured if she were to die an old spinster, she might as well do it in style. She lowered the book and set it on the coffee table with a sigh. “Take off all your clothes,” said the masculine voice behind her. She dare not more, her life flashing before her eyes, until she realized the voice was all too familiar. Jane attempted to turn around. “Ah, ah, ah. Stay where you are. Be a good girl and take it all off.” Dawson. It was like one of her dreams, but she knew this was real. She dare not speak and have it all vanish. During the past three weeks she was able to wire the money she owed to Chase and Brad because she had their information from their previous emails when applying for her posting. Dawson wasn’t so easy to track. He’d used an internet café, so she couldn’t locate him. Jane complied, slipping her sundress off her shoulders, leaving her in just her white bra and undies. “Don’t stop there, baby doll.” Hearing his endearment for her made her heart swell. She knew she missed him, but hadn’t realized just how much. Emotions were washing through her at an alarming rate.

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“She looks mighty tempting,” said Chase. Her breath caught in her throat. “I’ve been dreaming of this day for nearly a month.” Brad was in her house, too. Why hadn’t the dogs barked? Three grown men had gained entrance to her house as silently as mice. She couldn’t help herself. Jane spun around, drinking in the sight of the three rugged cowboys that invaded her waking thoughts. They had changed—looked healthier, had shaved, cut their hair, and wore clean Wranglers and crisp, long-sleeved shirts. “What are you doing here?” “Well, we couldn’t find you in the city. When you wired money to us, we knew something was up. My aunt Wendy was able to find out, through the grapevine, you were living here.” “Why’d you come?” “Do you think we give up that easily, little one?” Dawson scowled, crinkling the corners of his eyes in that irresistibly sexy way of his. “We all had to tie up some loose ends. But we had every intention of meeting up again so we could corral us a city girl.” “So you didn’t run away?” A vulnerability she had never known surfaced. She needed them, wanted them, and had to get a little reassurance that their visit wasn’t casual. The thought of living without them after getting another taste would be unbearable. Brad crossed his arms over his chest, a gesture not common for him. “You did the running, Jane. Nearly drove me to drink.” “Maybe I should be punished then?” she whispered, hoping. Once she submitted to them, as she’d fantasized about time and time again, she’d owe them nothing. They’d be even, ready for a fresh start, a new beginning. “Oh, you will be. No doubt about that,” said Dawson. “Now, lose the undergarments and show us to the bedroom.” Jane dropped the remaining articles on the floor and made her way to the stairs. She felt so exposed, so self-conscious after they’d finally taught her to love her body. It would take plenty of lessons for them

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to bring her back to where they’d left her off. She looked forward to every beautiful moment of it. “Nice lodgings, darlin’.” Brad entered the room after her, strolling around the perimeter. “Big bed.” “Almost big enough for four, wouldn’t you say?” asked Chase. Jane nodded. Dawson unbuttoned his checkered shirt, sinfully slow, revealing an inch of golden, chiseled chest at a time. Her nerves began to diminish, replaced by a heady lust. It had been three long weeks until she’d experienced any pleasures of the flesh. Even her trusty vibrator had been packed away. “Sit on the bed.” Chase crouched between her legs once she was seated. He spread her thighs wider. Jane placed her hands on his strong shoulders for balance. “Your pussy looks mighty ripe, sweetheart.” He wet his lips as if savoring the meal to come. Chase tentatively licked her clit with the tip of his tongue. The simple contact shot through her body like an electric jolt. She let out the breath she held in a deep exhale. “I think she likes that,” said Dawson, now unbuckling his belt. He slipped the length of leather free from the loops on his jeans and coiled in twice, slapping it against his palm. Punishment. She had a million questions for them she needed answered. Jane wanted to share her feelings of abandonment, of love, of sweet relief that they had come back. Would they stay? But she kept quiet, knowing the intimacy, the sex, had to come first. Once the sexual tension was eased, they could face the reality ahead of them. Brad eased her to her back so Chase could tend to her pussy. He was ruthless, going hard and fast with his mouth and tongue with no prelude. Brad sat beside her, and he leaned over to suck her breast, kneading the other with his warm hand. She writhed and whined, which only earned her Dawson’s attention. “Remember the ginger? Maybe you need more lessons on control.”

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She forced herself to still, to accept Chase’s invading mouth, deepening her breaths instead of moaning. It worked somewhat. When she loosened her muscles, the pleasure increased, became easier to accept. Then he began to suckle her clit in a soft, consistent rhythm. Even being relaxed, it was too much to handle. She needed to come, but couldn’t focus on release when he was driving her mad. “No more!” All the men froze. She looked to each of them, all eyeing her with wicked hunger. “Roll her over,” said Dawson, cracking his belt against his palm, the sound filling her with apprehension, but also making her clit tingle. She tensed, awaiting the pain she knew was coming. “She’s clenching,” said Chase. “You do need more lessons.” Dawson dragged the leather belt down her backbone and over the round mounds of her ass. She focused on breathing, relaxing, and not clenching. It was better than being fucked in the ass with the ginger and the burning essence it released when she tightened up. “Good girl. Relax.” “There’ll be no more running away, no more doubts, no more over analyzing every little detail. We’re here because we love you, and we’re determined to make this work.” The leather came down on the fleshiest part of her ass. A sharp sting followed. “Look how red her little ass gets. So pretty,” said Brad, leaning over to kiss away the pain. Dawson repeated three times to each mound. She felt raw and ready. Every strike reverberated through her pelvis, heating her pussy and sensitizing her clit. The mixture of pain and pleasure was making her dizzy with desire. One fed the other until she was lost to Dawson’s ministrations. Jane bit her lip, waiting for another blow, but nothing came. Instead she heard and spurt of lube. She turned her head to find Chase coated his cock with the clear, sticky substance. Dawson dropped the belt and sat on the edge of the bed. Her pussy pulsed, eager and never

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so alive with need. “Straddle me, baby doll. Sit on my cock and ride me hard.” She couldn’t wait. His beautiful erection symbolized relief, bonding, and mind-numbing pleasure. Jane stood briefly, bracing a knee on each side of Dawson’s body. He assisted her in impaling her wet pussy over his dick. She slid down, savoring the fullness. His shoulders were so broad and toned. She pressed him down to his back so she could run her hands over his muscles and ripped abs. It had been so long since she’d felt them. After a few minutes of working his erection, Chase’s hands were on her hips, directing her upper body forward against Dawson. She felt the cool jolt of his lube-covered cock prod her nether hole. It would feel uncomfortable since she hadn’t had anal for weeks, but once she adjusted, it would be incomparable. “I’ve never had your ass, can you believe that, darlin’? I can’t wait to sink inside you.” His hands on her hips were tight enough to leave bruises. She knew he was trying to go slow to not hurt her, but being so pent up would make it a challenge. She hissed through her teeth as he entered her. Dawson groaned as the other penis brushed his. She was so close to orgasm, just from the pressure, and the sight of the men. They ground into her, working as a team to bring her closer to her peak. She closed her eyes, her breasts jiggling as she supported her hands against Dawson’s chest. “I’ve missed you.” Her cowboy drifter was too far gone now to worry about control, not tonight. He kissed her, his hands tangling in her hair. “What happened to the redhead?” Jane chuckled softly. “This is the real me, cowboy. Take it or leave it.” She had stopped dying her hair fiery red, and did a temporary wash similar to her natural mousy brown. There was no more need to compensate with facades, not when she’d found herself on the cattle drive. Jane hoped they’d still want her when they found out her secret. “You’re gorgeous. Perfect.”

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She’s sighed contentedly, reveling in their love and attention. It had been a long, lonely few weeks, expecting never to see them again. **** Brad watched as the other two cowboys fucked Jane without mercy. Not just any cowboys, but men he’d proudly call friends. They had kept in contact after the cattle drive, even visited Chase’s home for dinner with his family. It felt natural helping each other, working together. Brad and Dawson helped Chase and his two brothers with their branding, and then they focused on getting their woman back. He knew, without a doubt, they’d be able to share a home, especially since their common denominator was Jane. They all wanted her happy, so they’d be sure to keep the peace between them. Brad jerked off as he watched the threesome, eager for his chance to join in. Chase came first. He groaned like a bear, pumping the remains of his seed before pulling away and crashing on the chair in the corner. Dawson rolled Jane off him. “Let’s try something new,” he called to Brad. “Kneel behind her.” He did as the other man suggested, anxious to get his cock wet. “Hold on, darlin’. You’re going for a ride.” Brad’s hard-on was like a virile arrow, and Jane’s tight ass was his target. He thrust upward as she knelt in front of him, facing Dawson. His cock slid in with ease thanks to Chase’s priming. She was hot and slick. He thrust deep, deeper than usual in their new position. “Get ready for more.” Dawson forced his dick into her cunt, pressing against Brad’s like a vice. “Oh, fuck!” he muttered, loving the feel, the tight grip, of doublefucking their woman. Their cocks slid against each other, only the thin membrane separating them. Brad mauled Jane’s tits, teasing her nipples as he pistoned in and out of her. A few times they thrust together, lifting her off her knees from the upward force.

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“Don’t stop,” she muttered, her breathing erratic. Any moment and she’d lose control. He wanted her to come all over his cock, milk him until he filled her with his seed. His balls drew up tight to his body. Those final moments, he pound into her with the stamina of a stallion. Those long, miserable nights wondering if he’d ever see Jane’s beautiful green eyes again were all a memory. He savored this moment, knowing it was the first day in the rest of his life. When she called out, throwing her head back against his chest, a chain reaction ensued. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as he picked up his pace, on the verge of orgasm. It finally struck. He let out his held breath, shocked by the power of his release. “I could sleep for a week,” said Brad as they lay beside each other on the bed. Dawson’s forearm was draped over his eyes. “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” **** Jane left the bedroom when the men were sleeping. They found her out back behind the house, leaning on the split rail fence, as she watched the horses graze. “Something wrong?” asked Brad, gathering up her hair and kissing the back of her neck. “I have something you tell the three of you, but I don’t think you’re going to like it. It’s one thing for us to agree on a relationship, but this—” Dawson scooped her up by the waist and set her on the fence. “You can tell us anything at all.” She wanted that to be true, prayed their love wouldn’t sour when she told them the truth. She stalled, nibbling on her lip. “I—I’m pregnant.” Jane sighed, a defeated sigh. She expected them to be disappointed considering they barely knew each other.

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“Yee-haw!” Brad’s sharp call made her jump. He grabbed her under the arms and twirled her around, her light sundress fluttering. “I just knew it. Your breasts have gone all plump since last I saw you. Why on earth were you afraid to tell us that?” “Put her down before you hurt her,” said Dawson, reaching out to stop their spinning. His obvious concern for her welfare touched her heart. “Jane, is it true?” “I screwed up taking on my pills during the roundup. My head was a mess, but it’s no excuse.” Brad caressed her cheek. “Excuse? I’ve never been happier. I have plenty to teach a young cowboy. And his aunts will spoil him rotten.” “Or cowgirl,” reminded Chase. “If it’s a girl, I’ll go gray before my time. It’s bad enough worrying about my baby sister. A daughter would be a whole other ball game.” They talked about the possibilities, their plans, names, and which room they’d make the nursery. Jane couldn’t believe that not one of them asked if she knew who the daddy was. It didn’t matter, because all three of them would be fathers to her child. She’d grown up without a male role model, so it warmed her heart to know her children would know the joys of having a good father, multiplied by three. They’d also grow up on the same farm that starred in all her sweetest memories. If she knew she’d land three rugged cowboys, she’d have advertised for one long ago. But then again, they wouldn’t be Dawson, Brad, and Chase. She looked up to the sky as the men led her to the house, doting over her as they went. Jane said a silent prayer to the heavens, hoping her uncle would hear. His cattle drive had prepared her for the greatest gift of all.

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THE END WWW.STACEYESPINO.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stacey Espino resides in beautiful Ontario, Canada where she is busy raising her five school-aged children. She loves being a Canadian but could do without the brutal winters. When she’s not escaping into the romantic settings she creates on her laptop, she’s reading one of the many books threatening to overtake her bedroom. She also writes alternative m/m erotic romance under her pen name, Winona Wilder.

Also by Stacey Espino Ménage Amour: Ride ‘em Hard 1: Hardcore Cowboys

For all other titles, please visit www.bookstrand.com/stacey-espino www.bookstrand.com/winona-wilder

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