Maya turned twinkling eyes to him and said, “I could bring a blanket down here and read a book or take a nap.”
“I could think of a better use for a blanket than taking a nap. Of course a nap afterward would be good.” Boone watched the rosy blush increase over her cheeks and barely suppressed a growl when she smiled up at him.
Maya turned to his brother and asked, “What do you think about that?”
Boone sighed in relief when she reached for Richard. His brother seemed unsure how to answer until Maya put her arms around his waist and hugged him with a contented sigh. It seemed to be what Richard had needed, and Boone smiled at the confused, vulnerable smile that appeared on Richard’s face.
He kissed the top of her head and said, “I think the blanket would need to be king-size.”
Boone watched in approval as Maya tilted her head up to kiss Richard. Boone’s cock stirred to life, and he was willing to bet Richard was having a similar experience as she stretched up on tiptoes and pressed her body to his. Tightening his arms around her, Richard lifted her off her feet and devoured her lips like a starving man.
Boone was proud of Maya for not pulling away first. She must have sensed that Richard needed to be the one in control of the moment after his doubts had been put to rest.
When Richard released her and carefully set her on her feet, Maya held his hand, looked between them and said to Boone, “Kendall and I had a talk this afternoon on the way over here. If you read the letter Morgan sent to Kendall then you know I love Kendall very much.” Her lips trembled as she continued. “And you also know I wanted a ménage relationship with Kendall and Morgan but never asked for it. Kendall told me that you’re all interested in having an arrangement like Grace does, with equal sharing. He also said that you might like that with me. Is that true?” She looked slightly uncomfortable, and he realized she might be secretly worried they would judge her for wanting something so out of the norm.
Boone wanted to put her fears to rest. “Yes, Maya. It is true. We’ve played the field both on and off the rodeo circuit, and we’ve dabbled in the singles scene in Divine. I’ve been attracted to you since we met when you were in college with Kendall and Morgan but never acknowledged it because you were off limits.”
The relief showed in her eyes, and he felt gratified by her reaction.
Maya turned to Richard and said, “Richard, this has to be hard for you. The last time I recall seeing you, besides at Morgan’s funeral, you were planning a wedding with Michelle. That was three years ago. Do you think you’re ready for something like this? You don’t have to go along with the guys for fear of disappointing me. I don’t want you to feel like you were dragged into this because it’s something Boone and Kendall want. I sound pathetic asking you straight out like this on the day after I arrived, but is there a chance you might have feelings for me that could grow into something that will last? There seems to be something worth exploring between all of us, but I’m only here for a week, so…”
Boone could see her chest heaving a bit and realized she was rattling on, getting more and more anxious because Richard wasn’t showing any kind of response. He wished Richard would say something to reassure her because Boone couldn’t. She’d wonder later if Richard was really on board or not. No, Richard had to be the one who responded to her direct question.
Richard frowned and said, “I’m not going to lie and tell you I’m jumping in with both feet. I’m not that kind of guy. But I can truthfully tell you I want to give this a try.”
“Fair enough, Richard,” she responded with a nod. “I don’t expect you all to make dramatic declarations of undying love to me this week. Let’s just see if what the four of us have together is sustainable. Boone, when I kissed Richard how did it make you feel? Will it make you jealous for me to kiss him like that?”
Boone answered with utter confidence, “No. I like it. But if you kiss any other man besides me or my brothers, I’ll throw you over my knee and blister your little ass until it’s bright pink.”
Maya’s face registered surprise and then she laughed out loud. “Oh, is that supposed to scare me, cowboy? It’s been a while since I’ve been tied up or had a good spanking.”
Boone burst into laughter at her words. “Damn, she’s perfect, Richard!” Boone felt himself fall a little harder for her. In just a few words she’d told him a lot.
Most of the women he’d dated had been vanilla, either buckle bunnies on the rodeo circuit or here in Divine. The idea of a paddling would’ve sent most of them running and had in a couple of cases when he’d mentioned it. One of the few exceptions in his dating career had been a woman who’d wanted to spank him, which had been a no-go.