Maya’s Triple Dare(Divine Creek Ranch 6)(53)

Brenda glanced at Boone’s face then looked at Kendall and Richard. Whatever she saw made her snicker and she said, “She’s the new filling in your cowboy sandwich, isn’t she? Wow, your standards have dropped some in the last couple of years.”

Boone replied sharply enough his voice carried. “Actually, Brenda, our tastes have improved. There’s more love in the tip of her pinky-toe than there is in your whole body. Put your dress back on. You wore out your welcome here two years ago.”

“I wonder what all the self-righteous citizens of this little community will think when they find out the Warner Boys are sharing a woman.” She had a superior smile on her face and a tone to match.

She evidently intended to make a few stops in town and spread a bit of gossip before she moved on. Maya couldn’t have cared less but felt bad for the men. They had dealings with the people in the little town of Divine, and Maya knew any rumors Brenda shared would be greatly embellished.

“It doesn’t matter, Brenda. The townspeople don’t control who we love or spend time with,” Boone replied.

Did he just say “love”?

Surely he was speaking in general terms to this woman. He hadn’t said anything to Maya yet, and honestly she hadn’t expected him to until he was good and ready. Looking up at Kendall, she caught his smile and slight nod. Mind reader.

Maya watched Brenda Sanderson’s face turn an unfortunate shade of splotchy red as she struggled back into her dress and yanked it down.

“Well, we’ll just see about that, won’t we?”

“Go ahead and spin your tales, Brenda. Most anybody you come into contact with will remember you from your escapades the last time you trolled your way through Divine,” Boone said as he carefully grasped her upper arm and marched her back up the incline. Maya, Richard, and Kendall gathered their picnic supplies and the plastic tub then followed at a reasonable distance.

Brenda kept up her scalding tirade all the way back to their vehicles, punctuated only by whiny requests that he slow down. When Brenda didn’t get anywhere threatening to “out” them to the community, she went back to insulting Maya’s looks, her age, her body type, and comparing herself to Maya. How could they want a chubby like Maya when they had her around?

“Why in the world would we want your half-starved, miserable, self-centered presence in our lives, Brenda, when we already have a beautiful, funny, and caring woman to love and take care of?”

Brenda cast another furious glance back in her direction. Maya hoped Boone was being careful with her arm because Brenda looked the type to cry foul when none existed.

Maya grinned as she took in the sight of the brand-new red convertible sitting in the yard by Kendall’s truck. Definitely a daddy’s girl. Brenda never even asked what had become of their home.

“I have never been to a more inhospitable town,” Brenda finally muttered as Boone opened the driver’s side door of the car for her.

“It’s funny how that happens when you make a habit of hurting the people we care about, Brenda. Remember, you were warned not to return to the Rockin’ C by the Carlisles. I’d heed that warning, if I were you.” Boone nudged her car door closed, and she glared at him as she cranked the ignition mercilessly. “Remember, no shoplifting—I mean shopping—at Stigall’s or visiting at the Divine Creek Ranch. Grace has a shotgun shell with your name written on it, if you do.”

“She wouldn’t dare—”

“That’s not the point, Brenda. Why would you go where you are not welcome, which includes the JWB, in case you need it spelled out for you.”

Brenda frowned deeply at him and yelled, “Why don’t the three of you and your hag just go to hell!”

She peeled out, spraying dirt and gravel behind her. Standing farther back than Boone was, Richard and Kendall turned and positioned Maya so none of it hit her, and they watched in silence as Brenda tore down their driveway.

“We can be sure she’s going to raise a stink in town,” Kendall said as he placed the picnic basket and wadded-up blanket on the backseat of the truck.

Boone looked like he’d been lightly dusted in flour as he turned and walked straight to her. “I don’t give a damn. Do any of you?” He crushed her to him and kissed her until her head spun. His hold was secure but gentle, and he groaned before he ended the kiss.

Boone cupped her cheek in his palm and said, “Listen to me, Maya. Not a single, jealous word she said was true. She could see you are much more beautiful than her and was trying to rile you up and get us fighting. Even with her fake tits she’s nowhere near the beauty you are. And hell yes, I love you. I would’ve said it to you under a different setting than this, but I do love you.”