Tangled in Divine(Divine Creek Ranch 14)(39)

“I think I do, Chris. What about your family?”

“I’m the baby of the family. I have eleven older brothers and public humiliation was their idea of showing familial affection.” She had a hard time picturing Chris as the baby of the family, as big and intimidating as he was.

“Eleven brothers?”

“Yes, and three older sisters who make my brothers look like pussycats. I had to learn how to defend myself and watch my own back at a young age. Once I was big enough to defend myself, they no longer bullied me, but by then the die was already cast. Teasing and picking is our family relationship default—that and being loud and obnoxious.” He settled back in his seat and let out what sounded like a relieved breath. At least she hoped that was the case.

Julián turned onto a gravel drive and slowed as they passed under a steel pipe entry that displayed “Cook Ranch” in bold capitals along the crossbeam.

Julián squeezed her hand. “Not to change the subject, but Wilbur Wilson said that he’d like to meet with you day after tomorrow. Sound okay?”

“Sounds perfect. Thank you for setting it up. Where do you stay?” she asked as Josh Turner began crooning on the radio. Oh boy, talk about a sexy mood setter!

Julián pointed to a smaller house that was set apart from the main ranch house, close to the barn. It looked like a simple single-family dwelling. “That’s the foreman’s place. We both live there.” He turned his sultry gaze on her. “We want you to stay there with us tonight.”

A hungry tension grew inside her as “I Wouldn’t Be a Man” played softly on the radio. She’d needed those answers from Chris and the certainty was growing inside her that they were moving forward with whatever it was that was developing between them. She wanted them. Both of them. Only one other point needed to be discussed first. Well, two actually.

“I’ll stay tonight. With both of you. I’d appreciate you using condoms for the time being.” Julián nodded and even though she didn’t want to bring it up, Gwen said, “Guys, you need to know that I’m leaving in March. I can’t stay permanently in Divine. My dad’s friend Roger plans to purchase the property and my horse and I need one more winning year so I can buy them back. I’ve always had this dream…”

Julián stroked her hand and Chris leaned far enough forward that his big hand cupped her shoulder comfortingly. She closed her eyes, hoping they understood. In no way did this feel like a nameless one-night stand, but she had to treat it as such, for the sake of her heart.

Julián pressed his lips to her knuckles as the truck rolled to a stop in front of the house. “We understand how important it is to you to meet that obligation. We both have commitments of our own in this area for the next couple of years. We want you to have your dream too. Training horses and riders is what you were born to do. But I want you so much it’s painful. I need you.” He turned to look at the man sitting behind her, leaving the opening for him. Silence.

Gwen covered Chris’s work-hardened hand with her own. Her throat trembled with need and emotion. “And you, Chris?”

By the barest fraction, he tightened his gentle grip on her shoulder. “Yes, but only if you’re sure.”





Chapter Eight




“I’m sure,” she whispered, her heart throbbing in a sensuous rhythm. Imagining making love with both of them caused heat like a blast furnace to blaze inside her. Chris’s hand slipped from her shoulder and he got out of the truck and then reached for her door.

Julián kissed her knuckles and chuckled. “Prepare for your spanking, then, baby.” Gwen took a deep, shuddering breath, wondering how exactly she prepared for her spanking, beyond what her hormone-charged body was already doing.

He slid her hand over his thigh to the thick ridge trapped in his jeans and groaned in enjoyment when she caressed him boldly. Her cunt clenched in anticipation of him finally sliding that big cock into her. She was still fully dressed but her panties were soaked by the time Chris had her door open.

He reached under her knees and behind her back, lifting her without even waiting for word from her.

“I can walk, you know,” she replied playfully. Not that I want to at the moment. “It’s a ways to the front door.”

“I like carrying you. And that’s just a few steps.”

“Are you planning to carry me a lot while I’m here?”

A wide, devilish grin split his face and the look in his eyes, the return of his teasing twinkle, made her happy. “Every chance I get, darlin’.”