Breaker placed his hand against her cheek. “Maggie, what’s wrong?”
She swallowed hard and fought to say the words and express her honest emotions and outlook on this potential relationship.
“Breaker, I need things to go slow. I need time to get used to all these feelings I have and, well, to get used to you, Bandit, Logan, and Stack being close to me, touching me, and kissing me. I can’t get into why right now. But I need for it to go like this.”
He held her gaze. “I can do slow. In fact, slow sounds really good to me.”
He trailed his fingers from her cheek to her chin, tilting it up toward him before lowering his mouth to hers and kissing her softly. It was a slow, tender kiss that didn’t overwhelm her. She smiled softly when their lips parted.
“Lunch then?” he asked and raised both of his eyebrows, anticipating a yes from her.
She nodded as she hit the auto lock on her key chain, and they headed toward Francine’s Diner.
Breaker held the door open for her, and as they entered, she noticed all the familiar faces and, boy, did everyone notice Breaker holding her hand.
“Hi, Maggie.” Cindy, one of the waitresses, greeted them and looked at Breaker as though she had never seen him before. “Need a table for two?” Cindy asked with a smile.
“Yes, Cindy, that would be great,” she replied, and Breaker placed his hand at Maggie’s lower back and followed behind her as Cindy showed them to a table. When they sat down, she noticed that Breaker seemed a little uncomfortable.
“Don’t you like Francine’s?” she asked him, and he looked around and then back at her.
“I’ve never been in here before. We’ll see,” he said, and she was surprised.
“How long have you lived in Pearl?” she asked.
“Months.”
“I didn’t realize that. I thought you guys had all lived here for a while. I don’t like to go out that much.”
He locked gazes with her and then reached over and took her hand into his.
“I don’t like crowds. Never have.”
“Does that have something to do with being in the service?”
“I suppose it does. I just don’t feel comfortable around large crowds or shoved into a corner with an exit at a distance from where I am. You see, when I come into a place, the first things I look for are exits, emergency routes to take my leave quickly, and, of course, the people present.”
She looked around them, noticing a lot of old timers as well as some young ménage couples. She didn’t know why, but she squeezed his hand and held his gaze. “You’re safe here with me, I think.”
His gaze was so dark as he stared deeply into her eyes. “You’re the only reason why I’m here right now.”
The emotion and depth of his words touched her, and she was relieved that Cindy was there to take their order.
* * * *
“So tell me about your team. Who’s the leader? How long have you been together?” she asked him, and he couldn’t help but curl his lip a little.
He popped the last bite of burger into his mouth and then took a sip from his sweet tea. Maggie wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin and held his gaze. She was so classy and sweet. The more he was around her, the daintier she seemed and fragile in a lot of ways. He wanted to protect her. His team could do that. If she let them.
“Well, Logan has the highest ranking as commander. We all served together for years and then retired months apart. We took on the new assignments to support us and to build the ranch.”
“Tell me about the others. What are they really like at home? I mean, is Logan bossy and so demanding all the time? He seems to give orders or at least sound like that, even in normal conversation.”
He chuckled low.
“He is very demanding and expects one hundred and ten percent on everything. Stack can be just as demanding. I guess we all can be.”
“Four Alpha males. That’s what you guys make me think of.”
He leaned forward and took her hand again into his.
“Alpha males are very protective of what belongs to them. They can be possessive too, not letting any other men get close to what’s theirs, especially their woman.” He saw her cheeks redden, and then she looked away.
“Look at me, Maggie,” he whispered firmly, and she did immediately.
“You’re so pretty. You’re talented, smart, classy, and have the most gorgeous green eyes I’ve ever seen. You do things to me. Things I’ve never felt before, and I want more of those feelings. This is real. Don’t be afraid of us.”
Cindy came over again, and Breaker asked for the check, not even letting his eyes drift to Cindy. Maggie was just too appealing to look away.
* * * *
As they headed out of the diner, Breaker’s phone rang. He looked at the caller ID.
“It’s Logan.”
She smiled as he answered the phone, and they walked down the street, taking their time.
She listened to him tell Logan that he was with her. She found herself wishing that Logan was there too, and then came that fear of being alone with two of the four men. They would sandwich her between them, both kissing her skin at the same time. That made her think about being alone with three of them, and then all four of them. Four men touching her, kissing her, arousing her senses and wanting her body. Yikes. She felt panicked as she stopped and looked at Breaker.
“I should get going.”
He squinted at her. “Wait, Logan wants to know what you’re doing for dinner tonight. I can pick you up at your place in a few hours and bring you over to our ranch for dinner.”
She shook her head and began to step away from him.
“I can’t. I’m sorry. Maybe another time. Listen, I need to get going. I’ll see you soon. Thanks for lunch and for helping me at the park.”
She ignored his protest as he held the phone to his ear, and she hurried across the street to her car. She got inside, hoping that he wouldn’t follow. She was in a panicked state. What was she going to do? How could she have thought this could work? Four men and her? There was no way this was going to work. It couldn’t.
She started the car and headed out of the parking lot, glancing in the direction where she had left Breaker. He was still on the phone with Logan, and he looked angry as he spoke into the phone with his eyes squinted, waving his hand in the air as if saying, “What the heck is going on?” God, he was so intense. They all were. As nice as they seemed, she really didn’t know them. What if they turned out to be pushy or demanded sex from her, even though she wasn’t ready? That thought made her feel guilty and shitty. They weren’t like Corbin or men who took advantage. They were American soldiers, Marines, for crying out loud. She needed help, but who was there to turn to?
As she turned down the side street that led out of town, she saw the sign, Second Chances. Instead of going back around and heading home, she made the quick right and headed toward Second Chances. She needed to talk to Anna, Stacy, and Lena. They could help her. She was desperate to get over this fear and accept Stack, Bandit, Logan, and Breaker. She liked them and could actually see herself loving them. If she didn’t get over this fear, she could lose the opportunity forever.
Chapter 6
“She’s not taking any of our calls. When I stopped into the gallery in Tranquility, she said she was too busy to talk and would call me later and never did,” Bandit told his team.
“She said she was working out some things and to give her a little time, but it’s been two weeks,” Breaker added.
“I don’t understand it. Your lunch date with her sounded like it went well,” Logan said to Breaker.
“It went great until you called and asked her to come to our place for dinner. I think she got scared and freaked out,” Breaker told them.
“Like she thought we were trying to trick her or pull something?” Bandit asked.
“It doesn’t add up. When she has been with us alone, or with two of us, she seems fine and let’s that
“Maybe it’s the idea of being alone with four men that frightens her?” Bandit suggested.
“It has to be and only makes me think that someone hurt her. A man maybe, and that is why she’s so cautious,” Logan said.
“It must have been bad. Why else would she hold back and blow us off like this?” Breaker asked.
“Let’s give her a little more time to work things out,” Logan said. “There’s a new viewing at the gallery where she works. Sunny, his team, and Dee are going, as well as Cynthia, Perkins, and the guys. Three new pieces of Maggie’s are going to be on display. That’s the perfect opportunity to visit her and also support her without pressuring her.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’m in. I’ve missed her.” Bandit said, and they all agreed.
* * * *
Maggie was a nervous wreck. She was getting ready for the new viewing at the gallery, and all three of her paintings had been chosen to be displayed by the owner of the gallery. As curator, she felt a little odd having her work displayed here. Anywhere else would be fine, but at the gallery she worked made her feel self-conscious. She was very critical of her artwork and she always picked up on people’s evaluations of art. She just didn’t want to hear any negativity. The only one she hadn’t shown to Howard was the one painting she’d finished from that day in the park when Breaker had been watching her. She had added in the couple meeting and kissing for what she thought of as their first kiss, and it made her think of the men. She couldn’t part with it. Not now.
She had also been seeing a counselor at the shelter who Anna had introduced her to. She realized that it wasn’t as though she needed years of counseling before she could move on and be in a healthy relationship with a man. She needed to accept what had happened, that she wasn’t at fault, and that Corbin no longer had control over her. She had kept everything a secret, and opening up about it and not being made to feel judged or at fault was already a step in the right direction of healing. The only way to fight the fear and the nightmares was to live her life and take the chances she needed to. She wanted to see the men again. She wanted to talk to them about her fears and let go. No other men she’d met over the years had made her want to face the past and fight the demons. But Breaker, Logan, Bandit, and Stack did.
Sure, it would mean having a ménage relationship and letting her guard down to four men. She’d thought about that for hours. But whether it was one man or a few men, she came back to the same realization. She liked all four equally, and with the same desire and passion. She saw her friends’ successful ménage relationships. She envied them and what they had because they were willing to take a chance. Maggie could do the same thing. A ménage relationship was special for a whole lot of reasons
She wanted to feel their arms around her and experience more of their kisses and passion. She felt comfortable in their arms. Sure, it would take some time to get used to being with four men, caring for them, allowing them close and being intimate with them, but it felt right. It made her feel empowered, beautiful and protected. She just needed to get through this gallery event, and then she would call them tomorrow.
The phone was ringing. Howard was getting hysterical because he thought that the caterers were thirty minutes late.
“Howard, please calm down. They’re right on time. We have an hour, and everything is set up, our servers are here and their helpers. Just take care of the door and greet everyone as they enter.”
“Maggie, Pierce Farrow’s personal assistant called from Fort Worth. He’ll be here in an hour. Pierce Farrow,” he repeated and then fanned himself.
Maggie was shocked but not as affected as Howard was. The man obsessed over certain art collectors and particularly men who were wealthy, good-looking bachelors. She wondered how Mr. Farrow would respond to her after the Dallas gallery a couple of months ago. She’d had to leave in a hurry when she spotted Corbin’s assistant browsing the event. She didn’t need to bump into Corbin, and Mr. Farrow was interested in her art, as well as her professional handling of fine art. He’d even offered her a job at one of his galleries in Fort Worth.
Now she was getting nervous as she rubbed her hands along the slim-fitting black cocktail dress. It was very sexy, with a long, low dip in the back and another one in the front that accentuated her large breasts. She had some big shots from the fashion industry coming, and in the past when she dressed more conservatively, she’d been looked down upon. She wanted to look professional, classy, glamorous, and well, like she knew what the latest fashion was. Howard encouraged her dress choice and even brought along a pearl necklace with small pearls that hung right over the dip into her cleavage and made her look even classier. Howard was a fashion guru.
She slipped into her very high heels, knowing that her feet would need a good soaking by the end of the night, and soon the soft classical music played in the background, people started arriving, and then her friends showed up.
“Oh my God, you look incredible,” Cynthia told her as she gave her a kiss and hug hello.
“So do you. I love that red dress.”
“No, babe, you look amazing. I’ve never seen you wear something so sexy and stylish before. It suits you.”
“Well, we have some big shots coming tonight, and after the last gallery event, I was kind of put down for my attire.”
Cynthia made a scrunched-up expression.
“Seriously? I loved that purple dress. It was so classy and conservative.”
“The key word was conservative. But hey, thanks for coming. I don’t know how much I’ll be able to mingle with you guys, but I appreciate you all showing up.”
“I came here to see your work. Is it close by?” Perkins asked. Dugen, Merlin, and Karl smiled as Karl placed his hand on Cynthia’s waist.
“There are four of them in different spots. Let me know what you think. I’d better get moving.”
“You look great, Maggie. Good luck tonight,” Karl told her and smiled.
A few minutes later Dee and her men arrived, and then Georgia came with a few other women, and then Maggie got caught up in helping guests shop. She sold a few paintings, and as she walked around and came back toward the front, she stopped short. There in the doorway talking to Howard and Gale were Bandit, Logan, Stack, and Breaker. Her heart began to race, and she smiled as Logan caught sight of her first.
As the others turned to see her, their expressions all looked the same. Shock and awe was how she would describe it, and she was glad she’d worn this dress.
“Hi, how are you guys? Thank you for coming.” She leaned forward to kiss Bandit hello. She went for his cheek, but he turned and kissed her lips as he held her close. Then Stack kissed her and looked over her dress and then Logan.
“God, baby, just when I thought you couldn’t get any more beautiful I see you in this.” He kissed her and ran his palm along her ass, giving it a light tap before he pulled back.
She felt her cheeks warm, and then Breaker pulled her close.
“You couldn’t wear something less revealing?” he reprimanded her, and she felt a little worried, but then he kissed her thoroughly before releasing her.
She caught her breath, and then Bandit reached over and fixed her lipstick.
“We’ve missed you.”
She looked at them as they gathered close.
“I missed the four of you too. I’ve been so busy, and I needed to take care of some things and get ready for tonight. Maybe we can talk this week?”
“Tonight? As soon as you close up?” Logan asked.
“It may be late, and I’ll probably be exhausted and ready to soak in a hot tub.”
“We can arrange that,” Breaker said, and she felt her belly do a series of flip-flops.
“I bet you could.”
“Maggie, he’s looking for you. Come on,” Howard said, interrupting her.
“I need to go. I don’t know if I’ll be able to talk a bunch tonight. I have a lot going on, but I will definitely call you tomorrow. Enjoy the food and have some of the punch. It’s so good.”
Howard pulled her away, and she felt disappointed. Stack, Logan, Breaker, and Bandit looked so good.
“Wipe your drool, baby. It’s time to impress Mr. Money Bags,” Howard said to her, and she ran her finger along her bottom lip in reaction to his comment.
“I wasn’t drooling.”
“Well, I was. Your four boyfriends are hot, but Pierce wants only you to show him around tonight. Make a sale, baby. Good luck.”
She shot Howard a look but then locked gazes with Pierce Farrow. He wore a black tux and stood by one of her paintings. He greeted her with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and then took her hand as she became his personal escort for the evening.
* * * *
“Hey, these are amazing. Maggie did these,” Bandit said to his friends as they looked around the gallery.
“She sure is talented. I really like all of these,” Stack added as he looked at the display.
It was pretty crowded, and a large number of people gathered around Maggie’s artwork, but then Bandit saw Breaker staring at one particular piece that was leaning against the wall by a side door. Before Bandit could ask Breaker about it, a set of people came over talking about the portrait.
“They said that this piece wasn’t labeled for sale,” one woman said. “I wonder what they would take for it. It’s quite breathtaking. Look at the way the sun is reflecting on the lake and how the cowboy is sitting under the tree. I love it. M. Reed is a very talented artist.”
“I’ll find out. Whatever the price, we’ll take it. It must be for sale,” the man said with an attitude.
Bandit thought he looked like one of those wealthy, stuck-up types. Then Breaker spoke as Howard arrived.
“It’s not for sale,” Breaker said.
“What’s going on? I thought everything was for sale,” the man stated in a huff, and Howard had to calm him down.
“I’m sorry. I do believe that I can assist with this,” Howard said.
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