by Zoey Marcel
Aiden glared at him. “What’s wrong with you?”
“This is why I’m gonna be late tonight.”
“You’re supposed to be on the clock in half an hour. What made you think bringin’ a cow to work was a good idea?”
“But see, I was being responsible,” Justin protested.
René almost laughed from where he stood.
Aiden gave him an “Are you fucking kidding me” look and crossed his arms. “What?”
“I knew I was gonna be late because I had to catch Sirloin here, but I didn’t figure you’d believe that, so I brought him as proof,” Justin explained.
Aiden opened his mouth to speak before shutting it and shaking his head. “Get that thing out of here. Wash off in the showers and change your clothes.”
“But I didn’t bring any except what I’m wearing.”
“Then get some. You have a half hour to be on the floor. No excuses.”
“That’s not fair. I can’t get Sirloin home and then get showered and changed in time.”
Aiden kept walking. “That’s not my problem.”
René stepped forward and placed his hand on Justin’s shoulder after he dismounted from the steer. “I saw Quentin walking around town a little bit ago. I’ll have him take Sirloin home for you, and I’ll drive you to your apartment to get cleaned up.”
“Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
He texted Quentin before putting his phone away. “You owe me quite a few.”
Justin sighed. “Figures.”
“I’ll drop you off, but you’ll have to drive yourself back.” René tried not to smile, but his efforts were entirely wasted. “I’ve got a date.”
Justin grinned and nodded, tossing him a suggestive wink. “Yeah, you do.”
René rolled his eyes and shook his head, draping an arm over Justin’s shoulder as they walked out of the club together with Justin leading Sirloin. “It’s just dinner.”
“It’s never just dinner. She’ll be all ‘Oh, I’m cold.’ Then you’ll be all ‘Well, we could screw’.”
René gave his younger cousin a light shove away from him. “If she was cold, I would just offer her my jacket. Is that really what you do when a girl tells you she’s cold, offer to screw her?”
“Hey man, I’m willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.”
“Since when?”
“I do my part. You should totally use the ‘Let me warm you’ angle.”
“I’m not taking advice for how to behave with women from my little brother.”
He and the rest of the family always referred to Justin as their brother, partly because they viewed him as one, but also because they wanted him to feel like immediate family instead of a relative.
“Why not? Hang on. Sirloin is taking a dump.” When the steer had passed its waste, Justin pulled a plastic trash bag out of his pocket and used the bag as an oversized glove to pick up the cow pie before twisting the bag closed.
“There’s a garbage can over there.”
Justin got a sly grin. “That’s okay. I’m gonna recycle it.”
“What for?”
“For...my garden.”
René eyed him suspiciously. “What garden? You live in an apartment.”
“I have pots.”
“What are you growing?”
“Uh...I have a banana bush.”
René halted and stopped him. “A banana bush, really? You do know they grow on trees, don’t you?”
“Right. I’ve got a pumpkin tree, too. I need the manure to fertilize.”
“Justin, pumpkins don’t...who are you chucking manure at?”
“Some punk ass that deserves it. When he walks below my apartment window I’m gonna throw cow shit at him. It’s gonna be epic.”
“Pray tell, what did the poor bastard do to incur the need for a shit bath?”
“He took my parking spot. I politely warned him not to and he keeps doing it. Now he’s gonna pay.”
“You could just speak with the manager or tow the person’s truck.”
“I can’t let others execute justice for me. That’s not responsible.”
René refrained from chuckling. “And flinging cow manure out of your window at someone is?”
“Heck yes, it is. If you’re a good sport and don’t say anything, I’ll post it on YouTube.”
“Won’t that be incriminating?”
“Well, I won’t post my face.”
Their friend, Quentin Adeniji, walked over. “I got your text, René. You need me to take this steer home for you?”
“Yeah,” Justin replied, laying the end of the lead rope in Quentin’s hand. He pointed a finger at him. “Don’t eat him. This is Sirloin.”
“Calm down. I know he’s your pet.” Quentin held out his other hand. “Do you want me to throw that away for you?”
Justin yanked the bag away and hid it behind him in a sudden, slightly dramatic motion. “No. I’ll take care of it.”
René smirked. “He needs it to fertilize his garden. Did you know he’s growing a banana bush and a pumpkin tree?”
Quentin stared at him, face void of expression. “Did someone park in your space again?”
“Yes. The same friggin’ guy.” Justin sounded exasperated. “He’s not gonna get away with it this time.”
Quentin smiled a little, seeming amused. “Well, at least he’s not damaging the man’s car.”
An evil smile lighted Justin’s face. “I didn’t think of that.”
“No.” René grabbed Justin by the back of his neck. “Way to give him ideas, Quentin.”
Quentin laughed as he headed off with Sirloin.
“Get in the truck, you.” René nudged Justin toward the passenger’s side. “You’re gonna be late if you keep dawdling.”
He felt a hot zing of anticipation and cold, electric energy when he thought of seeing Kendall again. He didn’t want to be late for his plans for the evening either.
Chapter Two
Shane Huntington was surprised that a pastor’s son wanted to join the BDSM club. What made it even more head-jerking was the fact that it was Malachi Brodie’s youngest son, Heath. The cowboy had always been kind of a prick, but now here he was signing a membership form with Dominic Hartwell’s little sister, Danielle. The curvy blonde was apparently back in town from Chicago. She seemed nice, but he’d never really liked Heath. He’d only put up with him because of Heath’s older brother.
“How is Carsten?” Shane asked.
“Married,” Heath said curtly.
Ah, there it was. All he’d done was ask about his childhood best friend and the only man he’d ever loved, and Heath had gone all Malachi Brodie on him.
Shane’s lips thinned in a phony smile. “I see you haven’t changed.”
“Neither have you,” Heath returned.
Danielle nudged him. Evidently, she was the only one of the pair that knew what class was.
He noticed Heller Enos standing there, watching them. The biker had recently joined Leather & Lace. Shane figured Heller wasn’t too happy to see Heath, given the history between them.
“All set.” Shane collected their paperwork. “We’ll just do a background check on you guys and then you’ll be good to go.”
The couple thanked him and then turned to leave.
Heller strode forward, blocking Heath’s way.
“Watch where you’re going, you stupid—”
“Heath!” Danielle scolded him.
Heller stared down at him coldly.
Heath blinked like he realized he’d just messed with someone who had several inches on him and Hulk arms to boot.
“I didn’t see you there,” Heath mumbled as he took his woman by the arm.
Heath must not recognize Heller. Not surprising, since they hadn’t seen each other in a decade and Heller had shaved his head since then. Plus, he had tattoos and facial hair now.
Heath and Danielle left.
“Heath Brodie?” Heller asked, tu
rning to Shane.
Shane nodded, rolling his eyes a little. “The cheerful cuss is back.”
“Good. It’s been years since I’ve seen him. I figured I’d walk back into his life and shake things up.”
“You mean revenge?”
“Absolutely. The son of a bitch deserves it.”
Heath had outed Heller as a bisexual years ago. They’d been best friends, but for some reason Heath had done it anyway. Heller and his brother had suffered hate crimes because of it when they’d lived in Stone River years ago. It was the reason they’d moved away. They’d recently bought a house together here in McKenna Downs.
“You gonna steal his woman?” Shane asked.
Heller grinned as he looked down at the membership forms. “I could, but I have something a little more sadistic in mind. I figured I’d give him a taste of his own medicine. Stealing his woman is not a bad idea, though. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You wanted a form for Kale, right?” Shane handed one to him.
“Thanks. I’ll have him sign it and bring it in.”
Shane’s business partner, Aiden Friel, walked in. “What’s he doing here?”
Heller smiled. “I’m a member. You know that. My brother’s gonna join, too.”
“Ah, good, the whole feckin’ motorcycle gang.”
The biker smirked, glancing at Shane while pointing at Aiden. “He’s such a snob.”
“He means well,” Shane said.
“Don’t patronize me,” Aiden grumbled.
Heller grinned on his way out.
“Do you know what your brother did a bit ago?” Aiden asked.
“Which one?”
“Justin. He rode in here on a cow.”
Shane cracked a toothy smile. “Are you serious?”
“Shane!” Justin burst into the office. He shrank when he saw Aiden.
“Ah, look who it is, the cow whisperer,” Aiden sassed.
Justin gave him a sheepish grin. “I kind of am.” He turned to Shane. “I saw the most beautiful redhead of my life earlier.”
Shane preferred men with brown hair, but when it came to women, he was all about the redheads. “And you didn’t get her number?”
“René has a date with her tonight. Hey, maybe he’ll share her with you,” Justin said.
“You mean you?” Shane teased.
“Why not?”
“Charlie doesn’t want you indulging in ménage. There was a time he would have been fine with you joining in with us, but not after that shitty relationship with your ex. He’s worried you’re gonna get hurt.”
Justin scrunched his nose in a grimace. “He doesn’t have to know.”
Aiden stepped forward and put his hand on Justin’s back, ushering him toward the door. “Justin, your brothers have more experience than you. Sex isn’t the time for sibling rivalry.”
Justin made a little punk face at him. “I’m damned good in bed. Experience doesn’t always mean a person’s better. It’s how long you spend with a person, how well you listen to them and learn what they like while teaching them how to satisfy you. You can’t do that if you’re hopping in and out of bed with different people and are only interested in pleasing yourself.”
“Wise beyond your years.” Shane sifted through some papers.
“Give him a minute,” Aiden quipped.
Justin turned smug. “In fact, I have a number in my pocket from a lady whose world I’m gonna rock, and I’ll do it all by myself.”
“Is that the girl you were flirtin’ with up at the bar last night?” Aiden asked.
Justin winced. “Maybe.”
Shane peeked up to see Aiden stick his hand in Justin’s pants pocket and pull out a piece of paper.
“Hey, give me that!”
Aiden kept it out of his reach. “What did I say about collecting phone numbers from members of the club?”
“Shane,” Justin whined.
“He’s right, kid. If things don’t work out with you and a member you’re dating, they could leave the club, especially if you have an ugly breakup. It’s bad for business.”
“Just assume it won’t work out. You’ll see. When I’m old, I’m gonna be just like that ZZ Top guy on the music video to ‘Sharp-Dressed Man’ with several ladies around me.”
Aiden smirked. “You might want to clock in and do your job so you actually have money to impress women with when you’re older.”
“I don’t need money. I’m charming as hell.”
Aiden’s lips twitched. “You mean aside from all the irritating things you do?”
“That’s funny coming from a man whose merit is wasted on the external,” Justin retorted. “If you were as nice to people as you are nice-looking, you’d have a woman in your life.”
“If I wanted a woman in my life, I’d have one.”
Shane rummaged through the desk. “Justin, quit insulting your boss, or flirting with him, or whatever the hell this is and clock on.”
“I’m not flirting.”
Aiden crossed his arms, seeming entertained. “You said I was good-looking.”
Justin blushed. “So are celebrities. It doesn’t mean anything. I view you the same as I would Gerard Butler, or Brad Pitt, or Hugh Jackman.”
Aiden looked like he might laugh. “Famous sex symbols?”
“No!” Justin flushed with color. “Real men doing their jobs and doing it well. Not it, their jobs.”
Aiden smiled and Shane grinned.
“God!” Justin hurried out, cheeks graced with a pinkish hue. “Pervs!”
Shane shook his head. “He’s too easy.”
“I don’t see why you put up with him,” Aiden said.
“He’s family. You’re the one who hired him. What’s your excuse?”
“Ah, you know when gettin’ a puppy seems like a good idea at the time, until they start chewing your runners and shittin’ on everything.”
“So you get rid of them.”
Aiden headed out of the office. “Puppies grow on you after a while.”
* * * *
René couldn’t take his eyes off her. Kendall sat across from him, looking like an angel of sunrise with her flaming-red mane of silky curls as she sipped her iced tea. Her creamy white shoulders were barely graced by thin spaghetti straps that tied to stay on. In theory, it would be nothing for the ties to come loose.
Her white top hugged her breasts and flared out all flowing and flouncy below that. Big peach flowers were splattered all over the top, and lord, did the woman have tantalizing cleavage. The milky flesh looked as soft as a dove’s feathers.
It hadn’t escaped his notice the way those light-colored jeans clung to her ass when she walked, or how appealing her pretty, painted feet were in her white flip-flops. Her toenails were a sun-kissed, copper-colored polish.
He tried his best to drink in all that she said, but as fascinating as he found her, he couldn’t get over how striking her features were. He soaked it all in, wishing he had more than just a night or a couple of days with her.
“I feel like I’ve been rambling forever,” she said with a friendly, if not enamored smile.
He met her gaze with a cordial smile of his own, trying not to stare too long and hard. “Not nearly long enough.”
She lowered her eyes demurely, seeming flattered by his attention.
“Is your hotel room warm enough?”
Oh lord in heaven, was he really resorting to Justin’s line to get some more time with this woman?
Her lips twitched a bit, like she found the question humorous. “It is. Thank you. Is your home warm at night?”
“Yeah, it’s warm. Are you done?”
She nodded. “It was delicious.”
“I’ll get the check.”
“Oh, you don’t have to.”
“I insist. The men around here pay for their woman’s way. It’s just the way it is.”
“But I’m not your woman.”
It could have been his imagination, but it did se
em like she sounded as disappointed as he felt over the words.
“You are for tonight.”
“Thank you.” Her green eyes glittered with arousal and it made him hard.
Dear god, he hoped she was cold.
After paying the tab, René walked her back to the hotel. They paused outside her room and it was almost a trip down memory lane from his teen years of the awkward loitering around the door when his hormones screamed, “Just kiss her, damn it!”
“Thank you again for dinner. You made my first night in town memorable. It means a lot.” She took his hand in hers and gave it a thankful squeeze.
She might as well have pulled a lever that flipped his cock upward. His jeans got tighter, uncomfortable.
“Are you sure you’ll be warm enough tonight?”
“That’s sweet. My mom always asked my sister and I that when we were kids.”
He cleared his throat. “Did she?”
Yeah, that’s just what he wanted to remind her of. He should have stuck with his own moves, not resorted to Justin’s unique ways.
“Yeah.” She twiddled her thumbs and started to reach for the sensor with her key card. “Well, good night.”
“Kendall.” He tugged her forearm lightly to stop her. When she paused, he just went for it. He brushed a kiss on her cheek and inhaled the veil of lavender that lingered on her skin. Intoxicating.
Her eyes lifted to his. “That was nice. You can go a little further...if you want.”
This time he kissed her on the mouth, slowly, deliberately as he learned her heat and taste. He found that she was a great kisser and tasted like wet, feminine heat mixed with the savory flavors of her dinner and the fruity grape taste of her bubblegum.
She placed her hands on his arms with a scant pressure that called to him. He deepened the kiss and simultaneously swiped her key card over the sensor. He sailed on through with her and then shoved her up against the wall. The door shut behind them, and her glorious breasts squished against his chest.
At first he’d wondered if his mere two-inch height difference wouldn’t be enough to impress her. Now he realized they were a perfect match. She didn’t have to climb a ladder to kiss him and he didn’t have to sign his paychecks over to a chiropractor all in the name of tonguing his woman all the time and bending over to kiss her.