“We’ll see. I’m excited to get started.”
Gavin started to walk off and turned back. “You can go to lunch whenever you like. Since we have beepers, we can be reached if necessary. We close at five and take turns being on call. I’ll take the next two weeks to give you time to know the place and patients.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it. May I go with you on your visits to the hospital? I want to familiarize myself before I start admitting patients.”
“Good idea. If you aren’t busy this evening, you can go with me when we close.”
“I’ll be ready.”
It was almost one when a tall man with dark brown hair and apple-green eyes came in the office asking for her. Dana studied him around the edge of the receptionist’s door.
“I’d like to speak with Dr. Wynters.”
“Mr. Elden, the doctor may have already left for lunch. I’ll have to check.”
Dana moved farther down the hall. The receptionist saw her and walked to her before speaking. In a low voice, she said, “Mr. Elden wants to see you. He didn’t say why. I told him you were on your way to lunch. If you want to leave it’s okay. He’ll come back another time.”
“No. I’d rather meet him now. The afternoon promises to be as interesting and busy as the morning. Bring him to my office.”
Dana walked inside the tiny space Gavin called an office. She didn’t mind. Most of her time this morning had been spent in exam rooms.
Russell Elden came to her door. “May I come in?”
“Please do. If you aren’t claustrophobic.”
He had a nice smile. “I am afraid of shots,” he said as he sat on the only other chair.
“I’ll remember to enjoy sticking the needle in when you need one.”
“A doctor with a sadistic side.”
“Tell me why you’re here, Mr. Elden.”
“To reassure you. Flint Rikward is a great guy, honest, hard-working, and very good at what he does.”
“I’ve been told you grew up here.”
“I did.”
“Give me Flint Rikward’s phone number and tell him I’ll call later tonight.”
Russell Elden scribbled a number on a card and handed it to her.
“Thank you, Mr. Elden.”
“Please, call me Russ.”
“Not yet. I haven’t decided if you’re a friend or a foe.”
“Fair enough. See you soon.”
She waited a few minutes until she couldn’t hear his steps any longer. Then she walked out to her car. I have to take this rental somewhere and turn it in. It’s costing me a fortune, but there’s nowhere in town to drop it off. I’ll call Chayton and ask him.
Chayton answered on the first ring. “Chayton here. May I help you?”
“It’s me on my temporary phone.”
“Do you want to come out and go riding?” He had a teasing note in his voice.
“And have half the town mad at me? I’ve seen the other half this morning.” She asked him about where to turn her car in.
“I know of a place a couple of towns over. Whenever you’re free, I’ll drive there with you. We can come back in my truck. What are you going to use for transportation afterward?”
“I don’t know. My car is in Atlanta.”
“I’ll loan my truck to you until you can decide how to get your car here.”
“I can’t ask you to give up your vehicle.”
“I won’t be without transportation. We have an old truck our cowboys use on occasion, especially Friday and Saturday nights. But Steel will be here then, and we can use his.”
“I’ll pay you for the use.”
“You will not.”
He sounded offended. Dana spoke quickly. “Then thank you, very much. It seems I’m thanking you or Steel often. I hadn’t thought through my plan very well. Without you two this would be more difficult.”
“We’re happy you’ve come to our town. As for not planning well, you were scared, and you got away. To me you did an excellent job.”
“I have to get off this phone and eat or I won’t have the strength to see my afternoon patients.”
“See you Wednesday.” Chayton clicked off.
Dana drove to the sandwich shop she’d discovered yesterday afternoon. It wasn’t big enough to have a lot of people there. She parked and walked inside. She ordered a turkey sub and soda, and chose a table toward the back.
Should she trust Russell Elden and Flint Rikward, whom she hadn’t met? The biggest question was whether they were going to help her or Addison? She had a decision to make before the day was over.
Chapter Six
Chayton left the barn and headed to the house. He poured a glass of iced tea and thought about Dana. He’d heard fear and uncertainty in her voice. I’d like to bring her to our house for safety, but I don’t think she’d agree. I can ask her though, and I will Wednesday night.
He dialed information and asked for the FBI office number in Atlanta. Then he dialed the number. A cool-voiced receptionist answered.
“I’d like to speak with agent Flint Rikward.”
“Whom may I say is calling?”
“Tell him I’m Dana’s friend.” He waited for several minutes before a man answered.
“How do you know this Dana you mentioned?”
“She lives nearby. I want to know if you are for real or in the pay of the guy who’s scared her.”
“I’m not on anyone’s payroll but the FBI’s. So if you’re one of Addison’s men tell him where to stick it.” His voice had turned harsh.
“I see how you got the name, Flint. I don’t know this Addison, but I’d like to have five minutes alone with him.”
Chayton heard a chuckle and then Flint said, “Give me your phone number. I’ll get back to you.”
“Okay.” Chayton gave him his and Steel’s cell phone numbers. “You can talk to either or both of us. I’ll call Steel and let him know you may call.”
“Good.” The phone clicked off abruptly.
A man of few words. I think he’s on her side. Dana may be mad at me for calling him, but she’ll get over it. He punched in her number.
Her soft, sweet voice always sent a rush of heat through his body. “Are you eating?” he asked.
“I’m finishing. They have good subs at this sandwich shop.”
“Steel and I like them. He brings some home at least once a week for our dinner.”
“Did you call to see if I’d eaten a healthy meal?”
“Partially,” he teased. “My real reason is to tell you I talked to Rikward.”
“How do you know him?
“Steel told me about your questions regarding Russ. We knew he had a friend in the FBI, and he’d mentioned his name.”
“What did you discuss?”
“Not a lot. He’s a suspicious guy. I’d bet he’s on the phone with Russ checking on who I am.”
“Do you believe he’s on my side?”
“My gut feeling says yes, and it’s seldom wrong.”
“I agree. I’ll call him after I visit the hospital with Gavin.”
“You are having a busy first day. How do you like it?”
“It’s a good place to work, but we’ll see how it is after the newness of me wears off. Will the patients trust me and ask for another appointment?”
“Don’t worry. They will.”
“The eternal optimist. I have to go.”
Clayton clicked his phone off. Next he’d call Steel, and then have a meeting with his workers. Extra eyes watching for strangers in town can’t hurt.
* * * *
“Have you heard from Flint?”
Dana glanced at Chayton. Gavin had let her off early today, and they’d taken her car to a rental agency to check it in. Now Chayton was driving her to his ranch for dinner.
“Not since I talked with him yesterday morning. Monday night I was so exhausted I fell asleep on the couch. When I woke, it was too late to call anyone.”
“Did he
say when he’d be headed this way?”
“He said he’s bringing my friend, Angie, with him for protection from Addison and his men. I’m glad, but I understand she’s fighting him about leaving with so little notice. She’s worried about her job.”
Chayton turned into the driveway of the ranch. “Do you think she’ll be fired?”
“I don’t know, but I wish she’d join me here. She’s an invaluable assistant.”
He parked and turned his head her way. “Then you are considering staying.”
“I’m not certain. It’s a big change, far from my family, and I’ve only worked in the office for three days.”
“You run hot and cold and keep us confused.”
She opened her door and looked back at him. “It’s good for you. I expect the two of you have been spoiled by the women in this town.”
“Perhaps. What’s wrong with a little spoiling?”
“You’d expect it from me. I’m not the type. I’m too busy.”
“Then we’ll spoil you.”
“Hah, I can’t see either of you changing your ways.”
“Wait and see.” They walked to the door where Steel stood listening to the conversation. He opened the screen and welcomed her into the kitchen.
An aroma of meat, potatoes, and onions cooking made her stomach growl. “Excuse me. I skipped lunch to see a few more patients before I left.”
“Sit.” Chayton waved his hand in the direction of the small kitchen table. “Mom prepared delectable hors d’oeuvres for us.” He pulled a tray of cheese and fruit out of the fridge.
Steel went to the smaller oven and brought hot appetizers to the table. “Enjoy, while the rest of the meal heats.”
Dana ate several of the delicious hors d’oeuvres. “If this is an example of your mom’s cooking, she’s excellent.”
“Don’t fill up before the main course. There’s a casserole in the oven and rolls. Plus a huge salad in the refrigerator.”
Steel looked at Chayton. “Did you ask your dad about a gift for her?”
“I forgot. I’ll ask tomorrow.” Chayton glanced at Dana. “Do you have any ideas about what we can buy my mother for a thank you for all the meals she cooks for us?”
“Hmmm, I can only go by what I like, but most women like purses, scarves, or gift certificates.”
Steel stepped to the table and ate several hors d’oeuvres. “Maybe you’d find a purse for her,” he suggested to Dana. “We’ll ask our friend, Graydon, to get her a gift certificate at one of the big stores in Minneapolis.”
Dana wrinkled her forehead. “Won’t it be difficult for her to travel there?”
“Gray will take her with him on one of his day trips. But she’d need company and Dad hates to leave town,” Chayton said. He and Steel both looked at her.
“Oh no, I’m too busy for trips, even for one day.”
“You have Saturdays off when not on call,” Steel said.
“How do you know my schedule?”
“Gavin said he wanted to get help so he didn’t have to be on call all the time.”
“Will you pick out a purse and go with her to the city?” Chayton asked.
“I don’t know her taste.”
“She can exchange it.” Chayton’s eyes twinkled and his mouth curved up in the sexy smile that made her heart race.
“I’ll think about it.”
Steel reached across for another piece of cheese and crackers. “It’ll be good for you. No one will find you in the crowds.”
Chayton helped Steel put the dinner on the table in the dining room. Dana stepped into the living room. “You have a lovely house.”
“All it needs is the right woman to make it a home.” Chayton’s scent floated around her.
Dana found it hard to hold herself in place. What she wanted to do was lean back into his arms. Mentally she shook herself and returned to the dining room.
Steel pulled the end chair back for her. “This way we can both sit beside you.”
Chayton scooped out some of the casserole onto her plate, and then put salad in the bowl to the left of her. Steel placed the basket of rolls nearby.
“I’ll never eat all this after those wonderful appetizers.”
“Eat what you can.” Chayton went into the living room. When he returned, the sound of a flute and a woman singing filled the room.
“I don’t understand the words,” Dana said. “But it’s lovely and I’ve always like the sound of the flute.”
“It’s used more often today in recordings, but in the past the flute was played alone during healing, meditation, and courtship.” Chayton’s voice was tender and almost a murmur. Steel and he stared at her.
“Stop it, guys. I want to eat. Your staring makes me jumpy.”
Steel started to eat and Chayton followed suit. Dana tried to ignore her weakness for these two men and her hunger for them.
When they finished, Chayton and Steel insisted on cleaning the table. “Sit and relax,” Steel said.
“Wait until you see the dessert Mom made for us.”
“I can’t eat anymore.”
“Then we’ll sit by the fire and have coffee and dessert later.” Steel took her arm and led her to the family room. He motioned for her to sit by the fireplace. He knelt and started a small fire.
“Do you like cognac?”
“I do.” She gazed at his handsome backside as he finished with the fire and walked to a small bar in the corner.
He put cognac in three glasses. “Chayton will join us in a few minutes.” Steel handed her a glass.
She took a sip and settled in the large lounge chair with her feet curled under her. “This is a relaxing room.”
Steel sat in the chair beside her and gazed at the fire. “I sat here the other night and pictured you cuddled on my lap.”
His sensual tone and suggestive words sent a shot of desire straight to her core. Her pussy clenched tight.
“I know you’re a bit unsure about a threesome with us. I assure you we wouldn’t do anything you didn’t want.” He glanced her way. “We wouldn’t hurt you.”
“I’m confident you’d treat me well. Still, I’m uncertain I want to commit myself to such a different lifestyle.”
Chayton came in during their talk. He pulled a chair close to her other side. “It doesn’t have to be a commitment. Try us for three months like your job. If you like both that’d be great. But if not, we won’t try to hold you here.”
“The idea is too new. I need to get home and rest. Tomorrow is another day.”
Steel stood. “Here’s the key to Chayton’s truck. Do you think you can drive it?”
“My dad has a small farm outside Atlanta. I drive his truck every chance I get when I’m home.”
“Then you have lived in a small town.” Chayton frowned. “I must have misunderstood.”
“Not really. My parents moved out of the city when they retired last year. Thanks for the loan of the truck.”
“I parked it out front.” Chayton and Steel walked her to the door. “Be careful and call when you get home,” Chayton said.
“Better yet,” Steel said, “I’ll follow you. We don’t know if these guys know where you are.”
“Okay, it is dark out. There isn’t much moon.”
“Wait.” Chayton hurried to the kitchen. When he returned he had part of the pie his mother had baked on a plate covered with foil.
“You can’t miss tasting my mother’s coconut crème pie.”
* * * *
Steel got out of his truck and walked her to the door. He turned her to face him and ran his hands along her arms.
“Be careful. You’ll make me drop the pie.”
“Aren’t you going to ask me in for coffee and dessert?”
The warmth of his hands did funny things to her insides. A craving had been building all evening to have his hands and Chayton’s on her. She wasn’t ready to admit her desire for them both. But perhaps she’d invite Steel inside and see what happ
ened.
Her stomach was in a knot, and her heart pounded with excitement. “Come in for pie.”
He walked behind her into the apartment. Her blinds were open and the moon had risen over the mountains. “I never tire of seeing the mountains,” Steel said as he walked closer to the windows.
Dana put on the coffee and sliced the pie, putting the two pieces on small paper plates. She admired the picture Steel made standing in the moonlight. His tall, strong body was a definite turn-on. When he walked in her direction, her senses went on full alert.
“The coffee smells good and”—he bent closer to her and took a deep breath—“so do you.”
Dana hurried into the kitchen and poured the coffee into two mugs. She turned and Steel stood right behind her.
“I make you nervous. Are you scared of me?”
She shook her head no and walked around him. In the living room she placed the coffee on the low table by the couch and flipped on the light beside it.
Steel carried the plates and forks to the coffee table. He sat them down and stepped around it to pull Dana in his arms.
“I don’t care a damn about pie. I want to make love to you. Will you let me show you how good it can be between us?”
Her emotions melted her resolve to keep her distance between him and Chayton. Steel’s features were unreadable while he waited for her answer.
“I’ll warm the coffee later.”
He swept her into his arms and stalked to the bedroom. Steel sat her feet on the rug and yanked back the covers. Then he took hold of the bottom of her sweater and watching her expression, he took it off.
Her lacy violet bra had him smiling. “I didn’t picture you as a fancy lingerie type of woman. I’m encouraged to discover this side of you.”
“It’s the one little extravagance I have.”
“Let’s see the rest of your pretty underwear.” He unfastened her belt and the snap of her jeans and quickly removed them. She’d thrown her shoes off in the living room. Her only clothes left were the violet bra and panties.
Steel stepped back and gazed at her from her face to her feet. “I haven’t seen a lady blush in a long time. You told the truth when you said you’d put aside your life for your career.” He moved closer and she breathed in his woodsy scent of cedar and musk.
Captivating Cowboys [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 5