by Jane Jamison
If that was even possible.
She forced her thoughts back to Clay. She wanted to be happy for her brother, but was Clay the right one? Or would his anger cause trouble for both of them?
Chapter Five
Colter sat up straighter as yet another car entered the parking lot of Hamburger Heaven.
“Easy, cuz. She’s coming.”
Ridge acted cool, calm and collected, but Colter could see the underlying nervousness. “She’s late.”
“No, she’s not.” Nonetheless, Adam’s gaze centered on the front entrance. “She still has five minutes left.”
Colter had given into Ridge and Adam when they’d insisted that they wait several days before sending her the basket. They hadn’t wanted to seem eager. Had, in fact, claimed that it would make her miss them, but he’d almost gone insane. He’d driven by the fire station like some freaking stalker three times, each time speeding up when one of the men had looked up from his work. He’d raced away, feeling like a nerdy teenager with a crush.
“Like we’re not going to sit here until the place closes if we have to.”
His friends didn’t disagree. How could they? They’d already waited centuries for her. What were a few more hours?
And then there she was.
“Fuck, but she’s hot,” murmured Adam.
“She’s better than I remembered,” added Ridge.
Colter couldn’t find words expressive enough to describe the torrent of emotions roaring inside him. His dragon came alive, screeching, ready to shift and claim her. Somehow, by the skin of his fangs, he managed to force the beast back into submission.
She was flawless. From her shining red flame cascading around her shoulders to her sparkling bright blue eyes. She moved as though walking on air. Although she was dressed casually in a sundress, with thin straps he could’ve blown off her shoulders with a couple of puffs, the smooth skin of her shoulders exposed, she had a regal quality about her. Even the queens and famous women they’d known throughout time couldn’t compare to her.
When she saw him then smiled, it nearly stopped his heart.
She was the dragoness they’d waited for. The one woman who could capture all three of their souls and claim them as hers.
He almost shoved Adam off his feet as he hurried to get to her first. Surprise filled her deep ocean-colored eyes.
“You came.” Suddenly, he felt shy, as though he’d never been with a woman. Did he offer her his hand? Or did he pull her into an embrace? If he did, would he be able to stop at just a hug? Unsure, he pushed his hands into his jean pockets.
“Yes. I did.” A hint of humor lightened her tone.
“Don’t forget about us.” Ridge’s deep voice penetrated through the spell she’d cast on him.
“I could never forget about you.” A pink hue filled her cheeks. Had she said more than she’d meant to say? “Oh, and thank you for the gift basket. It was unique. Special.”
“We’d give you anything you want,” prompted Ridge.
Colter almost growled as Ridge became the first to touch her. Grudgingly, he allowed his cousin to help her into the seat next to him. Beating Adam to the punch, he slid into the chair on the other side of her.
“You look beautiful.” At least he was the first to compliment her.
“Thanks. I guess I look a little different than I do in my gear.”
“You can say that again.” Adam grinned, reaching across the table to take her hand. “Although even when you’re wearing all that stuff, it’s easy to tell that you’ve got a great body.”
“Thanks.”
Suddenly Colter was tongue-tied. Who wouldn’t be with her big blue eyes coolly regarding him? He was grateful when the waitress came over and handed them four menus, giving him time to force his brain to work again. He took his and set it down, preferring to concentrate on Marlee.
“I’ll come back if you need time to look over the menu.” The waitress was a pretty young thing he might have once considered seducing. But all that had changed now. After meeting Marlee, no other woman would ever catch his attention.
“This is my favorite place, so I know what I’d like.” Marlee handed her menu back to the girl. “But they’ll need some time, I think.”
“I don’t.” Ridge gave his menu back, too. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
“Make it three,” added Adam just as Colter said he’d have the same thing, too.
Marlee grinned at them. “Everyone loves a good burger, right? And the fries are amazing.”
“We trust you.”
Leave it to Adam to say something like that. It was true, and from the smile he’d earned, Colter wished he’d said it.
“So you’re a girl who loves a good burger. And you’re a firefighter. You have a brother named Kyle.” He scooted his chair closer. “What else? Tell us everything.”
“Everything? I doubt you’d want to hear most of it.”
“Sure we do.”
Colter turned toward Adam and lifted his lip just enough to give his friend a snarl Marlee couldn’t see. He turned back to her before Ridge could take over the conversation—and her attention. “Do you have any other siblings? Are your parents still living? Do they live around here?”
“Damn, man, slow the hell down. Give her a chance to answer,” warned Ridge. They grew silent as the waitress set glasses of water on the table.
“Yes, yes, and no.” She took a sip.
Her pursed lips were almost more than he could stand. He could already imagine how they’d feel wrapped around his cock, her red hair fanning over her shoulders to tickle his arms as he played with her tits.
“Did you grow up in Houston?” He paused, allowing the waitress to put their plates of food in front of them. The aroma of charbroiled hamburger would normally have him channeling the food into his mouth in big gulps, but all he was interested in eating was the magnificent creature beside him.
“Uh-huh. Born and bred. My mom is a retired teacher, and my father is a retired firefighter. I guess I got the bug from him. You met my younger brother Kyle the other day at the station. My older brother, Bill, passed away a year after he became a firefighter.”
“Did he lose his life in a fire?”
“Shit, Adam. Show some sensitivity.” Still, it was a good question. “Did he?”
Quick tears sprang to her eyes, but she fought them back. She cleared her throat before answering. “No. He was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and died six months after he found out.”
“Damn. I’m sorry.” Colter put his hand on top of hers. Although he’d meant it as a comforting gesture, it sent surges of lust through him. Her eyes met his, and unless he was imagining it—and he didn’t think he was—she’d had the same reaction.
“Thanks. It was rough. Still is.” Sitting back, she pulled herself together. “That’s about all there is to tell. Kyle and I are close. Always have been and always will be.”
“We met him the other day, right?” He cringed, realizing she’d already said as much. It was difficult to keep his mind on the conversation. Instead, his concentration centered on thinking how sensual her full lips were.
“Uh-huh.” She popped another fry into her mouth. “I worry about him.” She blinked as though surprised that she’d told them.
“You do? Why?” Colter sensed she wanted to say more but needed subtle urging.
“Kyle’s gay.”
“And?” As far as they were concerned, a person’s sexuality was their business. Gay, lesbian, bi, transgender, or any other sexual preference. Who cared as long as they were a good person?
“It’s tough being gay in Texas. Same-sex marriage may be the law of the land now, but it doesn’t mean everyone likes gay men. He’s caught a lot of hell most of his life. Even as a little kid.”
“Is he having trouble now? I mean is someone bothering him?” asked Adam. “People can be real shits at times.”
Adam had told them about Max and what had gone down surrou
nding the car fire. Although the trouble had centered around Kyle’s friend, Max could’ve decided to take his anger out on her brother.
“Maybe in an indirect way. Kyle’s boyfriend, Clay, came out recently, but I don’t think he’s adjusting well. He seems really angry. I don’t blame him considering how some people have treated him. Still, I’m worried about him and his influence over my brother.”
“How can we help?” Colter leaned closer. “Just tell us what you want us to do, and we’ll do it.”
She leaned back, apparently surprised at his offer. “No thanks. At least, not right now. In fact, I don’t know why I mentioned it.”
“You trust us, that’s why. And we’ll be there for you. Just say the word.”
“Thank you. But for now, it’s okay.”
When she touched Colter, his body got a zing of electricity that went straight through his hand all the way into his crotch. If he wasn’t careful, she’d notice how much her touch had affected him.
“Let’s change the subject, okay?”
“Fine. What about boyfriends? Or exes?”
“Are you asking if I have any, Ridge?” She popped a French fry into her mouth. “I really haven’t cared much about a social life. My work takes up most of my time, and then the rest of my free time is spent with Kyle. Unless, of course, he’s involved. He tends to jump from one man to the next. As for my exes? I’ve never been engaged or married, so there aren’t any of those around, either.”
“Good.” Colter let the word slip out and knew a second later she’d jump on it.
“Why do you care?” she asked.
“We’re glad to know you’re free.” Adam leaned forward. “Because we’re interested in you.”
She looked at each of them, one by one. “I was wondering about that. So you’re saying all three of you want to date me?”
“Yes.”
Colter was sure he saw a flash of joy slide over her face before she frowned. “Like Ridge and Adam said. We want you for all of us.”
“Seriously? All three of you want to date one woman?”
“Not just any woman. We want to share you.”
“Share me? Like I’m a pizza being split three ways?”
“You know what we mean, baby,” added Ridge.
Her chuckle was as light as the music of a wind chime. “It’s not like I hear someone say they want me every day. Not from one man, much less three. I’m not sure what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” Colter hated it when she finally pulled her hand from under his. “Just say you’ll give us a try.”
“I’m going to need to think about it.”
She wanted to. He could see her arousal in the hardness of her nipples through the thin material and in the size of her pupils. If he shifted enough to bring out his dragon’s more sensitive sense of smell, he was sure he’d be able to catch the sweet aroma from between her legs.
They sat in silence again, giving her time to think about what they’d said. Not that they expected an answer. They’d thrown her with their declaration.
She shook herself a little then fixed her attention on Ridge. For only a moment, Colter forgot that he planned on sharing her with his cousin and friend. Instead, his dragon rose up, jealousy eating at his gut.
“Are you three guys native Texans, too?”
She’d taken them back on safer footing. He couldn’t blame her. “No. Although we’ve been here a while. All three of us were born overseas, but we consider ourselves solid American citizens now.”
“And what do you do? Besides telling women you want her to share three different beds?”
“Not three different beds.” Colter couldn’t wait to see her reaction. “Just one bed with all of us in it.”
“One bed? With all four of us? It’d have to be one really big bed.” She was playing, acting as though he’d been playing, too.
“It is.” He met her gaze dead-on, telling her silently how serious he was.
“Oh.”
She didn’t say no. She’s already getting used to the idea.
A frown knitted her brow. “And what did you say you do?”
“Adam’s a professional poker player.” He’d made the first move, telling of their intentions, but she’d need more time.
“I’ve never met anyone who gambled for a living.”
“What can I say? It’s a fun way to make a living,” joked Adam. “I couldn’t handle a regular nine-to-five kind of job without going crazy.”
None of them needed to “make a living” considering they’d had centuries to amass their fortunes, but it was too soon to tell her everything.
“I’m kind of a gambler, too,” said Ridge. “I’m an investor dealing primarily in stocks.”
“Oh, that’s right. I remember you saying something about that. So you’re the real risk taker.”
Colter loved a woman with a sense of humor. “As for me? I do some investing, too, but I like to deal in more tangible things like ranches and oil wells.”
She finished swallowing a bite of her hamburger. “Which means you’re all very good at what you do or you’re all independently wealthy.” It was a question couched in a statement.
“Actually both,” answered Ridge. “We don’t have to worry about getting to work on time or dealing with bosses. Which gives us plenty of time to get to know you.”
Don’t come on too strong, too fast, Ridge. Colter wished the telepathy they used while in dragon form was available while they were humans.
“Do any of you have family in the area?” She nibbled on a fry.
Her lips were magical, soft and full. He wanted her to use her teeth on his body, nipping his skin, teasing him for more.
Family, however, was a difficult subject. Their family was their dragon clan, but clans weren’t usually as close as human families could get. Time held a different value when immortality was involved, giving the dragons time to move on and put vast distances between them.
“No. Most of our families have passed on.” Ridge swirled a fry in a blob of ketchup. “We consider our friends our family now.”
He couldn’t decide if Ridge was serious or not. Was Ridge getting sentimental? Or was it just something he’d said for her sake? To make them seem normal?
“Oh. Then it’s nice you three are so close.”
“Marlee, it’s so nice to see you again.”
Colter’s dragon growled deep inside him as he shifted to see the older woman who’d slipped her arm around Marlee’s shoulders. He was jealous of anyone, even another woman, taking up Marlee’s attention. The woman was at least as tall as his six foot height and maybe even an inch or two above Ridge’s six feet three inches of frame.
Take it easy.
He leaned back, forcing his dragon down. If he didn’t, he might shift right there in front of all the other customers. Adam shot him a bemused, yet warning, look.
“Hi, Dell. I brought some friends along this time. Guys, this is Dell Delino, the owner of Hamburger Heaven.”
The men stood, taking their turns to greet Dell. Marlee appeared surprised at their old-fashioned courtesy, but they still liked to treat women as women, giving them the respect they deserved. If they’d learned nothing else in their long lives, it was that women were truly beautiful and wondrous creatures men should hold in high regard.
“Call me Big Dell.” Her laughter boomed around the room. “I hope you’re treating her right. She’s like one of my own kids.”
“We’re doing our best.” Colter immediately liked Dell now that he could see that the older woman thought of Marlee as a daughter.
“You know what she did, don’t you?”
Marlee squirmed. “Now, Dell, I didn’t do anything except my job.”
“Bullshit. This little thing saved my life, as well as my kids’ lives. She got us out of our house when it went up in flames.”
“I had a lot of help, you know. The entire station was there.” Marlee gripped Dell’s hand on her shoulder
. “I wish you’d stop telling everyone.”
“People should know what a hero you are. You and the rest of the firefighters. As far as I’m concerned, firefighters eat free at my place. Do you three work with Marlee?”
“No. We’re just friends.” Adam shrugged. “Although I wouldn’t mind following her up a ladder. Even into a burning house.”
Dell laughed again, drawing attention from those around them. “You’d better watch out for this one. He’s got more on his mind than just being friendly.”
“I will. But you’re not comping my meal this time. You’re going to allow me to pay, or I’ll feel so guilty I won’t be able to come again.”
“Bullshit again. Like I said, you and your team eat free. And if you stop coming around, I’ll hunt you down with a huge bag of burgers and fries. Someone has to keep your strength up. Now, no more discussion. Y’all enjoy and let me know if you want seconds.”
“Yes, ma’am. And just so you know, we intend to pick up the bill.” Colter shot Dell a wink, which she accepted with a big smile before pivoting around to talk to another table of customers.
“Can I ask you guys a question?”
Colter paused halfway as he sat down. The tone in her voice set him on edge. Adam and Ridge picked up on it, too. “Sure you can.”
“Remember the fire the other day? The one where I almost got hit by falling debris?”
“Sure.” Colter would have to take the reins. “Why?”
“It was weird. One minute, I see a chunk of the house on fire, falling toward my head, and in the next, I get knocked to the ground.”
“But you said you weren’t hurt, right?” Colter tried not to tense up. He couldn’t let her know the truth.
“No. I was thrown out of the way.”
“By one of the guys?” How could he not ask questions? To keep quiet would seem strange.
“I don’t think so. At least, none of them will admit to doing it.”
“Maybe you tripped.” It was a lame answer, but the only one he could give.
“No. Someone or something knocked me to the ground. I felt this huge gust of wind, and before I knew what had happened, I was face down on the ground.”