With her eyes filled with tears, she turned off the engine and snatched up her things. She slammed the door in frustration, dragging her feet toward the front door of the Lazy Inn. The lobby was packed with guests all checking in. Gina caught sight of her and hollered, “Alaina, I have never been so happy to see you. Come boot up the other computer so we can get these people resting comfortably in their room.” The tiny undertone of sarcasm meant it had been a hell of a day of crabby customers.
Alaina hustled to the side door and tossed her purse on the table. A few buttons later, she was clocked in and was thrown into the chaotic mix. From phone reservations to finding grumpy travelers suitable rooms, fatigue was already setting in hard and fast. After what seemed like hours, the lobby had almost cleared and she huffed a deep sigh of relief. With one guest left, she got them on their way in a hurry.
Gina finished the report for her shift and walked over to Alaina. “I am so glad you came when you did. I had three angry elderly people that were about to cane me, and not in the fun way.”
“I am glad I did too, I think they might have started a riot soon. Your poor face looked scared to death when I walked in!” Alaina and Gina both giggled, falling into conversation about the wide variety of characters they had just met.
“Mr. Brown was quite a flirt, wasn’t he? That man has to be over eighty, and yet he still had the lines and the Romeo suave. Ten bucks says he will be down in the hot tub tonight with the ladies from two thirty-four. They seemed quite smitten with him.”
“Great. Now I get to break up a senior citizen orgy today. Awesome. Hopefully it will wait until my shift is over.” Alaina laughed, hoping silently that her joke didn’t come true.
“Naw, they will all be asleep before you leave. They had just come over from the diner after the early bird special hours. I don’t think you will have much to worry about. Now, the rowdy group on the third floor will most definitely be a pain in the ass.” Alaina rolled her eyes, remembering the group of frat boys that had reserved half of their top level.
“Aw shit. I forgot about them. I see a call to the cops in my future…”
“Who knows, maybe they will be studying all day and the quietest in the building,” Gina said in a mocking voice that made them both crack up. “If a toga party breaks out, promise you will call me. There is one thing I won't want to miss. Did you see some of those guys? They make the underwear models look homely!”
“If a toga party breaks out, I will call you in to help corral the drunk bastards. They were definitely easy on the eyes, but preppy just isn’t my style.” Alaina went over and plopped down in the chair to reserve her energy and relieve her aching feet.
“You gonna be okay today? You look dead on your feet. Do you have to work at the bar tonight too, or are you pulling a double here?” Gina propped against the counter, looking at her with concern.
“I work at the bar tonight, but I would rather take my chances with the frat boys I think. I am here ‘til five. I passed dead weeks ago and am now into the zombie stage. If I start eating brains, stop me, okay?”
“Girl, I know you have no choice, but shit this sucks. I hope they find your asshole ex and drain every penny he has for you. Okay, I gotta run. I will see you tomorrow, sweets.”
“I hope they do too, Gina. Drive safe. Hopefully someone will give me a lotto ticket for a tip and I won’t have to work ever again. I will give you a cut.” Alaina winked, and bid goodbye to her co-worker and friend.
The next few hours passed without much excitement, and Alaina found herself wilting in the death grip of exhaustion. Quitting time was still four damn hours away. The computer work had been finished early, and Alaina finally sat down and laid her head on the table. It wasn’t visible from the front desk, but she had a clear view of everything from the security monitors that perched on the wall in front of her. Before she knew it, she had dozed off.
Chapter Two
Leland Reynolds and Brody Williams had been driving through from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on their way home to the family ranch in Justice, Montana. They had just gotten off a plane after a two-year tour in Afghanistan, and had departed from the Army after twelve years of service. When they reached the edges of Mulberry, Oklahoma, they decided that a good night’s sleep in a hotel would do them both some good. The dusty terrain of the panhandle had them both in need of a shower, meal, and a beer.
Brody pulled the canary yellow Ford F-150 King Ranch into the circle drive under the awning at the front door of the Lazy Inn. “Let’s get checked in and then go find a food joint. I think my stomach is eating itself.”
“Agreed. I need meat and taters. I didn’t see a steak house on the way in, but maybe the front desk can point us in the right direction. I’ll get the duffles. You go get us a room. Make sure it has two beds this time. I don’t want to wake up with you spooning me again,” Leland grumbled, the obvious grumpiness from lack of food and the long drive setting in.
“I thought you liked my snuggles, Lee Lee,” Brody taunted, snorting a snicker at the now scowling Leland.
“The fuck you say. Nothing ruins a wet dream like having another man throw his arm around you in the middle of the night. I still have nightmares about it, bro.” He managed a snicker, lightening up from the gloomy mood he had been in for the past two hundred miles.
“Aw, well it is nice to know you dream about me. I’ll be right back. Do me a favor, get the dick out of your ass, and get in a damn good mood. You are bringing me down, asshole.” Brody walked into the hotel, leaving Leland to untie their luggage and dismount it from the bed of the truck.
Leland swore under his breath at the knots that were over extravagantly tied in the ropes. Brody always tended to go overboard when it came to tying stuff, and he didn’t disappoint this time. When the last heavy green bag was tossed on the sidewalk, Leland hopped down and grabbed his cell phone out of the cab. No missed calls. Fucking figures. The only family he had left was his son of a bitch asshole father, who stayed drowned in the bottom of an Evans Williams bottle every day of his life. Leland had paid the old man’s bills for the past six years after the death of his mother, and didn’t get so much as a thank you, fuck you, or hate you. He called every week and talked to the answering machine, knowing his dad would hear it from his permanent spot in the old green recliner. The man had always been mean to him and his mother, but he had promised his mom on her deathbed that he would take care of him, and so he did.
He tossed the phone back in the seat and sat down, turning up the local country station to fade into the new tune. As he listened to the words, he smiled. He hadn’t kept up with the new music releases while deployed, and found himself nodding to the song. When it ended, the man on the radio said it was called “All Over the Road” by Easton Corbin. He made a mental note to download it when he got home. The chorus had made him laugh. It said something about her pretty little lips on his neck, and the first go round he could have sworn it had said dick instead of neck. The song would never be the same now.
After a glance at his watch, he pulled the keys and walked into the hotel to see what the holdup was. Brody was leaning casually against the counter, grinning like a cheetah in a bunny farm. “What’s taking so long? Is no one working or something?”
Brody grinned again and pointed. “Oh, she is working, but I think we caught her at a bad time. It seems we have our own little Sleeping Beauty. I was contemplating if it was worth going to jail or not for hopping over this counter and planting a kiss on her.”
Leland wrinkled his nose, leaning over to get a peek through the office door. His attitude changed when she came into view. A gorgeous red head was collapsed on the table, snoring softly. She had on the gaudy hotel shirt and a black pencil skirt that fell just to her knees and showed a trim build that was accented by a pair of shiny black heels. Her features were hollowed and her eyes dark on a paleness that wrenched his stomach. His heart sank for the woman. She had the cutest little nose that turned up, and full, plump kissable
lips. Even given her current state, his cock twitched to life. “I do see your dilemma. She looks like she hasn’t slept in months. What are we going to do? I don’t remember seeing any other hotels in town.”
“Oh, even if there were we damn sure aren’t staying somewhere else. I guess we will have to wake her. She’ll probably appreciate it anyway. I’d hate for her to get into trouble if someone from management called or walked in.”
“Good point. But damn, Brody. The girl needs rest. Maybe we can offer our bed to her when she gets off work…after a massage and full service bath of course.” Leland grinned, seeing the same hunger reflect in his best friend’s eyes.
“I like your way of thinking. Okay, here goes nothing.” Brody looked around before hopping his ass on the counter and swinging his long jean clad legs over to land on the other side. Hopefully the security cameras weren’t monitored. He quickly walked back and pushed the door open, groaning even more from the sight of her. He turned around wide-eyed and smirking at Leland, undeniably even more enthralled at the little beauty.
Leland watched as his tougher than nails comrade and best friend brushed the hair off her neck before rubbing her arm gently. It took a few shakes to rustle her, but her lashes finally began to flutter.
Her sleep-clouded eyes blinked rapidly trying to focus, and glanced repeatedly between him and Brody. The honey brown orbs were like an endless pool of sugar and spice. Mixed with her deep red hair, she reminded Leland of the warm gooey cinnamon rolls his mother used to make every Saturday morning when he was just a boy. The fond memory warmed his heart. The moment realization hit, she jumped up and stumbled, falling backwards over the chair. Brody reacted quickly and caught her, lifting her up in his arms.
When Brody had caught sight of the fragile woman passed out, his heart ached. He had been so mesmerized he couldn’t help but stare at her. He had observed quietly for over fifteen minutes before Leland had waltzed in and caught him in the act. The small twitching and mewls the nameless woman made in her sleep meant only one thing—extreme stress and fatigue. He had seen it many times on the battlefield, and knew this little beauty held secrets and problems bigger than she could handle. His instincts to protect kicked in, and his mind reeled with different scenarios and solutions. Her left hand had been resting flat by her head, and held no ring. Good. This makes things a lot easier.
He had been overeager to jump to her side and wake her, but got a welcome surprise when he got to duck in and save her sweet little rump from a bruise. Once she was in his arms, his life changed. He had heard time and time again that when people found their soul mate, they knew immediately. Naturally, the abundance of testosterone in him had made him think it was all a heaping helping of bullshit…until now. The moment his skin touched hers, he was a goner. Her big caramel eyes beamed up at him and his heart melted. Instead of jumping away instantly, she nestled against his chest and wrapped her arm around his neck. He became immediately aware of the perfect handful-sized breasts that were almost chin level, and had to peel his eyes back up. “Easy, little lady. I gotcha.” He turned on his western charm, even though he hadn’t been back home in over a decade.
“Oh…okay...” Her voice was little and unsure. She reminded him of a baby bunny nestled under its mother.
Instead of setting her down, he toted her out the door and over beside the counter in front of Leland. Reluctantly, he slowly lowered her like an injured kitten, holding on a little longer than necessary to make sure she had her balance. When he pulled his hands off her, he could almost swear a flash of disappointment washed over her features. Don’t worry, baby, I will get you back in my arms soon. Brody’s thoughts went a mile a minute.
“I am Brody. This here is Leland. Sorry we had to wake you.”
Leland tipped his hat, smiling. “What’s your name, sugar?”
Her hands straightened her shirt and skirt before running through her hair. She seemed flustered and embarrassed. “I am so sorry, I don’t usually nap on the job like that. I guess my lack of sleep finally caught up and tackled me. My name is Alaina. I assume you two need a room?” She looked between the two questioningly.
Leland and Brody smiled at each other, taking their time to answer. Finally, Leland answered while Brody made his way back around the counter. “Yes, ma’am, we would. Do you have any vacancies with two queen beds?”
Alaina found it hard to think with the two sexy as sin muscled Greek gods staring at her. When the one called Brody had caught her, her body had combusted into a blazing inferno of long forgotten need and desire. His arms were like giant anacondas wrapping her up against the hardest chest she had ever felt. He smelled of sweet sunshine and the crisp outdoors with a hint of pine. When she focused on his face, her heart flip-flopped. He had defined cheekbones, round dark eyes, and a five o’clock shadow that was to die for. His dark brown hair fit the bad boy look he held so well. In a tight pair of Levi’s and black boots, he was naughty, nice, and everything in between all rolled into one mouthwatering morsel.
His friend, Leland, was similar in build. It must be from all of the pushups and training they did. He was a bit smaller in build but equally as sexy. His features were more defined and sharp, with a lighter brown in his eyes and hair that was a softer look than his buddy had. The pair were so opposite. She could see the intensity in his eyes and swore they were a window to his soul. Alaina could see deep buried feelings and pain behind the front he put on. His muscles might be a tad smaller, but they were more defined and rippled through his shirt. She hadn’t felt a spark of interest in anyone since her husband. Now she wanted to jump on both of these men and ride the hell out of them. What is wrong with me?!
“Hang on, let me look.” She punched a few buttons on the computer and sighed. “No, we don’t have any double queens. I do have the family suite left that comes with two kings, a pull out, and a Jacuzzi tub. It’s one twenty-nine a night. However, I might be able to get it down with discounts. Will that work?” When she glanced up, both men were staring at her intently.
“Do you offer a military discount?” Leland perked up.
Her eyes widened. “Oh, I didn’t realize you are military. If I apply that, it brings it down to eighty-nine plus tax. Is that better?”
“We’ll take it, but you have to promise to come take a dip in the tub with us tonight,” Brody said before she finished her sentence, meeting her look of shock with a toothy grin.
“You will have to wash your own back, Romeo. Hotel policy specifically states no bathing or showering with the guests.” She teased him back, smiling more at the twinkle in his eyes that sparked from her response. “If you don’t mind me asking, what branch are you in?”
“Army, Green Berets. The baddest of the bad. Sergeant Major Reynolds at your service, ma’am,” Leland answered followed by a gentlemanly bow. His eyes danced over her again, creating heat to warm her veins and dampen her panties. “This is here is Captain Williams, toughest leader and hard ass the military has ever seen.” He crooked his thumb over toward Brody.
“Wow, that is like the SEALs right?”
“No. We made the SEALs look like pantywaists. Our unit went through the SERE, Pathfinder, Airborne, and Air Assault training. Berets go through the worst of the worst, and come out the best of the best. We had our own G.I. Jane that went through it all with us actually. SERE training was a lot like that movie, only worse.”
“That is impressive. You guys were the tough guys of the military. I don’t know how you all do it, but thank you for your sacrifices and service. My daughter is a huge military fan. She wants to join when she gets old enough.” Alaina rolled her eyes and snickered. “I just hope she changes her mind.” She printed off a paper and pointed for him to sign. He scribbled on the line, and she filed it in the small metal cabinet on the desk. “Okay, let me get your credit card, and we will get you two settled in.” She swiped the card they handed her and activated their keys.
“We were, now we are normal civilians. I gotta say, it is we
ird being in the ‘real world’. I think we have already gotten soft.” He patted his torso, jeering.
She glanced down and about choked on her tongue. Instead of making a bigger buffoon out of herself, she forced her eyes back to his and snapped back to business. “It is room one nineteen, just down the hall. Breakfast is at six, the pool is open until ten, and checkout is at eleven. If you are going to be taking advantage of our free Wi-Fi, the password is ‘guest’. Is there anything else I can help you with?” Her winded, well-rehearsed pitch left her inhaling deeply.
Leland grinned, loving her sudden professional persona. “Well yes, ma’am, you can. You see, we are both starving to death and need to find a place to eat. I am craving a fat, juicy steak, and didn’t see any steak houses on the way in.”
“Oh, we don’t have one. We do have Linda’s Diner, and Ol’ man Herb can make one hell of a steak. Order the Cattleman’s special with all the works. You won’t be disappointed.”
“Sounds great. Where is it located?” Brody asked.
“It is right out the back door. You can also order room service from there until midnight. Their pies, cakes, ice creams, and cobblers make a good treat for that midnight sweet tooth.” She smiled angelically, and Leland wondered how many times she had ordered in one of the sugary confections. Curiosity got the better of him. “Which is your favorite?”
“What? Oh…uh, I am a sucker for their blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. It’s served hot and is just to die for.” Her eyes twinkled at the simple thought.
“Great! Thank you. We will definitely try it out. What time do you get off work?” Brody leaned over, resting his chin in his hand.
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