“Hello, Roger,” she said quietly, almost afraid to find out why he was calling.
“Hello, darlin’. I was just calling to give you an update.”
“Where’s Dad?” She didn’t mind that he was calling—exactly. It just struck her as odd that Roger was calling instead of her father.
“He went in to Rio Blanco.”
“What’s he doing? How’s he doing?”
“He’s pretty torn up. He wishes you’d come home.”
Attempting to rein the sarcasm in, she replied, “That’s not what he told me last week.”
“Darlin’, none of us were thinking very clearly last week. He was upset. You were in shock. I don’t think he intended for you to drive off with that decrepit trailer filled with your stuff.”
“I couldn’t just sit there and watch them disassemble what’s been in my family for four generations, Roger. I couldn’t stay without falling completely apart. In order to get the ranch back, I’ve got to barrel race for one more year. Who knows, maybe I can make more contacts and get a head start on my business venture when I get back. But I have to bring in some serious money.”
“If you’d just come back to Colorado we could work this all out, darlin’.” There was a nuance and timbre to his voice that unsettled her. “We both miss you and want you to come back. I called because I also wanted to fill you in on our progress.”
“What progress?”
“They’ve posted the date for the sale of the ranch on the auction house’s website. Both the ranch and the horse auctions are taking place on March first. Your father and I plan to be at both. I’ve liquidated some assets and our plan is to get them both back.”
“Thank you, Roger. You won’t be out the money long, I promise. I’ll make sure you’re paid back every cent. I found a job here in Divine to last until the end of February and then I’ll be on the road.”
“You taking on a job isn’t necessary, darlin’. That’s what I keep telling you. Just come home and we’ll work something out.”
She knew there was no way she could pay him from the horse training venture fees. It would take some time to get her clientele built up and she couldn’t spend her seed money for her business on a loan. The funds Roger was making available would need repaying rapidly. She didn’t think he’d be interested in letting her make minimum payments for the next thirty years. Not that she’d accept that option anyway. “Barrel racing is the only means I have to win the kind of money I’d need to pay you back.”
“What will you do about a horse?”
Tutti immediately popped into her mind. She had the spirit, energy, and drive for it. She didn’t want to complicate things with her boss so didn’t mention the roan mare. “I don’t know. I’m exploring my options right now.”
“Darlin’, this all sounds like a big crapshoot. Attempting another winning season without a horse already in hand. I think you’re wasting your time.” His doubtful tone depressed her and reminded her of the starkness of her situation. She was homeless, horseless, had few options, and she didn’t want to go live at Roger’s ranch. That wasn’t a solution. Beneath it all was his continual use of the endearment “darlin’.” It made her uncomfortable coming from her father’s best friend. She didn’t want anyone else calling her that but Chris.
“Darlin’? You there?”
Gwen scrunched up her shoulders and wished she could just pretend the line suddenly went dead. “Sorry, Roger. I was thinking. I understand that Dad wants me to come home—”
“We both do, darlin’.” There was that tone again.
“I’ve committed to do this job and I’ve got to follow through on that. Dad knew about this already. I’ll be safe, earning some money, and working on my situation from here. Going on the rodeo circuit for another year is a done deal too. It’s not up for debate.”
Roger sighed and then cleared his throat. “Well, will you at least check in with me periodically?” She wanted to ask him why he continued to personalize everything between them but didn’t want to do that over the phone. She’d just as soon not talk about that at all.
“Of course. Tell Dad I’ll call him regularly just like always. And, Roger, thank you for helping our family. It means the world to me. I know you think I’m being difficult by not coming home but I truly have to do this. I know you’ll need the money back soon and this is the best way.”
He tried once more. “Without a horse?”
“I’ll work it all out. And tell Dad that I’m having some work done on the trailer so that it’ll be road worthy for a while longer. I don’t want him to worry.”
“Sure thing, darlin’.” He sounded unhappy but resigned. “I’ll have your dad get in touch when he gets back to the ranch. I wish you could understand how I—”
Her phone beeped and his voice was muted for a second or two. “Roger? I think I’m in a bad area for cell reception or something. I didn’t hear what you said.”
He sighed. “Nothing, darlin’. Maybe me and your dad could come and visit you in Divine before you head out on the road.”
“Sure. That’d be great. Just let me know.” Her phone beeped once more. “I’m afraid I’m gonna lose you, Roger. I’m on horseback in a pasture and I don’t know how good the signal is way out here. I have my laptop set up at the house where I’m staying and I know they have good service. Why don’t you ask Dad to call me on Skype tonight.”
“I’ll do that instead of calling your phone. It’d be good to see your face. I know it would do your dad some good too.”
They finished up the conversation and Gwen ended the call, feeling unsettled. Roger would want to be repaid as soon as possible. He wasn’t freeing all that money up to just give her the ranch and her horse. He was a rancher and a businessman after all. He knew the rodeo was her best chance for earning the kind of money paying him back would require, yet he wanted her to come home and sounded like he didn’t think she should compete at all.
Heaven knew she didn’t want to either but it was her only option—the only thing besides her skill with horses that she was really good at. With a heavy sigh, she turned Tutti toward the ranch. The sooner she finished arrangements with Wilbur the sooner she could get back to the foreman’s ranch house next door. The thought sent a rivulet of anticipation through her. Julián and Chris were her shelter in this storm and made it all more bearable. She’d talk with her dad and then have the rest of the night with them. She urged Tutti into a trot.
Chapter Twelve
Julián grinned as Chris showed him the final text message Gwen had sent to his friend earlier in the day. She’d referred to their place as home. That was a good sign despite how hard she worked to keep things “temporary.”
“It’s not a declaration or anything but it’s a start,” Chris whispered as they stood in the kitchen sipping their beers while Julián seasoned the steaks for the grill.
Gwen was currently setting her laptop computer up at the coffee table in the living room. Her father was supposed to be calling on Skype early in the evening. At least Julián hoped it was early because he had plans that involved Gwen that would take all evening if he had his way.
“You should’ve seen her on Wilbur’s horse earlier. She looked so carefree and happy, like she was ready to go into orbit. All this mess with the ranch and Zephyr is weighing heavily on her.”
“You considering getting involved financially? Taking care of things?”
Julián shrugged. It was entirely possible he had the answer to her situation but she was too proud to take his help. He also didn’t want to upset her applecart if she already had a workable solution, even if he didn’t care for the flaming hoops she was having to jump through to make it work.
Julián watched as Chris began assembling the ingredients for a margarita.
“What are you doing?”
Chris smiled as he set to work. “I told Gwen that Ethan had given me his Divine Margarita recipe and she asked if I’d make her one.”
Julián stif
led a chuckle, recalling the effect that particular recipe had on another woman of his acquaintance the previous summer. He’d gotten to know Jayne Carter, when she was still Jayne Sheridan, Divine’s shy little librarian, over a couple of those margaritas.
“Careful with the Patrón or you’ll knock Gwen on her ass. Remember she has that video call with her with her dad coming up. Seeing his daughter drunk won’t inspire confidence.”
“Don’t worry. Ethan already warned me to mix it a little weak if she needed her wits about her,” Chris said as he measured out ingredients and then shook her Divine Margarita on the rocks. He salted the rim on a large margarita glass and poured the drink for her just as she came into the kitchen.
She grinned when she saw it. “Yummy! You have no idea how in the mood I am for one of these.”
“Why’s that?” Julián asked as he brushed hips with her. She snuggled against him and inhaled softly from his neck.
Chris handed her the frosty glass and she cooed after taking the first sip. “Perfect. I’m dreading this conversation with my dad a little. We’ve already talked. We can’t help what has already happened. I’m tired of justifying what I have to do. Roger keeps insisting I ‘come home’ when I don’t have a home because Dad lost it in a lame-brained gamble. Sorry.”
Julián saw the flush in her cheeks and knew she felt guilty for speaking that way about her father. It was obvious she loved him, flawed human being that he was.
He stroked her cheek and said, “Don’t apologize. I’m surprised you haven’t vented more anger about losing the ranch. It’s healthy to feel angry in this situation, love. I’d be much more concerned if you made excuses for him and ignored the fact that he made a lame-brained move.”
The musical chime of an incoming Skype call sounded from the other room. “That’s my dad.”
“We’ll be on the back deck grilling the steaks. You go take your call and enjoy your margarita.”
“I don’t mind if you hang around inside, Julián. Nothing new is going to get said.”
“Still. We’ll be out back.”
She nodded, kissed him and Chris, and scampered from the room, giggling when Chris squeezed her butt cheek as she passed him. Julián carried the dish containing the seasoned steaks out the back door. Chris followed him out and went to the charcoal grill to check on the foil-wrapped ears of corn that were roasting.
“These will be ready in just a few minutes.”
Julián added the steaks to the grill and then they took seats on the deck to wait.
Chris shifted uncomfortably in his chair and said, “When she was texting with me, she told me that she was ready for something wild tonight.”
Julián nodded. “I think she needs the stress relief. It probably helped that she got the job today but she’s still facing a daunting year. Is something specific bothering you?”
They spent the last two nights pleasuring Gwen, so Julián already knew the root of Chris’s concern but wanted him to put it into words.
Chris huffed out a deep sigh and then looked squarely at Julián. “You know there’s a limit to what I can do for her. I imagine that she talks with her friends and she knows at least a little of what they get to enjoy with their men. I don’t think I can give her the ménage of her fantasies. I’m too fucking big.”
Julián sympathized with him. Chris was driving himself crazy taking pains to be gentle with her, to not move too fast, and to give her time to adjust to his size each time they came together. Seeing this side of his brash, teasing friend had been illuminating for Julián. He wasn’t sure if Chris realized yet that it had deepened their friendship to see him caring for her to the point of practically inflicting pain upon himself. Julián couldn’t imagine having to constantly hold back. He’d also noticed that Gwen understood he was holding back, although she hadn’t said anything yet. He had a feeling she would…soon.
Julián chose his words carefully. “I understand your concern. She seems to be handling you just fine. I think that if she encourages you to let go of the restraint you’re showing, you should take her up on it.”
“Shit. I’d hurt her, Julián. That’d kill me.”
“Did she beg you to fuck her like crazy the first night?”
“No. I let her have total control. You know that.”
“Exactly. She didn’t do that. She has a healthy sense of what’s pleasurable and what’s painful, which is why she’s allowing you to hold back. She knows she needs the time.”
“Okay?”
“Does Gwen strike you as the type to hold back, no matter what she’s doing?”
Chris tilted his head. “No.”
“So if she tells you to not hold back then chances are it’s because she knows she can handle what you dish out.”
“I guess so.”
“So…if she asked you for a ménage?”
“Shit, Julián, that’s what I’m talking about. The two of us inside her at the same time? I don’t see how it’s possible without doing her harm. And that’s if I’m the one in her cunt. I already know there’s no way I’m fitting in her tiny little ass.”
Julián smiled, because Chris saw Gwen as delicate and tiny. “But what if she asks for it? Will you tell her no?”
Chris looked decidedly uncomfortable with the conversation, but Julián was relieved that they had time to discuss this beforehand. Given their problem, he didn’t want to “back up and punt” in this area. They needed to be on the same page in advance.
“I couldn’t do that, I guess.”
“No. That’s why we needed to talk about this and be in agreement beforehand. This is not a conversation I’d want to have when she’s lying there waiting and wanting us.”
“Hell no. What do you suggest?”
“You know she’ll eventually ask you for everything you can give her. You can’t defer to me on that issue. The answer needs to come from you. If you’re a part of this relationship, then you have just as much say as I do. You don’t have to worry that you’ll give a wrong answer. If her happiness and welfare are your chief concerns, then I’ll back you up. If there’s a problem, then the two of us—or three of us—will work it out together. We don’t have time to waste on guessing games. And she’s not wasting time, because she knows her time with us is limited. The more willing we are to please her, the harder it’ll be for her to leave in March.”
“You’re evil.”
“I said I understood why she had to leave in March. I never said I would make it easy for her to leave. Her needs have become our top priority, if you want to convince her to stay.”
“Her place in Colorado?”
“I want her to be happy. I think we can make her happier than two hundred acres of land. I know it’s her legacy and maybe she’ll have it back again but I still want to be a permanent part of her life.”
“I do too. What would you suggest I do if she asks us for a ménage tonight?”
“You could offer a compromise. Baby steps. We go anal first.”
“You do, maybe,” Chris replied.
“But you know she’ll ask you because she wants you to feel included. You could always tell her no for now but that you will, if she’ll prepare herself to take you.”
Chris looked ready to crawl under the table. “Julián, she’d need butt plugs the size of bowling pins!”
Julián burst into laughter but quickly quelled it when he saw the slightly queasy look on Chris’s face. “Chris, you’re not that big. Tell me this, what happens when you use a muscle? When you warm it up properly, and stretch and contract it?”
“It becomes stronger.”
“The sphincter is a muscle.”
“Yeah but that’s still a delicate spot. One wrong move and I’d make her bleed.”
“Not if she’s prepared and you used plenty of lube. Would you deny her if she asks you?” Reluctantly, Chris shook his head. “This way you aren’t telling her no. At every turn she’s wanted you. She’s never turned you down. Think of it this way—
you’ll be distracting her from her worries about the ranch and her horse. She’ll be using her butt plugs and be thinking of us which will help her and make it harder for her to leave, when we give her what she wants.”
“I’m still not comfortable with the ménage. That’s a lot of cock in a really tight place. As it is, I’m worried that her pussy will never be the same.”
“You do recall that women are built to give birth, right? How many siblings do you have?”
Chris chuckled halfheartedly, realizing that Julián had him. “Fourteen.”
“Any C-sections in the bunch that you know of?”
“None.”
“Do you still believe that the stork delivered all of you?”
“Very funny, Julió.”
“My pleasure, Guido. You were the last one she delivered. Did you just fall out? Oh, wait—that explains a lot—” Chris grinned smugly as he laid a heavy fist down hard on Julián’s shoulder. “Ow! Fuck! Did anyone ever tell you your fists are like boulders? Damn,” he groused as he rubbed his shoulder. “Answer the question, fucker.”
“No. As far as I know, Ma had me the usual way. And no, I didn’t fall out on my head, fucking comedian.” He fought a smile the whole time he spoke.
“Think about your mom.”
“Force of nature that she is,” Chris supplied with a smile.
“She’s like a gracefully aging Sophia Loren. She looks pretty damned happy with her life to me anytime I see her.”
“Dad does dote on her.”
“She’s had fifteen kids. She’s not a delicate little flower, despite how your dad spoils her. She’s in good health. Resilient. Now, I’m not saying I want to have fifteen kids with Gwen. We’re way too early in the game to be talking about kids at all. What I am telling you is that healthy, active women are resilient like your mom. Look at Gwen differently now. She understands her limitations but she also knows how to push against them.”
“Okay, Dr. Julió,” Chris said, roughly rubbing his face and raking his hands through his wavy black hair, making it stand up a little.
“Let’s accommodate her in every way we can, and defer the ménage until she’s gotten used to the butt plugs. I don’t want to hurt her either. And as far as making love to her one-on-one…”
Tangled in Divine [Divine Creek Ranch 14] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 17