He raised his eyebrow in challenge.
“I agree with Charlie. She needs us,” Ben added.
Stacy yawned.
“You should get to bed, honey. It’s real late,” Max whispered to her, and Eric kissed her on the head before she stood up.
She held their gazes and squeezed their hands.
“I know she’ll be safe here.” She looked toward the others. “Please take things slow with her, guys. She’s not experienced, and she’s real fragile right now,” Stacy stated, and before they could respond, she headed out of the room.
* * * *
Charlie felt such heaviness in his chest. One look at Ben and Wyatt and he knew they felt the same way. In fact, Wyatt looked like he wanted to hit something. If they were going to make Anna feel safe, he was going to have to control his anger and his temper. Wyatt tended to be controlling, authoritative, and downright mean sometimes. Being the sheriff, he was always in a state of authority, so no one dared mess around in town.
When he thought about Anna and her concern over them, he admired her strength and independence. She was a good person and a great friend to Stacy. These were characteristics he liked in a woman but had yet to meet until Anna. Knowing his brothers, they would probably agree.
Eric and Max said good night and walked them to the door. Charlie, Ben, and Wyatt walked across the yard to their own house.
Wyatt stopped and looked up toward the bedroom window where Anna slept.
“I wish I could see her. Just make sure that she’s sound asleep and feeling okay,” he said as he stood watching.
“I know what you mean,” Ben replied.
“Yeah, she felt real good in my arms the other night,” Charlie whispered as he looked up toward the window as well.
“What? You slept in the bed with her?” Wyatt asked, sounding angry.
“She had the nightmare, and I helped her calm down. She clung to me, and I stayed with her. She’s beautiful.”
“I’m gonna find the bastards that did this to her so she doesn’t have to be afraid.”
Charlie looked at Wyatt then at Ben.
“We want in on this. Anything you find out, you let us know, and if we have to head to New York, we’ll do it.”
Wyatt locked gazes with Charlie and Ben.
They all nodded in agreement.
“What are we agreeing to here that we’re not stating?” Ben asked.
They were silent a moment until Charlie spoke.
“I want her. I want to love her, take care of her, and show her how wonderful life can be after feeling such heartache and pain. I know what it’s like. I thought the war had destroyed my heart and my soul. But if it weren’t for you two, for Eric and Max, or the Triple C ranch, I’d have ended my life.”
Ben placed his hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “Those were tough times. We made it through together, and we’ll help Anna make it through this.”
“I always knew we would find a woman that we could share. Each of us has many things to offer Anna if she’ll accept us,” Wyatt replied.
“That’s going to be the fun part,” Ben exclaimed. Both Charlie and Wyatt looked at him funny.
“Wooing our woman, fellas…She’s stunning, she’s petite, and, damn, can she cook.”
Wyatt and Charlie laughed.
“That isn’t going to be so easy to do. We all have pretty intense personalities,” Charlie replied.
“As long as we’re on the same page, we’ll handle this together,” Ben added as he took the front porch steps two at a time.
Wyatt glanced at the bedroom window one more time.
Charlie exhaled, feeling the same anxiety he was sure that Wyatt felt.
“We don’t know that much about her,” Wyatt whispered, and Charlie sensed his brother’s hesitation.
“No, we don’t. But we’ll work on that. We’ll each take time to get to know her and see if she really is the one for us.”
“Charlie, she’s been through a lot. I’m rough around the edges and then some.”
Charlie leaned against the railing to the steps.
“What are you afraid of?”
“I don’t pussyfoot around people, male or female. I’m straightforward, and if I want something, I go get it.”
“What are you not saying?”
Charlie watched Wyatt run his fingers through his hair.
“I don’t know if I can be gentle, and I don’t want to hurt her. She’s been hurt, and she seems like a genuinely good person. Her concern over Stacy and all of us before her own safety and well-being is a perfect example of her selflessness. You and Ben are good at the coddling stuff, not me. I just don’t think a ménage relationship with her will work.”
“That’s crazy thinking. You’re just scared because you are attracted to her, you admire her character and her good looks.”
“I didn’t say I was scared.” Wyatt pushed away from the post and walked up the stairs as if ending the conversation.
Charlie stopped him by touching his shoulder.
“There’s no need to rush this. She may not even be interested in us or ever have considered a ménage relationship. It’s going to be new for all of us, so let’s just focus on making her feel safe and making her want to remain on Triple C.”
Wyatt released a sigh instead of giving an answer as he walked into the house.
* * * *
A week had passed, and Anna was feeling more comfortable with everyone on the Triple C. Especially Ben, Charlie, and Wyatt.
She had enjoyed a stroll along the walkway and gardens, meeting Ben along the way.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Anna returned the greeting as Ben stopped to speak with her. She was sitting on a bench where three initials were etched inside a heart. She had been tracing the letters when Ben arrived.
“How are you feeling today?” Ben asked as he placed his hands in his front pockets.
“Good, thank you. I was just enjoying the gardens again. I love how the flowers are growing so full and beautiful already.”
She watched as Ben looked around them, absorbing her description and agreeing. “You can cut some flowers if you want to.”
“Oh, really?” She sat forward on the bench and glanced around.
“There are cutters and a basket by the shed out front. My mom used to pick flowers all the time.”
Anna smiled in response.
“Matter of fact, that heart with the three sets of initials on the bench is my parents’.” He pointed to the bench, and Anna glanced at the initials she had traced earlier.
She realized that there were three sets. Two wives and one husband or two husbands and one wife? The thought stirred something inside her.
“Our dads made sure they kept this garden beautiful for our mom. She loved picking flowers.”
She wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She had never been exposed to multiple partners and sharing in a relationship. Not until her phone call from Stacy and her best friend meeting Eric and Max.
Stacy had said the town had many families just like theirs.
Anna had yet to go to town again, but now that Stacy got her an interview for tomorrow with the restaurant, she would have to take notice.
“You look real pretty today, Anna. I like your hair down.”
“Thank you. So where were you off to?’ she asked, trying to avoid the awkward and more intimate subjects for a conversation. Ben made her nervous. All the Cantrells did.
Ben had a look about him. He was very outgoing and attractive, and he knew it. Not that he walked around saying “I’m hot” or anything like that, he just had a star quality about him. It made her smile.
“I was heading to the stables to check on some newborn colts. Do you want to come along?” He reached his hand out for her to take it.
She took a deep breath and carefully reached for his hand. When they touched, she felt the instant attraction.
He smiled as he held her hand and led her toward the stables.
&nbs
p; * * * *
“Come over here, Anna. You have to see this,” Ben exclaimed, pulling her along with him through the stables.
They came to a stall that had a large horse Anna guessed was the mother and a newborn colt. It was wobbling on shaky legs and fell a few times. Anna covered her mouth.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and tensed a moment until she realized it was Ben’s.
“It’s okay. He was only born about an hour ago.”
“That’s amazing!” Anna watched as the mother licked her baby’s fur and then nudged it to continue to try and succeed in standing and walking.
“It’s beautiful to watch, isn’t it?”
Anna turned toward Charlie’s voice behind her.
He looked handsome today, as usual, in his forest green checkered shirt and dark blue jeans. His hat had hay on it, along with his shirt.
Quickly, she turned away and back toward the sight in front of her.
These men were so lucky to be able to witness this all the time. It was touching to see the mom guiding and protecting the colt. It made Anna feel good to have witnessed it.
“Were you in the garden today?” Charlie asked, and both Anna and Ben turned their attention towards him.
She nodded.
“Did you pick any flowers?”
“No,” she replied then wrung her fingers together in front of her. Being in such an enclosed place with both Charlie and Ben made her fidget.
“Well, next time, bring along a basket and some clippers to take some flowers. That’s why we planted them and continue to grow so many. Did Ben show you the bench?”
“She was sitting there when I found her.”
Charlie smiled.
“Our mom used to sit out there and enjoy the garden before she picked her flowers. Our dads told us she was the one who carved their initials in the wood.”
“That’s nice. The garden is lovely. Next time I will pick some if you’re sure it’s okay?”
“Definitely,” Ben replied.
They stared at her a few moments, and she felt awkward. It was hard enough to breathe and not stumble through her words, let alone maintain a conversation. Both men were so appealing.
Before she made a fool of herself, she made an excuse and headed back toward the house.
* * * *
“What did you think?” Ben asked.
“I think she’s sweet.”
“But timid.”
“You’d be, too, if you survived what she has. I’m glad you had a chance to spend some time with her. She seemed comfortable with you.”
“She did, and I was glad that I found her in the gardens. I was worried when Stacy said she hadn’t seen her.”
“Well, as long as she stays on the ranch, we can keep an eye on her. I’m glad she’s finally talking to us more.”
“Me, too,” Ben replied then walked over to the corral to take another look at the colt.
* * * *
Anna borrowed a dress from Stacy. She knew she needed to impress the owner of Francine’s Restaurant if she wanted a job there. Stacy helped her with a fancy updo, and she gave her some makeup and lip gloss.
“Now, Jack is a flirt and a half, but he’s harmless. His wife, Mary, is a sweetheart, and as long as you work hard, respect their orders, and show them respect, you should be fine. Once they try your cooking, they won’t want to let you go. So, be confident,” Stacy told her before they left the room and headed downstairs.
When they arrived in the kitchen, the whistles and comments began.
Anna froze in place and lowered her head.
“Hot damn, woman, you are a sight!” Ben exclaimed as he approached her, took her in his arms, and twirled her around.
Anna grabbed a hold of him and laughed at his response. When he finally set her down, he held her in his arms and locked gazes with her.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered then kissed her cheek.
“Let me get a look at her, you hog!” Charlie exclaimed, pulling her out of Ben’s arms and into his own. He held her at arm’s length and slowly took in the sight of her from head to toe. “Stunning, Anna. Absolutely stunning,” he whispered then kissed her lips softly and so quickly she didn’t have time to let his action sink in.
“Give the woman some room. We have to leave now,” Stacy exclaimed, grabbing Anna by her hand and pulling her out the door.
* * * *
They headed into town, and Anna touched her fingers to her lips. She felt her cheeks burn, and her stomach quivered.
“What’s wrong, y’all feeling nervous about the interview?” Stacy asked as she exited the Triple C Ranch.
“What the hell just happened back there?” Anna whispered, still caressing her lips and feeling Charlie’s touch. Ben had kissed her as well, and she was shocked.
Stacy looked over her shoulder and pretended she didn’t understand, but Anna knew she did.
“Don’t play dumb with me. You saw them back there. Ben and Charlie…”
“Kissed you. So what? Didn’t you like it?”
“Stacy?”
“Oh, come on, Anna. I know you’re a virgin in the bedroom, but a woman’s intuition should be kicking in. They’re hot for you, and so is Wyatt.”
“Wyatt?” Anna felt her insides coil up tight, and her hands began to sweat. She was having trouble breathing and wondered if this was a panic attack. She figured at some point she would have a nervous breakdown. Why now? Why on the way to the potential job. She needed this. She needed to make money to buy clothes, to find a place to live.
She lost all focus as she felt the truck stop and Stacy grab her hand.
“Calm down, honey. Just relax and breathe. Little breaths then release.” Stacy kept talking to her until finally Anna was breathing normally.
Her eyes filled up with tears.
“I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can, honey. You’re going to grab that inner strength of yours, put on your tough girl confident face, and land you a job. Then you’re going to take things slow with the men. I’ve already had Eric and Max talk to them. They know to take things slow.”
“A talk with them? About me? Why?” Anna asked, feeling the panic attack begin again.
“Calm down, and just focus on the job. The men won’t hurt you, honey. They were attracted to you immediately. The more that they’re around you, the more their attraction grows.”
“Oh, my Lord. They’re so…they’re so big and gorgeous and older. Much older than I am. They could have their pick of women. Look around you,” Anna exclaimed, encompassing the town with a hand gesture.
“Nonsense. They want you. Now hush up and fix your eyes. I’ll introduce you to Mary and Jack then, when you’re done, you can meet me at Doc Jones’s office.”
“You didn’t say that you had an appointment.”
“I didn’t want the men to fuss. They would get all serious and wind up following me here. No worries. Everything is fine.”
Anna fixed her lip gloss and eyes then exited the truck. This was it. It was time to take control of her life, her destiny, and make a new start.
* * * *
“There’s no time like the present, doll. Why don’t ya show us what ya got?” Jack Boslow, the owner, stated as he crossed his arms over his large chest. His wife, Mary, gave Anna a wink before she stepped out of the kitchen to seat more people for lunch.
Ann looked around at the unfriendly faces, taking notice that they were all men. No problem for her. She was used to running a kitchen. Male or female, as long as they did their job, it was fine with her.
“What’s your favorite dish?” she asked Jack as she grabbed an apron and washed her hands by the sink. Lunch orders were being called out around her.
Jack eyed her suspiciously, then said, “Let’s start off real simple. I want to see what a New York cook can do with my chicken salad.”
Anna smiled then quickly went in search of ingredients she could use. While she did it, she introduced herself to o
ther staff in the kitchen and thanked them for the stuff she took.
Before long, she was chopping, dicing, sprinkling, and combining what she could find to make a gourmet chicken salad. “Are you allergic to anything?”
A nod of his head was all she got, so she began to add the chopped grapes, the diced walnuts, and chopped cranberries. Next, she added a little bit of mayo mixed with a tad bit of horseradish sauce and a few spices.
She toasted some thick-sliced Italian bread and seasoned it with some more stuff before placing it on the plate. She topped the bread with her chicken salad concoction, added the top slice, then cut it in half. She then added a fresh strawberry on top of each slice. To the side, she added pickles and Francine’s famous fries.
She handed the plate to Jack just as his wife entered.
Anna waited as Jack eyed the dish, as if concerned that the food might kill him.
“I’m not a fruit kind of guy,” he stated.
“Doc Jones said you need more fruit in your diet. Now, try the damn thing then move over so I can have some.”
Anna hid a smile at Mary’s tone.
Jack took a bite then chewed. He made some humming noises then took another bite. He closed his eyes and continued to eat as Mary took a bite of the second half.
“This is delicious! What did you do to my chicken salad, girl?” Francine asked as Jack picked the scraps off the plate.
“Just a little New York-style chicken salad like the man asked,” Anna teased, and Mary laughed.
“Well, Jack?”
“What?”
“If you don’t hire her right now, then I will,” Mary stated, and Jack laughed.
“When can ya start, honey?”
“Tomorrow good?” Anna asked.
“Right now would be great, but I guess that’s too much to ask. Be here by nine in the morning for prep and to get the kitchen staff ready for whatever you need.”
“Hey, Miguel!” Jack called to the current cook.
“Sí, señor?”
“You’re off the hook starting tomorrow. We got ourselves a real New York chef right here.”
Anna felt terrible. She didn’t want the other man to lose his job.
Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - For the Love of Anna (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 7