Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - For the Love of Anna (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by For the Love of Anna

  “Jack, Mary…I don’t want to take his job away. I thought you were in need of a cook?”

  “Oh, don’t fret, honey. Miguel has been dying to quit being in charge. He’s only been at it for a few weeks after Chuck the old cook took off for Vegas and never came back.”

  “Señorita…gracias,” Miguel added as he kissed Anna’s hand and went back to work.

  Anna looked around at the now-smiling faces. She wasn’t too sure what to think, but at least she had a job. The pay was pretty good, too.

  She thanked the Boslows then headed out of the kitchen. While Jack showed her the front of the place, some young men made a few comments and began flirting with her. Jack and Mary introduced her as the new cook.

  “When ya startin’, honey?” one real nice-looking cowboy asked as he eyed her from head to toe.

  She smiled softly as she took in the other patrons. The men seemed to outnumber the women in this town, and they all seemed to be in pairs or in threes. She swallowed the lump in her throat and thought about Charlie, Ben, and Wyatt.

  “She’ll be starting tomorrow, so you fellas be sure to stop by and let us know what ya think of her cooking,” Jack stated.

  “What’s your name, good looking?” someone else asked, and Anna began to get nervous. There were a lot of men in this town, and the way they eyed her made her anxious to leave. Each of them was attractive and what the waitresses back in New York would have called delicious eye candy. She felt herself blush at their continued compliments.

  “The name is Anna, and she’s stayin’ at the Triple C.” Everyone turned toward the deep, authoritative voice. Anna swallowed hard at the sight of Wyatt standing in the doorway in his sheriff’s uniform. Men cleared their throats and went back to eating lunch as he made his way toward her. The closer he got, the farther up she had to look.

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. She gasped at his show of possession, but everyone else seemed to go about their business. Out of all three brothers, he had been the quietest around her. Small conversations here and there were about all they shared. She had wondered if he even liked her. Unlike Ben and Charlie, Wyatt didn’t let his feelings show. If anything, he seemed to keep his distance from her.

  When Wyatt reached up and touched her cheek, she closed her eyes and absorbed the feel of his embrace.

  “So ya got yourself a job, huh, honey?” he asked.

  “Yes…as the cook.”

  He raised his eyebrows and then looked over at Jack.

  “You take good care of our Anna, Jack. I expect you all will be real happy with her cooking.”

  “That I will, Jack. You betcha.”

  Anna wondered who he meant when he said our Anna.

  Immediately, she thought about Charlie and Ben. Suddenly, she couldn’t wait to share the news with them. How silly of her. They weren’t her boyfriends. Did she want them to be? Did they think she was interested? Am I?

  She felt Wyatt release his hold but not completely as he tipped his hat good day to everyone and escorted her out of the restaurant.

  * * * *

  Once they were outside, he took her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles, and all she could do was stare at him in awe.

  The sheriff was a perfect specimen of a man and the stereotypical looking sheriff aside from his young age. He had large, strong hands and an aura around him.

  He looked her over. “You look real pretty today, Anna.”

  She glanced at her outfit. “It’s Stacy’s. I borrowed it,” she whispered and wondered why she sounded like she lost her voice.

  * * * *

  Wyatt felt the tightness in his chest. The way she looked, the way she sounded right now, made his cock throb and his stomach quiver. He was having a difficult time keeping conversations with her simple back at the ranch. He was still determining whether or not Anna was the one for him and his brothers. The more he spoke to her or heard about the conversations she had with his brothers, the more interested he became.

  He got so jealous back there at Francine’s at the way the men gawked at her. He knew what they were thinking. Hell, he heard a few men comment about her body. He had to stake a claim and make his and his brothers’ intentions known. It’s not like the Cantrells were the only family in town that was involved in ménage relationships. The town was known for it.

  He leaned over and gave Anna a quick, soft kiss on the lips. It was torture to not taste more of her, but he was the sheriff, and he was standing in the middle of town.

  * * * *

  Anna held on to Wyatt’s forearms as he released her lips. Her eyes remained closed a moment, and she felt embarrassed when she opened them to find him smirking at her.

  She must seem so naive to him. The idea that all three of them had touched her and kissed her today was unnerving to say the least. It just wasn’t possible to be attracted to three men at once, never mind normal. Haven’t I learned my lesson about giving away my heart?

  She sobered instantly as thoughts of sadness nearly overwhelmed her. She turned away in his arms and made an attempt to escape. She had gotten only two steps before a strong arm came around her waist from behind, bringing her back up against Wyatt’s solid chest.

  “Whoa there, honey, slow down. I’m not going to hurt you,” he whispered from way above her head. His size, his potential strength, and his uniform made her body shake.

  Wyatt used his free hand to caress her arm and shoulder. She felt every move, every sensation of his touch. Then he tilted her chin sideways as he leaned over with his face near her shoulder.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you, doll. I just couldn’t resist tasting those sexy lips of yours. You look so damn edible.”

  She tried to shy away and look down, but he pulled her tighter against him. The feel of his manhood against her back and iron thighs against the material of her skirt had her breathing heavy and feeling faint.

  “You feeling all right, sweetie? You look like you’re about to faint,” he said, full of concern. Then he turned her toward him and pulled her into an embrace against his chest.

  He was silent, as if waiting for her to say something. She couldn’t think a coherent thought. She felt frazzled, turned on, and she shouldn’t. It wasn’t right to have these feelings for three men, never mind brothers.

  “I…please don’t do that again,” she whispered, and her voice cracked.

  Wyatt scrunched his eyebrows together and looked downright mad.

  “Don’t do what?” he asked, although he knew precisely what she meant.

  He stared down at her, holding her gaze, and she could see the mischief in his eyes.

  “Kiss me.”

  “My pleasure,” he stated then kissed her again.

  It wasn’t what she meant. She wanted him not to kiss her but…now that he was, it felt so good and so right.

  The sound of someone clearing his throat pulled her from her daze. “Sheriff,” some older couple passing by said, and Wyatt tipped his hat and said good afternoon to them, never releasing his hold on Anna.

  “That was real nice, Anna. You can ask me for a kiss anytime you want,” he teased then caressed her lip with his thumb.

  “No. I didn’t mean for you to kiss me again. I meant, don’t kiss me ever again,” she stated in a huff, turning away from him.

  “Didn’t you like it?” he asked, pulling her closer against his chest, then he winked.

  “Please…I…I don’t want to cause any trouble,” she stated, hoping that she could deflect what was really bothering her about this.

  The sheriff looked around them, and Anna followed his line of sight. It seemed they were drawing quite the amount of attention in town.

  “I need to go…Stacy is waiting for me.”

  She stepped away, only to be pulled back by Wyatt.

  “One thing, darling, before you go. We’ll talk about this later.” He leaned down and kissed her quickly and softly before releasing her.

  Anna pu
lled away then looked both ways before she crossed the street toward the doctor’s office.

  * * * *

  Stacy was awfully quiet when they got into the truck to head toward the ranch.

  “So, is everything all right? What did the doctor say?” Anna asked.

  “Everything is fine. It’s just as I expected,” Stacy replied as she continued to drive out of town.

  “Well? Is it anything serious? Do you need to take anything for it?”

  Anna waited for Stacy to respond, wondering why she was acting so strange.

  “Just some prenatal vitamins,” Stacy replied, and Anna immediately turned toward her.

  “Say that again?”

  Stacy smiled wide. “I’m pregnant.”

  “Oh, my God! That is so awesome! The guys are going to be so thrilled.” Anna began to cry, and so did Stacy.

  “Oh, Anna, I’m so glad that you’re happy about this. I was afraid that you wouldn’t be.”

  “Me? What are you, crazy? I love babies. Who in the world wouldn’t?”

  Stacy wiped her eyes as she drove.

  “I can’t believe it.”

  “When are you going to tell Eric and Max?”

  “I don’t know. I have a feeling that once those two hear the news, they are going to be even more protective than before.”

  “That’s what you want, Stacy. You want them to be so into it and so loving. They’re going to make great fathers,” Anna said then covered her mouth to try and hide the tears.

  Stacy reached over and touched her hand.

  “They are going to be great fathers. They will be thrilled.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Stacy. I think you should do something really romantic with them. Maybe I can stay at the hotel in town tonight.”

  “Don’t be silly. I wouldn’t make you leave the house.”

  “Well, I just thought you might feel a little uncomfortable with me in the house while you have a romantic evening at home with the men.”

  “Your presence hasn’t stopped us from having romantic evenings yet,” Stacy added sarcastically.

  Anna giggled and blushed before she cleared her throat.

  “Don’t you sass me, girl. I so don’t need to be picturing such activity going on while I’m alone and sleeping on the other side of the house.”

  “Well, I’m sure if you want to leave the house for the night, you could just mention sleeping over at Wyatt, Ben, and Charlie’s place. They would love to have you.”

  Anna froze in a stunned stare at Stacy.

  Stacy laughed as she pulled into the driveway at the Triple C ranch.

  As they parked the truck, the men seemed to come out from everywhere.

  Eric came out from the stables, along with Ben, and Charlie came around from the other side of the horse training stables. It was as if they waited to hear the sound of the truck arriving.

  Anna turned toward Stacy. “You can have the house tonight to tell Eric and Max the good news. I think I’ll try that little hotel in town. It looked really nice. I’d love to get the whole town of Pearl experience, really.” Anna rambled on and on, and Stacy continued to laugh at her.

  “I give you all of about two seconds after telling your men that you’re going to a hotel before one of them is tossing you over his shoulder and bringing you to their place to stay. So don’t be silly.”

  “My men? Who would that be?”

  “You know damn straight who I’m talking about. Two of them are headed this way, and one had his mouth all over you on Main Street just about twenty minutes ago.”

  With that, Stacy opened her door and stepped out and into Eric’s arms.

  “Hey, honey. How did it go? Does Francine’s have a new cook?” Eric asked as he led Stacy around to the front of the truck where Ben and Charlie stood with Anna. They had helped her out of the truck and both had a hand on her shoulder.

  “Come on, honey, tell us the news,” Charlie asked.

  “I am the new cook at Francine’s starting tomorrow.”

  They each cheered and gave her a hug, then Charlie pulled her to him and checked her forehead for fever.

  “Tomorrow seems kind of soon. Are you sure you’re up to it?” he asked, sounding concerned but also controlling. Anna didn’t like the feeling she got, but she forced a smile.

  “I’ll be fine. Plus, I need to make some money. I don’t have much left.”

  Anna felt another hand lay across her back as Ben whispered next to her ear. “We’ll take care of you, honey. Any money you need, you just come to us.”

  Anna swallowed hard. This was getting to be a bit much. She felt smothered at the moment, like everyone was in control of her life except for her.

  She took a step away from them and placed some distance between her and Ben and Charlie.

  “Listen,” she stated, louder than she meant, causing everyone to look at her, including Eric and Stacy.

  She took a deep breath and began more calmly.

  “Listen, please…I appreciate your kindness. I truly do, but there’s no need to patronize me. I’m a grown woman, I’ve been down and out and then some, so believe me when I tell you that I can handle things. I will not accept money from you. Any of you. I am taking that job and starting tomorrow, so things will get better.” Charlie began to object, and Ben looked ready to yell. She stopped them with a raise of her hand palm forward and a stern look.

  “I am fine, Charlie. I’m used to being on my own and handling it all, whether I am sick, injured, or just plain exhausted. Now, Stacy has some plans for tonight, and I’m taking a little tour of Pearl for the evening. I’ll be staying at the hotel in town with my last fifty bucks. That way, I’ll be right in town for my first day at work, and no one will need to drive me there.”

  Charlie attempted to interrupt again, and this time, Stacy and Max laughed as they quickly removed themselves from the current situation.

  Anna wondered what the heck they were doing, and as she watched them go, she felt herself being pulled toward the porch steps of Charlie, Ben, and Wyatt’s house.

  Charlie sat down on the bench, pulling Anna onto his lap. Ben stood directly in front of them and inches away from Anna.

  His arm was gently around her waist, and his other hand lay flat against her thigh.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Charlie asked as Ben stood by with his hands on his hips looking sexy as damn hell. Anna tried not to focus on either man’s beauty, but it was pretty hard with her rear plastered on top of rock-solid thighs.

  Charlie tilted her chin toward him so he could look into her eyes.

  “I think we need to talk about this more calmly. What do you mean you’re going to stay in the hotel in town?” Charlie asked.

  Anna clasped her fingers together on her lap and began to fidget.

  Ben knelt down next to her and Charlie. It was a strange sight, seeing a man Ben’s size kneeling down in front of her. His head was level with her chest as he slightly looked up at her. His sandy brown hair tossed around a little with the light spring breeze. He squinted as a strand hit his long eyelashes then smiled at her, noticing she stared. Quickly, Anna looked down toward her hands. Her knuckles were white from gripping them so tightly.

  Ben placed his hand over hers.

  “Anna, please don’t be afraid of us. We’re not trying to run your life. We just want to protect you. Now, what’s this nonsense about staying in town?”

  Anna didn’t want to give away Stacy’s secret surprise, but the men’s response to her statement was intimidating.

  “Does Wyatt know?” Charlie asked, and Anna jumped at his statement. For some reason, she feared Wyatt’s reaction to her staying in town for the night. Of course, there was the conversation she had with Stacy on the ride over and the way Wyatt kissed her in town and claimed her taken to all the men at the restaurant.

  “I…I just need to give Stacy, Max, and Eric some alone time, that’s all.”

  “Then you’ll stay with us,” Charlie
stated.

  Anna jumped up off his lap and stood. There was no place to run to because Charlie’s legs were in the way, as well as Ben’s body.

  Charlie held her by her outer thighs, and her legs began to shake. It was an intimate hold for her. Charlie was a big man with large hands that practically covered her whole thigh. With Ben inches away from her back, she felt hot and shaky. She never suffered from claustrophobia, but being sandwiched between these two made her panic.

  “No! I can’t stay here…No way.” Anna crossed her arms in front of her chest.

  * * * *

  Charlie had to hide his grin from her. She looked so adorable the way she fidgeted with her hands and jumped up off of his lap. She had felt so good sitting there, he nearly lost his ability to speak.

  “Anna, it’s no big deal. We have two extra bedrooms. You can stay for as long as you like or as long as you think Stacy and the guys need.”

  “No, I can’t. I…I can’t…you…you.” She shook her head and tried to step by them. Both he and Ben grabbed a hand.

  “Whoa there, honey. It’s okay,” Ben stated, standing in front of her, blocking her path.

  Charlie saw the fear in Anna’s eyes at being blocked.

  “Sit down, Anna. Please?” Charlie asked, and although she hesitated, she took a seat.

  “We would never hurt you, Anna. That’s something you have to believe and trust about us.”

  “It’s understandable that you’re scared, but we would never force ourselves on you. Real men don’t do that kind of thing,” Ben stated, taking a seat next to her on the swing.

  Anna looked shocked at his statement, and Charlie saw the tears reach her eyes.

  She looked down at her hands as she spoke.

  “I don’t know you…either of you.”

  “Sure you do, doll. You’ve been around us for a few weeks now. What you see is what you get,” Ben stated.

  “I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea. If I stayed…here…I mean.”

  “No wrong idea. Just us offering an extra bed so you can give Stacy, Max, and Eric some alone time. No strings and no expectations. We just want you to be safe, and staying in town alone is not a good move.”