“That’s it, baby,” he soothed. “It’s all right. My name’s Kent and this here’s Travis. We’ve brought you to the Freemont Ranch. You fell down the ravine in the storm. Do you remember?”
She nodded, her wet, muddy hair shaking around her soft, round face. “The horse got spooked by something and he bolted. I remember my hand slipping from the reins. I couldn’t hold on.” She was starting to panic. Kent nodded for Travis to wrap her shoulders in the blanket.
“It’s all right now, darlin’,” Travis told her softly. “I’ve stabled Blackie for the night and told Fred where you are. Is there anyone else we need to tell?”
She shook her head sadly.
“You’re not from around here, are you, baby?” Kent rubbed her hair with a towel. It resulted in a rather muddy towel, but at least he managed to get some of the cold water from her hair.
She shook her head again. “My name’s Brooke… Adams. I’m just taking a short vacation.”
“What on earth brought you to Moone County, darlin’? There’s nothing here and it’s not exactly high season.” Travis was just being curious, but Kent could see that she looked a little hurt.
“It’s very beautiful. And quiet.” Her voice was soft and a little sad.
“The Moone Falls are lovely, and it certainly is peaceful. Did you just want a relaxing break?” Kent tried to cajole her a little.
She nodded, and then sniffed.
“We’d best get you out of those wet things before you catch your death of cold.” Travis must be too concerned about her shivering to worry about answers to their questions. Enough of the good cop, bad cop for now. Kent watched as he strolled through the archway that led to the en-suite bathroom and switched on the shower. It heated almost immediately, and hot steam started to fill the room. He heard his partner go to a wall cabinet and pull out some bottles, which he must have then placed on the glass shelf inside the shower.
“You can take a bath if you prefer, Brooke. Kent offered as Travis returned to the bedroom, his bare chest dripping wet. He smirked as Travis rolled his eyes.
Brooke must have caught their expressions and giggled. It was a lovely sound; like the jingle of little bells, almost musical. Both men smiled at her. She slid out of bed, wrapping the blanket around her. “A shower would be lovely, thank you,” she assured them.
“I’ll wait in here in case you need anything. I don’t want you collapsing on us with that head wound,” Travis insisted.
“I’ll be fine, honestly.” She looked a little shocked at his suggestion.
“Travis is right, baby. You could keel over at any time. Pity we can’t get Doc Hardy up here to take a look at you, but he’d never get up the mountain in this weather, especially as it’s dark out there.”
Brooke pouted. “OK. But you will stay in here, won’t you?”
“You have my word as a gentleman,” Kent promised with a smile.
“There’s towels on the rack all ready for you,” Travis informed her as she stepped shyly through the archway.
“I’ll grab her something to wear.” Kent turned as he reached the door. “Don’t you forget what I said about being a gentleman, now will you?”
“I won’t forget you said you’d be one.” Travis wore a salacious grin.
“I was talking for the both of us. Don’t you dare take one foot in there; you’ll likely frighten her to death!” Kent gave Travis his I’m warning you look.
“Don’t worry. I won’t go into the bathroom. Looks like it wouldn’t take much, anyhow, poor thing.” Travis held his hands up in submission. His dark brown eyes twinkled in mirth.
Satisfied, Kent left the room.
* * *
Travis opened the bedroom window to let some of the steam escape. In doing so, he realized he had managed to angle himself so he could just see Brooke’s reflection in the mirror of the closet door, which he had accidentally left open. Screwing his eyes shut to protect her modesty, he felt a burn in his stomach. He longed to open his eyes just for a second. He bit his lip as the yearning overpowered him. Eventually he allowed himself a tiny peek with just one eye. It wasn’t enough. Both eyes suddenly opened wide and he grinned.
The glass of the shower cubicle was completely transparent, and he could see her face smiling up as the water streamed down on her. The steam was starting to dissipate, and he could just see her large, full bosom. She turned slightly so her back was toward him. His immediate disappointment was replaced with horror. Large welts covered her whole back and her beautiful, round ass. They continued down to the tops of her legs. He gauged that a single tail had been used in the hands of some maniac who didn’t have a clue how to handle it. Scars crisscrossed haphazardly over her soft, pale skin, with some newer, almost-open cuts over her skin. He averted his eyes quickly and moved back toward the bed as he heard the water being turned off.
“I thought she could sleep in one of your old shirts tonight, and there’s some of my old clothes for tomorrow. Think that’ll be OK?” Kent burst through the bedroom door and placed a pile of clothes on the ottoman.
Travis nodded. Kent must have caught his expression before he could hide it. A slight shake of Travis’s head told him the explanation would have to wait, as Brooke entered the room, smiling. One large towel was wrapped around her body, with a smaller one covering her shoulders.
And the scars.
Chapter Two
The sun was shining when Brooke awoke in the large, soft bed the next morning. She sighed, remembering where she was. Her head ached and she could feel bruises throbbing all over her body, but it was nothing compared to what she was used to. She bit her lip and crawled out of bed. If she was quick and quiet enough, she might just be able to leave before the two men got up. Although she liked the handsome strangers very much, and was grateful for their kindness, she didn’t want to answer the myriad questions that would certainly be waiting for her, especially after last night.
They had enjoyed a lovely meat and vegetable pie, which Kent had cooked for them and sat talking for a while before she went to bed. Well, they had sat talking. She had spent most of the evening asking them questions to avoid answering too many of theirs. She had told them she was a keen rider and that she was staying at the Montgomery Hotel in town. They knew she was on vacation and had come for some peace and quiet. Nothing they couldn’t have checked out for themselves if they’d had a mind to. She had evaded the issue of where she came from by simply telling them she was a city girl, and they seemed content with her employment as just “admin.”
“Morning, beautiful.” She had only gotten one foot out of the bedroom door when Travis walked up the hall wearing nothing but a towel and Giorgio Armani.
She gasped. He looked as gorgeous as he smelled. Water was still running from his tousled hair down his ripped, slightly hairy chest, and his stubble was neatly groomed. His dark brown eyes twinkled, and he had an amazing smile.
“Good morning,” she replied. She actually felt far from beautiful in big, baggy jeans, a large shirt, and a pair of sneakers that were a couple of sizes too big for her, but she was grateful to have clean, dry clothes. Her only worry was not having any underwear on, and her breasts were a little too large to go without a bra. Her nipples hardened as his gaze swept over her, and she was sure he could see them through the shirt. She folded her arms to try to hide her embarrassment—and arousal.
“Kent’s got breakfast on. I’ll be there in a minute.” Travis’s smile seemed to have broadened, and she flushed as he turned and went back to his room.
She could smell pancakes as soon as she neared the kitchen, and her stomach rumbled in anticipation.
“I don’t eat breakfast, thank you,” she lied as Kent placed a plateful on the table.
“You do now, baby.” He obviously wasn’t about to argue with her. He nodded to a chair in front of her expectantly.
Brooke flushed. He wasn’t asking her, he was telling her. There was evidently no question in his mind that she wouldn’t compl
y. She felt a little nervous as she sat down. He was another gorgeous guy. He wore a plaid, short-sleeved shirt and Levis, which framed his pert ass beautifully. He had lovely blond, curly hair, which kissed the top of his collar, and his muscles rippled in his arms as he moved competently around the kitchen. Her stomach growled again and he gave a satisfied smirk. Damn!
“Storm’s finished. There’s a couple of trees down toward the foot of the mountain, but it’s mostly passable now.” Travis breezed in and took the seat next to her. He was dressed in jeans and cotton checkered shirt and smelled divine. His buttons were mainly undone, allowing a little of his chest hair to peep through enticingly. Brooke was suddenly aware that she was staring at his chest, licking her lips. Judging by the twinkle in his eyes, Travis must have been aware too. She caught his gaze and flushed.
“That’s good. I think we might call Doc Hardy out to take a look at our girl in that case,” Kent announced and took a bite of his breakfast.
Brooke flushed. “I’m fine. I need to get back, anyhow,” she said, a little flustered as she took a sip of her coffee. Somehow she had to stay focused.
“Back where, darlin’?” Travis looked surprised.
“I need to get Blackie back to Mr. Hammond, and then I need to go to the hotel and let them know I’m still here. They might think I’ve left without paying or something.”
“Well now, I just came from dropping Blackie off at Fred Hammond’s place this morning, and Kent informed the hotel last night that you were here. Don Montgomery was very grateful too. Seems he got a little worried when you didn’t get back before the storm.” Travis reached across for the sugar, giving Brooke another waft of his masculine scent as he did so. God, he smelled good.
Brooke bit her lip in frustration before biting into the pancakes. She couldn’t help but obey Kent’s order.
“How long are you planning to stay in Moone?” Kent asked. He finished up his food.
“Um, I’m not sure yet.”
“Well, how about I go into town and fetch your things from the hotel and you can stay here for a bit? You really shouldn’t be on your own, and you obviously like horses. I’m sure we could use an extra pair of hands around here for a while if you want to make yourself useful, and we can show you the local sights. Can’t be much fun on your own.” Kent seemed to have it all sorted out.
Travis grinned at her.
“That’s very kind of you, but I can’t, really. I hardly know you and I’d only be in your way. Besides, I really like my own company. I’m quite happy exploring on my own.” Brooke tried to sound light and cheerful, but they just stared at her.
“Don’t you like us?” Travis’s gorgeous face fell as he spoke, and she longed to put her hands either side of it and pull it into a long kiss. Her cheeks warmed at the idea. She never had thoughts like that.
“No…I mean, it’s not that. Of course I like you. I’m really grateful for all your help. It’s just…” She didn’t even know what she was trying to say.
“Just what?” Kent got to his feet and took his dishes to the sink. Brooke jumped up and lifted her plate to do the same. The room started to spin and colors seemed to melt into each other. The pain in her head got worse, and she was vaguely aware of muffled voices and then Travis’s strong arms enveloping her.
Confusion filled Brooke’s mind. Muted voices surrounded her, and she felt as if she were floating. She was no longer wrapped in the security of Travis’s strong arms, and the thought made her feel strangely bereft.
“She’s coming back around now. Expect her to be groggy for a few days, but she should be OK. I’ll leave you some painkillers. They should help but might make her a bit sleepy, so go easy.” An old man’s voice came into Brooke’s world as she slowly opened her eyes. The sunlight was almost too bright, and she winced. She was lying on the sofa she had sat on last night. A strange man was peering over her, and she could smell Travis’s lovely scent. She tried to sit up, looking around for him, but the old man stopped her.
“Now don’t you move, missy. You need some rest, d’ya hear?”
She frowned at him.
She heard a chuckle that she recognized as Travis, and was relieved when he came into her line of vision. Everything was still slightly blurry, and the sounds of the men’s voices seemed to be somewhere in the distance. Travis crouched at the side of the sofa as the man stood up. “It’s all right, darlin’.” She found that gorgeous, deep voice very reassuring and immediately began to relax as he took her hand. His palm felt rough and slightly calloused, and seemed to swamp hers. She suddenly felt safer than she had in a long time.
“Call me if you need me again, but I reckon she’ll be fine now.” The old man was putting on his hat. “I’ll see myself out.”
“Thanks, Doc,” Travis called after him without taking his warm eyes off Brooke.
The room had finally come back into focus, and she watched the door close behind the old man. She looked back to Travis gazing down at her.
“Looks like you’re stuck with us for a while,” he informed her with a smile. “Doc Hardy’s orders. We need to keep a close eye on you for a couple of days. Think you can handle that?”
For the first time in ages, Brooke felt her pussy clench. The thought of these two handsome hunks looking after her for the next few days both excited and frightened her. She dropped her gaze in embarrassment, only to hear that low chuckle again. He seemed to read her thoughts.
“Where’s Kent?” She suddenly noticed they were alone.
“In town. He’s gone to pick up a few supplies and get your things while he’s there. No point in you paying the hotel while you’re staying here.” Travis’s lazy drawl was so matter-of-fact, she almost accepted what he said without thinking. Almost.
“Hang on. I-I can’t stay here,” she stammered as she sat up.
“Well, we can’t look after you while you’re in town and we’re up here, now can we?” He sounded incredulous, as if there was no question she would do as he planned.
Brooke’s mind raced. She couldn’t move in with two guys she’d only just met.
“Hey, it’s OK. We only want to keep you safe.” He was still holding her hand, and leaned over to kiss the top of her head. She started to tremble again as she remembered why she’d fled to Moone in the first place.
“It’s really nice of you but I can’t…” she began.
“Do you really want to go back to that hotel on your own? What if you black out again? You won’t enjoy your vacation if you’re constantly worried about passing out when you’re on a horse or walking up the mountain or whatever. Why not stay with us for a couple of days until we know you’re OK, and then you can go wherever you want?” Travis made it all sound so easy. She swallowed hard.
“Hey, we can even take you out ourselves. There’s a band on in town in a couple of days, maybe you’d like to go see it? And we can take you riding whenever you want; Lord knows our horses could do with some exercise! We can even take you to our special spot down near the waterfall. It’s real secluded as not many people know it. It’s beautiful. I think you’d like it.” He smiled at her hopefully and her heart melted.
She sighed. Travis was making a lot of sense.
His hands were as warm as his smile. She smiled at him and leaned in a little closer. “OK. Just a couple of days, then. But you have to let me earn my keep. I love horses and I’m not a bad cook.”
His eyes twinkled as he laughed. “It’s a deal.” He leaned over to kiss the top of her head just as she looked up at him. They stared into each other’s eyes for a minute before his mouth slowly found hers.
Travis licked at the seam until she opened up for him. She felt his soft, warm tongue steadily explore her mouth and her own tongue reached up to his as they tangled in a sensual dance. She wrapped her hands around his neck and toyed with his tousled, dark curls, which reached his collar. He smelled of musk and of man. Brooke closed her eyes as she lost herself in his embrace. Her pussy tingled and she gasped into his
mouth. He pulled her close, and his rock-hard erection dug into her leg.
She felt warm inside, and proud that she had turned him on. That was something she had thought she wasn’t capable of. Lost in this sensual world, she felt as though she could do anything. Maybe even…
Suddenly she stiffened and pulled away.
“Hey, what’s up?” Travis’s deep voice growled to her as he continued to nip at her lip and caress her neck.
“Nothing, it’s just that Kent should be back soon. I wouldn’t want him to get the wrong impression.” Her voice was weak even to her own ears.
Travis chuckled. “And what impression would that be? That we like each other? I think he already knows that. He feels the same way. Is that a problem?”
She frowned. There was no way she could actually have both of them. While they were just flirting it didn’t matter, but she didn’t imagine it could actually lead anywhere. And Brooke was no home wrecker. “But I thought you two were…” She didn’t quite know how to say it without sounding offensive.
“We’re both bi.” Travis smiled as he put her out of her misery.
She sighed, relaxing in his arms.
“And we’re not averse to sharing a woman, either. You ever been in a ménage relationship?” Travis tipped her head up so she had to look at him while he asked.
She flushed, shaking her head. “I’ve heard of them, but I couldn’t understand how it wouldn’t lead to jealousy or someone feeling left out. Besides, I always wanted a relationship that would last forever.” She blushed again, realizing how stupid her last remark must have sounded.
“You don’t think a ménage could last forever?”
She was surprised by the serious expression on his face.
“Well, no,” she answered truthfully. “I know people have them for one-night stands and stuff, but I’ve never really been like that.” She started pulling away.
“Quite a few of the locals around here are into shared relationships. They seem to work quite well for some people. One family has been together for over forty years. There’s three men and one woman. They’re still together nine kids and who knows how many grandkids later.” Travis sounded so matter-of-fact, Brooke stared at him.
Ménage on Moone Mountain Page 2