by Unknown
"You've been avoidin' me and Brandon all afternoon, and when I saw you over here watchin' Brandon with those girls, I wanted to corner you."
"Why?"
"For this." He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to him, his intent clear in his eyes. The brush of his lips against hers made need shoot straight to her pussy. How he managed to crank her up so damned fast, she didn't know—and right now, she didn't care. Having his lips on hers brought back every feeling, every thought, and every raunchy thing they did last night and this morning as vivid pictures in her mind.
After he'd kissed her thoroughly, she sighed and opened her eyes.
"There's a look worth findin', darlin'."
Brandon came around the edge of the bleachers and stopped next to them. "Caught her listenin', Beau?"
"Yep, and she wasn't too happy with your little scene, brother."
"I didn't figure she would be. Why'd you think I did it?"
"Wait, what? You knew I was back here?" She spun around and stepped away, jamming her fists on her hips and then tapping her boot on the hard dirt.
Brandon slipped one fingertip down her cheek, and she could feel her traitorous nipples bead into hard nubs.
"Of course, honey." The finger moved to skim over her bottom lip. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have let that woman kiss me."
The smirk on his sexy lips made her want to smack him and lick him all over at the same time. "I… Damn it!"
"Nothin' to be jealous of, honey."
Beau slipped his arm back around her waist, tugging her to his side. "Brandon is makin' the rounds, darlin'."
"I see that, Beau. Apparently, he's makin' the rounds with several willin' women."
"I didn't mean it like that," Beau said.
"I have to mingle with the crowd, Emma. We need them to be at the show and drop lots of cash in the barrel for Charlene. The more I move in and out of the crowd, huggin', kissin', and shakin' hands, the more money they'll drop during my performance."
The logic of their words hit her like a ton of bricks. "You mean you didn't want to kiss her?"
Brandon moved in close enough she could feel the warmth of his breath on her lips and see the heat of desire in his eyes. "The only woman I want to kiss is you. To feel your soft lips under mine. To slip my tongue between them and tangle it with yours until we're both breathin' hard."
Sandwiched between the two of them like this, her heart and her mind went spinning out of control with need so strong she moaned. Her body betrayed her to both men, and she could see the understanding pass between them when their eyes met.
Brandon licked her lips slowly, and she moaned and closed her eyes.
The need spiraling through her scared her—this wasn't like her at all. What kind of power did these two devastatingly handsome cowboys hold? How did they make her forget everything but the heat of their bodies around her?
"You'll meet us later?" Beau whispered, the tip of his tongue teasing her earlobe. "After the show and everything is over with?"
"Yes," she murmured, unable to stay away from their intoxicating presence.
"I can't wait to see you spread out on the bed again, Emma, breasts begging for the wetness of a tongue, pussy dripping with cream and glistening in the soft lamp light as your body quivers with desire," Beau continued, while Brandon teased her nipple with his finger.
How the hell he'd gotten under her shirt without her realizing it, she didn't know, but the calluses on his fingers played hell with her need. A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed the two men blocked anyone else from seeing what they were doing to her.
"I—I have to go," she stammered, backing up and pushing her shirt back into the waistband of her jeans.
She sidestepped away from them, sighing heavily. Get a fuckin' grip, Emma. Jesus. A look over her shoulder showed her twin bulges in their jeans and sexy grins on their lips.
* * * *
The masses coming into the beer tent blew her mind. Where in hell did all these people come from? She didn't know, but her feet were killing her. "Hey, Seth, I need a break."
"Sure, Emma. Go get some air. I hear the bullridin' is starting soon, and I know how much you like to watch it."
"Thanks," she replied, giving him a small smile. He really was a nice guy.
Warm air hit her like a furnace blast when she stepped outside the tent. Sweat trickled down between her breasts, tickling her skin, but she paid it no mind. She needed to get her mind off Brandon and Beau. For the last two hours, they'd been in and out of the beer tent several times. Once or twice with women on their arms, and sometimes alone, but they always managed to get in her line for their beers. Her jaw hurt from grinding her teeth together while they paraded women through the tent. They'd said it helped with the charity event. She wasn't so sure.
Emma heard the announcer begin his speech. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this year's Founder's Day Rodeo."
The crowd let out a huge cheer.
"Unlike previous years where the bull-riding came last, we are going to run a few riders through on the bulls first, since we have so many contestants. After the first five riders have gone, we'll move onto some calf-ropin', barrel racin', steer wrestlin', and some kids' events. So hang onto your hats, folks—grab a beer and pull up a seat, 'cause we've got a show for you."
Emma made her way toward the split rail fencing and climbed up on the bottom rung. The bull chute stood on the far end of the circular arena from where she took up a spot, but she'd have a good view once the ride began.
"One more thing, folks. We are pleased to let you all know one of country music's hottest talents is spendin' a few days with us here in Red Rock, and he's graciously donated his time to put on a benefit show this evening for our own Charlene Campbell. Brandon Tucker will be putting on an acoustic show at three in the beer tent. Now, folks, admission is free, but we do expect everyone to drop a few bucks in the barrel we'll have near the door. Give generously—this is to help Charlene parents with her monstrous hospital bills."
Another loud cheer went up, with a few feet stomping in the stands. Emma smiled. Brandon's generosity amazed her. A free concert would bring in tons of cash, she hoped.
Three riders did their turns on the bull, two of them missing the buzzer by at least a second or two. The bulls seemed unnaturally ornery today—or it seemed that way to her anyway. Dust swirled in the air, coating everything within twenty feet of the railing with a thin layer, including her.
She hopped down and brushed the dirt from her jeans and shirt until the announcer's words penetrated her brain, chilling her to the bone.
"Next up is… Wow. Folks, this is a special treat. Right now, we have Beau Tucker, former top ten ranked rider, up to try his luck on the bulls. Now, Beau's been ridin' off and on for a few years, but this is the first time he's been on a bull in over a year. Give it up for Beau Tucker, ladies and gentlemen. Beau has also said he will donate any winnin's to Charlene's folks."
Emma spun around with her heart in her throat. She watched the chute spring open, and the biggest, scariest bull she'd ever seen whipped Beau around like a rag doll. His arm, lifted high and to the right, waved back and forth with each twist and turn the bull tried. The muscles of his back bunched and rolled, and his biceps rippled as he held onto the bull-rope and concentrated on staying on the huge animal.
"Come on Beau. Come on," she whispered, almost as a mantra, her eyes glued to his body. If he got hurt, she wouldn't be able to handle it. She'd seen dozens of men hurt riding bulls, but this was Beau! One of the men who'd wormed their way into her heart, whether she wanted him to or not, and damn it, she had plans for this evening that included him buck-assed naked and not broken into painful pieces. Time seemed to stand still. Her fingers gripped the rail beneath her until her nails dug into the wood. The clock slowly ticked off eight seconds, and he stayed on the bull. When the buzzer sounded, he unwrapped his hand and jumped clear before racing for the railing right in front of her.
"Are
you fuckin' crazy?" she yelled as he vaulted over the rail and landed at her feet. "You could have been killed, Beau."
A sexy grin flashed across his face, and he bent down and kissed her soundly on the mouth. "I didn't know you cared, darlin'."
"Of course I care. Damn it!"
"Easy, Emma. I've done this before. Piece of cake. That bull wasn't even tryin' hard."
"You really are crazy," she snapped, and spun on her heels to return to the beer tent.
"Emma, wait," he said, grabbing her elbow and spinning her around to face him. "I'm fine." He brushed his hands over his jeans, patted his chest where the safety vest encased his body and stomped his feet to prove he hadn't been hurt. "See. Nothin' broken, nothin' bruised. All in one piece."
"This time. What about next time? What happens when one of those crazy animals throws you off and charges you? Huh? Then what, Beau?"
"It's not a big deal, Emma."
"Yes it is!"
"What's goin' on over here?" Brandon asked, stopping at her side.
"And you!" She poked her finger into the middle of Brandon's chest.
"Ouch."
"How in the hell can you let him ride bulls? Are you crazy, too?"
"Whoa, what brought this on?"
"She got a little hysterical when she saw me ride," Beau answered, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You had a good ride. Eight seconds and all."
"I am not hysterical." She paced back and forth for a moment and then faced them. "You know what? Fuck you. Both of you. Do whatever the hell you want to do. I don't care. Not a whit. Do you hear me? Not one little bit!"
With agitated steps, she headed back to the beer tent. Anger raced through her, but by the time she stepped behind the taps again, she wasn't sure what the hell she was angry about. She glanced at the growing crowd and sighed. Most of the patrons were still out in the stands watching the events, giving her a few moments to contemplate what had just happened out there between her, Beau, and Brandon, but not many. The tent would be overflowing soon. Yes, Beau could have gotten killed, but didn't the announcer say he'd been doing this for a while? Blowing up in front of both of them probably wasn't the smartest thing she could have done. Hell, it probably told them how much she cared, even though she'd spouted off that she didn't.
"You okay?" Becky asked as she poured another beer. "You look upset."
"I'm fine," she snapped at her friend, and then murmured a quick, "Sorry."
"I heard them announce Beau was riding. How did he do?"
"You know, I don't even know. I jumped all in his shit about ridin', I didn't even look at his score."
Becky shook her head and grabbed another cup.
"What?"
"You are in so deep, you don't know which way is up. I hope you don't get your heart broken."
"Am not."
"Yes you are, Emma. Those two are so deep in your heart already, and you're upset because one of them could have been hurt. What does that tell you?"
Emma pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and bit down until it hurt. "What am I gonna do, Becky? They'll be gone soon, and I'll probably never see either of them again."
"Do you want both of them? And I mean want as in a forever kind of thing."
"I've known them all of a couple of days. How can I know?"
"Seriously? You've been a Brandon Tucker groupie for the last five years. You know the man's shoe size, his brand of shampoo, and whether he wears boxers or briefs. The only thing I'm not sure whether you've figured out yet is whether he lays his cock to the left or right."
"Size twelve, Axe shampoo, boxers, and he's a lefty."
"See?"
"It doesn't matter, Becky. Those are facts, nothing more. I bet every hardcore fan knows them."
Becky's eyebrow met her hairline as she gave Emma an I-don't-believe-you-said-that look. "You can't be serious."
"Well, I only recently figured out the boxers thing and which side his cock lays on." She glanced left and right before she dropped her voice low and said, "By the way, they're both hung."
"And you would know this how?"
Emma squeezed her eyes shut and grimaced. Fucking big mouth.
"You slept with them, didn't you? Both of them."
"Yes."
"Damn," Becky whispered. "Brave girl." Becky glanced around and then dropped her voice further. "How was it?"
"Becky!"
"What? Not like half the women around here haven't fantasized about having two men at once. I mean when all the talk of Natalie, Cade, and Kale flew from mouth to ear, I know I thought about it. Not that I would try it, but you know."
"Promise not to say anything."
"Cross my heart."
She spun them both so their backs were to taps and said, "I want it again and again. Having both cocks—"
"You didn't?"
"We did."
"Wow," Becky whispered.
The crowd started cheering when Brandon came through the tent flap and headed for the stage. Was it time for the show already? She glanced at her watch, and sure enough, almost three.
Once he hit the stage, he plugged in his guitar and pulled up the stool they'd set up. He calmed the crowd with a smile and a wave. Beau stood off to the side to watch and make sure the equipment didn't malfunction, and to possibly adjust sound levels during the show.
"Afternoon folks."
Another loud cheer.
"Where's my girl, Charlene?" He glanced to the left of the stage, where Charlene sat in a special chair next to her parents. Chemotherapy had caused her to lose most of her pretty brown hair, so she wore a cute pink hat with white pokadots, a white blouse, pink jeans, and matching pink cowboy boots. "Ah, there she is. Welcome, darlin'. This is for you and your parents for everything you've gone through and all you still have to endure. You see, I haven't been in your shoes bein' sick and all, but my brother and I lost a baby sister a long time ago to cancer. She only lived to the age of six, and I know I speak for both of us when I say we miss her every day."
You could have heard a pin drop in the dirt while the crowd absorbed Brandon's words and Emma almost cried for him. Her throat burned, and she swallowed, fighting the tears. This tidbit of information was probably the one thing she hadn't known about Brandon—well, other than having an identical twin. That little tidbit of information never leaked out either.
"So, let's get this party started, shall we? We're here to raise some serious cash for these folks. Loosen up those wallets and purses, ladies and gents, while I sit here and do a few songs for you."
For the next hour, Brandon sang almost every song he'd ever put out to radio and a few they hadn't released as singles. Emma sang along and danced behind the beer taps. Every once in a while she'd glance at Beau, and he'd smile and give her a sexy wink.
The crowds enjoyed the show immensely, if she could judge at all. Several people danced together at the back of the tent, and more clapped and sang along to the songs they knew.
"Last song, folks."
The crowd groaned and Brandon laughed. "I'd love to sit up here all night and play for y'all, but my fingers haven't played this much in a long time. I do want to do one more song for you. It's a ballad and one of my favorites, so grab yourself a pretty gal, couple up, and sway to the music."
Emma held her breath. His fingers plucked the first few chords of the song, and her heart tripped over itself when he started singing "The Love of My Life."
The soft brush of fingers on her arm brought her attention around, and she came face-to-face with Beau. "Will you dance with me, Emma?"
The only answer she could give was the small nod of her head.
Beau wrapped one arm around her waist, taking her right palm in his left as he tugged her close. "I've been dreamin' about holding you like this from the moment I saw you," he murmured into her ear.
Shivers rolled down her spine, and the hair on her arms stood up. She had Brandon Tucker singing her favorite song and his twin holding her
close—dreams didn't come close to this moment. Well, maybe one. Making love last night to both of them outshone any dream she could have thought up. The reality of making love with Beau and Brandon couldn't have been more perfect.
As the last chords of the song drifted off into the night, silence filled the tent for a few seconds. Ear-splitting cheers, shouts, and clapping broke the quiet, and the crowd went wild. Emma broke the embrace and turned to watch Brandon step off the stage. Charlene had tears running down her cheeks when he stopped in front of her, gave her a kiss, and handed her his guitar.
"He gave her his guitar?" she murmured.
"Yeah. He figured since she was a fan, it would mean a lot to her," Beau answered in a low voice.
"Wow. I'm sure she's thrilled." This whole situation makes Brandon the kind of guy I've always hoped he would be in person. Kind, caring, considerate, although he's arrogant and selfish sometimes, too. "I should get back to the taps. Thanks for the dance, Beau."
"You're welcome, darlin'. I love holdin' you. I hope I get a chance to do it again." He gave her a small smile before walking back to his brother's side.
"Can I get a beer please?"
Emma spun around to meet the gaze of the one man she wished would disappear, Joshua Spence.
Chapter Nine
Joshua was a player. He liked his money, he liked his booze, and he figured any woman in the country would drop her underwear and spread her thighs for him if he asked. Emma hadn't been any different in the beginning. His blond hair, blue eyes, lithe body, and hard muscles turned several heads whenever he walked into a room, but his heart belonged to one person and one alone—himself. Joshua Spence was in love with himself. Arrogant, conceited, mean, and selfish, he'd never quite understood why Emma broke off their engagement.
"Well, well. If it isn't Miss Emma. How are ya doin', darlin'? I ain't seen you in a while."
"Josh." She rolled her eyes and grimaced. "What can I get you?"
"Besides you?" he asked, in his usual snarky tone.
She really did hate the man. "I'm not on the menu. Regular or light beer?"