Her Outlaw Cowboys: A Reverse Harem Romance (Cowboy Desires Book 2)

by Asha Daniels

  “I had to find you. I knew you’d be here,” Georgia said, her fingers digging into his back.

  “You got here by yourself?”

  “You taught me well.”

  Taking a step back, he cupped her face, his fingers tingling from the mere touch of her. “God, so much has happened. I have so many things to tell you.” Crushing his mouth over hers, he dragged her onto her toes, savoring the sweet taste of her, the way she felt in his arms. He never wanted to let her go, would go through anything in his life to have her safe and by his side.

  She moaned into the kiss, rubbing her hands up and down his back. The passion roared, the French kiss full of angst and raging desire.

  He could take her right here, strip away her clothes and make love to her, but he sensed she needed more from him. Breaking the kiss, he breathed out, trying to find the right words as he slid the knife back into the holder. “I missed you. I just…”

  “You’re not angry with me?”

  “Angry? Why?”

  Georgia pressed her hand against his chest. “Because of confronting Richard.”

  Savage took a step back, breaking the connection. “I don’t know what prompted you to find the information and I don’t care. You cared enough about me to find the truth, which is more than any member of my family has done.”

  “There’s a lot more that you need to know, but I’m so glad you have a father.”

  “I have no way of processing that fact right now, but please come sit with me. I have something that I should have told you from the beginning, but I wasn’t certain how you’d react. Hell, I didn’t want to think about the past. What I’ve learned these past few days is that we can’t run from what happens in our lives, no matter how much we want to. My anger has been for several reasons and because of what Richard explained, I’ve had to face certain facts. I don’t like the man I’ve become.”

  When he held out his hand, she accepted it, easing down on the rock beside him. “Whatever you have to tell me is okay. We all have a past. You’re a wonderful man, Savage. You just have to have faith in the understanding that there are people who care about you.”

  “I know there are. Josh and Toby are my best friends and truly my brothers. You are the light of my life but let me get through the details. You deserve to know this and no doubt the reason that Dylan had been reacting the way he has.” Savage held his breath for a few seconds before starting. “You asked if Josh, Toby and I shared anyone before, other than for a single night. The answer is yes.”

  “I know.”

  “You know?”

  “Not the details,” she whispered as she brushed her fingers across his face. “Josh and Toby said you have to tell me the story.”

  He chuckled and kissed her hand. “And they would. Macy. She was a woman that we thought was important to us. At first, everything was wonderful. We spent all our time together and Josh fell head over heels in love with her. This was before the incident at the bar. We were carefree, enjoying life. Things started to change. She came around less, started arguing with us. Nothing was the same. I followed her one day and realized she was seeing someone else. I never found out who, but when I told the guys, Josh was devastated. He was just lost. He missed work, didn’t eat and honestly, I internalized the entire situation for about two weeks.”

  “What happened?” Georgia held his hands in hers, rubbing her fingers across his skin.

  Savage took a moment, kissing her fingers, enjoying the warmth of her skin. “I was so angry and one night, it simply exploded. Macy came over, and it was obvious she’d been drinking. We cracked a bottle of wine and I thought we were going to have a nice evening. Then she said some horrible things and started gathering what little she kept at our house. One thing led to another and she left. I should never have let her leave, but I egged her on, telling her to get out and that I never wanted to see her again.” He closed his eyes as tears formed, a single bead trickling down the side of his face.

  She nuzzled closer, her breathing heavy.

  “I even chased her in the car as she left the neighborhood. I found out later that she crashed her car. She died on the scene. She died because of me.” Unable to stop the tears, he dropped his head, sobbing for the first time in so many years.

  “Oh, Savage. You’ve been holding this in for all these years? You didn’t do this. You didn’t kill her,” Georgia insisted.

  “No, he didn’t. I did.”

  The male voice echoed, the figure standing in the shadows.

  Savage jerked to his feet, immediately unsheathing his knife. He advanced, dragging the man into the cave, tossing him against the wall, holding the knife to his neck. “Damn you, Dylan.”

  “Stop! Don’t! It’s not Dylan.” Georgia raced toward them.

  His heart racing, Savage blinked in order to focus. “Shane.” He sucked in his breath as Shane lifted his arms, his eyes locked on Savage.

  “I’m not here to hurt you in any manner. I simply want to set the record straight. I can’t live my life this way. Macy’s death was my fault, even though I never wanted anything to happen to her. I was the man she was seeing. I was the reason she died.” Shane’s voice was full of agony.

  Stepping back, Savage shuddered, his adrenaline flowing, his heart racing. “I don’t understand.”

  “I met her when I worked with Ryland Sampson. We flirted all the time, but she loved the three of you. I didn’t care. I did everything I could to take her away from you, because I knew that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with you and I refused to let her go. I know I confused her, telling lies. She left your house, coming to mine and we argued, and I hit her. I hit the woman I loved out of anger for you, because I knew you were my nephew and she broke it off. She said she hated me and was going to tell you everything. So, I threw her out. I allowed her to drive even though I knew she was wasted.”

  Georgia gripped Savage’s arm. Squeezing. “You were the witness at the bar and you lied. None of the three had anything to do with Jeremiah’s death.”

  “No, they didn’t. I am the person responsible for you going to prison and I am so sorry.” Slumping down, Shane burst into tears, weeping as he dropped to the stone floor.

  The words hit him hard, pulling Savage into a vacuum, leaving him cold and empty.

  “I can’t tell you how amazing these are. I am thrilled. You two are dynamite together,” Richard boasted, jerking up from his desk and shaking Savage’s hand. “The pictures on the website created a two thousand percent increase in traffic. Don’t know how you did it but we are almost fully booked for the summer. And Georgia, my dear, you were right about all the feminine touches. I can’t tell you the compliments we’ve received. Maybe because of that picture of you smack on the home page of the website.”

  Blushing, Georgia tsked her finger. “That’s never going to happen again. I’m no model.”

  The makeshift offices were cramped, but at least they’d been able to work while construction was going on.

  “I beg to differ,” Richard said, grinning.

  Savage smiled, but he was still reeling from the entire last ten days. While Shane had admitted to setting the bomb, along with Sheila’s help, even tampering with Richard’s books on the direction of the asshole Senator, Richard had refused to press charges. The money had simply been put into another account, now safely back in Richard’s possession. Even the sheriff’s office had declined to prosecute, citing irregularities in the case. The case and Dylan’s involvement. The deputy had certainly done what he could to make amends, even contacting the governor to try and have their records erased. That decision would take a few months. While Dylan had been reprimanded, and was still on suspension, he would be allowed to keep his job, at least in some capacity.

  Josh and Toby were happy, enjoying their work and time spent with Georgia off hours, getting closer as friends.

  Everybody won.

  Except for him.

  “You two deserve some time off if you ask me,” Richa
rd continued.

  “We still have a lot of work to do,” Savage offered, uncertain how his words even sounded. Delving into work, cleaning up the books as well as the marketing had certainly taken his mind off the various recent events, but given Georgia seemed distant at least to him, he continued to remain out of sorts. Yes, they’d decided to make certain and keep a professional appearance while at work, but the passion had never resumed, and he certainly hadn’t pushed her. She’d even taken the majority of the day off for what she called personal time.

  “You two talk. I have a visit with the ice queen to go over menus,” Georgia chuckled. “But she’s warming up to me. I have magical ways.”

  “That you do,” Richard said, laughing as she winked at Savage before heading to the door.

  “I should get back to work. I’ll have the new financials in the morning.” Savage gave him a respectful nod.

  “Stay for a few minutes, Savage. I wanted to talk with you.”

  Savage exhaled then nodded.

  “Take a seat.”

  He sat down on the edge of the chair, folding his hands. “I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done.”

  “Me? I’ve done nothing. You and Georgia have been a godsend, truly.”

  “I’m not talking about business.” Savage half smiled.

  “And I know you’re not.” Richard sat down, leaning over the desk. “You’ve been through an ordeal. Hell, more than one. I want you happy, Savage. Whatever you decide to do in life, I would like to be a part of it to some degree, but you deserve to find happiness. You don’t know me at all.”

  “I’d like to get to know you.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that.” Richard smiled before reaching into his desk, pulling out an envelope. He pressed the tips of his fingers on top before sliding it across the desk. “Take a look at this at your leisure. Just some items I wanted you to have. A little history.”

  Savage took the envelope, pulling it into his lap. “Thank you.”

  “Now, you are not working tonight. Go home. Rest. Relax. Come refreshed in the morning.”

  “Okay.” He rose from the chair, sliding the envelope into his back pocket. He walked back to his office, which basically consisted of a folding table and a chair. The computer was new, the single file cabinet almost empty. He thought about the records he’d taken from the office prior to the fire. They were definitely incriminating with regards to Shane’s activities. Perhaps he’d kept them in case everything turned south. Now, he knew what he had to do with them.

  He would torch them, in a symbolic gesture, letting go of the past.

  After wasting a full fifteen minutes, he walked out, heading to the kitchen. He wanted nothing more than to have a conversation with Georgia, to try and determine if there was anything left. He waved to the kitchen crew then walked to the Catering Director’s office. There was no one around. Georgia had already left.

  His heart sank, knowing she had no desire to see him, but he refused to give up. Jumping into his truck, he gripped the steering wheel as he drove through the ranch, at least happy to see so much activity. When he pulled up in front of her cabin, he noticed her car wasn’t in the usual spot. As he walked up the stairs, he realized the door was ajar.

  “Hello?” Pushing open the door, he walked inside.

  “Can I help you? Oh, Mr. Harland. I’m just cleaning, getting ready for another new employee.” The maid smiled.

  “Another guest? Miss Taylor checked out?”

  “I don’t know. I was just asked to clean the cabin. I understand Mr. Marshall hired several new employees.”

  Savage swallowed hard and tried to give her a smile. “Thank you.” He half stumbled back to the truck, sitting in the cab for a solid five minutes before he was able to start the engine. She’d left without saying goodbye. She’d left her job without telling Richard? Not like her but anything was possible at this point. Hell, maybe she’d found another place to live, one that wouldn’t allow her to come into contact with him.

  Turning over the engine, he hissed as he roared down the road, almost flying around the curves as he headed to the cabin. Fine. He would have to live with the fact she didn’t give a shit. His anger was vibrant, off the chain as he turned onto the driveway, his massive tires skidding on the loose gravel.

  Both Josh and Toby were home, the yellowish porch light like a muffled beacon of hope. Perfect. He’d have to divulge that she’d left, face the possibility that he’d be blamed for her departure. Every muscle in his body ached for absolutely no reason other than tension, exhaustion that had enveloped his entire system since the experience in the cave. He stood on the porch, leaning over the railing, his mind trying to encapsulate everything that Shane had admitted.

  Contrary to what the man had thought, or even hoped, his guilt remained regarding Macy. All he knew how to do with regard to people who endured getting close to him was shove them away. He’d done nothing with Macy but push her buttons. Well, she’d pushed his as well, wanting more out of their relationship, something he hadn’t been ready to offer.

  And now?

  His grip tightened on the bannister, every thought and desire geared toward Georgia. She was the very light of their life, a woman who’d managed in a short time to divest them of their respective pasts. And all the while, she offered her complete submission.

  Damn him.

  Damn this bullshit.

  Damn this life.

  He thought about the envelope. Well, he might as well see what his… His father had given him. The realization continued to sweep through him, rumbling like a tidal wave. He had a father, two uncles and even other family members he’d yet to meet. The situation was chilling, yet he was ready to embrace the concept. Even though Josh and Toby would remain his brothers for the rest of his life.

  When he opened the flap, two pictures fell out first. He studied the photographs, realizing that they were pictures of his mother and father together. Taken during a time they were obviously so much in love, their smiling faces shining in their adoration of each other. He fingered the photo, longing to have the very same thing in his life, if only for a short period of time.

  Someone once said – ‘It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.’

  Maybe so. Fuck no.

  He blinked back tears as he opened the folded note.

  My son,

  I’ve waited so long to be able to write these words and I hope you’ll forgive me for not saying them sooner. I’m a fool as a man, yet far too old to change my ways. I know there is uncertainty about the future of our relationship and I can only hope you’ll accept me in your life. The ranch was a special place for your mother. Jessie loved the horses, the land and the surrounding mountains and she would want you to have her legacy. To that end, the ranch is being deeded in your name. I’m not going anywhere, as long as you’re willing to keep me around, but I hope this gift will be the start of a new future. You are very special to me.

  A man who will forever be, your proud father.

  Sucking in his breath, he couldn’t hold back the emotion. Tears flowed as he studied the photographs, capturing the essence of true love. This was his home.

  And he would never leave.

  Swallowing hard, he knew eventually he’d have to accept the fact she was out of their lives, at least in the ways he craved. They all craved. Well, he could do nothing more. His heart heavy, he walked inside, his ears perking up as he heard the lilting music. This wasn’t the kind of head banging jive Toby preferred or country music that always managed to blare throughout the house when Josh had control of the choice. This was jazz. Light. Beautiful. Melodic.

  What the hell?

  He took careful steps as he moved toward the kitchen, the glowing warmth indicating the only location his buddies could be. As he neared the doorway, he could swear he heard the soft strains of female laughter, sultry and evocative. Neither man could have moved on so quickly and if they did, he wanted no part of it. />
  When he crossed the threshold, his eyes opened wide. “Georgia. What are you doing here?” Dressed in a crimson dress, her long hair flowed around her shoulders, dancing in the shimmering light. She was barefoot, her long legs still accentuated by the slinky attire. In her hand was a glass of champagne. In her eyes was a look of adoration directed at only him.

  Georgia smiled, ever so seductively, as she wrapped her hand around another glass, her feet almost gliding in his direction. “Hi.”

  “What are you doing here?” Savage asked, lifting a single eyebrow as he noticed both Josh and Toby wore expressions of mischief.

  “We wanted to surprise you,” she whispered, offering him a flute of champagne.

  “What are we celebrating? Your new place? The fact you’re leaving to go back to your real life?” Savage heard the disgruntled words, the nasty tone inflected. But he didn’t care. His hurt was too intense.

  She tilted her head as she closed the distance, the tip of her index finger brushing across his jaw. “For an intelligent man, you’re very stupid.”

  Josh chuckled and leaned against the kitchen counter. “I agree with Georgia.”

  “What are you talking about?” Savage demanded, yet he was tingling inside, his anger abated, replaced by more hope than he’d felt in a long time.

  Rising onto her tiptoes, she kissed his lips, her tongue darting out, sliding across the seam of his mouth. “This is my new place. This is my home.”

  Shuddering, Savage closed his eyes, praying that he wasn’t losing his mind. When he opened them, only enough to be able to see her face, read her eyes, he wasn’t able to squelch the moan pushing up from his parched throat. “Home?”

  “Here. This is the only place I want to be, with the men I’ve fallen in love with. I checked with Richard and he certainly doesn’t care where I live. I hope you don’t mind,” she breathed. “As long as you want me.”

  A single tear formed in his right eye, creating a wave of raw emotions. Dragging her against the heat of his body, he let out the bellow of hope and happiness that had been lodged deep inside for almost two weeks. “Oh, lady. I want you more than I can ever say. You are so special to me. I love you. I will always love you. Never forget that.” Capturing her mouth, he had no way of controlling his emotions, the desire that had formed, lodging in every cell in his body. This was right. This was perfect.