by Chloe Lang
He liked Katy, though she really wasn’t his type. Too much of a tree hugger for his tastes. She might’ve been fun for a tumble, but nothing serious.
For him there’d been nothing but casual sex for the past ten years. Getting laid was never an issue for him. But anything serious? There hadn’t been even a whisper of it in his life since he and Dustin had lost Paris.
“Katy, did you say Amber is in labor?”
“Oops. I just broke a HIPAA rule. I spoke when I should’ve been listening. Oh well. This is Destiny.”
“Yes, it is. And you’re Katy Miller, who has trouble keeping secrets.” He grinned. “All things are right in the world.”
She laughed. “Hard to believe you and Dustin are brothers. He’s so serious and you’re…well, not. I sometimes feel sorry for Paris.”
Mick didn’t like hearing that. In fact, despite the breakup, he knew Paris still belonged to him. “I can be serious, Katy.”
“Prove it. It’s past time that you three got back together.” She clearly meant Paris, Dustin, and him.
“I’m doing my best on that front.”
“Do better. I remember how happy you three used to be. I remember one specific day when I saw you at Phase Four. I had just turned twenty, which means it was Paris’s birthday, too. Same birthday, though she’s a year younger than me.”
“I know.” He recalled that day, too. Paris had worn a scanty little outfit, which was the norm for the BDSM club. He and Dustin had on their leathers, which were only a year old at the time. They were all three fairly new to BDSM, but all of them had taken to it like ducks to water, especially Paris. She’d blossomed during their training and induction into the club. God, I miss those days.
“We’re both Virgos, you know.” Katy loved her astrology, crystals, and Tarot cards. “I got a reading on you three. Be careful over the next week or so. Turbulent times, Mick.”
“I’ll be careful, Katy.”
“Paris is a beauty. You and Dustin better not wait too long or some other Doms will snatch her up from under your noses.”
A possessive rage roared inside him. “Let them try.” Paris is mine, from her soft dark hair to her silky shoulders to her full breasts. Every curve is mine.
“I’m just saying that there are plenty of single guys in town who would love to date her.”
Recalling the last time he’d seen her naked on his bed, fully exposed with her pussy so very wet, he felt his gut tighten. He hadn’t been a monk the past ten years. There were subs who liked to play without attachment, thankfully. Sex for sex’s sake. It had never been that way with Paris. She was still his world. Somehow, he would win her back for Dustin and him. He just had to be patient.
“She’s not ready to date. Told me so herself. Anyone who tries to date her won’t like what happens to them.”
“Spoken like a true Dom.”
“I do my best, Katy.”
“Your eyes are greener than normal, Mick. Jealous much?” She smiled. “The whole town was so bummed when you three broke up. Phoebe and the Wolfe brothers have proven second chances can work.”
“Yes, they have. I’m very happy for them, and like everyone else in town, I believe some broken relationships can mend. I truly believe ours will, too. We just need a little more time.”
“Bullshit.” Katy stared at him with her fiery eyes. “Take a chance, Mick Ryder. Paris is worth it.”
“She definitely is, but it’s not just up to me.” Because if it were, we’d already be back together.
“You’re right, Mick, but don’t get me wrong. I think your brother is great, but Doc can be so blind sometimes. She’s crazy about him but if he keeps on pushing her I’m afraid she’s going to…well, I don’t know what she’s going to do, but it won’t be good for you two guys I’m sure.”
“Thanks for the pep talk, Katy. I’m here to take Paris and Dustin to lunch. Maybe I can talk some sense into them this time.” Mainly, I need to get through to my brother, with the thick skull.
“They are checking Amber now. Belle is in Hayden’s room.”
“How’s the little cowboy doing without his tonsils?”
She smiled. “He’s a tough one, that’s for sure.”
“All those orphan boys are. Emmett brings them to the Steele Ranch from time to time to help me with the new heifers. They’re becoming quite the little ranchers.”
“Everyone in town loves those sweet boys.” Katy was the kind of woman who was sometimes brash and outspoken, but she also had one of the biggest hearts he’d ever come across.
Almost as big as Paris’s. Almost.
“Have a seat, Mick. I’ll let you know when they are done.”
“Sure thing.” He took the closest chair to the reception desk and grabbed a magazine. He thumbed through it, trying to pass the time, but his mind was fixed on something else, something he’d been wrestling with for years.
His and Dustin’s breakup with Paris had crushed him, but he’d never given up. He’d come to the clinic to ask Paris and Dustin to join him for lunch—quite the task, especially as of late. Instead of time healing their broken relationship, the more days, weeks, months, and yes, even years that passed seemed to cause them to drift further and further apart.
He’d been patient with both of them, trying to give them the space they needed to figure out what he knew. They were meant for each other. They belonged together.
I need to be patient a little longer. It will work out. It has to.
Paris had been absent for years from Destiny, coming home only for the holidays to visit her father. She’d met Mick and Dustin for a quick dinner to catch up twice during that time. When asked about what she’d been up to, she’d changed the subject. Even now, she avoided talking about her time away. Dustin still tried to pry information out of her, even going to her father to see what he knew. All dead ends.
Dustin thought she must’ve met a man while away and just didn’t want to tell her two exes about the new guy. Jealousy did run deep in his brother.
Mick didn’t believe that one bit and told him so. If Paris had met someone, where was the man now? Even if there had been another guy, he’d be showing up in Destiny to try to win her back. That was the impact Paris had on a man.
No. Not possible. He and Dustin had talked many times about the possibility. Dustin didn’t agree with him that there was no other guy. “Mick, you’re an eternal optimist.” Maybe it was true. Hope was all he had left. In time, he believed Dustin would figure out what an ass he was being with Paris. He also expected her to eventually fess up about what happened to her all those years away.
He put the magazine back on the table and stood. “Katy, how much longer do you think they’ll be?”
“Only a few minutes and then we’ll know something.”
The sound of footsteps echoed down the hall.
“Actually, I think they are done. Here they come, Mick.”
He turned and saw the mother-to-be walking between Paris and Dustin.
“You’re getting close, Amber, but since you’re only dilated to two centimeters and have had just one labor pain, I’m sure you have time to get home and get a bag packed. It’ll be today or tomorrow.” Dustin could be a hardass at times, but he was always good with his patients.
“Do you need a ride?” Paris asked her.
Amber smiled. “Thank you, but no. Emmett is over at the diner. He’ll drive me home. Belle is going to stay with Hayden. Should I come right back, Doc?”
“Take your time. Come back when your pains are five minutes apart.”
Mick walked up to Amber. “You’re in good hands.”
She nodded. “Your brother is an amazing doctor.”
“Yes, he is. I’m sure you’re excited, and I can’t wait to see those husbands of yours. We won’t be able to contain them.”
“Don’t I know it. They’ve been over the top my entire pregnancy.” Amber turned to Paris and Dustin. “Thank you. I’ll be seeing you soon, I’m sure. I’m going
to make a quick detour to Hayden’s room and let him and Belle know the plan.”
As Amber left, Dustin handed a chart to Katy. “Get the delivery room set up.”
“Is she close?” Katy asked, clearly unable to hold back her excitement.
Dustin nodded. “I’m fairly certain that the new Stone baby will be arriving sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning.”
“Once I get the room prepared, I’ll check with the volunteers and make sure they’re ready for the crowd to arrive.” Katy walked down the hallway and turned back for a moment. “It’s going to be just like a new show opening on Broadway. Lights. Camera. Action.” She grinned and disappeared.
Mick laughed. “She’s something else, isn’t she? I bet she’ll be checking her tea leaves about Amber’s baby soon, if she hasn’t already.”
Dustin frowned. “Katy is a gifted nurse. What are you doing here?”
He’d gotten used to his brother’s sour moods and knew it was best to ignore them. “I thought the three of us could go have lunch together. How does Phong’s Wok sound to you?”
Dustin shook his head. “How in the world were you able to break away from Jennifer Steele’s ranch?”
The digs about Mick’s career choice never ceased from his brother.
“When you get up at five in the morning, you don’t go past noon to have your lunch, bro. I know you’ve got to be starving, too. You were up at the same time I was.”
“Yes, I was.” Dustin mood was darker than usual, even for him.
“What’s up with you today, bro?”
“Nothing is up with me. You drove to the ranch to shovel cow shit and I came here to take out Hayden’s tonsils.”
“Actually, I mended some fences and had a wonderful time, too. Clearly you didn’t given how grumpy you are.”
“I’m using my education to help our community. You’re wasting your law degree. You should be practicing law, Mick, not—”
“Dustin, stop it.” Paris frowned. “Can’t you at least try not to be such an ass?”
So much for ignoring his brother’s sour mood. “You think you know how to run everybody’s life. You need to work on your own.”
Dustin pointed a finger at him. “I am, but I will never understand how a thirty-two-year-old man who has a law degree and aced the bar wants to work as a flunky cowhand.”
“You don’t have to understand. It’s my life, brother. Not yours. I’m taking Paris to lunch. Are you going to join us or not?”
“I’m going to go see our mom and dads, Mick. You might be interested in what I plan on talking with them about.”
“I bet I can guess. You’re going to try to get them to persuade me to leave my job at the ranch.”
“Bingo,” Dustin said. “Why don’t you come along with me? You and Paris.”
“I’ll pass. I’m in no mood for a family intervention, Dustin.” Their parents were confused at first when he’d left the law, but had been supportive of his decision all along.
His brother shook his head. “Fine.” Turning to Paris, he said, “Go have lunch with Mick. Keep your cell with you in case we hear from Amber.” Without another word, Dustin left them.
Mick looked at Paris and saw the hurt on her face. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m used to his needling.”
“I’m not. I never will be.”
Chapter Three
Frustrated, Dustin marched out of the clinic, heading straight to his car. He always parked in the farthest spot in the clinic’s parking lot, away from all the other vehicles. Being careful had paid off. His one splurge after medical school was his convertible Corvette, and it didn’t have a single scratch on it.
He opened the door and got behind the wheel. His pulse pounded hard in his veins. He couldn’t understand how Mick couldn’t see what a huge fucking mistake he was making. It was as plain as day in Dustin’s mind. If a person had a law degree, they needed to be practicing law. Simple.
He put his key in the ignition and his Vette’s engine roared to life. The rumble was one of the few things that could calm him down when he was in this state, which came all too frequently ever since Paris had returned to Destiny.
She’s hiding something. I know it in my bones.
He missed making love to her with Mick. The three of them had been good together. Better than good, they’d been amazing, and not just in the bedroom or at the BDSM club. She was his biggest cheerleader for a very long time, until the breakup. Then she’d disappeared.
Would it have been better if she’d stayed away? Sometimes he thought it might’ve. She drove him crazy. So brilliant. So beautiful.
So secretive.
He clutched his steering wheel tight. What happened to her while she was gone? Why won’t she tell Mick and me? Every day she didn’t tell him made things worse. He just couldn’t let it go, despite knowing that would be for the best. Instead he rolled over and over in his mind a million scenarios that might’ve happened to her during her absence, and none of them made him feel any better.
He wasn’t going to stop pressing her about medical school either. He’d seen her in action at the ER in Phoenix. He knew she would make an amazing doctor.
“One issue at a time, Doc.” He pulled out of the clinic’s parking lot, still feeling frustrated about his brother’s continued foolishness. How could they present a united front with Paris when Mick was playing cowboy at the Steele Ranch?
Dustin turned left off of MacDavish Lane onto Big Elm. Fuck. How can Mick not see what a huge mistake he’s making?
When Dustin came to the end of the lane, he turned the Vette right onto the street he and Mick had grown up on. Happier times. But he’d gone to medical school and Mick had gone to law school. And Paris? She’d become a nurse.
And then my patient died. Fuck.
His parents’ house was three blocks down on the left. He needed them to talk some sense into Mick because he was getting nowhere trying himself.
He parked in the driveway and got out of his car. His mother and two dads were sitting together on the wraparound porch. All three had retired early after making some very wise investments, thanks to the advice of the O’Learys. Dad Leo’s hair had turned gray years ago when he was only forty. Now, twenty years later, he looked exactly the same. Pop Larry’s hair was salt and pepper. He’d grown a beard after retiring, which Dustin thought made him look very distinguished. His mom looked like a woman in her forties instead of her late fifties. He loved them all so very much.
He got out of the car and waved. “Hey folks.”
“Hey, son.” Dad Leo stood, smiling. He wore overalls, which told Dustin he was only taking a break from his project in the garage—restoring a 1955 Thunderbird. “This is a welcome surprise.”
As he walked up to the porch, he glanced at the mailbox he and Mick had built as kids with their dads. It was a miniature copy of their parents’ house with “Ryder Home” printed on both sides.
“Slow at the clinic today?” Pop Larry held his pipe in his left hand, looking more like a professor than a retired butcher.
“No, sir.” He stepped onto the porch with them.
His mom smiled. She had on a blue top, which matched her loving eyes. “Would you like a glass of tea, Dustin?”
“Sure, Mom. Thanks. But I’ll get it myself.”
“You sit down, Dr. Ryder. Take a load off. I’ll get it for you. Have you had lunch?”
“Louise, you’re going to spoil the boy,” Dad Leo said with a laugh.
“What are mothers for, honey? I have some leftover fried chicken from last night’s dinner, Dustin. Would you like some?”
“I’m not that hungry, but I wouldn’t mind taking some back to the clinic with me.”
“I’ll pack some up for you, honey. I’ll be right back.” His mom walked into the house, leaving him alone with his dads.
He sat down in his chair, which was next to Mick’s. There’s no place like home, that’s for sure.
Growing up in his parents’ home
had been wonderful. Laughter and love was always present. They were going to celebrate their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary this November. They were the shining examples of what a happy marriage could be. God, I want what they have with Paris and Mick.
Pop Larry took a drag on his pipe. “How long can you stay, son?”
“Not long, Pop. Amber Stone is having contractions. She’ll be having her baby very soon.”
His mom came out of the house with a glass of tea and a plate of peanut butter cookies. “Did I overhear you right? Amber is about to deliver?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He took the glass of tea and the plate of cookies. “Dads are right. You do spoil me.”
“A momma is allowed when her sons are grown.” She sat down between his dads. “And I love to do it, too.”
Dad Leo looked him straight in the eyes. “Is this just a casual visit or did you have something you wanted to talk to us about, son?”
“You don’t beat around the bush do you, Dad?”
“Not when I can tell something is on my son’s mind. What’s troubling you?”
“Mick. He’s wasting his life. Can’t you talk to him and get him to see what a mistake he’s making?”
Pop Larry shook his head. “Here we go again.”
His mom turned to his pop. “Larry, hush up. Can’t you see Dustin is struggling with this?”
“I can see it, but we’ve been over this time and again. It’s Mick’s life to do with as he pleases.”
Dustin sat down his glass of tea. “Pop, hear me out. We all care about Mick. He’s my brother and your son. He’s part of this family. Isn’t it our duty, because we do care, to help him from making the biggest mistake of his life? He should be using his degree.”
Dad Leo nodded. “When Mick went to law school we thought that was what he wanted with his life.”
“Yes, and he graduated with honors, too, Dad.”
“Yes, he did. Top of his class. When he told us that he wanted to go work for Jennifer Steele, we actually thought it was temporary. I can’t remember how it all started.”
“I do,” his mother said. “Remember the lawsuit Jennifer was battling back then? She had to leave town several times for depositions in Chicago. She needed his help.”