Foundation for Three (39 page)

“Me, too.” Thad pulled out his phone and did a search. “There’s a flight out of Billings at nine tomorrow morning that arrives at noon. How does that sound?”

“I just want to get out of here, assuming Cade will let me,” Zoey said.

Thad squeezed her hand. “If I can convince him to let me take your statement and send it to him, he might let us go.”

“That would be awesome,” she said.

Pete nodded. “I say we spend the night near the airport. That way, we’ll be more relaxed when we get on the plane.”

“I like that plan.” Zoey closed her eyes for a moment while the terror twisted and churned in her stomach. Her hands still shook at having to use the stun gun. Never did she think she’d ever have to resort to such violence. If she hadn’t, though, she’d be as dead as Gloria Sanchez.

Thad got up and slipped next to her on the other side. In silence, he held her. “You’re lucky, you know.”

“I know. If Pete hadn’t made me buy that stun gun, I’d be dead.”

Thad kissed the top of her head. “I meant something else, though you have an excellent point.”

She glanced up at him. “What other point?”

“When I saw you run down the hallway, my heart stopped. I wasn’t sure I could live through another attack. That makes you lucky that I’m still alive.”

She chuckled at his drama. He’d wanted her to laugh, and he’d succeeded. “You would have survived. You’re a strong man.”

Chatter drew her attention in the direction of her office. The two policemen who’d entered a few minutes earlier escorted Kara in cuffs out of the room. Zoey jumped up and a wave of dizziness assaulted her, forcing her to sit back down.

“You okay?” Pete asked.

“I think I forgot to breathe.”

Cade came over to them. “We have the knife, but I’ll need to take your statement.”

Thad stood and mentioned that he could fill out the report tonight and email it to him tomorrow.

“Works for me, but when you get back, stop in and see me, Zoey.”

“I will.”

Right now, all Zoey wanted to do was leave Rock Hard, and for two days pretend none of this happened.

*     *     *

Never in a million years had Zoey imagined Pete and Thad would fly her to Las Vegas. She’d never even been before, and she’d always wanted to visit the city of lights. As soon as the taxi cab driver opened the door for them, the noise and warmth of the Vegas strip met her. Thad helped her out, and her gaze shot upward, first to the mockup of the Statue of Liberty and then to the New York skyline behind it.

“Are you kidding me?” Zoey was aware that Las Vegas had mimicked many of the great places in the world from the Eiffel Tower to the streets of Venice, but to see it in person overwhelmed her senses. To share this wonderful experience with her men was beyond her wildest dreams.

Thad tugged her close. “We figured New York City might be a bit cold this time of year, so we decided to offer you this. Besides, it might be more fun.”

Her pulse soared. She couldn’t believe Thad remembered her speaking about the city. “It’s fantastic.”

“We’d both like you to show us New York someday,” Thad said.

His sentiment spoke of a future, and a deep-seated joy raced through her. “I’d love to.”

“Let’s get settled, and then we can explore.” Pete took the suitcase from her hand.

While she and Thad waited in the lobby for Pete to check them in, she tried to take in the grandeur of the place. Above the long lobby desk stretched an enormous mural of the New York skyline, rimmed in pink fluorescent lights. If she had to guess, she’d say the lobby was almost as large as Grand Central station.

The idea of spending two nights here was highly appealing, but not if the men coddled her. Last night had been frustrating. All three of them had been cuddled in bed at the Billings hotel, but no matter what she said, Pete and Thad were adamant that she wasn’t ready for mind-blowing sex—not after all that had happened. They were right, of course, but their denial only made her want them more.

Zoey needed time to process everything, but dammit, she wasn’t a fragile flower. Tonight she wanted to show them just how strong she was.

“All set.” Pete flashed the key card and grinned. “Ready?”

Zoey couldn’t wait to use this weekend to indulge in her fantasies and put reality at bay. Her body still vibrated from the rather bumpy flight, but that could be a combination of jitters and high expectations.

After a short elevator ride, Pete slid the keycard into the door lock and motioned she enter first. They were in the mockup of the Chrysler building. She rushed to the window and took in the expansive vista. “I feel like I’m in the city.” The view from the hotel across from them probably afforded an even better view.

Thad stepped behind her and hugged her tight. “I can’t wait for our adventure. No phone calls, no disturbances.”

She doubted there’d be no texts between Thad and Cade. After all, Kara had attempted murder. During the flight, she’d answered all of Thad’s questions about what happened. When they landed, he sent the information to Cade.

“Anyone up for a gondola ride?” Thad said.

She spun around. “Seriously?”

He laughed. “Have you ever been to Venice?”

“Years ago. My parents brought me to Europe as a high school graduation present.”

Thad laughed. “I got a hunting rifle. Then Nana told me to go ‘git her a deer.’”

All three of them laughed.

She ran a finger down Thad’s chest. “Or we could enjoy the room for a bit.” She wanted to try out those presents she’d brought.

Pete moved over to them and angled behind her. Her body heated. Lifting the hair off her neck, he inhaled. “You always smell so good.”

“Oh, yeah?” Zoey pressed her hips back, thrilled when Pete groaned.

He palmed her tits then stepped into view. “As much as I’d like to ravish you right here, we have a reservation with a certain Italian gondolier.”

Only because she might never get a chance to ride on a gondola with two such glorious men again did she give in. To think, her life had been turned upside down less than two weeks ago. So much had happened that it was difficult to comprehend. Zoey had counseled enough couples to know that the initial dating period was the best, and that real life would intrude. For now, she’d enjoy every wonderful second.

“I’m ready for my adventure.”

As soon as they stepped outside the hotel lobby, the balmy weather, colorful billboards, and noisy bustle invigorated her. Wide-eyed, Zoey tried to absorb all the sights and sounds. People milled about everywhere. If Zoey didn’t like the mountain views so much, this would have been a fun place to live.

Even though it was daylight, she swore every light on the strip was lit. They passed through the Flamingo, where they stopped for a bit to watch the pink birds flaunt their long legs.

Zoey shook her head. “I can’t imagine being an attraction and trying to compete here.”

“It’s tough, but each hotel seems to have something unique to offer,” Pete said. “Come on. It would take a week to see everything.”

She loved to watch people, but a date was a date. The noise reminded her of New York City with its cars, people, and amazing energy. When they arrived at the Venetian, her memories transported her back to her travels.

“This is incredible. The water is more like a pool than the actual waters of Venice, but the details are fantastic.”

Pete spoke with a woman gondolier and then motioned Zoey and Thad to get in the boat that had two opposing benches. Thad helped her onto the seat. “How about you sit across from us so we can see you?”

She liked the idea of keeping an eye on both men, but she would miss their comfort, their touch. Once seated, the guide pushed off and then began to sing. Zoey giggled at the wonder of it all. Pete pointed out the Bridge of Sighs and several other Venice sights. As much as she liked reminiscing, she was fascinated by Thad’s expression of awe. The fancy signs, the expensive shops, and the massive amount of stone seemed to have drawn him into a world he never thought he’d experience. She would give anything to drag him off to Europe and show him the real cities.

They were probably halfway around the lagoon when Pete asked the gondola driver to stop. She pulled next to a pole and steadied the boat.

“Why are we stopping?”

They both grinned and dropped to one knee in front her. Zoey’s heart nearly exploded. Her chest squeezed.

Pete nudged Thad, who kept staring at her. Thad pulled out a blue velvet case from his pocket. His mouth opened then shut.

Pete glanced to the sky then back at her. “I guess it’s my turn anyway since I’m the oldest.” He leaned closer. Out of the corner of her eyes, a few spectators on shore watched, but the men didn’t seem to notice. “I can’t even begin to tell you how my life has changed since you’ve walked into it, sugar.”

“Me, too.” She never thought she’d fall in love with two men. She’d been the woman who’d sworn off any kind of ménage relationship. Boy, had she learned a few things since then.

Thad’s chest expanded and his color seemed to return. “While I wasn’t the total ass-turned-good-guy, I, too, have found what I’ve been looking for in my life. I love you, Zoey, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He glanced over at Pete. “This lug comes with the package.”

Tears welled in her eyes, and she was totally overwhelmed.

Pete clasped her hand. “Will you marry us?”

Her brain almost imploded. “Yes! But on one condition.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

P
ete’s shoulders curled into what looked like defeat. “Condition? I thought you loved us,” he said. Each word sliced through her.

Zoey swallowed the intense pain. “I love you both. Very much, but we’ve only known each other a few weeks.” Didn’t he see that to jump into something like this too quickly might damage their relationship?

Thad looked at Pete then back at her. “Are you saying our timing sucks?”

She leaned back against the seat. The disappointment on their faces sickened her. Hurting them was the last thing she wanted to do, but she knew better. “I’ve spent my life talking to people with marriage issues. I see what couples go through. We need to be more cautious.”

“I’m not understanding what you’re saying, sugar. We know you’re the woman for us.” The plea in Pete’s voice tore her up.

She wet her lips needing time to figure out how to explain her reasoning. “What Thad said was true. The timing sucks. I want to marry you both. I just think we need to wait a bit. That was what I meant by a condition.”

The curl of Pete’s mouth grew more pronounced. “What are we talking here? A month, two months, a year?”

His enthusiasm allowed her to draw in more oxygen, and the blood finally returned to her heart and lungs. “Can we play it by ear?” The devil in her made her want to tease them a bit. She lifted her chin. “If you two can show me how incredible you are I might fold sooner.”

“Hot damn!” Pete shouted as he slapped his thigh, lifted off his knee, and sat back on the padded bench. He glanced up at the driver and motioned she continue their tour. “We’re going to prove to you that we are the perfect men for you.”

“I can’t wait.”

*     *     *

Pete and Thad’s willingness to give the three of them time to figure out the ins and outs of this relationship pleased Zoey to no end, giving her hope that tonight would be even more spectacular than the sights of Las Vegas.

They ate at a fabulous Asian restaurant and she had to laugh when Thad seemed unable to keep from making faces at the raw tuna. For their next meal, she’d insist on a place that served cooked beef.

After the gondola ride, they must have walked for over an hour, and fatigue was beginning to take its toll. “Anyone interested in going back to the room for a little R&R?” She was holding both of their hands and gave each a squeeze, hoping they’d get the hint.

They both shrugged, acting like they had no interest in making love to her. Two could play at this game. She yawned. “I could sleep for hours. I think the whole incident with Kara is finally hitting me.”

Their expressions instantly changed from disinterest to concern. “Take all the time you need. We don’t want to exhaust you.” Thad winked. “We have big plans.”