Rough and Ready [Men for Hire 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) (8 page)

He crossed his heart. “I’m not. I promise you.”

“I’ve heard all the promises I can stand. I want to see action this time.”

He did hug her then, scooping her into his arms before she could resist him. “Thanks, sis. I knew you’d believe in me.”

I want to. Oh, how I want to believe.

She tried to bite back the question pushing to get out of her mouth…and failed. “Avery, are you in trouble again?”

He hesitated a moment too long. “Naw, sis.”

Yet her gut told her something altogether different. “Avery, now’s the time to tell me.”

“Am I interrupting something?”

Kane’s sudden appearance behind her brother had her shoving Avery away.

* * * *

Who the hell is this guy?

The jealousy tearing a hole in Kane’s gut was an unfamiliar sensation. He’d had his fair share of girlfriends in the past, but he’d never really cared about them. Not enough to get upset when he saw them with another guy.

“Kane, you’re here.”

He didn’t like the man’s smile. It was big and bright, just like Jeff’s. Yet, unlike Jeff’s, this guy’s smile held an edge to it. He kept his gaze on him even as he answered Alex. “Yeah. We have a date, remember?”

He didn’t like the surly tone to his words, but he couldn’t help it. Wasn’t it bad enough that he had to compete with Jeff for Alex? He didn’t like the idea of having another man join the mix. And an outsider at that.

“Sure I remember.” She moved closer then turned back toward the other guy. “Kane, this is—”

“We’re late.” Kane snagged her arm and tugged her along with him, out the front door and toward his pickup.

They were halfway there when she yanked her arm out of his hold. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

He growled, which was better than what he really wanted to do. If he’d had his way, he would’ve ripped the man’s head off.

When had a woman ever elicited such an extreme reaction from him? He wasn’t sure he liked it. But he wasn’t sure he didn’t, either.

“Like I said, we’re late.”

“To a town-wide barbecue? I didn’t know that kind of thing had a strict arrival time.”

The dark-haired man had followed them out the doorway, but had stayed on the porch.

At least he has enough smarts not to get in between me and my woman.

My woman?

When had he ever thought that about anyone before? And yet, it felt right. If he had his way, she’d be his woman.

“I just want to get going. Is that okay?” He slid his gaze to the man as he strode toward them.

“No. Maybe it’s not.” Alex took a step farther away from him.

Crap. Don’t blow it now.
“I’m sorry, Alex. But can we leave? Now?”

“Alex, can we finish up before you take off?”

Kane tapped down the urge to tell the man to get lost. Among other things.

Alex turned toward the guy then pulled him into an embrace. The affectionate gesture almost tore Kane’s heart out. Had he already missed his chance with her?

“Sure. Why don’t you go back inside and ask Daisy to give you a key to my room. Either that or you could come with us.”

Kane couldn’t believe his ears. Had she just invited another man along on their date? After giving him permission to go into her room?

“Uh, no thanks. I don’t think your friend wants me tagging along.”

Again the man showed that he was intelligent.

“Kane, you don’t mind, do you?”

Hell, yes, I mind
. Instead, he said the expected thing. “Course not. The more the merrier.”

Alex cast him a look, noting that she’d heard the growl in his tone.

The man’s smile was back, brighter than ever as he stuck out his hand. “I think maybe you’ve got the wrong idea about me. I’m Avery Martin. I’m Alex’s brother.”

The relief that swamped Kane almost brought him to his knees. “Her brother.” He’d said the words not so much as a question, but to have them resonate in his mind.

“That’s right.” She tilted her head at him. “Who did you think he was?”

“Your brother. Sure, of course.” Kane took in the physical similarities that he’d missed earlier. “I can see it now.” He felt a little foolish as he finally took Avery’s hand and shook it.

But Alex wasn’t letting him off the hook. “Who did you think he was, Kane?”

“I didn’t know at first.” He centered his attention on her brother. “So what brings you to town? Business? Or are you checking up on your sister?”

Avery gave him a good, solid handshake then slung his arm around Alex. “Both. I wanted to see how my favorite sister—”

“His only sister,” added Alex. “I’m his half sister.”

“—is doing. Plus, I’m looking for work. I was hoping to help with the cleanup after the recent tornado.”

Why did Alex seem so stiff in her brother’s embrace? “I think most of the cleanup work is finished. It wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been.”

“Well, that’s a shame.” Avery laughed. “About the work, I mean.”

“Say, Kane, do you think maybe there’s work for Avery out at Second Chance Ranch? Not as one of the organization, but maybe as a ranch hand? He’s dying to get his hands dirty.”

Kane caught the quick exchange brother and sister shared, but didn’t push finding out what it meant. Although he wished Alex hadn’t mentioned Cowboys for Hire, he supposed Avery would find out sooner or later. They tried to keep the work they did quiet, but at the same time, it was difficult to hide themselves and make themselves accessible to the women who needed their help. “Yeah, maybe. I could give Gabriel a call and see.”

Avery appeared to recover from his initial dislike of what Alex had said about getting his hands dirty. “That’d be great. Thanks.”

“He’ll take any job, no matter how menial. Isn’t that right, brother dear?”

She was playing her brother, no doubt about it. Kane noticed Avery’s grip tighten on her shoulder.

“Sure, sure. Anything.”

His grip had been solid, but he hadn’t felt any callouses. Kane was sure Avery hadn’t come within a mile of hard, back-breaking work. And he was extra sure that Alex wanted him to.

“Okay, well, that’s settled. I’ll call Gabriel and make it happen. Show up tomorrow morning at the main house. Miss Daisy can give you directions to the ranch.”

Kane turned to her, dismissing her brother. “How about you and I”—he left Avery out of it on purpose—“get going to the barbecue. I’m sure your brother would rather rest up. After all, if I have anything to say about it, he’ll need all the energy he can muster to run cattle and muck out the stalls.”

Did the man just go pale?

Kane kept the chuckle he felt from escaping. Instead, he sent Alex a wink, took her hand, and led her to the truck. Avery was still standing in the same spot when he pulled the truck out of the driveway and back toward town.

“Are you really going to try and get him a job?”

Kane glanced at Alex then back on the road. “If you really want me to. Gabriel will take him on if I ask. So, do you have any other brothers?”

“No, thank goodness.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that Avery isn’t the most reliable person in the world. Now that you know that, please don’t feel obligated to find him work.”

“It’s not a problem. Gabriel was complaining about being short-handed on the ranch, anyway. I’m sure he’ll say yes to adding your brother. Just make sure Avery shows up tomorrow morning an hour or so before sunrise. We’ll see what kind of stuff he’s made of.”

“Before sunrise? Holy hell, that’ll send him packing for sure.” Her laughter rang out.

He stole a quick glance at her. There wasn’t much he
wouldn’t do to hear her laugh again.

“Is that what you really want? Do you want me to get rid of him for you?” He hadn’t meant his offer to sound so ominous, like a hit man talking about a contract on Avery’s life.

“No. Let’s give him a chance.”

“Yeah, everyone deserves a chance.”

“Trust me. He’s had more than his fair share of chances.”

“That sounds bad. Is it?”

“Yeah. He’s gotten into trouble before with a bad crew. Gambling on the horses and more.” She shook her head, obviously reconsidering giving her brother the benefit of the doubt. “Look, Kane, if he causes trouble, any trouble at all, you have my permission to kick him to the curb.”

“Wow, you are one hard sister.” He regretted his words as soon as they’d left his mouth. Her pained expression made him feel like a heel. “Sorry. That was harsh.”

“Half sister. And no, don’t be. I really need to lighten up on him. After all, he is my only brother.”

“One chance. That’s all he gets, but, hopefully, that’s all he’s going to need. Like I said. Everyone deserves a chance.”

He could sense her eyeing him, once again catching the underlying meaning behind his words. But he’d meant what he’d said. After all, she’d given him a chance. Could he do any less for her brother?

He pulled the truck onto a gravel parking lot at the end of town. A large cream banner with the words
Welcome to Destiny’s Annual BBQ
written in bold red letters across it was tied from one side of the street to the other. Tables strewn with the wares of each business ran along the sidewalks while a local band stood on top of a makeshift platform and belted out a favorite country song.

Alex leaned forward, her hands flat on the dashboard, and took in the sights. “This is so cool. I don’t think I’ve ever been to anything like this.”

“For real? Don’t they have BBQs in Tulsa?”

“Not like this one. This is so cozy and welcoming.”

That was the perfect way to describe Destiny. Although he’d grown up in a small Texas town, he’d found his real home in Destiny. He loved everything about the small town and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

He drew in a long, slow breath. “Ah, man, I can already smell it.”

She followed his example. “Mmm, that does smell good. So what are we waiting for, cowboy?” She was out the door before he was.

They strolled together down one sidewalk, not hand in hand, but with their fingers grazing each other’s. They hadn’t made it half a block before she came to a stop in front of one of the long display tables.

“These are so great,” cooed Alex as she lifted a bronze-colored bracelet up to admire it.

Betsy Ralins of Lost Treasures beamed behind the table strewn with jewelry and other items. It was all girly stuff, and he wasn’t sure what some of the things were. “Thanks. That’s a one-of-a-kind bracelet made by one of our local artists.”

“Really? I love that.” Alex slipped it over her hand and onto her wrist. “It’s so pretty how the sunlight captures the different colors in it.”

Kane stood back, letting her go on about the bracelet. As far as he was concerned, nothing could compare to her beauty. Her dark hair shone under the sun, and for the first time, he noticed the glimpses of red in the locks. He yearned to take a strand and let it slide between his fingers, to find a bit of the red, but he didn’t dare do that in front of what appeared to be most of the town. Although Alex was dressed casually in a pair of jeans and shirt with simple white tennis shoes on, she was more alluring to him than a goddess would’ve been. She had a way of holding her body in a regal way that made him both ache to touch her and afraid to do it. The fact that she had so many curves only added to her beauty.

“We’ll take it.”

Alex jerked her head up to gape at him. “No, no. I can’t afford it.”

“You don’t have to. It’s my gift to you.”

A frown creased her forehead, and his fingers itched to smooth out the wrinkles. “I couldn’t do that. I don’t make a habit out of accepting gifts from men I barely know.”

“You’re not making a habit of it.”

He caught her hand as she tried to slip the bracelet over the widest part of her hand, then couldn’t resist putting his lips to her wrist. Her pulse jumped erratically, giving him a thrill he didn’t care who saw.

“It’s only a bracelet, Alex, and I want you to have it. Please.” He didn’t say please often and hoped she’d realize that.

The faintest hint of a blush filled her cheeks. His cock twitched, needing to give her something more to blush about. “Well, okay. Just this once.” She let the bracelet slide back onto her wrist. “Thank you, Kane.”

“You’re welcome.” He fished out two twenties and handed them to Betsy, who nodded knowingly at him. He took it as a good sign that the usually verbose Betsy kept her mouth shut. He wouldn’t have put it past Betsy to ask him if Alex was his girl. He wondered how Alex would’ve acted when he’d answered Betsy’s question with a firm yes.

“Come on, Alex. There’s more to see.” Taking her by the elbow, he eased her forward, keeping her closer than before. Yet if he put her any closer, he might lose control. For a brief moment, he imagined pushing Alex on top of one of the tables and ripping her clothes away. He’d free her large breasts and toss the bra away, demanding that she never restrain her sexy tits ever again. Then, ignoring the crowd, he’d tug down her jeans and thrust his cock deep inside her pussy.

She’d cry out her release a second before he’d let go. After that, he’d flip her onto her stomach and take her from behind, adding some well-placed slaps to see her dimpled ass ripple.

His cock strained behind the zipper that threatened to cut into his flesh. He looked down at her to see if she’d noticed his discomfort, but she was too busy checking out the next table to know what was going on in his head or in his pants.

She’ll know soon enough, I hope. I can’t wait much longer to touch her. To taste her. To fuck her.

Candy’s Confections was next in line where they paused to sample a deep, rich fudge that had them both moaning in pleasure. His moans, however, included ones that had nothing to do with the fudge, but with the swell of Alex’s breasts.

Candy Callon had long since passed away, leaving Deek Rollins, the last of Candy’s many male admirers, to keep it going in her memory. Somehow Deek had managed to make her candies, pastries, and other products even tastier. Candy would’ve been proud, and more than likely, a little jealous.