“Leave her alone, Cash. She’s just an innocent, shy, little lady.”
A full laugh explodes from Cash at his words.
“Yeah, if you say so.” My mouth drops open at the casual way they are most certainly talking about the fact I have had sex with both of them.
Duke begins a little tour, telling me where to find all my things, about the stuffed animal he brought from my apartment, my clothes in the suitcases that they will help me put away if I need. I’m again reminded of two old ladies settling me in. They are nesting, both overly concerned about what I need and want.
“Can you guys do something for me?” I ask from my place on the bed, propped up by more pillows than I thought one man would ever have in his house.
“Anything,” Cash breathes while they watch me eagerly, waiting for a task.
“Go away. I want to take a nap. All your fidgeting is making me nervous.” I smile a huge, sunny smile.
“Alright, but here is your phone.” Duke lays it on the bedside table. “Call either of us if you need anything. We’ll be downstairs. My room is just next door,” he knocks on the wall, “just on the other side. Cash is across the hall.”
“Thank you, both of you. This is too much, but I appreciate every second.”
Cash comes to me first, leaning down to whisper against my lips. “Nothing is too much; you deserve everything,” he says, before kissing me chastely and skipping out of the room.
Duke leans over me, smelling delicious, making my nostrils flare. “Sunshine, you can’t look at me like that. Doctor’s orders.” He skims a hand lightly up my leg, under my blanket, and my breath comes out in pant. “I promise to make it up to you.” Kissing me, gently at first, he slips his tongue in between my lips, tasting my mouth. He moans in his throat. “Fuck, I can’t wait.” Turning, he follows the way Cash went, pulling the door closed behind him.
Leaning back against my pillows, I take in the room I’ve been assigned. I wonder idly how many bedrooms are up here. I’ve never seen the second floor and didn’t get a chance to inspect when Duke carried me up. The walls are painted a pale, calming blue. There are landscapes in dark frames on the walls, pictures of Montana’s plains and a few of horses out at pasture. I recognize Daisy and Violet. The black rearing stallion must be Charger. On the dresser is a younger Cash, on a bull.
The furniture, a simple headboard, matching dresser, and two nightstands, are knotty pine and large, exactly the sort of thing I would expect on a ranch. There are wide doublewindows looking out on the front yard, and I can see the horse barn off in the distance. Gauzy white curtains cover the windows. Through the partially opened bathroom door, I see double sinks with white counters and darker blue cabinets. There’s an expansive glass shower with blue and grey tiles and multiple shower heads, with my brand of shampoo and conditioner on the small shelf.
Under the soft blue sheets, I stretch out. The quilt looks handmade in shades of blues, greens, and browns. Did Cash hire a decorator? Maybe his mom before she got sick? Everything is so cozy, the way Cash feels, and coordinates well. I snuggle down into the pillows until I feel enveloped by their soft warmth. I close my eyes and drift off to sleep.
“Should we wake her up?” I hear Cash whisper. My mouth tips up in a smile.
“No, she’s recuperating. She needs sleep.”
“But it’s been hours.” He’s whining. I try to stay still so I can listen.
“You aren’t a baby that needs to be entertained. Are you seriously pouting? I’m leaving.” I hear Duke leave.
“Hurricane, I’m bored. Maybe I’ll just talk to you while you sleep. Seeing you in my house, it’s like magic. I’ve missed you so much.” I feel his hand resting on my foot. I try to remain frozen. “Don’t tell the grumpy guy but having both of you here? It’s perfect. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. The dogs have been losing it at the bottom of the stairs. I think they know you’re here. Wait until I tell you some of the outlandish tales from the town about what happened. And the gossip, you wouldn’t believe. You don’t have to tell people anything when you’re in a small town full of imaginative busy bodies. They are saying we were at yours having a threesome when a man broke in and Duke shot him, while naked!”
I can’t control it, and I break out in afit of giggles.
“Caroline Pearce, were you eavesdropping?” he says in mock outrage.
Fully laughing now, holding my side, I wheeze, “Stop, stop, I can’t laugh this much. You were talking tome! How could I be eavesdropping?”
“Because I was talking to unconscious you!” he says, acting confused.
Duke comes through the door, smiling. God, his smile is glorious, even more so because I know it’s rare. “You woke her up? You really are an infant!”
“I didn’t. I don’t even know when she woke up. She just started laughing.” He holds his hands up in surrender.
“Can someone help me up? I need the bathroom.” Both men spring into action, trying to figure out how to help.
“It’s my turn, Duke, you carried her up the stairs.”
“Because I’m stronger than you.”
“You are not.”
“Stop bickering—you’re like an old married couple. Give me your arm, Cash.” Pulling myself up, I wince as I take a few steps.
