Protecting Bethany Read online

  Brendan slipped off the stallion and handed him off to one of the hands with a few extra instructions. Then he came to help her down, letting her body slide down his until her feet hit dirt. Leaning in he pressed a kiss to her lips. “You look flushed,” he said quietly. “You okay, Bethany?”

  Looking up at him Bethany grinned. She might look flushed but that quickly turned to a blush. “Honestly?” At his nod she wiggled her finger in the come here sign and when he leaned down she whispered in his ear. “Riding the horse has me worked up. What I wouldn’t have paid to have had one of you inside of me as we rode. You want to know if I’m okay, I’m wonderful but I’m so darn tootin’ horny that I swear my panties are like the Niagara Falls at the moment in need and desire.” She wondered just what her straitlaced law man would say about that one.

  His arms tightened around her and she could feel a shudder rip through him. “Damn it, Bethany,” he muttered. “Now all I want to do is strip you naked and lick you up. I don’t even care if it’s out here for all to see. All I can think of doing is taking you, hard and fast and then nice and slow.”

  “Damn it, Brendan.” Bethany all but moaned and shivered in reaction. “Good heavens we have got to do something about this. We can’t go through life with this ache, with this need. Right? Will it always be like this? When we are apart or know that we are going to be apart? Will it always come down to this?” She wanted to know, no she needed to know if these intense feelings would always be there in their lives. Not that they were bad, but they didn’t make for a very conducive environment to do anything in except remain naked. All. The. Time.

  “We will do something about it, in time,” he said. He was rubbing her back gently and pressing little kisses to her jaw. “I can’t say for sure, Bethany, about what will or won’t happen when we are apart. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you. I guess we’ll just have to figure it all out, one day at a time like everyone else in the world.”

  “I think that will be the best thing about all of this. Learning as we go?” She hoped so at least. “Go. Do what you have to do. I’m going to take a nice cold shower and then get started on finishing dinner up. After everything is all cleaned up though I’m going to demand yours and Connor’s time, so be ready.” She was teasing him, well mostly she was being honest but in a teasing manner.

  Lifting his head he looked down into her eyes. “You won’t have to demand anything,” he said quietly, smiling. “All you’ll ever need to do is throw us a look or crook your finger and we’ll be there. When you’re naked though, demand all you want, I’m more than ready to submit to your demands.” Dropping a kiss on her lips he flicked the rim of his hat with his fingers and sauntered away.

  “So,” Connor’s voice jolted her. “What exactly are you planning on demanding?” he asked. Turning she saw a grin on his lips as he watched her.

  “Well you see.” Bethany began with a smile. “First we will need to figure out whose bed is bigger and whose room’s the furthest from your father’s.” She spoke very softly, in a tone that only Connor would hear since he was now holding her in his arms after Brendan left her staring after his beautiful ass, and it really was a spectacular ass too.

  “Brendan’s is furthest,” he said next to her ear. “And the beds are the same size.” He chuckled softly. Brushing his lips to her ear he gave her a squeeze. “I’m pretty sure his room is soundproofed too. Though I can’t be one-hundred-percent sure. But he was always into heavy metal bands as a teen and you couldn’t hear much until you got the door open. So I’m guessing he did something in there at some point.”

  “Then I think we have a winner.” Bethany pulled back to look up at Connor and smiled. “Are you going to be okay with this?” They would eventually need to talk about the silly things like, well, life. Where to live, how Brendan would be able to continue his practice and so on, but right now she was more than happy just being in the moment with these men and ignoring everything else.

  He frowned at her, confusion clear on his face. “Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked. Smiling he pulled her back into his arms and kissed her forehead. “I finally get the girl I’ve been mooning after for way too long. And I’m helping her to get what she’s always wanted. The two hottest bachelors in the county.”

  “This is very true. I’m sure that there will be hearts breaking all over the place.” She wasn’t kidding either. These two men were really and truly the most eligible bachelors of their area and for her to take them both after Patty just took Blake and Corbin. Yep, she was sure there would be a lot of women drinking tequila when they all came out that they were in a relationship.

  “We’ll have to put it in the paper I think. Or maybe a drop of flyers to hit a wider area,” he said with a chuckle. “Make sure all those horny little cowgirls out there know that we’re off the market. That we only have eyes for one particular cowgirl for the rest of our days.”

  She couldn’t have stopped the laughter that spilled from her mouth if she had tried. She loved it. “Oh you are too cute. Now, give me a hug and a kiss and get your handsome ass out there to help them with the horses. I need that shower and need to finish dinner.”

  “Yes ma’am.” He grinned. Leaning in he kissed her gently and squeezed her close. “If you need us, you know where we’re at. So, please, should you need anything, anything at all, come and get us. Please,” he said with a hopeful look.

  “Don’t worry. I’m good.” she assured him with a smile. “Heaven’s sakes I do so very much.” She stopped midsentence though. Those were words for later. Feelings for later. “Go. Go before I can’t let you go.”

  He made a face at her. “You really can’t just stop an interesting sentence like that so suddenly, Beth. It’s enough to drive a man crazy.” Cupping her face he kissed her once more and then jogged off to join the others just as the first horse trailer pulled into the yard.

  Yeah well she was sure that if she had told him she loved him that he wouldn’t be finishing the day out in the ranch and she sure wouldn’t be finishing dinner. No, those words were for when they were behind closed doors. Those words were for when the three of them were alone together. Those were sacred words to be shared alone for the first time. With one last glance at them she took off for the house, carrying the basket with her as she did so.

  Chapter Seven

  The sound of boots behind her had her turning. Daniel walked into the kitchen and to the fridge where he grabbed a beer. Twisting off the cap he leaned against the fridge to watch her. “You told them,” he said. Not a question at all but she nodded. “And since you appear to be rather pleased with yourself I’m guessing they didn’t flip out at the news?” he asked.

  “No, surprisingly they didn’t,” Beth said as she turned to watch Daniel. “And yes, I told them. I couldn’t go into what I wanted to with them without telling them. Would you have had it any other way?”

  “Course not, no relationship should begin with secrets hanging between those entering it,” he said. Moving to the island he settled onto a stool and watched her. “Connor takes everything at face value, but is not dumb by any means or overly trusting. He just thinks that everyone should be given the benefit of the doubt. Now Brendan,” he snorted and took a drink from his bottle.

  “My first born is a whole other kettle of fish. His mama put it best I think. She said that he was born with an old soul. He’s naturally suspicious and cautious. But he has a good heart that, once you’re in, you’re in. To hurt him is to hurt yourself because of the level of trust he gives to someone he holds close. Connor’s a bounce back sort but Brendan’s the brooder. Always has been, always will be. I think that suspicious nature of his is what led him to the law. Course,” he grinned. “That suspicious nature also makes him one hell of a little detective.”

  “Well I’ve known them my whole life and there isn’t anything that I have ever kept secret from them and now they know the shame that I’ve lived under for the past few years as well. I’ve never been one to hi
de anything from those I love. I hid from you because that’s what I was told was best, but I hated it.” She looked at the old man and smiled. “I wish that you had been my father but I’m ultimately grateful that you weren’t because if you were then things would have not been good because I love your sons. I love those two men with all my heart and soul, I just wanted you to know that.”

  “Well then, if you think about it, I will get to be your father one of these days. If you can manage to rope those two into marriage,” Daniel grinned. “Personally I have no doubt that you will and without any kicking and screaming either. Hell, Patty managed it with her two so I don’t see you having too much of an issue.”

  She laughed, she couldn’t help it. “Oh heavens that’s too funny. I think for right now we need to just worry about figuring out if we will have a relationship or not. I need to ensure that my attorney has made the husband aware that the marriage was a sham and I am determined to move on with my life and with the men that I love.”

  “Well, you could always make use of the handy-dandy legal services we have in house you know,” he said with a grin. “I doubt Brendan would do it directly but he’s definitely one hell of a lawyer. Actually, I’d ensure he didn’t take it on directly, that boy’s liable to do that asshole some serious damage and get himself in a hell of a bind.”

  “My grandfather’s attorneys are handling everything. They are very good at what they do and they are the ones that saved me. I have full faith in them. They found out that the marriage was a shame and have brought up charges against my father and husband to ensure that they pay legally for what they did to me as well. However I won’t turn him away if he has any advice to give me. Right now I’m just keeping a low profile while the courts work through everything. I have a court date in three weeks regarding my forced imprisonment, my rape, torture and so on. So yeah.” She sighed. “I would like to have him with me on that date, both of them honestly, if they aren’t busy.”

  “They won’t be busy,” Daniel said. “I’ll damn well make sure they won’t be. There is absolutely no reason you should have to go to that alone. To that end, we’ll all come to support you as family should. And you are, family that is, Bethany. So don’t you forget that, girl.” He winked at her.

  Bethany smiled and nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered with tears sparkling in her eyes. “You are truly an amazing man and have raised amazing children. Thank you for allowing me in your home and more importantly in your family.”

  “Heck girl, you’ve always been family since the first day you came home with Patty,” he said. “You just weren’t ready to see it for what it was. Now you are.” He nodded.

  The back door opened and Brendan stepped in, smacking his hat on his leg. He paused, staring at them both and frowning. “Why are you crying, Bethany?”

  Bethany looked at Brendan and smiled. “Just realizing that hopefully one day this old man will be my daddy too. Realizing how lucky that I am to have your love,” she admitted honestly. “I also need the two of you to go with me to court in three weeks, but we will talk more about that later, deal?”

  Nodding he walked toward her. “Of course we’ll be there,” he said. Stopping before her he leaned in and dropped a kiss to her lips. “Like you’d even have to ask,” he said softly. Brushing a finger to her cheek he stepped around her to the fridge and, pulling the door open, grabbed a few bottles of water.

  “Pop, Blake needs you to take a look at one of the new stallions. He’s a little concerned with how temperamental it is. He figures we already have Cornelius and don’t need another around here,” he grinned. “I have no idea what he’s talking about though. The big guy was as well behaved as any horse as soon as I got my hands on him.”

  Daniel snorted and finished his beer off. “You’ve always had the right touch with the temperamental ones. But you’re not always here either. Let him know I’ll be out in a few, just need to grab my hat.”

  “You got it,” he nodded. With a wink to her he exited the back door once more.

  Bethany watched them leave and shook her head. With another smile she turned from the open doors and turned back to the counter where she continued to put the meal together for them all.

  * * * *

  After dinner Connor and Brendan kicked her out of the kitchen. Apparently they were going to do the cleanup. Daniel had looked stunned but he hadn’t argued and cleared out fast. Of course, so had every other person around the table.

  Bethany didn’t know what to think, she didn’t know what to feel at this moment in time. She had never in the world had anyone ensuring that she was taken care of instead of having to take care of them. She liked it, a lot. “I think I could get used to this,” she said softly.

  “What’s that?” She turned to see Blake in the hallway. Beyond him she could see Patty talking to her dad and making a face. “Bethany, did you say something?” he asked with a frown, stepping closer to her.

  “I just said that I could get used to this. To Connor and Brendan doing dishes for me so that I can go and take a nice hot bath. Being taken care of and the like. I could get used to it.” She could because of how much she cared for her guys.

  Chuckling he ran a hand through his short hair before he dropped his hat on his head. “Back when they were kids it usually meant they were planning something. Since no one wanted to do the dishes they always knew they’d have the kitchen to themselves if they offered to do them. Gave them plenty of time to plot out whatever scheme they were coming up with. Don’t let them do it too often and you should be fine,” he said.

  “Oh I don’t know. I have a feeling those boys planning something where I am concerned would be a very, very good thing.” Beth smiled up at Blake and winked. “Just like when Patty starts to plot and plan on doing something good for you or Corbin. How is she today by the way?” she asked quietly.

  “She’s doing good,” he smiled, his entire face lighting up. “But she’s been doing a lot better ever since Trevor got his ass locked up for good. The judge was nice and harsh with his sentence and you could just see the weight coming off her shoulders. She’s smiling again, laughing and sleeping much better. Well—” He chuckled. “That’s a relative term given the baby is pretty much using her bladder for a seat, a punching bag and a trampoline. Or so she claims.”

  Bethany snickered. “Well good. For her doing better, not for the baby using her insides as its own personal play yard.” She shrugged and then added, “But she’s happy. No matter what that is something that you need to keep in mind. She’s happy and honestly that is all that matters, don’t you think?”

  “It is.” He nodded. Then he turned a serious look on her. “Just as you should be happy too, Bethany. You’ve been through hell and back. Not what you deserve in the least. If Brendan and Connor are what you need to be happy you grab hold and fight to make it all work out. They won’t let you go without a fight so be sure they are exactly what you need to be happy and have the life you deserve. I’d hate to have to kick your ass for making those two cry, but I will,” he said. Then he winked and grinned at her with a chuckle. “Well, I’d tell them I had, I wouldn’t really.”

  “That’s a darn good thing because I am never letting them go.” She smiled and shook her head. “I love them. I have always loved them. As long as we can make a relationship work I want it. I want forever with those men. I always have. I always will. I will not give them up, not without one hell of a fight. And you can take that promise to the bank. It’s solid as a rock.”

  “Oh god, the clichés,” he muttered. Shaking his head he made a face. “That was just so horrible I think I’m going home now.” Leaning in he kissed her forehead. “Be good to them, Bethany. They’ve loved you for a damn long time. Night,” he said with a smile as he backed away.

  Bethany watched Blake leaving and shook her head. Grinning she thought to herself just how much she loved her men and for how long she had loved them. Yes it wasn’t a one-way street, not by any stretch of anyone’s ima
gination.

  “What is this?” she heard from the kitchen. Connor, she was pretty sure.

  “Looks like a can opener,” Brendan said, and she was sure it was Brendan.

  “Seriously? Who the hell needs all this crap on a can opener?”

  “Hell if I know. Definitely not like the old one Mom used to have.”

  Connor laughed. “You mean the one she’d wing at dad’s head when he didn’t remove his dirty boots at the door and tromped mud all over her clean floors.”

  “Yup, the one that was never really square after the first six times she threw it. I’m actually amazed she didn’t take out a window with how bad her aim was.”

  “She probably had great aim, she never did clock dad with it,” Connor said.

  “Good point,” Brendan murmured. “Maybe she did throw it just where she planned.” He sounded amused at the idea.

  “Okay, seriously, when the hell did we get this thing? And what is it?” Connor again.

  “Really?” Brendan said. From his tone she could imagine him rolling his eyes. “It’s a cappuccino maker. For coffee and espresso and shit like that.”

  “You mean citified coffee,” his brother shot back.

  “Dad happens to like citified coffee now and again if you hadn’t noticed. You really need to expand your horizons, bro.” Uh-oh, now that sounded like fighting words between the brothers.

  Bethany walked in at that point and was grinning. “There is no need to get into a fight, boys.” But she stopped dead in her tracks. For a moment her brain processed what she was seeing and then she began to laugh. “Seriously?” She looked at the brothers that were sitting on the counter eating ice cream and just grinned. “I honestly thought I was going to have to break up a fight,” she admitted and walked to stand between the two of them, but facing them. “I like this, that you boys know me well enough to know what will get me moving fastest.”