Forrest, Dawn - Sweet Water Wedding: Sharing Shannon (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (9 page)

“Ah, well, not exactly, not all of it.”

“What
exactly
doesn’t she know?”

“The bit about us sharing women.”

James winced when he heard that.

“I was completely shocked when I found out who she was. I didn’t know what to say and I didn’t want to scare her off before she’d even met you. She was gone when I woke up this morning, but she left a note, phone number, and,” he snorted a laugh, “a cute model.”

“What?” This was getting bizarre.

“Never mind. I did manage to get in a bit of positive suggestion about polyandry ménages though.”

“Luke, start from the beginning and tell me everything.” James sat back down, put his feet up again, and took a long swig of his coffee, thinking he might as well get comfortable.

Ten minutes later, he was sporting an erection that could pound nails and not feeling very comfortable at all. Luke’s description of Shannon’s reaction to the ménage fantasy heated his blood. Trying to think clearly they analyzed the situation and came up with a loose plan of action. James needed to meet Shannon to see if there was attraction between them or not. Either way, there wouldn’t be much time before they had to explain everything to her. Although Luke had really only omitted the truth and not told an outright fib, it would get more difficult to not lie as time went on. Soon someone, probably Rachael, would mention Luke and the threads of information would weave together into an exaggerated tale of deceit. Then the shit would really hit the fan.

If there was mutual attraction the plan became a little vague with only a loose theme of coming clean and showing her how good it could be with them both. Luke’s idea was to court her and take things slowly. James wasn’t so sure, thinking that it was all very well for Luke who’d already had some. Before he hung up Luke impressed upon him how much he liked Shannon.

“Behave and don’t screw this up, partner,” he warned.

“Hey, it’s
me
you’re talking to, I can do depraved, er, I mean, behaved,” he chuckled at Luke’s groan and cut the call.

James sat back in his chair smiling, looking out of the big window onto the yard and wondering how he was going to proceed with Operation O’Reilly as he’d just nicknamed it. Luke had always had darn good taste when it came to the ladies, so he was expecting to like her looks, but this wouldn’t be only a physical thing, and that upped the ante. He also had to consider the real possibility that Joshua would lynch him if he did anything to upset Rachael or the wedding. As he pondered the facts, he first heard and then saw Joshua’s truck roll up to the house. His brother languidly got out and looked around at the morning activity. Some of the hands were in the closer fields seeing to the feed and water for the young calves. Two were cleaning the yard and stables. A few were away, out on the range.

Joshua’s face was set in its usual hard, neutral expression until the passenger door opened and Rachael hopped out. The beginnings of a slight smile hovered on his lips as he watched her move fluidly around the vehicle to stand by his side. She said something to him as she absentmindedly ran her hand down his back and leaned into him, resting her head briefly against his arm. His face relaxed into a seldom seen gentle expression, his love for her clearly visible as if he’d shouted it from the rooftop.

James noted that his big brother moved gracefully when he was around his fiancée. They were in harmony, bound by some unseen force, like planets caught in each other’s gravitational pull. Rachael was a well-grounded, smart, strong woman, yet she obviously dealt with, even relished, his brother’s sexual proclivities. He was happy for them and mused how a chance meeting could change everything.

With his coffee in hand, James strolled out to meet them, slapping his brother on the back and giving Rachael a peck on the cheek

“Good morning. I thought you’d be in much later. Doesn’t Rachael have the day off because she worked last evening?”

“Yeah, well, I planned to visit Old Man Connor; it’s been a while since I looked in. I heard that his dog’s not too good, but he doesn’t come into town much, you know how the old coot is. Rachael suggested that she could come with me this morning so she can take a look at the mutt. He shouldn’t get too riled up, he’ll think she’s just there to keep me company and introduce herself.”

“Nice plan, want a coffee before you go?”

“No, thanks, I expect we’ll have to stomach the tar Mr. Connor makes.” He grimaced and looked apologetically at Rachael.

“We only came by the ranch first because Josh wants to get a particular book for Mr. Connor.” She pushed at Joshua’s arm, “Go get it, I’ll wait here. Oh, would you mind connecting my mobile to the charger, the battery is flat.” She handed him her phone with exaggerated nonchalance, not meeting his eye.

“Rachael, darlin’, you must never let it run down and always carry it with you. At least put the car phone charger in your Jeep. I’ve told you that before, and I’ll give you a good spankin’ if it happens again.” Joshua wasn’t joking; his face was a picture of hard intent.

Rachael didn’t look concerned. “Ha, like that’s going to happen. You’d have to catch me first.” She challenged him with her chin held up defiantly.

James was surprised because nobody challenged his brother like that. He watched in amazement as Joshua’s nostrils flared and he stared at his bride-to-be with what looked a lot like raw hunger. His six foot seven inch frame loomed over Rachael until his nose almost touched hers. Ninety-nine percent of the population would be quaking in their boots, but she didn’t back down, instead she clenched her hands by her sides as if willing herself not to grab him.

“Just let it happen again and we’ll see how far you get,” Joshua growled.

For a moment they were too preoccupied with each other and some serious sexual tension that they forgot about James. Then Joshua straightened up his body, glanced at his brother, bit off a curse, and headed into the house taking three steps at a time.

Rachael blew her curly fringe up off her forehead and let out a loud sigh. “God, I love that man.” Then she turned to James and smiled as if only just remembering that he was there. James wasn’t used to women ignoring him, but from the start Rachael only had eyes for his brother and he was glad for them both.

“Do you have a busy day planned?” she asked as if nothing had just happened.

“Just the usual. How are the wedding plans going?” He wasn’t really all that interested in wedding stuff, but thought it polite to ask.

“I’m not going to bore you with the details. We’re just keeping it small and uncomplicated. Mum, dad, my brothers, and Shannon will all be arriving at some point next week. I think I’ve all the accommodation sorted out.”

“Well, there’s the guest room behind the office and spare room in the main house,” he offered, obviously keeping quiet about Shannon arriving sooner.

“Thanks, Josh mentioned that, too, but I don’t want to encroach on you and Janet too much.”

“Nonsense, it doesn’t bother me, and when she gets home from college my sister will probably be spending half her time at Mitch’s place. Your friend Shannon might get a bit lonely at the cabin by herself when you’re away on your honeymoon.”

Rachael narrowed her eyes, “That’s very...thoughtful of you.”

“That’s me, honey, all heart.”

“Mmm,” she looked pointedly between his legs, “that’s not what I’ve heard.”

He looked at her in mock shock but before he could say anything further Joshua returned.

“Come on, let’s see if we can actually make it to Mr. Connor’s place this time,” Joshua muttered and Rachael, bless her, actually blushed.

It was nearly 10:00 a.m. when Jerry, a young ranch hand, came to tell him that there was a lady waiting in the yard to see him. James was working with two other men, fencing in another paddock area. Both he and his brother liked to be directly involved in ranch work and he found that hard physical labor helped to clear his mind and ease out any stress. It was the same with sex, which for him and Luke was long, hard, physical activity of another kind.

The other men looked at him with cheeky grins as if to say ‘not another one,’ but knew better than to voice it. James rolled his eyes and tugged his shirt back on; no need to further encourage whoever she was. He was a little irritated because he hadn’t invited anyone over and didn’t want the interruption.

“Keep working. I’ll be back soon,” he instructed before turning to leave.

As he walked away he heard Jerry say to the others, “She’s real pretty and she came in a taxi.”

He frowned, a taxi? He was sure that he hadn’t given his address to anyone from out of town. He vaulted over the wooden post and rail fence and, while walking toward the house, began taking his leather gloves off in order to fasten up his shirt. As he looked up he saw a woman standing by a car, watching him approach. He definitely didn’t know her, he was sure because there was no way he’d forget this little beauty with such distinctive red hair. Even though she was dressed in casual, tight jeans and white T-shirt, the description Foxy Lady came immediately to mind. He stopped a few feet away, regarding her with interest. Dang, she was lovely. Operation O’Reilly could wait. He decided to leave his shirt undone.

“Hello, I’m James Ryden, can I help you?”

James noticed that her expression went from wariness to relieved recognition when she heard his name. She hit him with an out-of-this-world smile that lit up her whole face, and radiated outwards so that he felt the warmth of it in his chest.

“I’m so pleased to meet you, James. I’m Shannon, Shannon O’Reilly, Rachael’s friend and soon-to-be bridesmaid.”

His heart flip-flopped and his throat constricted. For the first time in his life he was speechless in front of a woman. He automatically took her offered small, cool hand in his own and didn’t let go. No wonder Luke had sounded smitten on the phone, and the lucky devil had spent the whole night between her firm, slender-looking thighs. That image inflated his dick faster than a pneumatic pump. He took in her delicate yet expressive features. She had a face that easily conveyed emotions, her mobile mouth was used to smiling, but those lips, oh, those plump, pouty, luscious lips were made for kissing, and sucking cock.

* * * *

Shannon couldn’t help but stare at the living embodiment of Michelangelo’s statue of David. James Ryden had to be hands down the best looking man she had ever seen. His worn, figure-clutching jeans and open plaid shirt wrapped a delicious package. When he had easily vaulted over the fence she’d caught a glimpse of the strength and vitality within. She couldn’t help think of the power behind those muscular flanks and chiseled abs and what they could do for a woman. Hot diggity damn, or whatever they said here in Texas, she was going to blush crimson if she didn’t lock down those thoughts. She focused on his face but that really didn’t help much. It was classically handsome with high cheekbones and symmetrical features, clear, deep blue eyes and a strong jaw. He’d raised his hat in greeting, which she found both quaint and sexy. His sun streaked, golden-brown, curly hair looked feather soft, and she itched to run her fingers through it. This was her first proper meeting with a real-life cowboy on a ranch and she was impressed.
Stop it, you slut. You left a warm, hunky man in bed just this morning. Jesus, if there are more like him in this kinky ass place I’m done for.

Shannon waited for him to speak again, or move, or at least let her hand go, but the gorgeous man in front of her seemed incapable of doing anything. He just stood staring at her looking stunned and dumbstruck with a grin on his face. There she was thinking about shagging his brains out when it looked as if someone had beaten her to it. From nowhere the dueling banjos tune from the film
Deliverance
popped into her head.
Oh no, maybe the poor man isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
It was such a pity because what he clearly lacked in mental capacity he made up for on the physical front; a sort of Forrest Gump but better looking.

Patting the strong warm hand that was holding hers she spoke a little louder and slower, “Is Rachael here? Is your brother Joshua home? Is there anyone here that I can speak to?”

James blinked slowly and shook his head as if coming to his senses. His cheeks pinked with a blush. He let go of her hand and the soppy grin on his face morphed into a pleasant smile.