with them was a nerve-wracking experience. They touched her at every opportunity. Clay crowded her as he reached over her head for the apple juice she wanted.
Rio steadied her with an arm around her waist as she reached for produce. She never even noticed when she stopped flinching at their touch.
* * * *
Clay wanted to shout for joy as little by little she allowed their touch. Soon their little darlin’ started to become aroused and he wanted to kiss her little frown as she appeared to finally realize it.
Always getting in her way soon had her eyes flashing gold sparks. She might put on a cold front but he’d bet the ranch that inside her an inferno raged, just waiting to be tapped.
But although she slowly became accustomed to their touch, she still wouldn’t talk. She deftly avoided all personal questions about herself which made Clay want to put her over his knee. The hard-on he had been sporting since laying eyes on her jumped to attention at that thought. Great! At this rate he would have to excuse himself to jerk off before he could sit at the table with her.
He had only known her for a few hours and he was ready to explode. He saw his brother’s strained features whenever he touched Jesse and he assumed the same tension showed on his own face. If they didn’t make this woman theirs soon, they may both just burst.
He no longer doubted that this was the woman he and
Rio had been waiting for. He couldn’t believe that she’d finally arrived, and couldn’t wait to start their lives together. But, the sadness and distance in her eyes had to be dealt with.
As soon as possible.
Chapter 3
When they pulled up to her sister’s house, Jesse could see the smoke and knew Jake had already started the grill.
As they walked in the door, Nat handed her a margarita.
“Jake never makes these for me anymore, but when I told him how much you love them, he made us a pitcher.”
Jesse took the glass from her sister and followed her to the kitchen. Sipping at her drink, she helped Nat with the dinner preparations.
Several minutes later, standing at the sink washing the vegetables for the salad, Jesse watched as Nat crossed the yard with a platter full of steaks. Clay said something to her as she handed the platter to her husband. Whatever she replied caused both Clay and
Rio to frown. They glanced at the window where Jesse stood, their eyes hot even at this distance.
Nat appeared fragile and delicate as she stood next to the three men. They all looked so big, especially Clay and
Rio who stood even taller than Jake. She’d found herself watching their hands while in the grocery store, imagining what they would feel like on her body. They’d both touched her and rubbed against her over and over and her nipples still actually ached with the need to be touched by those large hands. Their arms, well muscled probably from years spent working a ranch would hold a woman securely, making her feel safe and warm.
Now where had that come from?
Shaking off her fanciful thought, Jesse continued washing vegetables watching as Nat talked to the men. Jake shook his head in amusement at whatever she’d said, his love for Nat apparent in the look he gave her.
Apparently finished, Nat turned away from the men, jumping in surprise when a grinning Jake smacked her sharply on her ass. Nat turned, and with a hand on her hip stuck out her tongue at him. Jake said something to her, his expression stern as he pointed at her. Seemingly unfazed, Nat laughed and turned back toward the house.
Over dinner, and after two margaritas, Jesse started to relax and enjoy herself. As the meal progressed it got easier to let Clay and
Rio fuss over her as Jake fussed over Nat. Conversation flowed as they ate. Jesse was quiet as she watched and listened, noting how close they all appeared to be. The camaraderie showed clearly as they spoke of others who lived in Desire with fondness and laughter.
When they had