Forever Eva [Sequel to When Kat's Away] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (13 page)

* * * *

Tony leaned back on the couch and studied Eva. She’d settled on the floor, between the two men’s feet, her legs crossed with her pizza on a plate in her lap. Her gaze stayed glued to the screen watching the actors trying to reach New York in the midst of a killer ice storm. Her long, slender neck rose up from the T-shirt she wore, graceful, delicate, and feminine. Her complexion was peaches and cream with just a hint of freckles decorating her cheekbones. He could see the dimple in her right cheek every time she smiled. His fingers itched to trail through the reddish-gold hair hanging in waves down her back. He could feel his jeans getting tighter just watching her in the muted glow of the television.

He’d not been able to find anything on her to disprove her story, but he hadn’t really found anything to make him believe her either. Her fingerprints weren’t in the system anywhere, and the search he’d done on her name had come up blank. He’d had to keep his search discreet and hadn’t found a trace of her anywhere in the States.

He really did wanna believe her, believe fate had brought her to him. He glanced over at Zach and sighed. Fate had apparently brought her to both of them. He’d never considered sharing a woman with another man, and he wasn’t sure how he really felt about it, but he was pretty sure he’d have to make a decision about sharing her soon. There was something about her wholesomeness, and her naïveté, that made him think she just might be telling the truth. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. Tomorrow, he’d have her all to himself, and he was determined to get to know her better.

Eva placed her hand on Tony’s knee and shook his leg. “Hey, are you sleeping?”

He jumped, his skin almost burning from her innocent touch. “Of course not. I’m watching the movie.”

Zach laughed. “Busted!”

“Huh?”

Eva laughed. “Sorry, but the movie’s over. You must really be exhausted.”

Tony stood up, dislodging Eva’s hand from his knee. “Yeah, I guess I am a little tired. I suggest you get a good night’s sleep as well, Eva. I promise you’re gonna have a full day tomorrow.”

She groaned and pushed up from the floor. “Now, how am I supposed to sleep? I’m gonna be awake all night worrying about tomorrow.”

Tony took a deep breath and pulled her slowly into his arms, hugging her loosely. It was a new feeling for him since he’d not willingly embraced her before. “Don’t worry, sunshine. Just get some sleep, and I promise you’ll have a wonderful time tomorrow.”

She’d stiffened when he pulled her into his arms and then relaxed against his chest. “Okay, I’m gonna go up and soak in that wonderful tub of yours before I turn in.” She reached up on tiptoes and kissed Tony’s cheek, turning quickly to give Zach the same treatment. “Good night, guys. Hope you sleep well.”

Tony watched as she hurried up the stairs. No one said a word until they heard the sound of the bedroom door close.

Zach picked up the empty pizza box. “So, where are you taking her tomorrow?”

“Andrew Matthews works with me on the force. His family has a small place outside of town, and they have horses suitable for riding. He said he’d saddle me a couple of gentle rides and have them ready in the morning.” Tony shrugged. “I thought I’d give her a little taste of home with some horseback riding.”

“A taste of home, huh? Does that mean you’ve finally decided to believe she came here from the past?”

Tony barked out a nervous laugh. “Let’s just say I’m beginning to be open to possibilities. I haven’t found any traces of here in the States. And, my father always told me when logic doesn’t give you the answers you seek, it’s time to start looking at the illogical.” He snorted. “And as far as I’m concerned, you can’t get more illogical than time travel.”

“I thought I’d stop by the courthouse on my lunch hour tomorrow and see how the search is going for those records.”

“Do you really think you’re gonna find anything?”

“Who knows? But I can tell you this. I’m getting to the point where I don’t care what the records say. I wanna be with Eva no matter what.”

Tony frowned and took a step toward Zach. “What do you mean, no matter what?”

“I mean, I’d want to be with Eva even if she went back to 1899. If fate sends her home, then I’ll do everything in my power to go with her.”

Tony cleared his throat and lowered his gaze. “Have you and she—you know.”

Zach shook his head. “No, but we came close today. We pulled back before we went too far.” He studied Tony for a moment. “I may be wrong, but I think she’s waiting to see if you accept her. You have to know she’s angling for the three of us to be together, like her family back home.”

“I’m not sure I can do that, Zach. I guess I’m a little old-fashioned. I’ve never been in a threesome.” He paused for a moment. “Have you?”

“No, not a threesome, but there’s something you should probably know about me.”

Tony cocked his head, his brow wrinkled. “What?”

“I’m bisexual.”

Tony blinked twice. “Excuse me?”

Zach laughed. “You heard me. I’m bisexual.”

Tony took a step back and swallowed hard. “Let’s be really clear on what you’re saying.”

Zach sighed. “It means that I don’t believe there should be rules regarding who you love. I’ve had relationships with women and men equally, just never one of each at the same time.”

“You’ve had sex with a man.”

“A couple of them, actually. They weren’t serious relationships, but they were enjoyable.”

Tony dropped into a chair and felt the muscles in his stomach tighten. “I don’t know what to say. I guess you know that I’m not gay.”

Zach sighed again and sat down on the couch. “I don’t label people like that. I think feelings have to come first, and then sex can enter the picture. If you’ve got feelings of love or desire for someone, it shouldn’t matter what sex they are.” He paused for a moment and then leaned forward. “I think you should know that I’ve been attracted to you for some time. It doesn’t mean I’d ever do anything about it, unless you gave me some indication that you’d be receptive to it. I just think you should know how I feel before we progress in our relationship with Eva. We already know that nothing is gonna shock her with her family background.” He stood and moved toward the stairs. “Don’t worry, Tony. I’m not gonna suddenly jump on you. I just want you to think about getting to know Eva better.”

Tony watched Zach climb the stairs.
What am I gonna do now?

Eva sank down into the warm water and groaned.
Tony was so different tonight.
“Maybe he’s finally coming around,” she whispered. She reached out and flipped the switch to turn on the swirling water and grinned. “Mama, I can’t believe you didn’t try harder to get back here and just bring Papa Beau and Papa Zeke with you.” She sunk down, letting the water swirl over her breasts, and thought back to the time she spent with Zach on the swing. She could almost feel his hands on her flesh. Slowly, she raised her hand and let her fingers slide over the rigid nipple.

She let out her breath with a moan as she used her thumbs to rub back and forth across the aching tips. Fiery sensations whipped through her as her fingers played across her pebbled nipples. Closing her eyes, she ran her hands down over her belly, her legs trembling when she encountered the wet, silky hair between her thighs. Gently, she pushed two fingers inside her woman’s place and squeezed her thighs together, trapping her hand inside.

A harsh groan escaped her lips as she let her legs fall open. She’d learned how to bring herself pleasure when she was still a young girl. Her mama had encouraged it, telling her that she’d never be happy in an intimate relationship unless she could show a man how to please her. Filling her thoughts with erotic images of Zach and Tony, she found her clit and rubbed the slick flesh in tiny circles. Her nerves screamed with pleasure as her body strained toward a peak. Her legs stiffened and then shuddered when she pinched her clit between her fingers and tugged. “Oh, yes,” she cried out as a kaleidoscope of colors swirled behind her eyes. Breathing raggedly, she slowly relaxed, letting the force of her climax race thorough her body.

When her breathing finally slowed, she quickly washed her sated body, turned off the Jacuzzi, and opened the drain on the tub. She glanced in the mirror as she dried off, her face a flaming red. “I hope nobody heard me.” Sighing, she hung up her towel and then climbed onto the large bed, pulling the covers up to her neck. It made her feel naughty to lie naked between the cool cotton sheets. “If I could just get Tony to have feelings for me like Zach does, I’d be happy to stay here forever.”

* * * *

Eva looked around as Tony drove the truck into the circular drive in front of a small white house. She could see the wooden fences of a corral and the dust puffing under the horse’s hooves as they circled the enclosure.

He pulled the truck over and turned off the engine. “Surprise! We’re going riding today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I thought it might make you feel more at home.”

Eva squealed and threw her arms around his neck. She paused for only a moment and then pressed her lips to his. It only took a second for Tony to take over the kiss, turning it passionate. She stiffened when she heard a strange male voice.

“None of that, now. You’ll scare the horses.”

She pulled back and looked out the window. A tall, broad-shouldered man dressed as a cowboy walked slowly across the yard with a small dog yipping at his feet, his cowboy hat pulled so low she couldn’t see his eyes.

“That’s Andrew Matthews,” Tony said. “We work together on the force.” He gestured out the window. “This belongs to his family.” He opened his door and motioned for her to get out. “Come on. I want you to meet him.”

Eva jumped out of the truck and joined Tony where he leaned against the front, letting her fingers twine with his. The smell of manure and dust pierced her very soul, and a sudden longing for her family left her breathless.

Andrew stopped in front of Tony and held out his hand. “Glad you and your lady could make it.”

Tony shook his hand. “Thank you for letting us come out and borrow a couple of your horses.” He turned to smile at Eva. “Sunshine, this is my good friend Andrew Matthews.” He turned back to Andrew. “And this is my special lady, Eva Bennington-Martinson.”

Andrew held out his hand and smiled when Eva placed her hand in his. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. Please feel free to treat my home like your own while you’re here.” He motioned toward the corral. “Come on over and take a look at the two horses I picked out for you today.”

Eva tuned out the men’s conversation as she stifled a yawn and rested her chin against the smooth top rail of the corral. She hadn’t slept much the night before, unable to stop wondering about Tony’s surprise. In the corral were two beautiful horses. One was golden brown, and the other midnight black with white around each foot.

Andrew moved closer. “They’re both geldings and pretty tame. They’re suitable for beginner or more advanced riders. The brown’s name is Wanderer, and the other is White Sox.” He turned to look at Eva. “Do you ride?”

“Oh, yes. I definitely ride.” White Sox snickered softly and made his way over to the fence. He gave a low whicker, tossed his head, and stepped closer to Eva. “Good boy.” She rubbed his silky muzzle. Wanderer trotted over, stretched out his neck, and nudged her in the chest with his head before trotting off.

Andrew laughed. “I guess White Sox has picked you for the ride today, ma’am. Hope that’s okay with you.”

She laughed as she felt the soft fuzz of White Sox’s lips nuzzling her hand. “That’s fine by me.” She wished she had a carrot or an apple to give to the delightful animal.

“Okay, then,” Andrew said. “Let’s get them saddled up for you two.” He turned to Tony. “Mom packed you a lunch and put it in the saddle bags, and Dad said to take your time today. He recommended heading toward the creek south of here. It has plenty of shade for a picnic, and I packed you a blanket so you have somewhere to sit.”

“Thanks, Andrew, and be sure and thank your folks for us.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

They saddled White Sox first. She watched as Andrew slung the saddle in place and immediately reached under his belly and grabbed the cinch strap, drawing it up and tightening it in place. She glanced over at Tony in time to see him pull his cinch tight and climb on Wanderer’s back. He looked so handsome in the saddle, so natural, like he was born to it.

“Do you need help mounting, Eva?” Andrew asked.

She grinned, put her foot in the stirrup, and vaulted onto the horse. Shifting in the saddle, she took a firm grip on the reins.

Andrew laughed. “Guess you really don’t need any help.” He took a step back. “You guys have a good time and be careful.” He turned his gaze to Tony. “Do you have your cell phone with you?”

“Sure.”

“We have full coverage over the ranch, so just give me a call if you run into any trouble.”

“Will do.” Tony grinned at Eva. “Are you ready?”

“Which way are we going?”

He pointed south toward an area where trees laden with leaves hemmed the clearing. “There’s a path through the woods that follows the creek.”