* * * *
The first two days on the ranch and Stacy was learning a lot about the hard work and responsibilities. She finished cleaning up from lunch and had prepared dinner already. The chicken, tomatoes, and peas would have to cook in the oven for a bit, but she had plenty of time.
She walked down the porch steps and over toward the horse-training stables. Charlie was walking a very large brown mare toward the training circle.
“Howdy,” he stated toward her, and she smiled and waved. She loved the Texas accents and the way the cowboys spoke. They were always gentlemen in front of her, too. It was nice and a welcome compared to what she was used to.
“What are you doing?” she asked as she cautiously approached, being sure to keep her distance. The mare was beautiful but quite large, and she knew nothing about horses. Charlie looked at her suspiciously then patted the mare’s neck.
“This is Lucy. She’s just a little over a year. Would you like to pet her?” he asked, and she shook her head.
“Ya ever been near a horse, Stacy?” he asked.
“No. I’ve never seen a mare this close up before,” she confessed. He stood confidently by the mare and reached a hand out to her.
“Well she’s actually not a mare. You see a female horse under the age of three is referred to as a filly,” he informed her.
“Oh. That’s interesting.” She replied but was still hesitant.
“Take my hand. She won’t bite. Lucy’s a real sweetheart,” he offered, and then they heard Eric’s voice.
“I was looking for you, Stacy. I wanted to see if you were up to taking a ride?” he asked.
Stacy unconsciously stepped backward toward the house as she shook her head.
“No…that’s okay, I was just admiring the color on this filly. Lucy is really beautiful and big,” she rambled on, and both Charlie and Eric smiled at her. Eric walked closer to her and wrapped his arm around her midsection from behind. He whispered into her hair and against her ear,
“Don’t be scared. Almost all of our horses are gentle as can be. Lucy is a gem.”
“I’ve never been this close to a horse, Eric. She’s so big,” Stacy stated.
Eric chuckled softly against her neck. The sensation warmed her belly and made her insides tighten. She found herself weakening in his embrace. He kissed her cheek and began walking her forward. She planted her feet and suddenly realized what he was doing. “Eric, let me do this myself,” she stated firmly, and he slowly released her. He walked forward toward Lucy and caressed the filly’s neck and hair. The way his long, thick fingers got lost between the butterscotch locks had her insides burning with sexual desire. He was so hot, and everything about him screamed sexuality and macho male. Damn, did she have it badly.
Slowly she moved closer. All the while, both Eric and Charlie were patient with her. She reached out and touched the neck. The feel of solid muscle and hard, textured hair hit her fingertips but when she reached the mane of hair it was soft and thick.
“Wow, she’s so muscular.” The horse made a noise, and Stacy jumped but remained touching it. The horse turned its head and exhaled, hitting Stacy with a hot breath.
Charlie and Eric chuckled.
“She likes you, Stacy,” Charlie stated as Stacy smiled then caressed the neck again.
“How about we take a ride? I have Lightning all saddled up.”
“Do I have to ride one myself? I’m not ready for that,” she stated, sounding terrified. Charlie laughed as he began to lead Lucy toward the training circle.
“Lightning is big enough for both of you, Stacy. Eric will take good care of you,” Charlie said then smiled as he walked further away.
“Come on, darling. It will be a lot of fun, I promise,” Eric stated as he took her hand and led her to the stables.
Once there, he helped her mount the very large and intimidating stallion. It was a magnificent horse with a shiny onyx coat and a fierce voice when it grunted and exhaled.
She sat alone on top of it, uncertain of where to hold the horse until Eric placed her hands in position. He was over six feet tall, so Eric’s head was a little past the mount’s head. It was another indication of how large Eric and Max were in comparison to her. It also made her belly quiver and an excitement build inside of her. She was in love with Max and Eric.
“What’s that little gleam in your eye, woman?” Eric teased, and Stacy blushed then turned away. She nearly fell off of the horse.
“Whoa, honey. Be still. I’m just going to walk the two of you out further and then get on up there with ya, okay?” he stated, and she nodded her head. The horse moved, and sure enough, she felt her body rock slightly side to side. It was just as she expected.
“Oh hell, Stacy, your ass looks real good up in that saddle. I’m going to love sitting behind you and holding you tight.”
“Eric!” she exclaimed in embarrassment, hoping that the men who were not too far away from them hadn’t heard him.
“Let them hear, darling. They’ve admired your ass, too, and know you’re off limits,” he said, and she shook her head. She didn’t like thinking that the men looked at her that way. She was touched by the compliment but didn’t want such attention drawn to her.
As they approached a planting bed with a low concrete wall, Eric stood on it and jumped up behind her in the saddle. One hand went to the reigns and one wrapped around Stacy before they took off in a trot. Her ass wobbled back and forth, and the feel of Eric’s strong embrace and hard, muscled body against her made her panties wet. She tried to adjust her rear, which only caused Eric’s erection to press against her ass and lower back. She was completely turned on right now, and apparently so was Eric.
They continued to ride along the outskirts of the ranch, seeing some of the workers and waving as they traveled farther out. Eric talked about the work they did on the ranch, some plans for the land in the future, and how he felt about her The moment they were a distance from the ranch, he stopped Lightning and then turned her face so he could kiss her. Her chest pushed out from the awkward position, and Eric cupped her breasts as he continued to explore her mouth. When he finally released her, they were both panting for air and Eric was sliding down off the horse and taking her with him.
“What are you doing?” she asked as he swept her up into his arms and carried her toward a small patch of woods. She saw a thick blanket and a picnic basket discreetly covered amongst the trees. Her heart hammered in her chest as the realization of what he intended to do sank in.
He set her down right before the blanket and began to pull her shirt up over her head.
“I need you now, baby. You got me so turned on right now I think lunch can wait. All I want is to sink my teeth into is you,” he stated then began kissing her lips, her neck, and then her shoulder. She felt the fire within herself as well as she reached for his belt buckle and began to rid him of his clothing. He was grabbing at the material of her pants as he lowered her to the blanket.
“Oh god, Eric, is it safe? No one can see us?” she asked as her heart raced. She had never done anything so brazen in her life. But with Max and Eric, it came so naturally.
“No one will come this way. I promise it’s private and we’re camouflaged in the trees,” he stated in between kissing her neck then pushing her bra aside to latch on to a breast with his teeth. She moaned as she grabbed a hold of his shirt and shoved it from his shoulders. They fell to the blanket. Eric rolled until Stacy was seated above him, straddling his waist. He reached for her breasts, no longer protected by the bra but instead lit up by the afternoon sunlight glaring through the tree branches. “You’re so beautiful. Your breasts look amazing in this light. The way the sun kisses your nipples,” he whispered as he trailed his fingertips across the hardened nubbin before cupping them underneath. They flowed over his hands, and he smiled, looking like a child who reached in for a prize and got way more than he expected. She closed her eyes and absorbed the feel of his fingers, his hands, and the domineering hold.
“Lift your hips, baby. Let me in,” he demanded, thrusting his cock upward and making her raise onto her knees to take him inside of her. She ran her fingers and palms over his muscular abs then across his pectoral muscles.
“I love all these muscles,” she stated then licked her lips. He grabbed hold of her waist and lifted her up.
“Stop teasing me, baby,” he pouted, and she laughed. She never felt so in control and sexy in her life. Eric, whether he realized it or not, was giving her quite the gift. Allowing her control sexually and to entertain her own sexual dominance was a lot to give. Especially so, coming from such a domineering man, and she knew Max on the other hand would never allow it.
She lifted as she leaned down and touched her tongue to his lower lip. She laid her pussy right over the tip of his cock. She could feel the thick mushroom top, and she wanted it just as bad as Eric wanted to be inside of her. She poked her tongue out and licked his lips again, pulling his lower lip between her teeth and teasing him. Then she lowered her pussy, taking only the tip of his hard cock slightly inside of her. She could have sworn she felt Eric shaking with need beneath her.
“Stacy!” He ground his teeth, and she hid her smile while she took more of his cock into her needy pussy. Her insides trembled with need. She wanted him so badly she felt as if her body temperature rose. The feel of his hands gripping tight into her hip bones drove her need for more as she lowered farther.
“Fucking beautiful,” he stated as she threw back her head, causing her hair to bounce to the left as she began her rhythm. A pinch to her nipples, first one then the other, she pressed harder. She wanted to feel him as deep as she could get him, so she lifted then lowered faster and faster. Her breasts bounced, Eric widened his legs, and she gasped as his cock felt as if it hit her womb.
Yes! Oh Lord, yes!
“Oh yeah, Stacy, just like that,” he stated, but she could hardly hear his words from the deep echo in her ears as all her blood felt as if it bubbled through her veins. She thrust her hips harder and rode her man, just like the motion her hips went in while she was in the saddle. Her body began to perspire, and one look into Eric’s dark, sexy eyes and she began to explode around him. He thrust up, meeting her final thrusts as she slowed her pace and attempted to take in fuller breaths. Eric took that moment to roll her to her back, lift her thighs up over his shoulders, and shove his cock to the hilt. She opened her mouth to scream, yet nothing came out as Eric continued. He was on his knees, causing her ass to lift up off the blanket, causing only her shoulder blades, neck, and head to remain on the blanket. Her body tightened up again. Judging from the distorted look on Eric’s face, she got the feeling that he was trying to find his release just as she had, and she cheered him on.
“Your cock is so big and so hard, Eric. I can’t take it,” she whispered.
The palm of his hand covered her belly as he continued his thrusts into her. The moment his fingers touched her pussy lips, she exploded like a rocket. Eric followed suit, grabbing her hips and flexing his repeatedly as he exploded inside of her. His hot semen traveled through her core, and slowly he pulled her legs from his shoulders and gently lay them down as he leaned forward to kiss her. His cock moved within her, and they both moaned then hugged each other.
* * * *
“Whoowee, woman, what is that fantastic smell?” Ben asked as he headed into the kitchen for dinner. The last week had been fun, trying to get to know what each man’s likes and dislikes were when it came to food. So far they had been pleased, and even the extra hands had joined in just about every night. Feeding fifteen hungry cowboys was hard work. Getting to know each of the men was a lot of fun. She was stirring the pot as she spoke with Anna. It was one of their weekly calls. Lately she had been sounding kind of funny, and Stacy couldn’t put her finger on it. She asked Anna what was wrong, but Anna kept bringing the conversation back to Stacy, Eric, and Max. That’s when she tried to talk Anna into coming out to see her. Of course, Anna declined. She was working double shifts at the restaurant, and her dad wasn’t able to help out. Stacy sighed as she tried to be positive. She would ask Anna to visit every time she had the chance. She quickly said good-bye and hung up the phone.
Stacy smiled as Charlie, Ben, and Eric walked inside next. Wyatt and Max were on their way. They only had time to grab a quick bite then get back to work. They were doing double shifts in preparation for Fourth of July celebrations and the fair. Apparently people visited from nearby towns and other areas to enter the contests and enjoy the rides and firework displays.
“I think you mean the barbecue chicken,” Stacy offered as she stirred the pot of stew that had been cooking since early this morning.
“No, I don’t think so. It smells spicy and also sweet,” Ben stated as he came up behind her and sniffed. She was starting to get used to his flirty ways. He was harmless. She knew that, but it still drove Eric and Max crazy.
“You get any closer to my woman and I’ll shoot you myself,” Eric stated, and Stacy laughed. Immediately Ben raised his hands palms up and stepped back as Eric swooped in and kissed Stacy right on the lips. He held her around the waist as he continued to kiss her then pulled away and sniffed.
“Damn, what is that smell?” he added then began to uncover pots and pans on the stove. As soon as he opened the lid to the chili, he closed his eyes and inhaled.
He looked toward the others, and Stacy laughed. “Sit down and I’ll get a few bowls. I wanted it to cook for another twenty minutes or so, but I did want you guys to taste it and let me know what you think,” Stacy said as she grabbed bowls from the cabinets. She had made a few batches, each tasting better than the last, or at least that’s what the men told her. She hoped that they were being honest with her.
The men finished setting the food platters on the table then waited patiently for the chili. After Stacy served up a small bit in each bowl, the men dug in. The compliments flowed as they carried on about how delicious it was.
“You are going to kick Betsie’s ass with that there chili, honey!” Ben exclaimed then took another mouthful.
The others added similar compliments, and Stacy smiled. The men had filled her in on the competition. Ben had also told Stacy about Betsie’s flirty ways and how she wanted to land a Cantrell. Eric and Max’s cousins had become her allies in no time. They made her feel like family, and it felt really good.
“Are you sure you like it and it tastes good?” she asked.
Just then, Max and Wyatt entered the kitchen in full uniforms. Damn, the sight of him in his uniform drove her wild with desire. Just last night, when he finally returned back at the house from work, he wouldn’t let her drive home. He and Eric insisted that she stay, and before long, they had her naked and spread on Max’s bed upstairs.
“It smells so good in here, we’re starving!” Wyatt exclaimed as he set his hat on the rack by the side door. Max did the same. They washed up as Stacy grabbed two extra settings and the men made room around the large table. Max then came over and gave her a kiss then took a seat next to her where Ben made some room.
“You made this, doll?” Wyatt asked after swallowing a forkful of chili. She nodded, and he smiled wide.
“Well, I’ll be damned. I think there’s going to be actual competition at the chili cook-off this year,” Wyatt stated as he took another taste.
“How about them pies you were working on this afternoon? Need some taste testers for those?” Charlie asked.
“As soon as we’re finished with supper, I can get a slice or two for you. I made apple pie and peach pie.”
The men moaned then leaned back in their chairs.
“You better treat this woman right or we’ll disown you from the family,” Ben added, and everyone laughed. Stacy lowered her eyes and avoided eye contact with Max and Eric. Ben seemed to pick up on it as well as he changed the subject.
“Have you gotten any further suspects in those robberies happening around the outskirts of town?’ Ben asked Max and Wyatt. To Stacy, both men looked angry and worried.
“Not yet. But we just had another one, during the day this time,” Wyatt stated then looked from Max to Eric then at Stacy.
“Where?” she asked, and everyone got awfully quiet. She had a funny feeling inside. What were they hiding from her?
“Max, what’s going on?” she asked and noticed that everyone but her at the table seemed to be aware of the secret.
“Over by Marie’s farm and your cottage,” Max stated as he held her gaze then stood up and walked toward the window. She could tell he was upset.
“Oh my God, did they take something from Marie’s place? Is Marie okay?” Stacy asked. She hadn’t been by there for the last two days. The men had insisted she stay with them. Was this the reason why? Did they not want to tell her about the robbery?
Stacy stood up. “Why didn’t you tell me? What did they take?” she demanded to know as she pulled the dish towel from the counter and ran it through her hands. It gave her something to hold on to. She felt her hands begin to shake.
“Just some tools from Marie’s, and they broke into your cottage,” Wyatt told her then looked at Eric.
“They broke into my cottage?” she asked.
“We’ll talk about it later,” Max stated firmly.
Stacy was getting upset. She could feel her stomach begin to ache and her head instantly throb. Immediately she thought about Barry. Could this be some kind of game?
“No, we’ll talk about it now, Max!” she yelled, and when he raised his eyebrows at her and gave her a look that she had never seen before, she froze. He looked so damn authoritative and in charge it pissed her off and turned her on at the same damn time. He wasn’t going to run her life. She had every right to know.
“Later, Stacy. When I get off work, we’ll discuss it together with Eric. We’re working extra hours in preparation for the fair.”
Her blood felt like it was beginning to boil. How dare he dismiss her? It was her damn place, and she had the right to know what was taken.
“It is my cottage, and my things that are there. I have a right to know,” she told him then looked around at the others. Eric looked just as pissed off as Max and both Charlie and Ben just sort of stared at Max. She got the feeling that they were on her side in this.
Max pointed at her. “Now is not the time to discuss this. We’re doing an investigation and we will let you know the details later.”
She threw the dish towel onto the floor and began to stomp out of the room.
“I’m leaving,” she stated.
“What about the chili?” Ben asked with a smile, obviously trying to break the tension in the air.
“Cover it and put it in the refrigerator. It can be your next three meals for tomorrow,” she said then walked out of the kitchen through the living room and toward the front door.
As she walked out the front door, she saw a large shadow to her right and immediately took a fighting stance. Fists fired and ready, she waited on the first strike.
“I pissed you off that much that you want to hit me?” Max asked then took another step toward her and into the light that illuminated the front entranceway.
She let down her hands and began to walk toward the first step when Max grabbed her by her arm and pulled her against his chest.
He held her wrists with one hand behind her back, and he used his other hand to cup the back of her neck and hair.
“You’ve got one hell of a temper on you. I ought to throw you over my knee and spank that pretty little ass of yours for talking to me like that.”
“Let go of me, Max. I’ve got nothing to say to you.”
“You just had a hell of a lot to say to me back there in front of the men,” he replied.
“You have no right to keep information from me. I should have been informed immediately if a crime was committed at my cottage. Then, to top it off, it seemed like everyone else knew about this before me. You will not run my life, Max Cantrell. Nor will your brother Eric.”
“Hey, don’t throw me into this fight. I thought he was going to tell you at dinner,” Eric stated, appearing from the side of the porch. He approached and took position behind Stacy. She immediately felt his warm body press against her back. His hands slid over her ass cheeks and squeezed.
“I think you’re pretty damn lucky that Max has to go back to work tonight, honey. When he says he’s going to give a spanking, he means it, and you deserve one.”
“What? Are you crazy, too? I do not deserve a spanking,” she stated firmly then jumped when she felt Eric give her ass cheek a pinch.
“Ouch!” she exclaimed then tried to break loose.
“You see, that’s where your wrong, honey. We aren’t trying to run your life. We’re trying to keep you safe. You belong to us now, honey. We take care of what is ours, and when necessary, punishment is inevitable,” Max told her then kissed her lips before she could react to his words. In a matter of seconds, she became putty in their hands. Max reluctantly released her a few minutes later when they heard the sound of trucks starting and saw the headlights illuminate nearby.
He cupped her cheeks between his hands. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
Before she could try and ask him some questions, he kissed her lips then walked away and Eric pulled her back against him.
“Come here, Stacy. It’s a beautiful night out, let’s sit for a while,” Eric whispered above her head then took her hand and led her to the large, cushioned, swinging bench.
They sat for a while, and Stacy couldn’t help but wonder why the men wouldn’t tell her what had happened. Was it that bad?