Free Mallory's Bears by Jane Jamison Page A

you need to grab some grub first, they’re waiting in the barn.”
    “Grab some grub? Wow, you’re really getting into this whole cowboy thing, aren’t you?”
    “When the cowboys look like they do, then I say, yippee ki oh ki yay.”
    She laughed and tried to ignore the growing ache between her legs. She wasn’t sure why they’d invited Kid along, but that didn’t matter. She’d find a way to get alone with them again.
    “That’s a good idea. I could use a ride.”
    She led the way down the hallway to the staircase. Kid lumbered behind her, worried that he’d break a horse’s back with his weight.
    “Once we’ve done the trail thing, don’t you think we’ve seen enough? These guys are responsible, caring cattle ranchers. Or are we staying because you want more time with them?”
    If she told the truth, she’d have no real excuse, other than her libido, to stay. “I think we need a little longer to be sure. And if, in fact, they don’t know what Lawson’s doing, it’s time they found out. I want to be here when they do.”
    “Uh-huh. I’m sure the Lawson thing is your big reason.”
    She whirled on him, ready to argue, but he stuck up one of his huge hands to cover her face. She yanked his big paw away.
    “Okay, okay. I believe you. That’s your reason.”
    A few minutes later, she was racing him to the barn. She was quicker and got there first.
    Damn, but they’re so hot.
    Like a television ad for a new Western show, the men made her think of long, leisurely rides and cozy nights cuddled together in sleeping bags. Her body tensed in all the right places and her mouth went dry. Two other horses were saddled and ready with their reins wrapped around the top railing of a stall.
    It wasn’t until she’d laid eyes on them and the tantalizing current hit her dead center, harder than ever, that she wondered. Had she ruined any chance of them having a longer, meaningful relationship? Her body craved theirs, but more stunning was the realization that she yearned for them in an emotional way as well.
    What would it be like to stay with them for the rest of her life? What would it be like to have their children? When had she started thinking in terms of a relationship? And yet, she couldn’t dismiss the possibility, the hope that whatever was happening between could turn into something wonderful.
    “Morning, sleepyhead.” Rick, dressed in his usual style of worn jeans, scuffed boots, and a black T-shirt, ran a palm over a large black horse. “We wondered if you were going to sleep until noon.”
    She hadn’t expected a huge greeting, but she’d hoped for more than a “mornin’” and an admonishment about sleeping in. They were acting like nothing had gone on between them last night.
    Gunner gave her a wink and yanked on the saddle cinch of his horse. “We thought you’d like to get a closer look at the livestock.” He shot her a bemused look. “As long as you don’t bring any paint. We like our cattle in their natural color.”
    She loved his sense of humor, even when it was directed at her.
    “But first, we’d like you to meet someone.”
    She followed the men with Kid at her heels as they strolled down the middle of the barn and came to the last stall. A beautiful chestnut-colored horse scraped her hoof over the ground, demanding their attention, then shook her mane and moved toward the railing to lay her muzzle on Rick’s palm. The excitement of visitors sent the mare’s colt prancing and whipping his tail in a frenzy of circular movement.
    “This is Rocket.”
    “Oh, my God, he’s so cute.”
    “We figured you’d think so. Come on inside. Don’t make any quick movements, though. He’s like any other youngster. Skittish and ready to kick.” Gunner opened the gate as Rick kept the mother horse occupied.
    Copying the way he entered the stall, slowly, with her attention focused on the horse and her colt, she got as close to the baby as she could. She lifted her hand, then waited for