Free Firecracker by Desiree Holt Page A

out.
    “Neither does Dani. We’re all adults here. If she’s into it, and we are, no strings
     attached, I think it would be a fine night for all of us. And maybe something we can
     repeat now and then.”
    “As long as it doesn’t get too heavy, right?”
    “We can test the waters at dinner, get a feel for things.”
    “I don’t think she’d complicate a situation.” Brody rubbed his jaw. “She’s a smart
     cookie. Maybe, like us, all she wants is some smokin’ hot sex with some good friends
     she can trust.”
    “And if she wants more?”
    Brody shrugged. “Who’s to say we wouldn’t want more, too?”
    “Then I say let’s see what happens when she’s done here.” Chad smiled to himself as
     anticipation curled through him. He’d love to be in bed with a firecracker. “If she
     shuts us down, we’ll keep on being friends.” He paused. “But I hope something’s simmering
     under the surface.”
    “It sure would be nice, though,” Brody drawled, “to find someone we could settle into
     a situation with. Know what I mean?”
    “I do. We’ve discussed the possibility. We both know all the drawbacks. And finding
     the right person to fit into this?” He shook his head. “Damn near impossible.”
    “Yeah, but one can still hope.” Brody sighed then nudged him. “Here’s the last competitor.
     Let’s see how she does.”
    “Damn. It’s the champ. Be nice if Firecracker’s time held up.”
    The men turned back to the ring as the final contestant was announced. The woman had
     taken top honors more times than they could count, but Firecracker had beaten her
     out a few times recently. They watched intently as she completed the cloverleaf pattern
     around the barrels then focused on the scoreboard, along with the rest of the audience.
    “Holy shit,” Chad breathed as the lights blinked.
    “Amen to that.” Brody stared at the numbers. The board showed the contestant’s time
     as fifteen seconds. “Firecracker just beat the champ.”
    “Hot damn.”
    “Ladies and gentlemen.” The announcer’s voice boomed out over the arena. “Today’s
     winner and Golden Spur Rodeo barrel racing rodeo champ is Dani DeLuca. Dani, come
     on out for your victory ride. Folks, let’s hear it for Firecracker.”
    “Here she comes.” Chad elbowed his friend.
    In celebration of the Fourth of July, laser lights in red, white, and blue danced
     over the arena and from the sound system came the familiar strains of “God Bless America.”
     Chad watched the entrance to the ring, and in moments, here she came, Firecracker
     herself, standing in her stirrups as she rode around the ring. Her mouth was curved
     in a wide grin, and she pumped one fist in victory. Then she pulled her mount to a
     halt right in the center and waited for one of the judges to walk out, shake her hand,
     and present her with her award.
    “Let’s have a hand for this year’s Golden Spur barrel racing champ,” the announcer
     boomed. “Dani DeLuca. Firecracker, herself.”
    The applause was thunderous as she circled the ring one last time then rode out of
     the arena. Chad and Brody clapped hard and emitted raucous whistles.
    Chad smiled. “Seems fitting Firecracker should win on the Fourth of July, don’t you
     think?”
    “I do,” Brody acknowledged. “Think she might be interested in us taking her out for
     a celebration?”
    “Now that’s the best idea you’ve had in a while.” Chad stared into the arena. “I’ll
     bet that name Firecracker really suits her, and not for just her red hair.”
    Chad raised most of the bulls Brody rode on the rodeo circuit, and the men had become
     good friends. They shared a passion for the sport. One other thing they’d discovered
     they shared a passion for was sharing women. Both had a lot of experience as partners
     in a ménage and by now were used to each other’s needs and signals. They had enjoyed
     many pleasurable evenings on the circuit and always made sure the women