Free Monroe, Marla - The Hired Hands' Dilemma [The Men of Space Station One #3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Marla Monroe Page A

else. Well, he could address her questions. He could show her all the different positions, and would over time, but he wasn’t one to dissect the relationship between the three of them. Boyd would have to talk theory with her.
    They arrived back at the ranch house a little after four. He opened the door while Boyd carried Ashley inside. Then he went back for the books and Boyd’s purchases. One sack Boyd almost snatched from him. The other he had Keeton present to Ashley on the couch.
    “What is it?”
    “Open it and see,” Boyd told her.
    She pulled open the wrapping then oohed and aahed over the sketchbook and colored pencils he’d gotten for her.
    “Thanks, Boyd! I can’t wait to use them.” She hugged him.
    “Keeton, leave the books here on the table for me. I’ll be spending some time on the couch according to the doctor. I’ll read while I’m laid up.” Ashley seemed content.
    When the men both started out of the room, she panicked.
    “You’re both leaving? Where will you be?”
    “I’ve got to take the transport back next door,” Keeton told her.
    “I was going to fix us something to eat,” Boyd told her.
    “Can I sit in the kitchen with you then?” she asked.
    Boyd and Keeton exchanged looks and then shrugs.
    Keeton picked her up with a book in her hand and carried her to the kitchen and settled her in a chair. Then he kissed the top of her head and headed for the transport. He needed out for a few minutes. She was edgy and it was affecting him. He needed to be at the top of his game around her right now. She was obviously needy and still scared.
    When he dropped the transport off and was picking up his horse, Danny and Andrew walked out to find out how Ashley was doing.”
    “She’s doing well. She’s nervous about being home, though. I’m sure she’s scared of that thing coming back, or more like it.”
    “We’ve been watching for them around here but haven’t seen any.”
    “I’ve been thinking about it. They were in the dark in the cellar. Maybe they hunt at night and that one just got hungry and wasn’t going to wait around for dark,” Keeton suggested.
    “I guess that is a possibility. I hadn’t thought about that,” Danny said. “Maybe we need to go out at night again a few nights with flashlights and see what we come up with.”
    “I’ll come with you when you get ready.”
    “You need to stick with your woman until she’s well. You haven’t even had time to have a honeymoon period.”
    “Yeah, but calving season is starting up and you’re going to need the help riding the fences. Let me know when you’re going out and I’ll go with you.”
    “Sure,” Danny said, with an odd expression on his face. “Um, are you not getting along with her?”
    “We’re doing fine. I need to get back over there now. I’ll talk to you later.” Keeton saddled his horse and swung up in the saddle to head home.
    He tipped his hat at Danny and took off at a trot, stopping only to open and close the gate. He needed to get back to Ashley and make sure she was okay. He didn’t like her being afraid inside her home. She should feel safe there if nowhere else.
    Keeton hurried home and took care of the horse before walking back inside the house through the back door. He found Ashley reading at the table and Boyd cooking chili on the stove.
    “It will be ready in another thirty minutes. It needs to simmer some.” Boyd stirred the concoction in the pot that Keeton hoped would be edible.
    “Don’t worry, I followed Ashley’s instructions. It should be just fine.” Boyd gave Keeton a pained look.
    “Hey, don’t give me that look. Who nearly burned down the bunkhouse, not once, but twice?” Keeton asked.
    “Now, boys, don’t fight.” Ashley was grinning.
    Keeton glanced at what book she was reading and was relieved that she was reading a gardening book. He wasn’t sure he was up to her discussing sex and ménage over dinner. Vegetables were fine with him. He could handle the