Free Intimate Illusions [The Callens 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Melody Snow Monroe Page A

ranch for dinner?” They both jumped up at one time.
    Max stepped forward. “How about we all go?”
    “I’ll drive,” Ian said.
    “Best if we took two cars.”
    She understood that once dinner was over, Max would want to disappear and do whatever he did in his office. Ian shrugged.
    Since Max had offered first, she chose to drive with him.
    As soon as she closed the truck door, Ian came over to her window. “You don’t like me anymore, sugar?”
    She laughed at his strong drawl. “I like you just fine.”
    “I’ve got a better truck.”
    She knew his truck and better clothes meant a lot to him. “I’m not so much into the exterior trappings, as I am into the man.”
    “You’re telling me you like Max better?”
    Where had he gotten that idea? “No, but he’s a safer driver.”
    From the broad smile on his face, it was the answer he wanted to hear. “You got that right. See you at Mom’s.”
    He swaggered away from the truck. Max jumped in the front seat and started the engine. “Let’s go get some food.”
    The ranch was bustling with activity. Not only were the models there, but the number of crew members seemed to be swelling. The closer they got to the show, the busier things would get. These first few days were always great. Once she did her fittings, she was more or less free to do as she chose. After everyone got fitted, the seamstresses had their work cut out for them. The models had to try on their dresses then stand there while the designers and their helpers picked out shoes and accessories. The number of times the outfits changed boggled the mind.
    Devonne absorbed the sights and sounds. She couldn’t believe this would be the last time she’d take part in something like this. Half of her was sad she’d be leaving this life behind, but the other half knew it was time to move on. The big question is where did she want to end up?
    “Aren’t you eating?” Max’s brows were pinched tight.
    Whoops . She’d been standing there woolgathering. “I was waiting for you.”
    He smiled. “Let’s chow.”
    He and Ian loaded up on food and motioned the three of them sit by themselves. She didn’t mind, but she felt a bit sorry for the other girls who had to watch her be with two hunky men.
    They were mostly done with their meal when three strapping cowboys approached with plates of food. While this tent was designated for the models, she bet none of the girls would complain if these men joined them.
    “Got room for us?” the tallest of the three asked.
    Ian scooted over. “Join us.”
    He introduced her to the men. All three worked on this Callen ranch and, if she had to guess, were in their late twenties. Their skin was a bit worn from all the sun exposure, but otherwise, their bodies were fit.
    “What brings you here?” Ian asked.
    The tall one motioned to the man with the beard. “Rory’s been talking smack about his truck being faster than yours.”
    Ian dropped his head back and laughed. “You’re kidding, right?”
    Rory shoveled a big pile of potatoes in his mouth. As soon as he swallowed he answered. “I’ve been working on my engine. Thought you might like to race.”
    Ian slapped the table, acting like a big man. “You’re on. When?”
    “How about as soon as we finish eating?”
    Ian’s eyes lit up like this was something he lived for. He looked to the tall man. “You willing to be referee?”
    He patted his top pocket. “Got my camera phone right here. I’ll take a picture to prove the winner.”
    The men talked about the length of the course and the rules. As soon as they finished, all but Max left.
    She turned to him. “What was that about?”
    “Ian proving he’s good at something.”
    “Why?”
    He shrugged. “He’s always been that way. He wasn’t the best in school, and I think that always bothered him. He has much better people skills than I do, but he doesn’t see himself as being good at anything. I wish he’d just accept the fact that he and I are