Since they’re curious about us, I hope they don’t mind us returning the favor. I can think of a few million questions I’d like to ask, but I plan to get a lot of answers just by keeping my eyes and ears open.
Neither Alex nor I was thinking beyond when we’d get Zoe in bed again. Would we go on solo dates, trading off like we have been with her security? Or only go out — and to bed — together?
We never actually said, “This is temporary; it can’t last.” Because of course it couldn’t, so why would we need to spell that out? It makes me feel behind the times, that a permanent arrangement never even entered my mind.
Now … I can’t wait to see what the situation really is with the other trio we’ll meet tonight.
The security threat with Zoe’s father is close to being wrapped up, but we’re not out of the woods yet. I asked for, and received, permission to send an advance team out to the brothers’ ranch, and our guys informed me that they have top-notch security. So everything’s in place, and all Alex and I have to do is act as guests.
We pull up in front of Zoe’s apartment. Jeff, who’s been keeping an eye on things, meets us at the door. “All clear; she’s almost ready.”
“Thanks, Jeff.” We go in, and a moment later Zoe comes out from the bathroom. She’s wearing black jeans and a soft, shimmery top that drapes her form like it was made for her. Gold strappy sandals, since it’s a warm night, and she’s putting in little gold hoop earrings. The whole effect is subtle but classy.
She doesn’t quite meet our eyes, and I realize she’s nervous. I raise an eyebrow at Alex, and he raises one shoulder a hair. “You look nice,” I tell Zoe.
“Thanks.” She smiles, but it’s not her usual smile and it doesn’t reach her eyes. Why is she so uncomfortable about this? I thought this Megan woman was her best friend or something.
Concern for her overrides my intense desire to see what’s up at the Easton ranch. “Zoe.” I take a step toward her. “You don’t have to do this.”
She freezes, her eyes big, her hands still poised at one ear. “He’s right,” Alex agrees. “Say the word and we’ll call it off.”
Slowly, the tension drains from her body and a real smile transforms her face. “Thank you. I didn’t even realize until you said that how railroaded I felt into doing this. I love Megan, but I’ve got too many things in my life right now that are out of my control.”
Crossing to Alex, she puts a hand on his chest, goes up on her toes a little, and kisses his cheek, then comes and does the same with me. “Seriously. Thank you.”
I have the ridiculous urge to pull her against me and just hold her for a moment. I’ve missed her touch ... as if we’d been lovers for years. Crazy.
Then I sift through her words and swallow my disappointment. “It’s all right,” I tell her. “I’ll call them now.”
Zoe covers my hand with hers before I can make the call. “No, we can go.” She smiles again. “Now that I’ve been given a choice, I don’t mind. You know?”
“Yeah.” I smile back and offer her my arm, trying not to think about why I’m so relieved we’re not canceling. “Shall we?”
Alex does the same on her other side, and she hooks her hands through both our arms as we escort her to the door.
24
Harder Path
Alex
The ranch is impressive, but that’s not surprising. I did some research on our hosts, and even though they’re only in their second year in the NFL, they’ve racked up some serious stats and have salaries to match.
Lucas met one of them the other day, so between him and my research I’ve got a pretty good idea what to expect — at least on the surface. Like my brother, though, what I’m most curious about is what lies beneath it.
And in that arena, nothing could prepare me for what I find once we’re through the door.
It’s all so … normal. The main house is like any other home, just bigger than most. Well appointed, well maintained, tastefully decorated. They even have a dog, a shaggy mixed breed who whirls in delight, chasing her tail in excitement at all the visitors.
Zoe and Megan hug like it’s been years before Zoe kneels down to give the dog — Bacon, Zoe calls her — some love. Hugging the furry form, she gets kisses all over her face in return. She’s laughing and looking the happiest I’ve seen her since this whole thing started.
Meanwhile, Lucas and I shake hands with the Easton brothers. The four of us are cautiously cordial, sizing each other up. But except for the undercurrents of tension and doubt, it’s like any other get-together with friends.
Megan, an adorable curvy redhead, greets us like we’re old friends and offers us a drink. “I’d have one with you, but I’m not allowed,” she says, wrinkling her nose affectionately at the men.
They smile gently at her, and the looks on their faces … indulgent, amused, proud. They’re both gone over her and don’t care who knows it. My brother and I exchange a lightning-quick glance. Even though Zoe told us, I don’t think either o
f us really believed it until this moment.
And it’s just as obvious that Megan is with both of them and loves it. She and her men touch each other all the time — not in some crude display, but casually, affectionately, without even thinking about it. Whenever they pass, their hands brush, or whichever brother happens to be near will stroke a hand down her hair or pat her gently on the ass.
She’s got that glow, too, the one I’ve seen before on the wives of some of our military buddies when they’re pregnant. All is well — more than well — in Megan’s world. You could search the globe and not find another woman more content with her life.
There’s a knock at the door, and another couple comes in — a cute little brunette whose name turns out to be Tara, and a tall man dressed in denim and leather whom she introduces as Deke. He’s got a way of carrying himself that says he doesn’t take shit from anyone, and tattoos on both arms — arms that look like they could rip a telephone pole from the ground and snap it in two.
“Anyone vegetarian?” Brock asks when we’re all settled with our drinks in the living room. I half expect Deke to announce that he’s vegan, because it’s that kind of a night, but we all shake our heads. “Good. Steaks it is.”
I’m sitting with Zoe on my right and Megan to my left. Beyond her is Cody, followed by Tara, Deke, and Brock, with Lucas on Zoe’s other side. We didn’t deliberately bookend her, but it’s probably just as well. We’re technically still guarding her, and while we don’t expect anything to happen tonight, that’s exactly why we need to stay alert.
When Zoe excuses herself to use the restroom, Lucas breaks off from his conversation with Brock and follows her. I imagine Zoe rolling her eyes when she realizes he’s tailing her before I turn my attention to Megan. She’s watching me with a little smile on her face, and I raise my eyebrows in silent inquiry and invitation.