She smiled, knowing the routine after working on the dude ranch for years. So many times a young, cocky cowboy thought he could just get onto a bull and ride. Each time one tried the outcome wasn’t pretty.
“It‘s a good method and helps to save lives.”
He chuckled. “You ain’t kidding. So how long you been seeing the twins?” he asked and she looked at him and he seemed concerned.
“Not long, why?”
“Just wondering. You let me know if they hurt you. I mean, they are gentlemen, but both of them got a mean streak in them that is fierce.”
“Really? I haven’t seen that side of them,” she stated, but then she recalled the anger and the fear in Vic’s eyes as he awoke thinking he was still in the Middle East.
“I’ve heard stories and sometimes, their experiences from the war can just hit them and they don’t know where they are.”
So, people knew about their PTSD? She took a deep breath and nodded her head.
“I know and I appreciate the warning.”
He smiled.
“Good. Cause you’re a sweet woman and hearts are breaking around Delite as we speak.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“You don’t know about what?” Tommy asked as he approached, and Corey nodded his hat at Elise then walked away.
She felt Tommy’s hands caress her waist then his arm wrap around her midsection and gently squeeze.
“Was that boy hitting on you?” he whispered against her ear.
“No and I don’t think he would appreciate being referred to as a boy.”
“Well, he’s like twenty-four and I’m thirty, so he is a boy.”
She turned in his arms and stared up into his eyes as he held her against the fence.
“Then you must think I’m a girl, ’cause I’m only twenty-four, too.”
Tommy looked over her breasts and squeezed her hips.
“Darlin’, you are all woman, there ain’t no denying that.” He leaned forward and kissed her and immediately the whistles and hoots started.
She held on to his shoulders and squeezed.
He smiled as he held her tight, refusing to separate their bodies.
“I know what you’re trying to do.” She ran her fingers through his crew-cut hair.
“Good. Then let it be. Vic and I want to send a clear message that you’re our woman.”
“I think you succeeded,” she whispered as she held his gaze.
“Good.”
* * * *
They spent the next hour showing her around the place and then found a nice quiet spot by a small stream to sit and relax. It was relaxing there, and she seemed to be lost in thought. Vic wondered what was going on. She had been acting funny since they first arrived and they would have to leave in thirty minutes so she could get ready for work tonight.
“Elise,” he whispered and she turned to him, appearing a little sad. Tommy took her hand and placed i