Read Online Mallory's Bears by Jane Jamison - Free Book Online Page B

how much they fought?”
    “Yeah. Most of us were surprised when they didn’t kill each other. But I’m still not getting it.”
    “They fought like hell on earth. But do you remember what they did after the fights?”
    Gunner chuckled, finally getting his point. “I sure do. Half the town could hear them making up, having sex anywhere and everywhere they could. Damn, sometimes it got downright embarrassing for the rest of us.”
    “That’s right. They fought hard and they made up hard. That’s what old Don said. He also said they loved each other more than life itself. That it was an intense love that had their emotions swinging first one way then the other.”
    “And you think that’s how it is with you and Mallory?”
    “It could be. We just haven’t worked out all the kinks yet.”
    “It’s the connection, all right, but it’s her, too. She’s beautiful and smart and funny and—”
    “Everything we ever dreamed of. Yeah, she’s the one, all right.”
    “But we can’t tell her.”
    Rick pushed down the urge to run upstairs and tell her everything. “Not yet. But we will. Soon.”
    “I hope you’re right about when, bro.”
    “Me, too.”
     
    * * * *
     
    The next morning, after a long and fitful night interspersed with dreams of Rick and Gunner making love to her, Mallory finally forced herself out of bed.
    She recalled the embarrassment of last night, but in the light of day, she didn’t feel that way any longer. After all, she was a grown woman and had the right to have a little fun every so often. It wasn’t a mistake. Aside from the fact that they hadn’t used protection—a fact which she regretted, but couldn’t do anything about now—she had to admit that given the opportunity, she’d do it again. The sex had been amazing, mind and pussy blowing, and her fantasy had come true. Why should she be embarrassed about that? Any woman in her place would’ve done the same thing.
    As for what they might think of her for giving into them so quickly? That was the old double standard rearing its ugly head. Hell, hadn’t they wanted her as much as she’d wanted them?
    Then there was the strange connection she felt with them. Never had she felt so comfortable with two men who could turn her on as much as they did. It was as though she’d known them all her life. She thought about that and decided that wasn’t true. It was more like she’d waited for them all her life, as though they were three lovers separated by time and distance, and had finally found their way back to each other.
    It was a fanciful idea, but one she couldn’t shake.
    So what now? Was last night a one-time thing? Were they just having a good time with the woman who was causing them so much trouble? If they thought of it as just a fling, would they ask her to leave today? Even if they did, she wasn’t sure she could. She was drawn to them in an invisible, incomprehensible way, but that connection was as strong as a massive chain wrapped around her body and locked to theirs.
    She had to face them. Only then would she know where she stood.
    She hurried to get dressed, then studied her reflection in the bathroom mirror. The wrinkled shirt and faded jeans didn’t do much for her figure. In fact, she looked like an old married woman, the kind who no longer cared about her appearance. She could sort through her suitcase again, but she knew it wouldn’t help. The clothes she’d brought were all the same. Boring and comfortable, not at all the way she’d like the men to see her. But it couldn’t be helped.
    “Why should I care anyway? What happened was wonderful, but that’s it. Getting involved with ranchers who’ve been accused of hurting their animals is a stupid move. What if the accusation turns out to be true? I need to keep my objectivity.”
    And yet, she knew that was impossible. She could try and believe that she could stay uninvolved in every way, but the ache, the yearning for them told her she was lying to