Gabrielle Demonico Read online

  She finally shut the door and leaned against it not sure of what she felt. But, she knew one thing. It had been too long, far too long for her. The dry riverbeds of her channel had percolated to life in the scant few minutes of their encounter. If Haley could have used a shower before their meeting, she definitely needed one now. After lingering at the door for a moment, she headed upstairs to wash away her burgeoning desire.

  Haley scrambled to the bathroom. She made her way to the tub, turned the faucet handle and the pipes groaned to life. After the water began to run, she lifted the hand she’d shook with him to her nose and inhaled. Before she washed his scent away, she wanted to savor it one last time. The aroma of work and sweat and sex filled her senses.

  Haley entered the shower and reached for the removable massager as quickly as she could. She pressed hard against the cool tile and her mind flashed with wild thoughts of the rugged man. The water pulsed against her delicate folds as she imagined herself pressed beneath him. His frame enveloped her, swallowed her, consumed her and protected her. She saw them together, perhaps underneath a mighty oak on some seldom traveled part of his ranch.

  Her right hand meandered down to hasten the arrival of what the warm water beckoned. Lubricated, her fingers pressed against her velvet as she imagined his would. She envisioned his thick, calloused hands caressing her curves, exploring her and releasing her. Her inconvenient yearnings were close to being sated as she increased the proximity of the massager to her tender mound.

  “Ooooohhhhhh…” she moaned lowly.

  She could taste his lips upon hers. His rough mouth devoured her while the dry stubble of his face brushed hungrily against her fair, tender flesh. She flicked at her clit and summoned the inevitable climax.

  She was lost of a milieu of water and flesh and passion as the pinnacle of ecstasy cascaded throughout her body. She pinned herself against the wall and shook as the fleeting moments of her release escaped from inside. She exhaled deeply and sank into the aftermath of her bliss.

  That will have to do. She thought.

  For now…

  ***

  Today was the day that Haley had set aside to find a place to live. Unfortunately, her new nursing job (if she got it) wouldn’t start until the fall. Her only hope was that she could find a landlord that understood her situation until she started bringing in a steady paycheck again.

  After a quick breakfast, she jumped in her ten year old clunker and headed out. Just to be rid of him, she’d let Adam keep the new SUV they’d purchased. As beat up as her car was, she still felt like she’d gotten the better end of that deal.

  Before she began apartment hunting in earnest, she had to stop by her mom and dad’s store to give them the news about Sam being returned. Ordinarily, she would have just called but her phone was dead and the charger was in her mom’s car.

  When it rains it pours…

  She pulled into the parking lot of the Mountain View Market and slid her vehicle into a spot right up front. That was a bit of unusual luck for Haley but any good luck was welcomed - she definitely needed it. It was actually the first time she’d been to the store since arriving in town and truth be told, Haley was quite impressed.

  Her parents had always wanted to run a quaint country store when they retired and now they’d done it. It carried everyday items, touristy knickknacks and even supplies for farmers and ranchers in the area.

  She crossed the threshold into the store and saw her mother behind the register speaking to man whose back was turned towards her. Her mother saw her enter and raised a finger signaling for her to wait a moment. After she’d finished answering the man’s question, she motioned for Haley to approach and as she did, the man turned towards her.

  Honestly, Haley had never thought much about the old saying that your ears burn when someone talks about you but hers were on suddenly on fire. Haley’s mother spoke up and said, “Ahhh, just the person we were talking about…” Haley stopped dead in her tracks, eyes transfixed upon yet another sexy cowboy.

  What the hell is in the water around here?

  Haley’s mother continued and said, “I was telling Paul here about your nursing background and how much you love kids.”

  Haley felt the hot sting of embarrassment that only a parent can inflict upon a child. Haley widened her eyes and shot her mom an annoyed look. Her mom simply shrugged her shoulders innocently and followed it up with a somewhat sheepish grin.

  Haley’s mom then said, “Paul Steele, allow me to introduce my daughter, Haley. Haley, Mr. Steele owns a ranch on the other side of the ridge with his brother, Caleb.”

  As if the moment wasn’t already awkward enough, Haley struggled to contain her disbelief that there is a second Steele. He was every bit as gorgeous as the first and the very next thought that popped into her mind was that she wished she’d masturbated a bit more.

  Fortunately, she managed to gather her wits enough to put together an intelligible reply and said, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Steele. Coincidentally, I met your brother Caleb earlier this morning. He brought our dog, Sam, back to the house.”

  Haley’s mother clasped her hands together in relief at the news.

  He leaned back and replied in Haley’s direction, “That was your dog was it?”

  “No, Sam is my mother’s dog.” She said.

  Haley’s mom spoke up and said, “Yes, that little booger butt is always getting loose somewhere. Oh, thank you so much Paul!”

  Paul shook his head and said, “Of course, you’re welcome. I’m just glad we could help. You know, crossing over that ridge is no small feat for a little pooch like that. You’re lucky we found him when we did. If he’d wandered onto the Jeffers ranch, well, it might have been a different story.”

  Haley’s mom raced around the counter and gave Paul a big hug of gratitude. For the first time in her life, Haley found herself wanting very badly to switch places with her mom. Instead, she smiled politely and waited for her mother to finish.

  “It was our pleasure…” Paul said as they broke their embrace. He then extended his hand towards Haley and said, “Forgive my manners… It’s a pleasure to meet you Haley. I have to be honest though. I am jealous of Caleb for having gotten to meet you first.”

  Haley leaned in and took his hand in hers. Like Caleb’s hand, Paul’s was strong, masculine and weathered. His grip sent the same pulse of excitement through her that Caleb’s had. He was muscular and lean but in a way that was built for purpose, not display. All of that, plus burnt amber eyes and a gleaming smile caused Haley’s breath to catch in her throat.

  And now it was official, the Steele brothers were the sexiest things alive. The downside, of course, was that now instead of imagining one pair of meaty hands groping and pawing at her, she’d be left to think of two. After releasing her hand, Paul said, “Your mom tells me you’re good with kids. She also tells me that you are looking for some summer work until you can land a new job.”

  “Yes, well, I do love kids.” Haley replied. “And, although I appreciate the offer of work, I wouldn’t know the first thing about doing anything on a ranch. I’m strictly a city girl.”

  Paul and Alice laughed together in unison and then he replied, “I apologize Haley. We have plenty of ranch hand help. No, what we are looking for is someone to look after the kids during the day. Unfortunately, they are a little too young for chores just yet.”

  “Ohhhh… I see.” Haley nodded in understanding.

  Paul continued and said, “In fact, you are even welcome to stay in the cabin for the summer, if you like. Your mother tells me you are looking for a place to live as well. The cabin is filled with all the creature comforts you could want. You can watch them during the day while we’re tending to ranch matters and then at night, you can get a break and save money the whole summer long.”

  Haley’s mom chimed in and said excitedly, “Oh my goodness, Paul. That’s so generous of you!”

  Haley’s eyes widened at her mother’s unwelcomed intrusion
into the discussion. Attempting to wrest control of the situation, Haley turned towards Paul and said, “Thank you very much for the offer. Would you mind if I have a word with my mother in private?”

  Paul stood, made a sweeping gesture with his hand and said, “Of course, not at all.”

  “Thank you.” Haley replied softly.

  As Paul stepped aside and moved into the hardware aisle, Haley made a beeline for her mother. She circled around to face her and said in a loud whisper, “Mom! What are you doing? I don’t even know him and you’re making me feel terribly awkward.”

  Surprised, Haley’s mom replied, “Oh, sweetie. I’m sorry. I certainly wasn’t trying to make you feel uncomfortable.”

  Haley shook her head and said, “Ohhh, I know. It’s just…”

  “Just what?” her mom asked.

  Haley knew full well that she dared not mention the budding lust she had for these two men. Honestly, she knew that they were out of her league but a girl could dream, right?

  Instead, she just shrugged her shoulder and huffed, “It’s nothing, nevermind…”

  Her mom reached down, clasped both Haley’s hands warmly in hers and said, “Haley, honey, I hate to see you cooped up in the house like you have been. You need to start moving on from Adam. After all, that’s why you came here, isn’t it? A fresh start?”

  Haley pursed her lips and nodded grudgingly.

  Her mom continued, “Their family has been in these parts for generations. There’s nothing to worry about. They are honest, decent men with impeccable reputations.”

  Her mom winced at her and said suspiciously, “I think the real reason you don’t want to be around them is that you have a little crush going. Am I right?”

  Exasperated, Haley blurted out, “No! Mom!”

  “Mmm, hmmm…” Alice said, crossing her arms.

  “Alright, alright! I’ll go and listen to what they have to say.” Haley acquiesced. Her agreement was louder than she would have liked and it was clear from his reaction that Paul had heard the good news.

  Oh. Great. Could this be any more embarrassing?

  Haley’s mom hugged her and whispered, “You are making the right decision Haley. You deserve some relaxation and happiness in your life for a while.”

  “Thank you Mom.” Haley replied quietly.

  Paul and Haley spent the next few minutes discussing directions to the ranch. She agreed to meet them there the next morning. If all went well with the kids, then it looked like she’d have her short-term money issues solved, if nothing else.

  As for the other problems being that close to Caleb and Paul Steel created for her…well… she’d have to find some way to deal with them. She wasn’t sure how but she’d have the whole summer to figure it out.

  ***

  After a fitful night of sleep Haley got in her chocolate brown clunker and headed out. After about fifteen minutes or so, her car passed beneath the behemoth Steele Ranch sign and onto the sprawling property. After a slight bend to the right, a great expanse of land opened up before her. In the distance, she could see the outline of houses and barns that made up the bulk of the structures on the property. Her car bounced mercilessly along the dusty road leading up to the homestead and she cursed herself for skipping on the new shocks her mechanic had recommended.

  Finally, she reached the circular driveway in front of the main house. It was a large, ranch style home with a low profile and utilitarian design. It was no more or less than she had expected, in fact, it seemed just about right. As her vehicle came to a stop, she looked up in surprise to see both Caleb and Paul walking exiting the house and coming towards her vehicle. She quickly gathered her purse and stepped out into a warm breeze to greet them.

  “Hi there!” she said enthusiastically.

  As the two of them approached, Haley couldn’t believe that she’d almost turned this chance down. Somehow, they were even more handsome than she’d remembered - if such a thing was possible.

  They greeted her with twin hugs that she hadn’t expected but would not soon forget. Haley struggled to keep it formal but found it to be exceedingly difficult. As they took turns embracing her, she imagined double towers of muscle and sinewy abdominals encircling her in a sinful dance. She envisioned herself running her tongue along the deep ridges of their hard earned musculature as they took turns ravishing her supple curves.

  She could feel herself getting carried away again when Paul said, “Ready to go in and meet the kids?”

  Haley quickly snapped to attention and said, “Yes, of course. I can’t wait.”

  “Great.” He replied.

  “Haley, can we help you bring in your things?” Caleb questioned.

  “Sure, I would really appreciate it.” She replied.

  They spent a few moments gathering up her belongings and then headed inside. But no sooner had the trio crossed the threshold into the house than a young boy ran up to them, shouted “Mee Mee!” and threw his arms around Haley’s waist.

  Unsure, Haley froze and looked at the brothers. She immediately saw them staring at each other with looks of utter astonishment on their faces. Out of instinct, Haley hugged him and said, “Why hello there little man…” She rubbed his sandy blond hair and continued, “My name is Haley.”

  The three foot tall personal space invader looked up and simply replied, “No, Mee Mee!” Relying on her vast experience with precocious ones like this, she shrugged her shoulders and said, “Okay, Mee Mee it is. And, what is your name?”

  “I’m Cooper.” The little boy replied.

  “And, Coooooper knows that he is being rude. Isn’t that right Coop?” scolded Caleb.

  “Oh, it’s fine. Really. I don’t mind.” chirped Haley.

  Caleb exhaled and said, “As long as you’re okay with it.”

  As he said that two additional children appeared. Paul scooped up the little boy and girl, one in each arm and said, “This is Amanda and this is her brother, Andrew.”

  With little Cooper still snug around her waist, Haley replied, “Well, hello there. Nice to meet you both.”

  Stricken with embarrassment, the children immediately buried their faces into their father’s broad shoulders. Haley laughed at the adorable scene that unfolded before her. After a few more minutes of getting to know one another, Paul and Caleb gave the children some toys to play with and sent them into the living room.

  “They’re adorable.” Haley said. “And so well mannered…”

  “You can thank their mothers for that.” Caleb replied quickly.

  Their mothers. Yes, where were they?

  She swallowed and questioned with a bit of hesitation, “If you don’t mind me asking… the children’s mothers? Are they not in the picture any longer?”

  Paul chimed in quickly and said, “We’ll discuss all that later. Unfortunately, Caleb and I have urgent ranch business to tend to today. Recently, a natural gas deposit was discovered on the eastern most portion of the property. But, it has been taking all of our time to work with contractors getting it setup and running.”

  “I see.” said Haley. She felt strangely disconnected from them all of a sudden. Why was he switching subject so fast? Ordinarily, she would have just thought that they had simply both gotten divorces. But, why didn’t Paul just say that?

  She tried to put it out of her mind and instead focused on their instructions for caring for the kids. Once they’d gone over everything, Caleb said, “Remember Haley, if there’s any problems, just give us a call and one of us will come back. Otherwise, we will both be back around dusk.” And then with a quick wink he said, “And, by the way, since it’s your first night, we won’t make you cook.”

  She smiled and chuckled a bit.

  Haley’s first day watching the children passed faster than she thought it would. They colored, played games and made cookies. To be honest, she was glad to be around kids again. They had such simple needs and uplifting spirits. It was just what she needed in her life right now and it couldn’t h
ave come at a better time.

  The afternoon faded into pink twilight as the brothers returned home. As promised, they’d been good enough to stop in town and get some takeout from the only Chinese restaurant for at least twenty miles. The adults sat around and ate dinner and mostly made small talk about the days’ events while the children enjoyed a rare treat for dessert - homemade ice cream from Auntie Moos.

  As suppertime wound down, Caleb stood and said, “Paul, why don’t you show Haley to the cabin. I’ll clean up and get the kids ready for bed.”

  Paul replied, “Good idea. Haley, are you ready?”

  “Yes.” She answered.

  Caleb spoke up and said, “Okay, kids. Say goodnight to Haley. Tell her thank you for staying with you today.”

  All the children took turns hugging her. By now, they had all taken to calling her Mee Mee. Somehow what had seemed unnatural suddenly felt much more normal and she’d grown to like it in a short period of time.

  As Paul and Haley exited through the screen door and crossed the property towards the cabin, they made small talk about her day. The conversation was pleasant but on some level Haley felt as though Paul’s questions had a deeper purpose. Her instincts told her she was being sized up for something. It didn’t make her feel uncomfortable per se it just caught her off guard.

  Paul opened the door to the cabin. It was about as she imagined it would be - rustic, but homey. As she stepped inside, she could feel a slight chill in the air. That wasn’t altogether surprising since the valleys did get cool in the evening. She’d just noticed it more having just come from the warmth of the main house.

  She crossed her arms at her chest and moved them up and down rapidly in attempt to warm herself up. Paul noticed her chilled state and said, “Haley, oh I apologize. It does get cool in her without the fireplace and wood stove burning. I should have started a fire for you when I got home.”

  “That’s okay.” She smiled through chattering teeth.

  “I… I’ll show you where the wood is and get a fire going for you.” He said.

  She quickly nodded yes.