“We only have a few suitcases, gentlemen,” Norma said. “We can handle it.”
“Mom, you’re no fun.” Lily shook her head. “I wouldn’t mind having these two tough hombres help us. They sure are sexy as hell.”
A tinge of jealousy shot through Shelby at Lily’s flirtatious words. Why? “We’ve got this, guys. Now, if you don’t mind letting me out of this booth, Justin, I’ll take them to my place.”
“Wait a second, Shelby,” Alex said.
“What for?” she asked.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you on a date ever since I came to Wilde. You like Chinese food?”
A huge shiver shot up and down her spine. How long had she been hoping he would ask? “I do like Chinese, but what took you so long, Alex?” Damn. There goes my foot back in my mouth again. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
He shrugged. “I could give you a list of excuses but all of them are stupid. You’re a beautiful woman. I shouldn’t have waited.”
“You want to know why he’s asking you now, Shelby?” Justin asked.
“Yes.”
“Because I didn’t hesitate. I saw you and I wanted to get to know you. Now, he’s ready to get off the fence. That’s why.”
“Maybe so, bro. I still want to go on a proper date with her.” Alex turned to her. “So, what do you say? Will you go out with me?”
Justin turned to her and grinned. “And me again, too?”
How long had she been hoping Alex would ask? She looked into Justin’s eyes. Why was he grinning? Was he giving his approval? Didn’t make sense since he was from Elko. But he’s grinning.
She gazed at Alex, the man she’d been dreaming about for months. Now I’m in deep shit.
She looked at both men, and swallowed her doubt.
“Yes, I’ll go out with you, Mr. Champion.”
Chapter Four
Justin squeezed Shelby. She came from a poly family. That was what she knew and likely wanted. He’d never really considered it for him and his brothers, but looking at how strongly Alex was acting around her and knowing how attracted Brandon was after seeing her, why not give it a shot? He loved his brothers. They loved him. Why couldn’t they share a woman? A crazy idea, but weren’t crazy ideas what he’d always been drawn to? Crazy is as crazy does. “You two are going to have fun.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “What are you up to, Justin?”
Shelby turned away from Alex and looked at him, her face full of questions.
He leaned close to her so Alex couldn’t see him wink. “Make sure he takes you dancing after, darlin’. My brother is quite good on the dance floor.”
“I will,” she said and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re a bit of a mystery, cowboy, aren’t you?”
“Just how I like to be, darlin’.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Alex said. “He’s an open book. All his thinking comes from between his legs.”
“I forgot how lusty you boys from Elko can be,” Lily said with a smile.
“Lily, you and I should go.” Norma turned to Shelby. “We’ll meet you at your place, honey. Okay?”
“I’ll go with you. Justin, do you mind letting me out?” she asked, her big blues tempting him with every blink.
God, she’s beautiful. “Not at all, darlin’.” He leaned over and kissed her on her lush lips, enjoying the taste he found on them. It was a quick kiss, though he couldn’t wait to explore her mouth even more. But that would have to be later, after her date with Alex. The game had changed. No longer was he competing with his brothers. Now, the prize was for all of them. Together. How far was he willing to go with this? Pretty damn far for her. Maybe even all the way. But every game started with a roll of the dice or a shuffle of the cards. Chance had a say here. It might only be a fun fling, but who knew? It might even be more. Looking at Shelby, he could almost imagine settling down one day. Almost.
The entrance door to Norma’s opened and the bell on it rang. All of them turned that direction. Brandon walked in.