Her Wilde Marines (Wilde, Nevada 4)

Adam couldn’t help but tease his twin. “You go first.”

Bane glared at him. “Fine.” He turned to Sheriff Champion. “Thank you, Sheriff and thank you, the wonderful people of Wilde. Does this mean everyone is supposed to give us presents every February first from now on?”

The crowd laughed. Adam smiled, surprised to see Bane moving out of his comfort zone enough to make a joke.

Bane turned to him. “Top that, bro.”

Another joke? Wilde seemed to be having quite the impact on his brother, which was good to see.

“Seriously, folks,” Bane put his arm around him. “My brother and I are glad to be home. Thank you for this. It means the world to us.”

Another round of applause.

“Your turn, Adam.”

He scanned the room and saw a gorgeous redhead standing next to Shelby. She looked familiar but he couldn’t quite place her. Not surprising, since he’d been away for so long. Even from this distance he could see the beauty’s eyes were a bright green. She had an hourglass shape with full breasts. She was a little taller than most of the women in the room. She was the perfect height for his six-five stature.

“I just want…um…” He never had trouble with public speaking before, but for some reason he couldn’t seem to focus. He knew it had something to do with not being able to take his eyes off the beauty next to his sister. “Thank you for this key, Sheriff, but if you really want to make me happy, can you please give me the name and number of that angel standing next to Shelby.”

The crowd roared.

* * * *

Emma felt the heat in her face and knew it had to be as red as her hair. She turned to her friend, who was about to become a new mother. “Oh my God, Shelby. I can’t believe your brother just said that about me to everyone here.”

“Adam is the vocal one, but seeing how Bane is looking at you, I know he’s just as interested.” Shelby grinned. “You better run or get ready for a double Marine attack from my brothers, Em.”

Emma remembered Adam and Bane quite well. Shelby’s brothers had been the big men on campus at Wilde High when she had been a freshman. She’d secretly had a crush on them, like every other girl in school. Of course nothing had ever happened between her and the Taylor twins. She’d only been a freshman.

Life after that year had taken a completely different turn. A summer romance while visiting her grandparents’ farm had ended in her getting pregnant at sixteen. She’d run off and married Larry, thinking it was the right thing to do, though she’d never loved him. When she’d returned to tell her mother and grandparents, she’d seen the look of concern in their eyes, but they’d still been so loving and supportive of her decision.

“I think running might be the best choice.” But before she could turn to seek out the nearest exit, Shelby’s two brothers approached her.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you, miss. Permit me to introduce myself. I am Adam Taylor.” He grabbed her hand and brought it up to his lips, as if he were from the Victorian age. Just as she remembered him. Adam oozed of charm that was making her weak in the knees.

He and Bane were identical in every way. She even recalled their scam back in school. Adam was better in history and English. Bane was a master at math and science. Since none of the teachers could tell them apart, they would switch classes. They had incredible grades because of the deceit, but were eventually caught and forced to make up all the work.

Devils. Beautiful devils.

I need to remember Adam is wearing the red shirt and Bane the white one.

Six feet five inches of pure muscle. Light brown hair, Marine cut. Dark brown eyes that reminded her of chocolate candy.

“Milady.” Bane bowed in front of her, took her other hand, and kissed it just like his twin had done. “How may I make up for my brother’s faux pas?”

“That won’t be necessary. I was just taken a little aback by the attention.” She smiled but wanted to find a quick exit from these overly attractive soldiers. “Again, it was nice seeing you. Thank you for your service to the country. I’m sure you have lots of people who want to talk to you. If you’ll excuse me.” She turned back to face Shelby.

“Please hold on, miss.” Bane touched her elbow, and she felt electricity s

hoot up her arm. “We didn’t even get your name.”

“Besides that, this is our party.” Adam moved to her other side, offering his arm. “We are the guests of honor. We get to choose who we talk to, and tonight we choose you.”

“I can’t believe you two don’t remember her.” Shelby shook her head. “Typical. Guys, this is Emma Harris.”

“Emma. Yes. I remember. The cute freshman that just disappeared.” Bane’s stare gave her a little tremble.

“I remember, too.” Adam winked. “So cute. What happened to you? Where did you go?”