Sexual Expression (Contemporary Cowboys 2)

“He’s right,” Brandon said. “We have a real and present problem here, boys. Juan Jahno wants cash in hand. He will stop at nothing to get it. How do we pay him off and still support ourselves?”

“Have you ever thought that maybe we could budget an average man’s income and really work the land here?” Kurt asked.

Zak chuckled. “You’re sunk, brother. I can see that mind churning. You already see this place crawling with kids, women with babies on their hips, and an all-American family.”

Kurt smiled. “Is that so bad?”

Brandon frowned. “Right now? It’s one of the worst things you could do. We can’t afford to dream that dream, Kurt. Regardless of what Coco has you believing now, you put that out of your head and do it quickly. With murder brought to our door, we don’t have a right to fantasize about white-picket fences, women pregnant with our babies, and toys to kick out of our way in the yard. We have some scores to settle.”

Kurt pushed away from his hay bale. “And that right there? Your need to get even? It will guarantee us one thing—someone else will later have a score to settle with us. I’m out, boys. I’m out because I want a future. I deserve that option. You do, too.”

“He’s right,” Liam said. “If we go after revenge, what will that bring us in the end? Retribution doesn’t sleep and neither do the men who have their day of reckoning.”

Chapter Six

“I know you’re one of ’em but don’t know which one. Come on in.” Gemma toddled off in the other direction after she’d more or less shoved the door open. “I knew one of Brandon’s brothers stopped by earlier. Was it you?”

“I’m Kurt.”

“So you’re the one who started this whole mess?”

“I can understand where you might see it that way. Is Coco here?” At eleven o’clock at night, he was hoping for a yes.

“Nope, Kurt. She isn’t.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Yes, Kurt. As a matter of fact I am. Would you like a drink? Coco should be back shortly.”

“Is it all right if I wait with you?”

“Absolutely, Kurt. This way.” She staggered along the hallway and stumbled into the kitchen where a bottle of whiskey and a couple of empty shot glasses were already on the table.

“Was Coco drinking before she left?”

“Coco? No. She wouldn’t drink. In her mood? She would’ve been a crying drunk.”

“I see.”

“Kurt, you sure are cute. Too bad my sister banged you.” Gemma fumbled with the bottle and finally poured herself another drink. “Unlike you and your brothers, the Baldini gals have a rule. We do not fuck with another Baldini sister’s fella.” She arched her brows at him and fell against her chair. “Yes, Kurt. It’s a damned shame. I like a good fuck and she said you were one hell of a damn good fuck.” She lifted her glass. “Cheers.”

Uncomfortable with where this conversation was going, Kurt ignored the passing compliment even though it stroked his ego. Instead, he asked, “Did you say she’d be back tonight or—”

“In a while, Kurt.”

“Do you know where she went?”

“I do.” Gemma smiled, lifted her glass, missed her mouth and sloppily wiped the liquor off her chin. “But I’m not telling you.”

“I see.” He had a feeling this could be a long night. “Um, is there a reason you’re drinking alone, Gemma?”

“Absolutely, Kurt. I hate men.” She seemed to magically sober up long enough to clearly state her reason for consumption.

“I’m beginning to think half the female population may share your sentiments.” Kurt scratched the back of his head, trying to figure out where Coco might have gone.

“Would you like to know why I hate your type?”

“What is my type exactly?”