“What?” I wrinkled my nose, not quite understanding. Was that a thing? Guys don’t want you to shower after sex? I’d have to ask Audrey about it at the bachelorette party.
“Nothing. Nevermind.”
Damn. Somebody didn’t get a nap. You’d think he’d be chipper after screwing me six ways until Sunday.
Just then Rob carried a giant—and it was giant—platter of steaks in from the back deck, and the focus shifted to food. On the table, there was a big casserole dish heaped with baked potatoes wrapped in foil and a plate piled with chopped celery and carrots.
Colton hung by my side, not touching me, but staying close. He directed me over to the table, giving me all the ranch hands’ names as we passed them. Johnny, Levi, Clint.
“So nice to meet you,” I kept saying, but he didn’t give me a chance to stop and shake hands. “We need name tags.” I laughed as he pulled out a chair for me, then settled next to me. “I’m afraid I won’t remember everyone.”
“Only one name you need to remember, little girl.” Colton leaned into me as he forked a steak from the platter and put it on my plate.
“Oh yeah?” I murmured in a voice I hoped was only loud enough for him to hear. “Is it the one I was screaming all afternoon?”
“Christ, Marina.” He stared down at me with bald hunger. “How the fuck am I gonna keep my hands off you?”
I frowned at him, and my heart gave a little lurch. “Why… why do you have to?”
The screen door slapped and broke our connection as some of the ranch hands took their piled high plates and headed outside to eat, leaving the three brothers, Audrey and me sitting around the large table. Two of the ranch hands, Levi and—dammit, I’d already forgotten the other one’s name joined us.
“Colton, I was certainly not expecting you to steal my sister away from me this week,” Audrey said, her voice slightly scolding, but the smile on her face softened it.
I clapped a hand over my mouth. “I’m so sorry! Of course, I’ve come here for you.”
“It sounded like you came for Colton,” Rob murmured. Levi laughed, but covered it with his napkin.
Colton shot them both death glares, even though he’d been perfectly plain about what we’d done when he arrived.
Audrey gasped and threw a roll at her future brother-in-law. Rob easily caught it and took a bite, smirking.
I wanted the floor to open up.
“I’m here for you,” I clarified, saying the words slowly and eyeing Rob even though they were meant for Audrey. Except for when I was tied to Colton’s bed. Shit. “I promise I’ll be more present the rest of the week.”
“Yeah, you’re here for Audrey,” Colton added.
I looked at Audrey although I was confused by him. So… it was sex and punishment for leaving and now… over? I shook that away. “We’re having sister time, tonight, remember?” My words rushed out in one breath. “In the morning, I’ll finish the cake. I promise.”
The layers were all baked, but I hadn’t gotten to the frosting. I could finish that and the flower decorations in the morning.
Audrey waved her hand. “I’m just teasing. Rob, obviously, too. I’m thrilled you and Colton hit it off. You both deserve your fun. What’s the plan for tonight, anyway?”
I smiled broadly and waggled my brows as I cut a piece of meat. “You’ll find out soon enough!”
“Uh oh,” Audrey said, her eyes narrowed behind her glasses. “What am I missing? Why do you look so excited? Oh God, please tell me you didn’t arrange for a stripper-gram.”
“Maybe I did,” I tucked a bite of steak in my mouth and then moaned because it was the juiciest thing I’ve ever tasted. “This is so good.”
Beside me, Colton shifted in his chair and gave a low, animalistic growl.
I had no idea what could’ve gotten into him since this afternoon.
“Yeah, Rob’s great on the grill,” Boyd said to me, then looked pointedly at Audrey. “Let me tell you something, though, darlin’. There will be nobody stripping for my bride but me.”
“No strippers,” Colton agreed, his voice a deep velvet right by my ear. He set a baked potato on my plate as he did so. For someone who seemed disgruntled, he was also being very attentive.
I didn’t get it.
“Relax, boys.” I held up my hand. “I did not hire a stripper to come out to the ranch.”
“Tell me you didn’t hire one, period,” Colton warned.
“I didn’t hire one, period.” I rolled my eyes. “Now, stop. I’m terrible at keeping secrets when I get excited, and I don’t want to give it away.”
“Hmm,” Audrey said, but she was sweet enough to let it drop. She’d probably already figured it out. She was a smart woman, my sister.
10
COLTON
* * *
I fucking hated surprises. I knew it made me a control freak, but in my line of work, surprises meant someone could get killed. We drilled and drilled, so we never had surprises.