Daly Way 04 - One for the Team - Brynn Paulin Read Online Free Page A

murmured, observing as she spoke that Sully clamped one of his huge hands over hers where they rested on his belly.
    “Maybe you should sit in front of me,” he said then maneuvered her to sit sideways before him.
    “You’re strong,” she sighed.
    “You’re pretty funny when you’re exhausted,” he said.
    “Mmhmm,” she muttered, burrowing her nose into his chest.
    When she awoke sometime later, the sun was full in the sky and she heard the low rumble of the men’s voices as they talked amongst themselves. Rain pattered overhead and she furrowed her brow, realizing she wasn’t on a horse and she wasn’t getting wet. As she blinked open her eyes, she realized it wasn’t the sun, but a portable lantern that seemed so bright.
    “Hi baby,” Pete said, stroking her hair from her face. Her head was resting on his lap. “Feeling better?”
    “Yeah.” She pushed upright then looked around the three-sided structure and at the three men. The horses were tethered just inside the entrance. “Where are we?”
    “One of the storm shelters. Sometimes a squall will roll up fast, like this one.” He shrugged. “Good thing probably. Gives us time to talk.”
    “Okay…” She bit her lip and nodded slowly, moving so she faced the trio as they leaned against the shelter’s back wall.
    Cord was solemn for once as he looked at her. “Where to from here?”
    She considered the flippant answer of “back to the ranch” but knew better. This was serious. They wanted to pin her down to something more than a one-night stand, and she was scared. What a roll-reversal.
    “You want to date?” she ventured. She could do that and see where things went. She really liked them. But she’d freak if they wanted something permanent so soon, but that’s how things went around here usually. Fast and furious and forever.
    “We’ve been courtin’ you, darlin’,” Sully said. “Just not goin’ out places.”
    She shook her head, ignoring the thick drawl he’d put on. “Maybe you should tell me what you’re pro—suggesting.”
    “Something exclusive,” Pete blurted. He shoved a hand through his hair. “We don’t want you to see other men, you know, while we’re—”
    “Like courting?” she supplied, suppressing a smile. “How long do you think this storm will last? I was supposed to be into work at nine.”
    “We called Rayna while you were sleeping and let her know about the car.” Pete held up his cell.
    “No!” Moon groaned.
    “What? You want it to be a secret?” Cord growled, jumping to his feet and striding toward the shelter entrance where a sheet of rain blocked them in.
    “No!” she exclaimed, scared of ruining this whole thing, especially when she’d upset the lighthearted one of the group. She leapt up and followed him. Stepping in front of him, she flattened her hands on his chest, pleading with him to look at her. “I don’t care if people know. It’s just that I don’t want the whole town gossiping about us—and you know they will. I’ve been talked about my whole life. All my family has. We’re the weirdo oddballs. It just is. It doesn’t mean I like it.”
    Cord rested his forehead to hers. “Around here, being with us would make you normal.”
    She closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth as he embraced her. The other two joined them, and she found herself surrounded by her knot of happiness once more. Nothing could touch her here—except them.
    “Rayna said you should take the whole day off and relax after your ordeal ,” Pete told her as he kissed her neck.
    “Too bad, you three have to work,” she replied, reminding them all of reality. Ranching stopped for no one.
    “But we can come over later?” Sully asked.
    “Yes, and I’ll even cook.”
    “We’ll bring wine.” Cord looked at his partners. “We have wine, yes?”
    Pete nodded. “And condoms.”
    “And some rope and a hat for you.” Sully winked, and she knew this relationship would be full of fun and the