Page 55 of Bedroom Rodeo

“He needs help, Piers. And we can’t give him that kind of care.”

“What do you think—” He broke off as Sylvee walked back into the barn.

His heart flexed at the sight of her happy face. With her long hair draped over one shoulder, and her cheeks pinkened by the cool air and her joy at being with animals she loved so much again, she was glorious.

He threw Ash a look that promised they’d continue the discussion about their friend at another time. For now, he had a big problem of his own.

He was in love with Sylvee, and if she was carrying his or Ash’s child, he would make the hard decision to leave the ranch.

* * * * *

Rain pattered pleasantly on the roof of the lodge. The noise and the warm fire in the fireplace nearby lent a cozy feel to the space that went against the cutthroat game of poker taking place at their table.

Sylvee sat in Ash’s lap, legs draped over his thigh and one arm looped around his shoulders. Next to him, Piers was guarding his cards like a momma grizzly protected her cubs.

Across from them, a Boot Knocker known for his dominant streak and his winning poker hands, had a blonde in his lap. Only she was straddling him, kissing his neck and his bare chest.

“Your play, Carrick,” Piers drawled out.

He did something with his hand under the table and out of sight that made the blonde giggle and arch her back. Carrick planted his lips on her throat and sucked.

Piers shook his head at their antics. “Carrick, why don’t you just fold so you can take off all your clothes and call it a win with your lady?”

“Good idea, Piers. I’m out.” He tossed down his cards, and in one quick move, stood with the woman in his arms. Her thighs were still wrapped around his waist as he carried her off to the nearest bed or wall he could find.

Sylvee laughed. “Do all the ladies here turn into nymphomaniacs by the end of their stay?”

Ash caressed the curve of her bottom. Leaning close, he whispered in her ear. “What do you think about taking over Carrick’s hand?”

Her eyes sparkled. “What are the stakes?”

“You lose more clothes than me, I take your ass while Piers fucks you.”

She shivered in his arms. “And if I win?”

He eyed her, lids hooded. “Name your bet.”

She darted a look to Piers. He was watching. Listening.

“I get to watch you fuck each other.”

He and Piers shared a slow smile.

“You got it, Peachy.” Ash tipped her off his lap onto her feet. When she sashayed around the table, her hips moved in a manner that was a lot looser, with more sway than usual.

She plopped into the vacant seat and picked up Carrick’s abandoned cards.

Ash studied her expression. “She never did have a good poker face.”

“Nope.” Piers grinned.

Keeping her eyes glued to the fanned cards, she breezed out, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s your move, Peachy. Show us what you got.”

She cocked a brow and scanned the cards turned up on the table. Whatever happened, they all won. The cards didn’t matter one bit.

“Well, Peachy? What’s your move?”

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