Page 67 of Honey Bee Hearts

He sighs. “Rhett comes on strong. It’s really okay. I’m not mad at you.”

“You’re not?” I sniff. “Shouldn’t you be?”

He laughs a little and tilts up my chin. “Fable Everhart, I know you ain’t from around here, but us cowboys, we tend to be pretty close. I’m no more mad at you than I am at Rhett. You’re a beautiful woman, and I don’t blame him. It’s really okay.”

I blink up at him, the tension in my chest easing just a little. “I know you’re probably no longer interested in me after this but?—”

“Says who?” he asks, frowning.

I stare at him in confusion. I’d been about to tell him that I really like him, that I don’t really know what’s going on, but that I hate that I ruined things between us since we never talked before. But. . . that answer is not what I was expecting.

“But. . . what about Rhett?” I ask.

“What about him?” he asks, laughing. “Fable, you’re having fun, and while I’m annoyed Rhett had you panicked and let you walk away without reassuring you first, we’re a family here. You could fuck them all and I’d be fine.” He smooths my hair back from my face and chuckles at the honey he finds there. “Besides, you have to leave eventually, right?”

Genuine confusion fills me. “I mean, yeah.”

He nods. “See. I’d like you to stay longer of course, but I don’t think any of us are expecting you to give up your life for this place. It was always meant to be temporary. We know that. Not a single one of us is goin’ to be upset with you having fun. Not me. Not Rhett. Not Trent. And certainly not Colt. In fact, I think Colt loves it.”

“Just like that?” I ask. “This is normal?”

“Normal?” He shakes his head. “Probably not. Can’t say I’ve heard of a situation like this outside of Steele Mountain. But it is what it is.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead. “I think I even understand them a little better now.”

“You promise you’re not mad?” I ask, frowning. “And you still want to pursue whatever is between us?”

“I promise, and of course I do.” He grabs my hand and grins when he finds it sticky. He lifts my hand to his face and licks my fingers, the same fingers that taste of honey, me, and Rhett. He purrs at the flavor and my legs nearly lose complete control. “I can’t wait to taste you for myself, so I can’t blame Rhett.”

He pulls me into his arms and kisses me, a slow lingering taste that has my toes curling in my boots. He leans back and strokes his fingers along my jawline. “Beautiful,” he breathes, before stepping back. “Unfortunately, I do really have a lot of work to get done. Why don’t you go clean up?” He winks at me. “Maybe touch yourself. I think there’s a jar of honey in your cabin waiting for you.”

I flush and turn, stumbling from the stables, confused and so fucking aroused, I may just take him up on that.

Holy shit. Holy shit! What the fuck have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 37

Fable

The guys are just as busy the next day, and if I’m honest, I don’t go looking for them this time. I need time to breathe, to process what Gunnar had told me. I know Colt had said the same thing, but I’m surprised they all seem to agree. He said it isn’t normal, so why are they okay with me?

“What’s not to understand?” Jinx asks, strolling along beside me. “Four sexy cowboys want to butter your biscuits. Seems like a great plan.”

I glance at her, but she’s already gone, flickering away as fast as she came. It’s the first time she’s appeared today, and I’m thinking it’s because of how distracted I am with the new information. I don’t know what I should be doing. Do I just. . . act cavalier with them? Do I pretend it never happened? Rhett made it clear it wasn’t happening again and he’s purposely avoided me since yesterday. He didn’t even come to dinner or breakfast, either coming before or after me. Part of me was stung by that, but also another part was relieved I didn’t have to face his smug expression in front of Gunnar.

I’m out in the yard with Jethro when Dolly finds us. The large bloodhound is a friendly girl, but it’s unusual to find her withoutColt. I wonder if he had to go into town or something. Still, I immediately stop and show her some love, and then show Jethro love when he demands equal attention.

“What are you doing out here?” I ask Dolly. “Your daddy busy?” I pat her on her head. “He’s been too busy for me, too.”

Dolly whoofs happily and leans against me, nearly knocking me down. Laughing, I shower her with love, rubbing her long ears and her nose when he shoves it into my hand. She hangs out with Jethro and me for a few minutes, demanding belly rubs and attention, before she stands up and starts to walk away. I assume we’re dismissed, but she stops after a few steps and looks back at me.

“What?” I ask, tilting my head. “What’s wrong?”

She boofs and takes a few more steps before looking back again.

I frown. If that isn’t a “follow me” then I don’t know what is.

“You want me to follow you, Dolly?” I ask, as if she understands me. When she boofs again, I take it as a yes. Who am I to question a bloodhound demanding action?

“Alright, alright,” I tell her, moving to follow. “Where are we going?”

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