Page 13 of Healing Her Cowboys
How was she supposed to say no to a promise like that?
Chapter Seven
Reese checked her image in the mirror for the fifth time. When Atlas suggested they go to the fall festival on the outskirts of town, she wasn’t too sure about it. Getting ready shifted her mood, and she figured she could use some time out.
She was even more curious if Atlas could keep his promise or not. It also made her wonder if Brik would be angry seeing them leave together.
No, it wasn’t about him. After all, she was a grown-ass woman. Even if he was mad, he couldn’t tell her what to do with her free time.
She had chosen a pair of jeans, a soft flannel shirt, and a pair of black boots to round out the outfit. It seemed fitting for a night out from the ranch.
When she came downstairs, Atlas whistled. “Damn. That outfit looks made for you.”
“Thank you.” Her cheeks warmed at the way he watched her as she approached him. She tried to shake off the feeling. This was a fun night out and nothing more. If she didn’t keep her head on straight, her body was bound to get her in trouble.
Atlas held his arm out to her. “You ready to see what it’s like to have some fun in this town?”
She hesitated only a moment before taking it. He was just being a gentleman, right?
“Lead the way,” she said. Again, her body reacted to him, even when she tried to regain a bit of control. The warmth of his arm around hers comforted her, but it also made the deep, inner parts of her ignite, too. It felt like the more she pushed it down, the harder it came back up in his presence. Maybe if she just went with the flow of things, her body wouldn’t feel like it was working against her.
Stepping outside helped to bring her to her senses as the cool wind nipped at her skin. That lasted for only a moment as her eyes landed on a solid figure in jeans and a brown overcoat.
Brik rested against the red and white Chevy truck as they came out of the house. She thought it was just going to be her and Atlas, especially after the way Brik acted earlier.
Brik stood up straight and opened the car door for her as his blue eyes fell over her. His scrutiny felt different from the one from Atlas, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted it or would rather retreat into the house.
When she looked inside the truck, she realized it had one large bench seat. The men would be on either side of her, trapping her between them.
“You getting in or not?” Brik asked, a hint of annoyance in his tone.
Reese bit the inside of her cheek. There was no way he was ruining her night of promised fun, no matter what foul mood hewas in. She took a deep breath, hopped up inside the truck, and moved over to the middle.
Brik sat down next to her on the end, while Atlas took his seat at the wheel. There was no turning back.
Both men’s legs brushed up against either side of hers. She tried to sit still, but every part of her wanted to shift in her seat as if that movement would ground her better.
It was odd having physical contact with them at the same time, but she also didn’t want to move to save her life. The quiet and comfort of them relaxed her the more she adjusted to their closeness, and they made their way to the festival.
When they arrived, the aroma of baked apples, cinnamon, and popcorn filled the air. String lights hung up throughout the regular light poles, giving a bright glow to the atmosphere. People of all ages walked around to visit stalls and play games. It wasn’t just families and kids, either. Clusters of couples and groups of friends made their way through the grounds.
“Are you up to play?” Atlas asked her, pointing to a bottle toss game close by.
“Do you plan on winning me a prize?” she asked.
Brik crossed his arms. “You better plan on leaving here empty-handed if you try that one,” he said. “It wouldn’t be a problem for me.”
“Such optimism,” she teased. “Can you put your money where your mouth is?”
His cocky laugh filled the air. “Stand back and watch the master work.”
The two men exchanged a competitive look between them before buying a round each. Reese stood back and cheered them on. She had to admit it was exciting watching their macho sides take over as they tried to outdo each other.
It took a few more rounds, but each man won her a prize. Atlas got her a cute little white Clydesdale, while Brik won heran adorable panda with blue fur instead of black. She held on to both stuffed animals tightly, as if someone would come and snatch her precious haul away from her.
She was enjoying herself and felt free to have fun with both men. It wasn’t until they got closer to the docks that things shifted. The locals were having a boat decorating contest, and Reese froze in place watching the small group of boats.
Thoughts drifted back to her parents getting on that boat without her. Reese imagined them happy and having the time of their lives. She could still hear her dad’s hearty laugh and see the glimmer of her mom’s flawless smile. What she didn’t want to imagine was the fear that must have filled them in those last moments.
