Page 30 of Mad About Her Cowboys

Connor leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. “I just hope this isn’t a pain in the ass—more than it already is—and I can get back here quick. I want in on that sweet action, too.”

Madison laughed in amused disbelief. “I’m pretty sure the sweet action is snowed in here. Unless you’re telling me I got plowed out.”

“Oh, there will be plowing,” he promised with a wicked leer.

She rolled her eyes. These men… With them, she felt safe, despite barely knowing them for more than a day. And yet, there was Martin. She’d known him for years, been engaged to him, and he terrified her. She’d take any or all of the Quist men in place of her ex.

“Hurry back,” she told him, “and don’t get arrested because of that dick. He’s not worth it.”

“I don’t know about that,” Franklin replied. “I’m not much for fighting, but I’m thinking I’d really like to drive my fist right into him.”

“Good thing you’re staying with me.” She looked at Connor, taking in his determined expression. She pointed at him, narrowing her eyes. “You be good, too.”

“With you waiting here for me, that’s a promise. ‘Sides, the guys in charge seem like pretty straight-laced fellas. I’m fairly sure when I give them the lowdown, they’ll be happy to see your ex go.”

She hoped so. The last thing she wanted was to cause trouble for the Quists and their livelihood. “If it would be better if I go…” she started.

But Connor interrupted her. “Don’t even say it.” He came back to where she still stood in Franklin’s embrace, which had tightened again at her words. “Last night, we claimed you, Franklin and me. We’re not going back on that. We’re not letting you back out, either.”

“I—”

“No arguments.” He lifted his chin at Franklin in what seemed like a silent, watch her. Then he took off out the door.

“You might have figured out I’m a bit more laidback than Connor, but don’t say shit like that,” Franklin said when they were alone. “I can get just as uptight and demanding as he can when it comes to something important—or someone, you, in this case. Not letting you slip away, love.” His hand flattened over her small baby bump. “You or my baby.”

He really planned to claim this baby as his, to raise it with her. It warmed her heart to think he cared that much, that quickly. Conversely, she wasn’t so sure how she felt about that or if she could trust it. Because of how quick it was.

“How did you know about amniocentesis and DNA?” she asked.

“I got up last night and Googled how soon you can get DNA results to know parentage.”

“Why?”

“After you fell asleep, Connor and I were talking. He had a feeling…”

“That psychic thing? Heck, after what happened this morning, I have to say I’m a bigger believer in his abilities.”

“If we’d realized your ex was here…” He shook his head and sighed. “We wouldn’t have left you alone this morning.”

She made a small, noncommittal sound, unsure what to really say.

“So…” he ventured. “If you’re a bigger believer, then you believe you’re ours, just like Connor foresaw?”

Madison pulled out of his embrace, needing a little space—for her and her confusion. “I don’t know about that. It’s…so much. I mean I only got here a few days ago. I just met you guys yesterday. Oh God,” she slapped her hand over her mouth. “I met you yesterday and slept with you. All of you. Am I… Maybe Martin—”

“Don’t even say it,” Franklin growled, his less laidback side rearing its head. “Sometimes, things move fast. Especially when one party is already fully invested. Especially when it’s fate, because when it’s fate, everything feels right. I don’t think this relationship would have happened with anyone else. Not like this and not this fast.”

Was he merely justifying? Words were easy. Values and actions…not so much.

“Love,” Franklin interrupted, cupping her face. “Don’t spiral into that black hole. And don’t let that prick ruin something perfectly good. Don’t give him that control. If you run away because of some name he called you, you’re giving him power again.”

“What if I’m unsure of the situation. Even without Martin’s vitriol?”

Franklin smiled and laced his fingers through hers. With a tug, he started them toward the bathroom and the shower. “Then we do our damnedest to convince you and show you just how right it is.”

Chapter Fourteen

There was shouting when Madison awoke again. Franklin had worn her out in the shower, touching and caressing. She’d been asleep in minutes after he’d carried her from the bathroom to the bed. Though they hadn’t had penetrative sex, he’d brought her to orgasm enough times in the shower that her legs were weak and wobbly. And the man could kiss. She was sure she could lock lips with him for hours, but it would feel like minutes, and she’d want more.

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