Page 11 of Mad About Her Cowboys

Connor crossed his arms over his chest and stared out the window with him. “Of course, I am. I don’t think a ménage relationship will be an easy sell to her.”

“At least, she knows about it going in. Ace told me Paisley had no idea and freaked right out.” Paisley was River’s sister, and Brant was the Quists good friend. “I remember the way she ran to the diner. Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire.” It had been a mess. He and his companions hadn’t converged on her like so many others had, but he’d been ready to step in. Thankfully Ace, Brant and their cousins had shown up to rescue her.

“Worked out with her,” Connor said. “We’ve gotta focus on that part. There have been many successful matches the past few years. We could be another if we let her take the lead in deciding this and follow her cues so we don’t scare her.”

“You’re right.”

“Are we having a party in the front room?” Eds asked as he came in from his chores. Neal trailed behind him. Both paused to remove the boots they’d already cleaned on the scraper outside.

“Just waiting for Madison,” Connor replied.

“Good deal. I’m glad you talked her into coming out.”

“Me, too,” Neal enjoined. “I checked the guests over at the lodge. They’re good to go for the night. All fed and working on their evening team-building. Kinda funny seeing those big-time doctors out of their element here. Hope they don’t stay up too late. We have that seven AM trail-ride tomorrow. Cranky city slickers will be a bitch, especially if this bunch has a God complex.”

“Hopefully, they’ll be ready and caffeinated,” Franklin said, not pointing out that Neal was as much a city slicker as the bunch of guests who’d come in. They’d grown up in an urban community and had only been here a few years. None of them were cowboys, born and bred. Everything they knew had been learned “on-the-job,” so to speak.

“Madison will be here any minute. You should get cleaned up,” Connor said.

“Okay, Dad,” Eds quipped, earning a growl from Connor. Franklin shook his head. It was always like this. They’d die for each other, but probably snipe at each other to their last breath. The two younger men traipsed toward their rooms while Franklin peeked out the window again.

“Looks like it’s going to storm.”

“Yeah?” Connor stepped up next to him and peered at the sky. “It does. Snow wasn’t in the forecast.”

“Those cloud are pretty damn thick,” Franklin said, eyeing the iron-gray clouds blotting out the last of the sunset. “I wouldn’t be surprised if that dumps several inches on us.”

“Think Madison will stay the night?” Connor asked, obviously hopeful. Franklin couldn’t deny the prospect enticed him. Madison under their roof, snowed in, forced to get to know them all better.

“She might have to. I’ll make sure the guest room is ready.” The old, sprawling house had eight bedrooms, four of which were in regular use since each of the men had their own space.

He looked back toward the driveway.

“I know you want to be here when she arrives,” Connor said. “Don’t worry about the room. If we need it later, we’ll get it ready then.”

“Right.” He shoved his hand through his hair, his hand shaking slightly.

“You okay?” Connor asked

“Blood sugar’s fine,” Franklin replied, knowing that was the underlying question. Though he understood the worry, it still annoyed him a bit. He was an adult; he knew how to watch his levels, even if they’d been problematic lately. He and Doc had it in hand.

Connor studied him then nodded. Before he could say anything, two pinpoints of light pierced the darkness, then Madison’s little black car drove into sight, illuminated by the yard lights.

“She’s here,” Connor said, though Franklin saw the same thing he did. His excitement was palpable and matched Franklin’s. Franklin took a deep breath to calm his racing emotions then headed for the front door.

Minutes later, she parked at the top of the circle drive then emerged from her vehicle in slim jeans and a red, knit tunic top beneath her open navy-blue pea coat. Connor opened the door to wait for her—not overeager or anything, Franklin thought in amusement, rolling his eyes. Still, he moved to stand near Connor.

Despite the excitement vibrating around them, everything seemed stiff and uncertain. If either of the men had actually dated a girl before, rather than just meeting to hook-up, this would probably be easier. Neither were remotely smooth.

“Hi,” he said then leaned in and kissed her cheek. A blush pinkened her cheeks when he pulled back and darkened when Connor followed Franklin’s lead.

“Hey!” Eds exclaimed, bounding into the room. Apparently lacking the nerves plaguing Connor and Franklin, he pulled her into a bear hug. “Glad you’re here. Come in and see the place.” He helped her out of her coat while the other two exchanged glances. In wonder, Franklin watched him drop the outer garment on a hook by the door then take her hand. Not only did the boy have no filter, but he had no worries about appearance or impressions. It was so Edison—and thank God for it, too, otherwise they’d still be standing in the foyer shuffling their feet.

Franklin grinned ruefully. He and Connor needed to up their game if they hoped to win over their woman.

Chapter Seven

Madison shook her head slightly as whirlwind Edison took over greeting her. Neal gave her a small wave from the hallway entry, looking as uncomfortable as Connor and Franklin had. Clearly, the three of them didn’t quite know what to do. Whether that was from nerves or lack of experience with women, she wasn’t sure, but it sparked an tender sensation in her chest. Their ineptitude struck her as quite endearing. She liked that they weren’t skilled players. Edison on the other hand was an exuberant puppy. If he didn’t know what to do, he didn’t care and would barge forward anyway.

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