Rachel breathed a sigh of relief as Jen finished ringing up Max Harper. He tipped his hat toward her, and then he and his brother walked out the door. Jen immediately turned and joined her at the counter. Stella was hot on Jen’s heels.

They were gone and she’d dodged a bullet. If she’d known Max had a twin who was a sheriff…

Not all cops are bad. You’ve known some kind ones. How long are you going to let that asshole ruin your life? You can’t have one simple affair?

“That man is crazy about you.” Stella slapped her well-manicured hand on the counter. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s a customer. That’s all.” Rachel felt the slightest bit cornered.

“Just a customer?” Jen asked. “He’s practically become a tenant. He’s eaten breakfast, lunch, or dinner here every day for two weeks.”

“He didn’t do that before?”

“Not at all. He used to come in maybe once or twice a week. Max spends all his time on his mountain with those horses of his. He changed his habits the day I hired you.” Stella had a knowing smile on her face. “You could do worse. Max and I have a love-hate relationship, you see.”

“She loves to hate him,” Jen supplied with a grin. She was all of twenty-two, with bright eyes and a positive outlook on everything. She was an artist, a painter trying to get her work in some of the local galleries.

“Now,” Stella began, patting her bright blonde hair, “you know that’s because he’s got a serious problem with authority figures and I’m the obvious authority figure here in Bliss. Sometimes I think he’s crabby because he knows I remember when he was a puppy of a boy running with a snotty nose.”

Jen snorted. “I can’t believe he was ever a puppy.”

Rachel watched the two women. They seemed to have the scoop on everyone and everything that went on in Bliss. “He seems sweet to me.”

“He is sweet,” Jen replied. “He just has a real crusty exterior. He’s one of those men who yells a lot, but that’s because he’s trying to cover up for the fact that he’s a big softy underneath it.”

Stella nodded sagely. “It’s true. When I called him the bear of the county, I probably should have added ‘teddy’ to the ‘bear’ part. Max complains when things aren’t perfect. He’s a picky man. But when the chips are down, you can count on him. Even when he was feuding with Hank Farley over his storage units encroaching on Max’s land, Max was the first one to help out when he had a stroke and couldn’t afford his hospital bills. Rye might be the charmer, but Max is the sweet one.”

Jen poured herself a cup of coffee and took a long drink. Rachel saw her pretend not to notice when Stefan Talbot walked in. Rachel could tell Jen had a crush on the handsome painter. She always asked to switch with Rachel when he sat in her section.

“Rye isn’t exactly sour. He spent a weekend worth of his free time fixing my car because I couldn’t afford the shop.” Jen sighed. “I’ll tell you, Rach, if I thought I could handle it, I would give those brothers a try myself.”

“So, they openly share women?” A vision of herself between those two hot men flooded her brain. It was kind of taboo in her mind. It was totally sexy and hot, but shouldn’t it be private? A dirty secret that the men hid? The way Stella was talking everyone knew about it.

Stella waved off the statement. “We don’t judge people here in Bliss, hon. Too many of us came here to get away from prying eyes, if you know what I mean. We tend to accept people the way they are. We’re kind of a community of free spirits. Tolerance is our catchphrase. How else would we get along with all those nudists?”

“You know you love them,” Jen teased.

“I do. I also wish they would shave more often than they do. I swear some of those men are responsible for the numerous sightings of Bigfoot we get around here.”

Tolerance. It was a nice word. What if this was a place where no one would care if she had a crazy affair with two hot men? Not that she would since one of them was a cop, but what would it feel like to walk around freely holding the hands of her lovers?

Rachel laughed at the thought and got back to work.

The whole rest of her shift she was assaulted with numerous facts about the Harper twins. Now she knew way more about the hot brothers than she probably wanted to. They were infamous in southern Colorado for being wild in their youth. All of that had changed when their mother died of a sudden heart attack and their father walked away, unable to deal with it. They ended up raising their younger sister. Rye had taken a job, and Max set about saving his family’s stables. Twelve years later, Brooke Harper was a freshman in college, and the men were thriving professionally. It wasn’t as great on the personal front.

By the time she was ready to leave, her brain was full of Harper twin trivia and no small amount of fantasy. She grabbed her purse and waved good-bye to Stella and Jen.

The door closed behind her and she couldn’t help but look back. Inside the diner, Mel was laughing at something the owner of the Feed Store Church had said. Jen was bouncing around to some music she could hear in her head. There was such warmth in that diner. It had quickly become her favorite place.

And this was the time she hated. This was the time when she pretended she had somewhere to go and something to do, and that maybe someone was waiting for her. As far as Stella knew, she had a room at a motel on the outskirts of Bliss. She wasn’t about to explain she was homeless and on the run. That was an excellent way to lose her precious job.

Rachel walked out to her Jeep and felt weary at the thought of the long hours ahead. It was better when she could take a second shift, fill as many of the lonely hours of the day with work and the new people she met.

Deep breath. It was time to remind herself that she was alive and there was something to be thankful for. The Jeep worked and it wasn’t uncomfortable. The problem was Bliss was starting to get to her in a way none of the other places she’d briefly stayed had. Being around these people reminded her that she was tired of running. She was tired of being afraid every minute of the day. She wanted something for herself, even if it was temporary.

Twenty minutes later, Rachel pulled her Jeep into a small clearing surrounded by a cluster of trees. Tall pines rose into the air and slender trees with white trunks shook as the wind blew through. She put the battered Jeep in park and got out. This was her second favorite place. At the base of the mountain, she’d found a wonderland complete with fields of green and gold grass, a forest of emerald green, and this pond of clear water.

Her kingdom. When she was here, she didn’t feel empty.

No one was around, but then she’d never seen anyone in the area. She made one careful sweep around the pond and then got the soap and shampoo out of the back. Living out of her car had its disadvantages. It had been weeks since she’d been able to afford a motel room for the night, so she had to make do.

One of the lovely things about Bliss was the numerous ponds and lakes that dotted the county. The Rio Grande split the small town in half, but even in the summer it was frigid. This particular pond was cool, but perfectly swimmable. It was tiny, isolated, and crystal clear. The sun warmed the water, but in the middle, it was still chilly.

Rachel quickly got out of her jeans and T-shirt as the events of the day played through her head.

Meeting Ryan Harper had thrown her for a loop. Max was one thing. He trained horses. A sheriff was a completely different animal. Rachel sighed as she felt the sun on her skin and she walked into the cool water with absolutely no thought to her nudity. This place was a slice of paradise. There was something about Bliss that made her lose her inhibitions. It felt right to be naked in the sunlight here. She sighed and went under the water. When her hair was wet and she’d gotten used to the temperature, she surfaced. She let herself float, looking into the clear blue sky. It was never that clear back in Dallas. There was always too much smog. She’d never considered herself anything but a city girl. Being in Bliss was changing her mind.

Bliss was a wonderful place. She’d been in a lot of cities and towns over the last year, but none of them made her want to stay the way Bliss did. She loved the mountains. She loved the quirky streets with their art galleries and boutiques, and even an old-fashioned trading post. The town got a lot of tourist attention for being an art mecca. Artists from all over southern Colorado showed their work in Bliss’s galleries. There was even a real, true repertory theater. She didn’t have the money to go see a show, but she wished she did. She felt like this was a place where she could fit in. She even loved the weird citizens. Mel was a hoot when he wasn’t worried about aliens taking over the government. Nell and Henry were friendly even as they fought with Stella. They were trying to get her carnivorous boss to give them vegan choices on the menu. Jen was sweet and loved to paint. Yes, she liked the locals just fine.

And Max…Why did he have to have a brother? Did it matter? His brother was as hot as he was, and she was fooling herself and playing the prude by telling Stella she was shocked at the thought of those two men sharing. There was a time when that had been her biggest fantasy, two gorgeous men pleasuring her. She’d giggled with her friends over the books of Amber Rose and Libby Finn. She still missed her e-reader and all their hot romances and book boyfriends. She would sit at happy hour and discuss what it would be like to be the heroine and laugh and daydream.

Then Tommy had happened, and her biggest fantasy had become surviving the day with all her body parts still attached. Rachel shook her head. She wasn’t going to think about him. This was her time, and if she wanted to fantasize about her sweet cowboy, she would. She would think about Max. Rye was far too dangerous. She wouldn’t get near another cop.

But Max was a different story.

She closed her eyes and could see Max smiling at her. He was the bad boy in town, but he was good for her. He was polite and kind when she was around, and fierce when anyone threatened her.

A small noise pulled Rachel out of her thoughts and sent her scrambling. She forced her feet to the bottom of the pond and covered herself to her neck in the water. Her eyes darted around, looking for the threat. Adrenaline started pumping through her body. The question she always asked pounded against her brain.

Had Tommy found her? Was he here? How long did she have to run? Her breath sawed in and out of her chest as she looked around.

“I’m sorry.” Max Harper sat astride the back of a big black horse. Both the man and the animal were powerful creatures. There was an enormous dog at the horse’s side. If she didn’t know better, she would almost think the dog was a pony. “I was just taking Maverick and Quigley out for some exercise.”

He was watching her with wide eyes, and she could see his breath hitch in his chest.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said quietly.

“It was very quiet. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone,” she managed to say. Had he seen her? That she was naked? If he had, he wasn’t exactly running away. His eyes were steady on her. “Is that the killer dog who will tear anyone who steps on Harper land apart?”

His lips curled in a smile. “I might have overstated his ferociousness.”

She should still be afraid. She was still alone with a man she’d only known for a brief time. Why was she sure she was okay with Max?

Play it safe. Ask him to leave. Put on your clothes and move on. You’re a terrible judge of men.

But she wasn’t. That was the truth of the matter. Her instincts were actually quite good. She’d realized there was something wrong with Tommy the minute she met him. She’d done everything right. She’d refused to see him again. Her instincts hadn’t failed her.

Every instinct she had told her Max was different. Max was special. Tommy Lane had taken almost everything from her. Was she going to let him take this, too?

Maybe it was crazy, but there was something like fate at work. He was here and she was here. From what she’d learned today, Max was single and had been for a long time.

Why shouldn’t she have this? Why should she deny herself?

Desire started to course through her veins like a drug. He was right there, and he looked perfect. She had wanted something for herself, and, like a genie granting wishes, he’d shown up. Rachel smoothed back her hair. It was time to make a decision. She might not be in Bliss for long, but she was going to enjoy herself for once. It had been years since she felt a man’s body beside hers. She wanted that with Max.

“Do you want me to leave?”

Pulling together every bit of bravado she had, she walked out of the pond, revealing her body to him. “No, Max. I don’t want you to leave. I just want you.”

 

* * * *

 

Max tried to think of one good reason he shouldn’t get down off the horse and take Rachel in his arms.

Unfortunately, he thought of about a dozen, the chief one being it was far too soon to make love to her. He was absolutely sure of that. In her mind, it would be sex and nothing more. She would be using him for comfort, pleasure, whatever she was lacking. He would be the himbo she rode to pleasure and maybe never respected again.

He, however, would be making love to the woman he was pretty sure he was falling in love with. There was an imbalance in the scenario. If he got off the horse and buried himself in her, he would be at a distinct disadvantage for the rest of their relationship.

Yet, even as he told himself all the reasons to be patient, he was dismounting. His dick wasn’t willing to listen. Himbo? Hell, his dick was cool with that. He was rock hard, and the sight of her gorgeous body emerging from the pond like Venus was making his heart thud in his chest.

She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

What is it about this woman? She was lovely, but then he knew that he’d been with women that other men would think were more attractive than Rachel. Why did she alone call to him? Why was it her face and her voice that made him sit up and listen?

Quigley nosed his leg, and Max looked down. The old mutt had a stick in his mouth. In his mind, it was playtime. Max wasn’t on top of Maverick, so this was supposed to be Quigley time.

“Is he part horse?” Rachel’s eyes sparkled as she watched the big dog.

Max patted the dog’s head. “You might think so. We think he’s part Great Dane and part Saint Bernard. He’s all pussy, though. I swear I’ve never seen a more docile dog. Q, go rest, buddy.” Max pointed to where he’d left his horse. The dog whined and drooled around his stick. Max prayed he wasn’t drooling as much as Quigley, but he didn’t hold out much hope.

There was an amused grin on her plump lips as he approached. “Why do they say you’re difficult, Max?”

“Because I’m a bastard,” he answered honestly. He was a picky, contrary, argumentative bastard, and he didn’t really apologize for it.

She laughed. The sound was magical to his ears. “You apparently love dogs and horses. I haven’t seen anything that tells me you’re a jerk. You’ve been nothing but sweet around me.”

He shrugged, his eyes devouring the sight of her breasts. They were round and soft. They bounced when she walked. The nipples were hard raspberries. “I’ve been very careful around you. I don’t want to scare you away. You’re the first person I’ve met in a long time whose opinion I care about. I promise, Rachel, I’ll always be careful with you.”

She frowned, her pouty mouth turning down. “Max, I want you. I want to have sex with you. But I’m not a long-term girl. You have to understand that.”

But she was, and Max knew it. She was the type of girl a man fell in love with and took home to his parents and married in some church with all his family and friends around them. He put her age at roughly thirty. She should have fallen for some professional and had a few precious babies by now. It was the way things went for women like Rachel. Something had happened to throw her life off the rails. He needed to get it back on track because he intended to be the man she fell for.

“Sweetheart, why don’t you get dressed and I’ll take you out to dinner?” Max suggested against his penis’s wishes. He needed to woo her before he took her. He wanted to romance her and give her the courtship she deserved. He needed her to trust him. For the first time in his life, he wanted something normal. “We can talk and get to know each other.”

Her face flushed. She was very pale, with delicate skin. She couldn’t hide her emotions, and he realized he’d made a mistake. She nodded and purposefully walked back into the pond to cover her body up.

The smile on her face didn’t come anywhere close to her eyes. “I’m not hungry. I’ll stay here and swim for a while. See you around.”

She pointedly swam away from him, and Max knew he’d been dismissed. If he walked away, she might be friendly, but she’d never offer herself again. He’d tried to get it done his way. It looked like he was going to have to use hers.

Max kicked off his boots, then pulled his shirt over his head. Maverick was standing by the pond, calmly waiting for his master to finish with the female so they could continue the exercise. Maverick was a gelding and Quigley had been fixed years back.

Life must be so much simpler for them.

Max eased off his jeans carefully. His raging erection was eager to be set free. The crown of his cock was already weeping with arousal.

Rachel surfaced and was treading water. Her light green eyes were wary as she took him in. “What are you doing, Max?”

He put his hands on his hips. He had no real problem with nudity. He’d grown up in this weird town, and while he had quirks of his own, he’d always accepted himself. It was the best gift Bliss had given him. “I’m about to take a swim in a really cold pond with a woman who only wants me for my body. I’m desperate, though, and I don’t have a whole lot of self-respect.”

She frowned, reminding him of a gorgeous water nymph. “This is my pond. Go find your own.”

Max felt his lips quirk up in a half grin. “This is my land, darlin’. I’m afraid I own the pond you’re currently occupying.”

“Oh,” she said, her mouth forming a perfect O. His penis got even harder as he thought about that sultry mouth around his cock. The damn thing was standing up straight, lying almost flat against his belly. If he didn’t do something soon, it was going to come off his body and seek her out itself. Max strode into the water and dove under the instant he could.

The water was clear, making it easy to swim toward his lovely target. Her legs were barely touching the bottom of the pond. He loved the curves of her hips and ass. He surfaced, letting his arms wind around her slender waist, forcing her a little deeper so she had to cling to him. It was easy to do. He had a good foot on her petite frame. Her arms instinctively went around his neck.

“Max!”

He smiled. “What? I can’t swim in my own pond?”

She pushed at his broad shoulders. “I don’t need your pity, Max. Let me go.”

Now it was his turn to frown. He brushed his rigid erection against her pussy. “Darlin’, this water is cold as hell, but I’m harder than I’ve ever been in my life. I don’t pity you. I’ve been like this for two damn weeks. If anyone needs some pity, it’s me.”

“You didn’t want me a minute ago.” Even as she made the accusation, she cuddled close to him.

She felt perfect in his arms. They fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Max knew he was never going to want to let her go. “I want way more than you’re willing to give me, Rachel, and you know it. I want to be your man. I’m crazy about you.”

“You don’t even know me,” she replied, burrowing her nose into his neck.

Max kissed her ear gently. She was starving for affection, and he intended to drown her in it. “I don’t know anything about you?”

“You have no idea where I was born or who my parents are.” She practically purred against him.

“You could tell me.” She was silent on the subject, so he moved on. “I might not know all the facts and details, but I’ve learned a lot about you. I know you like chocolate and don’t put anything in your coffee. You’re a dog person, but you’ll put up with cats. You smile at everyone, and there’s a light inside you that always makes them smile back. You love music. You can’t stop your right foot from tapping when the jukebox comes on. When you know the words, you sing them, and you don’t even know you’re doing it. You take your work seriously even though you know you’re too smart to be stuck as a waitress for the rest of your life. You’ll do that job with everything you have. You’re a good person, Rachel.”

She pulled back to look at him. There were tears swimming in her eyes. “How could you see so much?”

He used one hand to wipe the tears away. He didn’t intend to play any games with her. “Because I knew I was crazy about you the moment I saw you.”

“Don’t,” she said, her voice catching on the word. “I can’t. I can’t do anything serious. Please, I want to lose myself for a while. Can you give me that?”

He looked at her solemnly. She was practically begging him not to push her. “For now.”

Anticipation thrummed through his body as he pulled her close and, for the first time, pressed his lips to hers. She was soft and willing. Her mouth flowered open under his. Max pulled her tightly to him. He loved the way her breasts pressed against the hardness of his chest. He kept the kiss light, letting her set the pace. He needed her badly, but he held his own desire firmly in check. She needed this even more than he did, and he knew it. After a moment’s sweet play, he groaned as he felt her tentatively lick along the seam of his lips.

Max growled as he lost a bit of his control, and he wound his hands in her hair. It was soft against his callused fingers. He held her gently but with firm intent as he plundered her mouth. He let his tongue plunge in a naked imitation of what his cock wanted to do. He slanted over and over her mouth, their lips meshing together. She felt right in his arms.

“Oh god, Max,” she moaned when he came up for air. “It’s been so long.”

“How long?” Max didn’t care. She could have been with twelve guys yesterday. As long as he was the last man standing, he’d be satisfied.

“Years.” There was a bit of wonder in her voice. Max was fascinated with the way she was looking at him. It made him feel like a much better man than he’d ever thought he could be. “Like this? Maybe never.”

“Good.” He lifted her up, bringing her breasts to his mouth. “God, you’re beautiful, baby.” He sucked a pink nipple into his mouth. Rachel groaned, and her back bowed as she offered herself to him. He curled his tongue around the peak of her soft breast and thought he would come then and there when she wrapped her legs around his waist. He felt her hot pussy against his skin. He moved between both breasts, not wanting either one to feel left out. She shivered when he bit down gently on her nipple.

Rachel moved restlessly against him, and he knew she was getting hot and bothered. He needed to get her off because the minute he sank his cock into her, he feared he would explode. He didn’t want to leave her unsatisfied. Max turned her around in his arms, palming her breasts as her head fell back against his shoulder. Her ass rubbed against his torso.

“Please touch me,” Rachel moaned.

Max anchored her with one hand around her waist and let his other hand trail down to her wet, ripe pussy. He delved into the soft curls there. He wished he could see it but promised himself that he would have her laid out on his bed soon. He would spread her wide and take his time learning every inch of her. He would cover her with his mouth and taste that hot pussy while she took Rye in her mouth.

Max shook his head, trying to banish the mental image. It came to him naturally, but it wasn’t going to happen. They were playing it straight this time. He wanted Rachel, and he would have to take her on her terms. As much as he’d loved sharing women with his other half, he had to move on. Max slid his fingers over her pulsing pussy, rubbing her clit through the soft nest of curls he found. Rachel pushed her pelvis against his questing fingers.

“Yes, Max,” she whispered.

Max picked up the pace. He rubbed tight circles with his thumb over her clit while he worked his middle finger into the blinding heat of her pussy. She was incredibly tight. She was going to feel like heaven wrapped around his cock.

“It feels so good.” Rachel turned her head up. Max took the invitation and plunged his tongue into her perfect mouth as he fucked her with his fingers. His dick was denting the soft flesh of her ass, and he longed to be able to tunnel his way in. He held off, sensing she was a virgin there. He would have to be careful and prepare her.

Rachel bucked against his fingers, and he felt a warm rush as she came. His cock was throbbing. He couldn’t fight it anymore. He quickly turned her around.

“Wrap your legs around my waist,” he ordered.

Her face was flushed and she looked sleepy, but she complied with a sexy smile. “That was fantastic.”

He kissed her as he arranged her legs to his liking. She looked like a completely content kitten. “I’m glad I could help, baby.”

She traced the line of his jaw with her fingertips. “You’re different. A woman could feel safe with you, Max.”

She sounded so hesitant, his heart clenched. He wondered who had put that fear in her voice. He made his own voice gentle. “You are safe with me. I’ll take care of you.”

She reached down between them, and her small hand stroked his desperate cock. He couldn’t help the tortured hiss that came out when she squeezed the crown.

“Take care of me now,” she demanded, her green eyes practically challenging him.

Max’s hands tightened on the cheeks of her ass. His dick knew exactly where to go, and he unerringly found her slick entrance. Rachel steadied herself, placing her hands on his shoulders. Her eyes went wide as Max began working his big cock into her. He started with shallow strokes. She was so tight that he had to be careful with her. He eased her up and down on his dick, the buoyancy of the water aiding his work. Rachel pushed against him.

She isn’t one to lay back. No, this woman fought for her pleasure. This woman fought period. She would never be easy. She would always demand more of him.

Why did that seem good to him?

Max’s latest stroke pushed him in all the way to his balls. He groaned at the exquisite sensation. Rachel was fighting for her orgasm, and he thought it was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen.

Her nails were going to leave a mark, he realized with a savage satisfaction. Her mouth was open, and he felt her pussy clench again and again around his cock as she went over the edge.

He held nothing back after she came. He pounded into her, slamming her slick pussy up and down on his dick. He shoved his way into her until he could feel the cheeks of her ass hitting his balls. He tightened his hold on her as he felt his orgasm start as a tingle at the base of his spine. He slammed her down and held her close as he ground against her, shooting hot cum deep into her welcoming body. His mind felt languid and drugged with pleasure. He kissed her over and over as he softened inside her.

He was shaking as he realized what he had done. “Oh, shit, Rachel. I’m sorry. I didn’t use a condom, baby. I can’t believe I did that.”

But she simply let her head drift down onto his shoulder. “It’s okay. I finished my period two days ago. Next time, we need to use one.”

He relaxed a little. He was happy there would be a next time. His cock was still pressed against her pussy. “I’m safe, baby. I had a checkup last year, and I haven’t been with anyone since.”

“Seriously?” She sounded surprised.

“Yes.” He hugged her to him. “You’re the first woman I’ve wanted in a long time.”

Her eyes were heavy as she grinned at him. “I’m glad.” She shrieked and pointed at a spot behind his head. “What is that?”

Max turned quickly, every instinct screaming at him to protect his woman. He looked at the massive dog who should be barking a warning. Quigley just yawned and relaxed at Maverick’s feet. There would be no help from those two. Rachel clung to his back, covering her nudity.

“Don’t mind us,” the intensely hairy man said as he walked by the pond with a friend. “We’re on a nature walk. Beautiful day.”

Sure enough, the two men had walking sticks in their hands and binoculars around their necks. Other than that, they wore hiking boots and nothing else. Max shook his head. Rye was going to have to remind those nudists where the boundaries of their property ran.

He turned back to Rachel, hoping their Peeping Toms hadn’t ruined her mood. He was surprised to find her laughing.

“Stella was right. Bigfoot does roam these woods.” She reached out underwater and stroked his cock. It was already getting hard again. “But, Max, Bigfoot’s got nothing on you.”

He pulled her close and proceeded to prove her point.