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ue that we can serve ourselves, but BethAnn shushes her.
“I love taking care of these boys,” BethAnn tells her with a smile. And I know it’s the truth. We pay BethAnn well—very, very well, actually. But the salary isn’t why she has stayed. She’s family, and she’s the closest thing we all still have to a mother—even though BethAnn isn’t quite old enough for the role. Maybe more like an older sister, then, or a young aunt.
It’s almost strange how at ease my brothers and I are with each other. The fact that we all just made love to the same woman doesn’t seem to make anyone uncomfortable. And even Jessa, after an initial moment of shyness, settles in as easily as the rest of us.
After dinner Jessa pleads exhaustion and heads to bed. My brothers and I share a knowing glance. It’s no wonder the poor woman’s exhausted.
Tired myself, I head back to my room and open up my laptop. But I can’t focus on my spreadsheets. For tonight, I can’t make myself care about any of it.
Jessa. I feel things with her. Things I’ve never felt before. I’d better not think about that too much, but it’s a difficult thought to let go.
She’s different. Special.
Her smile can light up a room. And when she looks at you, you feel the weight of her attention, her focus. She’s smart and kind... And damn, she’s beautiful.
I’ve never had a hard time finding a woman, not when I cared enough to put out the effort to do so, which is rare. But many times when I did, I could feel their judgment. I’m different from my brothers, and many times, I’ve felt like I was less than them. Most of that I’d gotten over once I was in my twenties and more confident in myself. But, no one wants the nerd when they can see the more attractive cowboy behind them. Sure, Clay and Trey and I are identical. But we aren’t the same. And women can sense that.
I don’t feel like less when I’m with Jessa.
With her at the forefront of my thoughts, I finally give up on trying to work and go to bed.
But it’s a long time before my jumbled thoughts allow me to sleep.
I wake in the morning surprisingly well rested. A glance at my watch tells me why. It’s nearly ten in the morning. I can’t remember the last time of slept so late. I roll out of bed and shave. And while I’m throwing on aftershave, an idea strikes me. I dry my hands and send a quick text out to my brothers. In less than five minutes the all reply that they’re in.
Considering Jessa will be involved, I’m not exactly surprised.
When I don’t find Jessa downstairs, I go to her room and knock. A few seconds later she opens the door.
Her hair is pulled back in a loose ponytail, and she’s wearing those cut off shorts again that could give a man a heart attack. Her skin is free of makeup, and she looks so damn fresh and beautiful that I want to push her back into her room, kiss her silly, and fuck her until the sun goes down.
Too bad I invited everyone else out on this little excursion.
“Joshua,” she says, lips widening into that dazzling smile. “How are you?”
There’s still a touch of shyness when she looks at me. Damn adorable.
“I had an idea this morning for a picnic. My brothers are in, too, if you are.”
Her smile widens, and her shyness seems to evaporate. “That sounds lovely.”
“We know a great spot. You should probably throw on jeans. Although I hate to say that, because you look amazing in those shorts.”
She laughs and hugs me. “Give me a minute to finish up the part I’m working on in the article, and I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Two minutes later, Jessa and I walk out to the barn where my brothers are already waiting. As are the five horses they’ve already saddled up.
Jessa’s pace slows at the sight of the horses and her eyes widen. “We have to ride there?” she asks when we reach the group.
“It’s the best view on the ranch, but it’s a lot easier to get to with these guys,” Clay says, bending down to give her a kiss on the cheek.
“I don’t know...” She rings her hands at her sides. “Can’t we just walk there?”
“Ah, is the city slicker nervous?” Tyler teases her.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I saddled you our gentlest mare.” Trey gestures to the pretty bay in question. “Her name is Cupcake, and she’s a total pushover.”
Despite Trey’s reassurance, Jessa looks anything but comfortable. She’s biting her lip, while thinking hard. “Okay, I guess. As long as we go slow, like you said.”
