Page 13 of Double Cowboys
“But that doesn’t mean they’ll get it,” Colt finishes in a firm tone. “Again, we like to keep our private lives private. So yeah, our activities in the Starlight Saloon generally don’t bleed into the real world.”
“You mean it doesn’t bleed into your real lives,” I say, unable to contain a tinge of bitterness from seeping into my tone. “It’s almost like it didn’t happen.”
The twins share another look.
“Yes, kind of,” Colt acknowledges.
“But things are different now,” Cason finishes. “You’re here, and you’re obviously angry, but you’re our employee. We’re interacting with you in the real world, and it’s fine, sweetheart. We enjoy being here with you.”
I shoot them a suspicious look because are the handsome twins playing me? But their features are calm and sober, and they look every bit the part of a CEO, which is what I suppose they are. The Double C is a multi-million dollar operation, after all, and this is probably just business to them.
“Okay fine,” I mutter, sinking back into my chair. “I get it. I’m just a girl you had fun with, and now, I should forget it.”
Cason sakes his head, smiling at me.
“There’s no need to forget, Kiki. I know we won’t.”
I shoot him another look.
“Okay, we’ll pretend it didn’t happen then.”
Now, it’s Colt’s turn to shake his head.
“No, that’s silly, sweetheart. Let’s put it this way: we’ll play it by ear, shall we? All of us will act like normal people, and we’ll go about our business like adults.”
He’s gently reprimanding me, and I hate it, but I also know the handsome cowboy is right.
“Fine,” I say in a grumpy tone. “Got it.”
Colt shoots me a reproving look, his blue eyes gleaming a bit dangerously.
“Can I get an agreement with more grace and polish?” he queries in an even tone. “Perhaps even with some courtesy?” He’s asking, but there’s an undercurrent to his voice that tells me I’ll be in big trouble if I don’t comply.
“We like our girls sweet,” Cason rumbles, his words carrying their own nuance of power. “Bad girls don’t get to stay at the Double C. They’re relegated to the barn.”
I stare at the older man. What the hell is he saying? Who sleeps in the barn, like they’re a serf? We’re not living in the Dark Ages anymore and indentured servitude has been outlawed. But this is no way to start off with your new bosses, so I take a deep breath and smile even though it feels like my face might crack,
“I’m happy to be here too,” I say in a courteous tone. “Thank you for having me.”
The twins smile, and once again, I’m taken aback at how handsome Colt and Cason are. Their dark hair falls over their foreheads in a comma, and their jaws are square and masculine. Those blue eyes gleam once more, and they practically purr with approval.
“Good girl,” Colt growls.
“Verygood girl,” Cason echoes. “Now, let’s get down to the business of getting to know each other for real, shall we? Are you ready, sweetheart?”
A tingle goes down my spine because it’s me against the big bad cowboys … and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me next.
6
Kiki
Unfortunately, Colt and Cason don’t jump my curvy form for a good ravishing, like I’d secretly hoped.
“So what brings you to Montana?” Cason asks in a conversational tone, leaning back. His broad form appears relaxed, but I can sense the tension emanating from his frame because there’s electricity in the air. I’m a young woman who’s in close quarters with two hungry alpha males, and they know it … as do I.
As a result, I change tactics and decide to bring out the charm.Be smart,Kiki, the voice in my head whispers.These are powerful businessmen, and it’s important to get on their good sides no matter what happened between you before.That’s certainly true, so I straighten my spine, perk up, and smile prettily.
“Well, I just finished college, and wasn’t sure what to do next,” is my murmur. “So I figured I’d take a gap year of sorts.”
