Flawless Surrender (The Surrender Trilogy, #2)(34)

The two younger Keegan’s moved into the room, Clint stood in front of her, while Dalton took a seat on the other side of the bed behind her. She stared up at Clint who took her free hand in his, she was surprised to realize that her other hand was still gripped by Tanner.

“They are just being assh-oles and trying to piss me off.” Tanner’s tone had changed, and she could tell he was really upset at the intrusion.

Clint shook his head, “No, we’re trying to be honest about our intentions with the lady. Just because you’re too chicken shit to admit you want her, doesn’t mean we are. Angel, I know you and I are just getting to know each other, but—”

Zoey jerked her hands away from both of them, and stood up abruptly. “No.”

“No?” Dalton said, while Clint just looked stunned. Tanner’s eyes narrowed on her and he crossed those muscular arms over his big chest waiting for her to explain.

Taking a shaky breath, she moved farther away from the three of them. Did they even know what seeing them on her bed did to her? It was like all of the air had been sucked out of the room and she was feeling hot and slightly claustrophobic, so she began pacing. “What I mean is no, we’re not having this conversation. I like you guys, and you already know what you do to me when you kiss me.” She took a moment to make eye contact with all three of them. In their own ways they each looked masculinely smug. “But I won’t be the cause of a divide in your family, and I won’t settle for anyone who can’t be honest about what he wants.” This time she glared at Tanner pointedly. He had the decency to look a little ashamed, and she felt empowered.

“I’m only here for another week or two, so let’s make the best of it and part as friends. No more pissing on my leg for each other’s benefit because I’m no one’s territory, got it?” She waited for each man’s nod before she smiled, “Besides, just because it’s temporary doesn’t mean it won’t be fun.”

Clint’s face spread into a wide grin, and Dalton’s eyes took on a wicked glint. Tanner’s previously smug and arrogant persona was gone, in its place was fury and contempt. “Are you saying you will fu-ck us, but you won’t date us?”

“Tanner!”

“fu-ck that man!”

Zoey stared him down silently while his two brothers blew up on him trying to protect her honor. When they had blown off their steam she stepped closer to where he stood next to the bed. “No. Years ago I offered my body to you, and you turned me down flat. I promised myself I would never do it again. This time if you want me, you will have to work for it, cowboy. So enjoy sitting on the sidelines watching your brothers have all of the fun.” She paused for effect, and then pointed to the door. “Now, you can all leave. I’m tired and I want to go to sleep.”

It was like the wall broke between them, and Tanner looked hurt as he stormed past her out of the bedroom without a word. Clint and Dalton exchanged a look.

“Zoey, it doesn’t have to be like this,” Dalton said softly, moving around the bed to stand on her right, while Clint moved to her left and ran his hand over her ponytail.

“Yes it does. I know you two think you know me, but you don’t know everything yet, and when you do, well…the point is that right now all I have to offer you is something temporary. Trust me, once word gets around the three Keegan men are back in town and on the market, you will be glad.” She let Dalton wrap her in his arms, pressing her face into his chest and inhaling deeply as she tried to control her emotions.

Clint moved in behind her and pressed a kiss to the side of her neck, giving her a gentle squeeze before she lifted her head again. “I disagree, angel, but I won’t push you. Tonight you better get some sleep because you have a date tomorrow with two lonely cowboys.”

She gave him a small smile, and accepted a sweet kiss from each of them before they left the room. Tears were running down her cheeks before she even managed to sink down onto the bed, and she grew irritated with herself. So much for not crying over Tanner ever again, this was turning into a routine.

Tanner Keegan wanted a woman who was a born rancher’s wife, someone who would stay at home and take care of his children while stroking his ego. Zoey knew what her flaws were. With her tainted blood, and career driven future, she certainly didn’t fit that bill. Her food grew cold on her plate, long forgotten as she cried herself to sleep yet again for the cowboy that didn’t want her for keeps.





Chapter Eight





Saturday dawned clear and warm, and Zoey allowed herself the luxury of sleeping in late. Of course, to anyone else eight-thirty a.m. wasn’t late, but in her book that was wasting half the day. The house was quiet as she fixed herself coffee and toast. Her thoughts kept circling around the brothers and their conversation last night.

She had to be completely honest with herself, there was no way to make everyone happy, so it wasn’t even worth trying. Instead, she would focus on enjoying the time she had with Clint and Dalton before she moved on. It wasn’t like Stone River was a mecca of the dating world, it could be years before she had sex again, so that was at the top of her to do list with the Keegan men.

Knowing that all three of them desired her sexually put an extra bounce in her step as she dressed and headed out to the barn. For the first time in years she was going to embrace her inner seductress and enjoy it.