Sweet Allure

www.beautifultroublepublishing.com

Sweet ALLURE Nikki Winter

Copyright © 2011 by Nikki Winter All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including but not limited to: printing, photocopying, faxing, recording, electronic transmission, or by any information storage or retrieval system without prior written permission from the authors or holders of the copyright. This book is a work of fiction. References may be made to locations and historical events; however, names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination and/or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), businesses, events or locales is either used fictitiously or coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. Published by Beautiful Trouble Publishing, LLC PO Box 61 Colfax, NC 27235 www.beautifultroublepublishing.com Cover Art: Les Byerley http://www.les3photo8.com/ Editor: Cindy Davis, http://www.fiction-doctor.com/ Proofreader: Novellette Whyte http://authorgurunovellette.blogspot.com/ Formatter: Savannah J. Frierson http://sjfbooks.com/editing/ E-book Conversion: Jim & Zetta, http://www.jimandzetta.com/ ISBN: (e-book) 978-1-61788-129-9; (print) 978-1-61788-130-5

Sometimes in life we have to fight with and for what we love. This story rooted from that very idea. That, and the fact that Jayha made me do it, which backfired since Bigger Me Dréa got dibs on Archer instead of her. (sigh) You guys, the battle on that one was EPIC. Anyway, this one is for Bigger Me and all my people who love arguing, but love the victory afterward even more. —Nikki

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CAVEAT This work of erotica contains adult language and sexually explicit scenes, which are smoking hot. This book is intended only for adults, as it is defined by the laws of the country in which the purchase is made. Keep this book out of the hands of under-aged readers.

Just Because PEOPLE She left the airport terminal, dragging her carryon and thanking the good Lord she hadn’t committed a massacre in the sky on her plane. Badass kid that wouldn’t stop kicking her seat? Check. Loud as hell for absolutely no reason chick? Check. Guy sitting next to her that wouldn’t stop getting up every five minutes? Check. Oh, and of course, she couldn’t forget the perverted old dude who couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself every time she walked past him in the aisle. At this point she was exhausted, annoyed, and her ass had been pinched enough that one section of her left cheek was sore. Yeah, ten minutes more on that plane and the captain would’ve been calling in a mayday, but now she was exactly where she belonged, happy and healthy and… “Wow, your ass has taken on a life of its own since the last time I saw you. What a difference a year can make.” For one brief moment she considered what kind of legal problems she could have from killing someone in an airport, and whether or not it was worth it until that voice registered. Then she was dropping her bags and launching herself at her best friend, beyond

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ecstatic to hear that bored tone and the insult that came along with it. Lena Ramos pulled back from the hug. “I should fuck you up on principle alone for even suggesting I ride a plane. Do you have any idea the bull I just got finished dealing with?” Normally cold, Paige Matthews’ green eyes actually sparkled with amusement behind the lenses of her glasses. The bitch was laughing at her! “No, but I’m sure you’re about to spend the next hour in the truck doing the nagging spouse routine and bitching about it.” “You’re damned right. Just be glad I don’t put my foot in your ass right here, right now.” Paige smirked. “Save it for later, crouching tiger, you can’t hide that wide ass. We have to go get your bags and make our way to the ranch before Felix has a frickin’ coronary.” Rolling her eyes, Lena grabbed her carry-on again. “Ah, my wonderful big brother is tap dancing on your last nerve again, I see.” Paige stopped, faced her and said deadpan, “He has line danced, square danced, and congaed on my last fucking nerve over the last few hours. If you don’t hurry and remedy that by letting him know you’re here in one piece, and safe, I will be forced to exterminate him by way of slow torture.”

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“So I take it you’re a bit annoyed?” When Paige turned and walked off Lena called, “I thought we got those anger issues under control, Paige! Don’t walk away mad! It’s not healthy!” Even with the way Paige flipped her the bird and people stared like she was insane, Lena still grinned because she was home and there was no place better. *** “Speaking of Archer…” Paige started. Lena opened her eyes to look over at the other woman from her passenger’s seat in the truck. “Nobody said a damn thing about Archer.” Although the giant ornery bastard had been on her mind since the night before, Paige didn’t need to know that. “You just did. See? Now that the subject is open…” “It’s not.” “Are we gonna need a twenty-four hour security detail around him? You know, to prevent assassination attempts from you,” Paige asked, never once taking her eyes off the road. They were probably a good hour away from Damon, and Lena had been trying to take a small nap since she had no peace on the plane. So much for that dream.

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“If the asshole stays outta my way and says close to nothing to me, then you will have no worries.” “So basically we are gonna need a twenty-four hour security detail to stave off assassination attempts from you?” Paige queried again. Lena leaned back in her seat, her eyes closing again before she replied, “Pretty much.” She couldn’t particularly explain why she and her brother’s best friend rubbed each other the wrong way. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Archer thought she was a spoiled brat—black sheep of the family—fuck-up extraordinaire. While she was convinced he was an egotistical, know it all, asshole with a death wish since he continuously fucked with her. Yeah, they had issues. From the first day she’d met Archer as a ten year old kid he had a penchant for pissing her off. Her mom had just married Felix’s dad, which meant their lives were melded. Lena had been introduced to her new brother’s best friend after coming in from playing touch football with some of the boys in their neighborhood. Apparently pretty little princesses like her weren’t supposed to roll around on the ground and get dirty. Archer had expressed as much with the most condescending tone he could muster, and she had known then that he was, in fact, the all-time champ at being an asshole. From that day on, a line had been drawn in the sand. She and Archer

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would never be friends. Hell, while she was in Texas he’d be lucky if she didn’t cut off his balls and use them as a hood ornament. *** “If you keep pacing, you’re gonna mess up those nice new, shiny, pretty-boy boots of yours,” Archer Davis stated, slightly amused as he watched his best friend of twenty odd years pace the front porch of the ranch house. Felix Ramos didn’t hesitate in replying with a, “Kiss my pretty-boy ass.” “Now, hoss, I know I’m difficult to resist these last few months, especially with you now living in the same space as me. Having to smell my manly aroma and bask in all my perfect ways has to be hard on you, but I only like you as a friend.” Felix stopped and smirked. “You’re such an asshole.” Archer shrugged. “It’s my role and I accept it.” “Speaking of that, could you try to not be an asshole while Lena’s here?” Archer was sure his face took on a look of someone actually thinking about something before he replied, “Um…no.”

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Felix tossed up his hands. “What is with the two of you?” “She’s a brat and, as everyone enjoys pointing out, I’m an asshole. This isn’t a good mix, hoss.” “She’s not a brat.” “She’s Queen and ruler of all things spoiled and brat-like.” Blinking, his friend asked, “Did you just say that with a straight face?” “Yeah, I did. It’s a part of my charm. When I insult people, I like for it to be known it’s an insult. That can’t very well happen if I’m smiling at the time now, can it?” Felix rolled his eyes and went back to pacing. “Why are you so edgy anyway?” “This is her first time back in Texas in almost twelve years. Add that to the fact that it’s her first time on our ranch, period. I want her to be impressed; proud of me.” Archer sighed and walked closer to his friend. He clapped a hand on Felix’s shoulder. “As far as the brat’s concerned you’re the greatest person alive, Super Felix.” Doing a poor imitation of a falsetto, Archer added, “My big brother is the most awesome dude to ever walk the planet, and he will continue to be the most awesome dude even after he dies because

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the only person in heaven more awesome than him created him…so there.” When Felix’s mouth curled into a grin and laughter rumbled from his chest, Archer smiled. Lena may be a pain in the ass, but her love for her older brother was very much real and palpable. When she’d moved to Florida to work her dream job as a car engineer at a very well-known shop that brought old school cars back to life, it had hit Felix the hardest. Archer hadn’t been surprised. Lena had hotwired and raced enough cars in her lifetime to be amazing under the hood of one legitimately. Now the brat had gone and made something out of herself—and opened her own garage. Archer wondered if she was still that same little tomboy with a penchant for touch football that he used to know. It had been a long time since he’d come face to face with her. The only reason he was seeing her now was the fact that he and Felix had managed to go half and half on the asking price of Malone’s ranch. The little bastard had sold it due to a massive amount of debt. If it weren’t for that, he’d avoid her like the plague. Lena was trouble; lots and lots of trouble. He heard the truck at the same time as Felix. The only difference was that he didn’t jump the railing to the porch and run like a nutcase toward the driveway as Paige’s truck finally pulled up. Amused,

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Archer went down the steps and watched Felix fling open the passenger’s door, but his smile faded at the sight of the woman stepping out. Long, smooth sienna-brown legs were showcased from mid-thigh to ankle due to the jean short shorts she was wearing, her ass sitting high and round like it was carved by an erotic artist. A slim waist and what had to be—yes, he was guessing here— at least double D-cups, were very obvious in the grey tank covering her upper half. But when he finally managed to pull his eyes from her torso…he almost fell over. No, that was not the face of a tomboy. Tomboys didn’t look like that. They didn’t have a pair of the most gorgeous lips he’d ever seen on a woman, or bone structure that’d make even the most beautiful of models stop in their tracks just to stare. Their hair wasn’t that thick and beautiful, cut into a shaggy style that looked like she’d just been ravished. And when his eyes met the thickly lashed, soft brown orbs of hers, all Archer could mutter was, “Well, shit…”

Claim to HATE YOU Was it wrong that Lena almost, almost jumped Archer right there on the porch to the ranch? She didn’t know what the hell happened to the gangly limbed, big footed kid she used to know, but the man he was now was fine. No, fine was too mild. He was breathtaking, will-bending, foot-stomping, legshaking, and hand clapping—gorgeous. How one person could be so damn pretty, she didn't know. She just wanted to get her hands on him for one night and ride him until she broke him because, damn. Just damn. Okay, wait, no. No, she couldn’t go there. She would not go there. She refused to think about those wide light brown eyes, or that thick chestnut hair with just a hint of premature silver at the temples. Her mind couldn't afford to focus on his “I was made for making others feel good” mouth. She wouldn't give a second thought to that six-foot-nine body made of two-hundred and fifty pounds of pure rock hard man. Those big hands and feet couldn't be focused on for too long, and she was so not interested in the way he was staring at her. Liar! her body screamed, and mentally she told it to shut the hell up before she decided a full-on ice

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bath was in order. That did the trick. Or so she thought—until she got just a few feet away from Mr. Broodingly Handsome. Every fiber of her being started to hum one single tune. “We want Archer! We want Archer!” Then the giant—and apparently still—ornery bastard opened his mouth. “Well, well, well if it isn’t the brat. I’m surprised you didn’t hotwire another Camaro and make your way here all on your own.” Well, if that wasn’t like a bucket of ice water over her head, she didn’t know what was, but she could give as good as she got. Lena froze and grabbed her brother’s arm. “Oh my God, Felix!” He stopped at her panicked tone. “What? What’s wrong?” She looked back over at Archer and stated dryly, “Somebody must’ve left a stable door open again because you’ve got a whole horse’s ass on your front porch.” Archer’s eyes narrowed while Felix and Paige made themselves busy staring off and trying not to laugh. They were doing a good job of it until Lena said, “Why is tall, dark, and extremely assholish here ruining my day with the sight of his face?” Paige threw her hands up and headed into the house, yelling, “I give!”

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“Ah, Lena it’s so nice to have you home. When will you be leaving?” Archer looked down at his watch. “In the next fifteen minutes, I hope.” To that she had one thing to say. It was the same response she gave him twenty-odd years ago, and it seemed to fit so well right now. “Suck me, Archer.” Her brother’s willpower finally broke, his loud chuckles booming around them. Getting himself under control, he leaned down and kissed her forehead. “When you get done tearing him a new one by way of greeting, come in the house so I can feed you.” “I’m not hungry,” Lena said to Felix’s back, knowing he wouldn’t listen. “You’re a twig. What’ve you been living off of— nuts and berries in Florida?” “I weigh one hundred and sixty five pounds and my boobs are a double D. How is that anywhere near a twig?” “La la la la. I didn’t just hear that!” he tossed back before disappearing into the house. His gaze burned into her. She rolled her eyes at her brother’s antics then turned toward her archnemesis. “What’re you looking at?” There went that stare again. It was disconcerting, to say the least. “I see you finally grew into that head and those knobby knees,” Archer replied.

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“And I see you’re still holding the title of World’s Biggest Douche Bag.” “Do you kiss Miss Mona with that mouth?” he questioned, mentioning her mama. “No, but I’d kiss your daddy with it. He’s still divorced, right? I always thought he was damn good looking.” When that tic jumped in his jawline, she knew her work was done. Reaching out, she patted him on the shoulder, ignoring how solid and warm it felt. “Don’t fuck with me while I’m here, Archer. Felix maybe, probably, kind of, possibly, just a little bit might miss you if I kill you.” Not bothering to look back, she headed into the house. *** “If she finds out you’re playing matchmaker, that’s your ass. You do realize this?” Felix danced around the kitchen to the beat of Latin drums as he cooked. It had been a long time since he’d been able to do this. Work usually kept him pretty busy—that and trying to get Paige under him, over him, or bent over for him. But he knew Lena would appreciate it. Growing up, their house had always been filled with two things, good food and amazing music.

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When Mona Jacobs and Alejandro Ramos married, bringing their makeshift family together, life had never been better for Felix. At a young age, he’d lost his mother to cancer and had never had the opportunity of experiencing what it was like to have a Mãe (mother) until Mona. Along with his new mother came a sister. At fifteen Felix hadn’t exactly been sure how he felt about that considering girls at that age to him were…well irritating. That was until he met Lena. A small somebody, she was. Probably didn’t weigh more than sixty pounds soaking wet, but boy was she something. Lena didn’t want to play with a Barbie or watch fairy princess movies. No, she was tagging along with him every single day to help out on his Pop’s ranch or playing tag football or she was learning how to fix engines under the hood of Pop’s truck. Basically Lena was like a little brother more than anything. Oh, Felix still spoiled her like any girl should be spoiled, but he never doubted for one minute that she was smarter, faster, and greater than any little brother could ever hope to be. They’d had a bond that couldn’t be broken. So when she was busted by sheriffs for drag racing, Felix went and got her. When she got caught hotwiring the cars of high school teachers who should’ve known better than to fuck with her, Felix went and got her. And when she was ready to head off

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to FSU to get her Masters’ in Mechanical Engineering and pursue her dream job, Felix had been there with their parents to see her off. That of course had been one of the hardest days of his life. His sister was one of the most cherished people in his life, adopted or not. Genetics had never meant shit to him. All he’d known was this awesome little person had wiggled her way into his heart and she was going to be spoiled rotten. So far he had done his job, and damn well. Now he was continuing what their mom and dad had done in the kitchen every day to make her really feel like she was home. Mona and Alejandro were out of town at the moment on vacation and wouldn’t be back for another few days so Felix’s task was to keep Lena well fed and smiling. Well, that and to figure out how he could push her and his best friend together while she was here over the next few weeks. He loved his sister but she was a rebel with the words “Fuck you” ready to leave her lips at a moment’s notice. And Archer had a stick up his ass. Lena needed Archer to tone her down and Archer needed Lena to loosen him up. Felix needed both of them to stop pussyfooting around and give him some nieces and nephews. He had already scoped out properties so she could move her business from Florida to Texas and he had at least fifteen clients lined up for her. Yes, she

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would indeed be pissed. Yes, she would indeed get her retribution but Felix would get his nieces and nephews and his mãe would get grandbabies to occupy her until he could get Paige right where he wanted her. “Felix, did you hear me?” Paige asked from the kitchen doorway. Grinning, he didn’t stop moving his feet as he put the stuffed chilies in the oven. “I heard you, batimentos cardíacos. All is well. Trust me on this.” She smirked. “Whatever it is you’re calling me, stop it. And when Lena fucks you up good and proper, I will be there to make sure you eat those words.” He shot her what he knew was a wolfish grin over his shoulder. “How about you come over here and make sure I eat something else?” Paige rolled her eyes. The same eyes everyone else saw as cold and unfeeling, he found sexy and mysterious. “Or I could put some ice down your pants and tell you to fuck off.” Placing a hand against his chest, Felix gave her his puppy look. “You wound me, baby.” “Not yet. Keep it up and I’m going for the rolling pin.” “Well, Paige, if you need something long and wood-like in your hands, all you have to do is ask.”

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“That’s it! I’m gone!” She turned toward the swinging doors to leave but was pushed back through by Lena. “I don’t think so. If I have to endure dinner with the jack of all asses, you have to sit across from Mr. Sexual Innuendos,” his sister said, guiding her best friend to the table and forcing her to sit. She threatened the love of his life with all kinds of bodily harm before leaning over the island to kiss his cheek. “It smells like Mama’s kitchen in here.” He grinned. “I know. One of us has to be efficient at more than just rebuilding engines and tricking out rides.” She threw a cherry tomato at his head. “I can cook.” “Boiling rice in the microwave doesn’t count.” “Has Archer been teaching you the Jedi technique on ways to piss me off?” “Why, oh Queen of brats, are you mentioning me?” Archer asked, walking through the doors and taking a place at the table. “Because I was referring to how good you are at working my last nerve,” Lena answered. Archer smirked. “Bad attention is still attention, brat.” “Homicide is still murder, asshole.”

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“All righty then!” Paige said over the two of them. She made Lena sit next to her and took away all sharp objects in her reach. Hell, she even took away Lena’s spoon. “What am I supposed to eat with?” “Until I feel you’re responsible enough to handle metal objects, you are to stick with the finger foods.” “This is ridiculous.” “Are you gonna stab Archer with the fork if I give it back to you?” “Well, yes.” “Then it’s not ridiculous.” While Felix laughed and finished steaming the tamales, he had one thing to say, “This is gonna be the best dinner ever.”

Doesn’t Mean THEY DO If hell felt anything like this, then he needed to stop sinning and do it with a quickness. Hot didn't describe what it felt like outside today. No, hot was for the inside of a southern church without AC on Sunday. Hot was for something coming out the microwave. Hot was for how his body felt every time he looked at... Archer shook the thought from his head. He wouldn't go there. He would not go there. Nope. Archer would not think about how soft her sienna colored skin looked, or how good she smelled any time she got near him. Thinking about how absolutely perfectly stacked her five foot ten inch frame was, was completely off limits. Nope, he wasn’t about to think about how wide and pretty those brown eyes were or how gorgeous that heart shaped mouth was. No, no, no, Archer wasn’t going down that road. No, Archer was going to focus on how miserably hot the Texas weather was and how it felt like he was being cooked like one giant steak, rather than think about his best friend’s little sister. From the day Lena had stepped foot on the property she’d been under his skin. The more she irritated him the more he wanted her but he wasn’t going there. She was his best friend’s sister. Felix would kill him without even blinking. Not

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to mention she was infuriating. She did what she wanted, how she wanted, and didn't give a damn about any objections. She was convinced he was an asshole and he was convinced that she’d argue with him till her dying breath. They were quite the pair. Shaking his head he took off his Stetson then stripped the tank he'd been wearing to wipe his face and neck. Shit, it was hotter than the six rings of hell hot outside. He couldn't wait to knock off. *** She couldn't wait for him to knock off! This shit was ridiculous. How was she supposed to focus when he did that? Stripping off his shirt and such. Lena practically had her damned face pressed to the window watching Archer stretch and flex all that muscle. Shaking her head, Lena backed away from the window. No, she couldn’t go there. She would not go there. No, she was not gonna stand and watch him take that bottle of water and pour it over his head. That was a lie. She was gonna stand there and watch him then think of all the ways she could keep him wet all the time. Sort of the same way he kept her. Hot, bothered, and changing panties like someone

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with a lace fetish. “Sweet fig trees,” Lena muttered, watching rivulets of water trickled down his shoulders to those thick strong pecs, past that eight-bricked stomach and beneath the waist band of his jeans. Heaven knew she’d give up chocolate if she could just see what was under those jeans. It should've been illegal for him to be that...awe inspiring. From the way he swaggered about with a lazy gait. To that low raspy voice that had a distinct southern inflection. Just the way he said “sugar” made her lock her knees together on more than one occasion. Like rolling thunder that voice was. The baritone so deep it bottomed out in her stomach, and spread lower making her tremble when she was trying her best to appear unaffected. Archer Davis was, in fact, made to remind a woman why she was a woman and why it was a good idea to invest in a three speed bullet. Jackasses weren't supposed to look like Archer Davis. Hell, nobody was supposed to look like Archer Davis. He was something out of a novel. Most days she had to take him in small doses lest she lose herself in all his beauty. The ranch was the most important thing to her right now, but he was quickly becoming a distraction, and the more that happened, the more Lena feared she'd do something stupid. Something

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stupid consisted of jumping him and then riding him like a jockey on a race horse. “What’re you doing?” Lena jumped and turned toward Paige. “Why are you skulking around?” “I don’t skulk. You would’ve heard me if you weren’t having a wet day dream in the middle of the kitchen.” “I hate you.” “You love me, and thus, that is your downfall. Because of it, I know a whole lot more about you than I would like to—like your ‘I want some’ face.” Paige gagged. “It’s rather disturbing.” “I don’t want Archer,” Lena lied. “Wow, most people twitch when they lie but your whole body jerked.” “Why are you here other than to bug the fuck outta me?” Paige held up her medical bag. “Came to do my weekly check on the pregnant mares.” Lena wasn’t surprised Felix had somehow managed to snag Paige as his regular vet. He’d probably harassed the shit out of her until she finally agreed. “Speaking of Felix—” “Nobody said a damn thing about Felix,” Paige cut in.

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Lena didn’t grin despite the urge. “You just did. See? Now that the subject is open…” “It’s not.” “Exactly what is going on with you and my debonair older brother?” “Absolutely nothing.” “Why is that?” Lena queried, washing her hands and getting out the makings for sandwiches while Paige washed her hands and grabbed glasses and plates. “Because Felix doesn’t really want me. For him it’s all about the thrill of the chase.” Lena snorted. “If it was all about the chase he’d have you somewhere with your ankles over your head and screaming his name.” Then she gagged. “I-I made my own self sick with that visual.” “It’s no less than you deserve for even implying I’d sleep with him.” Paige grabbed her sandwich and drink before heading for the sunroom. Lena followed behind. “I never said anything about sleeping. I implied that you’d fuck him.” “Ignoring you,” Paige sang, and started eating. “You’ll eventually have to admit how you feel, dude. Especially after that second or third kid he knocks you up with. I’m just saying no child should have their mama denying their daddy all public-like and what not.”

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The other woman chewed, sipped her drink and said, “You’re an asshole.” Lena tsked. “Not my role. That’s Archer.” “The same Archer whose face you wanna ride.” “I wanna ride way more than his face,” slipped out before Lena could catch herself. She turned to Paige—who was doubled over and holding her sides— with wide eyes. How the hell had she let that out? “I knew it! You wanna defile that man!” “Shut up! You wanna take advantage of my brother’s person!” “Do not!” Paige said, still laughing. “Do so!” Lena retorted. “We’re so frickin’ deep in denial dude!” “I know!” For some reason they just couldn’t stop laughing. The whole thing was so damn ridiculous they just couldn’t get a lid on it. And when Felix and Archer came along, with those I’m so confused about what’s going on right now looks on their faces it just got worse. *** “Don't even think about it.” Lena jumped and started to spin around but she had a human wall in her space, crowding her, making it hard to breathe. She’d been minding her own damn business again, simply

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staring at a horse over the stall and okay possibly, maybe considering riding said horse, but she couldn't very well do that with Mr. No Fun around now, could she? “I wasn't doing anything,” she answered. Light brown eyes narrowed, as they glared down at her. “Feed that crock of shit to somebody else, Ramos.” “I don't like your tone. It implies I'm doing something I shouldn't, and last time I checked this was my brother’s ranch too, and these are his horses too, so if I wanna sit and stare at ’em I can. If anybody has a problem with that, I’d be more than glad to let them bend over and receive nine inches of boot squarely in the ass.” She was standing on her tippy-toes now, trying her best to make eye contact while poking him in the shoulder. Archer smirked then glanced down at her feet. “You do realize your feet are unnaturally large for a woman, right?” “You do realize I could kill you and no one would find where I buried you, right?” “Oh you're just so cute when you're trying to be scary—so very cute.” He tweaked her nose then poked her cheek. “Your dimples come out and everything.” “Why,” Lena asked slowly. “Are you in here harassing me as opposed to working?”

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“Because I'm trying to make sure you don't kill yourself. It'd be a traumatic experience...for the horse.” “You're a jackass. And I know how to ride a horse, Archer.” “You may think you do, brat, but this isn't just some play pony at the fair. This is a mustang. Young male in his prime and ornery as shit so he doesn’t need you trying to use him to prove a point.” “If I told you once, then I’ve told you a thousand times that you should mind your own damn business when it comes to me.” “Over the next few days, while Felix is gone, you are my business. I’m not gonna have him kicking my ass because something happened to you while playing with the pretty ponies.” She could’ve slapped the shit out of him right then but she preferred to wait. Felix had left earlier in the day, for a trip to New Mexico. He wouldn’t give them any details of what was so important, which annoyed Lena to no end, considering she was now stuck with Archer in the house…alone. She’d done her best to convince Paige to stay with them but she refused, saying they’d drive her to kill everyone in a ten mile radius with all the damn arguing they did. Then a thought occurred to her, and Lena decided against slapping the shit out of Archer. She

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backed off with her hands raised. “All right, all right, I’m going back in the house. I’m gonna find some snacks and watch some movies in the cinema.” Archer’s eyes narrowed. “Why?” “Why what?” She turned to leave. “Why are you leaving so easy?” “Because I don’t want to have to kill you today. It wasn’t in my plans—I haven’t scoped out a place to bury your remains yet,” Lena answered and kept going. She heard his snort but ignored it, already forming her plan. *** Archer was in the middle of giving directions to one of the ranch hands for the new stable arrangements when he heard the distinct sound of hooves. Looking up, he saw Lena take off out of the stables and down the dirt path that led to other parts of the ranch. She managed to glance over at Archer and wave a hand. “Hey Archer!” When she was sure she had his attention, she added, “Fuck you!” Then she kept going and going until she disappeared. Archer hadn’t realized he’d broken the clipboard until the ranch hand eased it out of his hands and backed away.

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*** “Male posturing-Texas loving-egotistical-I know everything-jackass!” Lena growled under her breath as she finally bought the horse—that she'd promptly named Buck—to a stop and climbed off. She looked at the animal. “What is it about having a cock that makes you all so damn difficult?” Huge brown eyes blinked at her before Buck snorted then tossed his head. Lena rolled her eyes, murmuring, “Oh shut up and c'mon.” She tugged on his reins a bit and he followed dutifully. Finding a spot to sit, Lena plopped down and stared over the small pond at the frogs and fish along with a few birds, and trying to get to the root of her and Archer’s problem. Sadly, all she kept thinking was, “He’s such an asshole.” As a kid, it bugged her that he seemed to hate her so much. Yeah, she was never the poster child for what a good little girl was but he seemed to take issue with everything she did. Lena was a fuck-up at a young age. She could admit it, but the only one who seemed to be bothered by it was her brother’s douchebag friend. Hell, even her own mama had handed over the reins to Felix eventually, and said, “You take it from here.” Not to say her mama didn’t adore the very air Lena breathed, she was just a little…much. And she

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always managed to wrap everyone around her finger. This included her daddy. If Mona thought marrying Alejandro would stem her bad behavior routine she had been sadly mistaken. When Lena hotwired her tenth grade English teacher’s Mustang and won a drag race with it after said teacher tried to purposely embarrass her in class, all her daddy said was, “Was it fun?” before he went to have a “talk” with said teacher. When Lena had got busted drag racing that same teacher’s shiny new Camaro after he thought it was a good idea to fuck with her the next year in school, all her daddy had said was, “It rode like a dream, didn’t it?” before once again going to have a “talk” with said teacher. And when her mama had plied her with every woman’s guilt and angst as a mother because she wanted to go to Florida, all her daddy had said was, “I need to get you your first set of real tools if you’re gonna be doing serious work.” Hell, Felix and Paige had been along for the ride of her “rebellious years” and hadn’t batted a lash. Yes, Lena was a brat but what exactly gave Archer the right to say so? All he’d done most of her life was complain about her while everyone else basked in her glory. And she was glorious dammit!

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Now she just needed to figure out what to do about the little issue of wanting to fuck him into next week and then into next month. Turning her head a little, she looked up at Buck. “Dude, I'm up shit creek without a paddle…or canoe.” Once again she got a snort and a head toss. *** He wasn't worried. No, seriously he wasn't. She was a grown ass woman so if she decided she wasn't gonna come back before it was time for him to knock off then that was her business. So he would make sure the stables were closed properly and...and...he couldn't even fake it. Lena had been gone all damn day and he was worried out of his mind. He could admit it, to himself at least. Archer had been keeping an eye out, had even asked a few of the hands to let him know when she got back but he hadn't heard anything. By the time the last hand pulled off to go home he was heading for his truck too so he could search for her but he looked up to see her coming in full speed ahead. At first he figured she’d just go for the opening in the wooden fencing surrounding most of the grounds close to the ranch house and stables but this was Lena and she never did as expected. About twenty feet away her horse picked up its pace and as soon as

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she got in close enough, Lena had the large male sailing through the air like some champion, going over the five foot fence, just to land on the other side so smoothly it made him let out a low whistle. He was impressed to say the least, but he was also pissed. Did this woman not have any consideration for anyone other than herself? She couldn’t just go riding off like that whenever the mood struck her. Anything could've happened. She could've gotten lost or hurt. Before he could talk himself out of it, Archer was headed towards her. “Are you crazy?!” he shouted as she dismounted. Lena’s brown eyes snapped up toward him. “What the hell is your problem?” “No, what’s your problem? Why would you just head off like that without telling anyone where you were going?” “Because last time I checked, I'm grown,” she said softly, starting into the stables. Archer blocked her way and ignored the glare she shot him. “I'm grown too. Hell, more than grown, but you don't see me riding off alone. Anything could’ve happened to you. Rattlesnake, mountain lion, and hell, that male could’ve bucked you somewhere along the way and no one would’ve known until it was too late. You don't go off by yourself ever, not like that.”

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She stared at him silently for a few seconds. “If I didn't know better, I'd say you actually cared.” “You’re basically my responsibility. I have to care or you could get hurt.” Lena sighed and said, “Get away from me before I set you on fire.” She raked him with a scathing look then clicked her tongue as she headed off, easily getting the male horse to follow her. It was the same way Archer wanted to follow her, and so he did. “You can threaten me all you want, Lena but I have every right to be upset. I've been looking out for you all day, worried outta my damned mind.” She got the horse put up and swung to face him. “I left because I can.” “You left trying to show off.” He stepped closer to her. “I showed off because I wanted to prove a point,” she retorted, going chest to chest with him. “Well congrats, point proven. Lena is a big girl and able to do dumb shit all on her own. The fuck-up is alive and well,” Archer stated, lowly. “Fuck you,” she hissed. He snorted. “I know you’d love the chance.” Her hand came up to slap him but he easily caught it and hauled her closer to him. They stared at one another head-on, angry pants pouring from their

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mouths and then somehow someway he ended up with the sweetest mouth known to man parting and allowing him to slip inside for a taste. As soon as his tongue came into contact with the velvet softness that was Lena’s, Archer groaned and bought up a hand to cradle the back of her head for his assault. His arm which had been wrapped around her waist loosened just enough so that one large palm could grab good hold of the ass he'd been watching and fantasizing about for days, and damn, if it didn't feel good. Lena’s body was lush in all the right places and melded into his just right. Needing air, he left her mouth to place nibbling kisses on her neck and almost lost it when she moaned. Good Lord, what was he doing? Pulling back, Archer pushed her firmly away, ignoring her whimper of protest. “We can't,” he panted. She nodded, stepped back, and folded her arms around herself like a protective cloak. “You’re right. We can't.” “It never happened.” “Never.” He nodded once and, for the first time in his life, ran like the devil was on his heels.

It’s SIMPLY Lena hummed a little as she rocked to and fro in the porch swing staring up at the stars. Fully comfortable in her triple X tee and panties, since she was sure Archer was asleep, she relaxed and sorted through the thoughts in her head. Today had been a hell of a day. She still couldn’t exactly place where the kiss had come from, but damn if she hadn’t tried. They hated each other, so exactly what happened? “Can’t sleep either?” A rumbling voice asked from the doorway where the kitchen met the outdoor patio. So much for him being asleep, Lena thought wryly, turning her head to find Archer standing there, a pair of baggy grey sweats riding low on his lean hips. The rest of him was bare, the thick chestnut colored strands of his hair tousled. Her breath caught in the back of her throat as she sat up. “What’re you doing out here?” He nodded his head at the swing. “The same thing as you. Do you mind?” She scooted over to make room for him. One large foot sent them into a gentle rocking motion. They sat that way for a long time before he opened his mouth to speak.

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Lena held up a hand. “Don’t say it.” “About that kiss…” She threw her hands up. “Why’d you say it?” “Because we need to talk about it.” “No, we don’t. We can pretend like it never ever happened and keep going.” They got quiet again before he said, “Well it’s obvious we can’t fuck each other.” “No, we can’t.” “Felix would kill me.” “Yes, he would. Plus you hate me.” “I don’t hate you,” Archer replied, looking over at her now. She snorted. “Of course you do. You’re always on my damn case.” “Because everybody else lets you get away with murder. Somebody has to be on your case.” Her mouth twisted and she met his gaze. “So all these years…” “Lena, you’re a pain in the ass, but you’re important to me too. That’s why I’m such a hard-ass sometimes. I don’t wanna see you mess up your whole life.” “Well that’s new.” The side of his mouth tipped up and she found herself staring at those lips. “So about that kiss.” “I thought we weren’t discussing the kiss.”

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“We are now. What the hell was that about?” He rested his elbows on his knees. “Frustration, anger…and a way to shut you up.” His eyes raked her. “Plus you’re, well…since…twelve years and… Yeah.” Archer cleared his throat. Despite her resolve not to, she grinned. “Is that your way of saying I’m attractive, Archer?” He smirked. “Attractive is an understatement.” “So you kissed me because I’m hot and you were pissed off?” Nodding, he answered, “Yeah, I guess so.” It was Lena’s turn to nod. “That explains it then. We were pissed so we acted out.” “What does that mean?” “It means that whatever I felt was a fluke.” His brow rose. “A fluke?” “Yup, a fluke.” “So because you were turned on, you think it was a fluke.” “Basically.” She shrugged. “You wanna test that theory, Ramos?” “How so, Davis?” “Kiss me now,” Archer said. “No way, bro,” Lena retorted. “Why? Are you scared?” She scoffed. “Hell no.”

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“Then prove it. If we kiss and you feel nothing then we keep going like nothing happened but if you feel something…” He waggled his brows, making her laugh. “We know I was right and you want a piece of Archer.” She rolled her eyes. “If anything, I wanna use a Rottweiler and steak sauce to get a piece of you.” “Somebody sounds scared,” he taunted. “Fine, jackass, let’s get this over with.” He leaned back and put his arms out. “Okay straddle me.” “You’ve lost your damn mind.” “No, seriously, if you feel nothing then what’s the big deal, right?” There was a challenge in his gaze; almost like he was daring her to back out. She slid closer before finally making her way to his lap and putting her legs on either side of his waist, her knees cushioned by the seat. When she lowered herself down completely, her ass meeting a sudden and very apparent bulge beneath his sweats, they both stopped breathing for a moment. Their eyes met as his hands came up to grip her waist, and Lena felt a slow burn of arousal roil straight to her core at the look in Archer’s eyes. That burn became a raging fire when his hands slid from her waist and down to her ass. All the while they never stopped staring directly at one another. His groan cut

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through the sound of their heavy breathing as his palms brushed against her panties. “Lace?” Archer rasped, now sitting up to fully lock her legs around his waist, his feet planted firmly to keep the swing still. Lena nodded. “Unh-hunh.” She wasn’t so interested in his eyes anymore. His lips had snagged her attention. Ever so slowly, she leaned up and captured the bottom one between her teeth, gently pulling on it before she let go. She guessed that she was going too slowly for his liking because in the next second Archer’s mouth was pressed against hers, his tongue delving between her lips to tangle with hers. Lena moaned, rocked against his cock and didn’t object when he broke the kiss for a moment to take off her T-shirt and toss it across the patio somewhere. She didn’t bat a lash when those large rough hands came up to palm her breasts, his thumbs rubbing around the areolas. He took her mouth again, rocking into her a little faster, harder. An orgasm crawled its way up her spine. She was so close… Archer pulled back and smirked at her. “Is it still a fluke?” And just like that, the feeling was gone, washed away like someone poured ice down her back. Lena jerked away from him so hard she almost fell. She

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found her T-shirt and snatched it up. “You’re such an asshole. I can’t believe I let you touch me. God, what’s wrong with me?” He reached a hand out to her. “Wait, Lena I didn’t mean it like that.” “Big deal, Archer. I wanna fuck you.” She clapped. “You just accomplished something really great.” Heading for the door she added, “You got to make a fool outta me.” *** He watched her walk away, knowing he’d just fucked up, royally. What the hell was wrong with him, that he had to open his mouth? He gripped his head and rocked the swing back hard. “Shit, shit, shit.” What was he supposed to do now? His dick was hard enough to be used as a sword and Lena thought he had done all that just to prove she wanted to sleep with him. Archer smacked himself in the forehead. “Stupid, stupid, stupid.” Blowing out a hard breath he stared up at the stars then looked down at his right hand. “It looks like it’s just you and me again tonight, buddy.”

Them TRYING “C’mon baby, don’t do this to me. Not now, please, please, please,” Lena begged. She cranked the key again and listened to the engine sputter before it died. “Shit!” Her fists hit the dashboard before her forehead pressed against the steering wheel. This sucked humungous monkey balls. The worse part, though? Oh, just the thunder and lightning rolling in along with the torrents of rain that she was stuck in; the fact that she was at least three miles out on farmland away from the main grounds where anyone could help; and the fact that he was right. Still, none of those compared to what she would hear when she called in for him or another hand to come and help her. He’d been telling her since she’d been there to stop wasting her time under the hood but she couldn’t. When Lena had discovered the old Ford in a barn a ways out from the ranch and guest houses, she knew it had been her daddy’s. Covered in a tarp and tucked away, the truck managed to make her do what she hadn’t wanted to in a week or so, build. That old transmission wouldn’t last long. She’d already ordered the right parts to get it running like a

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classic again, but apparently that wasn’t helping her now. Giving Archer her brightest and best “fuck you” when he’d called the truck a tin can with wheels earlier that day—she’d decided to go for a ride around ranch grounds. Two hundred acres of land that she just had to see. Now she was seeing it alright. She was seeing all of it as she sat and contemplated whether or not it was a good idea to call the big bastard, or one of the big bastard’s toadies. Okay that was mean; they weren’t toadies, just snitches. If it looked like Lena was doing even the remotest thing close to dangerous Archer magically appeared like a bigass genie to stop her from “hurting herself.” He had one more time to do that bullshit and she would be trying to stop herself from hurting him. So what was she supposed to do? Sighing, she picked up her phone and dialed Paige. *** A cranky Archer was not a fun Archer but obviously someone had failed to let Lena in on that little secret because she’d specifically did what he told her not to. She’d taken that piece of shit truck and drove far off from the main houses on the ranch. Then she promptly got her ass stuck. Did she really think Paige wasn’t going to tell him? He snorted as he

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navigated through the wet back roads on the grounds. Of course she did. Damn infuriating woman! Why couldn’t she just listen for once? He knew she was still pissed at him for the other night but shit, she could at least take good advice when it was given. He finally pulled up beside the tin can on wheels and opened her door. Her head lifted and she looked at him before shouting, “Okay, now Paige is officially a toady!” Archer scowled. “What the hell are you talking about?” Rolling her eyes she said, “Nothing.” A smirk tilted one side of that mouth he constantly dreamed about before she did her best British accent and said, “Come to fetch me then, Benjamin?” His lip curled. “You’re asking for a tan ass, Lena.” She didn’t understand exactly how infuriated he was or how scared—did she? “Sorry, luv but I’m afraid I already have one of those.” And still she held that damned accent. “Get in the truck,” he growled. “Aye, aye, Captain!” She gave a sharp salute and ran for his truck, jumping inside and closing the door. Gritting his teeth, he followed after her. When she opened her mouth to say something else he simply interrupted with, “Quiet.” He didn’t

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know if it was the soft tone or the steel underlying the words but she sat back and said nothing. *** Oh, he was mad. Yeah, she could tell by the way his ears were getting real red at the lobes. She would point out how cute it was but she liked being able to sit on her ass without the assistance of a pillow or ice pack. In all honesty, she wasn’t really surprised Paige had snitched, but it still made her consider all the things she could do to the toady for it. When they finally pulled up to the main house Archer climbed out of the truck and came over to her side. He didn’t hesitate in throwing her over his shoulder, and that resulted in pissing her off. Lena was sure he couldn’t hear her yelling over the sound of thunder rolling in, but she made it her mission to try, and when he finally put her down just inside the foyer to the house she punched him dead in his solar plexus. He grunted and rubbed the spot. “What the hell is your problem?” “My problem? You wanna know what the hell my problem is?!” Lena shouted, getting chest to chest with him. “Yeah, your problem!”

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“I’m not a sack of potatoes, you jackass! Don’t touch my person unless I grant your wildest dream to do so!” “Please! My wildest dream is to make it so you can never open your mouth again!” “And mine is to tie a rope to a running horse and then loop it around the tip of your dic—” “Enough!” Archer roared slapping a hand against the wall that he’d backed her into. “I don’t give a flying fuck what you do on your own time, but I’d appreciate it if you’d stop acting like a brat on mine! I told you not to take that piece of shit truck too far from the main grounds! And look what happened! What if no one would’ve been here to help your stubborn ass?!” “That truck is not a piece of shit! Don’t talk about it like that!” “It is a piece of shit and you know it!” “The only thing I know is how much I hate you!” That was a lie; she didn’t hate him and never would. If she were being honest with herself she could admit how good he smelled and how much his close proximity had her nipples hard and her panties wet right now. He stopped and stared at her for a minute, something unreadable in expression. “You hate me?” Archer growled.

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Still more than pissed off she answered without hesitation. “Yeah, I do.” Snarling, one of his big hands gripped the front of her T-shirt, yanking her up to him. In the next instant his mouth was on hers. The kiss was in no way sweet or delicate. He took her lips fast and hard, nipping the bottom and tugging before letting go to do it all over again. His tongue prodded its demanding way between her lips as he pushed her back against the wall, one jean clad leg shoving between her thighs. The rough kisses didn’t stop even as he tried to get her T-shirt off. He just ripped it and threw it over his shoulder, along with her bra. Archer finally let her up for gasps of air when he needed to get her boots and jeans off along with her panties. Once again, he didn’t hesitate to tear down the side and toss the lacey material away. Nipping his way up from her knees, he nipped the inside of her thighs and laved away the sting with his tongue, but before he could get to her core—which was crying for him—she tugged on that chestnut hair. He glared up at her and growled, obviously annoyed at the interruption. “Just so we’re clear,” she panted, glaring right back at him. “I still hate you.” Dark brown brows winged over those intense light brown eyes before he snarled, “Unh-hunh,” and shoved his tongue between the puffy folds of her labia.

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“Shit,” Lena gasped, tugging his head closer, her back arching off the wall. Archer groaned, but kept spearing her with the small muscle as she rode his face, grinding down with every thrust of his tongue. He pulled back to suck her clit into his mouth, gently flicking it as he slid two fingers inside her. Lena had no leverage and could only hold onto the back of his head, as he fucked her with his mouth and fingers, bringing her to the edge of coming so hard the tears crested her lashes. “Archer.” Suddenly he was up, tearing at his own shirt, tossing his prized Stetson across the room and ripping at his jeans and boots to get the damp material off. Yanking her to him, he kissed her again. “Say it again.” Licking her lips, Lena whispered, “Archer.” “Again,” he growled, turning her around and taking her hands to put them palm-down on the wall. Keeping his own hands on top of hers he pushed her thighs open with his knee. Lena cried out when the head of his cock brushed her core. Since she’d caught a glimpse of it, she already knew it was long and thick, the large mushroom head a dark angry looking red and dripping pre-cum. She threw her hips back, delighting in his moan and said, “Archer.”

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With a grunt that rumbled up from his chest, he backed her into him, and with one smooth thrust, connected them. “Ah!” One of Lena’s hands reached back to grip his hip as he took her, not once slowing his pace after giving her every inch of his cock. He alternated between short shallow thrusts and longer demanding ones as he bit down on her shoulder. “Mine.” “Ohhhh. Archer. Shit.” He nipped her again. “Mine.” “Harder. Please…harder.” She was babbling now, begging. “Mine.” Archer’s hands grabbed her breasts, pinching her nipples, tugging in time with the way his cock moved inside her. “Gonna…come.” “Say it and I’ll let you come. Say it!” “Yours! I’m yours!” Lena cried, feeling the crest of an orgasm so strong that spots danced before her eyes. “Do you hate me? Huh?!” She shook her head and whimpered, “No.” “Good.” Archer pinched her clit, sending her right over the edge. And from his roar, she could tell he’d followed.

Their HARDEST He could say in all honesty that he didn’t understand what happened. One minute he went from a little pissed and mildly amused, to complete and total animal mode. Archer had took Lena like the sky was falling then he took her some more. Grinning softly, he finished lighting the candles around the living room. Funny enough, they’d never moved upstairs to Lena’s bed, and by the time the storm knocked the power out, she was snoring and he didn’t have the energy to make the trek. A soft groan split the silence in the room and Archer turned to find Lena rolling over on the large sectional. Big brown eyes peered in his direction. “If you’re a burglar and not Archer you can go up the stairs to the left and find his man cave. As far as I know he has plasmas and a bunch of valuable shit you can take to the pawn shop; just a suggestion.” He gave a mock scowl. “Betrayer.” Giggling, Lena tried to sit up but groaned again and fell back against the pillows on the couch. “I think…I think you broke me. Shit, Archer when was the last time you had sex because I’d think you were gonna die tomorrow from the way you did me in.” He shuffled over to her. “Stiff?”

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Peering up at him she said, “If anything else stiff comes near me it’s getting torn off.” Then she eyed his dick—which had sprung up the moment he knew she was awake. He rolled his eyes and cupped a hand over where her gaze had landed, he replied, “I meant are you stiff?” Lena grimaced. “Yes, yes I am, and guess what?” “What?” “You’re going to go run me a bath upstairs with a good amount of bath salts, vanilla oil and,” She snapped her fingers, “I want candles around the bathroom, since you seem to be so good at that.” Growling a little he turned toward the steps, muttering under his breath, “I see I didn’t fuck the brat outta you.” “What was that?” Lena called behind him. “I’d be happy to do your bidding, oh beautiful, benevolent one!” Archer chirped. There was a snort and then, “You’re so full of shit, Davis!” “No more than you are, Ramos!” *** “Ahh, you did good, my faithful minion, you did good.” Lena sighed, sinking further down into the tub,

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then she frowned when one giant bastard decided to climb in and take up seventy-five percent of the tub. “Exactly what the hell do you think you’re doing? You’re supposed to wait for my command to get a loofa and bathe me like a good servant, then gently pat me dry, lay me down and moisturize my delicate skin before tucking me in for a good night’s sleep.” He smirked and leaned up to grip her waist and bring her to straddle him. Nipping her earlobe and her neck he retorted, “Or I can fuck you in the tub, soap you down, fuck you again, rinse you off, fuck you again, dry you off, fuck you again, and then lay you down just to fuck you to sleep and fuck you awake in the morning.” She regally lifted a brow and stared down at him. “You forgot to say ‘if it pleases the Queen.’” He rose one back. “Or I can forget you just said that and fu—” Slapping one hand over his mouth she grabbed the bottle of body wash behind him and her loofa. “Scrub me servant.” He opened his mouth and she raised a single finger. “If the word fuck comes outta your mouth, the next time you get to actually do the act, you will need a pill to assist.”

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Giving her what she guessed was his “puppy face” he took the loofa and body wash, and did as she commanded. *** He was going to die and he could accept that. Why? Well mainly because this had to be the best way to die; the very best. Lena’s knees gripped his sides as she rode him hard. Unable to close his mouth or cut off the groans pouring out, Archer stared up at her gorgeous face, head titled to the side, biting her bottom lip, those beautiful brown eyes shut tightly as she bounced on his cock. What was the best part? The brat was wearing his Stetson, his name along with whimpers and groans dredging up from her throat. The sight of those full breasts with tight chocolate colored nipples, swaying with each down thrust of her hips was just too much temptation to ignore. Gripping her hips, he sat up and latched onto one while taking control of her speed and when she rolled her hips and ground down harder on him his eyes crossed. “Archer. Ah…shit.” Her hands came up to grip his shoulders and she let him guide her. “Please. Please…please.”

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A frustrated groan left her mouth and he saw a frown forming. “Need to come, brat?” Archer whispered in her ear. She nodded. “Mmm-hmm.” He didn’t stop his thrusts, just flattened her back to the mattress and put her legs on his shoulders, not caring that his hat came off her head and rolled onto the floor. All he knew was how badly she needed to come, and how it was his job to take care of that. He put his thumb to her lips and watched as she didn’t hesitate in sucking the tip in. Bringing that same thumb down he pressed against her clit, rubbing in slow circles that had her back arching as she called his name again. “Oh…oh… Oh fuck… Gonna…come.” Her nails raked down his chest but he paid it no mind, too focused on the look of absolute rapture that stole across her features as he pinched her clit. With one last cry, Lena’s shoulders left the bed and her inner muscles squeezed him so hard he had no choice but to follow. Archer almost bit his tongue, it felt so good. His hips didn’t stop their insistent thrusts until the lightning shooting up his scrotum stopped. Dropping, he rolled to the side and pulled her with him. Lena’s harsh breaths pelted his chest for a little while before she finally managed to say, “You owe me a week as my servant.”

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He sighed. Betting she couldn’t ride him as well as she rode horses hadn’t been his brightest idea by far, but dammit, it was so worth it. “So, exactly what are we doing?” she asked. Opening his eyes—which had begun to close with the need for sleep, Archer said, “What?” “What are we doing? Are we fuck buddies? Can we date other people? Was this a one time-heat of the moment, kind of thing?” He stared down her and slowly replied, “If I even think anything with a penis that doesn’t just so happen to share some sort of family relation in your gene line is looking at you with anything other than awe at how unworthy of you they are, I’m tearing their head from their body and shoving it up their ass. Repeatedly.” Blinking, she laid her head back in its resting place on his chest. “You’re more than a little crazy aren’t you, Archer?” He shrugged and retorted nonchalantly, “More than a little.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “You still pissed at me for the other night?” “Does it matter?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because I wasn’t trying to make a fool outta you. When I said that, it was my ego talking. As a man

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I needed to know whether or not I was the only one feeling that. It wasn’t me gloating.” Feeling sleepy from the way his hands rubbed her scalp, Lena snuggled deeper into him, kissed where her head rested, and said, “Okay.” “That’s it?” “That’s it.” “No calling me an asshole?” “Nope.” “Okay, what’d you do to my food?” She smiled and ran her hand over the ridges of his stomach, noticing the way he shuddered a little at her touch. “Nothing. I don’t wanna fight. I just wanna sleep and wake up like this tomorrow. Is that okay with you?” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “That’s more than okay with me.”

To RESIST “Hey, hey, hey you’re supposed to be sharing the brownies.” Lena reached for the pan, only to have Archer pull it back and scoot further away on the family room floor. “I made them so I eat however much I want,” he replied around a mouth full of the chocolate confection. She rolled over and sat up before climbing onto his back and snatching for the pan again. “That’s only because I would’ve burnt the damn things, and then you’d be complaining about how much I suck in the kitchen.” “I wasn’t complaining earlier today about how much you suck in the kitchen.” He muttered it but she still caught it and he got a slap upside the head for it. “Shut up.” Chuckling, Archer turned over so she was now straddling his waist, and offered the pan. “I have a feeling I’ll never see anything like that again if I don’t share.” She took one and stuck out her tongue. “You’re damn right you wouldn’t.” He leaned up to kiss her, enjoying the scent of chocolate that clung to her skin when they both heard

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the same noise, truck doors slamming. Archer froze at the same time as Lena before they both jumped up. “Felix! Shit I forgot he was coming back tonight!” While searching for her clothes, Lena threw pillows back on the couch and grabbed the blanket off the floor. He was busy blowing out candles and searching for his boxers. “My boxers! Where the hell are my boxers?!” “I don’t know!” “Help me find them!” “I can’t even find my own drawers!” They both stopped when the top lock on the front door clicked. “Shit! Here!” Lena tossed him the blanket and made a run for it up the stairs. He would’ve stopped to ask exactly how she managed to grab the whole pan of brownies too but Felix had already stepped inside the house, closing the door. Archer stood very still, hoping maybe he’d walk right past, too tired to notice and he was relieved when Felix did just that. The problem was just as quickly as he walked past, he walked backwards again and stared at him. “Dude, what the hell?” Archer tied the blanket around his waist and folded his arms across his chest. “Um…welcome home?”

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“Why are you butt-bald in the middle of the living room?” Felix asked. Archer winced, scratched the back of his neck and went, “Um…sleepwalking?” “Why does it smell like brownies and vanilla candles?” “Um…I don’t know?” “And why do you keep answering my questions with questions?” Before Archer could do it again, Lena reappeared at the top of the stairs, stretching and yawning, now clothed in a T-shirt and jersey shorts. “Felix?” Her voice sounded drowsy. Her brother looked up at her. “Hey, you. Did I wake you up?” She shook her head, tousled hair bouncing around her shoulders. “Nah, I smelled brownies.” She looked at Archer. “Dude, why are you naked in the living room?” “Uh…” “And why does it smell like vanilla candles in here?” “Um…” “Oh my God. Were you,” she waved a hand at him, “romancing yourself?” Archer bit the inside of his cheek so he wouldn’t laugh. The brat was good. He’d give her that. Since he

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didn’t want to die tonight, he continued his dumb act. “Um…” Felix shook his head. “That’s nasty man. Keep that shit in your room. My sister’s here. What kind of perv are you?” He grabbed his bag and started up the stairs. “C’mon Lena. I don’t want you exposed to this freak’s idea of a good time.” “Yeah what kind of perv are you?” she repeated, shooting him a disgusted look in front of her brother but when Felix wasn’t looking she tossed a wink toward Archer and then headed up the stairs. *** The harder she laughed the more he did too, until he was lying on his side and trying to draw in a normal breath. He almost dropped the phone at least three different times but managed to catch it before it hit the floor. “Paige you should’ve seen his face. He had that whole deer-in-headlights-I’m-a-dumbass-look down pat. It took everything I had not to laugh right then. And Lena with her whole sleepy act almost broke me. I don’t know how she managed to get up the stairs that damn fast but I shouldn’t be surprised. Years of running from getting in trouble have honed her instincts. Sadly, she abandoned Archer without an

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ounce of help.” Felix was pleased, to say the least. His little plan had worked. He’d managed to squeeze his best friend and his sister together long enough to realize they wanted each other. His little trip to New Mexico was a complete fake. He’d actually spent a few days holed up in a really nice hotel in Dallas, staying out of sight and out of mind. Needless to say, life was about to get a whole lot better. Paige chuckled on the other end, and the sound washed over him like a warm embrace. God, how he loved it when she laughed. The way those green eyes twinkled and her nose wrinkled just a little bit never failed to make his heart skip. “Thank God, I was sick of the fighting.” Felix snorted. “Oh, they’ll still fight; it’ll just be a little less intense.” “Yeah, well I’m glad your matchmaking scheme worked.” “Well, there is another one I have up my sleeve.” “Don’t even think about it, Ramos,” Paige warned. “I’m not interested.” “Really? Uninterested women don’t answer the phone at midnight for a man they claim to hate.” “I don’t hate you.” “That’s a start.” “But I’m not interested in being your next notch, either. Just cut it already, Felix. It’s the chase, I get it

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but it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. You’re a great guy and an even better older brother, but all I can ever be is your friend. Got it?” To that he replied, “Yeah, I heard you clearly. You specifically said that if I keep chasing you, eventually I’ll wear you down sometime in the near future, and although you’ll publicly deny being my wife and the mother of our bebês when it’s just us— like now—you’ll tell me how great I am. Did I miss anything?” For his effort all he got was the dial tone. Felix chuckled as he lay back in bed. Paige had no idea how hard or fast he was about to come for her, but she would. And he’d make sure she loved every single minute of it.

And Fight Ignoring her wasn't working. Every single time he got even remotely close to her, he felt like he was going to explode if he didn't touch her. Archer sighed hard and leaned against the wall of the barn. Hopefully no one would bug him today and that was just what he needed. Thinking about Lena was messing with his body in the worse way. Anytime she even crossed his mind, his cock was up and asking, “Lena? Where? Where's she at?” Problem was, with Felix around, neither he nor his cock had seen much of her this past week. He just couldn’t…enjoy her knowing his best friend was under the same roof. He rubbed his eyes and found himself wondering exactly how the hell one woman could inspire that much lust. No, wait, it wasn't exactly lust...there was something that called to him. He couldn't explain it, didn't exactly want to look too deeply, but he had moments where he just wanted to hold her—something that scared the hell out of him. Archer wasn’t a...charmer. He was direct. Blunt, if you will, but not charmer. He barked orders and asked questions. That was about it so when he got around Lena his asshole flag seemed to fly high.

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He didn't mean for it to, he just didn't know how to deal with her. She was as stubborn and mouthy as she was beautiful, and it was distracting. Sure he’d had plenty of relationships but a great deal of them had failed because he’d never really felt...well, anything. Not like he felt when he was around Lena. Yeah, that definitely scared the hell out of him. *** The giant bastard was avoiding her. Granted, she was avoiding him too, but she was still offended nonetheless! He had a lot of nerve. Skulking around like she would jump him on first sight! It had been a week since they had any alone time and now every time she appeared he vanished like a damned magician. That shit was seriously starting to work a nerve. It was fine by her. She didn’t want him right now, anyway. Okay, maybe that was a lie. She wanted him bad but he was just such a...jackass. “Uh... Lena?” She swung around to face the owner of that hesitant voice, scowling. “What?” she snapped. “Is something wrong?” Felix asked. Scowling harder, she replied, “No, why do you ask?” Was she talking through clenched teeth? Yup, she definitely was.

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“Well, I just saw you kinda fling three whole haystacks like they didn't weigh fifty pounds each and I have to say I'm just a little frightened right now.” He was backing up, hands up in defense, eyes wary. Lena just followed slowly. “So what? What's that supposed to mean? I can’t be strong without something being wrong? You saying I’m weak?” Felix shook his head. “No, no, no, I'm not saying that at all. Just pointing out that you seem a little...on edge today.” “So now you're calling me unstable?” “No! That's not what I meant! I mean you seem...upset.” “Ohhh, I get it! So now I'm an emotional wreck huh? Is that it Felix?” The closer she got the more afraid he started to look. “I-I... Oh, fuck this.” Giving up all pretenses of trying to make her feel better, he turned and fled. *** “Um...Archer?” Looking up, he scowled at Felix. He'd been relaxing, looking out over the bull corrals and trying to get his mind off a certain somebody. “What?” he barked.

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Felix backed up a bit. “Um, did something happen between you and Lena? Another fight maybe?” Scowling harder, he asked, “Why do you wanna know?” Looking even more uncomfortable—if that was possible—his friend shifted from one foot to the other, rubbing the back of his neck. “Because she's been in a really bad mood. Just a few minutes ago I was possibly in jeopardy of losing my throat and a few other important parts. I'm guessing that said bad mood had something to do with you.” “Really?” Archer grunted, as he folded his arms across his chest while his eyes narrowed. Felix took a few more steps back. “You two don't get along. It's a well-known fact.” “Unh-hunh.” He just kept staring. “So I figured maybe if you talked to her about what ever went on you guys could...make up.” “Unh-hunh.” The staring continued as Felix fidgeted. “I tried to mention this to her but she was looking at me...kinda the same way you are.” “Unh-hunh.” “I-I... Oh fuck this.” With that said, Felix turned and made his way far, far away from Archer. Well if Lena was in a bad mood then that meant she was missing him as much as he was missing her. Perhaps it

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was time to stop the avoidance and take another way of dealing with her. *** “He's just such a...such a...” “Asshole?” Paige supplied dryly from the other end of the phone. “Exactly! At least you understand,” Lena grumbled, pacing around her backyard, watching from a distance as hands milled about. “Perhaps it’s the fact that you stated it at least twenty times already.” “Don’t be sassy, Paige. Nobody likes sassy people.” There was a snort then, “Somebody should send that memo to you and if you’re so upset, why not tell him?” “I’m not sassy, and I'm not telling him because he's an asshole, so he doesn't deserve to know.” “You’re the sassiest person I know, and he can't stop being an asshole if you don't tell him now, can he?” Paige asked. Lena thought about that for a second before muttering, “I hate you.” “You and three hundred other people.”

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“It's good they hate you. You're doing something right.” “I suppose it's better than having them fear me and my reign of terror,” Paige stated. “Och!” Lena threw up her hands despite Paige's inability to see her. “You throw one chair at a worker's head then you're a horrible person!” She kept forgetting Paige had witnessed that while visiting her in Florida. “It wasn't the chair; it was the pair of scissors that followed.” “You're forgetting the fact that he called me a bitch!” Lena pointed out. “Was he that far off base?” Her lips twitched as she imagined Paige's customary brow raise. “I may be a bitch, but you're a robot.” “You say that like I haven't accepted it already.” “You...” Lena's voice trailed off as she turned to find Archer watching her, something partially unreadable in his expression. “I have to go, the asshole has landed.” “Shouldn't that be 'The eagle has landed'?” “I'm pretty sure it would be if I weren't talking about him.”

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Paige snorted again. “I'll call you later to tell you why I'm gonna murder your brother and the reason you should accept his fate.” “That should be a pleasant story,” Lena retorted before hanging up. Archer just stood there...staring. “What do you want?” she finally asked. “Why are you bullying Felix?” he asked, his head tilting to the side. She ignored the way the setting sun glinted off those light brown irises. “Why do you care? You’ve been avoiding me all week.” Damn, she really hadn't meant to add that last part. Archer grinned and waggled his brows a bit. “Miss me, did you?” She snarled a little. “No, what do you want?” “Oh c'mon, brat. Admit it. You're upset that you didn't get your daily dose of Archer.” “You. Are. An. Asshole.” If anything he just grinned harder. “So you did miss me.” “I miss you not being around.” He put one large hand to his chest. “You wound me.” “I could make that happen,” she muttered starting around him but he just blocked her way, chuckling.

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“All right, all right...I’ve been avoiding you.” “Aha!” He raised a brow. “Are you done, Sherlock?” Deflating, she said, “Yeah.” Then asked, “Why were you avoiding me? Because you thought I'd jump you in front of everyone?” “Jump me?” He seemed to consider that before he replied, “No, not jump me. A little fondling?” His large shoulders lifted. “Maybe.” Lena smiled a little despite herself. “You're an idiot.” “An idiot that you missed. Let's not forget that.” “Put your cocky away, Archer. It's not cute.” “Yes, it is because I myself happen to think I'm adorable.” “Yes, adorable like puppies, but there are times where even those wear on nerves.” “You're ornery because you missed me,” he sung. “What're you, like five?” “No, but I am sorry I’ve been an asshole. With Felix around I just can’t…ya know?” Taking off his Stetson he ran a hand through his hair. “It's just that you and I... And you're so... And I’m so... Well, you're a pain in my ass because I want you so damn bad and I can’t even touch you.” Was she supposed to do something other than laugh? “Oh that's charming.”

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He threw up his hands and placed the Stetson back on his head. “See, that's the thing! I’m not charming. I don't charm. I can't charm, and that’s a part of what so great about you. You don't need all that charming bullshit!” Raising a brow she queried, “I don't?” “No! Because you're a pain in the ass!” Grinning, he waved a hand between the two of them. “See? I'm an asshole and you're a pain in the ass! This is a dynamic that works!” Lena couldn't help it, she laughed again. He was just so damn cute when he was trying to find logic where there was none. “Really?” “Yup! Therefore I think arguing is a moot point now. It's been established that I love you and you love me—” “Wait, wait, and wait. I never said that,” she interrupted, waving her hands, her heart skipping at what he’d just admitted. “No but I know you do.” He shrugged like it was a fact. “Wow...you're one arrogant bastard.” “And you're a spoiled brat.” Grinning, he touched his two pointer fingers together. “Working dynamic.”

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She snorted and shook her head. “There are some serious issues going on inside that kumquat on your shoulders.” “That may be true but you love me and my kumquat head,” he pointed out. Lena stared at him. “Are you ready to tell Felix?” He took a deep breath. “Lena I want to, but with you being his sister…” “That didn’t matter a week ago. It shouldn’t matter now.” “It shouldn’t. I mean it doesn’t, but I have to find the best way to tell him. I mean, I can’t just walk up to him and say, ‘Hey, remember that trip you took? Oh yeah, while you were gone, I decided your sister—your little sister, your beloved and spoiled sister that you hold over almost everyone—is to be the future carrier of my bloodline and my wife.’” Archer was pacing now. Her heart sank just a little. “Until you can do that, I won’t be the future carrier of your bloodline or your wife,” Lena said softly. Then ignoring the brief flash of hurt that crossed his face, she walked away wondering if he was willing to lose his best friend in order to gain her. ***

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Yes, he was moping. How could he not mope? How in the hell was he supposed to fix this one? Lose his best friend and get his wife, or lose his wife and keep his best friend? Shit, circumstances were hard and he was in a tight spot but he already knew the answer. He wanted Lena more than anything, and if Felix had a problem with that, he’d let him beat the shit out of him—but he wasn’t giving her up. Archer was all set to storm into Felix’s home office and tell him that but the other man was already waiting. Felix stared him in the face and laid out blueprints along with Lena’s plans for their dad’s old truck before saying, “This is how you’re gonna fix your fuck-up with my sister, and how I’m gonna finally get Paige. Sit your slow-to-the-uptake ass down and let’s get started.” “Well shit,” Archer said, doing as he was demanded.

Your Very “You know I’m bored as hell when I decide to sit and watch you tinker a way with a car,” Paige stated, walking beside Lena as she headed for the barn, tools in hand and ready to start fixing her daddy’s truck. “First of all, it’s a truck—a 1940 Ford pickup, to be exact. Daddy got it from Poppa. One of the hands said the parts I ordered are finally here,” Lena corrected, more than eager to get to the barn and take her mind of off Archer. Another week had gone by and there were no kisses, no touches, and no lovemaking. His choice had been clear—Felix. She’d spent enough days feeling like a fool and crying in between staying the hell away from him. Anytime he even looked like he was entering her space she got the hell out of Dodge. She couldn’t deal with it, not now and possibly not ever. “All I heard was ‘Blah, blah, blah, Daddy, blah, blah, Poppa.’ Aren’t you supposed to be on vacation?” Paige said dryly. “I am on vacation, and if you’re gonna be a pain in the ass, could you at least be a silent pain in the ass?” “This brooding side of you is no fun at all.” “I’m not brooding,” Lena lied.

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She scoffed. “Yeah, right. You’re not brooding. Just like you’re not doing this just to take your mind off of Archer.” “Paige…” “All right, all right. I’ll drop it for now but you know I’m right.” “I don’t know shit except for the fact that I’m about to bludgeon you with this wrench.” “Wow, you used bludgeon in an actual sentence,” her friend said with sarcastic awe. Lena rolled her eyes and kept walking. The barn now in full view. She finally reached it and they walked through the doors just to freeze in place. Lena took in the sight before her, trying to figure out if she’d drunk way too much wine the night before. The barn was a barn on the outside, but on the inside it looked just like her shop in Florida. Everything from the equipment down to the very last tool was a replica. “What the hell?” She stepped inside, watching a bunch of dudes wipe down her daddy’s truck. Only, it wasn’t the same old ‘tin can’ like before. No, it had been worked and reworked down to the flame paint job she’d had planned for it. Chrome shone and sparkled as the team finished polishing it. She could clearly see the inside interior of red leather with her name inscribed on the

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seats. They’d even managed to lower it just the way she wanted. “What. The. Hell?” Lena said again, a little louder this time—which got the crew’s attention. They all spread out, smiling at her. “Who are you?” “They,” a deep voice said not too far behind her, “are your new crew.” She turned to find Archer and Felix watching with slightly amused expressions on their faces. “Dude…what the hell?” Okay, she probably needed to come up with a better response than that, but well, right now she was flustered. Felix stepped up; his arms spread wide, a grin on his face. “Welcome to LR Exclusive, Texas edition.” “Wait. This place is mine?” “Yeah, it is. All yours. And so is this giant dumbass.” Felix reached back to haul Archer out of the doorway and push him in front of her. “Got something to tell her, said dumbass?” Archer gave him the finger without turning away from her. “Yes, I do.” “Archer, what is all of this?” She waved her hands around, confused. “It’s my way of saying sorry for being an idiot. I should’ve done this the right way weeks ago but I was too scared.” “Irrationally, I might add,” Felix piped up.

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This time Archer used both hands to flip her brother the bird. “Yes, it was irrational, but as I’ve been told I can be slow on the uptake at times.” “Very slow,” Felix added. Lena looked over at him. “Darling big brother?” “Yes, wonderful little sister?” “Please shut the fuck up so Archer can finish telling me how much he loves me and what he did for me this week.” “But—” Paige put a hand over his mouth. “Zip it.” Then she pulled back in disgust to wipe her palm on her jeans. “Eeuw. Did you just lick me?” “Yup.” Felix grinned. “You’re disgusting.” “All right! That’s it! Everybody out!” Archer roared. Said roar did the job because everybody but he and Lena scattered like ants under bug spray. Inhaling deeply he turned back to her and exhaled. “Now, as I was saying. I’ve been trying to fight how I felt about you our whole lives, but I’m done fighting it. It’s tiring trying to pretend I don’t need to see you every day, or kiss you, or just be near you. I’m done going to bed alone every night wondering if I’m on your mind as much as you’re on mine. Some days I love you so hard it scares the shit out of me. I was using Felix as an

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excuse, but I’m finished doing that now. I wanna roll over and wake up next to you in the morning. I wanna get on your nerves so bad while you’re trying to fix a car that you kick me outta your shop. I wanna trade barbs with you until it turns into a bout of rigorous, angry sex.” At that point she was laughing. Archer smiled, his eyes twinkling. “I want you to love me as much as I love you. And I really want you to say you’ll take this shop and the crew I hired. Please consider that if you don’t, it’ll do more than break my heart, it’ll break my legs too because those dudes don’t fuck around about their work.” He had to hold her up after that one. Lena’s sides hurt and the world was blurry. She was crying while laughing at a mix of happiness and Archer’s stupid jokes. She looked up at him as he brushed the tears away with his thumbs. “I’m waiting for the finale.” He kissed her once and got down on bended knee before pulling out a ring box. He opened it and her heart stopped. His eyes held nothing but pure unadulterated love. “Would you like to marry me tomorrow, or a week from now? Either one works for me. I understand that you might need that week to take this all in.”

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Lena shook her head as she dropped to her knees with a grin and hugged him tight. For once, she wasn’t about to argue with him.

Sweet Allure Five years later… “Maaaaaaaaaaaa!” Lena’s eyes crossed at the shriek but she slid from under the car she was working on anyway, despite her urge to stay there and stay silent. There she found her, kicked up unlaced sneakers, jeans with grass and oil stains all over them, a too big T-shirt and a ball cap low on her little head, hiding that pretty face and those light brown eyes. Those were her favorite play clothes, the ones she came to the shop in or ran around in. She had her thumb stuck in her mouth with one hand and her football in the other. God, she was adorable. Sighing, Lena scooped her up. “How did your daddy manage to lose you this time, Abby?” Her daughter grinned around that thumb and held up the ball. “Football, Ma! Football!” Lena blew out a breath. “Mommy’s working right now, baby. I can’t play.” Abby held up the ball again, her mouth in a pout, those wide eyes staring at her. With one word, she broke her. “Pwease.”

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Shaking her head, she started outside to the field they always played in. “So much for installing that V8 engine today.” Abby cheered, “Football!” *** He tore outta the house with Liam in his arms. One minute. He had taken his eyes off of her for one minute and she was gone. “Lena’s gonna kill me.” His son giggled. Archer briefly looked down at him. “Not helping, kid.” He found Felix near the stables. “Please tell me you know where Abby is.” His brother in law chuckled. “Out in the field playing touch football with Lena.” Archer blew out a breath. “Thank God.” He didn’t have a clue how his daughter managed it but she was stealthy as hell. One second he was changing a diaper and in the next he was looking for his wife’s mini-me all over creation. They were exactly where Felix said, running back and forth, rolling around in the grass, giggles and chuckles adding sound effects. Archer grinned when his baby threw the ball down and yelled, “Touch down!

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In yo face, Ma!” She got scooped up and swung around for her efforts, squealing all the while. Liam kicked his little legs, whining until Archer finally let him wobble and penguin-walk his way over to his mother and sister. Lena grinned wider and grabbed him up too. If there was ever a time he couldn’t stop smiling, it was right then. Had someone told him twenty-odd years ago that the football loving-skinned up knobby kneed-originator of the phrase “Suck me” would be the one to make his life complete after she stumbled through her mother’s kitchen all dirty, he would’ve told them to fuck off. Now…well now, Archer was more than glad he’d finally stop denying Lena’s strange but very sweet allure.

**Nikki**

NIKKI WINTER When Nikki wrote her first story in the tenth grade, she knew without a doubt she was destined for greatness. Now if she could just convince everyone else… Buckling down, she’s taken the time to polish what she refers to as her “writing superiority.” She hopes that the tales she has created grab the readers’ attention, and make them devoted slaves to her will fans. If you want to let her know just how absolutely, positively awesome she is, you can always e-mail her at [email protected], friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/NikkiWinter/100002445230428, or follow her on Twitter as @NikkiWinter19.