A New Beginning [Liberty, Wyoming] (Siren Publishing Menage Amour) Page 3

  Sara was confused. “What do you mean? Your brother doesn’t want me here and since he’s her father…” She shrugged and continued. “I’m sorry I wasted your time. I told him at the airport I would get a ticket home, but he insisted I come here…”

  Grant cocked his head to the side and interrupted her. “She’s also my daughter.”

  Confused, she stared at them. “What?”

  Grant smiled tenderly at her. “Jake and I were married to the same woman and she gave birth to Callie. We don’t want nor care whose sperm was used. We know we’re both her fathers.”

  “But…” she stated, rubbing her stomach.

  “Have you heard of ménage marriages?” Jake asked.

  “Umm, not really.” She fidgeted at the thought, turned on, and uncomfortable by the idea. “Isn’t it illegal to have more than one spouse?”

  Grant smiled. “In this town, it’s common. We have several ménage marriages in town. Our parents have one. We also have several Dom/submissive relationships. If a woman marries more than one man, she marries the oldest legally but then there’s a spiritual ceremony that binds them all together. That ceremony is the one that means something to the people of this town.”

  Sara shook her head. “I’m sorry, I don’t know about ménage relationships, but it really doesn’t matter.” She noticed the frowns starting to darken their faces. “I mean, I think its wonderful people get to be free to do as they want here and live the way they want, but it doesn’t have anything to do with me.” She gripped her hands together, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation.

  Both men stared at her, Grant with a smile, Jake his usual scowl. “I’m sorry to ask again,” she stammered. “If you could just get me a ride…”

  Grant shook his head and interrupted her again. “You’re not leaving. We want you to stay here and be Callie’s nanny.”

  “But—” She stopped and looked at Jake’s scowl. “Your brother doesn’t want me here.” She looked back at Grant. “Please, I really don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.” She looked down. Her breathing catching in her throat and her heart was beating too fast. Her palms were sweaty with nerves, so she rubbed them against her thighs.

  She raised her face, and tried to smile but failed. “I know you’ll find someone for your daughter.”

  “We want you to stay,” Grant growled, making her head snap up at the sound.

  She stood staring at first one and then the other. Finally, she asked Jake. “Is that true? Do you want me to stay?” She held her breath waiting for him to speak.

  “Yes,” he said simply, his eyes intent and seemed to see right into her.

  She waited for more but was disappointed when he stared at her, his arms crossed, his face passive. She looked back at Grant and frowned. “I don’t know what to do.”

  He smiled, as he slowly walked toward her, putting his hands gently on her shoulders. “It will be fine, just give this job a chance.”

  He moved to her side, and rubbed her upper back, sending bolts of heat through her and making her slightly dizzy.

  He looked at his brother. “Jake wants to try, right Jake?”

  Jake gave her a penetrating look, his eyes narrowed. “Yes,” came the abrupt reply.

  Sara stood still trying to block the feelings Grant’s touches were giving her. After a minute, she nodded and took a deep breath. “Okay. We’ll try it for a month and if either of you or I think it won’t work, I’ll go then.”

  There was a pause. “Great, let’s get you settled in your room upstairs.” Grant led her to the door with a hand at her back.

  Her eyes widened, and she stumbled. Grant caught her before she fell, holding her close to his body. “Wait, what?” she stammered. “I’m sleeping upstairs with the family?” She questioned haltingly. The thought of being that close to these men at night made her breath catch.

  “Absolutely. How can you take care of Callie, if you’re not near her?”

  Damn, that made perfect sense. She couldn’t think of another argument. “Um, I-I guess you’re right.” She glanced quickly at Jake and then away. Sara took a deep breath and became aware again of Grant’s hand on her back, rubbing, and tried to soothe her.

  “Let me take you upstairs and show you your room, you probably want to freshen up before dinner.” Grant slid his hand down her back until it fit into the small of her back, the heat soothing as he nudged her forward to the office door.

  She paused when she got close to Jake. She put her hand on his arm but at his sharp inhale, she dropped her hand abruptly.

  Sara was unable to look him in the eyes, so she focused on his tanned throat. “I’m sorry,” she said calmly. “I will try hard to stay out of your way. I really don’t want to make your life uncomfortable.” She didn’t wait for his answer. She started walking away when she felt Grant’s hand nudge her toward the stairs. She didn’t see the hunger in Jake’s gaze follow her out the door.

  Grant scooped up her bag, as they headed to the massive staircase. “Please don’t let Jake’s attitude bother you. He took the divorce harder than I did,” Grant said softly.

  “I’m so sorry, but what does that have to do with me?” Sara said. She glanced at Grant, her heart breaking for these men. They must have loved her a lot. She didn’t know the circumstances of the divorce, but she couldn’t imagine leaving these men if they were hers. “I hope my being here will turn out to be a good thing for you and your family and not bring you more pain.”

  Grant looked down at her, and smiled. “I’m sure it will, Sara.”

  His tone of voice was huskier than it had been, making her heart beat speed up. She looked away from him, concentrating on the stairs.

  Sara wanted to groan. This was the longest staircase she’d ever seen. Her leg muscles were tired and cramping, heck, her whole body ached. Getting up at three in the morning, driving a couple of hours to the airport in Iowa, then the plane rides. It was a wonder she hadn’t collapsed at their feet.

  They finally made it to the top. He took her to the first door on the right and opened it. He urged her gently in when she froze in the doorway.

  The room was bigger than any bedroom she had ever been in. In the middle was a massive bed. It looked bigger than a normal king-size bed. Sara hadn’t known they made them like that. The comforter was masculine with stripes in tans, browns, blues, and greens. To the right was a seating area with a TV and a leather sofa and chairs in a deep brown tone. There were two large windows in the room with a beautiful view of the ranch out of them. To the left there was a doorway that she assumed went to the bathroom.

  She must have had an amusing look of shock because Grant laughed. “What’s going on in that beautiful mind?”

  She closed her mouth and looked up at Grant. “This room is too much for me.”

  His eyebrow lifted in question. “What do you mean, too much?” He asked.

  “Um, I just mean I don’t need this big of a room.” She didn’t like the shaky feeling she couldn’t seem to control. She knew part of it was the traveling, part the men, but the whole situation was making her feel out of control. She took a deep breath.

  Grant’s palm slid slowly over her back. He snorted. “I think you’ll like it when you get used to it.”

  “Oh I like it just fine, it’s just too big.” She looked around the room, amazed at the beautiful room. “Where is Callie’s room?”

  “She’s only a few doors down.”

  She wanted to know, but knew she wouldn’t ask where his and Jake’s rooms were. It was better not knowing, she thought. “Oh.” Sara inhaled slowly. “Okay then.” She stepped farther into the room and turned to face Grant, wrapping her arms around her waist and smiled. “I think I would like to freshen up.”

  He smiled at her gently. “Of course, sweetheart. Dinner is at six, come down the stairs and turn left. We’ll be in the dining room.”

  “You want me to eat with the family.” Her eyes wide and confused.

  “Absolutely. W
e want you to feel like you’re a part of the family now.”

  Sara took a breath, creasing her brows, with worry, and uncertainty. “I’m not sure that’s a go—”

  Grant placed his hands on her shoulders, concerned at the fatigue in her eyes. “Everything is going to work out just fine.” He felt an overwhelming need to protect her already and didn’t like seeing her like this. He would give her time to settle, and then when she felt more comfortable, he would be able to take better care of her. Giving her one last squeeze, he smiled and closed the door behind him as he left.

  Sara stood in the middle of the room, her thoughts in chaos. She felt sluggish and knew besides the crazy last few hours and the emotional ups and downs, plane rides always took a lot out of her. Although the bed looked inviting, she knew if she lay down she would be asleep for the night. She glanced at the clock—5:05 p.m. She needed a shower not only to help with the fatigue that was dragging her down, but to get the grimy feel of traveling off her. She needed to call her sons. She had promised them she would notify them when she arrived safe.

  She pulled what she would need from her bag that Grant had placed on the bed.

  In the bathroom, she was once again surprised by the beauty of the room. The shower was big enough to fit six people, the tub like a small kiddie pool. There were three sinks in the long counter, which she’d never seen before. The tile in the shower and around the tub was earth tones and matched the paint colors on the walls.

  Oh, wow. The closet off the bath was as big as a child’s bedroom. Sara chuckled. The clothes she was having sent here from home wouldn’t fill a fourth of the closet.

  She undressed and turned on the shower. She kept her hair in the bun so it wouldn’t get wet. After it warmed up enough, she stepped into the large shower, and stepped under the cascading spray. She let the water slide over her body, and sighed when she felt her shoulder muscles relax, helping relieve the headache that had grown steadily since this morning.

  When her eyes starting drooping and her limbs felt heavy with weariness, she reached out to turn down the temperature, knowing the cool caress of water would help to wake her up. Shivers started to shake her body, so she hurriedly washed her body.

  As she dressed, she looked longingly at the massive bed. She still had dinner to get through before she could sleep. Just a few more hours.

  Chapter 3

  Sara hung on tightly to the beautiful wooden banister and made her way slowly down the stairs. She was so tired and shaky she was afraid she would slip and fall.

  At the bottom, she looked around in awe. The house was so beautiful, the colors in muted shades of earth tones and the furnishings ageless and comfortable. It reminded her a little of her own home just much larger and way more affluent. She felt a jolt of excitement rush through her, breaking through her fatigue and smiled. What a great place to start a new life.

  Sara turned toward the dining room. Before she entered, she looked down at herself to make sure she looked okay. She was wearing one of her favorite outfits—a long, light green skirt and white peasant top with tan sandals. It had been one of the few outfits she had brought with her, but was the one that made her feel her best, and it always easy to get any wrinkles out. She was having the rest of her clothes sent and had been promised the delivery in two days.

  She heard voices through the swinging door, inside the dining room and didn’t want to keep them waiting. Patting her hair to make sure it was still in the bun, she squared her shoulders and stepped into the room.

  Both men and Callie were at the table and looked up at her when she came through the door. Sara was amazed at the size of the room and furnishings. She guessed the large antique wooden table could comfortably seat twenty people.

  She pasted a smile on her face, and tried to ignore Jake’s penetrating stare. Grant who was sitting at the head of the table stood instantly and went to a chair next to Callie. “Here you go, Sara,” he said as he pulled the chair out to seat her.

  “Thank you,” Sara smiled at Grant’s manners, and the way he made an attempt to make her feel comfortable.

  “You’re welcome.” He lightly stroked her shoulders and felt a shiver travel down her body. He had the overwhelming urge to pull her into his lap or better yet, under him. Sooner, rather than later, he hoped, he’d be able to touch her whenever, wherever he wanted. He didn’t question why he felt so strongly for this woman after just meeting her. He just knew she could very well be the one for them.

  Soon, she’d be theirs to do with what they want. A few ideas raced through his head, and he grimaced. He needed to sit down before she saw the effect she was having on him and scare the shit out of her.

  Sara turned to Callie and smiled. Callie sat on a pink booster seat between Grant and herself. “Hi, honey.”

  Callie’s face brightened, and she bounced in her seat. “I’m glad you’re staying.” Her voice was shy but cheerful.

  “I’m glad, too.” Sara reached out to lightly lay her hand on her arm. “Tell me some of the things you like to do?”

  “I like to play with dolls.”

  “What kind of dolls do you have?”

  Callie continued to talk about her dolls when the door to the kitchen opened and a large older woman carrying a platter of food came into the room.

  Sara stood to introduce herself but the woman looked at her crossly and barked. “Sit.” Sara sat back on the chair, shocked. The tension in the air thickened. Both men looked at the woman with surprise, and then anger.

  Grant spoke up sternly. “Gina, I would like you to meet Sara.” His voice was full of authority.

  Sara felt her stomach start to tighten from the tension in the room, and pressed a hand to her midsection to alleviate some of the discomfort. Without standing, she pasted a shaky smile on her face, and glanced at Gina. “It’s nice to meet you, Gina.”

  “Hello,” Gina grunted, but wouldn’t meet her eyes. Sara had the feeling Gina wanted to just ignore her but couldn’t be rude in front of Grant. Sara glanced quickly at Jake to see he was busy putting food on his plate but the tick in his jaw showed her he was aware and unhappy with the situation. Gina walked back into the kitchen only to return with a few bowls. Setting them down in front of Jake, she turned and left.

  “Here you go, Sara,” Grant said, trying to turn her attention.

  Sara didn’t realize she was staring at the kitchen door. She smiled thanks, and took the platter piled high with golden fried chicken.

  “Do you need me to cut it into pieces for you?” Sara asked Callie.

  “Yes, please.”

  “You have such good manners,” Sara complimented Callie while cutting the chicken into small pieces. Grant handed her a bowl of potatoes and another of beans. She put a spoonful on the girl’s plate, and then on her own.

  Sara turned to pick up her fork to take a bite and froze, becoming uncomfortably aware both men stared at her.

  “You have a way with children,” Grant said, pleased.

  Sara shrugged her delicate shoulders and looked down at her plate. “I have always loved children.”

  She smiled gently at Callie and took a small bite of her own food, hoping she would be able to swallow it.

  Grant used the time to ask her questions, wanting to learn as much about her as he could. About her family and her life back in Iowa, making her feel more comfortable and taking some of the stress off her face.

  She gazed around the large, beautiful room. “Does Gina cook and clean?”

  Grant smiled. “No, it’s too big a house for Gina to clean. She takes care of the kitchen, meals, and this room, but we have a woman come in a few times a week to clean the rest. Her name’s Isabel. She’s a very sweet person. She brings her son Tommy with her. Callie and Tommy like to play together while they’re here. Callie looks forward to it.”

  “I think that’s wonderful. It’s good for children to socialize with other children.” She smiled and glanced quickly at Jake to find him staring at her with doubt an
d what looked like hunger, not eating. Sara looked down at her own food and blinked, forcing the burning feeling under her eyelids to stop. She moved the food around on her plate, losing what little appetite she had.

  She never could eat when she felt any kind of tension. Her stomach tended to tighten into knots very easily. Feeling Jake and Gina’s dislike and the day she’d had, it was no wonder she couldn’t eat.

  “Eat, Sara.” Jake’s voice was filled with dominance, and power that came so naturally to him.

  She smiled tightly, surprised he talked to her or cared that she ate. “I’m just not very hungry tonight.” She shrugged and laid down her fork on her plate. “It’s just been a long day.” Without waiting for him to reply, she turned to Callie. “Are you done, honey? If it’s okay with your dad, I mean dads, would you like to play a game before bedtime?” When Callie nodded, she turned to Grant. “Would you mind if we went into the other room and played a game?”

  “You don’t have to do that, Sara. You don’t start work until tomorrow,” Grant reminded her as his gaze scanned her face, worry evident in his face and voice.

  Her weary smile and pale complexion made his chest tighten. What she said next made him angry, not at her, but his brother, knowing he was part of the cause of her distress and sadness.

  “I really need this. It will release some tension and help me to fall asleep quicker.” Sara laid a gentle hand on Callie’s head, and a soft smile crossed her face. “Spending time with children has always made me happy and relaxed. It doesn’t feel like a job to me.”

  Grant glanced at Jake to see him staring at her, his eyes filled with a dark, swirling emotion. He turned back to Sara. “Absolutely. I’ll come and look in on you two in a bit.”

  Sara nodded and smiled, helping Callie wipe her mouth with a napkin and get down from the chair. Hand in hand they walked out of the dining room, without looking back, their voices fading.