Moore, Gigi - Desiree's Lone Wolves [The Double R, Book 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Gigi Moore Page A

all her secrets, even her life, because he had proven he would protect her even when she hadn’t asked.
    When Carson finished chewing and swallowed, he opened his eyes to gape at her as if he couldn’t believe what he had just tasted.
    “C’mon, it’s not that bad, is it?”
    “It’s not bad at all. It’s delicious.”
    “I’m not fishing for compliments, but really?”
    “I’m ready for seconds.” He polished off the piece in his hand in short order and reached in the basket for another piece. “Now I see why you were so upset about the possibility of this being trampled. Surely would have been a pure waste.”
    Desiree watched as he made quick work of the second piece. He smiled at her when he was done. It was such a simple thing, really, but his smile and honesty made her chest fill as if he’d pinned a medal to her lapel. She knew it was honesty and not empty flattery. The man, after all, had the nerve to call her an idiot to her face. He made it obvious he wasn’t trying to flatter or impress anyone, especially not her.
    “Did Sam get his fill?”
    “I don’t think so. He only had one piece. But I can always make more.”
    “We wouldn’t want to put you out.”
    She wondered at the way he spoke for himself and his brother, playing the role of the boss and leader in every way. She wondered how far that went in the brothers’ relationship. How much influence did Carson have over Sam, and would that translate in a relationship with her? How much convincing would Sam need to share a woman with his brother?
    What are you thinking? Maia and Tamara were rubbing off on her in very unhealthy ways. She couldn’t see herself handling one man, especially this man. How would she handle Carson and Sam?
    Desiree cleared her suddenly dry throat. “You wouldn’t be putting me out. I love to cook, even better when someone’s going to be enjoying what I’ve created like you boys are enjoying this.” Desiree offered him the basket and Carson readily relieved her of it.
    “Good deal, then.”
    “Just drop the basket by the house when you’re done.” She turned to leave but slowed her steps as Carson caught up to walk beside her.
    “If you’re going back to the house, let me give you a ride. I’m going that way, too.”
    Desiree glanced over at his horse shuffling his hooves several yards away and swallowed hard. Earlier when Carson had scooped her up into the seat with him had been her first time on a horse. She’d gone through plenty of pains to avoid the animals since she’d been on the ranch and had been miraculously successful. With Maia’s and Tamara’s nagging, this had been no mean feat. Desiree appreciated the animals at a distance, thought they were beautiful, but…
    “You’re not afraid, are you?”
    She winced. “It shows?”
    Carson whistled and the animal trotted over and stopped beside him. Carson pet the horse’s head then rubbed his nose and the animal whinnied, obviously enjoying the attention. “This here critter is Freedom’s Call. I call him Free. Free, meet Desiree.”
    The horse snorted and bent his head toward her as if he understood exactly what Carson talked about.
    Desiree put her hand up and hesitated.
    “Go ahead. He won’t bite, not unless you have an apple in your hand. I can’t be responsible for anything the greedy bugger does, then.”
    “Guess you’d better watch out for your pie.”
    “Already taken care of.” Carson held the basket behind his back and Desiree laughed, not missing how the slight motion pushed out his chest, stressing the muscles in his shoulders and arms as they flexed.
    Desiree laughed as she finally touched Free’s nose with her fingertips and the animal pushed against her palm as if asking for a firmer touch. She readily accommodated him, rubbing his nose before sliding her hand down to stroke him under the chin. Free released a low rumble.
    “Looks like you’ve made a new friend. Either that or he’s trying to soften you up to make