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  She turned her head one way, and then the other, before giving a quiet, pfft. Kind of hard to affirm a damn thing when they were both asleep. Natalie nestled more comfortably between them and closed her eyes, too, just for a minute.

  When she opened them again, light poured in from everywhere, the scent of bacon wafted into the bedroom, and sounds of clattering dishes let her know Ryan was on breakfast duty. God knows, she’d never seen Javier cook anywhere but over a campfire. Natalie sat up and stretched, then flopped back down, and spread her arms and legs, reveling in the fact that she had the entire bed to herself.

  Ryan appeared in the doorway, a spatula in hand. “Finally. Come on, Ms. Starfish. I’m starving, and Javier has to leave.”

  Natalie’s stomach rumbled. “Is there coffee? I don’t smell coffee.”

  “Of course there’s coffee. Do you think we don’t know your morning needs?”

  Natalie raised her head and offered him a sultry smile. “No, you’re both very knowledgeable.”

  “That’s right. Now up, before I have to spank you to make you get out of bed.” She opened her mouth to protest that was no way to entice her out, but Ryan held up a finger. “I am in control of the coffee.”

  “Fine.” Natalie struggled upright, then found one of the robes provided by the ranch for the use of guests, and padded out to the kitchen.

  Ryan had put on his jeans, but he was still shirtless. Natalie took a moment to stare at his smoothly muscled back and shoulders as he worked at the stove, until Javier, fully dressed, boots and all, stepped between her and her view. He tugged her close with the belt of her robe.

  “Damn,” Natalie said, spearing her hands into his rear pockets. He smelled freshly showered, and his beard had been trimmed sharp. “You have to go?”

  “I hate to lose you when I’ve just gotten you back, cariño.”

  Natalie kissed him on the chin. “I squandered your free morning by sleeping.”

  “Not quite all of it,” Javier replied with the sort of look on his face that gave Natalie an intense rush of warmth. There were few things as wonderful as knowing she could bring a man like Javier to his knees.

  “I’ll see you when you all leave the ranch,” he went on. “But I won’t be able to give you a proper good-bye.” He gave her a tender kiss. “Or tell you next weekend will be much more of a challenge, so be prepared.”

  “Next weekend?”

  “I thought I’d come to the big city. Assuming you want to keep exploring this.” He circled his finger to include all three of them.

  Natalie turned to look at Ryan, who stood with his arms crossed. He looked simultaneously forbidding and worried, prepared for the worst. She rose on her toes to kiss Javier on the lips, then spoke to them both. “I do. I could never choose between you. It’s all or nothing for me.” She glanced again at Ryan and held his gaze as she said, “I’ve tried nothing. It wasn’t great.”

  Javier patted her bottom. “I’m gratified to hear you say so, pequeña. I expect you to behave.” He gave a resolute nod over her head, including Ryan in his pronouncement. “Te amo, mi amor,” he whispered against her lips.

  Ryan made a loud tsking sound behind her. “Always showing off with the Spanish.”

  “You have to admit, cabrón, it does sound better.” Javier settled his hat on his head and turned for the cabin’s front door.

  Natalie grinned. Ryan brought out something playful in Javier, while Javier bolstered Ryan’s dominant side, but between the three of them, there was no doubt. She was the winner.

  As they watched Javier stride downhill, Ryan kissed her favorite spot near her ear. “I love you, too.”

  Natalie turned into his arms. “I still owe you. Both of you.”

  “Nope,” he said, distracting her with a kiss. “No more looking backward.”

  She didn’t challenge him. After all, he was in control. If he ever wanted to collect, she’d be ready. He was right. Now it was time to look forward, plan ahead—all three of them. They would have all the time they needed.

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  Acknowledgments

  Putting the story-words on the page (or screen) may seem like a one-person endeavor, but getting those words ready for prime time is absolutely a group effort. All the love to my husband and family, who kept me grounded and caffeinated, and to my writer’s group and critique partners, who kept me laughing, boosted my ego, and let me know when this story threatened to fly off the rails. To Nicole, Margaret, and Toria, especially, first readers (and first fans), so much gratitude. And to the others in my crazy gang, all of whom took part in making Natalie’s story better, my humblest thanks.

  To those at Entangled, especially my editor, Brenda, publicists Holly and Riki, and Curtis in production, thank you for putting up with a lot of rookie questions, and for answering them all with patience and grace. You’ve made this a smooth ride.

  About the Author

  Renee Dominick lives and works in the Seattle suburbs, a place perfectly suited to her love of all things nature, and for writing atmospheric and steamy erotic romance.

  When she’s not melded to her laptop, she’s probably reading, watching off-beat movies, poking around in her garden (assisted by her two terriers,) or planning her next big adventure.

  Her super-sexy short story, Through Glass a Stranger, can be found in the erotic anthology, kINKED. Visit her website at ReneeDominick.com, and find her on Twitter @Renee_Dominick.

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