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Savannah’s Vision

Note: Nicole Austin’s Books are intended for those readers 18 years old or older.

Sitting on the porch, Savannah went over her plans to surprise Riley. She’d made his favorite dinner. The fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet baked beans, corn on the cob and biscuits were all prepared. Her infamous holy cow cake sat in the refrigerator. The presents sat on the sideboard. Streamers, balloons, and shiny confetti covered the dining area.

She couldn’t wait to see the look on his adorable face.

When the bunkhouse door opened she looked over in that direction, she almost fell out of the chair.

Life is good.

Five tall, broad shouldered, muscular, drop dead gorgeous cowboys were walking across the ranch yard straight toward her.

Her cowboys.

Riley, the prankster of the group. His dark good looks always made her think of a fallen angel. Shiny tendrils of his jet-black hair dropped down rakishly over his deep blue eyes. His dark complexion and angular jaw made him look grim, but he was one of the most fun-loving men she had ever known.

Brock, on the other hand, was the group’s father figure. He kept everyone in line and kept his protective green eyes on everything. She had always wanted to run her fingers through his sable hair with its unruly waves. When he smiled, his full lips made his bushy mustache quiver.

Zeke was the shy, quiet one of the group. His beautiful sandy hair and cornflower blue eyes gave him an almost feminine beauty. Umm, but when you saw the muscular package it was all attached to there was no doubt he was all man. His quiet innocence touched Savannah’s heart.

And Jesse, the baby of the group. She liked to tease him by calling him Jesse James. That devilishly handsome cowboy was sure to steal a lot of women’s hearts. His light brown hair was always perfect, even when he’d been wearing his hat. His glittering amber eyes were filled with passion. She thought that maybe it was Jesse that Tamara had her sights set on.

Umm, and her newest cowboy. Savannah did not have adequate words to describe how perfectly yummy Cord looked. She wasn’t sure yet how he would fit in with the other boys, but he sure as heck fit in with her. Mmm, mmm, mmm.

As they drew closer she could tell something was bothering her boys. Tension rolled off the group of men in waves. Well, not tonight. Tonight she had a celebration planned. She would not allow them to be in a glum mood.

Putting on a bright smile, she stood at the top of the steps. As they got closer, she launched herself at Riley and he caught her easily. Wrapping her arms and legs around his big body she squealed with delight as he twirled her around in circles. When the world finally stopped spinning, Savannah planted a loud, wet kiss on his cheek.

“Happy birthday, Riley! We’re having a party tonight in your honor.”

A fierce growl rumbled up out of Cord’s chest. “Put her down, now.” His eyes held a dangerous gleam.

Cord could not believe the jealous rage he felt watching Savannah held so close in Riley’s arms. What the hell was wrong with him? It wasn’t like she was his woman, yet.

She looked so damn good in her sundress, boots and Stetson. The way the dress swirled around her thighs as she moved had him hard in an instant. He couldn’t help but to be jealous seeing her long, bare legs wrapped around the other man’s waist.

Riley sat her aside, but held onto her arms until she was steady on her feet.

Whipping her head around, Savannah stared. Her dark, angry gaze shooting daggers at him. “Is there a problem?” she asked through clenched teeth.

“Nothing we won’t get straightened out, Miss Thompson.”

Savannah’s laughter held no note of humor. “Name’s Savannah, but you can call me Van. I hate formality. We have a casual set up here. I prefer to be on a first name basis with my boys.”

Reaching out she ran her fingers lovingly over Zeke’s cheek. The tender look of caring she gave him made Cord’s blood boil. He just didn’t understand what was happening to him. How the hell could he feel so jealous and possessive over a woman he barely knew?

Cord barely heard the words she whispered to Zeke.

“Its okay, honey. You can relax now.”

He was amazed to see the tension instantly leave the other man’s big body. Just a gentle touch and soft word from her and the big cowboy melted.

Turning back to the others she said, “Come on inside now. We have a birthday to celebrate. Just ignore the big grump. He’ll figure out how things work around here soon enough.” She easily herded the big men into the house.