Read Intimate Illusions [The Callens 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) for Free Online

good.”
    “So what happened?”
    “What you would imagine happened. We took two ponies and rode out to this swimming hole near the main house. We didn’t think anyone would find us even though we went there all the time. We gathered sticks and leaned them against a tree branch and covered them in a tarp. We thought we were so cool.”
    “I bet it got cold at night.”
    “You can say that again. It was October when we planned this brilliant idea. Around ten at night, I must have been whimpering or something because Max insisted we go back. The worst part was that Mom, Dad, Dustin and Cody were all in the living room waiting for us. We both got our asses tanned. We didn’t pull that stunt again.”
    She laughed so hard, tears streamed down her face. “Max is always looking out for you.”
    “Still is.”
    She couldn’t tell if there was any bitterness there. If so, he might try to act more responsibly and perhaps Max would back off, but who was she to tell him what to do?
    When they arrived at his parents’ ranch, the place had been transformed. There were three tents to the West of the house. Two of them had picnic tables under them, and the third was fully enclosed. Most likely that was where they’d be changing between their runway walks. The runway, which she’d seen before, was a masterpiece. A group of men were installing lights along the edge of the stage and on tall posts that overlooked the runway. From the amount of work that was going into the affair, this was going to be quite a production. Hopefully, the show brought in lots of money for the hospital.
    Ian jumped out of the truck and came over to her side and opened the door. He held out his hand to help her down. He’d jacked his truck up on shocks a tad higher than usual, so she appreciated the help. His souped-up car reminded her more of what high school kids drove than Wyoming ranchers, but then again, Ian wasn’t like most men.
    Mrs. Callen was outside directing traffic. He leaned over and gave his mother a kiss. Devonne’s heart melted at the interaction. She and her mother rarely touched. “Where’s Max?”
    “He’s finishing some paperwork. Don’t worry. He’ll never miss a meal you’ve prepared.”
    Mrs. Callen smile weakened. She too must know how hard Max worked. “Tonight he’ll be disappointed. With so many people, I had it catered.” She motioned to the tent on the right. “Go ahead, you two, and get something to eat. The models and their hosts are on the right, and the staff is on the left.”
    Ian placed a hand on the small of her back and led her over to the tent. A stream of tingles shot up her spine where he’d placed his palm. He stayed slightly behind her as if he was letting her decide where to sit. Cheri and Red were by themselves.
    “May we join you?”
    Their gazes went straight to Ian. “Sure.”
    She inwardly laughed. Even though these women might bring out the playboy in him, Devonne could tell Ian longed to be like Max. Competing against his brother and failing seemed to be his biggest hurdle.
    Instead of the girls steering the conversation to the modeling gig, she started off the conversation. “Guess what I got to do today?”
    They glanced between the two of them. From the way Red licked her lips, she was going to say something lewd. “I got to go riding. Ian showed me a beautiful spot on his ranch.”
    Both girls leaned forward. “You are so lucky.”
    Ian sat up straighter. “You’re staying at the house, right?”
    “Yes,” Red answered. “The accommodations are great, but there’s just us girls.”
    He laughed, and the rich sound stirred something inside her. One thing about Ian, there was nothing false about him.
    “My parents have a lot of horses you girls could ride.”
    Red scrunched up her face. “I’m kind of afraid of horses.”
    He shrugged. “I’m betting some of the cowhands would be happy to show you how it’s done.” For some irrational moment she thought Mr. Flirt would