Damon's Challenge (Creek Valley) by Sam Crescent

want you to leave.” Her mind and heart were in turmoil at the prospect of either man leaving, Damon as much as Andy. “You belong here, with us.”
    Silence met her answer. Standing up, she picked up her bowl and headed into the kitchen. Tears had sprung to her eyes. Putting the plate on the counter, she gripped the edge needing something to balance her.
    They’d only been together today. She’d found out about them three days ago. What the hell was wrong with her? Meredith was more than ready to make a commitment in a matter of hours and days.
    Crap, they must think she was so stupid to take sex to mean anything else.
    She pressed a hand to her face, trying to calm her nerves down.
    Hands banded around her face. She knew it was Andy by his light touch. Her husband was always delicate with her. This afternoon was the first time he’d gotten a little rough with her. She loved every second of her time with him. Damon had made love, but even in making love, there was a rough edge to him. He demanded her submission, and she was more than happy to give it to him.
    “Have I scared him off?” she asked.
    “No, I came in here to talk with you. He thinks it’s best we talk before anything more is said.” Andy kissed her neck. His hands held her close.
    “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blurted it out like that. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m so stupid.”
    “You’re not stupid, and stop calling yourself stupid.” Andy squeezed her a little. “Do you think Damon hates what you said?”
    “I don’t know. I shouldn’t have said it. This is not my ranch—”
    “It’s half your ranch, Meredith.” Andy turned her to face him. “I agree with you, baby. I don’t want Damon to go. We can’t stop him from leaving if he wants to.”
    “I don’t love you any less,” she said.
    “I know.” Andy dropped a kiss to her lips. “We’re on the same page. We both want Damon in our lives. It was nice for you to finally speak up.”
    “You know I don’t like interrupting.” She placed her hand on his chest. This man held her heart in his palm , and she was starting to feel that Damon held it, too. Meredith was falling for two men. She’d seen it happen with the couples in town but never thought she’d feel the same or a similar way.
    “You’re not interrupting. Come on, I think we’ve kept Damon waiting long enough.”
    Andy picked up her food and led the way back into the sitting room. Damon was scooping out more chili as she entered. She sat down in her spot feeling Damon’s gaze on her. “Have you two talked?” Damon asked.
    “Yes, we’ve talked , and neither of us wants you to leave,” Andy said.
    She waited for his response.
    “Good, because I had no intention of leaving. This is my home for as long as you’d both have me.” Damon stared into her eyes.
    Meredith wanted to say more, to beg for him to stay forever. She couldn’t get the words out. Begging was never in her nature. She was silent and usually prayed that something would happen.
    Dropping her head, she picked up her spoon and started eating once again. She hoped he never got the chance to leave.
    ****
    By the end of the week the ranchers were back and working hard to finish everything up for the coming winter. Andy worked his ass off to get finished by six every evening to eat food and spend the evening with his wife and Damon. The other man hadn’t started work on his bike, which he was pleased about. He loved working out in the freezing cold air, but he loved the night times more. Meredith was back in his bed, and Damon had also joined them. The nights were filled with so much promise. He got to watch Damon pleasure Meredith and see her face as they took her.
    When she asked to watch him and Damon together, he’d almost lost his mind. They never hid their kisses or embraces from her. However, they were both cautious around her. Neither of them wanted to scare her off. Their relationship was working. Andy didn’t want to do