Firestorm - Ellie Masters Page 0,87

getting ready for bed ourselves. I should be in bed with Evelyn.

Truthfully, the work can wait for daylight, but I’m restless and agitated. There’s little I can do to help Evelyn, and I’m not used to not being able to fix things.

Not knowing how to help Evelyn, other than stand by her side, kills me. One thing is clear, however. From here on out, she’s under my protection.

23

Evelyn

I wake to sunbeams spilling into Asher’s room. The man is not one to stay in bed when there’s work to be done. Not ever having worked a day in my life, his dedication is something I admire.

Stretching in bed, my toes curl, my back arches, and my arms reach high over my head. I luxuriate in the sensation and roll to my side where I clutch his pillow and take a deep breath. His scent fills my nostrils and I can’t help but close my eyes and draw him deep into my lungs.

Exhaustion pulled me under last night. He wanted to do more. There was no way to ignore his arousal in the shower, but he didn’t push. Instead, I found myself carried to bed and tucked in with a feather light kiss to my forehead. The only reason I know he slept in the bed at all is from the depression in the mattress and the toe curling scent of him swirling all around me. I take a moment to simply breathe him in.

How lucky am I to have found a man like him? Frankly, I could stay in bed all day, but I feel a little guilty laying around while he’s outside working. There are so many questions floating around in my head about La Rouge Vineyards. The whole process of making wine fascinates me and I want to know more.

I get up, determined to find him. As I head to the bathroom to relieve the pinching in my bladder the events of last night hit me. I stagger and press my hand against the wall to keep from tumbling to the floor.

The flames and choking smoke. The acrid stench. I’m overwhelmed and need a minute to simply breathe.

For the second time, I’ve lost everything.

The third time if I count the loss of my family.

I literally have nothing.

That includes the clothes on my back. Asher let me borrow one of his shirts before putting me in bed last night. There’s nothing on beneath it.

All the new credit cards, the lovely clothes and shoes Gracie and I bought, even my new phone, all went up in smoke.

My search for Asher ends in the kitchen where he’s cooking with Brody and Cage. They turn as one, an odd sight, and I’m greet by three devilishly handsome smiles.

“Hey, you’re up, sleepy head.” Asher hands the spatula to Brody—I think that’s Brody, it’s hard to tell Brody and Cage apart. As for Asher? I know exactly which one of the three identical brothers is mine. It’s a feeling deep in my gut and tucked inside my heart.

“It smells wonderful.” I give a little squeak as Asher comes over and lifts me off my feet. He gives me a kiss before depositing back on the floor.

“We’re making waffles and eggs.” Brody flips a couple eggs while Cage turns a cast iron waffle pan over the gas burner. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“You’ve been busy.” There must be enough food to feed an army, but I have a sinking suspicion the three brothers will eat every last bite. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Nope. Just sit back and relax. Food’s almost done.” Asher leads me to the dining table. He rocks a pair of denim jeans which hang low on his waist and hug him in all the right places. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please.”

With a kiss to the top of my head, he leaves me to fix a steaming mug of coffee. I greedily watch every flex of muscle and the way the denim shifts over that glorious ass.

He returns to me with a twinkle in his eye. “A penny for your thoughts?”

“Nothing.” I glance at Brody and Cage.

Asher presses the tip of my nose with the pad of his finger. “I have a feeling nothing is a whole lot of something.”

To keep from having to fess up to the dirty thoughts swirling in my head, I bring the coffee cup to my lips. One sip and I’m in heaven.

La Rouge Vineyards is officially my favorite place on earth. Breakfast is amazing. I haven’t eaten this well in months,