Men Times Three by Bonnie Edwards

kept his head down and attention on the swing of his axe. She leaned on a support beam. “On the way home tonight, would you mind stopping at a store? I, um, need more batteries for a small appliance.” She leaned close enough to smell the musky scent of his hard work. Delicious.
    He swallowed and missed his next swing. The blade skimmed off a strip of bark, but the log remained whole.
    TJ nodded as a deep flush rose from his neck to the top of his head. “Appliance?” He rested his axe on a log and looked steadily at her. A muscle in his jaw flexed as if he were grinding his back teeth.
    She nodded. “Mm-hm. You remember. I used it last night. Keeps me humming right along.”
    He swallowed.
    â€œSo, that’s it then. If I think of anything else I need, I’ll let you know.”
    â€œYou do that. I’d think batteries would last longer than one short session. If it’s eating batteries, I could tweak the performance for you next time you use it.”
    â€œTweak? I think supplement would be the better word.” His eyes flared into full blazes. Her mouth went dry and she backed up a step. “The game is on, big man.”
    â€œLong as the stakes are what I think they are.” He nodded as if they’d just exchanged pleasantries about the weather.
    His confusing response rang in her ears for the next couple of hours while she worked out her frustrations on the exterior walls in the living room.
    A car arrived out front and Marnie rushed to see Holly emerge from her low-slung rocket. A newfound love of fast cars was only one of the changes she’d noticed in her cousin since her separation and divorce. She had more sway in her hips than Marnie had ever seen.
    She looked happy. Or was that relieved? Her expression was hard to read from this distance and she blanked it as she approached the porch. Which meant Holly was hiding something.
    â€œHey, you,” Marnie called as she opened the door and welcomed Holly with open arms.
    â€œHey right back.” She hugged Marnie hard and they brushed their cheeks. “Oh, it’s good to see you and to be here.” She leaned back. “I mean, so good to be here.” Her eyes danced with joy and Marnie believed her. Whatever her cousin was hiding couldn’t be serious.
    She waved Holly inside with a warning. “Brace yourself, it’s filthy. I only told you about the trees out back, not this.”
    Holly dropped her bags in shock. “What the hell happened?” She took a slow twirl and gaped while Marnie filled her in on their theories of teens and parties. “So, later today, TJ, also known as Paul Bunyan the Elder, will install motion-sensitive security lights all around the inn.”
    â€œWow. I’ve got to see this guy.” She raised her brows and waggled them. “He sounds impressive.” Her cousin appraised her. “And somewhat intimidating from the sounds of things.”
    Instead of questioning Holly about her situation with Jack, the tables had been turned back on her. “TJ’s a little, um…intense.” Her belly warmed at the word.
    â€œSounds interesting and sexy.” She purred and looped her arm through Marnie’s. “Show me.”
    â€œHe has a brother,” Marnie blurted.
    She stopped. “I see.” She nodded. “Got it. TJ’s off-limits.”
    â€œI didn’t say that.” Now she was sounding defensive.
    â€œNo need to say anything. I’ve known you my whole life, and something’s put that wild gleam in your eye. It sounds as if it’s this Paul Bunyan look-a-like.”
    Marnie patted her suddenly hot cheeks. “Is it that obvious?”
    â€œOnly to me or any other woman within a hundred yards. A man probably wouldn’t notice a thing. Would he?” But her sly look took in a lot more than Marnie’s flush.
    â€œHe’s noticed. But enough about that; let me show you around.”