Falling for Them Volume 3: Reverse Harem Collection

by Amy Sumida

  At Shona’s snort, he turned over onto his stomach, not wanting to see Shona every time he glanced at Aria. Devising a seating arrangement that satisfied Doug and Chad’s need to be near Aria while avoiding Shona proved difficult. They wanted Aria to themselves, and at the same time, they wanted her to enjoy time with her friends. Despite all their maneuvering, Doug ended up with Shona on one side, hence his current trip to the bar to grab drinks even though a chest of cold drinks sat beside them, as well as nearby cabana attendant.

  “So, Chad, have you known Doug for long?” Shona’s voice, all breath and filled with lust, sounded like nails on a chalkboard to his ear.

  “Since I was four.” Chad turned his head to face Aria hoping to catch her eye. Instead he found her gazing over her e-reader, a slight frown marring her face. He flipped back over onto his back and raised the head of his lounger as Shona continued to speak. He tried to figure out what caused Aria’s frown when he realized Shona waited for an answer. “Sorry, I missed that. What was your question?”

  “I asked how the two of you met. Aria and I went to high school and then university together.” Shona picked up her glass and took a sip through her straw while adjusting the top of her bikini with her other hand.

  Chad caught her hand movement from the corner of his eye and pointedly kept his eyes facing the bar. “We, uh, met at little league football.” He watched as Doug came into view and saw the two well stacked, through the help of plastic surgery, young women trying to hang off his arms as he continued to the bar. No wonder Aria is frowning. She doesn’t know she has nothing to worry about.

  “Football, huh?” Shona licked her lips and stared at Doug. “Yeah, he’s definitely built for football.” Her voice became a little breathless while she watched the muscles on his back ripple as he moved his arms to break free of the girls and place them on the bar.

  — Aria —

  Aria ignored the conversation going on between Shona and Chad. Her stare never left Doug as he picked up the three drinks before turning to make his way back. Another woman, this one appearing to be in her late thirties, walked up to him. Aria’s frown deepened and her breath hitched as she watched the woman run her fingers across Doug’s chest. Holding her breath, she watched as Doug tried to bring up his hand to block the woman’s touch, but the drinks got in the way.

  Rip.

  Aria pulled her eyes away from Doug to look down at the massacred e-reader case in her hands. Two popped seams. She closed her eyes. She needed to get a grip. Doug was not hers. None of them were. They were free to meet other women; to hook up with them. Pain torn through her chest at the thought of Doug, Chad, or Jason with another woman.

  What’s happening to me?

  Forcing her eyes to stay down, she tried to concentrate on the words in front of her.

  Chad’s pinkie finger crossed the chasm between their loungers to rest alongside her thigh. At the touch of his skin, as small as it was, the tightness in her chest loosened, allowing her to breathe easier. Surprised at how Chad seemed to know her need for reassurance, she gazed at him under her eyelashes. When his eyes captured hers, she raised the corners of her lips, offering him a grateful smile before dropping her gaze back to her e-reader.

  — Doug —

  Doug continued his walk back to Aria. These women were crazy! Women often came onto him at nightclubs, but between Shona and the other women at the resort, his good mood soured. If not for meeting Aria, this vacation would have been a bust.

  A slow, sensual smile spread across his face as he stared at her stretched out body with an e-reader in hand. She resembled a mythical sea goddess in her bikini, bringing a rise to his blood pressure as he dreamed about exploring her skin under the bikini.

  “Your drink, darling.” Doug handed her a pink, non-alcoholic frozen drink.

  He looked at his sun lounger to find Shona stretched out like a cat in the sunshine. If she lowered her top any more, she might as well take it off. He shook his head. Foregoing the empty lounger, he stepped between Aria and Chad, not wanting to sit on the other side of Shona and away from Aria.

  “Slide up, Aria. It’s probably time for more sunscreen,” he told her as he handed Chad the two drinks in his hands.

  Aria glanced up at Doug in confusion until he rolled his eyes towards Shona. His shoulders dropped in relief as the corners of his mouth lifted when after glancing towards Shona she nodded understanding his silent message. She put her drink on the ground and bent until to lay her e-reader at the end of the lounger. Scooting forward, she made enough room for him to climb up behind her.

  Straddling the lounger, he reached into the basket under it and pulled out the sunscreen. He poured some onto his fingers and started to massage it into the skin on Aria’s shoulders. As her head tipped, he couldn’t help himself from whispering next to her ear. “Feel good?”

  Goose bumps broke along her skin. Mumbled words resembling, “God, yes it feels good,” came from her mouth as his hands travelled down her arms smoothing in more sunscreen as he went.

  Doug watched as Chad’s eyes swung to watch her. He met Chad’s gazed head-on without any jealousy. Hmmm. That’s interesting. Doug bit his lip, watching the same response occur in Chad at Aria’s quiet moans. Dropping his eyes, he noticed the tenting in Chad’s trunks matched his own.

  “Hey, Chad, Doug, girls.” Derek arrived with Kyle, Mark, Jennifer and Trish in tow. “We’re heading to the other pool to play some volleyball.”

  “Shona, you said yesterday you wanted to play, correct?” Kyle’s eyes freely roamed Shona’s body.

  A large smile spread across Shona’s face as she pushed herself into a sitting position. As her top started to slide off her breasts, she slowly slid her arm under her chest to hold it in place. The placement of her arm pushing her breasts up and out, keeping them on display.

  “Oh dear.” She bit her lip. “I nearly lost my top. Can you come help me tie it back up, Kyle?”

  Doug ignored her display, preferring to keep his focus on Aria. His fingers skillfully untied the strings on the back of her bikini top for a smoother application of the sunscreen.

  “My pleasure.” Kyle moved to stand behind her sliding his fingertips across her shoulder before bending over and gathering the ties.

  “Thanks,” she said with a tight smile.

  Kyle helped her to stand and the group left to the relieved sighs of the three remaining behind.

  — Chad —

  “I know she’s your friend, but she is something.” Chad chuckled as he watched them leave.

  “Yes, she can be a handful.” Aria smiled fondly at their retreating backs. “Could you undo the top tie, Doug? I think I’m going to lay on my stomach for a while.”

  “I have an idea.” Chad raised his eyebrows at Doug and smirked before lowering the head of the lounger to the flat position. “Doug, slide back so Aria can then flip over and the two of us can make sure that she has enough sunscreen on.”

  “Sounds like a great plan to me.” Doug slid back as he waited for Aria to flip.

  Laying down with her head near his lap, he undid the tie around her neck before bending over her to apply the sunscreen to her back. Doug released small moan, and Chad smiled, figuring it came as a result of Aria’s breath hitting Doug’s inner thighs.

  He better thank me for this later.

  Chad moved to straddle the foot area of the lounger. He filled his hands with sunscreen and slowly massaged it up her legs. As his fingers slid up her inner thighs, tension coiled in her muscles. Her breath hitched each time his fingers came tantalizingly close to brushing her center. Subconsciously, her legs slid open a little wider, beckoning.

  Fuuuck! His swim trunks ran out of room, strangling his erection.

  He jumped up. “Need a swim.”

  He turned quickly and slid into the cool water of the pool, hoping no one but Doug saw the raging hard on he sported. Closing his eyes, he filled his mind with work scenes as he dunked his body in the cool water until i
t was safe for him to exit.

  Chapter Eight

  — Aria —

  Aria carefully flipped over onto her back. She placed a hand to her chest holding her top on as her other hand tried to lift the head portion of the lounger. Alone for the first time outside her room, she closed her eyes, relishing the peace and calmness that flowed through her. Leaning back, she picked up her e-reader to continue reading.

  Her stomach rumbled causing a little chuckle to escape her lips. Her cheeks rosy, she glanced around excited about her embarrassment. Embarrassment at normal bodily functions meant she entered the land of the living again.

  While reading a page, she watched Chad continue to swim in the pool after his abrupt departure earlier. The water slid smoothly over his muscular back with each powerful stroke of his arms bringing drool to the corner of her mouth. The light reflected off the beading water highlighting his partial sleeve tattoo of a Celtic tree of life. Her fingers rose to her mouth gathering her drool before sliding between her teeth. Biting down on them to keep herself from moaning at the display.

  He stood sideways. Water ran down the rippled muscles on his chest and back, drawing stares from more than just Aria. Catching her eye, he smiled. She nibbled on her fingers as she stared at him, wishing she were nibbling on something else.

  He mimed drinking and pointed to the bar.

  Her cheeks rosy at being caught staring, Aria nodded and held up two fingers pointing to herself and Doug’s empty lounger.

  A frown crossed his face. Eyes scanning the pool area, he took a step towards Aria, stopping when Doug stepped out from behind one of the cabana curtains with a cell phone next to his ear. His shoulders relaxed. With a wink, he turned and headed to the bar.

  Heat bloomed in Aria’s chest at the sight of Chad’s frown. She knew the lack of Doug’s presence caused it. Not sure what to make of the feeling, she pulled her lip between her teeth. The protectiveness of the guys made her feel cherished, something she didn’t experience when with her ex. But this wasn’t normal behaviour for people who just met. At least, not in her experience. Was she reading things wrong?

  She dropped her eyes back to her e-reader to hide her confusion, but her eyes kept straying back to Chad as he moved to the bar. He walked like a man on a mission, sidestepping with agility the people in his path, so it surprised Aria when she saw a woman step directly in front of him.

  His hands grabbed the woman’s arms as his body slid sideways to avoid her. The woman’s mouth moved, saying something to Chad that caused his hands to drop as if burned. Without a backwards glance, Chad’s shoulders squared as he strode towards the bar.

  The woman’s face fell, but Aria could see the predatory expression on her face before she turned to watch Chad walk away. Aria bit her lip until a coppery taste flooded her mouth. Shit. What am I doing? He’s not mine. She forced her eyes back to her e-book even if her brain didn’t follow suit.

  ~

  The rest of the day passed in a similar fashion to their day on the beach. The girls swung by to let Aria know they were going to one of the restaurants for lunch with Kyle, Derek, and Mark. They asked if she wanted to join them, but Aria preferred to stay at the cabana with Doug and Chad. They ate their lunch in the cabana and then snuggled up together in the outdoor bed. Aria initially tried to tell Chad she wasn’t tired after the wonderful sleep she had the night before, but he insisted she at least lay down between the two of them. Doug, after popping some headache medication, fell asleep quickly. Soon after, Aria succumbed to the warmth and comfort surrounding her.

  The two awoke to find Jason in Chad’s spot.

  The four of them spent the afternoon talking and cooling off in the pool. She noticed each of her three men received stares and so-called accidental brushings by numerous women throughout the day. Each time she witnessed it, she felt a stab to her heart, worried they would leave her. When the guys ignored the women, her ache lessened. Not wanting to know the reason behind these feelings, she decided to ignore them. Denial had always been her best friend.

  The other six returned late in the afternoon, joining in. The entire group moved to the swim-up bar to enjoy the last hour or two before heading back to their rooms to get ready for supper.

  Supper passed in pleasant conversation between the group of ten despite the initial maneuvering completed by Chad, Doug, and Jason to ensure neither Chad nor Doug ended up near Shona. The three also wanted to stay near Aria. In the end, Jason sat next to Shona with Aria on his other side as Chad and Doug sat across from the two of them.

  Aria found herself worried about Shona’s propensity to flirt. Throughout supper, even though she carried on a conversation as if nothing was wrong, she found herself becoming increasingly frustrated with her best friend.

  Every time Shona opened her mouth to talk to Doug or Chad, something inappropriate came out. Aria continuously bit the side of her cheek to keep from saying something and embarrassing herself.

  As soon as they finished with dessert, Aria opened her mouth to inform them of her plans to return to her room when Jason spoke up. “How about we retire to the piano bar?”

  Doug and Chad quickly agreed. They stood and rounded the table. Jason stood and pulled out Aria’s chair for her.

  “Leaving already? We’ll join you.” Shona smiled and leaned across the table, allowing her low cut top to gape.

  Aria’s lips pulled tight as her eyes remained noticeably blank. “Sure, Shona. We have a pit stop to make so we’ll meet you all there.”

  She threaded her hands around the arms of Doug and Chad. Together the four of them walked out, leaving the others to make their own way to the bar.

  “What pit stop do we have to make, darling?” Doug patted her hand with his before taking her hand and moving it down to entwine their fingers.

  Colour rose across Aria’s face. She hoped the darkness of the evening would hide it. “Um, nowhere, really. I, uh, just needed a break…a breather.”

  Chad patted her hand. “We all need breathers once in a while.”

  “Feel free to use us as an excuse anytime.” Jason leaned around Doug to smile at Aria.

  As they walked into the bar, they passed the restrooms. Aria pulled to a stop. “Um, I actually should make a pit stop.”

  “Sounds fine. We’ll wait right here.” Chad told her as Doug released her hand.

  “Don’t be silly, guys. I can go to the bathroom myself. I was informed I potty-trained early and have been doing fine ever since.”

  Doug rolled his eyes as Jason tried to muffle a chuckle. Chad just shook his head. The three looked at each other and came to a nonverbal agreement before Jason spoke. “Fine. Chad and Doug will go get us a table and drinks while I wait for you. Does that work?”

  “Fine,” growled Aria. Her nose scrunched up as she rolled her eyes. With a royal wave, she turned and walked into the restroom.

  — Jason —

  “So, she’s jealous huh?” Jason looked to the others hoping they caught the same signals Aria gave off during supper whenever Shona flirted.

  “It seems so and is only fair considering…” Doug used his hands to massage his temples as a look of pain flashed on his features.

  “Bad headache despite the meds?” Chad turned to stand in front of him. He tilted Doug’s head as he examined Doug’s eyes. “You and I aren’t staying very long.” Doug gave him a lopsided smile. “And no more alcohol tonight. In fact, I don’t want you drinking any tomorrow either, okay?”

  Doug nodded as Chad grasped his elbow and towed him deeper into the bar.

  Jason leaned back against the wall, his eyes full of concern and worry about the increased frequency and severity of Doug’s headaches.

  “Ready?” Jason stood from the wall and approached Aria. At her nod, he entwined their fingers together and walked her to the table the boys seated themselves at. The crowded table contained their supper companions and their assorted drinks. An empty chair sat next to Doug.

  Shona pointed to th
e chair. “We saved you lovebirds a seat.” A large grin stretched across her face and her eyes twinkled as she stared at their entwined fingers.

  Aria coloured and looked down. She squeezed her hands tightly.

  Using his thumb, Jason stroked the back of Aria’s hand to calm her. “Thanks, Shona. It was very sweet of you.”

  The roll of Doug’s and Chad’s eyes informed him of their role in saving the single seat for him to sit upon. Jason understood Aria would sit on Doug’s lap as they discovered his pain seemed to recede to a bearable level when she touched him. It was yet another reason drawing them to her.

  Jason led Aria over to the empty chair next to Doug. He leaned down, placing his mouth by her ear. “Doug has a headache. Do you think you could sit on his lap and help to shield him from the light and noise?”

  Turning her head, her lips centimetres from his, her pupils dilated as she stared at his mouth. Her tongue escaped the confines of her mouth to lick her lips. “Ah, yeah, um, sure.”.

  Jason nearly groaned, not expecting to be so close to the temptation of her lips. Dying for a taste, he forced himself to take half a step back, not wanting their first kiss to be in front of everyone. His heart, angry with his actions, spurred him to lean forward and place a soft kiss on her forehead.

  “Thanks,” he said with his lips against her skin.

  He stood and pushed her towards the empty seat. Shona smirked at the two of them while Jennifer and Trish were too busy in conversation with Derek and Mark to pay them any attention. Jason sat down making himself comfortable.

  Doug held out his hand. Aria placed hers in his and stood in front of him.