The Triple Threat (Love In Dayton Valley Book 1)

by Nikki Ashton

  I ran a hand through my hair. “Yeah, Ellie, I heard.”

  “Your Pop.” She leaned forward and poked me in the chest. “So maybe we should go.”

  “Fuck, not this again,” I muttered under my breath. “Really?”

  “Yes, really,” she replied with a shake of her head. “Sometimes I wonder about you.”

  “What does that mean?” It was now my turn to cross my arms over my chest.

  Ellie leaned closer to my ear and got on her tippy toes. “We have something we have to do, remember.”

  “How the fuck can I forget,” I whispered back.

  “What are you two talking about?” Auntie L asked with a starry-eyed smile as she nudged Auntie J. “Is there something you need to tell us.”

  “No.” Ellie and I shouted at the same time.

  “Oh, that’s a shame, isn’t it, Janice-Ann. I was hoping we might have a little love story going on.”

  Ellie took a step back, clutching her t-shirt like she’d just been shot, and I felt stupid for feeling disappointed, yet again, by her reaction. I had no clue what was going on in my head, or why how Ellie felt about me was important all of a sudden.

  “Yeah well, we don’t,” I snapped back. “Come on let’s go.”

  “But you haven’t finalized your arrangements for Friday night yet?” Auntie L complained.

  I heaved out a frustrated breath and pushed the cart past Ellie. “I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty,” I called over my shoulder. “Be ready.’

  The last comment wasn’t necessary, I knew that, but she’d pissed me off.

  “Oh Hunter,” Auntie L sighed. “You could have asked her in a more gentlemanly way than that.”

  Damn women, who the hell needed them?

  Ellie

  “I thought you said it wasn’t a date.” Bronte winked just as she ripped the muslin strip from my vagina.

  “Shit.” I winced and blew out a shuddering exhale. “I never get used to that.”

  “Yeah well maybe if you got your hoo-hah waxed a little more often than twice a year, you wouldn’t feel such pain.” She tsked and shook her head. “Honestly Ellie, I’m ashamed to call you my friend. It’s bad for business when people see my best friend walking around town with pubic hairs showing at the bottom of her shorts.

  I rolled my eyes and braced myself as Bronte flattened the strip against the warm wax again.

  “Stop exaggerating,” I replied with only the tiniest of gasps. “I’m really neat down there, I just need a tidy up.”

  “Yes, because I’m damn good at my job. When I get rid of those hairy little critters, I get rid of them good.” She did one more rip and I swear she pulled harder that time. “Okay you can put your grey granny panties back on now.”

  “They’re not granny panties,” I objected as I swung my legs off the bed and onto the floor.

  Bronte snorted a laugh, evidently disagreeing. “They’re granny panties, darlin’ believe me.”

  As I slipped back into my roomy and comfortable panties, Bronte set to cleaning up her station and threw out all the rubbish, including the pink, latex gloves she’d been wearing. She worked quietly and I felt pretty unnerved. There wasn’t a minute go by where Bronte didn’t have something to say.

  “Which cat got your tongue?” I asked. “You’re awful quiet for someone who is desperate to know all the gossip.”

  She swung around to face me. “I’m a conscientious worker. I like to be sure everything is clean and tidy.”

  I started laughing. “Okay, tell me what’s wrong.”

  “Nothing.” She frowned and went back to her cleaning.

  “Bullshit. I know you too well, now spill it.”

  Bronte blew out making her bangs blow in the breeze as she flopped down onto her stool.

  “It’s just if I go to singles night and Jefferson is there, and he leaves with someone, I know it’s gonna hurt real bad.”

  My head dropped back onto my neck and I gave a silent prayer, coupled with a few chosen curse words.

  “What?” Bronte asked.

  I levelled my gaze with hers. “Enough of the crap about you and Jefferson. It can’t happen.”

  While I zipped up my jeans, Bronte stared at me wide-eyed like I’d just taken a crap on her beauty couch.

  “I don’t get why you think it would be shit for me and Jefferson to be together,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders.

  “Our parents. Your parents,” I declared. “They’ve all been friends for years. Can you imagine the size of the turd that would hit the fan? It would be epic, Bronte. Shit would be splattered to all four corners of Dayton Valley and maybe even as far as Middleton Ridge.”

  A thudding started in my temple as I looked at Bronte, despair in my tone and pleading in my voice, only to see a huge damn grin on her face.

  “Bronte, this isn’t funny.”

  “Oh, but imagine Thanksgiving and Christmas, when its mine and Jefferson’s turn to host the party.” Her eyes twinkled as she hugged a towel to her chest. “Do you think Jefferson would call my mom and dad, Mom and Dad, or would I call them Darcy and Jim?”

  “Neither,” I replied. “Because you are not getting together with Jefferson.”

  “Well, I kinda need to point out, you can’t actually stop me.” Bronte gave me her most sugary smile and gently pulled at a strand of my hair. “Don’t be such a spoilsport anyway.”

  “I thought you just wanted a quick roll in the hay with him – literally,” I said trying a different tact. Hoping if she was only interested in a quick round of sex, I’d be able to dissuade her. “Not a full-on relationship.”

  “Yes, but I kinda like the idea of being the second Mrs. Delaney. I mean, I know Hunter would spit feathers about it, but that boy needs a momma.”

  My mouth dropped open, disbelieving what I was hearing. There could not be one braincell in her head that thought the words it had just formed were sensible, valid or obtainable. Surely? Any minute now, my best friend would slap her thigh and shout, ‘just kidding’.

  Taking a minute to gather myself, I smoothed down my shirt and popped my feet back into my flip flops. When I finally had my purse on my shoulder, I cleared my throat and looked up at Bronte.

  “Okay,” I sighed. “I know you have to be joking about the being Hunter’s mom thing, so I’ll ignore it for now.”

  “But I—”

  I showed Bronte my palm, silencing her.

  “No,” I replied evenly and with a smile. “I know you’re joking, so I’ll take the joke in the good faith it was offered. Please, don’t let me ever have to hear you say those words ever again. The thought is just—” I stopped, thinking I might gag at the thought of Bronte being Hunter’s step-mom.

  Imagine it, him having to kiss her goodnight, or hug her and thank her for dinner or for the Christmas gifts that she and his dad bought him. What if spending more time with Bronte, gave Hunter time to see how adorable she was. Then he’d make a move and knowing Bronte, she’d be bored of Jefferson by then… shit, Jefferson would be heart broken and he and Hunter would never talk again.

  “Crap,” I muttered and gave myself a little shake at my ridiculous mind ramblings. Mostly though I needed to whup my own ass for even caring. “Right I’m going home to get ready for tonight.”

  “For your date.”

  “I told you, it’s not a date.”

  “What is it then?” Bronte asked not looking at me but messing with her phone instead.

  “We’re just going to singles night together, company for each other. Plus, it’s Hunter’s apology for being a dick in the café on Sunday.”

  “Who the hell goes to a singles night on a date?” Bronte asked turning back to me. “That boy needs his pop to show him a thing or two when it comes to women.”

  I really didn’t want to say it again, so I pulled her into a hug and turned for the door, pausing as I reached it.

  “If you do go tonight, please don’t make a play for Jefferson.”

 
Bronte opened her mouth to say something, but before she had chance, I jumped right on in there.

  “It won’t be pretty if Hunter sees you.” I gave her my puppy dog eyes, laying on every bit of cuteness I had. “Show him a little respect.”

  Bronte thought for a couple of seconds and then nodded.

  “Okay, if I go, I’ll stay away from Jefferson.”

  With a sigh of relief, I left, pulling the treatment room door closed behind me. As soon as I reached the parking lot, I pulled out my phone and dialed Hunter’s number.

  “Hey,” he greeted me. “What’s up? You changed your mind about tonight?”

  “No,” I replied, glancing towards Bronte’s salon. “We need to step things up, so as well as getting Carter and Bronte together I have another idea for the plan.”

  I heard Hunter groan quietly and wished he’d been in front of me so I could stamp on his foot.

  “Go on,” he sighed before I had chance to lose my shit with him. “What’s this new piece of the plan.”

  I grinned, pretty pleased with myself.

  “Tonight, at the singles night, we make sure your dad gets fixed up with someone.”

  Hunter laughed on the other end of the line, almost deafening me.

  “Hunter,” I snapped. “What’s so funny?”

  “We don’t need to make sure Pop gets fixed up, Ellie.”

  “Yes, we do.” I pulled to a stop and slammed a hand against my hip. “Bronte is…” Damn. How did I tell him she was fixin’ to be his new mom without him either laughing until he peed his pants, or losing his shit?

  “Bronte is what?” he asked.

  “She’s definitely going tonight.” I improvised, not wanting to give the whole of Bronte’s sordid plan to make him her stepson. “So, we need to make sure she’s not even on Jefferson’s radar.

  Hunter replied with a frustrated “I know, I was there when the twins told us, remember.”

  “Oh, and by the way, Carter is going too,” I offered.

  “Yeah, I know. He said.”

  “And he was okay about us going together?” I asked, wondering what Carter would be like about his friend hitting on his sister. Okay, it was immaterial; Hunter wouldn’t be hitting on me and Carter barely tolerated me himself, so probably wouldn’t care.

  “Yes,” Hunter replied sharply. “Because it’s not a date. Now can I go? I need to help round up the herd and bring them in before I shower.”

  Pressing my key to open my car, I once again glanced over at the salon wondering if I could actually lock Bronte inside until Monday morning.

  “Fine,” I replied. “And don’t be late picking me up.”

  Before he ended the call, I was pretty sure I heard Hunter say something about me being a dictator, but wasn’t sure, so let it go.

  It was only once I was in my car that I let myself relax and realize that it wasn’t hunger swilling around in my belly. I was excited and it was actually a hundred, thousand butterflies doing a synchronized dance.

  Hunter

  When I pulled up outside the Maples house, I didn’t expect Ellie to be running down their driveway, coatless, in a tiny dress with her shoes in her hand. I especially didn’t expect her to be closely followed by her dad.

  “What the fuck, El?” I asked as she yanked the door open and hauled herself up into the truck.

  “Drive!”

  “What’s going on?” I peered out at Henry who was laughing and waving his arms around.

  “Just go, Hunter. Go.”

  I turned the key in the ignition, but before I had chance to put the truck into drive, a six-feet-two, ex cornerback plastered himself to the hood.

  “Hang on a damn minute,” Henry called with a shit eating grin. “I need to talk to you.”

  Ellie shrank down into the seat, burying her face in her hands. “Just drive over him. I won’t hold it against you, I swear. We can tell the Sheriff it was an accident.”

  I glanced at her and couldn’t help but smile. The dress she was wearing was not only short but tight and gave me a great view of her legs. Her hair was up with wispy bits hanging down and on her knee was a pair of hot pink pumps, with the thinnest and highest heels I’d ever seen. I was about to adjust myself, when a banging in my left ear stopped me from putting a hand to my dick.

  I buzzed the window down and turned to Henry. “Hey, Henry. What’s up?”

  “Dad, no,” Ellie yelled, loud enough to bust my eardrum. “Don’t you dare.”

  Henry held up a pacifying hand. “Come on now, Ellie Belly, I wouldn’t be fulfilling my duty as your daddy if I didn’t do this.”

  My stomach flipped as I looked at Henry’s face. He wore a frown and had me pinned with a stare that would have made a marine shit his combats.

  “What’s going on?” I asked, trying to hide the nervous quake in my voice.

  “Dad if you do this, I will hate you forever. I will never cut your toenails for you ever again. Never give you a foot rub and most definitely never, ever get rid of those knots in your back after a long day in the office.”

  My head whipped back to Ellie who had her chin tilted in defiance.

  “Sheesh,” Henry replied, getting my attention again. “That’s harsh, Ellie, but I’m sorry, honey I have to.”

  “Will someone please tell me what’s going on.”

  I looked between them both. Ellie was all sulking and pouty, while Henry was still grinning at me.

  “I want to know what your intentions are toward my daughter,” Henry replied. “I need to know whether they’re honorable or if you’re going to try and get into her panties.”

  “Oh my God, Dad,” Ellie cried, loud and painfully. “I hate you. In fact, I’m divorcing you as my dad.”

  A deep chuckle was followed by a huge hand landing on my shoulder.

  “So, Hunter, what is it? Are you a good virginal boy, who doesn’t believe in sex before marriage. Or do I have to come at your nuts with a pair of pliers?”

  My fucking balls actually shrank as I inhaled sharply.

  “It’s not a date, Dad. I told you this.”

  “You say that,” Henry sighed. “But I know what these young bucks are like. I was one. Shit, me and your mom were always—”

  “No, Sir.” I butted in to avoid having to hear something that may have scarred me for life. “I’m not going to try and get into Ellie’s…” I glanced at Ellie’s legs and then I just couldn’t help it – come on, her tits were heaving, and her dress was tight.

  “Hunter.” She snapped her fingers and nodded toward her dad.

  My head turned back to Henry whose face quickly morphed into one of all seriousness.

  “My intentions are strictly honorable.”

  I felt a sharp elbow in my side. “You don’t need to tell him, he knows,” she replied, with an exasperated huff of breath. “He’s just being an idiot because him and Mom popped the wine at dinner.”

  When she leaned across me, I sank back into my seat as far as I could. Her tits looked totally on point as the rounded swell of them pushed against the low neckline of her dress. I knew if they touched me, Henry would most definitely be pulling me out of the truck and beating my ass. I knew this for fact because my dick would be a pretty good indicator that there was not one inch of honor in what I intended to do to his daughter, if I ever got the chance.

  “Can you please go back inside now,” Ellie said to him through gritted teeth. “You’ve had your fun.”

  I inhaled her perfume, which was rich and sexy, and I was glad she didn’t smell of my mom again. All I wanted to do was drag her across the console into my lap and kiss the fuck out of her.

  Making a little growling sound, she lifted a hand to pry his fingers from the window, but as she did, she lost balance and her face landed right next to my damn dick. My dick that thought it was a good idea, at that very moment, to drain all the blood from the rest of my body and keep if for himself.

  “Fuck, Ellie,” I groaned, as I scrambled to lift her unde
r her arms.

  “Oh my God, Hunter,” came her muffled response.

  “Get up, get up now.”

  As she wriggled, she created friction between my pants and dick, and the fact that her lips were dangerously close to the goods, just made things worse.

  Frantic and desperate, I managed to pull her up and find myself face to face with her. I figured we were both the same crimson color. Although, when Ellie put her hand down to steady herself and brushed my hard on, she may have gone a shade darker.

  While we scrambled to get ourselves sorted, Henry’s deep rumbling laughter echoed around the cab of my truck.

  “Well, glad that’s all sorted,” he said as he banged twice on the roof. “You kids go have fun, but remember I have pliers, Hunter.”

  He then strode off, back up the driveway, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

  “You okay?” I asked as Ellie straightened her dress and pushed her tits back into place.

  She didn’t look at me but gave a tight nod. “Yep. Now drive.”

  As we pulled away, I gave her a quick look and I knew that if I didn’t do something about this newfound crush soon Henry wouldn’t need pliers for my balls – they’d fucking explode of their own accord.

  Maybe banging someone else would help?

  Yeah, that’d be the answer and singles night might just be the perfect place to find someone to fuck Ellie Maples right out of my head. That’s what I’ll do, I thought, find someone tonight and then Ellie and I could get back to being just friends.

  Perfect plan.

  Ellie

  How the hell was I supposed to concentrate on the plan when Hunter looked so damn delectable. If the grey dress pants and black dress shirt weren’t enough, the fact that he had his sleeves rolled back to show off his tanned forearms and chunky watch almost finished me off.

  Ovaries – Boom – Exploded.

  “You okay?” he asked tilting his head to one side and frowning.

  “Yup.” I nodded and clenched my thighs together.

  “You sure, because you look kinda strange?”