by Jane Jamison
Will clutched her ass cheeks, digging his fingers into her and helping to keep her steady. She gazed into his eyes and smiled, forewarning him of her intent.
But the determined expression on his face didn’t change, so she wasn’t sure he knew what she’d meant. She narrowed her eyes, telling him to keep watching. His gaze locked onto hers a second before she bit her bottom lip.
If she hadn’t known it before, she was sure of it now. The sight of her biting her lower lip was a sexual trigger for Will.
He let out a loud moan then rammed into her again. As he did, he set off her orgasm, and together they stiffened then screamed out their climaxes. Their bodies picked up speed, each racing toward the end. Together they rode out the remainder of their orgasms as her juices flowed over his cock. When she collapsed against him, breathing was all she had the strength to do.
The crackling of the fire along with their heavy panting was the only sound in the room. Josh came back and unlocked the handcuffs then helped her fall to the couch beside Will. He shot her a soft smile that held none of his usual cockiness then retrieved his clothes while tossing Will his.
Tatum tugged the flaps of her corset back over her breasts. Her nipples felt raw, but in a good way. But she was still uncovered from the waist down. “Could you please hand me my coat?”
Josh took a moment to consider her request. “What happened to saying Master Josh?” He handed her the coat, and she laid it over her lap.
“Aren’t we finished playing?” Did he expect her to address him that way even when they weren’t sexually involved? And yet the idea that he would wasn’t at all unpleasant. Nothing the McLean men did seemed unpleasant.
Will rose to pull on his jeans and shirt, then, without bothering to put on his coat, went outside. She turned around and watched him go. “What’s he up to? Is something wrong?”
“Damned if I know.” Josh fell beside her, taking Will’s place. “Now that we’re alone…”
She gaped at him. Could he be ready for another go already? She’d hardly gotten her breathing back under control. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. I am. But I’ll do my best to rise to the occasion, if you’re up for it.”
She shoved his arm playfully then turned around again to see Will come inside. He was rubbing his arms and carrying a duffel bag. “What’s in the bag?”
“Clothes for you. Granted, they’re going to be too big, but they’ll do in a pinch.”
She was touched by his kindness. “That’s so sweet, but I brought my own change of clothing.” Taking care to keep her coat wrapped around her, she reached into the basket, scooped up her keys, and started for the door.
Will beat her there, taking the keys from her. “As much as I’d love to see you in the clothes I have, I’ll fetch your bag for you.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Will was out and back before Josh had time to get the champagne and uncork it. Tatum took her bag, pulled out a pair of jeans that she yanked on, then added a shirt to cover what was left of her sexy lingerie.
Josh poured her a glass and handed it to her, then filled two more. He handed Will a glass then lifted his hand in a toast. “Here’s to us. It took us a long time to get closer to each other, but it was more than worth the wait.”
“Damn straight.” Will lifted his glass and winked at her.
“Agreed.” She took a sip of the champagne and studied them under lowered lashes. The bubbles tickled her nose as the smooth liquid coursed down her throat.
She was dying to ask but couldn’t find the words. Was tonight all they wanted? Or would tonight be the first of many nights?
Will took her hand and led her to the table. He pulled out her chair, acting like they were at a fancy restaurant, then took a seat next to her. Josh whirled his chair around and took his place on the other side of her.
Will took her hand. “I guess we should talk.”
Chapter Four
Tatum took another sip of her drink to cover the terrible sinking feeling. If he told her it was a one-time thing, she’d do her best to hold her head high and take it. She’d do whatever she had to do to keep them from seeing her heart break.
“I’m listening.” Did they think she was a slut for having sex with them? After all, they hadn’t taken time to reminisce or even talk about the sign project. Instead, they’d practically attacked each other, letting the flood of their long-restrained desire crack the dam wide open.
“As I think we mentioned earlier, we’ve wanted this for a long time.”
She blinked, their words throwing her. Were they dumping her or not? Or was she letting her insecurities get the better of her? “That’s hard to believe considering how I looked back then.”
Josh took her other hand. “You were beautiful then, and you’re even more beautiful now. Don’t ever think otherwise.”
A quick flutter happened deep inside her stomach. She took another sip and reminded herself that she might have to drive home. She put the glass back on the table.
“What we’re trying to say”—Will drew her focus back to him—“is that we don’t want this to be a one-night stand. We want a permanent relationship with you.”
“But you don’t really know me.”
Shut up!
Why did she say that? Was she trying to mess things up?
“Of course we do. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”
“But you don’t know the person I am today.”
What was wrong with her? Could she try any harder to sabotage a future with them? Or was she trying to make sure they meant what they said, hoping to avoid an even more brutal hurt later?
“You’re wrong.” Will leaned closer. “We’ve watched you grow up alongside us. We know you’re a kind person. We’ve known that since high school. Your basic personality didn’t change just because you’ve grown up. You’re well-known in town for all the things you do for your students. We’ve seen how you treat people, and we hear how other people talk about you. And, of course, the fact that you’re smokin’ hot doesn’t hurt.”
Josh tugged on her hand like one of her students wanting her to pay attention. “Maybe you don’t know it, but we kind of kept track of you even while we were away from Sanctuary. More than through gossip.”
“You did? But how?”
Will let her hand go then lifted the cloth off of the platter. He popped one of the chocolate-dipped strawberries into his mouth.
“It was easy enough. We have friends who kept us informed. Then there was your friend, Aubrey, at the school.” Josh’s eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Aubrey did that? Without ever telling me?”
Josh shrugged. “What can I say? We swore her to secrecy.” He edged closer. “And of course, Farah filled us in whenever we asked. Casually, of course, so we wouldn’t draw any attention to our questions.”
Had Farah known they were interested? But why hadn’t she told her?
“We know you, Tatum Baldwin, but do you want to know us? In a more permanent way, that is?” Will seemed almost anxious to hear her answer.
“Hell, yes, I do.” She’d blurted it out so fast she didn’t have time to think. But she didn’t need to think. It was the truth. It had been the truth for years.
“That’s a relief. For a minute, I thought you were going to tell me ‘thanks for the lovin’, cowboy.’” Josh slid the tray of strawberries closer to her. She shook her head, refusing them, needing her stomach to settle down.
Will rose and tossed another log onto the fire. “That’s all we needed to hear, sugar. But until we figure out the how and why of all this, let’s agree to keep our relationship secret. We wouldn’t want you to catch any flak from our families. Once we get a grip on what we all want and how to get it, then we’ll spring it on them.”
“Then get out of the way of all the shit hitting the fan.” The flickers of light from the fireplace made Josh’s eyes seem darker, more mysterious
. “Personally, I don’t give a crap what anyone says. It’s you we’re worried about.”
She laughed and wished she didn’t agree with him. “Yeah. I know I’m a grown woman and all, but we were raised to respect our elders, especially our parents. My father would go berserk if he knew. And I can’t burden him with that right now.”
“Why? Is something going on?” Will slid into his seat again, letting his hand skim over her shoulder in a caress.
“No.” She gave it another thought. “Maybe. Oh, I don’t know. I’m just getting the feeling that right now isn’t the time to stir him up.”
Josh picked up a strawberry and held it out for her to take a bite. She did and let the creamy chocolate and strawberry mix slide over her taste buds. Her gaze dropped to his crotch.
I wonder how he’ll taste. Or better yet, what if I could dip his cock in chocolate? Mmm.
“Then it’s settled. We’ll keep it quiet and get back to you about meeting up again.” Will reached around to a briefcase that rested against the wall. “Until then, we have a sign to talk about.”
* * * *
Tatum watched the students file out of the classroom then took her seat behind the old wooden teacher’s desk that sat off to the side of the large music room. She loved teaching and loved her students as though they were her own children, but today she hadn’t been able to give them her undivided attention. Instead, she’d found her thoughts drifting back to Josh and Will McLean.
She pulled open the right side drawer, took out her purse, and dug out her phone. For the hundredth time that day, she checked for any missed calls or messages they might have left her. Once again, she was disappointed.
They said they’d call.
Three days had passed and she’d heard nothing from them. Had they lied to her? Had they gotten what they’d wanted and now she was nothing but another girl on their long list of sexual conquests? Should she call them?
Just as she was about to punch in the main number over at the Bandit Bar to see if she’d get lucky and have Josh answer, Brenda Shanklin, the algebra teacher, popped into the room. Tatum whipped her thumb away from the screen and dropped her phone into the drawer. “Hey, Brenda, what brings you by?”
Brenda eyed her in a suspicious way, making Tatum feel guilty. Should she tell her friend? Brenda wouldn’t like the idea of her getting involved with McLean men. How many times had Brenda told her to pick another man, any man, other than a McLean to crush on? Although Brenda wasn’t involved with either family, she knew how hard it would be for a Baldwin to be with a McLean. She held back, not wanting to face Brenda’s reaction as well as mindful of the promise she’d made to Josh and Will to keep quiet.
I’ll keep quiet for now. But one day…
“Not much. Can’t a girl drop by to see her friend?” Brenda leaned against the desk. “What have you been up to, anyway? I’ve tried calling, but you didn’t call me back.”
Did she look guilty? She dropped her gaze to the papers lying on her desk. “Nothing much. You know. Busy with school stuff. I’m sorry I didn’t return your calls.”
I better change the subject and fast.
“What’s up with you?”
“Not much.” Brenda leaned closer, her strong presence demanding that Tatum look up. “Other than wondering why my friend hasn’t told me who the men in her life are.”
Tatum sat back in her chair, knowing she was thoroughly busted. But she still had to try and get out of admitting it. “What are you talking about?”
“Come on, Tatum. We’re friends, right? Besides, I know you bought a basket at that BDSM auction. Did you plan on using that stuff by yourself?” Brenda was a few inches taller than Tatum, and she stood, using her height to help persuade Tatum to confess all. Her short brunette hair curled around her face as she leaned toward Tatum.
She hated lying to Brenda. Even though Brenda was neither a Baldwin nor a McLean, she, like others in town, were indirectly affected by the families’ ongoing feud.
“How did you find out about the basket?”
Brenda gave her a look. “Come on. This is a small town, and I have a friend who works at Consensual. There’s not much that goes on at the club that I don’t know about sooner or later.”
She’d kept Brenda excluded simply because the less people who knew about it, the better. Not that it would’ve matter. Nothing and no one would’ve stopped her from taking her chance with Josh and Will.
“Tatum, you’re hiding something. I was guessing at it before, but now I’m certain.” Brenda sat back and crossed her arms. “And you know what? It hurts that you didn’t confide in me.”
Tatum felt awful. She was right. She hadn’t treated her fairly even if her intentions were good. Brenda and she had grown close really fast. She stood and strode to the door then closed it after checking the hallway for students. Thankfully, that was the last class of the day and the halls were empty. “You’re right.”
“Then spill it, girl.” Brenda appeared more curious than hurt now.
“Okay, but you have to keep quiet about this. You can’t say a word”—Tatum narrowed her eyes—“not to anyone, no matter what. But definitely not to any Baldwin or McLean.”
Brenda’s eyes grew big. “Oh, my God. I knew it. You’ve had the biggest crush on Josh and Will since forever, and now you’ve finally done something about it. Is that right?”
Now that she was ready to admit it, Tatum’s excitement grew. “I met them at that old cabin the other night.”
Brenda was off the side of the desk and rushing toward her. She gripped Tatum’s arms. “You met them? Is that your way of saying that you had sex with them?”
Tatum wished she’d put it another way, but she couldn’t deny it any longer. “We did.” She held her head higher. “And I’m glad we did.”
Was she? Since they hadn’t called her, was she still happy that she’d gone through with it?
“Wow.” Brenda collapsed onto one of the student’s chairs. “This is huge. So that’s what, or should I say who, the basket was for?”
“Right.” Tatum eased into a chair opposite her friend.
“But why didn’t you tell me?”
“Please don’t be mad at me. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to get mixed up in it. You know, in case either family got wind of it. Plus, I promised the guys I wouldn’t.” She hugged herself. “But if I don’t tell someone soon, I’m going to burst.”
Brenda remained quiet for a moment, then nodded her head. “I guess I can see your point. But now that I know, tell me everything. When, where, and how good was it?”
She cringed, making a face. “Nix that. I don’t want to know the details of the sex part. Just the romantic side of it. Was it romantic? Did they make a big deal out of it? Did they bring flowers, candy, or jewelry? Did they jump at the chance to have you? What happened after that? Was it one or more times? And again, don’t be stingy with all the romantic details.”
Was there a romantic side? True, they’d set the mood with the candles and all, but since neither Will nor Josh had called her, should she take the hint and realize that she’d been had in more than one way? No, she refused to believe that. Sure, the sex had been more on the naughty side instead of the romantic, but didn’t that mean that they were into each other?
“They fixed the place up as nice as could be considering it’s the old cabin. And yes, there were candles, sweets, and more. But that’s all I’m saying.”
“When are you three—wow, you three!—getting together again?”
Tatum felt like she’d just swallowed a bowling ball. “I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know? Did this happen last night?”
“No. It was three nights ago.”
“You’re kidding me. Tell me they’ve at least called you since you got together.”
She hated to look at Brenda, knowing how outraged her friend would be. All at once, she had to fight to keep the tears from blurring her vision. “I haven�
��t heard one word.”
“Nothing? Not even a text message?”
She shook her head, a lump in her throat making it hard to speak.
“Why those lousy…If I was a Baldwin, I’d grab my gun and put a load of buckshot into their sorry butts. In fact, I still just might do that.”
Brenda stood, taking Tatum along with her. “Listen to me, Tatum Baldwin, I know Will and especially Josh have reputations of being players, but they can’t pull that kind of shit with my friend. You need to confront them head-on and get an answer. You need to find out if they’re into you for more than just sex.”
“I–I…” But Tatum couldn’t answer the question. “But how? What do you think I should do?”
Brenda turned her loose. “Josh does an afternoon shift at the bar sometimes. I’ll bet you could catch him there. So either you march your butt over there and let him have it, or I will.”
The last thing she needed was a friend of hers making a scene. “You’re right. That’s exactly what I should do.”
* * * *
Josh gave the female friend in front of him a placating smile. After all, she was a customer and had to be treated with respect. Regardless of how big an ass she was making of herself.
“Look, Marilee, I appreciate your offer to stop by your place later, but, like I’ve already told you”—he fought to keep the irritation out of his tone—“I have to say no.”
Will would’ve been proud of him. Josh had never had to watch what he said to a woman. Of course, until Tatum, what he’d said was always whatever the woman wanted to hear. He was finding out that turning a woman down was a lot harder than trying to get her into bed.
“I don’t understand.” Marilee was a fiery strawberry blonde who didn’t like taking no for an answer, especially when she’d had a few drinks. She leaned over the counter, giving him and the other men an eyeful of her generous breasts. “Are you seriously turning me down?”
Josh could sense the incredulous looks from the other men. He couldn’t blame them. Any sane man would jump at the chance to get between her legs. “Yup. Now you’re getting it.”
