The Painters

by Robin Stone

  I couldn’t imagine telling my friends about my current sex life in the middle of a busy restaurant. Two of them were married, and the other two had semi-serious boyfriends. I was worried they’d be judgmental, and I wasn’t ready for a barrage of questions.

  My sexy secret was starting to wear on me. My whole body flushed when I thought about Ben’s kiss. The way Alex pushed me against the wall. I craved their touches, and liked getting to know them. It would be over in a few days. Ben and Alex knew it was a short-term gig. Cara would come over, and after that…I’d go back to my normal life.

  I couldn’t imagine going back to the boring men I’d been screwing. And the thought of trying a dating site still didn’t appeal. I pushed it out of my mind and concentrated on my friends. We went to a movie, but before we could go out for dessert, I made excuses.

  “Sorry, girls, I’m a little tired,” I said.

  It wasn’t a total lie. I was exhausted from my extra primping, the constant state of arousal, and the adrenaline rushes. I still hadn’t gotten the guest room ready for Cara.

  I drove home and turned in early, needing to store up energy for tomorrow night. My body was getting quite a workout, and I needed the rest.

  My phone chimed with a text from Alex.

  Thanks for riding with me.

  I typed I miss you, then deleted the message. See you tomorrow night, I wrote. I turned off my phone and my light and burrowed under the covers. There was no sense getting too attached, or sending flirty messages. We were having fun. That was all. Consensual adult fun.

  I closed my eyes, fluffed my pillow, and tried to ignore the achiness in my chest.

  ***

  Thursday night, Ben came over first. My heart leapt when his truck pulled into the driveway. He gave me a quick kiss that left me wanting more. I brought him a soda, and he looked around my house.

  “So how long have you lived here?”

  “Fifteen years,” I said.

  “It’s nice. You do the painting?”

  “My ex painted the inside. We hired painters to do the outside.”

  He stood in front of the kitchen window. “What’s up with your shed?”

  A small shed stood in the back yard. It held the lawnmower and some gardening tools. It had been scraped down, and one layer of paint had been added. But the color had faded a little in the sun and the harsh Vermont winters. I hated looking at it. It was a constant reminder of my failed marriage.

  “It needs a final coat of paint. David was supposed to finish that. But the shit hit the fan, and he left before he could finish.”

  Ben nodded. I was glad he didn’t ask any questions.

  “I have the paint and the brushes,” I said. “I’ve been meaning to do it, but it reminds me of the day he left. And I’m not great at painting. So I’ve been putting it off.”

  “We can finish it for you,” he said. “It’ll only take a couple hours. Probably just one coat if the paint is high quality.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” I said.

  His blue eyes met mine. “I want to. And I know Alex would say yes.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “I’m calling in sick tomorrow so I can get ready for Cara. I’ve barely gotten anything done.”

  Ben smirked. “I wonder why.”

  Fucking two sexy men topped cleaning any day. But I couldn’t put it off any longer.

  “Don’t you have to work tomorrow?” I asked.

  “Yeah, but we usually finish early on Fridays, so we could get here around three. Let us help you.”

  Tears sprang to my eyes, and I nodded. It was difficult to accept help as a single mom. But his offer was so genuine, I couldn’t say no.

  “Thank you, Ben.”

  Ben took a long drink from his soda. Electricity arced between us. I wanted him to grab me and pull off my clothes, but we seemed to have an unspoken agreement to wait until the three of us were together.

  Still, Alex had pushed me against the wall the other night. And I couldn’t get that goodnight kiss from Ben out of my head. I moved closer and put my hand over his heart. He closed his eyes for several seconds. His warm hand closed on mine, and we kissed.

  My arms went around him, but before I could deepen the kiss, the sound of Alex’s motorcycle cut through the air. Ben hesitated, then slipped his tongue into my mouth.

  I moaned at the warm intrusion. I slid my fingers up his neck and cradled his head as we kissed. Ben’s cock bulged against my stomach. The rumble of Alex’s bike in the driveway broke my concentration, and Ben pulled away. He wiped the back of his hand over his lips and stuffed his hands into his pockets, looking guilty.

  “Sometimes I wish I could get you alone,” I blurted.

  The corners of Ben’s mouth quirked. I jumped when Alex’s fist pounded on the door. He let himself in and slammed it behind him.

  “Do you have to be so goddamned loud?” Ben asked.

  “Yup,” he said. “Gotta let everyone know I’m comin’.”

  He came into the living room. He was breathless, and his gaze slid to the bulge in Ben’s jeans. His eyes narrowed a little. I went over and kissed his cheek, and he squeezed my ass.

  “Lookin’ good today, darlin’. Real good. You’d look better sittin’ on my cock, though. Upstairs. Now. Both of you.”

  Alex pulled off his leather jacket, threw it on the chair, and climbed the stairs. Ben scurried up after him, and I followed. I was glad to have Alex take charge and tell me what to do. It was a big part of his appeal. The rough hands, dirty talk, and the leather jacket didn’t hurt, either.

  A few minutes later, we were in bed, naked and kissing. Alex was kissing his way down my body when Ben looked up at me.

  “You got any toys?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “In the closet. What do you have in mind?”

  Ben stood and moved to the closet. “Where are they?”

  Ohgod. They were going to see my whole collection.

  “Black box. Shelf on the left.”

  Ben came back with the box, and they looked inside. Their mouths dropped open.

  “Damn!” Alex said. “Lookit all this!”

  “I know what’s in there. I bought everything.”

  “Why don’t we tie her up, too?” Ben asked. “Got anything for that?”

  I pulled out a pouch that contained silk scarves. Alex took them out with a gleam in his eyes. Ben took out a small, bullet-shaped, purple vibrator.

  “That don’t look like much,” Alex said.

  Ben put the box aside. “I’m sure it works just fine.”

  I lay back and let them go to work. Ben tied my wrists together, and Ben tied my ankles. They spent a long time kissing my body. Rough fingers stroked my breasts until my nipples grew hard. Tongues slid over my belly, down my thighs, and over my knees.

  Alex lifted my legs and stroked my ass. He gave it a quick slap. I was helpless and aroused, squirming under their hands when a tongue licked the back of my knee. They kissed my legs and the arches of my feet until I’d almost melted into a puddle.

  “Changed my mind.” Alex pulled the tie from my ankles. “Turn over and get on all fours.”

  I hesitated, but did what he asked. I always felt exposed in this position. Every flaw and imperfection would be on display. I took a deep breath and put my head on the mattress, pushing my ass into the air. Alex kneeled behind me and grabbed my thighs. He bent over and started licking my pussy from behind, probing his tongue inside me.

  “Fuck, that’s hot,” Ben said. His cock was getting hard. “Look at that luscious little ass. You look so good bent over like that.”

  I squirmed, but Alex held me still. Wetness seeped out of me. Ben picked up the vibe and turned it on. A low hum made me squeeze my thighs together.

  “Open up,” Alex said.

  Ben kneeled beside me and put the vibe under my body. Alex pulled away and gave my ass a little smack. The vibe buzzed against my upper thigh, sending shivers over my body. Ben pressed it onto my clit
, and I moaned.

  “Oh, yeah,” Alex said.

  He slipped his finger inside me. I shifted against their hands, heat washing over my body. My clit was hard, throbbing, and I was desperate to come.

  “Hurry,” I said.

  Alex slipped in a second finger, and the fullness made me moan. I thrust against Alex’s hand. He pumped his fingers inside me, urging me on. When Ben centered the vibe on my clit, I cried out, coming hard. My pussy pulsed around Alex’s big fingers.

  Ben let me recover a little, then turned up the strength of the vibrator. A few minutes later, I came again. I turned my face to the mattress to muffle my cries as the pleasure washed over my body.

  “Don’t hold it in!” Alex said. “C’mon, make some noise!”

  Ben turned the vibe up another notch, circling it around my clit. My eyes rolled up into my head as Alex thrust into me. I bit my lip, breathing hard, working toward another orgasm. Ben urged me on, telling me I was beautiful, and I exploded. My pussy throbbed, and I felt faint, moaning and shaking through my orgasm.

  Ben pulled the vibe away, and Alex eased his fingers out of me. The bed shifted, and Alex came back with a condom. He put it on and slid inside with one sharp thrust. His fingertips dug into my hips as he fucked me, his hips slapping against my ass.

  “Get under her, Benny,” he said.

  Ben put down the vibe and settled beneath me. Alex stilled while Ben arranged his body until my face hovered over his hard cock. I grabbed it and sucked it into my mouth, wetting the tip.

  Ben cursed and held on to my head as I sucked him. Alex’s cock grew thicker inside me. I licked and sucked, bumping against his body. I felt powerful and sexy connected to them like this, causing every one of their moans and gasps. Ben’s cock swelled, and he bucked up against me, coming with a shout.

  I swallowed his cum and kept my mouth on him. Behind me, Alex’s cock swelled, and he came. His hips slapped against me hard, and he let out a strangled cry. He bent over my body, his hands shaking.

  “Goddamn.”

  He shifted his hips against me, breathing hard. Ben put his arm over his eyes, his chest rising and falling. Alex finally pulled out of me, and I crawled up Ben’s body, collapsing on his chest.

  Ben put his arms around me and stroked my hair. Alex gave my ass a hard slap.

  “Won’t forget that anytime soon,” he said.

  We cleaned up, then got back into bed. Alex spooned me, stroking my side from my rib cage down to my hip. Ben faced me, his handsome face resting on the pillow. I put my hand on his cheek, and he grinned.

  “Sure you want to give all this up?” he asked.

  I rubbed my thumb over the cleft in his chin.

  “Not really,” I said.

  Alex kissed the sensitive spot behind my ear. “Maybe we don’t want to give you up.”

  We lay there for a while, touching and kissing, until my lids felt heavy. I closed my eyes to rest them and dozed off.

  I woke up a few minutes later when the mattress shifted. They slowly picked up their clothes and got dressed. I sat up, my body pleasantly achy. Ben pulled on his pants and buttoned them.

  “Stay,” I said impulsively. “Stay with me.”

  A look I couldn’t read passed between them that I couldn’t read. Ben gave me a tight-lipped smile, then buckled his belt.

  “It’s better if we go. You can have your bed to yourself and get a good night’s sleep. Besides, we’re too big to sleep in this bed with you.”

  “I have a guest room.”

  Ben adjusted his shirt, not meeting my eyes.

  “Oh, right,” I said. “You don’t sleep over.”

  As soon as it slipped out, warmth crept up my neck. Of course they wouldn’t stay. Why did I even ask? Alex leaned over and gave me a warm kiss, then Ben did the same.

  I was stupid to think they’d do anything a normal boyfriend would do, like sleep over. Eat breakfast with me in the morning. Kiss me goodbye before going to work. I climbed out of bed and put on my robe, then followed them down the stairs.

  They hovered at the door for a moment. Alex opened the door.

  “See you tomorrow, Red.”

  I nodded, then watched them leave, taking another piece of my heart with them.

  CHAPTER 10

  Friday afternoon, Ben and Alex showed up wearing paint-splattered clothes. They parked and pulled a tool bag out of their truck. I’d spent the day washing sheets, dusting the guest room, and getting things ready for Cara. I’d gone grocery shopping, buying wine and Cara’s favorite snacks. I was eating a bowl of strawberries when I heard the truck.

  My heart skipped a beat when I saw their white uniforms. I’d left the garage door open for them, and they went inside to get the paint. It was a warm day, and the windows were open. They emerged from the garage and walked over to the shed.

  A few minutes later, Ben climbed onto the deck and knocked on the siding. I opened the screen door. He smelled manly, like clean sweat and fresh paint. He took my hand and lifted it to his lips.

  “Rachel.”

  A rush of warmth that had nothing to do with sex zinged through me. I stood on my toes and gave him a quick kiss.

  “How ya feelin’ today, darlin’?” Alex called. “A bit sore?”

  I laughed. I’d woken up all achy, like I’d exercised too much.

  “Yes.”

  Alex let out his deep, rumbly laugh that made my tummy flip.

  “You want something to eat?” I asked.

  “No, thanks.” Ben said. “But you can feed us dinner.”

  “Sure.”

  He winked and jogged off to join Alex. I sat at the kitchen table to finish my strawberries. They worked fast. My fork stopped halfway to my mouth. I loved watching the corded muscles in their forearms as they brushed on the paint.

  I wished for more time. Heaviness lodged in my chest. Of course I’d miss the red-hot sex. They were pros with their fingers, mouths, and cocks. I’d felt sexy and desirable in a way I hadn’t with other men. I’d miss their voices, and the way they kissed me. I’d miss the way they whispered in my ear and pulled off my clothes.

  My eyes burned.

  “Ohgod,” I said.

  I had feelings for them. How could I not? They were great in bed, but smart and funny, too. The way they cared about each other was endearing and sexy. And the way they cared about me…

  I put down my fork since I couldn’t finish eating with a lump in my throat. I carried my bowl to the sink and dropped it. It landed with a clatter, but it didn’t break. I left the dishes and went upstairs before the tears spilled over.

  Ben and Alex would move on to their next conquest, but the idea made me sick. I wanted them to be with me.

  How could I possibly carry on a relationship with two men? We got along well, but we had little in common. They liked playing the field, but I sensed they didn’t want to be tied down to one woman. They’d made a career of MILF-hunting. Who was I to stop them?

  I went to my desk and brought my folder downstairs so I could write while they worked. I crossed several items off my list with a flourish. I let out a long sigh and took out another piece of paper.

  Dear Ben and Alex…

  I put my fingertips to my temple. How could I explain how I felt? How could I explain that I wanted them to stay with me when our lives were so different? I stared at the paper for a while, then put it back into the folder.

  We still had a little over twenty-four hours, but it wasn’t enough.

  ***

  I set the table and started dinner, liking the idea of feeding them one last time. Ben called me outside to admire their work.

  “Wow,” I said. “It looks great!”

  The paint was the same pale yellow that matched the house. Alex found the dark green shutters in the garage and hung them back on the shed. They even found some window cleaner and rags and cleaned up the windows. Tears welled in my eyes.

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “Glad to help. Now wh
at’s for dinner?”

  They cleaned up and came inside. I liked Alex’s big hands grasping his beer…Ben’s full lips closing around his fork. They filled my kitchen with their maleness and laughter.

  After we ate, Ben put his hand on mine.

  “We’d love to take you to bed, but we need a shower.”

  My heartbeat sped up. “You can use mine. I wish it was big enough for me to join you.”

  Alex smiled, his dimples deepening. “We’ll save time and shower together.”

  I loved the idea of them naked in my shower…soaping up. Their hands around each other’s cocks. Leaning in for a kiss.

  “Look at her face,” Ben said. “I know what she’s thinking.”

  “But you can’t join us.” Alex pushed out his chair and rose. “Get into bed and wait for us.”

  My nipples tightened. “I can’t watch?”

  Alex nudged me toward the stairs. “No, but you can listen.”

  “That’s not fair,” I said.

  I tried to follow them into the bathroom, but Ben blocked the doorway.

  “Get into bed, darlin’,” he said in a funny imitation of Alex’s voice. “I’m gonna fuck you into next Sunday!”

  “Real funny,” Alex said.

  Ben leaned forward and put his hand on the back of my neck. He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth, releasing it with a slurp. Then he closed and locked the door. I heard the shower turn on. I couldn’t help smiling as I stripped and climbed into bed.

  The low rumble of male laughter bounced off the tiles. I squeezed my thighs together as I pictured their naked bodies, slick under the water. I traced my fingers over my breasts, circling my nipples.

  I heard Alex’s voice, low and commanding. I couldn’t hear the words, but I was sure he was giving Ben instructions, telling him how to lick or suck. I slid my fingers over my pussy, grazing the hair. I imagined Alex between my legs, his tongue sliding out to lick me.

  My clit swelled. I wasn’t wet, but it wouldn’t take long. I fingered myself with my right hand, cupping my breast with my left. I spent a few minutes stroking myself, breathless with need.

  A low moan from the bathroom.

  I squeezed my nipple and rubbed my clit faster. What was taking them so long? My pussy lips swelled, and the first bit of moisture hit my fingertips.