The Kegelmeister [Dr. Love Shark 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More)

by Bobbi Brattz

  After she applied a touch of makeup and “Killer Red” lipstick, she was ready. When the doorbell rang, she prepared for her entrance.

  “I’ll wait a couple of minutes and make sure he notices me. There is no way he’ll resist this getup.” Her low, husky chuckle was just the right tone for seduction. She was ready to roll.

  * * * *

  Piers dreaded having dinner that night, due to his interest in Tara. She was a hard woman to resist, sexy in all the right places. It was unusual for someone of her ethnic background to have such an unusual shade of grey-green eyes. It almost looked like a Caribbean Sea color. He cursed himself for feeling like he could get lost in her gaze.

  Dinner was almost ready, Moki assured him. The table was set for three people, though. He’d have to tell her there would only be the two of them. Not that it mattered since there was always room for more. The problem was that it reminded him of Rae and Mateo from the times they dined together. Pain swooped deep into his heart, stirring up despair and heartache. He was just about to leave the table when the doorbell rang.

  “Who the hell is that?” he murmured.

  From the kitchen, Moki yelled, “Can you get that, Piers? My hands are full.

  “Sure.” He walked down the hall and opened the door to find it was Kona.

  “Hello, Piers. I’m a bit late. I hope I didn’t miss any of Moki’s dinner. I’m starved.”

  Piers shook his head, confused.

  “Kona, I never invited you to dinner today.”

  “No, you didn’t, but…” Kona looked past his shoulder and whistled long and slow.

  Following his heated gaze, Piers turned around and saw the reason for it. Long sexy legs were revealed by the mini dress that Tara was wearing. Her braids were held up with combs atop her head, exposing a deliciously long neck that begged to be kissed. Fire–engine-red lips were spread wide enough to show a beautiful set of bright white teeth. For a moment Piers felt like the wind was knocked out of him, but he recovered quickly.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Oh, Piers, I forgot to mention that Kona is coming for dinner. I was rather busy getting ready and it completely skipped my mind. Hello, Kona. I’m glad you could make it.”

  “It’s my pleasure. You look stunning, sweet thing. I feel like the luckiest man alive.” Kona walked over to her and took her hand, kissing her knuckles.

  Tara gave him her brightest smile. “You’re just in time. Come on into the dining room. I’ll check with Moki to see if it’s ready yet.”

  She led him through the door and left Piers standing in the hall without a glance. Keeping up the farce, she kept up a short conversation and had Kona sit down at the table.

  “Oh, Piers? Could you be a doll and make Kona a drink? I’ll have some white wine. See you in a minute, Kona.”

  By the time Piers reached the door, she was about to walk through the kitchen door and caught a quick look at his face. She fought back a grin and left the two men to fend for themselves as the door swung shut behind her.

  “Moki,” she whispered. “Did you get to see his expression? It was just what I was hoping for. He’s dumbfounded.”

  “I only had a quick peek. It was good to see. The wedding was very hard on him.”

  “I know. He looked so stunned and angry, but now he’s simply confused. It’s a perfect plan. Let me know if there is anything else I can do. I’ll take the buns in and sit down with the men. Make sure you spill my drink on me after we eat. I can’t wait to strip off this dress and show him my black lace bathing suit. He might flip out when he sees me in it, but Kona is ready to act.” As she snickered, so did Moki.

  The plan was working so far. Tara headed back to the dining room, hoping Piers was uncomfortable with Kona acting like he was all over her.

  * * * *

  It was uncomfortable, to say the least, for Piers to entertain Kona. Normally they were the best of friends, but there was something about the way Kona looked at Tara that unsettled Piers. She turned out to be even more beautiful than she was at the wedding. Red was his favorite color, and she looked spectacular and damned sexy in it.

  “Thanks for the drink, Piers. Before she comes back, I wanted to ask you…do you have any designs on Tara? I wouldn’t want to move in on your territory.”

  Suddenly it was hard for Piers to swallow. He took a sip of his scotch and focused on the burn in his throat before he answered.

  “She’s all yours, Kona. I have no designs on anyone and doubt I will for a long time.”

  “How can you stand it? I mean, look at her! She’s so gorgeous, and you two are sharing the house until the newlyweds get back. Two weeks of her around every minute and completely accessible is crazy. How can you stand not having her?”

  Piers felt defensive all of a sudden.

  “I have no interest in her whatsoever. I said she’s all yours.”

  Kona grinned. “That’s awesome. She told me she wants sex and lots of it with no emotional attachments. What a perfect setup. We can fool around for the month she’s here, then go our separate ways when time is up.”

  Shocked, Piers shook his head. “I don’t understand. She agreed to that?”

  Laughter escaped as Kona answered, “It was her idea, Piers, not mine.”

  “Isn’t that a bit sleazy of her?” Piers was stunned that she’d even suggest it.

  “Frankly, no. As a matter of fact, Doctor Piers,” Tara snapped, standing in the doorway, “There is no reason why a woman can’t have sex with no strings, and a man can. This is the new millennium, and it’s time you woke up and smelled the cappuccino. I know what I want and set out to get it. The only thing I want from you is a test or two to ensure that Kona and I are completely free to have sex. I want no sexually transmitted diseases to show for my vacation.”

  His eyes narrowed as he stared at her.

  “You want me to examine you both so you can have sex? Neither one of you are my patients. I can’t do that.”

  Tara walked up to him and handed him the basket of buns.

  “As I said before, I’m a modern woman who knows what she wants in a brief fling. Tomorrow I’d like to go to your office for a complete checkup. What time is good for you?”

  “We can work that out later, Tara. Come back to the dining room and sit beside me so we can eat. I want to spend the evening enjoying you.” Kona held out her chair and she leaned in close to him as she prepared to sit down.

  “You smell divine, Kona. No wonder you drive the girls wild with your fire dancing. One sniff of your cologne and I’ll bet most of them faint from the delicious scent of you.”

  Kona laughed, pushing in her chair and then sitting down. They basically ignored Piers for the moment, chatting amongst themselves.

  Feeling left out, Piers said, “I’m having dinner in Mateo’s office. You two enjoy the evening.” Piers walked out of the room, but Kona went after him.

  “Wait up, Piers. What did I say to make you angry at me?”

  For a moment Piers paused then turned around and sighed.

  “Look, Kona, I don’t care what you two do, but I don’t feel like watching.”

  Kona looked shocked.

  “You never minded before when I flirted with a gal. Are you absolutely sure you don’t want her for yourself?”

  Piers sucked in a deep breath, not sure how he was going to answer. Tara intrigued him more than he’d admit out loud. The thought of having her in his bed teased and taunted him. Whenever he was close to her, she smelled like cinnamon spice, and her eyes told him that she wanted him. Was he tempted? Yes. Ready for a relationship? Never again, he swore.

  “No, I don’t.” Piers growled and turned away to lock himself in the office.

  Chapter 4:

  Catch the Tiger by the Tail

  “I take it the answer is no?” Moki asked.

  Tara was startled at the sudden appearance of Moki, but recovered quickly.

  “You scared me! You walked up so quietly. You know what we
were doing?”

  Moki laughed. “I may seldom get out of my kitchen, but I know everything that goes on in this house. I’ll bet he’s thinking of you right now over a glass of brandy.”

  “Moki! I’m surprised at you. Now, tell me how to free him from his pain so Rae can move on with her life.”

  “Tara, he has a lot of healing to do, but I’m sure you’ll be the one to help him. Can I ask you why you don’t want a relationship?”

  “You can ask, but I won’t tell you the whole deal. I have secrets I don’t share with anyone, not even Rae. Sorry, girlfriend.”

  “Are you married or divorced?”

  Tara snickered. “Divorced. You get straight to the point, don’t you? All I need is some guidance to show me how I can help him.”

  “Keep up what you’re doing. He’ll loosen up soon, if not for the sex, at least to buffer his pain. I’ll make him a plate of dinner.”

  “Moki, let me take it to him, okay?”

  “I was about to ask you to. Somehow I think you’ll be good for him.”

  For a moment, Tara paused, all the excitement about the chase forgotten. She dropped her chin to her chest and sighed.

  “I’m not so sure. It depends on Piers, I suppose.”

  Moki pulled her into a hug and held her tight.

  “Sweetheart, I’ll do what I can to help you, under one condition.”

  “What is that?”

  “You must promise me that you’ll come to me whenever you need a friend to talk to or hug. I, in turn, promise you that I’ll be here twenty-four-seven.”

  “Thank you. I’m humbled by your support.”

  “Never mind that now. Go capture his attention. I’ll bring the tray out to you in a minute.”

  Tara watched Moki go back to the kitchen and fought to keep from crying. Rae was right. Moki was quite a woman. It was wonderful to know she had one person ready to help when needed. Now all she could do was play the waiting game.

  The door swung open and Moki handed her the tray.

  “Everything will turn out as it should.”

  Nodding, Tara took a deep, calming breath, then smiled and left to deliver the tray. No matter what, she’d help Piers get well. She’d make sure of it.

  * * * *

  The brandy burned as it went down his throat, but Piers needed a distraction. Tara was driving him crazy with those knowing eyes, that sexy smile, and her mischievous attitude. When he looked at her, all he could think about was getting her into bed, but he’d promised himself that that would never happen. He’d had enough of women who could break his heart. Besides, he couldn’t get Rae out of his mind. Rae…so sweet and beautiful, not to mention married to his best friend. He was concerned that Mateo wouldn’t treat her as she deserved.

  There was a knock at the door, which pulled him from his musings.

  “Come in, Moki.” She’d probably brought him the dinner he couldn’t eat. He’d had no appetite since the wedding.

  The door opened and in walked Tara with his tray. He felt himself harden instantly, and cursed. He had no control where this woman was concerned.

  “Put it down and get out,” he snarled.

  Tara laughed. “My, my, look what the tiger brought in. Are you always so cheerful when you wait for a meal?”

  Her eyes were alight with laughter and sparkling with trouble. Piers squirmed in his chair and frowned. How was he supposed to ignore her when she was so vibrant and beautiful?

  “Don’t you have company?”

  “Of course I do, but we’d like you to join us. Wouldn’t you like us to be a threesome?”

  Eyes widening with surprise, Piers swallowed hard and looked at her with disdain.

  “I don’t know what you’re planning, but believe me, I’ll not have any part of it. You can work with me doing the Kegel classes, but that’s it. Do you understand?”

  There it was again, that deliberate grin that lit up her eyes. She was drop-dead gorgeous and begging to be taken to bed. He had a hard time fighting his desires, but fight them he would. His heart still ached from his last bedmate’s actions.

  Tara leaned in close as she placed the tray before him, allowing him a glimpse of her cleavage. She made a fuss over the placement of his cutlery and sighed, eyes down in submission.

  “Do you like what you see, Dr. Piers?” she asked, her voice husky.

  “What?” he said in confusion.

  “Your meal. Do you like what you see? Moki cooked the ham just the way you like it. She said she roasted the potatoes in herbs as well.”

  “Oh, ah…yeah, it’s all good.” His face flushed, making him uncomfortable because of where his mind was. Tara had on a cinnamon scent, which turned him inside out.

  “I thought you’d appreciate the skills of a woman. You seem the type.”

  Piers dared not stand up, the desk hiding evidence of how much he liked her skills. Anger flared as he realized where his mind was going. He wanted to take her right there on the desk, the food be damned.

  “Tell Moki thanks, and get out of here.” His tone was gruff, but he couldn’t help it as he fought his reaction to her.

  Tara winked at him, shrugging her shoulders. “I’ll go back to the dining room. Kona and I would really like you to join us.”

  “No thanks. I have work to do for tomorrow’s class.”

  She studied him for a long breathless moment until he felt like squirming in his chair. No woman had ever had that effect on him. What is it about her that makes me feel like a teenager in school?

  “Dr. Piers, perhaps you’d like to practice on me tonight. Kona also said he’d be happy to help in your…classes.”

  Piers swallowed hard, then cursed under his breath. The image of her and Kona making love with him flittered through his mind, making him all the harder. He lifted his glass of brandy and took a sip, allowing the smooth liquor to slide down his throat, hoping for a distraction.

  She leaned forward, touching his fingers in a sweet caress.

  “Doctor, I’d really like to practice with you. Will you come for me when you’re ready?”

  The innuendo wasn’t lost to Piers and only made him more uncomfortable. She was the most desirable woman since--no, he refused to compare her to Rae.

  “Close the door behind you on your way out.” Piers had to struggle to hide the reaction he had to her words.

  With her finger, she traced his cheek, ending at his tender lips, drawing a line along them. Fire crackled in his belly as he responded to her touch. It was all he could do to say, “Go, now.”

  She smiled and removed her finger. “I’ll go, but I’d like your answer soon.”

  When Tara turned and walked away, she swung her hips slowly, driving him to distraction. Her scent filled his nostrils and made him shiver with need. As she closed the door, the last thing he saw of her was her sassy smile and those damned eyes.

  “Shit! I’m in trouble now.”

  * * * *

  “How’d he take it?” Kona asked. He still sat in the dining room, sipping red wine while he waited for her.

  Tara laughed, throwing back her head.

  “He’s coming around. It’s only a matter of time. I hope to have him by tomorrow night.”

  Kona shook his head. “He can be a stubborn man when he wants to be. I say it will take a week.”

  “Let’s make a bet then. How about one hundred dollars?”

  “Deal.” Kona grinned. “I hate to take money from a lady but…”

  “There are no ‘buts’ about it, my friend. I’ll win.”

  “I’ll give you two days then, to make it even. Tara, you are definitely beautiful and sexy, but do you think it will be enough?”

  “I do. Let’s finish dinner. I want to take a swim before bedtime.”

  While they ate, Tara wondered if each of the men would take her offer. She knew without a doubt that Piers was interested, but with his caution bells ringing, she wasn’t sure he’d give in so easily. The best she could hope for that eveni
ng would be a simple acknowledgment that he was interested in her, and so far there was a good indication she was right. Piers did want her, but how far would he go?

  Chapter 5:

  Under the Moonlight

  Cold water sluiced over her body, cooling her heated flesh with every stroke she took. She was alone in the pool, enjoying the solitude. It gave her time to think of ways to help Piers, rather than spend it dwelling on her own problems. He was an enigma, frosty and terse on one hand, hot and spicy on the other. Tara had to admit that he was a challenge.

  Kona had left an hour earlier after having a few drinks with her. Moki, too, had gone home. It was just Tara and Piers sharing a home, yet in different areas of the mansion. The lines were drawn, separating host and guest.

  The night creatures serenaded her as she swam, bringing a peace she needed. Tara breathed in the fragrant air, the night-blooming Jasmine filling her senses. The melancholy that threatened her when she thought of the illness eating away at her hovered nearby. Always it loomed close, unless she was focused on others. Tara loved solving other people’s difficulties. It was so much easier than dealing with her personal issue.

  “What are you doing out here alone?” Piers said gruffly.

  Startled, Tara turned and floated on her back, her white bikini a beacon in the night. He stood at the edge of the pool, watching her. His broad shoulders showed his strength. Her eyes followed his muscular form from top to bottom. He was delicious to view. She had to swallow hard before putting on her fake grin.

  “Well hello, Tiger. Finally coming out of your cave for a visit?”

  For once, Piers smiled.

  He seems a lot calmer. Hmmm, I wonder how long that will last.

  “You shouldn’t swim alone, especially in the dark. There are snakes on the island that seek out water at night.”

  “I thought Hawaii didn’t have snakes.”

  “We didn’t, until people began smuggling them here. Now we have a variety, and some are deadly. Some people release snakes into the environment, while others escape. Regardless of how they enter Hawaii, they are a threat to the island birds. There are no predators to keep snakes under control. People owning or smuggling them in get big fines and even jail sentences if they’re caught with them.”