The Inheritance

by Mika Lane

  Five million dollars was a lot to lose. ‘Course it wasn’t mine to lose, at least not yet, anyway.

  Chapter 18

  Nathaniel “Nat”

  I’d finally heard it all.

  I mean, I liked Garnet. A lot. She was great. Pretty, good sense of humor. But shit.

  Move into some goddamn mansion with a bunch of other guys so she could choose one of us? That was the stupidest idea I’d ever heard.

  So I said yes.

  I needed to shake things up in my life. I’d been working too hard for too long. There was nothing spontaneous left. I was turning into an accounting drone, just what I’d always dreaded. I did want to become partner and all, but c’mon, at what cost? I’d finally met someone cool thanks to my swimming buddy Jonesy, and…

  Wait. Was that a fix-up? Jonesy, who threw a lot of business my way, was always bugging me about meeting a girl. Of course, he’d sent her my way under the guise of needing an accountant. Which she sure as hell didn’t, at least not from what I could tell.

  Yeah, no.

  Something was just not adding up. Why did she even have a goddamn attorney, anyway?

  But I was going with it. Not gonna analyze it to death. Shit, that’s what I did every day at work. And it was sucking the life out of me.

  Maybe the other guys would be cool. At the very least, I hoped they wouldn’t be douchebags. I was still traveling all over the place, so I wouldn’t see a lot of them anyway.

  So I was giving it the old college try. She’d convinced me to try it for a couple weeks. It sounded crazy as hell, but you know, YOLO.

  * * *

  “Nat! Nat, over here!” Garnet called from inside the freaking huge mansion that was going to be my home for a week or two. The place was stunning in a Downton Abbey sort of way, which I’d watched once on an airplane somewhere. It was situated on a point in Belvedere stretching into San Francisco Bay, with the kind of views of the city that I didn’t even know existed.

  She rushed up to me, out of breath. And beautiful, of course.

  “Nat! I’m so happy to see you.” She planted a nice kiss on my cheek and grabbed my hand. “C’mon. Follow me,” she said, leading me up a crazy wide staircase that went from the house’s foyer to the second floor.

  “You’re the first here, so you get first pick of the bedrooms.” She was clearly hoping I’d be happy with this unearned advantage. And I guess I was.

  “Cool. What are the options?” Actually, I really wanted to ask her where her room was, but I didn’t want to come off as an ass. After all, I did hope to spend some time with her. Some quality time.

  “Well, this is the second floor, and then there’s another one up above. All the rooms have their own bathrooms. At least the ones I’ve seen.” She dropped her head back and laughed at the absurdity of a house with too many rooms to visit. I had to admit, that made me laugh, too.

  Garnet’s phone rang, and she fished it out of her pocket.

  “Oh, it’s my mother. Huh.” She looked at me and excused herself.

  From around a corner, I heard her. “Mom? Hi…” and then I didn’t hear anything else I could clearly make out. Not that I wanted to.

  So I took the chance to poke around on my own. I dropped my duffel bags at the top of the stairs so I could wander unencumbered. She was right—each bedroom had its own bath, which made me really happy. God, I hated sharing bathrooms. I guess I’d been staying in hotels so long, I wasn’t used to sharing much of anything. Each room was beautifully furnished with huge beds, sitting areas, walk-in closets, and dressing tables. Whoever owned this house was one lucky—and rich—bastard.

  Speaking of which, how Garnet came to inhabit this house was a total mystery to me. But again, I reminded myself, relax and go with it. Someone like her could be a good influence on me with her carefree approach to life.

  I climbed the staircase to the third floor and found that each bedroom up there had a killer view across the Bay of San Francisco. I figured I had to grab one of those rooms, even if I ended up being miles from Garnet. I’d make it work. I headed back down to gather my bags and stake my claim in a room with a huge balcony, when I overheard her still on the phone with her mother.

  “Mom, I’m sorry, but this is not a good time to visit. I’m…um…very busy. Yeah, with work and um…everything. Mom, you never want to visit me. What’s so urgent about coming now?”

  I grabbed my bags and headed to my new room, not wanting to eavesdrop. I could certainly understand Garnet’s not wanting her mom to come right about now. I mean, she was pretty darn busy, about to be juggling four guys who each wanted her. And whom she wanted in return, I supposed.

  I began to empty my bags into the dresser and armoire in my new room when I heard a sound at the door.

  “Hey there. Sorry I had to abandon you for a bit. Looks like you found a place to call your own,” she said.

  I looked around the room, which was nicer even than any of the five-star hotels I’d ever stayed in. She walked in and plopped on the edge of the bed.

  “It’s pretty awesome here. Should be a good time,” I said.

  She smoothed her hand over the comforter she was sitting on. “Yes, I really hope so. This is quite the experiment.” She laughed like she was nervous.

  “It is indeed. When will the other guys be here?”

  She looked at her watch. “Soon, I think. Really soon.”

  I sat down on the bed next to her. “So we have a bit of time alone, then?”

  Her face brightened. “Yes, I think we do.” She crossed the room to close my bedroom door and headed back to me.

  “Why don’t you lay back and let me take care of you?” she asked.

  Shit. Who was I to disagree?

  I kicked my shoes and socks off and jumped onto the bed that would be mine for two-ish weeks. Damn, it was comfortable. Shame I’d have to get up every morning to go to work. I could have really dug my heels into such a place.

  As soon as I was on my back with my hands behind my head, Garnet was straddling me with her long legs, her dress having been kicked up almost to her thighs. I placed my hands on her fleshy legs and enjoyed her silky skin as she rubbed over my crotch. In about two seconds, I had the raging hard-on I’d been fighting all day, which I had to subdue every time I thought of her.

  Her lips were on mine in a flash, and while I had to admit, I’d not known many women to take charge, her confidence just about sent me over the deep end, that’s how hot it was.

  While our lips mashed, she made quick work of my belt and the fly on my blue jeans. In moments, my hard cock was in her hands, where she began slow strokes from the root to tip. Christ, I had to focus in order not to come right there on her pretty dress.

  Her gaze locked with mine while she stroked me up and down. I reached for her fantastic tits and through her clothing, pinched and pulled her nipples. Her eyes fluttered closed when I did that and through her dress and panties, she rubbed herself on my leg. Her hair fell forward over her shoulders, and damn if she wasn’t more beautiful than a freaking movie star.

  She wrestled out of my grip, and her tongue was on me, first licking my precum and then circling the head of my cock. It was so goddamn good, and even better watching her fucking hot technique, if you could call it that. She parted her lips wider, and my cock disappeared into her mouth as she devoured me, gagging only slightly on my length.

  She released me and was once again on the head of my raging dick, circling me with a greedy hunger that made me feel like a million bucks. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be desired like that?

  She created a suction on my dick that hollowed her cheeks, that’s how hard she sucked me, and within moments, I felt my cum flow from my balls up the length of my cock and into her mouth, where she swallowed like she was dying of thirst.

  “Fuck, baby,” was all I could manage.

  Her gaze locked onto mine as she licked the last drops of white cum from me, moaning like she was about to get off, herself. When sh
e was done, she plopped down next to me on the bed, burrowing into me so I could keep her warm. Which of course I was happy to do.

  Just as I was dozing off, she sat up.

  “Oh, that’s the doorbell. I think this will be Linc.” She looked at me as I came out of my stupor.

  “I hope you guys like each other. I really do.” She jumped out of the bed and straightened her clothes and hair.

  “C’mon. Time to meet one of your new housemates.”

  Chapter 19

  Garnet

  I ran down two flights of stairs to see who was at the door, relishing the freaking hot session I’d just had with Nat. God, what a great guy he was. Maybe I should just choose him—or ask him to marry me, as it were—and put an end to the drama.

  But when I opened the door and saw the gorgeous Linc standing there, I remembered I’d eventually have to make a choice. And that broke my heart a little bit.

  But I’d worry about that later.

  “Linc!” I screamed, throwing my arms around him.

  “Beautiful,” he said, planting his lips on mine. That is, until Nat cleared his throat behind us.

  The moment of truth.

  Linc jerked his head up, looking over my shoulder. For a moment, I held my breath.

  But I needn’t have worried, at least at that moment.

  “Dude!” Linc said to Nat, wearing a big smile and extending his hand.

  And Nat looked just as cordial.

  “Hey man. I’m Nat.” He took a couple large steps toward Linc and then shook hands the way manly men did, with the slap on the back with the opposite hand.

  It would almost be easier if there were animosity. I could make my choice. But it seemed like they weren’t going to make it that easy for me.

  Linc looked around, his eyes nearly bugging out.

  “Jesus, would you look at this place? We really get to stay here for two weeks?” he said.

  Nat answered before I could.

  “Yeah, can you believe it? This place is fucking awesome. Hey, I understand you own a gym and are a trainer. I’d love to get some tips from you on improving my workout.”

  Linc nodded, his face all enthusiasm. “Let’s do it. I’ll work you so hard, you won’t know what hit you.”

  Nat laughed and clapped him on the back. Linc looked over at me.

  “Just ask Garnet, I can be a hard ass when it comes to working out.”

  “He’s not kidding,” I said. “Just you wait.”

  I gestured toward the stairs. “Shall we choose your room?”

  Linc nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, sure. But I don’t need anything fancy.”

  “Dude, there’s nothing here that’s not fancy,” Nat offered.

  “He’s right,” I said. I watched the two of them head for the stairs, and I brought up the rear. They were both hot as hell, and I felt a little twinge between my legs as I imagined getting both of them into my bed. I’d not thought that far ahead, but now that it dawned on me, it seemed a likely bonus of our odd circumstances.

  Nat took over with the tour, leaving me to follow and replay the conversation I’d just had with my mother.

  * * *

  The woman rarely, if ever called me. She’d had little interest in me as a child, and even less in me as an adult. So when she picked up the phone to call me, she usually only did so when she needed something. And that something was usually money. Which was bizarre because between the high cost of things in San Francisco, and the payments I was making on my student loans, I never had any to spare.

  “Hi honey,” she’d said.

  “Mom? I haven’t heard from you in ages.”

  “I know, sweetie. I’m sorry. I missed your birthday, didn’t I?” she asked.

  “No mom, you did not miss my birthday.” Jesus. She forgot that she remembered? How does that even happen?

  “Honey, I was thinking of coming to visit.”

  Shit. Of all times. She never wanted to visit. Why now?

  “Mom, I’m super swamped with things. When were you thinking?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. How does this week look for you?” she asked.

  Panic slammed through me.

  “Hmmm. This week’s no good, Mom. How about next month?”

  “Well, I was really wanting to get away sooner.”

  “Mom, is everything okay?”

  “Well, Roy and I had a little fight. I wanted to get out of town for a few days,” she sighed with a great deal of drama.

  The panic I was feeling doubled and then tripled.

  “Mom, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, doll. I’m fine.”

  “Mom, I have an idea. You could stay at my apartment, and I can stay at, um…a friend’s house.”

  She didn’t need to know exactly which friend…nor who I was there with…

  “Oh, that sounds great! I’ll get back to you tomorrow with my travel plans. Bye now!”

  If this was anything like all the other times she mused about visiting, she wouldn’t be calling me tomorrow. She’d drop the idea like it had never occurred to her. Which was fine. Really.

  * * *

  I dashed up the stairs after Nat and Linc, not sure what to expect. Would they feel like rivals? Or partners in crime? And would I be the bitch? Or a lover they’d never forget?

  So many questions.

  “Hey guys! Where’d you go?” I called.

  “Up here,” a distant voice said.

  I realized they’d made it to the third floor. I followed their voices.

  Linc had taken a room down the hall from Nat, one that had equally impressive views of the San Francisco skyline with its new skyscrapers towering into the clouds.

  “Wow,” I said, looking around Linc’s newly-chosen room. “This one’s just as amazing as the others.”

  After he finished unpacking, he sat on the end of the bed and stretched his hands out toward me. I hustled over for his warm embrace. He just felt so damn safe. Not to mention, big and strong.

  “Baby, this is awesome.”

  “Are you sure? You’re okay with this?” I asked.

  “Nat seems cool. I’m looking forward to meeting the other guys. I’m sure it will all work out.”

  My nervousness over our arrangement went down a couple notches.

  “Thank you for being so open-minded. I think this will really be great.”

  * * *

  “Mr. Jones, hi, it’s Garnet.” Grandpa’s attorney had made it possible for me to use the house. I felt compelled to let him know how things were going.

  “Garnet! If it isn’t my most interesting client.”

  “I don’t know that I’m interesting. I just think my situation is.”

  He laughed. “Well put. It’s not every day an attorney administers an estate that stipulates marriage in thirty days or the deal is off.”

  Glad he thought it was so funny. The damn pressure had put knots in my stomach.

  But I had to say, the guys I’d met lately were pretty damn awesome. Funny how things worked. Maybe I’d end up alone, and as broke as I ever was, but I’d have one hell of a story to tell.

  “So Mr. Jones, I know I only have two weeks left but I’m feeling like one of the four guys moving into the house might work out.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, Garnet. I really want this to work out for you. I know Mr. Cordy wanted his estate left to someone worthy. He thought hard about whom to choose, and he chose you.”

  “It’s so odd that he did choose me. I mean, like I’ve told you, he and I barely ever spoke. It’s just the strangest thing.”

  “I know what you mean, Garnet. Life works in mysterious ways.”

  “I guess. So two of the guys just moved in, and we’re waiting on the others. I’ll keep you posted.”

  “Sounds good. And give me a call if you need anything.”

  Ugh. I needed lots of things, but nothing an attorney could help me with.

  * * *

  “C’mon guys. Let’s get going!” I c
alled up the stairs. Geez, to think men complained about getting women out the door.

  “Hey babe, on the way,” Nat hollered. He and Linc, both dressed for the gym, came down the stairs together, talking about football scores. Or was it basketball scores?

  It was all the same to me.

  “And don’t you look cute, my little gym rat-esse,” Linc laughed. He looked at Nat. “Whaddya think of our fine friend here?” he asked, gesturing toward me with his chin.

  Nat looked me up and down in a way that my legs wobble and nipples stand at attention—a reaction that was not lost on either one of them. Jesus, I didn’t know how I would survive this, much less when the other two guys moved in.

  Nat licked his lips, his gaze boring into me so directly, I wanted to tear my clothes off and jump on him.

  Or both of them.

  But that wasn’t part of the deal. Was it?

  “Okay, let’s go, you two horn dogs.”

  Linc drove us across the bridge into San Francisco and across town in his Jeep. Nat had hopped in the front with him, and they continued their sports talk like they’d been friends for years. To be honest, I felt a tiny bit left out. But, I had to admit, I was also thrilled they were hitting it off. So there was that.

  “Okay, young lady, get ready to sweat,” Linc said, opening the back door of the car for me. We headed inside, the guys still gabbing about lifting weights.

  “Hey,” Linc said, “let’s run up to my office first.” We followed him up the stairs, passing his brother, who was headed to a session with one of his clients.

  Linc closed the office door behind us. And then he locked it. I turned to see both men smiling at me.

  How come I suddenly felt like prey?

  “Garnet.”

  My name was a growl from Nat’s lips, pouring over me, leaving me shaky. God, what had I gotten myself into?

  I swallowed, looking from Nat to Linc and back. I had the distinct feeling they’d planned this. I’d never been with two guys at once, and I had no idea if either of them had ever had threesomes with one girl, but I wasn’t going to interrogate anyone now.