A Valentine for Two
Page 21
“You never mentioned how bad it is,” Ian told her. “What you just said leads me to believe the pain is bad. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Haley reached up to rub a spot on her neck. “I don’t like to talk about it much. I’m not ashamed or anything—far from it. This isn’t my fault. But in my experience, people tire of hearing you complain, so I try not to. It doesn’t help anyway, so why go through life focusing on the bad?”
“That’s a great attitude,” Derek answered. “I don’t know a hockey player who doesn’t live in pain at least part of the time. But most of us would rather have an ear cut off than complain, so we understand. For us, bitching is an express ticket to being scratched.”
“How terrible!”
“It’s okay,” Ian said. “If we’re really hurt, we don’t hide it. We’d rather miss a couple of games and get the treatment we need than ignore it and be out long-term.”
“Good strategy.”
“Glad you approve,” Derek said with a chuckle. “Now, is there anything else we can do to make you feel better?” He tried to keep a leer off his face, but Haley in a tight tank top, her breasts only barely restrained, provided quite the inspiration for his sex drive.
“Well,” she said. “You could massage some other parts of my body.”
Derek licked his lips. “Only if I can use my tongue.”
Laughing, Haley said, “I’m not sure how effective that would be, but go for it.”
He touched the hem of her top. “How about we get rid of this thing?”
She blushed and bit her lip.
“I don’t want to rush you.”
“Take it off,” she whispered.
With a quick sweep of his eyes up her body, Derek pulled her tank top over her head. A bright pink bra remained, the only thing standing between him and paradise. Ian unhooked the front clasp, and her breasts spilled out. Derek’s breath caught.
He reached around, caressing the firm globes. “What do you like?”
Glancing at Ian, whose own breath seemed to be quickening, he waited for her answer.
Haley let out a squeak when he gently squeezed her nipples. “That feels really good.”
“And this?” Derek held up her breast for Ian, who wasted no time in latching on, his cheeks hollowing as he sucked.
“Oh, yeah,” she answered, her voice unsteady. “Good, too.”
Derek didn’t want to spook her. Both he and Ian wanted her badly, but Ian had been taking things slow, and Derek wouldn’t be the one to spoil anything.
Ian leaned her back toward Derek, who pulled her onto his lap before maneuvering to take his own taste. So sweet...
“Mmm...” Reluctantly, he pulled away. “We should let you get some sleep while your pain isn’t too bad.”
Haley’s face registered surprise.
Derek grinned. “What, you thought I would sling you over my shoulder and drag you off to bed?”
“Well...most men don’t show the self-restraint you two do.”
“We believe in taking things slow,” Ian said. “Why rush?”
“You’re definitely not average, either of you.”
“We’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Please do.” Haley rose and hooked her bra before putting on her tank top again.
“Walk us to the door?” Derek asked.
She followed them to the entrance of her apartment, and after each of them gave her a good, hard kiss, Haley backed away. “You guys are going to be the death of me.”
Chapter Three
Through the holidays, schedules were so busy that though they all tried, Ian and Derek hadn’t been able to move their fledgling relationship with Haley forward. Several times they were able to see Haley but never for more than a few hours. She had a lot of last-minute holiday orders to deal with, and they were playing save for a couple of days for a Christmas break.
Finally, in early January, they were able to plan an entire day together. Derek’s excitement level got higher the closer he and Ian drew to Haley’s place. After picking Haley up, Ian and Derek took her to a local chocolatier that offered tours. A special event to debut some new flavors sounded like fun, so Ian had readily agreed after Derek read about it online. They’d told Haley to bring a passport, and though they’d thought about going to the casinos in Niagara Falls, the two men decided a trip to the small town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the coast of Lake Ontario in Canada would be a better choice.
As they approached the Peace Bridge leading from Buffalo to Fort Erie, Canada, Haley asked, “Where are you taking me? The Peace Bridge isn’t much of a clue. This could lead anywhere from Niagara Falls to Toronto to Detroit.”
“We promise Detroit is not our destination,” Derek said, trying not to smile too big.
“Oh, that helps a lot,” she retorted. Then she twisted in her seat and set her gaze on Ian in the back. “What about you? Got anything to say for yourself?”
“I plead the fifth. Derek planned the whole thing.”
“Sure, throw me under the bus,” Derek mumbled.
Ian ignored him. “You’ll like where we’re going, I promise.”
“I’m hungry, you know,” she said. “So this escapade better involve dinner.”
“It does.”
Once they’d gotten to the restaurant and ordered, Haley regarded the two men, her face serious.
Derek held his breath.
“You know,” she said. “We haven’t been able to spend long periods of time together, but this way has worked out well. It’s like we’ve done several rounds of The Dating Game.”
“Wow, going old school,” he remarked. He didn’t want to take a stand one way or the other until he knew more about what she thought.
“I’m an old-fashioned kind of girl.” She smiled self-consciously. “Well, in a lot of ways. As I was saying, I think these quick meetings—”
“Dates,” Ian corrected.
“Dates,” she repeated. “Because we’ve been on all these shorter dates usually involving food, which I’m a fan of, so feel free to continue with that...” She hesitated. “I feel like we’ve actually gotten to know each other much more.”
Derek nodded. “I agree.” He still wasn’t ready to commit too much until he heard more from her point of view and whether or not she could really do this ménage thing.
“It’s strange,” she continued. “To be honest, I thought it might be really weird, doing this. When Ian first brought up the subject, I wasn’t sure what to think. Even when you got here, I have to admit to being skeptical about how this relationship would work. But it’s not like I’m dating two guys. I mean, I am, though it’s not like I have to keep you apart, make sure neither of you knows about the other. You sanction this whole thing. It was your idea in the first place.”
“We’ve been interested in ménage since we became friends,” Derek answered.
“I know. Ian told me.”
He glanced at Ian. “And how are you finding this whole thing?”
She seemed to consider her words carefully before speaking. “Like I said, at first, I had my doubts. At this point, though, I’m having fun. You guys are both great, and you’ve been good to me. I especially appreciate that you’re not expecting me to jump into bed with you for some crazy sex games or anything.”
Ian coughed. “What exactly are your impressions about ménage relationships? In our experience, they’re not that different as far as most of the parts of the relationship go.”
But the sex is so much better. Derek licked his lips.
“You can’t blame me for having preconceived ideas. I’ve read stories and stuff.”
“Let us set you straight. You’re with both of us. Neither expects to be the frontrunner, so to speak. These relationships work best when jealousy doesn’t enter the picture,” Derek explained. He hoped Haley would feel good about things if they were able to allay any of her fears.
She nodded slowly. “I can understand that.”
“So we just k
eep going as we are, getting to know more about each other,” Ian said. “No pressure. Just out of curiosity, have you told any of your friends or family you’re doing this?”
“Not in so many words. I’ve mentioned both of you, but they seemed to think I was dating you both separately. One of my friends even warned me to be careful that you didn’t find out I was seeing the other. Yeah, like I could keep this kind of thing quiet between two teammates.”
“And you didn’t bother to correct them. I’m not surprised,” Derek answered. “Before you say anything to defend yourself, it’s not necessary. How you handle people is your business. The last thing we’d want to do is alienate you from anyone.”
“I appreciate that. I do have some misgivings, though I’m trying to give this a chance, because you do both make me happy.”
Ian covered her hand with his. “That’s all we want. I think I can speak for Derek when I say we’re invested in you. I don’t think either of us has ever felt this strongly for someone—together or separately. We’re relieved to hear you’re still in.”
“I am.”
Their food arrived and further conversation stopped as each enjoyed their entrée. They returned to the U.S. right afterward since the Storm had a game the next day, but Derek and Ian resolved to figure out another time as soon as possible to have another long date with Haley.
***
Ian tried not to worry about Haley. Yes, she’d been dating him for a couple of months now and Derek for five weeks, but he couldn’t help but think she held something back from them. He didn’t want to press her, but would like some assurance that he and Derek weren’t wasting their time. She had never been part of a ménage relationship, and it could be a shock at first. Some couldn’t handle the nuances involved while others found a ménage to be their preferred type of relationship. Once he and Derek had tried it, they knew they’d never want anything else.
His phone rang as he walked out of the arena.
“Hey,” Haley said.
“Hi, baby.”
“What are you doing right now?”
“Trying not to fall on my ass. The player’s parking lot is a skating rink, and yes, we do slip on ice.”
She giggled. “Forgive me if I find that funny.”
“Yeah, yeah, laugh away. What can I do for you?”
“I’ve got kind of a strange request.”
“Oh, this should be great,” he answered, grinning. “Lay it on me.”
“Would you—or you and Derek—be able to come over for a bit? I have a surprise.”
“Sure. Derek’s getting his thigh worked on. He took a puck right above the back of his knee last night. There’s not much in the way of padding there, and it’s pretty sore today, but I’m free.”
“Good. I’m excited to show you my surprise.”
“Do you want me to stop and pick up some lunch? I’m pretty hungry. Have you eaten?” he asked, already thinking about where he could go.
“Sure. I like that new place that just opened in Harborcenter. Healthy something...”
Ian thought for a moment. “Oh, Healthy Scratch? I haven’t been there.”
“I went with my friends while you guys were gone earlier this week. It’s good.”
“Okay, why don’t you text me with what you want. I should be able to make it to your place in twenty or so.”
“Cool. Now I’m even more excited. I wanted to try about a million things when I went. See you soon!”
They hung up, and Ian tossed the phone on his passenger seat after climbing into his car. He would’ve walked to the restaurant if not for the savage wind blowing and the fact the players’ lot was behind the arena. By the time he walked all the way around and to the restaurant, he’d be freezing his ass off.
After picking up a “toast” made with arugula, prosciutto, and mascarpone cheese from the restaurant’s Grab-n-go area, he placed the order for Haley’s acai bowl. Ian ate healthy when he could, but some of the selections were just a little too out there for him, so he played it safe.
When he arrived at Haley’s apartment, he didn’t even bother to put the food down before taking Haley around the waist with his free hand and claiming her mouth. Ian would never get enough of her—the softness of her skin, her voluptuous curves, her mass of curly hair always in her face, and the way she kissed him back as if she thought it might be the last time.
He prayed they’d have unlimited opportunities to explore each other and their relationship. So far, she’d proved pretty adventurous, but full-on sex with two men at once might prove to be a challenge for her mentally. Not everyone could handle dividing their attention.
She giggled, moving away, and took the bag from him.
“Aren’t you even going to let me eat?”
Haley threw him a look. “I’m just getting plates and stuff.”
“Mine is in a container. I’m good with that. I don’t even need a fork since I can pick the toast up.”
“I can’t pick up the contents of my bowl, so I’ll grab one for me. I’m watching a YouTube tutorial on making lotion bars. I have lotions right now, but I’ve never been able to successfully translate the recipe into a solid. Do you mind if I keep watching that while we eat? I can turn on something else if you’d prefer.”
He shrugged. “Whatever. This thing’s gonna be in my belly in less than a minute, so watch whatever you want.”
Laughing, she picked up the remote and pressed play. They both dug into their food, and Ian discovered he very much enjoyed this loaded toast concept.
“Want to try my bowl? It’s really good,” she asked.
Ian eyed it. “I’m not sure. What’s that on the bottom?”
“Greek yogurt.”
“Oh, okay. I guess I thought it might be something exotic and weird.”
“I assure you, there’s nothing too unusual in this,” she said. After scooping up a bite, Haley held it out to him. “Come on, you big baby, try it.”
“No making fun of my manhood.”
Her grin quickly became pure evil. “I haven’t noticed any manhood to poke fun at.”
Ian crossed his legs. “No poking, either.”
She simply waved the spoon, remaining silent, and Ian took the bite. Sweet, but a little too much coconut for his taste.
“What do you think?”
“The texture is kind of weird. I’m not a big fan of coconut.”
Haley shook her head with a smirk but continued to eat silently, turning her attention back to the video. Once they’d finished, she said, “I want you to close your eyes.”
“Uh oh. Those words never lead to anything good.”
She waited, tapping her toe. With a sigh, he did as she’d asked and heard her leave the room.
After a moment, she yelled, “Almost ready. Sit tight.” A few moments later, she came back into the room and said, “Open your eyes.”
In her hands were a container with something white and creamy inside and a towel.
“You’re going to have to give me a clue what you’ve got there. I’m totally confused.”
Haley set the items down on the coffee table. She must’ve noticed his blank facial expression, because she said, “I need you to test a product for me. I’m glad you didn’t shave this morning.”
“Huh? What does that have to do with anything?” Ian leaned over, peering at the white concoction in front of him. “What is this stuff?”
Heaving a long-suffering sigh, Haley explained, “I’ve wanted to expand my line for the new year and decided to try a few things geared to men. This is the first product I’ve been happy with. Shaving cream.”
“You made shaving cream...why bother when so many affordable brands are out there?” He immediately regretted his choice of words. Of course, as a producer of natural products, she’d want to make everything she could out of them. He hadn’t seen this item anywhere before, though.
“Those store brands are chock-full of chemicals, and when you shave, your pores open. Do you real
ly want all those toxic compounds getting a free ride into your body?”
Raising an eyebrow, Ian asked, “What ingredients are in this?”
“It’s mostly oils, with some essential oils thrown in to make it smell nice.”
He took a sniff. “And what, er, flavor is this?”
“Chamomile. It’s good for soothing irritation, and let’s face it, we all know shaving irritates the hell out of our skin, considering the whole pore-opening thing I just mentioned.” She paused. “Will you try it?”
“Of course. The bathroom is probably the best place to test it.”
“I’ve got you all set up in there.”
“Can I ask what razor you want me to use?”
“I’ve noticed the one on your bathroom counter. I bought the same brand this morning. I wanted it to be a new razor so the experiment would be uncontaminated.”
He stood and then stretched. “Let’s do this.”
“I printed out one of my product quality sheets. Do you mind answering a few questions after you’re done?”
“Nope. I kinda figured that was part of the bargain.”
“Good.” She beamed at him as if he’d given her a Nobel Peace Prize, and Ian felt acutely how lucky he was to have Haley in his life.
“By the way, I did text Derek. He’s coming over in a little while.”
He shrugged. “Okay.” Ian considered it progress that when she needed something, she went to both of them now.
She rose and then followed him into the bathroom. A towel was already laid out, along with the razor.
“I wasn’t sure what procedure you used, so I decided to let you do whatever you wanted as far as water and stuff.”
Ian nodded. “Are you going to watch me?”
“Do you mind?” she asked with a grimace. “I know some people consider stuff like this to be intimate, and—”
“I’ve shaved in the locker room countless times. It’s not intimate, believe me. The place smells like someone killed a rhino.”
Haley burst out laughing. “Remind me to never go.”