by Liz Andrews
“You made it.” Jasmine tried to temper the excitement in her voice but it was impossible.
“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Chase tugged her toward him and lowered his head, covering her lips with his own. Before she could really begin to respond though, Alex pulled her free from the other man.
“We couldn’t disappoint our lady, now could we?” He flashed a wicked grin before leaning down to kiss her as well. When he finally released her and she was able to catch her breath, she turned back toward a shocked, wide-eyed Heather.
“Sorry, Heather, but as you can see, I have some manning of my own to do. I’ll see you around.” Jasmine hooked her arms through Alex and Chase’s and strolled away, a sashay to her hips.
“Wasn’t that the best thing ever?” Jasmine spoke in a stage whisper, her gaze glowing with delight.
“You are receiving way too much joy from taking Heather down a peg or two,” Alex replied with suppressed laughter in his voice.
“Did you hear what that bitch was trying to get me to do?” Jasmine glanced over her shoulder, shooting the other woman an evil look. “She needs to eat shit and die.”
“Bloodthirsty little thing, isn’t she,” Chase observed, as he brought their little group to a halt. “Now that we’ve done the whole dramatic exit, where are we going exactly?”
“Okay, so maybe I was a bit over the top.” Jasmine pointed to a table. “Why don’t we sit over there? It’s not so close to the music we’ll lose our hearing and we’re close to the bar.”
“Is that a hint?” Chase asked as they walked to the table. Alex noted the gym was beginning to fill up as more alumni arrived. He even recognized a few guys from the football team. It had been quite a few years since he’d talked to any of them and he was pretty sure none of them knew about his sexual orientation. Tonight was definitely going to be interesting.
“I could go for a drink.” Jasmine selected a chair and turned it around toward the dance floor and sat down. “Cranberry juice and vodka, please.”
Alex joined her, sitting down at the table as well. “I’ll take a shot of Patrón.”
“Please, you’ll be lucky if they have two-dollar bottles of tequila. I’ll be back in a minute.” Chase headed toward the bar.
“I’m sorry we were late,” Alex said.
Jasmine furrowed her brow. “Why was that by the way?”
Alex cringed. “That was my fault, baby. Right after lunch I had a patient who was having a really difficult time. It pushed all my appointments back and I was running behind the rest of the afternoon.”
“I’m glad you were there for your patient.” Jasmine laid her hand on his leg. “Although you have no idea how happy I was to see you guys.”
“You seemed to be handling things alright on your own.” When he and Chase had arrived to hear the confrontation between Heather and Jasmine, they’d both been proud of how well she was holding her own.
“I can’t believe you never told us you wanted us here.”
“I knew you guys didn’t want to come.” Jasmine shrugged nonchalantly, but Alex could still detect a little embarrassment in her face.
“You still should have asked us. It’s what people in a committed relationship do for each other.”
“Is that what they do?” Jasmine had a teasing little lilt to her voice.
“Of course. Do you think I want to spend a week every July in Arizona with Chase’s parents?”
“Hey now, I thought you love my parents.” Chase walked up with three glasses in hand. Jasmine reached up and grabbed her drink.
“I do. Just not in the middle of fucking July,” Alex said with a laugh as he took his own drink from Chase. Turning toward Jasmine he added, “And now you’ll have the lucky honor of joining us.”
“Wait a minute. Will my hair frizz in the heat?”
He and Chase looked at each other and burst into laughter at the totally girly comment. Having this extraordinary woman in their lives was going to be an experience beyond anything they expected. Chase found a chair and sat on the other side of Jasmine and together they clinked their glasses. Their moment was soon interrupted.
“Hey, Landry.” Alex looked up to see one of his former football buddies bearing down on their table. Not wanting to meet him in a seated position, Alex stood as Bo Foster approached the table. He wasn’t sure how things were going to go down, but he wanted to be in a position of power if possible.
“Foster.” Alex shook his hand. A soft clearing of a throat behind him had him suddenly realizing he was completely ignoring the most important people in his life. “You remember Jasmine Hayes and Chase Randolph.”
Bo nodded in Jasmine’s direction and shook Chase’s hand. “I’m kind of surprised to see you here.”
Alex immediately bristled. “Oh yeah, why is that?”
“You haven’t come back for any of the alumni football Homecomings. I figured you were pretty much done with Middlebrook High.”
In some ways Bo was right. He and Chase both had dismissed Middlebrook from their lives. “Yeah well, things have changed recently.” He glanced over at Jasmine and smiled, knowing that her presence in his life made the difference. He turned back toward Bo and shrugged. “Maybe I’ll have to check it out this fall.”
Bo nodded and shot Jasmine a speculative look. “So you guys a couple now?” He turned then looked at Chase. “Or did you decide to all come stag together?”
Alex felt like he was back in college when he was first in the closet about his relationship with Chase. The three of them never discussed how they were going to present themselves in public. On the other hand, Jasmine was the one who wanted them to accompany her to this reunion.
“Actually, Chase and I have been a couple for years, but Jasmine is also our girlfriend.”
Alex turned to look at the two people he cared the most about. Chase was looking at him with a combined look of love and pride. Jasmine had one hand resting on Chase’s knee and a smile on her face. She reached out to take Alex’s hand in hers in a show of complete togetherness. Alex returned his gaze to Bo and had to suppress his grin. He couldn’t help it. It was amusing to watch the confusion and shock on the other man’s face. The poor guy just wasn’t getting it.
“What do you mean? If you guys are a…couple,” Bo seemed barely able to push the word past his lips, “how can she be your girlfriend?”
“All three of us are together in a relationship, Bo.”
Alex guessed his declaration was a conversation killer because Bo quickly excused himself and made a beeline across the gymnasium floor to the group of former football players. He settled himself back in his chair and shrugged. “I guess I won’t be invited to the alumni football Homecoming after all.”
“Come on, you don’t know that.” Jasmine attempted to infuse a bit of optimism in her voice. “Bo is one guy.”
“Yeah, but they’re all pretty much that way.”
“I’m sorry, baby,” Chase said. “I know how much football used to mean to you.”
“You know what, you two mean much more.” It didn’t take long for Alex’s announcement to Bo to make the rounds through the room. Some people took a perverse delight in coming over just to view what they considered the freak show. Others wanted to prove their political correctness and made sure to come over to offer their support. There were very few who seemed to take the news in stride and accept them without question.
Nevertheless, for the next few hours the three of them ate, drank, danced and visited with old friends. For Alex, at least, it wasn’t as horrible as he’d feared it would be. And if he were honest with himself, the fear of the unknown was the real reason he hadn’t wanted to come in the first place. As strange as some of their encounters had been, they all had fun. Chase stood and brought Jasmine to her feet.
“It’s been an interesting night, to say the least,” Chase observed.
“That’s for sure,” Jasmine said with a tipsy giggle. She had a few drinks tonight, which mea
nt one of them would have to drive her car home, but it was worth it to see that little sparkle in her eyes.
When Alex stood to join them he noticed a man bearing down on them. “And it’s about to get even more interesting.”
“What do you me—” Jasmine’s question stuttered to a halt as she noticed her ex-husband headed in their direction. “Damn it, what’s he doing here?”
“I don’t know, but we’re here for you,” Alex said, as he and Chase flanked her in a show of support.
Howie walked up and ignoring the two guys, addressed Jasmine. “How are you?”
“Good, and you?”
“Well enough, I suppose. I wanted to talk to you for a minute.” He shot her a pointed look, but Jasmine was no shrinking violet.
“Talk. I have no secrets from Alex or Chase.”
“So it’s true. You’re with both of them now.” Disgust filled his voice.
“Yes, is that so surprising?”
“Come on, Jasmine, how can you ask me that? Of course it’s surprising. This isn’t exactly…normal.”
“You know what, you’re right. But I…we don’t really care. Normal is overrated. I was in a normal relationship with you, and we were both very unhappy. But now I’m on top of the world. Can’t you be pleased for me?”
Howie was silent for a moment, but then he shrugged. “I suppose if this is what you want, I don’t have a right any more to protest.”
It wasn’t exactly an acceptance, but Alex could tell Jasmine was satisfied with Howie’s answer. She leaned forward and kissed her ex on the cheek. “Take care of yourself. I hope you find as much happiness as I have.”
Howie seemed a bit shocked by her response before he finally nodded and walked away. Alex felt a bit sorry for the man. He’d had Jasmine and lost her. Alex couldn’t think of anything worse other than losing Chase. Jasmine picked up her purse from the table. “Take me home, boys.”
Alex and Chase wrapped their arms around her waist, their own arms intertwined as well. The three of them walked out of the gym, their heads held high. They’d faced the past and come full circle, ready to start their future, together.
About the Author
Liz Andrews is a critically acclaimed, multi-published author who enjoys writing erotic romance almost as much as she enjoys reading it. A romantic at heart, Liz is a fierce believer in happily ever after and heroes who make the heart swoon. When not writing, the Ohio native enjoys reading, going to the movies and traveling.
To learn more about Liz Andrews, please visit www.lizandrews.net. Send an email to Liz Andrews at [email protected].
Look for these titles by Liz Andrews
Now Available:
A Sixpence in Her Shoe
Torn between the love he has…and the love he’s always wanted.
Rough, Raw and Ready
© 2008 Lorelei James
Rough Riders Series, Book 5
Chassie West Glanzer hasn’t been a stranger to drama and tragedy. A year of wedded bliss to sexy-as-sin cowboy Trevor Glanzer has brought her the happiness and contentment she never thought she’d find, and mellowed Trevor’s rodeo wanderlust. Then Trevor’s old roping partner ambles up the driveway—and Chassie’s life changes drastically.
Trevor never expected to see Edgard Mancuso again, after it became clear he couldn’t be the man Edgard needed. Now Edgard is back from Brazil to sort out their tangled past, and Trevor is plagued with feelings he thought he’d buried over three years ago. Although Trevor is hat-over-bootheels in love with his sweet, feisty wife, the sense his life is missing a piece has always gnawed at him.
Chassie’s shock that Edgard and Trevor were once lovers turns to fear of losing her husband. Or worse, fear that Trevor will stay with her only out of a sense of duty. Yet as the three of them spend time together, the sins of the past blur and fade, leaving raw emotion—and unbridled passion.
Passion that could heal…or cause irreparable damage to their future.
Warning: this book contains unbelievably explicit sex, including multiple cowboy/cowgirl/cowboy ménage scenes, juicy, hot, male on male action, a bucketful of politically incorrect situations and true Western ideology
Enjoy the following excerpt for Rough, Raw and Ready:
By the time Trevor finished scrubbing the machine oil from his hands, Chassie and Edgard had returned to the kitchen.
Chassie said, “Who wants coffee?”
“Sounds great, Chass.”
“There’s cookies, unless Trev ate them all. The man has a serious sweet tooth.”
“Then I oughta munch on you, darlin’, since you’re so durn sweet.” Trevor nibbled the side of her jaw and Chassie squealed. He reached above her head for the coffee cups on the pegs.
Trevor turned and saw Edgard staring at them. Not with jealousy, but with longing. Simple affectionate moments had been rare between them and Trevor remembered it was one of the things Edgard had needed that Trevor hadn’t been able to offer him. Why did he feel just as guilty about that shortcoming now as he had back then?
Chassie poured the coffee. Trevor automatically grabbed the milk jug from the fridge and set it next to Edgard. He snagged a spoon from the dish rack, passing it and the sugar canister to Edgard, ignoring Chassie’s questioning stare.
Didn’t mean a damn thing he remembered exactly how Edgard liked his coffee. Not a damn thing.
“So, Edgard, what are you doin’ in our neck of the woods?”
“Reliving some old memories. I drove past my grandparents’ place yesterday. With the shabby way it’s looking I’m wishing I would’ve bought it when I had the chance.” He smiled wryly. “I’m kicking myself for letting another thing slip through my fingers.”
“Grandparents?” Chassie repeated, not noticing Trevor’s rigid posture after Edgard’s comment. “You from around here?”
“Yes. And no.” Edgard relayed the story about his mother. Getting pregnant as a foreign exchange student, giving birth to Edgard before his biological father, a young cowboy, died in an accident. She’d returned home to Brazil and married Edgard’s stepfather.
“Whoa. That’s kind of soap-operaish, isn’t it?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Edgard blew across his coffee. “But it does make me an American citizen so I can come and go as I please in the good ol’ U.S. of A.”
Trevor listened as Chassie asked a million questions about Edgard’s life and Brazil. They finished off the pot of coffee and the time passed pleasantly. He even managed to meet Edgard’s gaze a couple of times.
The phone rang and Chassie excused herself to answer it.
Silence hung between them as heavy as snow clouds in a winter sky.
Eventually, Edgard said, “She doesn’t know anything about me. Not even that we were roping partners. Not that we were…” He looked at Trevor expectantly.
“No.” Trevor quickly glanced at the living room where Chassie was chattering away. “You surprised?”
“Maybe that she isn’t aware of our official association as roping partners. There was no shame in that. We were damn good together, Trev.”
The word shame echoed like a slap. As good as they were together, it’d never been enough, in an official capacity or behind closed doors. “What are you really doin’ here?”
Edgard didn’t answer right away. “I don’t know. Feeling restless. Had the urge to travel.”
“Wyoming ain’t exactly an exotic port of call.”
“You think I don’t realize that? You think I wouldn’t rather be someplace else? But something…” Edgard lowered his voice. “Ah, fuck it.”
“What?”
“Want the truth? Or would you rather I lie?”
“The truth.”
“Truth between us? That’s refreshing.” Edgard’s gaze trapped his. “I’m here because of you.”
Trevor’s heart alternately stopped and soared, even when his answer was an indiscernible growl. “For Christsake, Ed. What the hell am I supposed to say to that? With my wife in the
next room?”
“You’re making a big deal out of this. She thinks we’re friends, which ain’t a lie. We were partners before we were…” Edgard gestured distractedly. “If she gets the wrong idea, it won’t be from me.”
“Maybe I’m gettin’ the wrong idea. The last thing you said to me when you fuckin’ left me was that you weren’t ever comin’ back. And you made it goddamn clear you didn’t want to be my friend. So why are you here?”
Pause. He traced the rim of his coffee cup with a shaking fingertip. “I heard about you gettin’ married.”
“That happened over a year ago and you came all the way from Brazil to congratulate me in person? Now?”
“No.” Edgard didn’t seem to know what to do with his hands. He raked his fingers through his hair. His voice was barely audible. “Will it piss you off if I admit I was curious about whether you’re really happy, meu amore?”
My love. My ass. Trevor snapped, “Yes.”
“Yes, you’re pissed off? Or yes, you’re happy?”
“Both.”
“Then this is gonna piss you off even more.”
“What?”
“Years and miles haven’t changed anything between us and you goddamn well know it.”
Trevor looked up; Edgard’s golden eyes were laser beams slicing him open. “It don’t matter. If you can’t be my friend while you’re in my house, walk out the fuckin’ door. I will not allow either one of us to hurt my wife. Got it?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. And I’m done talkin’ about this shit so don’t bring it up again. Ever.”
Chassie bounded back into the kitchen. If she sensed the tension she didn’t remark on it. “My coffee break is over. Gotta get back to the grind. What’re you guys gonna do?”
Trevor gathered the cups and dumped them in the sink. “I’ll help you finish up outside.”
“No, that’s okay. You stay and catch up with Edgard.”
“Darlin’, it ain’t every day I offer to let you boss me around,” Trevor pointed out with a teasing smile.
