Chapter Two
Training was dull as hell, except for being with Crystal. Lance picked up the information fine, but she wasn’t one to be easily distracted. Until he got the hang of it, she resisted all chitchat and flirtation like a pro.
“I think the book is pretty clear.” He followed along with the directions as she sat back.
Once he’d gotten through the entire entry, she nodded approvingly. “Excellent.”
“So did you miss us?” he asked.
“Of course, you guys are so nice. The auditors were a pain. The amount of red tape and waiting for the legal stuff to go through was annoying. Finally, we can get your place up and running. I just need to find some cost savings, as well.” She frowned at the stack of files she’d had pulled for review.
“Work is work. It’s never fun. I meant did you miss us?” He gave her a slow smile.
Her cheeks burned red. “I looked forward to coming back here again. Even if it’s just for a little bit.”
“We could see each other outside of work. I know the other guys like you as much as I do.” Lance hated wasting time and loved to take a chance.
She shifted in her chair and leaned closer. “I’ve seen you, Andy, Fred and Roman are all closer than friends. Nothing inappropriate at work but a touch or a kiss. So you four are in a relationship?”
“Yep, a nice stable one. Andy is a bit nervous because of the new owners.”
She frowned. “I just wouldn’t announce it to HR or the higher ups. That’s potentially a problem for them.”
“Well, if it becomes an issue, we’ll handle it. I don’t worry about what I can’t control—like flirting with you. Can’t help it even if Andy wants us to be professional. He’s worried about sexual harassment stuff.” Lance rolled his eyes.
Crystal folded her arms. “Just me or flirting with female employees, in general? Or male ones?”
He loved that she wasn’t turned off by any of it. “Just you. We’ve got all the men we want. Groups happen naturally around here, and we know all we need now is the right woman.”
“Some of the groups could be all male. You never know.” She shrugged.
“Could be, but we’re not one of those. Finding the right woman has been a challenge. We’re a lot to put up with,” he said.
“Really? You could just hire a housekeeper and a cook, if that’s what you need,” she teased.
“That’s not what I meant or what we need. Roman is a great cook. Fred is good with the cleaning schedule so we all do our share. The balance just isn’t right. We’ll live with it until the right woman shows up, but it’s a challenge.” Lance studied her curves.
The foursome preferred a woman of substance instead of a skinny one. They’d kept their eyes open, but it wasn’t as easy as some in Lucky Springs made it look.
“Dating as a group, I can only imagine. My friends sort of fell into it, but I’m not quite that fortunate.” She sighed.
“What if you were?” he asked.
She smiled. “It’s hard to believe three or four men would all want me. Love me. I see it’s real for my friends, but I’m not exactly built for average tastes.”
“Above average, certainly. Don’t underestimate all men. Some of us might be worthy.” Women were sensitive about their weight, but Lance had never understood it. Life made everyone different. They all had strengths and issues. “Part of a group relationship is accepting people as they are. There are too many involved to try and change them. You have to nudge them in the right direction at times, but we’re oddly functional.”
“I believe you four must be.” She glanced at her watch. “Want to go over this procedure again. We’ve still have some time.”
“More time with you, absolutely. How about we have some non-work time, too?” He didn’t want to push too hard too fast.
“Meaning?” she asked.
“Lunch. Me and the guys?” he offered.
“Like a group date?” she asked.
He slid his arm along the back of her chair. “Why not? See how it feels. Andy might not go. He worries about going out now that the new powers are in charge. He’ll be the one who needs the most convincing.”
“Convincing? I don’t know. If not everyone is on board with a date…” Her smile disappeared.
Damn! “No, that’s not what I meant. He’s worried about the business angle. We all work for the same place, and he’s got the responsibly. He thinks we don’t get it, but worrying won’t change it.”
“That’s true. I wish I could be that relaxed. Going out with four men. It might seem normal here, for some, but it’s a little overwhelming.” She licked her lips.
Lance resisted kissing her. “Don’t be shy. Ask whatever you want. Say whatever you want. Honesty is the best way to work it. If you’re unsure, say so. We’re a good team.”
Her smile grew bigger. “All of you are bisexual?”
“Oh yeah. Don’t worry, we share nicely.” Lance stood up. “Okay, I’m going to give the guys a heads up about lunch. You don’t freak out or runaway on me.”
“You think I’d run away from four attractive and very nice men who want to share me in bed? Maybe, you don’t know me as well as you think?” she replied.
“Maybe but I’m liking you more the longer I’m around you.” He winked at her as he left the room.
* * * *
At this end of town, there weren’t a ton of food choices so she’d let them pick. A Cajun and barbeque place turned out to be perfect. She enjoyed spicy chicken and dirty rice as they sat at a picnic table outside where there was just enough privacy to be able to talk.
“I feel bad that Andy didn’t come along,” she said.
“We do too. It’s the business. Not you,” Roman assured her.
She nodded. “I understand, but if it’s a problem, maybe we shouldn’t start anything?”
Fred shook his head. “I disagree. First of all, this is just a lunch like any friends could do. Plus, the way things might go with us is a normal situation for Lucky Springs. I realize that a bigger company makes more policies to follow, but the company is owned by men from Lucky Springs. Do you know how many groups work together or meet on the job?”
“I do, but if he’s reluctant… Just trying to be honest here.” She wanted the experience. Hell yes, she did, and if it didn’t end happily, she could be a grown up about it when they worked together. But if one of them wasn’t truly into giving it a try, it was doomed.
“Honest is great. I think you deserve to see how Andy feels about it when he knows you’re interested. You’re both cautious types. Why don’t you come over for dinner?” Lance suggested.
“Right. That would be the best way to feel this out. He won’t fully let his guard down here.” Roman grinned.
“Sounds good. How did all of you get together?” she asked.
“Andy and I met in high school. Lots of experimenting there. Nothing really serious until we graduated.” Lance looked over at Fred. “We went to college and met Fred and his girlfriend at the time.”
Fred smiled. “Yes. She was good with things at college, but when she came back to Lucky Springs, it didn’t fit her. She wanted more. Went south to NOLA and got her hooks in some rich guy.”
“But you stayed?” she asked.
Fred blushed. “Damn right. Relationships take work, and without these guys, I might not have seen her true colors.”
They’d shared a woman—at least three of them had anyway. It hadn’t worked, and they were still together. At least, she wouldn’t cause trouble. She nodded and looked at Roman. “You’re the newest addition?”
“So far. I moved here after Katrina. Got a job and met these guys. No complaints except for the lack of the right woman.” Roman looked at her as if she were dessert.
“I see. So a group date tonight?” She knew this was already a group date but without everyone, but it felt off. Andy had to be in on it, or nothing would be right.
“Are you interested in this? That’s a
critical piece,” Fred said.
She couldn’t say no. Her attraction to all of the men had been undeniable since the day she’d met them. Word that they were a group wasn’t hard to come by. Now she knew how long they’d been together and how stable of a group they were. “Obviously, Andy has to be in on it as well. If I weren’t interested, I wouldn’t be here, but it would be a new experience for me.”
“You’re handling a lunch date just fine.” Roman seemed reassured. “Andy isn’t the problem. He wants it, but everyone fears rejection a little.”
She could relate to that. “Rejection is part of life. We have to risk a little pain for happiness.”
“If you don’t like the idea, don’t say yes just because you don’t want to hurt our feelings. There’s no pressure really,” Fred said.
The fact that three of them had tried a relationship with a woman and it failed made her a bit nervous. “I don’t feel pressure. It’s new, but if I said I hadn’t thought about you four, I’d be lying. It’s tempting, but if it doesn’t work out…we have to be grownups and work together afterward.”
“That’s Andy’s hang up,” Lance said.
“He’s right, but as long as we know that and remember it, I’d rather try and know than not try and wonder.” She couldn’t pass up the chance of sleeping with four men. Watching them together was another sexy perk.
“That’s the only way to live life.” Roman sighed.
“I do have on logistical question.” She couldn’t help her curiosity or detail-oriented nature. Accounting habits die hard.
“What? There aren’t any secrets in this group,” Fred said.
“I’m assuming it’s all together as far as the intimacy. Not paired off. That sounds so weird. I don’t know how to describe it.” She wanted to cover her face. Not that she was ashamed of wanting it, but it was outside her norm.
For now, anyway.
“We all share one big bed. It’s really two fused queens. Plenty of room. All in, unless someone isn’t in the mood or feeling well. No pressure but if you want to be in a couple, this isn’t the relationship for you.” Lance looked her in the eyes.
“Good. Being in a couple never worked for me. Maybe, this will be a better fit.” She tried not to stare at the men. This afternoon would be hell, knowing the four hot men wanted her and tonight she’d have a real date with them.
Her arousal was already building, and she had half a work day left. “Who’s going to tell Andy?” she asked.
“Don’t worry about it. We will. He might check that you’re okay with it. As long as you don’t hesitate, he won’t say no.” Lance grinned.
He and Andy had been together since high school. Even if it was just sexual discovery and screwing around, she envied that long attachment. How deep it must be! How strong to allow others to be added, yet there was no ego or competition among them. The chemistry was palpable, and they weren’t even touching each other. Just having a casual lunch. They could just be friends, but she knew it was much deeper. She might fit in there. Part of her really hoped she did. A tiny part of her worried about the unusual set up, but any sane person would.
“No problem. I can’t wait. Thanks for lunch,” she said.
“Any time. We should head back before Andy texts.” Roman chuckled. The group got up. It seemed so natural and normal. They were actually talking about group sex and a relationship as if it was their favorite TV show. Crystal was impressed.
Chapter Three
The guys had told Andy about the plan after lunch, but Fred was still trying to convince Andy it wasn’t too fast as they prepared dinner that night.
“Couldn’t even wait one day,” Andy grumbled.
“She was curious and interested. Want to put her off and make her second guess things?” Fred pinched Andy’s butt as the confused man bent over to retrieve fresh bread from the double oven.
“Cool it. We’re not going to pressure her. Come on, give Roman and me some room.” Andy shut the oven and glared at Fred.
Roman sautéed shrimp and the sauce for it as Lance kept an eye on the bubbling pot of pasta. Fred loved this group, and he wasn’t about to let doubts or hesitation stop them from getting the right woman. He’d had the wrong woman for this group, and it’d almost cost him the best men he’d ever met. Fred was certain Crystal was the right fit, and he was eager to stop dancing around the issue.
“No one is pressuring. You’re dragging your feet, and that’s not fair to everyone.” Lance stirred the fettuccini.
Andy tossed an oven mitt at him. “The new work situation isn’t imaginary.”
Roman laughed. “No, it’s not. It’s also not going away. We can’t wait it out. This is the new reality so why wait?”
“Exactly. I’d rather act now so she knows we’re interested. She’s not going to make a move on a four man group,” Fred said.
“She asked if we’re all bisexual. Maybe, she assumed we’re just a gay foursome. You want her to think that?” Lance asked Andy.
“Of course not. Okay, fine. I’m in. There will never be a perfect time,” Andy conceded.
Fred smiled. “Exactly.”
The doorbell rang, and Fred headed to answer it. Crystal looked amazing in a long, brown skirt and a blue-and-brown swirled top. Her hair was loose, and she held a bottle of wine in each hand.
“Hi. Hope I’m not too early,” she said.
“Right on time.” Fred took the wine and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. He had to send the right message. This wasn’t just friends, and he didn’t want to overwhelm her with all the men watching or acting at the same time. She could ease into things.
She smiled. “Thanks.”
“Come in,” Fred invited. He closed the door behind her and led her into the kitchen. “Things are almost done.”
Roman and Lance both eagerly greeted her with a kiss each. Not too pushy but not staying in the friend zone either. Andy hung back, but if he didn’t approve, he hid it.
“Hope it’s not moving too fast for you, Andy.” Crystal gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Not at all. We’ll go as fast or as slow as you want.” Andy grabbed the corkscrew.
Fred handed over the wine bottles so Andy could open them.
Roman took the shrimp off the heat. “Come on, get out of my kitchen. Too many people in here. We’ll eat in two minutes. Salad and bread are on the table, Andy will pour the wine. Lance and I can bring the food. Go to the dining room.”
“Men cooking for me. I’m in heaven,” she said.
Fred led her through the kitchen to the long dining room with a nice table. “It’s a good sized house. A bit old but solid.”
Andy brought the wine to the already set table and filled the glasses. “Where do you live, Crystal?”
“I’m renting a little cottage house from a friend’s grandmother. Four of us were living there for a while, but they’ve all found guys. Groups of guys, rather. So it’s just me now. Gets a little quiet at times.” Crystal sat down.
Andy took the seat across from her. “Well, you’re welcome here anytime you want lots of company. This place could use a woman’s touch.”
“Don’t put her to work so fast. Andy has two speeds, nice and slow or full speed ahead.” Fred winked at Crystal.
“I’m not much of a decorator, really. Your place seems comfortable. Nice and big. With all the people, it’d have to be.” She took a sip of the wine Andy had set in front of her.
“We only need one bedroom,” Lance said as he brought out a huge bowl of pasta.
Andy tossed the cork at Lance as Crystal giggled.
Roman joined him with another bowl. “I’ve got extra pasta here if you don’t like shrimp.”
“No, I love shrimp and pasta. Either way, it smells amazing.” She put her napkin on her lap, and the group settled in for dinner.
Fred stole a look at Andy. He seemed to be relaxing. A little wine and small talk and he’d forget the issues.
* * * *
Less t
han an hour later, the group was settled in the front room with a movie on the TV. They’d steered clear of awkward topics during dinner. Now, Fred and Lance sat together on the love seat while Crystal sat between Roman and Andy on the sofa.
“So Andy and Lance dated in high school. How did you find out you were bisexual?” she asked.
Andy turned red, and Fred had to resist the urge to jump in.
“Well, we dated girls, too. Shared a couple. When you’re young, you try stuff and don’t think about the future or consequences.” Lance shrugged.
“Is it weird?” Andy asked.
“Why would it be weird? I have no interest in women, but the idea of two men together—or four—is very exciting. Sexy. Are you sure you need a woman in the mix?” she asked teasingly.
“Yes,” the men answered in unison.
She smiled. “What about Roman? Did you always know you liked both?”
Roman slid an arm over her shoulders. “I grew up in New Orleans. Usually, I dated girls but fooled around with guys on the side. I never thought I’d be able to have both.”
“Me, either,” Fred said.
“You had a girlfriend, but she didn’t work out with the others?” she asked.
“She didn’t work out at all.” Andy set a hand on Crystal’s leg.
“She wasn’t right. I was never sure which way I went. For a time, I thought I was gay, but I grew up in a very small town where there wasn’t much opportunity. I hid it well from my family. So I dated girls and slept with them. It wasn’t fake or a cover. I liked women too. Confusing as hell. I thought I’d meet the right girl and the guy stuff would just not be an issue.” Fred rested his head on Lance’s shoulder.
“Then he met us,” Lance said.
“The girlfriend didn’t work out with the group, but Fred did.” Andy smiled.
She smiled at Fred. “You really think I’ll fit in? Because the last thing I’d want to do is cause trouble with such a great group of guys.”
Andy leaned over and kissed her on the lips. “How could you ever cause trouble?”
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