“There has to be an explanation.” Shane dropped his bag as his heart thudded in his ears. Had Kitty figured out who they were and laid a trap for them? No, it was impossible. Even if she did know their identity, he had seen the way she’d reacted to their touch. She was as excited about this weekend getaway as he was.
He moved into the kitchen. The honey walls and white counters were more cheerful than the living room but still spoke of simplicity and functionality. There was nothing even remotely extravagant. Noah was right; the place didn’t look like it was owned by a wealthy CEO. Uncertainty rippled through him.
“Kitty?” His voice echoed off the walls.
“Admit it, Shane. She found out about us,” Noah called from the living room.
“I can’t see how that’s possible.”
Noah shook his head as he entered the kitchen and put his hand on Shane’s shoulder. “I don’t know, but she did. This is our punishment for trying to manipulate her. I say we gather our things and head back to town. We can still salvage what’s left of this weekend.”
“No.” Shane shrugged out of Noah’s grasp and stormed back into the living room. She had to be here, she had to. If there was no Kitty, there was no weekend, and Shane would never be able to do the soul-searching he needed and figure out what to do about Noah.
“Kitty, are you here?” Shane walked around Noah and headed back into the living room. It was quiet, too quiet. A hollow feeling centered in his stomach.
Noah sighed as he came up from behind. “Face it, Shane. She’s not here.”
No, it couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t. Shane marched through the living room, down the small hall, and into the bedroom. “Kitty?” The light blue walls and simple flowered bedspread didn’t answer. Had she really pulled one over on them? How could he be fooled so completely? He trudged back to the living room, where he found Noah reclining on the sofa.
“Told you.” His friend patted the cushion next to him. “She bailed on us.”
Shane sank down next to Noah. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s like we always say, women aren’t worth the trouble.”
Most women weren’t worth the trouble. Kitty was different. Watching that strong woman hover on the brink of ecstasy had almost made him come himself. He had studied her a lot in the past year. He knew her favorite foods, how she liked to jog in the mornings, how she took cream, no sugar in her coffee. He knew he could please her if given a chance. He wanted that chance. Kitty’s beautiful smile was enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.
Shane leaned forward and put his head in his hands. “I don’t understand. Things were going so well.”
“Hey.” Noah rubbed his hand over Shane’s back, right where Shane liked it: between his shoulder blades. “It isn’t the end of the world.”
No, it wasn’t. He and Noah could just go on like they always did, talking but not really saying anything about the sexual tension running between them. Even now, Noah’s gentle touch on his back made his cock ache and his skin heat. Flashbacks of their time in the limo peppered his mind. God, that had been so fucking good. He and Noah were always the closest when they worked toward a common goal, both in and out of the boardroom. It was when they were at their best. That was why Kitty was so important. Only with her could Shane sort through his feelings and figure out what he really wanted.
Shane suppressed his growing desire and shook his head. “Yeah, I know it’s not the end of the world.” He straightened and smiled at his friend. “I’m sorry I behaved like such an ass back in the limo. I didn’t mean to pressure you into this. It’s just…”
“It’s okay.” Noah rested his arm along the edge of the couch and visibly relaxed, making Shane feel even more like a heel. “Hey, I was there, remember? I thought there was a connection too.”
“I don’t know what happened.” Shane leaned back and rested on Noah’s arm, placing his head dangerously close to his lover’s hard, muscular chest. He could smell Noah’s scent, feel his body heat. Shane’s cock thickened, and sexual tension heated the air around them. He wanted to reach out and touch the smooth planes of Noah’s chest but didn’t dare. It didn’t feel right, at least not now. Nothing with Noah had been feeling right lately. Shane contemplated moving away, but doing so would make everything even more awkward and strained. Besides, Shane had no desire to move farther away.
“Shh.” Noah slid his fingers through the thick strands of Shane’s hair. “It doesn’t matter.” He smiled, showing off that dimple Shane loved so much. “I’m just glad you came to your senses.” He shifted his gaze to Shane’s mouth. “You know, there’s no rush to get back to the city.” He inched forward. “We could make use of the cabin.”
A rush of desire swept Shane’s body, even as his mind screamed at him to stop. It was too soon, his feelings too much of a jumbled mess. Noah’s gaze was warm and accepting. It felt nice. Every time he and Noah had been intimate, there had been a woman between them. More than once, Shane had thought about what it would be like to be with Noah alone, to bend his friend over the desk in his office and sink himself into Noah’s body. “We could.” Maybe they didn’t need Kitty; maybe he could find out what he needed to about Noah right here, right now.
The tension in the air increased as Noah moved toward Shane’s lips. Shane saw the kiss coming and knew that Noah was giving him time to stop it, but Shane realized he didn’t want to pull away. He had wondered what Noah tasted like, and curiosity won out over his apprehension.
Noah pressed his lips against Shane’s. The kiss was soft and gentle, tentative. An intense longing wound its way through his body, as well as a sense of wrongness. Something seemed “off.” Shane wanted Noah, needed to feel his friend’s naked body stretched out against him, but he also needed something else, something softer and more delicate.
He needed Kitty. He was attracted to Noah, but it was more than that. He was attracted to how well they worked together, how they were almost one in mind and body. Kissing Noah felt great, but deep down Shane knew it could be better. He gently eased back and rested his forehead against his friend’s.
“I-I can’t. Not yet.”
Sadness fell over his friend’s features. “Not ever?”
“I didn’t say that.” Shane pulled away from his friend and ran his hand over his own freshly-shaven face. How could he explain? Noah was great, a perfect complement, and yet there was a potential to be so much more together. How could he slam the door on the possibility for true happiness?
“What are you trying to say?”
Shane sighed as he tried to find the words. He wanted Noah—he really did—but he needed something else too, and Shane didn’t know how his friend would react to knowing he alone wasn’t enough. They were both still heavily invested in the company. Could he handle working so closely with a man he was attracted to, but who hated him in return?
“Nothing, forget it.”
“Shane, I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.”
Shane stared at his friend for a long moment before moving away. He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t risk ruining the close relationship they shared. Not on a hunch.
Noah leaned his head back on the sofa. “Maybe we should just go.”
Shane’s gaze fell to the small coffee table. It was simple in design, very plain and functional. Its cherry finish looked like it had seen quite a few years. Then he dipped his gaze under the coffee table to the small, upscale suitcase beneath. “No, we can’t go. Not yet.”
If Kitty’s bag was here, then she didn’t intend to leave them stranded after all. So the question remained—where was she?
Noah lifted his head. “What did you say?”
Shane stood and pointed to the bag. “She’s still here. These are her things.” He went to the window and peered out at the land around them. They were high up. Trees scattered the landscape and from his vantage point Shane could look over them to the lake beyond. “The lake. She’s down by the lake.” It was the on
ly place she could possibly be. He slapped Noah on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s go.”
He made his way around the furniture and out the door.
“This is ridiculous,” Noah muttered as he followed.
They made their way across the driveway, leaving the house behind them. Shane started down the path, sweeping the branches out of the way. She was here. As long as Kitty was here, Shane could sort out his feelings and test the chemistry he’d felt in the limo.
“Hey, wait up.”
Shane stopped short and caught his breath. Excitement built in his chest. It was like a great hunt where he and Noah were predators and Kitty was the prey. It was exhilarating.
“Did you see her?” Noah asked.
Shane didn’t answer. He was too excited to speak. He had one mission, one goal—to find Kitty. He started walking once more. Soon the vegetation started to thin. They followed the path until it ended at the forest edge and a gentle, grassy slope began. There Shane stopped and took in his surroundings. Green blades were broken up by small flowers as the landscape cascaded down to the large lake. The moon shone down on the water, and crickets chirped nearby.
“Over there.” Noah put his hand on Shane’s shoulder and pointed to a spot off to their left.
The moon’s rays rained down and reflected off the ripples in the water. In the center of the bright beams of light, a figure ducked under the surface.
“Did you see it?” Noah asked.
Shane nodded. “It’s her.”
The figure rose to the surface and then floated on its back. After a few moments, it turned in the water and ducked beneath the surface again.
“Come on.” Shane tapped Noah’s side and started down the grassy slope. “I want a closer look.”
The two men climbed down toward the water’s edge and watched the figure as it swam toward them. As it got closer, Shane could tell the figure was indeed female. The way the moonlight shimmered off her long hair made her look more like an apparition than anything human. He slid his gaze over her soft, curvy frame and moistened his lips as his cock swelled in his jeans. She was beautiful, like a wet dream come to life.
“She’s quite a sight, isn’t it?” Noah asked.
Shane nodded, then turned to face him. “There’s nothing to be nervous about. She doesn’t know we are trying to buy her out.”
Noah dragged his gaze away from Kitty and turned to Shane. “I don’t know. Things could get pretty intense. I don’t want to hurt her.”
Shane grabbed Noah’s biceps and focused on his golden gaze. “Do you think I want to hurt her?”
“Well…”
“Who do you take me for?”
“Shane—”
“No, this is different. We can’t come clean. It would ruin everything. We have spent the better part of a year trying to make this deal, and I’m not going to let you throw it away because you’re softening toward the girl.” Shane also knew coming clean would ruin their chances with Kitty. One comment from Noah and they’d lose everything. He couldn’t allow it.
“We’d have to come clean eventually.”
“Let me worry about coming clean. It has to be done gently and at the right time.” Like after she’d had a wild weekend of sex and realized the three of them could be good together.
Shane lowered his forehead until it touched Noah’s. He could feel his partner’s breath, minty and warm, brush against his face. Desire roared through his veins, just like it always did when they were close together. “Just…just give me this one evening, Noah. Please.”
“Why are you so fixated on her?”
Shane closed his eyes. “It’s not just about her.” He shivered as need rippled through his body. “It’s about us.” He opened his eyes. “Don’t you see?”
“Us?”
Shane dropped his gaze to Noah’s lips. “Us.” He moistened his lips. “Something special happened in that limo, and I need to figure out what it all means.”
“Shane, I—”
“Shh.” He placed his finger over Noah’s lips. They felt so soft, so smooth. Desire wound his muscles tight as he remembered the kiss they’d shared. “I just need a little time to sort some things out.” And convince Noah and Kitty that they should be together. Shane retreated and turned back to the water.
Kitty was swimming for shore. He watched until she was close enough to stand in the shallow water. Shane stepped out of the shadows of the trees and waited for her. After a few moments, Noah joined him.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Noah said.
Shane lips twitched. “I do. Just wait. This weekend’s going to be bloody perfect.” His whole body hardened as Kitty approached. She walked toward them with long, graceful strides. The woman was a vision of beauty, a naked goddess who came from above. Moonlight reflected off the droplets of water clinging to her creamy skin, giving her an almost ethereal appearance. Her blonde hair was slicked back from her face, making her seem more innocent than she had in the limo hours ago. Shane dropped his gaze down to full, round breasts, caressing her darkened nipples. His mouth went dry as he slid his gaze lower, over her smooth abdomen and curvy hips, down to the tuft of hair between her thighs.
“Beautiful,” he whispered.
Noah bent down and picked up her towel off the grass. “You have one night. Tomorrow we tell her the truth.” He stepped away from Shane and opened the towel as she climbed the small incline toward them.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything,” Shane whispered, but Noah was too far away to hear him. Shane took a deep breath and strode forward to meet Kitty. By this time tomorrow, all three of them would be as close as lovers could be and splitting beers while laughing over the whole situation. He hoped.
Kitty saw the men long before she reached land, but the shadows kept their features from view. As she stood and walked toward them, she saw them talk closely with one another. Then Noah bent, picked up her towel, and approached her.
“It’s a little late for a swim, don’t you think?” Noah’s gaze roamed over her body.
Kitty turned away and let him wrap the towel around her shoulders. “I got here early and needed to relax.” She’d had a hell of a time getting here. The red sports car was in the shop, and with Cain gone to pick up the men, she’d been forced to take a cab to the hunting lodge, a feat she never wanted to repeat. Traffic took forever, and she’d ended up arriving much too late to clean before the men arrived.
When she had seen the place in such disarray, her heart sank. Her father must have been in worse personal financial trouble than she realized if he hadn’t kept up his favorite hunting lodge. After the long, dirty cab ride, she’d wanted to cry. How was she supposed to entertain in that mess? She had dropped her bag and ran down to the lake, desperate to cleanse both her body and her mind.
“Is there something wrong?” Shane asked.
“Just the usual stuff.” Not anything she couldn’t handle. She turned to face him and waved her hand in the air, dismissing her somber mood.
“Are you sure?” Shane asked.
“You can talk about it if you want.” Noah touched her hand. She felt the heat, the promise through his smooth fingers. “We’re good listeners.”
“No.” She took her hand away and dropped the towel. “I don’t want to talk about it or anything else for that matter. I called you two up here to help me forget about my problems, not solve them.”
“I see.” Noah looked at Shane, who seemed fixated on her body. A ripple of warmth rushed over her.
“Come on.” She turned to the water and dropped her towel. “Let’s swim.”
When she didn’t hear any noise, she glanced over her shoulder. “Unless you want to renege on our little wager.”
“No, we don’t.” Shane stepped forward.
“Just give us a minute.” Noah flipped off his shoes and placed them neatly on the ground.
Kitty smiled as she turned her back to them and stepped into the water. She heard the rustle of
grass and tossing of clothes behind her. The lake was warmer than normal for this time of year. She walked out into the lake, and when she got about waist-high, she dove in and swam to a nearby cove, a private spot that was perfect for what she had in mind.
When she reached the place, she stood in the water and rested her head against a large fallen tree limb. The vines and other vegetation had grown thicker here, creating a curtain of seclusion. It was where Kitty used to swim when she was younger to get away from her father’s watchful eye and escape the pressures of her family life. How many times had she climbed on this large tree trunk and looked up at the stars?
She didn’t know why she wanted to show these two men her secret place tonight; they were just strangers. Something had happened in the back of the limo—a closeness had formed that she’d never felt with her other lovers. She wanted to explore it, figure out what it meant. Showing them her childhood sanctuary somehow felt right. New and perfect memories would be created here. Then when everything was over, she’d be able to come back and remember.
Shane reached her first. He straightened and began to close the distance between them. “I was wondering how long you were going to make us swim.”
“Don’t tell me you’re tired out already?”
“No, lass. Quite the opposite. I find the warm water and the exercise to be invigorating.” He cupped her cheek with his hand. “Not to mention the view is beautiful.”
“Exquisite.” Noah came up behind Shane and stood at her other side. Quietly he slipped his hand under the water and rested it on her hip. “Now I think it’s time we start making good on our promise.”
“Definitely.” Shane slid his hand down from her cheek and tilted her head up with his finger. “Most definitely.”
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