Us

by Shaw Montgomery

  Dare had an indulgent smile on his face as he looked at me, probably giving Ryan a chance to wrap his head around everything. “What do you think, handsome?”

  “Um…” Refusing to come off like a moron again, I took a deep breath and concentrated on how their hands felt against mine. “I’d like to date you.”

  One eyebrow went up, and he glanced toward Ryan like he was reminding me what he’d actually asked me about. Shit. “Before we became friends, I thought about it. But then he was my friend and there was football…things changed.”

  It was a reasonable answer.

  It might have been a bit of a cop-out, but if everything blew up, it was innocent enough that it shouldn’t make Ryan nervous, so I thought it was pretty good. Dare shook his head, but his indulgent smile widened to a grin, and his gaze seemed to see right through me. “That’s a very careful answer, but I’ll let you get away with it this time.”

  He was going to let me get away with it.

  Dare was in charge, but he was going to let me be naughty for now.

  Fuck.

  Before I could find words to respond, because most of the blood in my body was decidedly lower than my brain, he leaned forward slowly. “I think you need a reward for answering me first, though. You were very good, Scott.”

  Fuck.

  Every movement was telegraphed as Dare’s mouth grew closer to mine. He was letting me know what he wanted, but he wasn’t just going to take it from me. It was an addicting combination. As his lips touched mine, they felt strong, and he was clearly in command, but he kept the kiss tender and light.

  Ryan and I both moaned low as Dare gave me one last peck and pulled away. When he looked at me, his expression was dominant but loving. As he turned his gaze to Ryan, it grew teasing and light. Giving his ass a wiggle, he grinned. “Scott earned a reward first for being good. I want you to remember that next time I ask a question, sexy.”

  I expected Ryan to think it was weird or even get frustrated at Dare for making it clear he wanted to be in control, but Ryan just nodded slowly. His hand was still pressed against mine and he didn’t try to pull away, but as he spoke, I could feel the tension flooding through him. “I’ll remember.”

  Dare’s smile softened, and he leaned closer to Ryan and kissed his cheek.

  Hot.

  As.

  Fuck.

  I just wasn’t sure why.

  Dare spoke low to Ryan as he moved away, but even though the room was loud, I swore he told Ryan he was glad Ryan wanted to be good for him. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing what I wanted to see or just seeing him clearly for the first time, but it was clashing in my head, and I wasn’t sure how to sort it out.

  A hand tightened on mine and for a moment I thought it was Dare’s again, but then I realized how big it was and knew it was Ryan. I could almost hear the same pep talks he used to give before a game echoing in my ears. His strong voice saying just to focus on what I wanted and not let anything distract me.

  Was he trying to tell me the same thing now?

  The confusion flooding through me was one of the biggest reasons I loved take-charge men. I didn’t want to have to guess what they wanted or what was okay. I just wanted instructions and to know what would make them happy.

  But as much as I wanted Dare to just tell me what to do, I wasn’t sure about Ryan. Doing something that would push him away wasn’t an option. As he started to speak, his tight grip on my hand never loosened. “I’ve thought about it too.”

  What?

  Oh…the date question.

  I wasn’t sure how finance and work came so easily and everything else was so fuckin’ hard, but I felt a little like I was drowning. My focus narrowed down to our hands and the way they all looked together. What did it mean?

  When had he thought about it?

  What would happen next?

  Dare’s soft, deceptively strong hand cupped my cheek. But instead of turning my face to his, he steered me so I was looking at Ryan. There were questions and worries in his eyes but no judgment as he spoke. “It’s not something we planned, but I don’t hate the idea.”

  Dare laughed, and I rolled my eyes. Smooth-talking Ryan. “Thanks. I’m glad you think I’m so hot you don’t hate the idea of dating me.”

  “Fuck.” Ryan blushed, and his head fell back so he was looking at the ceiling. “That’s not what I meant.”

  I grinned at Dare. “This is the Casanova who told the last guy who asked him out that it was fine, he didn’t mind the idea.”

  Dare laughed and gave Ryan’s still-red face a kiss on the cheek. “So I won’t expect sonnets or dirty talk from you, sexy?”

  Ryan shook his head. “No.”

  When he got his embarrassment under control, he brought his head down and looked over at me. “I’m going to try this again.”

  Feeling lighter for some reason, I gave him a teasing, skeptical look. “You only get so many do-overs, so be careful.”

  “Thanks.” Ryan rolled his eyes, but his nerves seemed to have faded too because he almost smiled as he watched my face. “We weren’t planning on something like this, but the idea of getting to know you like that is…interesting. You know you’re attractive, so I’m not going to stroke your ego, but I’m not going to dismiss the idea. I’d like to see where it goes.”

  “I’d love to see you stroke his ego. I might insist on that at some point, sexy.” Dare’s words were light, but the heat behind them made me shiver.

  He wanted to watch us together.

  Need flashed through Ryan’s eyes. Did he find the idea just as erotic as I did? My experiences were ridiculously limited and vanilla, but the idea of being with Ryan didn’t scare me, he was my friend…neither did having Dare watch us. He was a stranger, but he was Dare…he was like that voice in the back of my head that pushed me to take chances, but I had a feeling he wouldn’t be so easily ignored.

  Ryan’s eyes dragged down my chest slowly. “I don’t have a problem with that.”

  Fuck.

  Was I supposed to answer?

  Dare chuckled, and he leaned over and pressed a kiss to my lips, startling me. “I bet you don’t either, handsome.”

  I shook my head as I watched the two of them stare at me. Dare’s gaze was predatory and made me want to squirm in my seat. “You know, one of these days you’re going to be so comfortable with me, and with us, that you’ll tell me every sexy thought running through your head.”

  “That’s frightening.” And that slipped out. Damn it.

  Dare chuckled and smiled like I’d given him a fabulous reward, but Ryan looked at me the same way he had when I’d rearranged the furniture in the apartment. Startled, but then the slow dawning that he liked it better that way.

  Interesting.

  Dare brought his free hand up to caress down my face again. “I promise the rewards will be worth it, though.”

  The submissive part I always kept tucked away in the corner wanted to shove its way out of the closet and beg to know what Dare meant, but I tightened my grip on it and just nodded. It wasn’t much, but sometimes I felt like if I opened my mouth everything I wanted would just come tumbling out.

  Work was always easier; that was why I spent countless hours there every week. When I was on the phone with clients or researching the newest trend or company, I felt confident and in control of what I wanted…to be a success. It just never worked that way in my personal life.

  “Alright, I’ll take it easy on you for a while. What do you usually talk about on a date?” Dare smiled when Ryan laughed and I winced.

  “Um, work is the wrong answer, right?”

  Ryan smirked and shook his head at me. “Not if you’re going to be honest with him.”

  Then, turning to Dare, his smile widened like he was finally getting to tell all his secrets. “He’s a history nut. He can talk your ear off about obscure rulers in Europe or the history of things like algebra. His last date asked where he taught at the end of the evening because he tho
ught Scott had to be some kind of professor.”

  I half-expected Dare to laugh or at least find it funny, but if anything, Dare seemed to get more turned on. He leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss. “I think smart is sexy.”

  “Oh.” Another shining example of my intelligence.

  Dare just found it amusing because he smiled again and squeezed our still-entwined hands. Ryan’s fingers started gently caressing mine, and he gave me another one of those curious looks. “Then you’re going to end up head over heels for Scott. He’s beyond smart.”

  Now I was the one who was blushing.

  “I’m not—”

  Ryan broke in. “Oh no, I’m not letting you get away with that.”

  He turned to Dare. “He aced almost every class in college and had one of the highest GPAs in high school.”

  Of course, that led to trading stories about school and questions from Dare about my work. Ryan liked to pretend I was the smart one, but he’d done a great job in school as well. Dare entertained us with stories about his friends and family, keeping us laughing.

  Sometimes as he spoke, he gestured wildly with his hands. Instead of moving mine back to my lap or just back to Dare’s legs, I kept my fingers laced with Ryan’s. At first, I was worried that I’d make a big deal about it or that he’d think I was pulling away from him so I needed to stay close, but after a while I was just enjoying holding him.

  As the evening passed, it got easier to talk to Dare, and before we knew it, his friends were calling him from across the bar. Evidently, he was the designated driver for the night and they were ready to head home.

  The idea of him leaving had my stomach sinking. He’d talked about wanting to get to know us but sometimes in the daylight, ideas faded. Dare didn’t seem to have the same fears, though. “Okay, hand over the phones, you two. I’m not letting you escape that easily.”

  Ryan laughed as he grabbed his off the table and handed it over, but I could hear the relief in it. After Dare added in his number and then texted himself, he gave Ryan a slow, heated kiss. As he pulled back, he smiled. “I’m going to text you later.”

  For some reason it sent a shiver through both of us.

  Dare laughed and reached his hand out, expecting me to hand mine over. I was glad to do it. I wasn’t sure what the hell we were doing, but it wasn’t something I was ready to walk away from. I’d been walking away for too long already, and it was time for it to stop.

  I just hoped it wouldn’t explode in my face.

  When Dare’s number was in my phone and he’d checked to make sure the text he’d sent his phone had gone through, I got the same slow, tender kiss. As he sat back, he gave me a knowing grin. “I bet it’s easier for you to confess things over texts, isn’t it?”

  I wasn’t sure I liked the word confess…but it was probably accurate.

  I finally nodded but gave a half-shrug as well. “Yes. I think so.”

  There hadn’t exactly been a lot of opportunities for me to confess anything. Not since Ian, at least.

  Dare sighed as he started to climb off Ryan’s lap. “Part of me wants to invite you over, but I think you need time to see how you feel. I’m expecting texts tomorrow at the very least. Got it? Even if you’re nervous and you don’t talk to each other about it, you’re going to talk to me. No running.”

  I nodded as he stood. “Deal.”

  “Got it.” Ryan seemed reluctant to let Dare go, but Dare didn’t seem to mind. He just leaned in and gave Ryan a quick peck.

  “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Then he stretched across the table and gave me a kiss as well.

  As he walked away, I couldn’t help but think of the way he’d felt under my hands and the way he’d looked at me…like he knew exactly what was going through my mind, and it just made him want me more.

  I just hoped Ryan would feel the same way when everything came out.

  Chapter 4

  Ryan

  Weirdest night ever…and I couldn't even blame it on alcohol or bad decisions because I’d been fairly sober, and I wasn’t sure it had been a bad decision. That part was still up in the air. Scott had been quiet on the way back to the apartment, and even though I could almost hear the wheels turning in his brain, he hadn’t seemed willing to share.

  When my phone signaled an incoming text, I almost ignored it. It was late enough it would either be an “I’m drunk come get me” text from a friend or drama from someone. Neither of which I wanted to deal with. I was pretty content staring up at the ceiling over my bed and trying to figure out what had happened…and what I’d agreed to.

  Grabbing my phone blindly off the nightstand, I brought it up to my face and smiled when I saw the text. Dare. I couldn’t decide if he was being funny or just a bit controlling, but I liked it either way.

  I have a feeling you’re still up trying to decide WTF happened.

  Chuckling to myself, I nodded. Yeah, it’d been a hell of a night. With someone else I might have ignored it because my head was still going in circles and it felt like I would be admitting too much, but I had a feeling Dare would know either way. He seemed to be able to look right through a person.

  I couldn't decide if it was creepy or not.

  Not letting myself think about it too much, I responded back.

  Yeah feels weird not bad though…you’ve just got my mind going.

  Dare texted back quickly.

  Did I give you too much to think about?

  Not wanting him to worry, I responded right away.

  No…I just never thought about…well…Scott and telling him stuff like that.

  It was vague, but it was something, so I sent it anyway. Dare responded with a laughing emoji and the devil. Evidently, I was funny and he was evil?

  Stuff like you think he’s hot but you like being dominated?

  Oh hell. He really had no subtlety at all.

  Eventually, it might be a good thing, but at that moment, it was frightening. I hadn’t responded to a question like that in years. Fuck it. I’d basically outed myself to Scott anyway even though he hadn’t said anything about it, so there was no reason to pretend now.

  Yes…both…how did you know?

  I didn’t have to wait long. His mind seemed to go so fast, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was a night person.

  Something about the way you watched me and each other. I knew you were both attracted to me but neither of you made a move and I knew there had to be a reason.

  Several big reasons, in fact. Had I always been that transparent or was he just good at reading people? Before I could decide if I would even ask, he texted again.

  I get the feeling letting someone else take charge isn’t something you’ve had a lot of experience with.

  Understatement of the year.

  Yeah…with just one guy…once I came out everyone assumed that I was this dominant top because of football and my size…

  Dare always seemed to take things one step further.

  And telling someone you wanted an aggressive partner seemed really personal. Stereotypes are alive and well in the gay community, no matter how much we want to get away from them. No one would look at you and think sub no matter how clear it is when they actually listen to you.

  It was?

  I wasn’t sure I liked the idea of that, but after a minute, I realized that since just about everyone else ignored it, I wasn’t going to worry about it. I had enough on my mind without adding things to the list that weren’t important.

  I think you’re just better at reading people than most people are.

  I laughed at his response.

  Because I’m just fabulous.

  And had a great sense of self-worth too. So I couldn’t resist teasing back.

  Not what I was going to say…but sure…we’ll go with that.

  His text had me squirming, and my cock starting to thicken.

  Hmm naughty boy. I think someone is itching for a spanking.

  Spanking?

  I hated not
being able to see his face. Was he being serious? I must have waited too long to respond because he texted back.

  You’re very quiet. I think I might have hit the nail on the head with that one. Have you ever been spanked, Ryan?

  I had another one of those tell the truth or go back into hiding moments. The truth won…for now.

  Yes…once…it was…I wouldn’t object if you wanted it.

  I sounded like a teenager stumbling over admitting I had a crush. Scott’s strong, silent-type demeanor when he got stressed was starting to sound like a better idea. He might be quiet, but he didn’t look like an idiot.

  Instead of teasing me about stumbling over the wishy-washy answer, Dare seemed to take it very seriously. When he texted back, I could almost see the intense expression he’d worn several times at the club.

  Thank you for being honest with me. I know that was hard.

  Then, the intensity took a sexy turn.

  But would it help to know that I pictured you bent over the table at the club earlier while I spanked you and had you coming all over the floor?

  Fuck.

  Would yes be a weird answer? Probably.

  I’m not sure what the right answer is…but can I say you have a great imagination?

  Closing my eyes and hoping I wasn’t doing something stupid, I hit send.

  In seconds, Dare responded.

  I can’t wait to tell you about the other things I imagined. Sexy beautiful things between the three of us.

  And we were back to the part I was unsure about.

  Scott didn’t know anything about the control stuff before tonight.

  With his silence in the car, I still wasn’t sure what he’d thought about it either.

  I’m not sure he realizes it, to be honest. He was pretty lost in his own thoughts about everything. I’m not going to make this an order but you guys need to talk about this stuff. Communication is the only way to keep this from blowing up.

  He didn’t?

  Are you sure?

  I realized it was a stupid question seconds after I’d hit send, but there wasn’t anything I could do about it.

  Considering I just met you both tonight not 100% but I’m pretty sure. You guys need to talk. But fair warning, if you don’t do it before our date then I’ll force the issue and bring it up.