Gordon, Solara - Jet Lag Blues (Siren Publishing PolyAmour)

by Solara Gordon

  Jet Lag Blues

  Who better to get snowed in with than your friends? That's what Val Swarter thinks until she finds herself sharing a king-size bed with her boyfriend, Darryl Swanson, and his best friend, Mason Cox. Val has desired both Mason and Darryl for some time, and she knows the two men have shared threesomes before.

  None of them wants to jeopardize their friendship, but when desire turns into a frank discussion of their true feelings, can these three figure out how to make the leap from a burning hot threesome to a lifelong triad of love?

  Genre: Contemporary, Multiple Partners

  Length: 37,601 words

  JET LAG BLUES

  Solara Gordon

  POLYAMOUR

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer.

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  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK

  IMPRINT: PolyAmour

  JET LAG BLUES

  Copyright © 2011 by Solara Gordon

  E-book ISBN: 1-61034-351-4

  First E-book Publication: June 2011

  Cover design by Jinger Heaston

  All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  PUBLISHER

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  Letter to Readers

  Dear Readers,

  If you have purchased this copy of Jet Lag Blues by Solara Gordon from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

  Regarding E-book Piracy

  This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book.

  The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment.

  This is Solara Gordon’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Gordon’s right to earn a living from her work.

  Amanda Hilton, Publisher

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  www.BookStrand.com

  DEDICATION

  Thank you Bear for your input, being my sounding board, loving polyamory partner and being there for me through it all. A special thank you to the following for their time and input beta reading, catching errors, and being awesome friends: Rebecca Zanetti, Heidi Dahlquist, Teresa Wilde, Marla Monroe, Heather Gordon and Charlotte Usher. To those in the WriteChat room and my critique group, The Mud Puddle, thanks for your support and critiques.

  JET LAG BLUES

  SOLARA GORDON

  Copyright © 2011

  Chapter One

  “What do you mean we’re stuck?” Val Swarter’s wide-eyed stare and pout damn near undid Mason Cox’s composure.

  When she and Darryl began dating, Mason had sworn his heart wasn’t involved. Ha! You can’t lie to yourself any longer, his conscience crowed. Mason turned to his best friend and roommate, Darryl Swanson. “I’m going to see about getting us rooms and find out when this storm might let up.”

  Mason handed Darryl his flight brief and turned. How much more could he keep in? If he lingered, his ebbing patience might be gone. Probably best to put some space between them for now and work on regaining his self-control while he checked on getting them accommodations.

  Mason stuffed his captain’s cap under his arm. Getting caught by the impeding storm rubbed his limited tolerance up against his tired, frayed nerves. What he’d give to be home after a hot meal and shower in his recliner reading the mystery he’d forgotten to pack two days prior!

  “The line at the concierge is growing. I’ll be back in a few moments.” Mason moved forward, quickening his pace, focusing on the message board just above the exit. A stalled storm with growing intensity and a rapidly dwindling list of places to stay weren’t helping his determination.

  Mason stopped halfway to the counter and glanced over his shoulder, watching Darryl move closer to Val.

  Damn, Darryl. Mason could feel his ire growing each time Darryl touched Val. Being pissed off at Darryl wasn’t something Mason wanted to happen. What if the three of them had to share a room?

  Prior to Val dating Darryl, time spent together was the three of them. Not any exclusivity. Just three friends enjoying hanging out.

  Mason held his breath and reminded himself why he and Darryl were best friends. Being two tall, geeky-looking teens ostracized by the popular crowd for being different cemented their bond in high school. College and career goals had separated them until a chance reunion occurred thanks to a mutual acquaintance. Who knew their keen interest in model planes and aerodynamics would reunite them far from their Midwestern roots?

  * * * *

  Darryl watched Mason stalk away. Val’s weak smile punched Darryl in the gut. The two people he cared for the most appeared to be at odds. He didn’t get it. Every time he’d asked Mason about dating Val, Mason had been okay with it. Or that’s what he’d said.

  Darryl glanced at Val and took her hand. He tugged her into his embrace. “Hon, I know it’s not what you expected. None of us did. The storm came up faster than predicted.”

  Val nuzzled his neck and hugged him back. Her spicy perfume filled his nostrils. His cock nudged his fly as images of her dabbing the scent between her bare breasts and along her neck filled his mind. Her lithe build and sensual curves nestled up against him in all the right spots. Except the middle of the employee lounge wasn’t quite the correct place.

  Darryl stepped back, putting space between them. He cupped her cheek and looked into her blue eyes. Tears sparkled against her lashes and pooled at the corners. Threading his fingers into her chin-length auburn hair, he brushed his lips against hers.

  Darryl wanted to reassure Val, and at the same time, he wanted to grab Mason to get to the bottom of what had him so obviously pissed off.

  “Let’s find Mason and see what’s going on. I’m sure once we know more, things won’t look so bad.”

  Val’s subdued nod tugged at Darryl’s heart. He’d been in love with her ever since he and Mason moved in two doors d
own from her in Seattle. A quirk of fate and the Pacific Northwest gaining another NASA contract had landed them jobs with a local medium-sized airline.

  Flying standby to get back to Seattle wasn’t easy. Cramped flights full of folks trying to beat the freak storm bearing down on the Pacific Northwest had bumped them to another flight. The approaching snowstorm grounded the last leg of their flight after they had landed in Spokane.

  * * * *

  Val followed in Darryl’s wake. His warm hand held hers, but it didn’t comfort her. She’d seen the look on Mason’s face at her outburst. She hated seeing him hold back. Ever since she started going out with Darryl, Mason had pulled away. It was almost like he walled himself off. She missed their mutual laughs and spontaneous hugs.

  Sex with Darryl was great. She wondered what it would be like with Mason. Or even both at the same time. Neither Darryl nor Mason was bisexual. She’d overheard stories about them sharing other women and threesomes. No one seemed to complain. What kind of reaction would she get if she mentioned her fantasy?

  Mason rushed toward them frowning, his brow furled. He looked like he could use a hug and some friendly snuggles. She missed their Friday night puppy piles in front of her plasma TV watching old movies and munching popcorn until midnight. Why did he keep turning her down?

  “I got us the last room available, a king bed and kitchenette.” His determined stare took on a fierce quality when he sighed.

  She reached out with her free hand, wanting to take his and offer him reassurance. His presence along with Darryl’s settled her anxious heart. Being with them, she felt safe. Mason’s quick wit and questioning mind pushed her to grow and learn. Darryl’s sweet nature and boyish charms nurtured her softer side. If a man existed with both of their strengths and attractiveness, she hadn’t found him. She really had the best situation, both of them caring for her.

  * * * *

  “Why are you scowling?” Darryl asked, squeezing Val’s hand. “It isn’t like we don’t know each other.”

  “One bed and three of us…” Mason’s voice trailed off.

  A huge lump threatened to constrict his throat. Couldn’t they stop touching? He hated feeling alone and outside like a third wheel upsetting the balance. He’d nearly taken Val’s hand when she reached toward him. How long did he keep his feelings silent? Jealousy wasn’t an issue. Or was it? He hated being prickly about it.

  “I say we deal with it as best we can and go from there,” Val offered. “I’m tired and hungry. What about you?”

  She interlaced her fingers with his. Warmth spiraled up his arm and straight into the pit of his stomach. Her soft skin and scent drove him to distraction. He noticed her slight smile as she held both their hands. Had she winked at him? Stuck her tongue out and licked her lips as she winked? What was she up to?

  Darryl shrugged and wrapped his arm around Val’s waist. He turned toward Mason. Was he aware of her actions?

  Mason swallowed hard and forced himself to breathe deeper. His pulse refused to slow down each time her fingers brushed over his wrist. He didn’t think he could withstand much more without pulling his hand away.

  Darryl’s arched eyebrow caught him off guard. Crap, he knew! He had to know! Mason began to pull his hand free from hers. He started to shake his head no, when Darryl smiled at him. Confusion flared and an uneasy feeling crept into his stomach. Something was up, and he didn’t know what.

  Val’s quirky little hum plucked his nerve. How could she be content holding hands with both of them? Was she playing them against each other? Anxiety inched up his back and fueled the acid lapping higher in his throat.

  “What did they say about the storm?” Darryl’s question threw him off guard. Why the change of subject?

  “There’s a break right now. Planes can’t get out due to the low ceiling level. Folks are making a run for food and needed items. One of the baggage handlers is going to the local Walmart. We can ride along.”

  “What about our luggage?” Val asked, refusing to let go of his hand.

  “I found it and sent it ahead to the room. Reports are this storm could last three or four days. We’ve got a change of clothes apiece.” Mason wondered if the implications of sharing a room, much less the same bed, conjured similar images for Darryl and Val as to the ones running through his mind.

  “I don’t know about you two, but I could use a couple of books along with some food to keep me occupied over the next few days. Maybe a couple changes of clothes.” Darryl winked at him and slid him a sideways grin.

  Mason gulped. He’d seen that signal before. The last time Darryl used that signal they’d brought the Yancy twins and two boxes of condoms home. Darryl had an idea brewing.

  Chapter Two

  Val stomped her feet, knocking snow off her shoes. The room’s outside entrance forced them through the ankle-deep accumulation covering the parking lot. Mason’s voice carried over the wind whistling up the open stairwell.

  “Thanks for the ride. If we need anything, we’ll let you know.”

  A car door slammed, followed by another. Rustling of bags and Darryl’s “damn” reverberated up the stairs. She couldn’t help grinning. Had he misjudged the powdery flakes like she had?

  Pulling the room key from her coat pocket, she unlocked the door. Darkness greeted her. She fumbled along the closest wall until she found a light switch. A bedside table lamp glowed warmly. Blinking, she inhaled sharply. Three days in this place? Tight quarters and her hormones in heat? Val moved further into the room.

  Footsteps echoed up the steps and through the open door. Mason and Darryl’s laughter grew louder with their approach. Val dropped her bags on the bed and went to help them.

  Mason entered first. His six-foot height matched hers in heels. Snowflakes melted against his rich brown hair. He thrust his bag-filled hands at her. “Darryl’s got the rest up to his elbows. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  Shaking her head, she placed the bags on the foot of the bed. Dare she peek inside? Both refused to check out with her and kept looking at each other with smug smiles. They’d taken quite a few minutes in the men’s toiletries aisle talking. She’d overhead lubricated versus unlubricated. Then one of them headed over to the pharmacy claiming they needed aspirin.

  Curiosity almost got the better of her. Darryl’s whoosh interrupted her. He rushed in shaking his head and red hair, sprinkling her with the wet spray. Mason was right behind him peering over his shoulder.

  “Hey, do you mind?” She grinned at the two of them. Somehow the image Darryl’s five-eight height sandwiched between her and Mason flared in her mind. A delicious need sparked to life in her pussy. What could a group hug hurt?

  She moved forward and snaked her arms around Darryl’s waist. Pressing tight against him, she slid her arms past his back, reaching for Mason. Instead, she encountered plastic bags. Her partly closed eyes flew open, meeting Mason’s quizzical gawk. He nibbled his lip as though he stopped himself from commenting. Again, he was holding back. Why? She didn’t get it. His aloofness was beginning to bother her. The anxiousness pricking of her conscience sent chilled tendrils coursing down her back.

  Darryl’s “hmmm, warmth” broke her musings. Mason’s slight shake of his head prevented her from voicing her concerns. For now, she’d be quiet. But sooner or later, she’d get her questions answered.

  “How about letting me all the way in so I can warm my backside?” Mason joked. “The wind is getting colder by the moment.”

  Val took two bags from Darryl and turned toward the small kitchenette at the back of the room. One third of the countertop was taken up by the refrigerator, coffeemaker, and microwave. Another third contained a small sink. Setting the bags down on the remaining third, she opened one of the three available cabinets, discovering a hot plate and a variety of pans. Surveying the contents of the other two, she located plates, glasses, and utensils.

  Her earlier reaction to the room made her smirk. The size and compact arrangements didn’t seem as
tight. Off to the side, a table and three seats butted up against the partition separating the bedroom from the kitchenette. The bed faced the main doorway and single window.

  Footsteps sounded behind her. Turning, she found Mason approaching her. He appeared more at ease. His prior stiff posture and hard glare were gone. She waited until he was very close. Leaning into him, she brushed her lips over his. He didn’t pull away. Taking his packages, she whispered to him. “I don’t know what’s up, but please relax. I hate seeing you uptight.”

  Mason shrugged and began unpacking food and toiletry items.

  Darryl joined them carrying their suitcases into the small closet. “There are a few hangers in here. Did either of you get anything that needs hanging up?”

  “Our uniforms will use a couple. How many more do you need?” She moved to the bed and picked up her packages, counting the items needing immediate care. Rounding its corner, she stumbled over two bags. The contents spilled across the floor.

  Val reached for the small box near her foot. Darryl hurried over and began grabbing things stuffing them into the open sack. “No, I can get it easier. You go ahead and hang up your stuff.”

  Nodding, she sidestepped and walked to the closet area. Mason’s attempted indifference didn’t get past her. He refused to look her in the eye. It served to confirm something was up. She’d only gotten a quick look at the box in Darryl’s hand and part of the print was covered. If she read it correctly, sex and protection were in the mix. Warmth crept up her neck and across her cheeks, adding to the nervous energy pooling in her stomach.