Mason sighed. “I hate working that rotation. I’m on it, and it’s hell. No set hours or days. Let’s get back to us.”
Val chimed in. “Work is a four-lettered word that we know awaits us.” She pointed toward the door. “Out there, work talk is okay. For now, in here, it’s us and where we go from here.”
* * * *
Darryl stood. “I think, Mason, you brought up a good point earlier. Have any of us really said what our thoughts are? Spoken about what we’d like to have happen versus what can be going on?”
“I’ll second that.” Mason rose, taking his cup to the sink. “Somewhere between all the changes in our work schedules, we lost touch with our special connection. I didn’t speak up and ask questions.”
Darryl placed his and Val’s cups on the counter. “I remember asking you if you minded me dating Val. We talked briefly before your first midnight shift. After that, you’ve been aloof.”
Val turned her chair, enabling her to see both. “We’ve got the point of where the disconnect might have begun. Our mutual chemistry is obvious. Does why the disconnection happened matter? Or is how more important?”
* * * *
Mason rinsed and dried his hands. “I suspect that both are tied to my experiences and squicks. You know things that bother me. I don’t want to hurt the people I love and care about. You two rank highly on my list of those folks.”
Darryl moved up behind Mason. Placing his hand on Mason’s shoulder, he spoke. “You know I’ll share Val. You’ve experienced it. Val’s voiced her feelings and maybe some of her concerns.”
“Darryl knows some of what I’ve thought about. I wished you’d come to me about your fears sooner. I’m guilty of not making time to talk to you about my feelings as well.” Val stood, dusting the front of her robe off. “Are you comfortable with where things are now?”
She moved to Mason’s side, slipping an arm around his waist, and hugged him to her. “I want to know your answer regardless. Because what matters to me is that you trust me to tell me what is going on in here as well as here.” Val rubbed his heart and touched his head.
Darryl walked over to the bed and sat down. “Somewhere in all of this is what’s next. Can we drop our guards more and talk about that?”
* * * *
Mason snuggled Val to him. He turned her and pulled her back against him, sliding his arms around her. “I suspect we’re not going to get everything hashed out. To answer your question, Val, I’ve trusted you all along. I didn’t know how to broach the topic or what I wanted until the last few months.”
Val reached up and patted his cheek. She tipped her head back until her gaze met his. “Understandable and thank you for sharing. We’re in new territory for sure.”
* * * *
Darryl cleared his throat, drawing Mason and Val’s quizzical looks. “I wanted to make sure I had both of your attention for what I’m about to say.”
Mason nodded and kissed the top of Val’s head. She squirmed and wiggled her fanny. Darryl patted the bed next to him. “Why don’t we all get comfy? No offense, Mason, but Val’s mind is in our pants. We can’t return the favor since she is pantless.”
Val stuck her tongue out at Darryl and plopped down next to him. “How comfy can we get?” She shot a Mason a wink and turned to Darryl, giving him a cheesy grin.
“You can get naked if you like. Just no starting anything until we’ve talked some more.” Darryl arched his eyebrow, hoping he looked stern.
Val sighed and scooted back on the bed. “Okay, what’s so important?”
Mason chuckled. “Honestly, Val, you’d think we’d sworn no more sex. I think Darryl is trying to keep us focused on making sense of where we’re headed once we’re out of here.”
Darryl moved up the bed until he was next to Val. “Hon, unless we want this to end up a one-time thing, we need to gauge where each of us is willing to go next.”
Mason sat on the foot of the bed, turning so he could stretch his legs out in front of him. “Let me state where I’d like to see this go.”
He paused, looking at Val and Darryl. Their eyes met his. “I want more time like this. We’re talking and sharing. I’ve missed this part of us. I want to date Val one on one and share time together as well. And keep the three of us going strong.”
Darryl nodded. “I agree. Maybe we were headed this direction before. Lord knows our puppy piles got touchy feely a few times. Val, what you think?” Darryl hissed. “And keep those cold hands where I can see them!”
Val did her best Cheshire cat grin and shrugged. “I’m cold. How about letting me under the covers?”
“If that will keep your two cakes of ice off me, you’re on.” Mason jumped off the bed as she reached for him. “I say we wrap her up in the blankets and snuggle her between us. With us on top of the covers.”
“Damn good idea.” Darryl rolled off the bed and stood. He grabbed one end of the blanket near the foot and motioned to Mason. “You grab the other. And we’ll tuck her in.”
Val tried to scramble toward the foot of the bed. Mason blocked her move as he tossed the blanket toward her. “Foul. Foul. Not nice guys.” Her last words came out muffled as the blanket covered her.
Darryl kneeled on the bed and tossed his portion over her. “You can come out till your neck is exposed. Those blasted cold hands of yours stay under there until they warm up and not on us.”
Val’s fussing and cussing could be heard through the covers. “Come on, guys, help a gal out. Get me out of here, please. These things are hot and itchy.”
“Sorry, sweetie, grabbed the wool one.” Darryl pulled the blanket back, exposing Val’s head and neck. “You wanted to get warm.”
“Yes, but not alone.” Val thrust her arms out and fanned herself. Mason plopped down next to her. Darryl smiled as Mason kissed Val’s cheek.
“Given our schedules, we don’t get much time together. This is going to need priority if we’re going to get over some bumps and lumps along the way.” Darryl dropped down on the bed and scooted over next to Val.
“I agree,” Mason said, pulling more of the blanket off Val. “I’m willing to set aside a night or two when I’m off. Even make sure our schedules are available to each of us.”
“Logistics are good. I’m curious about a word we’ve used.” Val grasped Darryl’s hand. “I know you love me. We’ve talked about how it’s grown from friends into lovers with potential for more.”
She reached for Mason’s hand. “You and I said it differently. We’ve admitted we love each other.”
Mason nodded.
“What I want to know is how do you define your feelings, Mason? A bit more concrete words are going to help me understand what we want to move forward on.” Val squeezed his hand.
“Love is an awkward concept to define in absolutes.” Mason glanced to Darryl, catching his nod of agreement. “Before now I would have settled for friends with benefits, i.e. loving friends. After last night, I’m in love with you, Val. I hope I don’t have to give you up.”
Darryl let go of Val’s hand. He stretched out on the bed near Mason and Val. “I know reassurance is something that will take time to set in. I’m going to say this in the best way I know how. Give me your hands.”
Val and Mason hesitated. Darryl sat up and crossed his legs. He leaned forward, gesturing with his open hands. “Come on. Put your hand in mine.”
Val looked at Mason, shrugged, and edged closer to Darryl. She turned sideways between them. Slipping her hand into Darryl’s, she offered Mason her other one. “Might as well join in.”
Mason scooted closer to both of them. Wiping his hand on his shorts, he took Val’s hand and gripped Darryl’s. “I’m not sure what’s next but you got me.” He smiled and raised their joined hands.
“Now, I am committing to there being an us. No matter what happens once we walk out of this room, we’ll go on. Are you committing as well?”
Mason licked his lips and swallowed. Was he in or not? Darryl couldn�
��t put it any plainer. Val knew he trusted her. Each of them had taken chances. Things might not work out. Were there any certainties in life? Maybe not, but things were a hell of a lot better with friends and love. When the friends became lovers and—hmmm, what did they call themselves? Time to settle that later. Yes, he was in. All the way in.
Mason squeezed Val’s hand and grinned. Turning to Darryl, he winked. “Yes, I’m committing. All the way and wholeheartedly. Some unknowns ahead. I’m sure we’ll come out the other side intact.”
Val smiled and returned Mason’s squeeze. “I’m committing too. And leaping in knowing you’ll both catch me.” She squeezed Darryl’s hand and leaned toward him. “Love you. Pass it on.”
“Love you, too.” Darryl turned to Mason, winked and squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you’re in. Don’t worry about me jumping you. You ain’t my type. But dude, I’ve loved ya for some time. Pass it on.”
“Pass what on? That I ain’t your type? Sheesh, I think Val knows that already.” Mason laughed.
“No silly,” Val burst out in between snickers. “Pass on the love.”
Mason took a deep breath. He looked at Darryl. A quick peek at Val showed she watched him as intently as Darryl did. “New territory, for sure. You aren’t my type either. Val is for sure, though. I love you, too, man. I’m passing it on.”
Mason leaned to Val, blew her a kiss, and spoke. “I love you. Let’s keep the energy flowing together and apart. In pairs and as three.”
Chapter Nineteen
Darryl leaned toward Val. “Is the circle complete, or does it overlap?”
Val turned to him. “I love you both.” She smiled at Mason.
Mason smiled back and raised their joined hands. “Let it be known from this day forward we are family.”
“Agreed,” Darryl called out.
“I second,” Val said. Loosening her hand from Darryl’s, she covered her mouth, yawning.
“Stop that.” Mason started yawning, too. “Lord, I don’t know why I’m so tired.”
Darryl looked past Val. “We’ve been talking for a couple of hours. Considering how late we were up last night, I’m not surprised. I could sleep ten more hours.”
Val stretched out on her stomach, propping her chin in her hands. “I wonder if a nap is a good idea. I’m so sleepy my eyes keep closing. Even with two cups of coffee, I’m having a hard time staying focused.”
Mason edged off the bed and stood. He stretched and bent over. Val gave her best wolf whistle.
Mason straightened back up. “Uh-huh. Too sleepy to stay awake to talk more. Awake enough to ogle my ass.”
Darryl snickered. “I forgot to tell you Val can be a female sex hound. Not that that is bad, you know.”
Mason sighed and folded his arms across his chest. In his best miffed-female voice, he said, “I’m not your plaything. I have feelings, too.”
Val clapped her hand over her mouth. Eeks and giggles spilled forth regardless. Darryl stood and camped as he walked over to Mason, stopping as he reached Mason’s side.
“Me, too, girlfriend. We’re more than play toys or sex objects.” Darryl tried batting his eyes at Val.
Val rolled to her side, wrapping her arms around her waist. Tears began falling the harder she laughed. “Ooh—ohh, please stop,” she gasped in between peals of laughter. “My sides hurt.”
Darryl trotted around the bed and grabbed her ankle. He started tickling her foot. Mason leapt on the bed, bouncing them together. He stuck his hand down the front of her robe.
“Say uncle and we’ll stop.” Mason began working his free hand up and down her ribs, poking and tickling.
Darryl looked up. “Don’t make it easy on her. She lit the fire. Now let’s see if she’s game to put it out.”
“Fire,” Val gasped, gulping in air. “What fire?”
“This one.” Mason slid his hand down her hip, pausing to lightly smack her ass. “And the one burning here.” He combed his fingers through her pubic hair, nestling them between her legs.
“Oh, yeah,” Darryl offered. “I can feel the heat off this one, too.” He trailed his fingers up her calf, circling her knee and walked them up tight to her pussy. “Need some help, Mason, banking that fire?”
Val squirmed, spreading her legs wider. Mason traced the edge of her nether lips until he encountered wetness. Darryl’s hand brushed his. “Help is welcomed. I think this is a two-alarm fire. Needs two men to put it out.”
Darryl caressed the cleft of her ass cheeks moving higher until his fingers stroked opposite Mason’s. “I agree. You take the top half, and I’ll work the bottom. We’ll meet somewhere in the middle.”
Mason worked his way backward until he reached Val’s waist. Removing his hand from between her legs, he turned sideways and stretched out beside Val. He cupped one breast. Grazing his thumb across her tight nipple, he worked the cloth of her robe back and forth over it.
Val groaned, rocking her hips from side to side. “I’m boiling.”
Darryl eased his other hand between her legs and worked her nether lips apart. Pearls of sweet cream dotted her pink moistness. Near her clit, two large wet patches stood out. Darryl leaned closer and blew.
He blew up and down her exposed flesh, ensuring no part missed his hot breath. “Let’s ramp the heat up more, darlin’.”
Darryl sprawled amid her spread legs and lapped.
* * * *
“Oh—my—God,” Val groaned. She clenched and unclenched her hands. Mason’s warm breath feathered up her neck and across her chin.
Opening her eyes, she saw his amused grin. “Hot in there?” he asked, plucking at her robe’s collar.
Val opened her mouth. Mason slipped his finger in as she tried to speak. “Ssh-hh,” he began. “Feel. Nods and moans.”
Val inhaled and moaned, “Yess.”
Mason’s smile grew. “Let’s see what’s under here.” He fingered the button closest to him. “Gonna help me?”
Val reached up and pushed Mason’s hands aside. She undid two before Mason’s hand covered hers. “I appreciate the eagerness. Now let me enjoy unwrapping the surprise.”
Val giggled. “See–een it,” she panted, bunching material in her hand.
“Darryl getting to you?” Mason worked his hand beneath the material. He found what he sought. Val’s nipple pebbled harder under his rubbing palm.
Val rolled her head from side to side. Moans grew in pitch and fervor as he stroked. Mason glanced over his shoulder. Darryl’s gaze met his.
Darryl motioned with his hand, indicating they change places. Mason nodded. He brushed his lips over Val’s cheek and whispered, “Time for your sweet pussy to drain me dry.”
Darryl patted Val’s leg as he rose up on one elbow. “For sure, darlin’. I want to feel those hot lips and eager tongue-lapping me into bliss.”
Darryl worked his way to the edge of the bed. He stood and stretched. “Mason, I’ll get you a condom if you’ll finish undressing Val.”
“Deal,” Mason stated over his shoulder. “Shall we strip for her or her strip us?”
* * * *
Darryl snorted at Mason’s screwy smirk before he turned back to Val.
“Eh, us for her. Faster and easier.” Darryl hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his shorts.
“Hey, I can’t see, so nothing better be bared,” Val quipped, raising her head.
“Oh, now you’re calling directions,” Darryl challenged, walking to the table. He retrieved a condom from the open box and returned to bed.
Tapping Mason’s shoulder, Darryl leaned over Val. “I think it’s not nice to talk with your mouth full. That is if you want it full of this.” He shoved his shorts down on one side. His cock popped out, hard and erect.
* * * *
Val rubbed her lips together. Having Mason and Darryl focusing on her, pleasuring her together was good. Last night they’d worked together to bring pleasure and bliss to all. Her internal temperature went up several degrees every time she thoug
ht about watching Mason jack off. Darryl had reacted to her reaction. She’d gotten turned on watching Mason. She wondered how much Darryl had been affected. How did Mason like being the exhibitionist and Darryl the voyeur? Darryl hinted at Mason’s voyeur side several months back. If Mason’s hard-on was any indicator, he’d enjoyed the view last night, too.
“Oh, your cock is beautiful,” Val murmured and leaned toward Darryl. “I think the poor mindless darling needs a kiss.”
Darryl rocked back and forth, teasing Val each time he got close to her. “Might need some cooling down, too.”
Mason snorted. “Heat seems to be catching.” He pulled Val’s hand to his crotch. “I could use some attention.”
Val softly fondled Mason through his shorts while she reached for Darryl. “Got a question for you both.”
Darryl stopped mid-rock, allowing her to grasp him. Fondling both, she glanced at each. Val inhaled and popped the question. “How turned are you watching each other? Male-male sex is a huge turn-on for women. I know you aren’t bi, but it gets me hot thinking about you watching each other and digging it.”
* * * *
Darryl looked from Val to Mason. Another round of truth or dare? In the middle of having sex? Yet, Val had a point. How much did watching and knowing the person fit into the mix?
“I’m not sure how much is a turn-on and how much is compersion.” Darryl smiled and shoved his shorts down his hips.
“Compersion?” Val stroked him from his balls to the top of his cockhead, milking several pre-cum drops out on to the tip. Rubbing her fingers over and around him, she covered his tip with the fluid.
Mason’s low groan caught their attention. Val smiled and eased her hand up the leg of his shorts. Cupping his balls, she held them.
“Compersion is basically that I’m happy and enjoy seeing you with Mason and being well loved both emotionally and physically. That’s my understanding of it.” Darryl thrust back and forth through Val’s hand, lubricating himself with his wetness.
Gordon, Solara - Jet Lag Blues (Siren Publishing PolyAmour) Page 11