Pure Lust

by Scarlett Avery

  I’m confused, floored and turned on all at the same time. It’s as if this incredibly hot lover is pushing me to get to know his utterly lickable best friend a little more. Here I was thinking I had come to Colorado, but it seems more like I’ve crossed Heaven’s gates.

  “I like you, Jake,” I blurt out, worried I’m making him feel like he’s not enough for me.

  “I like you as well, Ali. So does Hunter. I’ve known my best friend long enough…” His words linger in the barn and he leans down to kiss both my cheeks. “I hope you’ll share my bed tonight.”

  “Uh…” I’m still stuck on this whole idea that two dangerously desirable men think I’m attractive. I mean we’re talking about me here and not supermodel Kate Upton. I have to focus to answer his question. “Of course, I’d love to be with you tonight.”

  “Good. Give me your mobile phone and I’ll punch in my number so we can text each other. It’s a less conspicuous way for us to communicate.” He winks.

  I fish into the back pocket of my jeans and I hand him my phone, still shocked he likes me so much he’d want to continue what we started.

  “There you go,” he says, handing me back my iPhone. “Enjoy your day, Ali.”

  “I will. I hope your meeting goes well.”

  “I’m sure it will.” He pauses for a few seconds before speaking again. “Hunter’s a great guy.”

  “I’m sure he is, but I like you, Jake.” I’m repeating myself, but I don’t know how else to make him understand how important what we’ve shared so far is to me.

  “You’re too young to restrict yourself, sweetheart.” Jake casts on me a longing glance, letting his gaze caress my body so seductively it’s as if he’s feathering my skin with the tip of his fingers.

  “I’m still not quite sure what you mean.”

  “I’ll see you in a few hours.” He leans in to brush my lips with his. The contact instantly sends shivers of desire down my spine and back. How does he do it? One touch and I’m willing to strip out of my clothes and get down on my knees. Damn, I’d allow him to rope me again as long as he makes me come like he did.

  He flashes me a cocky smile before heading towards the door.

  “What the hell?” I ask myself. Since when have I been the object of desire of drop-dead-gorgeous men? Gwyn is going to think I’m making all this stuff up when I share the last twenty-four hours with her. It must be this heat because I’m unaccustomed to falling hard for a near stranger like this. I don’t think I can ever get enough of this man who fills me and sets my whole body on fire. If I’d known sex could be this sweet, I’d have begged Riley to take me on as her assistant ages ago. New York will never be the same when I get back home.

  Do I even want to go back to an empty bed after these toe-curling sexual interludes with a hot, dominant alpha male?

  CHAPTER SIX

  HUNTER

  If you’d told me five years ago, when Jake and I were the kings of Silicon Valley and we made history when we became instant billionaires, that I’d be overseeing the delivery of a baby calf before eight in the morning, I would have laughed hysterically. We’ve gone from CEOs of one of the hottest tech companies to ever exist to successful ranchers in a matter of a few years.

  As incredible as it might seem, both Jake and I love our lives out here in Colorado. The fame that followed such a monumental buyout was more than either of us could handle. We never signed up to become overnight celebrities. We just like writing code that creates addictive apps and cool programs. Colorado is paradise compared to warding off paparazzi and reporters.

  Well, nearly paradise. A rancher’s life can be a lonely one. Since Allison’s arrival yesterday, this brutal reality has hit me hard. It was impossible for me to take my eyes off of her over breakfast and although it was only six in the morning and I had already jerked off in the shower, I found myself sitting across from Allison completely aroused. Thank God the granite counter concealed my desire for her. With a ten-inch cock, it doesn’t take much for me to become totally improper.

  I really wish Jake and I could’ve connected before we started our day.

  It’s been such an insane morning, Jake and I had to forfeit our usual early-morning meeting at our office. Jake was so weird during breakfast, I wanted to confront him about it. I know he’s doing his best to fight this attraction we both have towards Allison, but I honestly don’t know how long I can control myself.

  It’s no secret he has way more willpower than I have when it comes to women. I thought I was being paranoid, but I saw how he and Allison were exchanging complicit looks this morning. She kept blushing every time he spoke to her. I’m dying to know what’s making her turn beet red every time Jake opens his mouth.

  I knew my best friend had a meeting in the city and I was hoping to talk to him before he hit the road, but Betsy’s newborn wasn’t adapting well to the other cows and the new mom become protective of her baby calf and things become chaotic in the stable. We needed to intervene fast to restore peace. As I was making my way to meet up with Dirk and Jenkins, I saw Jake walk in the direction of the office and told him I wanted us to talk before he left. Since he nodded, I figured he’d wait for me. Unfortunately, by the time I was done, Jake was driving away in his truck. He didn’t bother saying goodbye and he didn’t even send a text.

  Weird. It’s like he’s avoiding me.

  I swear, something is up between those two and I intend on getting to the bottom of things when my best friend comes back home.

  This morning has already drained me. I need a break.

  As I make my way to the office to make a fresh cup of coffee, Jake finally texts me.

  Sorry, buddy, I couldn’t wait to talk. I didn’t want to be late for my meeting with Benjamin Russell given he owns the most important chain of restaurants in Colorado and he’s very interested by our Angus beef. I’m at the gas station filling up and I wanted to text you real quick.

  -----

  I really wanted to talk to you.

  -----

  You know how things go on the ranch. Listen, everyone will be gone. Make sure to keep an eye out for Allison, it’s her first day and she doesn’t know the land very well.

  -----

  No problem.

  -----

  I don’t want her to wander off too far in her quest for the perfect photo.

  -----

  I’ll keep her company.

  -----

  Thanks.

  -----

  What’s up between you and Allison?

  -----

  What do you mean?

  -----

  I’m no fool, I have eyes.

  It takes Jake a few minutes to respond and I’m not sure if it’s because he’s stalling or if it’s because he’s busy pumping gas in his vehicle.

  Let’s just say you might be right about her.

  -----

  In what sense?

  -----

  She could be a sweet indulgence for both of us to share.

  I nearly choke when I read his response. Seriously?

  What makes you say that? Yesterday you were singing a different tune.

  -----

  Why don’t we talk when I get back? I need to hit the road now because you never know how heavy traffic will be in Denver.

  -----

  I’ll see you later.

  -----

  I’ll be back around six. Riley should also be back at the same time.

  I’m staring at my iPhone, rereading our short conversation, unable to believe the words scrolling up on my screen.

  Is Jake saying what I think he’s saying?

  Less than twenty-four hours ago he was telling me to stay away from Allison and now he’s saying he thinks she’d be open to being with both of us? How did that conversation come about? “Hey, Allison, I know you’ve just arrived, but my buddy Hunter and I would like to fuck you at the same time. Would you be okay with that?”

  I laugh at my own reenactment, but I’m still con
fused by my friend’s message.

  Is he speculating or did something happen last night that would explain the complicit looks between the two of them over breakfast?

  I brush the thought from my mind because I have a pounding headache. I really need a cup of coffee.

  * * *

  After I take care of a few last-minute chores and give instructions to Dirk so he can oversee the workers for the rest of the day, I make my way to Riley’s office to check up on Allison. It doesn’t take me long to realize the blonde is nowhere to be found. I’m about to wander off when my eye catches a Post-It note stuck to the door.

  Hunter, if you’re looking for me I’m having a late lunch at my house—Allison.

  I turn on my heel and make my way to the guest house where Allison will be staying for the rest of the summer. As I stroll by the green pastures, I can’t help but look up at the blue sky that outlines the majestic Rocky Mountains. The scenery is so magnificent, it’s as enchanting as a work of art from a famous landscape painter.

  From time to time, when I’m not too bogged down by our many responsibilities, I allow myself to be in awe of what Jake and I have created. My best friend’s idea to build smaller homes on our land in order to maintain our privacy while living in such proximity was pure brilliance. Although it was supposed to allow both Jake and I to invite home a few female companions, we made a decision a while back that it wouldn’t be a good example to flaunt women in front of the boys. So we’ve kept our naughtiness off the premises, but I must say the full bushes and the tall trees are perfect to conceal what could happen behind closed doors between consenting adults.

  Since I’ve taken a back road, I have to circle the guest house to reach the front door. I hope Allison likes her new home. As I approach the porch, a voice drifts out. Allison? I stop in my tracks to listen in on the conversation.

  “I don’t care about your stupid lease. We’re no longer together and your problems are no longer my business. I can’t believe you’d have the audacity to call me after everything you’ve put me through.”

  Is it her ex-boyfriend?

  “I’m not signing any papers. Get your business partner to step up. I don’t give a flying fuck if Jasper is still digging himself out of student loans. You and I are a thing of the past.”

  Ouch.

  “Then why don’t you ask your precious little Paula to help you secure that outrageously priced office? Since you seem to enjoy her company so much, maybe she’ll be eager to come to your rescue. After all, she’s been the one relieving a lot of tension in your life in the last six months of our relationship. You have no morals for calling me and demanding such things of me. I’m not going to allow you to manipulate me like you’ve done in the past.”

  Holy shit.

  “Whatever. I don’t give a fuck. Clark, this conversation is over.”

  I can’t believe that creep would upset her like this.

  I push myself off the wall I was leaning against and take a few steps towards her porch. She’s just sitting there, staring at her iPhone as if it’s fascinating.

  “Allison, is everything okay? Jake wanted me to check up on you. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but that conversation didn’t sound too pleasant.”

  She looks up at me with teary eyes before hiding her face in her hands. “I’m such a mess.”

  I climb the steps to her porch and kneel in front of her to comfort her. Nothing breaks my heart more than a woman in need. “Nonsense. We all have bad days. I don’t mean to pry, but you were shouting. I assume it was your ex-boyfriend.”

  “Yeah, it was.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “The idiot is beyond help.”

  “I wasn’t interested in helping him. I’m more concerned about you.”

  “Thanks, Hunter, but like with everything else in my relationship with that guy, it’s complicated.”

  “Try me,” I say, sitting on the bench near her.

  She looks at me, unsure if she should reveal more. I caress her back to let her know she can confide in me. She flashes a weary smile before speaking.

  “Clark called because of some stupidly expensive lease renewal on an office he’s been renting in downtown Manhattan for nearly a year.”

  “If he’s your ex, why is he calling for lease renewal papers?”

  “Eleven months ago, he passed an important exam that catapulted his trading career. He got an incredible promotion that doubled his salary and he was also set to receive eye-popping annual bonuses. After this milestone in his career, he declared he was starting a side business and he needed to lease a space to look legit.”

  “So you did go into business with him?”

  “Nah. He started Venture App with a co-worker. That said, I was desperate to hold on to our fraying relationship. I was willing to do anything. When the big money started rolling in, Clark quickly distanced himself from me, so when he asked for me to co-sign some papers since I had a steady job and we were living together, I didn’t hesitate. So no, we’re not business partners per se, but I did help him secure the office he’s been renting, hoping my goodwill would spill over into our relationship.”

  “But it didn’t.”

  She doesn’t have to answer my question. It’s clear her attempt at saving her relationship failed.

  “I came out here to escape the turmoil of my life in New York. I needed a fresh start. Clark’s call sucked me right back into reliving the eighteen months I wasted on his sorry ass.”

  “You stayed a long time in a relationship that wasn’t fulfilling you.”

  My words must have taken her by surprise because she seems stunned. “My best friend Gwyn says the same thing.”

  “So why did you stay so long?” I hope I’m not being too forward, but I’m genuinely interested in knowing more about this woman.

  “I didn’t want to be alone,” she responds shyly. “New York can be a cruel dating jungle. I got tired of being single and when Clark seemed to be fairly normal and seemed interested in me, I jumped into the relationship and I made sure not to create any unnecessary drama in order to keep him.”

  Her comment takes me by surprise. “Huh? What are you talking about?” Instead of answering she lowers her gaze and fumbles nervously with her interlaced fingers. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re completely oblivious to the beautiful woman sitting in front of me.”

  “You’re just saying that.”

  I exhale, trying to find the words to let her how much she turns me on. “No, I’m not. I mean it.” She looks up at me and bats her long eyelashes before rewarding me with a wide smile. “I know I’ve only met you recently, but from what I know about you, I’d say you’ve been selling yourself short. Your ex didn’t deserve you.”

  She curls up the corner of her lip and shakes her head. “It took me a while. Maybe too long. It was only when I left my ex and moved into my best friend’s basement that I was able to take an objective look at my eighteen-month relationship with this guy and realize how much of a fool I had been.”

  “You’re right about one thing.”

  She furrows her eyebrows. “What?”

  “Fort Collins is the perfect place for a fresh start. So I’m going to suggest something and it’s up to you to accept my invitation.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “I think you and I should go on a nice long walk to clear your head. Cache la Poudre River isn’t too far and the scenery surrounding the river is so breathtaking I’m sure it’ll make for some incredible photos and it’ll allow you to forget all about your asshole of an ex-boyfriend.”

  She weighs my proposition for a few seconds and I can see the wheels churning in her mind. “You know what, Hunter? I think you’re right. I’m not much of a hiker, but I’m willing to take you up on your offer.”

  “If you prefer, we can always horseback our way to the river.”

  She widens her eyes and brings her hand to her mouth. “I grew up in Chicago and I’ve be
en living in New York for the past few years. The closest I’ve ever been to a horse is this morning when I was watching Jake train Romeo.” The mention of my best friend’s name make her blush. “I’ve never been on a horse in my life.”

  “You’ll sit behind me and hold on to me and we can ride together,” I say with a sly smile.

  I can already imagine her huge tits pressing against my back. I shift slightly in my seat to relieve the tension growing between my legs.

  “I’m sure my nervousness will distract the horse.” She giggles.

  “I doubt the horse will be half as distracted as I’ll be,” I whisper, locking eyes with her. I bring my hand to her cheek and caress it. She flushes.

  “Hunter…” My name hangs so sensually on her lips.

  We need to get going or else I might get on my feet, fling her over my shoulder and march right into her bedroom to fuck her senseless.

  “Come on, let’s go for a ride before I betray myself.”

  She laughs.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  ALLISON

  I don’t know what to make of Hunter’s comment. To my surprise I found Hunter’s presence overwhelming. I should have moved away from him when he scooted closer to me on the front porch given what I shared with Jake a few hours ago, but I couldn’t. It’s as if I’m drawn to him like a magnet. At first I thought he was just being nice, but the fire burning in his eyes brought back the conversation I had with Jake a few hours ago.

  “He’s forward because he likes what he sees as much as I do.”

  How can I possibly elicit this kind of attention from two incredibly gorgeous men when I could run down the streets of Madison Avenue naked and not even get one blink from the typical New Yorker?