Adrift: Book Two of The Crashing Tides Duet

by Ruby Rowe

  “I can’t say it.”

  Clasping her chin, I lift it. “You have to now. I’m not a mind reader.”

  “You know … that certain thing you and Jake want to do to me but don’t know which one should get to first. It was going to be a New Year’s Eve surprise, but I guess it will be another Christmas present instead.”

  “Damn. Seriously?”

  “Yeah, but don’t say anything to him yet. I want to gauge his mood first. I’m hoping doing it will bring us all closer, but it could backfire and only push him further away, and that’s the last thing I want.”

  “Is that your way of telling me you want him to do it first?”

  “No, but I don’t know of a fair way to decide.”

  “He can be the first. If it will ease your worry, and please him, I don’t mind.”

  “Really?” Sailor’s face gleams, and damn, I think I’d give up anything to see her stress-free and happy. I hope that never means giving her up.

  “Yes, but like you said, we’ll see how the evening goes first. I want to be sure you’re relaxed, too, when we do it.”

  “Um, have you done it before?”

  “Yes, a couple of times, but I wish I’d waited for you.”

  “What about Jake?”

  “He hasn’t. It’s not exactly something every chick wants to do with just anyone, meaning not with a guy they’re only hooking up with.”

  Her brow furrows. “That means you did it with someone you were closer to, which leads me to think it was Nicole.”

  “Stop. We’re only moving forward, remember?”

  She nods, but her cinched eyebrows still reveal her jealousy, and I like that she doesn’t want to imagine me with another woman. I swat her ass. “Go get ready. The sooner we go out, the sooner we’re back here where I can grope you thoroughly.”

  Tiptoeing, she kisses me. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed how sweet you’re being, and just so you know, I love it.” She hurries to the stairs, and I walk out on the balcony. Jake looks back over his shoulder before I stand next to him at the railing.

  “Feeling better?” I ask.

  “Yep. Sleep was all I needed.”

  “Sailor’s getting ready to go to dinner.”

  “I’ll be ready for some food.”

  “The kitchen’s stocked. Help yourself.”

  He doesn’t reply. When Jake’s not his chipper self, he’s quiet, and his responses are short. He’s still sulking, and it needs to stop.

  “I thought you’d be stoked to see Sailor, but you seem irritated instead, and I don’t get it.”

  “I’m not irritated. I’m stressed out. There’s a difference. My family was all in my business yesterday, giving me advice when I didn’t ask for it.”

  “Let it go, man. All that matters is the three of us are happy.”

  “I’m trying, but some of the points they made got me thinking.” He turns his head and looks at me. “I don’t want you to lose Sailor. I swear I don’t, but I’m not sure I can share her forever like I originally thought.

  “No matter how much time I get with her, I can’t help but feel like the odd one out. I’m not educated or wealthy like you two, and I don’t have a history with her like you do, either.”

  “We don’t see you that way, Jake. Sailor and I didn’t earn most of our money, and we didn’t pay for our education. We don’t think we’re better than you.

  “I can’t change that Sailor and I have a past together, but not all of it was good. Like you’ve said before, she doesn’t have the painful memories with you that she has with me. You’re the only one worrying about this shit, man.”

  “What will we do about marriage and kids? It’s a question my family asked, and I didn’t have a fucking answer.”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe we’ll have our own kind of wedding where we skip the legalities. Maybe she’ll have your baby and then mine. I’d be OK with that.”

  “You would?”

  “Yes, and do you know why that is?”

  “Not a clue.”

  “It’s because I want Sailor happy, and you, too. I caused her pain for years. Then, when I showed back up in her life, I likely robbed you of the relationship you two were starting.

  “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Giving her up isn’t an option, so this is the only way I know to right my wrongs. I’ll give you two whatever else you want.”

  I slap Jake on the back. “So, stop the sulking, act like a man and spend time with your girl. She’s been looking forward to it all day, and she might even have a surprise for you.”

  He finally smiles. “I will if you stop acting like Dr. Phil. Where is this side of you coming from?”

  Gazing out at the ocean, I watch the waves crash against the rocky shore.

  “I used to be this way before Rebecca died. I guess after that, I didn’t want to feel anything.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Sailor

  “Come oooon,” I groan to Elliott as I yank on his hand, trying to pull him up from his chair in the bar. After dinner, we stopped at this cool little place for drinks, and low and behold, it’s karaoke night. My favorite.

  Feeling hot and flustered, I let go of him and strip off the little black sweater I’m wearing over my hot-pink halter dress.

  “Hell, no. I can’t sing.”

  “Bullshit. I heard you sing when we were younger,” I say, grabbing his arm again.

  “I still don’t want to do it in front of a bunch of strangers.”

  “Strangers are the best people to sing to. We’re even on the other side of the country. It’s the perfect time for us to make fools of ourselves.”

  “He’s not going to budge,” Jake says before he comes around the table and takes my hand, giving me no choice but to let Elliott’s go. “We’re singing. I love karaoke, too.”

  He looks back at me as he drags me toward the small stage in the intimate, dimly lit bar. “Well, I love it after I’ve had a few drinks.” He winks at me.

  “You’re too cute,” I say.

  “I know. It’s a gift and a curse.”

  I glower as we pass by the bar. “Yeah, it’s going to be a curse for those women sitting on those stools if they don’t stop ogling you.”

  “Are you jealous, Teach?”

  “Yes. They think I’m only Elliott’s, and we need to show them that’s not the case before I claw their eyes out like a rabid cat.”

  “Damn, that’d be hot to see.”

  “Hush and give the DJ a song.” I grin so he’ll know I’m only goofing around.

  “I have the perfect tune to show everyone you’re mine.” He winks again, and I wonder what he’s up to?

  Jake leans in to tell the guy what to play before we take the stage. Realizing I’m under the spotlights and scrutiny of every person in this joint, I suddenly feel self-conscious and think Elliott might’ve been the wiser one.

  The music begins, and I recognize the song “Pillowtalk” by Zayn.

  “Jake, only a guy sings this, and all I picture when I hear it is Jimmy Fallon’s version where he was rolling around on the floor, practically making love to a pillow on his show. I’m too nervous now.”

  “Hey, this is all for fun, remember? Strangers … far across the country.”

  I have no time to respond as he begins singing the first verse. I’m surprised to hear that Jake has a pretty good voice. It’s not as sensational as mine–a fact he’ll soon discover. OK, my confidence is back, thanks to my martinis, but there will be no rolling around on the floor with a pillow.

  I begin to sing on my turn and discover that Jake left the higher notes for me. When I look up at him, his eyes widen at my ability to hit them.

  People clap, and when I take a glimpse of Elliott, he’s grinning and shaking his head. He thinks we’re silly, but I’m thrilled not to be sitting on the sidelines of life tonight.

  Once I met Jake, I realized all the fun I’d been missing, and he brought me back to life. I’m glad he’s
being his cheerful old self tonight.

  He gets to say the word body one too many times in his verses, and I get to sing about making the neighbors mad while we fuck and fight, and I’m having the best time ever.

  We gaze at each other as we get closer to the end, and there’s no way the three girls sitting at the bar will think Jake’s single after they see the way he grabs my ass and yanks me to him.

  Our fellow patrons get rowdy, hooting and hollering, and you’d think Jake and I were singing “Sweet Home Alabama” in a southern bar.

  As everyone applauds at the end of our performance, Jake gives me a passionate kiss. Damn, he’s sexy, and if he only knew the surprise I have in store for him.

  Jake

  Sailor rides in the backseat with me instead of up front with Elliott. She’s great about showing us equal attention as much as possible, and I think she’s pleased I danced and sang karaoke with her while her other man only sat and watched.

  Elliott looked amused, but he still wouldn’t participate. He struggles a bit in social situations, so I’m cutting him some slack, especially since it scored me more of Sailor’s affection.

  “I have another Christmas present for you,” she says. At least, I think that’s what she said. She’s giggling too much to be sure.

  “Baby, maybe you’ve had too many drinks to give that present tonight,” Elliott says, and from the streetlights we pass, I can see him looking back at her in the rearview mirror.

  “No, I only had a few martinis, and I needed a few drinks to go through with the surprise.”

  She gazes at me seductively. Her lowered chin, raven eyes tilted up at me, and twitching smile tell me that whatever she’s hiding is something I’m gonna like.

  “You get to be the one,” she murmurs, all humor and sweetness vanishing from her voice and expression.

  “The one for what?”

  “I don’t want to say it, but I’m ready. I promise.”

  Elliott chuckles. “What she’s trying to say is her back door is open for business.”

  “Nooo,” Sailor says, wagging her finger toward him. “It’s currently only open for one client.”

  “Currently…” he replies. “That means it might be open for me at a later date.”

  Rolling her eyes, Sailor gives me her attention again.

  “It gets to be you tonight.”

  “You chose me?”

  “I didn’t choose anyone, but when I told Elliott I was ready to try it with one of you, he said you could go first.”

  In an instant, my heart hammers in my chest. Sailor grazes her hand over my crotch, and my dick’s already straining against my jeans.

  I’ve been with some freaky chicks, but no woman has let me near her ass, and lord knows I’ve tried.

  “Are you sure you’re ready?” I ask her.

  She nods. “I mean, I’m nervous and scared, but I want to try it.”

  I look up at the mirror to see if I can catch Elliott’s attention. As I expected, he glances back, curious to see my reaction.

  “Care to explain why you’re not jumping on this opportunity?”

  “Just being generous.”

  He’s been real damn generous this week, and although he claims his kind gestures are to keep Sailor and me content, I have a feeling he’s also doing them to ensure I don’t fuck up our relationships.

  No doubt anal sex is on the bucket list, but even though my cock’s saying yes, my gut is saying no. Maybe it’s because Sailor admitted she’s nervous and scared. I don’t think I want to be on the back side of that.

  “Bro, I know you wanted this first, so I’m going to forfeit my turn,” I say. “I mean, you already flew me out here to spend time with our girl.” I graze my hand down the back of Sailor’s cheek before I glance at Elliott in his mirror again.

  “Are you sure?” he asks, appearing puzzled.

  “Yep. I’ll be tech support.” I laugh, but Sailor frowns.

  “You don’t want to do it?”

  “Of course, I do, but not tonight.” I kiss her neck and put my mouth to her ear. “I’d prefer to see your face when it’s happening for the first time.”

  Her body shivers against me, and she grips my knee.

  “Oh, my gosh, are you going to be inside me at the same time? You know …. elsewhere?”

  “Only if you want me to be.”

  “Have you forgotten how tiny I am?”

  I grin. “It’ll work, but if you’re not comfortable with it, we won’t.”

  “Why don’t you and I have sex beforehand? That might prepare me more.”

  “Baby, that spot’s not getting wet on its own,” Elliott yells back. Sailor covers her face as Elliott and I chuckle, so I bring her to my side.

  “You know you’re safe with us. If you don’t want to do something, we don’t do it. Period.”

  “I know.”

  “Shit, we have to stop by the drugstore,” Elliott says.

  “Well, there’s one thing we might have to draw straws for. Who’s going in to buy the lube?”

  “I’ll do it. You two will look like creepers,” Sailor replies, giggling. “I’ll throw in a pack of gum or something.”

  “Our girl’s taking one for the team,” Jake says.

  “Yes, and remember that. My back door’s taking in only one from this team.”

  We all laugh, and I think about how awkward our situation could be if we didn’t look for the humor in it, but we always do when we’re trying something new together.

  I’ll never forget the first time the three of us went out to eat and the hostess seated us at a booth. Elliott and I sat across from each other first, and Sailor stood there, the immediate panic trampling her. The hostess was staring at her, too, wondering why she wouldn’t sit down.

  “Um, I need to go to the bathroom,” she said, and Elliott and I both knew what she was going to do–call Carrie. She sneaks off to call her anytime she’s unsure of a situation. She returned five minutes later, with newfound confidence.

  “I’ve decided to sit by Elliott,” she said.

  He shook his head in frustration. “We’re not on a damn playground, fighting for a kiss on the cheek. Plant your cute ass down next to Jake, and stop stressing. You can sit by me next time–or not. We can’t start keeping score.

  “If we do, then we don’t stand a chance at working through the important shit, which means this relationship we formed will be doomed from the start.”

  I worried Sailor would cry from Elliott’s harsh tone, but instead, she lifted her chin, gripped her hips and copped an attitude.

  “I’m sitting by you because I like to face the door, so scoot over, you grump.”

  Sailor’s sweet and timid until you back her into a corner. Then, she shows her strong, assertive side, and that makes her even sexier.

  A good example is tonight. Our sweet, sensitive kindergarten teacher is about to partake in a threesome with her two boyfriends and experience anal sex for the first time. Fuck, I might be more nervous than she is.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Sailor

  Damn, I’m nervous, and it only intensifies when we step foot in the house and all our joking subsides.

  “Anyone want a drink?” Jake asks.

  “Sailor shouldn’t drink any more alcohol tonight.” I bet Elliott doesn’t want me intoxicated so that I can tell him if I’m feeling pain when he attempts to fit his monstrous cock in my tight a-hole.

  I’ve been drinking my detox tea, one that helps me stay cleaned out, but that will have been for nothing if he can’t get his dick inside me in the first place.

  I’m not sure which would be more painful–Elliott’s long cock or Jake’s wide girth. Both their dicks have individual, quite spectacular attributes, but at the moment, neither one is appealing as I imagine them penetrating my exit-only door.

  “You’re trembling,” Elliott says before he brings me in for a hug. He rocks left to right with me in his arms, and it feels like we’re dancing. Maybe h
e’s regretting not doing this with me at the bar. Either case, it’s helping ease my nerves a little.

  “No drinks then,” Jake says before he starts toward the stairs to head to the master bedroom. Releasing me, Elliott gives a knowing smile and takes my hand.

  We walk toward the staircase, too, and I see a new meaning to calling the guys my anchors. My legs, the vessels to get me from point A to point B, suddenly feel like they’re chained to metal as I struggle to lift the weight of them with each step.

  Counting the first threesome, which was the night we officially got together, we’ve partaken in four, and I think that’s a lot since we’ve only been in this three-member band since October.

  I guess five’s the magic number for expanding our horizons … or I should say for expanding my tight hole. Lord, what have I gotten myself into?

  Jake’s already pulling his green sweater over his head; it’s the one I love for how it brings out the evergreen in his eyes. I walk over to the nightstand, and after retrieving the tube of KY and condoms from the plastic bag, I lay them down with a trembling hand.

  Elliott said it would be less messy for me if we used a condom for anal. I’m glad someone knows how the hell we’re supposed to do this.

  When I turn around, Jake’s in front of me.

  “How do you want this to go?” He rubs my arms, his powerful biceps flexing in the process. I feel cradled by his broad chest, attentive gaze, and soothing touch. How did I get so lucky? I can do this. With Jake, I always feel safe.

  “I want both of you, but I don’t think I’m brave enough for double penetration on the first try.” I steal a glimpse of Elliott, who’s at the end of the bed, removing his shoes.

  “OK. We’ll have sex first. Elliott can join in afterward.” He glances to him and smirks. “We know he’s the voyeur in this relationship, anyhow. We’ll give him a show.”

  Elliott rolls his eyes, and I relax from the humor. Jake’s mouth falls into a straight line, heat clouding his gaze, before he kicks off his loafers and undresses the rest of the way. His cock’s eager already, and I admire it shamelessly.