Maybe I should mention that.
“Plenty would be a good place for him to recover. It’s quiet and friendly. But there is something you should know. It wasn’t an issue for us, but it might be for you.”
“What? Is it some kind of cult town or something? Does it have a high crime rate?” Pierce chuckled.
“No, it’s a ménage town. The men here often share one woman. Not everyone, but it is pretty common. You’d have to be okay with that. Everyone here is very open-minded and non-judgmental. Do you think you could live around something like that?”
“You mean like a couple of men with one woman for sex?” Pierce sucked in an audible breath.
“Sex, love, marriage, babies. The whole nine yards if they want.” Meyer stepped out on a flimsy limb hoping he wasn’t making a huge mistake. “That’s why Logan and I moved here. We’re looking to add a third. We’ve met a terrific woman and we’re hoping to build a relationship.”
Meyer held his breath waiting for Pierce’s reply. He wanted the men working here but they needed to know what they were getting in to. It was only fair.
“We’d be okay with it.” Pierce replied. “I’m too busy with my own life to worry much about how my neighbor is living theirs. I’ll take to Quint and Ryker and call you back. I think a change would be helpful honestly. We can’t go on like this, that’s for sure.”
“I’ll e-mail you the details of the offer. Salary, benefits, perks and the like. I hate to pressure you but…”
Pierce laughed. “You hate to pressure us but you need us there yesterday. Got it. I’ll talk to them right away. Worst case, we’ll work as consultants. Best case, you’ve got three new recruits.”
“I can’t ask for more than that. Thanks for listening to the pitch.”
“Thanks for pitching. I’ll call you as soon as I can. Hopefully tonight.”
The men hung up and Meyer stared down at his phone. He needed these men to help him find and stop Jean-Luc. Meyer had faced the fact he couldn’t do it alone. Unlike most criminals who were dumb as rocks, Jean-Luc was brilliant. Cunning. He played the game with no scruples.
They would need to play the game exactly the same way. They couldn’t let rules or morals get the best of them if they wanted to catch him. And Meyer wanted to catch Jean-Luc badly.
Chapter Four
Sadie gathered up an armload of plates from the table and carried them into the kitchen. She set them on the counter and turned to head back into the dining room to retrieve more dishes but Brenda was there with a smile and her own load of china.
“You don’t need to help, dear. I can do these dishes.” Brenda started rinsing the plates and putting them into the dishwasher. Sadie began loading the flatware into the slots on the side. This kind of helping was fine.
“It’s not a bother. The men are deep in conversation, it looks like.” They were talking about Jean-Luc. If she’d been in any doubt earlier, this sealed the deal. Logan and Meyer wanted this criminal badly.
“They’d talk about anything to get out of doing dishes.” Brenda’s eyes twinkled. “Meyer is the original slob. His room was so dirty when he was growing up I was at my wit’s end. He was always too lost in his computer to notice what was going on around him. He’d have dishes of half-eaten food everywhere. Ick.”
The house was immaculate so he must have changed. “He’s okay now, though.”
Brenda laughed. “Logan is the only reason this house is habitable, I’m sure. They have a cleaning service, too.” Brenda closed the dishwasher and started to wipe the countertops and the stove. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice to have another woman around. Sometimes with all three of them, I’m in testosterone overload.”
Sadie settled on a bar stool at the kitchen island. “It was nice of you to come and take care of Logan. I guess his parents couldn’t come as well?”
Brenda pressed her lips together. “I don’t like to speak ill of anyone.” She tossed the cloth into the sink. “But I’ll make an exception this time. His parents disowned him when he came out. Religious nuts, if you ask me. They tried to get him to pray the gay away. Idiots. They couldn’t love him the way he was. He had to conform. His own sister and brother disowned him as well.” Brenda snorted. “We opened our arms to him and I hope he’s never looked back. They don’t deserve a man as fine as Logan for a son. God gives us our children and they’re gifts no matter what. We don’t get to tell God he screwed up. But that’s just my opinion.”
That was Sadie’s opinion, too. She felt closer to Logan knowing his parents were sort of like her own. It sounded like he’d had a bad time, although he was lucky he’d found Meyer, Brenda, and Carl to be his new family.
“That’s really terrible. His own family turning their backs. He seems like a fine man.”
“He is a fine man. One of the best. Meyer and Logan are perfect foils for one another. Logan is outgoing and likes to talk to people, while Meyer prefers working with his computers. Of course, they want a third to add to their family which is a good idea, I think.”
Sadie stiffened in shock. She hadn’t expected Brenda to be so casual about her son being in a ménage relationship.
“You seem okay with it. Don’t you worry they might pick the wrong person and end up ruining what they have? Don’t you worry about the third person not being an equal to Meyer and Logan?”
Brenda smiled. “I’m fine with it. You may have noticed that Carl and I are pretty open-minded. We were the bane of Meyer’s existence for years. Picture intellectual, buttoned-up, uptight Meyer and his hippy parents. He was mortified on many occasions. We believed, and still believe, in the freedom of people to do what makes them happy. If three, four, or even ten people want to come together in love then it’s okay with us.”
She pressed a few buttons on the dishwasher and it hummed to life. “As for picking the wrong person, I trust their judgment. They’re pretty smart.” She quirked an eyebrow at Sadie. “I think they have their eye on a certain someone. And I think you are equal to the task, young lady. If you’re not equal in the relationship, it will be your own fault. You have to stand up and ask for what you want. It won’t fall into your lap.”
Sadie shook her head. “It’s not me. I don’t know why you think it’s me, but it’s not me.”
It couldn’t be Sadie. If it was, she didn’t know how she’d handle it. She was attracted to them, but she had major baggage from the past.
“I see the way they look at you. Open your eyes. They want you. And not for some casual weekend fling. My boys are long past that stage and old enough to know their own minds. They want you. The only question is, do you want them?”
Fear and joy warred inside of her. The thought of being with them was exciting, but the fear of what she would have to give was enormous. Giving to one man would be hard enough, but two? That would be impossible.
“I’m not the right woman for them.” Sadie couldn’t meet the kind woman’s eyes. “I have…issues.”
Brenda put her hand over Sadie’s. “We all have issues. Do you want to wrestle with the demons by yourself or do it with someone you love? I like fighting mine side by side with Carl, personally. He gives them a karate chop every now and then.”
Sadie smiled. “I can picture that. He looks at you like you hung the moon.”
“I look at him the very same way. Love is like that.”
The door to the kitchen swung open and Meyer strode in heading straight for the refrigerator. “Do we have any dessert? I’m hungry.”
Brenda waived a dishtowel at him. “You’re always hungry. Did you help Logan back to his bed?”
“I did. He took a pain pill so he should be sleeping soon.” Meyer was pushing things aside in the refrigerator, clearly looking for something.
“If you’re looking for the chocolate cake, it’s in the pantry.” Meyer straightened up with a grin and started to move in that direction, but Brenda stopped him. “We can all have dessert in a little while. Let your dinner settle in your
stomach. Why don’t you take Sadie out for a walk? It’s a beautiful night. Then we can all have some cake.”
Meyer smiled. “That sounds like an excellent idea. Sadie?” He held out his hand and she found herself slipping her own into his. His fingers entwined with hers and he led her to the foyer.
“Sweater? The temperatures dropped since the sun went down,” Meyer said. He opened the door and let in a rush of cooler air. “Definitely need a sweater.” He reached into the closet and pulled out a large fleece zip-up hoodie. “You can wear this.”
“What will you wear?” She shrugged into it and had to steel herself from burying her face in the fabric. It smelled like Meyer. Utterly delicious.
“I’m fine. I rarely get cold.” He led her down the porch and onto the sidewalk. They walked side by side, not talking, but taking in the sounds and sights of the neighborhood. In the distance, Sadie could hear the barking of a dog, and the laughter of children playing. The open blinds and curtains gave them an intimate view into the lives of the people that lined this street. Moms, dads, and kids sitting down to dinner, watching television, and spending time together. It was a family scene. It could have been a sight from fifty years ago except the cars were new and the children playing carried cell phones.
They walked to the end of the street and turned into the small playground that serviced the neighborhood. Sadie smiled as they walked up to the swings, empty now in the darkness. She sat down on one and began swaying back and forth, her too long legs scraping the ground.
“The swings were always my favorite.” She kept her voice hushed, not wanting to break the silvery silence under the moon and stars.
Meyer sat down in the swing next to hers. “I was more of a teeter totter kind of kid. Although, as a loner, it was hard to find someone to teeter with.”
“Is that a word, ‘teeter’?”
Meyer chuckled softly. “It is now.”
Sadie leaned back in the swing and looked up at the sky. “Was it hard being a loner?”
Meyer twisted the swing around and around, then lifted his feet up as the chains quickly unwound, spinning him in a circle. “Sometimes. Most of the time it didn’t matter to me. I was focused on learning as much as I could about computers, writing programs, playing video games. Your basic geek. When I needed company, I hung out with other misfits like me.”
“I can’t imagine you as a nerd.” He seemed too confident and in control.
“Thank my parents. They kept telling me it was okay to be different. Even when I didn’t believe them, I wanted to believe them.”
“Your parents are pretty cool.”
“Yes, they are, but it took me awhile to figure that out. I was kind of embarrassed by them when I was a kid. They were holding on to the sixties while I had my eye firmly on the future and the technology I could play with and explore.”
“And master?” she teased.
“That, too,” he conceded. “That’s the best part. When I can do something everyone thinks can’t be done.”
The chirping of crickets was the only sound as they both swayed back and forth. Meyer was a quiet man not given to idle chatter. The silence stretched on but instead of being awkward it felt comfortable. There was something about Meyer that made her feel secure and accepted. Meyer reached out and captured the chain of her swing and pulled her toward him.
“I like you, Sadie.”
His legs wrapped around hers and his hands gripped the links, pulling her close so she was inches from him. She could smell his aftershave and feel the heat from his body.
“I like you, too.”
Meyer’s lips twisted into a smile. “Logan would be better at this, but since he’s under the influence there’s only me to do it. What I’m trying to say is Logan and I like you a lot. We’re attracted to you, and we wondered if you were attracted to us?”
She swallowed hard. Lying wasn’t something she was very good at. “You’re both very attractive men. But I’m sure you know that.”
“We know we’re not ugly, but our opinion isn’t what matters. Your opinion is the important one.”
She wasn’t sure what to say. Sadie fidgeted on the hard seat of the swing. “I like you both, but I don’t think we should take it past friendship. Assuming that’s what you had in mind.”
Meyer nodded, his expression serious. “It is. Can I ask what your objections are? What can we do to convince you to take a chance on us? We’re nice guys and we’d like to date you, Sadie. Let’s see if we have what it takes to make something long-term out of this.”
Sadie couldn’t hide her smile. This was so like Meyer. Get to the heart of the matter and cut out all the small talk, bullshit any other man would have used. He simply wanted to knock down any roadblocks and get what he wanted. Direct, honest, and to the point.
“I’m not a deal to be closed. This isn’t about solving a case, this is about emotions. Logic will only take you so far here.”
She had several logical arguments as to why she shouldn’t get involved with them, but she had a big emotional one as well.
Meyer frowned, clearly not happy his logic wouldn’t be able to solve this. “Fine. Let’s forget logic then.”
He leaned forward on the swing and his lips settled on hers. She stiffened in shock, but his warm, gentle coaxing soon had her mouth softening under his. He took control as he felt her surrender, his tongue invading and exploring. The blood thickened in her veins and she had to grip the chain with her fingers to keep from flinging herself into his arms.
His hand cupped the back of her neck bringing her closer and he angled the kiss to plunge deeper with his tongue. Her eyes were closed but she could see sparkling stars behind her lids as the kiss went on and on. When he finally lifted his head, their breath was ragged and her body was primed for more. She looked into Meyer’s eyes, glittering in the moonlight. His hand tangled in her hair and he pressed her forward until their lips met again, this time slower and sweeter, but no less passionate. A wave of heat swept over her body and hard nipples rubbed against the lace of her bra sending more arrows of pleasure to her cunt.
She didn’t want to be swept away with Meyer but she couldn’t deny the powerful chemistry simmering between them. She’d never felt this aroused from a kiss before. He had her hot and bothered and he hadn’t even broken a sweat.
This time when they parted, he let go of her legs and the chains and she swung away, instantly feeling the loss of his heat. She dug her feet into the gravel to stop her momentum from swinging her back to him. This madness had to stop. She needed to remember all the good reasons she had for not getting involved in any relationships. She was empty and had nothing to give.
The problem was she didn’t feel empty. Meyer’s kiss and touch had filled her with desire and passion. He hadn’t taken from her and given nothing in return. They’d mutually received pleasure from the touch of their lips and the stroking of their tongues.
“You’re not convinced, are you?” Meyer asked. “Do I need to kiss you again? I know you felt what I did.”
She shook her head. “No. I need to think about this. It’s too much for me to take in all at once. This morning you both were my bosses. Now you want to be more. Can’t you give me some time?”
Meyer sighed and ran his fingers through his hair so it stood on end. “Absolutely. I’m sorry if it feels like we’re rushing you. We meant to give you more time but then Logan kissed you in the hospital and it seemed like we shouldn’t wait. We’ve wanted you since the moment we saw you.”
Sadie laughed in disbelief. “I was black and blue when you first saw me.”
“It’s true,” Meyer insisted. “There was a softness in your eyes that drew us in. Your spirit wasn’t broken even when you’d been beaten. It attracted us right away.” He reached out and captured her hand in his. “I know you’re younger than we are and you need time. I’d like to give you all the time you need.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You’d like to? Are you saying you can’t for
some reason?”
“I’m a patient man, so is Logan. But we want you. We want to show you how we feel.”
She glanced down at the bulge in his jeans, her face growing warm. “Is that how you want to show me?”
Meyer grinned. “Rest assured, yes. Every day, if possible.”
Sadie gaped. “Every day? Do you and Logan have sex every day?” She wanted to dig a hole in the sandy earth and hide asking a question like that. It was none of her damn business. Luckily, Meyer didn’t seem to take offense.
“Pretty much, although this accident has put a crimp in our activities for a few days. Does that shock you?”
Meyer’s eyebrows were pulled down in concern. She shook her head. “No, it doesn’t shock me. I just can’t imagine having that much sex. I’ve never been a very sexual person. Never saw what all the fuss was about, actually.”
“If you give us a chance, I promise we’ll show you what all the fuss is about.” Meyer smiled and she felt a lurch low in her abdomen. She’d read lots of books and she did want to have great sex once in her life before she died. She stood, determined to end the conversation and the dangerous track her mind was headed down.
“We should get back. Didn’t you want some chocolate cake?”
Meyer stood and wrapped his hand around hers as they walked back down the street toward the house. “This conversation isn’t over, Sadie. We’re not going to give up so easily. I see the indecision in your expression and the need in your eyes. Give us a chance, that’s all we’re asking for.”
She wanted to say yes, and she wanted to run away. Her heart argued with her head, and her libido was taking her heart’s side. At this rate, she was going to fall in a puddle at his feet and beg him to make love to her.
“All I’m asking for is some time. Can you give me that?” she asked again.
Plenty to Give [Plenty, FL 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 5