Love of Steel [The Callens 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Melody Snow Monroe

  The pain morphed into pleasure as she dropped back her head and let out a primal scream. Her climax drenched her with intense heat.

  He lowered his head, inhaled, and grunted. Hot cum filled the condom, but he continued to plunge into her long after his release, as if someone had taken over his body. She plastered her chest to his body and dropped her head on his shoulder, needing to feel his skin against hers.

  He stopped moving but still hung on tight. Somehow he turned around and walked them back to the table without incident. He eased her onto the top and withdrew.

  “Christ.” He wet his lips. “Be right back.”

  His feet trudged to the back and down the hall. Cool air chilled her, but she had no energy to walk over to her pile of clothes.

  He came back and wiped her down. “I’ll get our clothes.”

  “I appreciate that.” If she’d stepped down from the table, she wasn’t sure her legs could have held her up.

  * * * *

  When Jade got home, she almost didn’t want to shower. Parker’s rich, manly scent was all over her skin. Her lips were a bit swollen, as were a few other body parts, but the glory of the sex they’d shared made her smile all the way home.

  Her doorbell rang and boots sounded on the floor below. “Come on up, Dakota.” It was after closing, so she wondered what her friend was doing here.

  Dakota dropped down on the bed. “So?”

  “So what?”

  “I saw you leave with those pieces you were making for Parker’s set. Did he like them?”

  She was glad Dakota wasn’t here to see if Parker had put the moves on her. Her friend had a sixth sense about her. “He loved them and asked if I’d add some more bars. I’m going to start working on them tonight.”

  “Have you finished doing your quarterly taxes or your yearly taxes, for that matter?”

  Shit. She’d been so diverted with the trip to New Orleans that she’d completely forgotten about them. Then as soon as she returned, Parker had asked for the grillwork for the set. “I wished you’d learn how to do them.”

  Dakota laughed. “If I worked on your finances, the IRS would audit you so fast that you’d land in jail with no hope of ever getting out.”

  Jake pulled off her blouse. If she was going to do some welding tonight, she needed to throw on one of her grungy tees. “Now I have to waste my time doing that.”

  “It’s the price of being a business owner.”

  “Amen.”

  Dakota got up from the bed and came near. “Your bra is on inside out.”

  “Crap.” She took if off and tossed it in the dirty hamper. There was no way she’d wear her new lacy bra when she welded anyway.

  “Oh, my God. You had sex with Parker.”

  Damn. Dakota would find out anyway if she didn’t tell. The woman could see through steel. “So?”

  Her friend practically jumped up and down. “Holy shit. You’ve slept with both men in less than a week when you haven’t had sex in years. Was this experience fantastic, too?”

  She couldn’t control her excitement any longer. “Amazing. Wonderful. Powerful. One minute I had my samples in my hand ready to leave, and the next he removes them from me, slams me against the wall and fucks me.”

  “Ahhhh. Why can’t I be so lucky?” She paced in front of the bed. “I pictured Logan to be the wild type. Parker is softer and more artsy.”

  “I know. Right? I always thought Parker only kind of wanted me, but he never made any moves, so I figured he was a lost cause. I think once he found out what Logan and I had, he wanted in.”

  Her grin got wider. “Have they talked to you about sharing?”

  Wouldn’t that be nice? “Not specifically, but I figured that’s what they want.”

  Dakota edged back to the bed. “Do you?”

  “Want to share? Hell yes, though it kind of scares me. What if one man gets jealous?”

  Her friend leaned back on her elbows and crossed her feet. “Have you ever had two men at once?”

  “Are you kidding? Don’t you think I would have told you? We don’t have any secrets.” At least she hoped Dakota hadn’t kept something as important as a ménage from her. “You haven’t, have you?”

  “The only two men I’d even considered doing that with are your two brothers. Trust me, that means I’ll never be in a ménage relationship.”

  The image of her two brothers having sex wasn’t something she wanted to think about. “Yuck.”

  Dakota laughed as she popped off the bed. “I know you have taxes to do, that chandelier for the Fitzpatricks, and the set design for your new lover. Not to mention the staircase for your other lover. I’ll let you get to work.” She winked and walked out.

  God, she so needed about ten more hours in the day. No sooner had she changed than her cell rang. Her pulse raced, praying it was either Logan or Parker. She retrieved her cell from her good jeans pocket. It was her cousin April.

  “Hey, girl. What’s up?”

  “I dropped the ball.”

  “On what?”

  She hesitated. “Randy had this great idea about what to get Mom for her birthday. You know how she loves to garden?”

  Jade always thought Aunt Veronica had the best smelling flowers in the state. “Absolutely.”

  “Randy suggested I get her a shovel and have you put your magic welding stamp on it.”

  She searched her mind for the date of her aunt’s birthday, praying it was months from now. “What exactly are you looking for?”

  “I have a picture of what I want. Can I come over and show you?”

  She’d never turn down sweet April. “Absolutely. Come in through the back. I’ll be in my shop.” Once she got too tired to pound the anvil, she’d do the taxes. Tomorrow, she’d work on the set and then move on to the staircase. She didn’t even want to think about the month-end bookkeeping that she’d have to do in a week.

  April would arrive in less than fifteen minutes, so Jade rushed downstairs and fired up the furnace. Dakota’s dad had trained both her and his daughter. She wished her assistant would be willing to give it a go and work on some of the smaller projects. Though if she spent time in the workshop, who would man the store?

  No sooner did she realize that glitch than April arrived. They hugged. “How are your classes going?”

  April taught eighth-grade science. Jade wished Uncle Josh had been her father. At least he supported women getting a college education.

  “Great. I just can’t believe my second year is almost over. It’s a lot easier this year than last year, by a long shot.”

  As much as she would have loved to spend time with April, her to-do list was overflowing. “You have something to show me?”

  April pulled out a picture of a shovel whereby the metal was made to look like lace. Her breath hitched. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”

  “I know it’s totally impractical, but I thought Mom could lean it against the railing leading to the back porch. It would be a decorative item. I know she’ll love it.”

  “When’s her birthday? I’m sorry, I can’t keep track.”

  “You? Neither can I. I put everything on my calendar. I was good with my brothers and sisters, but with so many cousins and now a nephew, I’m lost without technical aids.”

  She loved April. She was fun but practical at the same time.

  “It’s in ten days. I know that’s a short time, but can you do it?”

  I have no time. “I’ll do my best.”

  April hugged her. “I have a new shovel in my car. I’ll run out and get it.”

  Maybe Jade needed to turn off her cell, drag a refrigerator in here and never leave until all the work was done. April returned with the shovel and placed it by the door.

  “I can see you’re busy. Call me when it’s done.”

  “Will do.”

  April slipped out, and all chance of spending time with Logan or Parker disappeared.

  As she heated the iron to start the gr
illwork, she planned her week. Procrastinating to do the taxes wasn’t an option. She figured the Fitzpatricks wouldn’t complain too much if they had to wait a little longer, but the play and her aunt’s birthday were dates that wouldn’t disappear. And people always asked why she was so thin. It was called too much work and not enough time to eat.

  * * * *

  By the time Jade showered and crawled into bed, it was a few minutes before 3:00 a.m. When her alarm went off at 6:15 a.m., she grumbled and rolled over. Taxes had to come first. Then she’d split her day between the birthday shovel and Parker’s set. Repeat as needed. Within the week, she figured all three projects should be good to go, assuming there weren’t any more interruptions.

  After she nearly drowned herself in coffee, she went into her office to start her chore for the IRS. Her mind refused to focus. Dakota’s question about sharing her men kept rattling around in her brain. Logan was sophisticated and fabulous. He appreciated her work and was the most considerate man she knew. Parker seemed to understand who she really was. He was an artist with a vision who got her need to create. From when she’d watched him work with the actors, she knew how he loved to talk about what motivated people and then tried to draw out the best in them.

  Why they wanted her, she didn’t know, but right now she didn’t have time to dwell. The IRS wasn’t going to wait.

  Before she knew it, her downstairs bell rang indicating Dakota was on her way up from the store. When she glanced at the clock, she was shocked and a bit dismayed to see it was after five.

  “I brought you some food. Have you eaten today?” Dakota waved a bag from the Eatery, which was one of her favorite places to eat.

  “I knew there was a reason why you were my best friend.”

  “I’m your assistant, too.” Dakota laughed. “I got two sandwiches. One for me and one for you. Have you been here all day? No sounds were coming from the workshop.”

  “Yup.” She yawned. “I’m almost done, too.” She waved a finger in the air. “After dinner, it’s off to work on a birthday present for my aunt and to make the second balcony.”

  “You’ve made progress, but don’t forget the staircase for Logan.”

  She groaned. “I know.”

  She was pleased she was able to fashion something that looked like an authentic New Orleans balcony. While it lacked the detail compared to the real ones, for a community stage play, it would suffice.

  “Did you get any sexy phone calls today?” Dakota bit into her sandwich.

  “No. No calls.”

  “Well, it has only been a day.”

  She’d seen Parker yesterday, but it had been a few days since Logan had escorted her to New Orleans. “Do you think Logan is mad that I made love with Parker? He hasn’t called.”

  “That would be a no. My guess is that he’s waiting for you to call him.”

  She rolled her eyes. “He can call me.” Or had her mother brainwashed her into believing that men were supposed to be the aggressors?

  Dakota shook her head. They’d had the role-playing conversation too many times before. Even she was beginning to wonder why she was so stubborn. Hell, maybe Dakota was right and she should just be herself and go after them.

  “Not that I don’t appreciate you bringing me dinner, but I have to get to the workshop. I promised Parker that I’d be done in three days.”

  “Three? Yikes. You have any time to work on the Fitzpatrick piece? They called again today.”

  Crap. “Stall them, will you? I’ll do it next week for sure.”

  Dakota wiped her mouth, gathered the empty paper, and tossed the garbage in the trash. “Yes, masta.”

  Once more, Jade dragged herself from the second floor down to the first floor. At least in a few hours she’d have something tangible to hold in her hand. Just in case one of the men decided to stop by, she unlocked the side door. When she was pounding the steel she often heard nothing. Throughout the evening she alternated between the lace design for her aunt and the set piece. After seven hours of constant pounding and welding, she couldn’t keep her eyes open or lift her arms anymore.

  She locked the side door, depressed that the men hadn’t made any contact. She refused to believe they were only interested in her for the pleasures of the body. Both men made her feel too special. In two days, she’d be done with the ironwork and then Parker would have to see her.

  Chapter Seven

  After three days of working more or less nonstop, Jade had her taxes done, the balconies completed for Parker, and was halfway through the shovel for her aunt. She’d managed to start the chandelier for the Fitzpatricks and do about three feet of the staircase for Logan. Now the only glitch would be if Parker didn’t like what she’d designed.

  Since she’d said she’d help with the actual hammering and nailing of the set, she’d have to spend a few days working on that. How she had the strength to do anything, she didn’t know, but she planned on plowing ahead.

  She’d called Parker to see when he’d be free to look at the balcony. The current play was going on that night, but perhaps he would be working with the actors for the next play during the day. He said between four and five he’d fit her in.

  Fit me in, indeed.

  She totally got that he was busy. Hell, who wasn’t, but he’d hesitated too long before suggesting a time. He’d asked for the iron pieces and that was what he’d get. She loaded the pieces in her truck and headed to the theater. In case she misunderstood his delayed comment, she changed into something sexy and put on makeup.

  When she pulled up, there were few cars in the lot. Maybe the rehearsal for the upcoming play hadn’t started yet, or else they were on a break. The balconies were heavy so she needed some help carrying them up the stairs.

  Inside, the theater was fairly dark and eerily quiet. She walked down the main aisle and headed backstage. Voices sounded. One was definitely Parker, and the other sounded a lot like Logan. Her step quickened.

  She pulled back the curtain and both of her men were there. As soon as they saw her they stopped their conversation and grinned as if they’d been talking about her. They strode over. Part of her wanted to throw herself at them and kiss both of them silly, but the other half was a bit peeved because they hadn’t contacted her in days.

  She directed her gaze at Logan. “Did you find your charger?” Even to her ears she sounded pissy, but she couldn’t help it. It was how she felt.

  As expected, he looked rather perplexed. “For my phone? It was never lost.”

  “Oh, so your phone is working?”

  His head lifted as if he finally got what she was saying. “It’s a two-way street, you know. You have my number.”

  “True.” Getting into a debate wasn’t on her to-do list. “I have the balconies in my truck and need to find two strong men to help me carry them in.”

  “Let’s get them!” Parker said.

  All three went out to her truck and carried in the set. The men spread them out on the floor.

  Parker studied them. “These are wonderful, but is there any way you can add a few more scrolls on this second one?”

  He had to be kidding. “I’m swamped right now. I’m sorry.”

  Logan moved next to her, wrapped a possessive arm around her waist, and squeezed. “You know, darlin’, if you married a wealthy man, you wouldn’t have to bother taking on projects that don’t interest you just to make money.”

  His lame comment came out of nowhere. “I don’t need to get married to do what I like. I need another assistant.” She pulled out her cell phone to check the time. “I know you both have a tight schedule, and I have to work on another piece. We’ll be in touch.”

  She balled up the bottom of her top, spun on her heels, and walked out as evenly as possible.

  Why don’t you marry a wealthy man? Her mom had fallen for a wealthy man and look what she had to show for it—nine kids and years and years of constant cooking and cleaning. No thank you. Her mom had no me time.

  The
farther Jade got from the theater, the more pissed she became. Both Parker and Logan seemed to have the same attitude about her job. She took pride in running her business. Maybe she wasn’t the best at managing her time because she kept agreeing to help people, but she did make a living at what she loved. Did they really think she needed a man to support her? They sure as hell didn’t know her very well. Hard work brought satisfaction. Of all the people she knew, those two should understand about sweat equity.

  Stupid men.

  She parked in the back of her place and entered through her workroom. She wanted to let Dakota know she was back and entered the store. A customer was leaving.

  “Hey.”

  Dakota spun around, a frown marring her pretty face. “What are you doing back so soon?”

  “I just had to drop off the ironwork.”

  “Wasn’t Parker there?”

  Her hidden question came out loud and clear. Why wasn’t there a long, intimate conversation or perhaps a quickie? “Logan was there.”

  Her eyes brightened. “All the more reason to hang around. Did they talk about joining forces?”

  “Not directly.” She told her about Logan’s demeaning comment.

  “Holy shit.”

  Thank goodness she understood. “Exactly.”

  “No. I mean, he’s thinking about marriage.”

  “Not to him.”

  She tugged on her spiked hair. “How did you come to that conclusion? I think he was testing the water to see whether you were interested in a long-term relationship.”

  Jade shook her head. “I have no objection to marriage, but I do to being someone’s little woman. I take pride in my accomplishments, even if my dad thinks all I do is tinker.”

  Dakota slapped her hands on her thighs. “You have no clue what you want.”

  I want Logan and Parker on my terms. “Maybe not.” She didn’t have to time to talk about this. The wound was still too sore. “Listen, sweetie. I really have to get back to work. I’ll check back with you at the end of the day.”