by JC Szot
Dual Desire
Sexually repressed and unable to find a man who’s patient, giving her time to emerge from her shell, Ivy Tanner finds more than she bargained for when she takes a job at The Hidden Hills Resort. Twins Reed and Joel Dyer are enamored from the start when their aunt, June, hires Ivy to manage the front desk. Due to the demands of the tourist industry, Reed and Joel have only been able to connect briefly with various female guests. With the possibility of a permanent relationship, Reed and Joel’s attitude regarding their future changes drastically.
The night of the resort’s annual Halloween party, Ivy is swept off her feet by a masked man. Her partner uses his anonymity to lead her out, enabling her to abandon her sexual inhibitions. While struggling with the euphoric aftermath of her encounter, the twins begin their pursuit. Realizing the twins come as a packaged pair has Ivy reluctantly confessing to her evening of passion. When her masked lover comes forward, will new relationships be strained or strengthened?
Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings.
Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre
Length: 36,524 words
DUAL DESIRE
JC Szot
MENAGE AMOUR
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: Ménage Amour
DUAL DESIRE
Copyright © 2013 by JC Szot
E-book ISBN: 978-1-62242-122-0
First E-book Publication: January 2013
Cover design by Christine Kirchoff
All cover art and logo copyright © 2013 by Siren Publishing, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
PUBLISHER
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
Letter to Readers
Dear Readers,
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Regarding E-book Piracy
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DEDICATION
To my dear friend, and fellow writer, Loc Glin. Let’s keep those great ideas coming.
DUAL DESIRE
JC SZOT
Copyright © 2013
Chapter One
“Who is that?” Joel’s face went slack, his eyes wide. He was immobilized, gawking at the gorgeous brunette who was gracing the front desk in the lobby.
“Contain yourself,” Reed said, murmuring between pressed lips. He playfully smacked Joel upside the head, grabbing his arm and pulling him behind the partition.
Reed shook Joel’s shoulder, forcing his twin brother’s eyes to connect with his. Life with a twin wasn’t easy. It was a life that constantly teetered between sides. Joel was the one person he could count on, but at times they’d become adversaries, though it was much more prevalent during their childhood. As adults they needed each other too much. With their parents passing in an unexpected accident while overseas on vacation, they were all each other had.
“Her name’s Ivy. She’s the new front desk coordinator,” Reed told him, his words a hushed whisper. He didn’t like the way Joel’s eyes were wandering. Joel loved women. He also loved to share them with Reed. Reed didn’t fully understand it, but the few times they’d shared had been an incredible bonding experience. They were closer now than they’d ever been. Sometimes Reed felt like Joel’s crutch. Nevertheless, he’d give his life for Joel. Not many brothers could be naked together with the same woman.
After their parents’ death when the boys were fourteen, their Aunt June had taken them in. June owned a hotel up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. They felt isolated at times, but every once in a while there would be a guest of interest who would feed their lustful appetites. This time it looked to be an employee. This was much different. It held the potential of permanence. Reed could see all the possible scenarios that Joel was sewing together in his naughty mind.
“Joel,” Reed said, seething. He stared into those same electric-blue eyes. They weren’t identical, but even with a fraternal twin, he often felt like he was looking at himself. There were slight differences in their appearances. Joel kept his hair neatly clipped above his ears, where Reed liked his long, styling the dirty-blond strands away from his face. The structure in their faces was also a helpful visual to those who had trouble telling them apart. Joel’s face was thinner, his jaw more narrowed than Reed’s. Other than that, if they wanted to, they could fool anyone—and they’d had their share of fun swapping identities and confusing all the help before Joel went and cut his hair. “Those Dyer twins,” the staff would say, laughing. “They always keep you guessing.”
* * * *
Reed was more of a gentleman. What could Joel say? He even had sense enough to admit it. He wasn’t a pig. They both respected women, but Joel had an uncontrollable urge at times that sometimes led to carelessness. His aggressive ways had backfired on him in the past. He was relieved that he had Reed there to keep him in check.
“What did you say her name was?”
“Ivy Tanner. Aunt June hired her last week. You’re aware that Marion’s leaving, right?” Reed asked, releasing his grip.
“Yes, of course I am.” Joel’s tone was exasperated. “Jesus,” Joel hissed. “Did you look at her? Is she a boarder, too?”
“Yes,” Reed said with a sigh. “Aunt June gave her the small bungalow at the top of the hill. She is very pretty.”
“Pretty doesn’t do her justice.” Joel frowned, shaking his head. He sidestepped his brother, needing another glimpse.
This Ivy Tanner was of a different breed. His mind raced, needing to label her cultural heritage with another quick glance. Her hair was dark, almost black. It framed a set of eyes that were large and as dark as inkwells. Her hairstyle was unique, a sleek, symmetrical style that seemed to suit her thin face. Ivy’s cheekbones gave her face that hollow, sensual look. A light-gray blouse was buttoned up tight, concealing all that was inside, much to Joel’s disappointment. His eyes journeyed down her long, lean legs encased in black hosiery. He swallowed hard when his gaze settled on a pair of black stilettoes. The woman was polished.
Reed shook him again. “You all right?” he asked, scratching his head, smiling.
“Yeah, yeah.” Joel stepped back, adjusting the rise in his crotch.
“For fuck’s sake,” Reed said, rolling his eyes. “You better behave,” Reed warned, his brows knitting across his forehead. Joel grinned.
“Well, that’s no fun, seeing as she’s arrived just in time for the annual Halloween bash. Don’t go blowing my fantasy outta the water, huh?” he chuckled. “I better get back into the dining room…lunch crowd will be heading in.” His words were slurred. Joel turned on his heel and swayed through the double doors. His body felt heavy, almost drugged from his recent observance.
Chapter Two
“They’re twins, right?” Ivy gestured with a tilt of her head.
“Yes,” Marion whispered. “The Dyer twins are June’s nephews,” Marion informed her.
“I did meet Reed this morning.” Ivy directed her eyes back to the desk piled high with ledgers.
“Joel isn’t lurking far behind,” Marion assured her, laughing. “They’re a pair, I tell you. Now, let me help you sort through these files.”
Marion was due to retire in three days. It was her job that Ivy was taking over. Marion would be a tough act to follow, having worked for the Hidden Hills Resort for twenty-seven years. Ivy was ecstatic to have landed this job.
Having earned her degree in hotel/restaurant management, it’d taken her two years to find a job after college. Despite the shitty economy, things were looking up. The real plus was that she could live on the two-hundred-acre spread. Her rent for the small bungalow was so cheap it was obscene.
Ivy was eager to settle in. Being the new employee was rough. She’d been intercepting evaluating stares all morning. The subtle glances of attention she’d received from June’s nephews hadn’t gone unnoticed, especially the one with the shorter hair. She wanted to ask about them, but didn’t want Marion to think she’d taken this job in hopes of going on a manhunt.
All of her past experiences with the male population had ended badly. Actually they’d gone sour before anything had ever begun. As Ivy updated Marion’s computer that had sat idle, Marion fed her curiosity without her having to ask.
“June’s nephews work in the food and beverage department. Reed is a waiter, and Joel tends to the bar most nights. Joel has the shorter hair. That’s how you’ll be able to tell them apart, thank God. Now that they’re older and wear their hair differently, at least you can tell who’s who,” Marion said, giggling.
Ivy glanced up at her for a moment. Marion’s lined face and red-painted smile hung overhead. Ivy felt her face flush with heat.
“I’m going to go to lunch. Will you be okay here by yourself?” Marion reached behind the front desk to retrieve her purse.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll just finish installing these programs so I can get started on my docs.” Ivy smiled.
“Okay, honey.” Marion waved as she made her way around the front desk and headed into the dining room. The tinkle of a bell had Ivy turning to the opposite end of the counter.
Brilliant blue eyes gleamed under the fluorescent track lighting above. A slightly cunning smile tugged on a pair of full lips. A raspy voice edged through the muffled bustle of the lobby, making her bones shudder.
“Thought you might want a nice latte.” He slid a tall, ceramic mug across the counter. “Welcome to Hidden Hills. I’m Joel Dyer.” His hand reached for hers. Ivy accepted his firm grip, his fingers warmed from the mug.
“Thank you.” She chewed the inside of her cheek, smoothing out her black skirt. He was casing her out like a circling hawk. His eyes locked with hers, their blue looking like ice crystals at dawn. His next comment had her off-balance.
“It’ll be nice to have some more young blood around here.” His laughter was hoarse. Ivy lowered her eyes, removing her latte from the counter with both hands. She sipped carefully, meeting his gaze cautiously. The frothy confection slid down her throat, warming her empty stomach.
“Anyway…” His brows rose. “Welcome. I hope you’re happy here.” Joel canted his head at her, his eyes flashing. It wasn’t the first time she’d felt examined today. His personal scent hung in the air between them, bombarding her nose with the rich, fresh fragrance. He smelled like a forest of pine trees in winter.
Ivy clenched the mug in her hands, watching his ass swagger away with an assurance that had her breaking out into a sweat.
Men were such a problem for her. It wasn’t that she was a prude, but the few relationships she’d tried to have always failed. It was an instant-gratification society. Ivy couldn’t keep up with the rest of the population. The men she’d dated just never seemed willing to give her the time to feel comfortable with them. How people could get naked and screw after the first date was unbeknownst to her.
She needed to get used to a person first. There was nothing worse than trying to relax, have sex—let alone achieve an orgasm—after a two-hour meeting. She’d never been able to feel anything except the corded nerves that often kept her bound so tight that no sensation could push through. She wasn’t one of those women who could be primed and ready for sex after having one meal with a man.
She needed someone with more patience, someone who was willing to go slow and help her get to a place where she could loosen up and enjoy.
Marion took a long lunch. Marion and June were spending their last days together before Marion packed it in and moved to Florida to be near her grandkids.
Ivy had the computer set up exactly the way she wanted it. She saved her work and sat back in the cushioned chair. The resort had a rustic look to it, with just the right hint of refinement.
The lobby was large, holding the same characteristics as a ski lodge with some sophistication added. A large gas fireplace dominated a cozy sitting area. Leather furniture in bold browns and creamy buttermilk shades were sporadically placed. Soft light accented the room from the brass wall sconces. Stained-glass lamps sat on small oak end tables. The spacious room had an earthy feel decorated in neutral tones.
Ivy recalled the day June had taken her on a tour of the grounds, showing her all the varieties of accommodations. There were four different types of lodgings to choose from. The Garden of Eden was on the top of the list, often chosen by honeymooners. Ivy had never seen a suite with its own indoor pool. The Oasis was a close second, offering their guests a plush suite with a whirlpool tub for two. The Cove Cabins and Lakeside Villas were more rustic and geared for the outdoorsy types who would spend most of their time outside hiking, biking, or skiing. The Hidden Hills Resort had much to offer no matter what the season.
Ivy loved her bungalow. It was perfect for her, not too small, but with plenty of room for all the things she had wanted to bring with her. June had mentioned that Reed and Joel lived in one of the Lakeside Villas. She wasn’t sure where they were in relation to her bungalow. She could see the edge of the lake from her living room window, but hadn’t gone exploring yet.
The soft murmurs of two guests brought her attention back to her duties. A couple was signing the ledger, wanting to register for the annual Halloween party that was a little under a month away. Ivy would be working very closely with June over the next few weeks. The Halloween party was June’s pride and joy. It was a labor of love for all the staff at the resort. They always had a full house. Locals as well as regular guests looked forward to the
annual event.
It was a requirement that all the guests as well as the employees dress in costume. She’d have to figure out what she was going to wear, and soon. She found herself wondering what type of costume Reed and Joel would decide on. It must be hard not to run out of ideas after all these years.
June had shared that the twins had lost their parents at a young age. Ivy’s mother had run off when she was a baby, leaving her in a car seat on the floor of the living room. When her father had gotten home from work, she’d been soaked and soiled, her father panic-stricken. He’d done a good job, though. He was a retired engineer who now spent his time traveling.
At four o’clock her relief showed up. Ivy packed her tote bag and headed out the back door. She walked up the pine-needled path that wound through the grounds to her bungalow. Twilight shaded the horizon, the sky an ashy gray. It was getting darker earlier now, reminding one of the pending winter season.
Ivy breathed in the crisp, evergreen air. At least when she walked out her front door, the trees would all still be green. A bare landscape in winter tended to depress her. The winding out of an engine had her turning. She knew it was Reed. Strands of sandy brown hair blew away from his face as he navigated the ATV up the hill. Ivy had traded her stilettoes for a pair of sneakers before leaving the lobby. She glanced down at herself, laughing at her attire. Hell, this is how the women in New York navigate their way through a commute.
Her eyes met his. Reed’s face broke out into a wide grin. After a short time, she could somewhat assess the differences in the twins’ demeanor. Reed appeared to be more personable. He’d hung around the front desk this morning until June had come in to greet her on her first day. Joel, on the other hand, had a bit of an astute edge. Ivy would just have to learn them. She thought it safe to assume that by the time the Poconos saw their first snowfall, she’d know the individualities that separated the Dyer twins.