by Sarina Wilde
“No, I’m good there. Just shots.”
He nodded. “That’s okay. More people are that way than you might suspect. Now as to what you feel like you should be doing around here? Trust me when I tell you, there’ll be plenty to do whenever Wyatt comes to visit. He was here for a week before we started advertising for a housekeeper and ran Liam and me both ragged.”
“Is he that bad?”
Chas laughed. “No. I’m sure he’s a perfectly normal three-year-old. We just happened to both be really busy while we were trying to juggle our work with fitting in the needs of a little boy excited to be spending so much time with his dad. It was his first extended visit since I moved in.”
Chas picked up the suture kit.
“I won’t feel it, right?” Greer whispered.
“Might feel a tug, but no, you shouldn’t.” He stopped, holding the suture in a pair of tweezers. “You’ll be fine, Greer. I have the feeling you’re a lot tougher than you think.”
Something in his gaze reassured her. She nodded. “If you don’t mind, I’m not going to watch.”
He chuckled. “Not a problem. Look, if you’re worried about things to do around here? You’re welcome to go to the barn. Do you ride?”
“It’s been a while.”
“Well, the horses can always use exercising. There’s a pool out back if you want to swim…or clean it. Liam and I usually share that job, but another hand pitching in would be okay.”
She felt some small tugs on her finger and took a deep breath. This was okay. It was just Chas in the bathroom, not a hospital. “Are-are you almost done?”
“Yep. Let me get a bandage on this. Keep it dry for a couple of days. Liam and I will handle the kitchen cleanup. Anything you do around the house, I want you wearing a glove, understood?”
Greer’s throat tightened. She touched his hand with hers. “You guys are great, you know?”
Chas arched a brow. “Even if we are lovers?”
Heat suffused her cheeks.
“Does it bother you?”
How was she supposed to answer? Yes—a lie. No, in fact I masturbated on the bed where you probably fucked each other last night. “No.”
He stripped off his gloves and tossed them in the trash can along with the rest of the trash from his finger repairs. “No? That’s all you have to say?”
“No…I mean yes.” Greer stared at him. “It’s okay. I mean, it’s not my business, is it?”
His mouth firmed, the teasing light in his eyes dimmed. “No, it’s not. But we certainly don’t want to flaunt anything that would make you uncomfortable.”
When he stood and started past her, Greer caught his hand. “Please. I don’t know what you want me to say. It’s okay. Really.”
He smiled a little absently. “You’re not to worry. Just settle in, Greer. We want you to be happy working for us.”
When he left, she stared in the mirror, feeling absurdly like bursting into tears. She’d missed some opportunity, and she wasn’t sure exactly what. When she closed her eyes again, the picture of Liam and Chas overhead came back. Would they be there tonight, right above her own room, their hard bodies slick and thrusting against each other?
Chas was relieved when Liam wasn’t in the kitchen. Through the window, he saw him on the patio lighting the grill. Leaving his bag on the counter, Chas dashed up the back stairs. When he stepped inside the room he shared with Liam, he saw the bed had been made, the clothes picked up, and he knew if he checked the bathroom, it would be clean as well.
Chas rubbed a hand over his chest. He wasn’t sure exactly why he was so disappointed. Oh fuck, he knew why. For the first time in God only knew how long, he was attracted to a woman—and it seemed she didn’t feel the same way. Why Greer? He encountered plenty of beautiful women every day, so why was Greer the one who had finally tripped his trigger? And just how would that work with Liam? He certainly didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize their relationship, but he had to admit—even if it was only to himself—Greer made him feel things he’d never felt with a woman before.
He ditched the scrubs and stalked into the bathroom. He should probably be helping Liam, but he needed a shower and some clean clothes, plus some time to think first.
As much as her words had disappointed him, Chas couldn’t help thinking there was a lot more going on with her than she’d shown them. He thought of the blush on her cheeks when first Liam, then he had mentioned their relationship. She wasn’t as indifferent as she wanted them to believe.
So he would see, keep an eye on her reactions. Now she knew he and Liam were lovers, they could be more open, and he’d see how she responded.
Why was he even going there? Did he really think she’d be into a relationship with the two of them? For that matter, would Liam? His ex had really given him a headfuck before she’d walked out, unable to deal with a spouse attracted to both men and women. As far as Chas knew, Liam hadn’t been with any woman since.
As for Chas? His experience was limited, at best. What would it be like to kiss Greer? His heart thudded. He stroked his finger down his cheek. Her skin had been soft, the expression in her eyes startled, confused, wary. Maybe not so different than what he felt.
When he got back to the kitchen, Liam was holding Greer’s hand and checking out the neat bandage Chas had applied.
“Inspecting my work?” he asked casually, confused by the feeling of possessiveness he felt…for both of them.
Liam glanced his way, a slumberous look in those velvety eyes that instantly made Chas’ cock twitch as he pictured Liam cuffing him to his office chair. Liam smiled as if he knew exactly what Chas was thinking.
“Yes. Making sure between the two of us we haven’t crippled her for life.”
As if aware of the undertones, Greer slipped her hand free. “I’ll set the table.”
“Why don’t we eat outside?” Chas said. “The heat’s not bad and I could use some fresh air after being in the operating room all afternoon.”
He helped her with the plates, the condiments and the drinks. Their hands brushed a time or two. Their eyes met. She blushed and Chas’ body tightened. Maybe it was true. Maybe they didn’t really need a housekeeper most of the time, but Lord she was a nice addition. Chas liked the way she’d fit herself so seamlessly into their lives in just a few days.
She kept to herself in the evenings, but he and Liam could work on changing that. He wanted to know her better, wanted to know why there was a wounded look that never quite left those big gray eyes. He glanced at Liam. Chas wanted Liam to want her the way he did. When he caught his lover’s eyes on her, Chas released his breath. Lee was just as aware of her. Thoughts of the three of them together teased Chas’ imagination. Could it become more than a fantasy? His attention reverted back to Greer.
She stretched across the table to set a plate on the opposite side. As she reached, her short T-shirt sleeve rose. Chas’ eyes narrowed as he saw the edge of what was obviously a burn scar. What the fuck? He took a half step forward just as she turned. Something about the look on his face must have revealed his thoughts. Suddenly, her expression simply closed. There was no other way to describe it, almost as if she’d checked out or walled herself off.
“Excuse me,” she murmured. “I’ll go get the silverware.”
He stared after her, eyes narrowed.
“What was with that?” Liam asked.
Chas shook his head. Whatever it was, she wasn’t ready to share it, so neither would he.
She was gone a lot longer than it took to simply get silverware. When she returned, she had a different shirt on, one with longer sleeves. When he arched a brow, she muttered, “I noticed my shirt had some blood on it, so I changed.”
While it was a plausible explanation, he doubted that was the real reason, but he wasn’t going to press it. He wanted to find out more about her, but the way she’d closed right up when she caught him looking at her was enough to tell him, she would run if they pressed her too hard. He thou
ght of that panic attack again, the way she’d swayed as though she were about to faint when she’d thought she might have to go to an ER.
Panic attacks were often the result of some major trauma. The edge of the scar he’d glimpsed was enough for him to know it wasn’t anything recent, but it would have been a major trauma…
“Wake up, Chas,” Liam said. “Dinner’s ready. Greer’s gone to grab some beers.” He glanced toward the house. “What’s going on with you two?”
Chas brushed a hand over his hair. “Hell, I don’t know.”
Liam smacked his ass as he passed. “She knows we sleep together and is still here. That’s a plus.”
“Maybe.” Chas wasn’t so certain. “Do you think she likes us?”
“I think she’s curious,” Liam said with a smile. “It’s obvious you like her.”
Chas arched a brow. “And you?”
Liam’s intense brown eyes softened. “I do, but I think I scare her. I don’t mean to. Maybe we could talk about it a little later. You know, about where we’re headed. I won’t risk losing her services as a nanny.”
Chas had no chance to respond as Greer returned with three bottles of beer.
As they filled their plates, the only noise was the clink of silverware against dishware and in the background, the hum of cicadas and tree frogs. Chas leaned back, just listening to the sound of a summer evening. He needed this.
“You okay?” Liam asked.
Chas nodded. “Rough afternoon. Surgery took longer than expected, and I’m not sure it will be a success.”
“Chas is a trauma surgeon at St. Mark’s. If he’s not patching up gunshot wounds and accident victims, then he ends up doing any kind of general surgery that comes into the emergency room,” Liam told Greer.
She set her fork down. Sipped her beer. Just a faint tremble in her hand, but Chas noticed. “Have you ever been there?” he asked, then could have kicked himself. So much for not pushing.
She set the beer bottle back on the table. “Yes.” The smile on her face was anything but genuine. “I mean, who hasn’t? It’s the biggest medical complex in the area.”
Oh it was a hell of a lot more than that to her, and he was going to find out.
Liam waved a French fry at her. “Tell me about the drawing table we moved into your sitting room.”
She shrugged. “I use it like a desk. It’s nothing.”
Liam tilted his head. “I can hear the bullshit in that, Greer. You draw?”
“Some. It’s a hobby.”
Liam leaned back in his chair. “People who draw just as a hobby don’t invest in a drawing table.”
“Liam…” Chas cautioned.
Greer held up her hand. “No it’s okay. I was an art major, but I never finished.”
“Why?” Liam was nothing if not direct. And this time she was shutting down. The light in her eyes was gone, and her soft lips looked as though she were fighting to keep them from trembling.
“Things happen. People change.”
“I’d be happy to look at some of your work.”
Chas did a double take. Liam never offered to look at anyone’s work. Chas had known him long enough to know he was barraged wherever he went by people who wanted him to look at their paintings, their sketches, their clay projects. Liam shut them down. Always.
Now the reverse was happening.
Greer shook her head. “No. It’s not something that’s ever going anywhere. It’s just a hobby now, Liam. But thanks.”
His eyes narrowed, but he dropped it. Chas was relieved. Greer looked pale. He touched the bandage. “You getting some pain now?”
She nodded, her eyes shadowed. “The numbness is wearing off.”
“I can give you a painkiller. Might make you a little drowsy since you’ve had a beer.”
“It’s not as if I have a hot date. If you guys don’t mind having a snoring housekeeper, I could use something. Maybe it will help me sleep.”
Chas gathered his plate. What he really wanted was a housekeeper who didn’t feel like she had to hide from them, one who didn’t have unexpected shadows in her past wiping the smile from her lips and her eyes. “Let’s get this stuff inside,” he said gruffly, “Then we’ll get you squared away.”
When she started to help with the dishwasher, Chas gave her a gentle push toward her room. “Why don’t you get your pajamas on, then I’ll give you the meds. If you start snoring on us, we can just tuck you in and turn out the lights.”
She nodded. When the door to her room shut, Liam snagged Chas by the waist. “Let’s take her into the family room. We’ll watch a movie—even a chick flick if she wants. I’ll get this cleaned up and bring in some coffee.”
Chas leaned into him and gave him a kiss. “You’re such a fucker most of the time, I hardly know what to do when you’re nice.”
“Back at you, asshole, but it just feels like she could use company until the meds kick in. So, yeah, I can be nice.”
Liam snagged him for another kiss, only releasing him when they heard the door open. Both men turned to see Greer watching them, eyes wide.
“S-sorry,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Liam smiled at her. “You didn’t. Take her away, Doc, and give her drugs while I clean.”
Chapter Four
Liam watched them go. He’d never seen Chas show interest in a woman. Liam wasn’t exactly sure where this was going. If it were anyone other than Greer, he’d simply suggest they all get together for a long, leisurely three-way. He’d never said no to hooking up with men or women…or both at the same time. If that made him a man whore, then fine. Maybe Julie, his ex, was right. He was a slut.
But Chas had been different. From their first handshake, something had sparked between them. He loved pleasuring Chas. He loved the fact that the surgeon, so in command in his professional life, wanted Liam in charge when it came to sex. More importantly, Chas had brought out feelings of commitment. So how did Greer fit into that? How would she change the equation? Liam closed his eyes, his hands grasping the counter edge until his knuckles felt like they’d crack. He would do anything for Chas, anything but lose him. If he was interested in Greer, Liam would welcome her—even if he had his own doubts.
He started coffee, finishing the kitchen cleanup while it brewed. Taking the tray with the coffee mugs into the family room, he saw Greer seated cross-legged in the middle of the couch, Chas to one side and an empty spot on her other side, obviously intended for him. Liam set the tray down and handed them mugs.
Whatever. He would go with the flow. If Chas wanted to explore a relationship with Greer, Liam could get on board. He’d give them privacy, if they wanted it. He grabbed his own mug and took a hurried sip.
Greer’s flowery scent teased his nostrils as he leaned against the back of the couch. She was attractive. She was sweet. To give her credit, it hadn’t seemed to blow her mind when she’d seen him kissing Chas. He watched her cradle the mug between her hands. Even the bandage didn’t hide the delicate gracefulness of her slender fingers and fragile wrists. On a whim, he reached out and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. Hell, who was he kidding? He was just as interested in her as Chas appeared to be.
Startled gray eyes turned in his direction. Lord, a man could drown there. Liam cleared his throat.
“Interesting movie choice.” He’d expected a chick flick, but Greer had picked a picture with a lot of action.
“You expected something like The Notebook, right?”
“I did. Is this really your choice or are you just being polite?”
She grinned. “It’s mine. I guess I just haven’t had enough of knives and blood tonight.”
She shifted her position, curling her legs to his side and leaning a bit more into Chas. Liam found his gaze drawn to the slender length of her thighs, the shapely calves and feet that looked too delicate to actually support anyone. She was different from his usual type. Liam had always gone for tall, stacked women. Greer was…not frag
ile…but built like a sculpture in ivory with carving so fine it looked as though it might break at the drop of a hat. The reality was much tougher. Liam suspected she was too. Her attention was on the movie, but Chas was watching him. When their gazes locked, Chas arched a brow. Liam took a sip of his coffee then slowly smiled.
An hour into the movie, Greer started to droop. Liam took her mug and set it on the table. “Why don’t you stretch out?” he suggested. “Put your feet across my lap and your head in Chas’.”
“Okay.” She blinked slowly, just like Wyatt when he was fighting sleep. Liam wasn’t used to feeling protective about anyone other than his young son.
Chas put a pillow there for her. When she stretched her feet and calves across him, Liam set his mug down and slowly began to massage her arches. Greer moaned. He smiled, gently continuing to rub her feet and ankles. When she felt boneless, he glanced over and saw she’d fallen asleep.
“Leave her for a bit. She’s fine,” Chas murmured. He stroked the hair back from her forehead. Arms stretching along the back of the couch, Chas twined his fingers with Liam’s. The message was clear. Once they had her tucked in, they would take care of the desires swirling between them, more complex now they were both deeply aware of Greer.
The movie ended, and Liam slid from beneath her legs. “I’ll carry her. You turn back the covers.”
“She’ll probably be out the rest of the night.”
They worked quietly so as not to disturb her. Once Liam laid her down, Chas covered her and turned out the light.
“She’s beautiful,” Chas murmured.
Liam nodded. She was. It was a different type of beauty, more natural, less sophisticated than women like his ex, but still stunning. He took Chas’ hand.
“Come on.”
Liam barely had time to pull the door to when Chas pushed him against the wall and wrapped his arms around him. “I don’t want to mess things up, Liam, but I need to know what you’re feeling.”
“Attracted, scared. We never really discussed including someone else in what we have.”
Liam had done a threesome before. In fact, it was how he’d first realized he was as interested in men as women, but he hadn’t shared a woman with Chas. Until now it had been just the two of them. They had talked casually about it once or twice, but only in a “what if” way because they hadn’t met anyone they wanted to include…until now. Funny how she had so quickly made such a difference…especially with Chas.