by Sky Corgan
“Hot for our cocks,” I snort.
“So vulgar. I thought we weren't about that.”
“We're not.” I don't even look at him. “But I'm keeping it real. I want to bury my dick in her. Bury my dick in her while you bury your dick in her.” I smirk at him. “Fill her so full that all she can do is moan in pleasure. See that pretty, little mouth in a permanent O.”
“She does have nice breasts. And a pretty face. I hope she comes tonight.” He nods while he works.
“Oh, she'll come. Again and again and again if we have anything to do with it.”
“What happened to no strings attached?” Gareth quirks an eyebrow at me though he's grinning all the while.
“You know I'm just playing.” I yawn. “We wouldn't want to scare her away. She is our neighbor, after all. If she's not up for what we have to offer, then that will be the end of it.”
“And we'll know that if she comes over or not.” His eyes widen for effect.
“Even if she comes over, it doesn't mean anything. Girls are flighty. Besides, we have no idea what her personality is like.” I screw my face.
That has been an issue in the past. Some of the hottest girls are as dumb as a box of rocks. That hasn't kept me from fucking them, but it has definitely kept me from pursuing a relationship with them. Thankfully, Gareth and I have the same taste when it comes to intelligence. It's brains or get the fuck out.
“Her personality is awkward. But I think it's kind of cute. Hopefully, she loosens up a bit when she's over.”
“That's what wine is for.” I wait for a commercial before pulling myself off of the sofa to rummage through our wine cabinet. “What should we go with tonight?”
“I'm thinking a merlot or cabernet sauvignon. It will pair well with the steaks.” Gareth glances at me over the kitchen island.
“How about the Harlan Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon Double Magnum 2009?” I pull the bottle out and look at the label. “Double Magnum, like us,” I laugh.
“This is a first date. We're not marrying the girl. Get the Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.”
“You're so cheap.” I shake my head at him, putting the first bottle away to grab the less expensive one.
“We don't even know if she likes red wine.” He empties the bowl of potato peelings into the trash.
“I like red wine.” I stand with the bottle.
“Well, if you're being selfish, then get whatever bottle you want. You shouldn't choose one just because it makes your dick sound bigger.” He smirks.
I pretend to throw something at him, and he ducks, reminding me of a dog chasing after an imaginary ball. “I have nothing.” I hold up my free hand and chuckle at him.
“You're a dick.” He glowers at me. “Are you going to help me with this or not? This dinner was your idea, after all.”
“I am helping. I got the wine.” I place the bottle on the kitchen counter. He's not amused. “Fine, fine. I'll go start the grill.”
“Please do. I don't want her thinking that I'm the bitch of this relationship.”
“But you are the bitch of the relationship.” I smile at him over my shoulder as I head to the backyard to fire up the grill.
It takes a while for my confidence to begin to falter. The more I replay the conversation with Rose over in my head, the more I worry that she won't show up. Gareth was right, she did seem a bit uncomfortable. And I did come on way too strong. Only time will tell, though, and we're no worse off than when we started if she doesn't show up. Still, I hope she does come. Gareth and I have been alone for far too long.
I try not to think about it as I help Gareth set up for dinner. The mood shifts while we work. There's less ball busting and a lot more reflecting on the possible scenarios. If Rose doesn't show up tonight, we'll both be depressed. I imagine that we'll just eat dinner and then go out to a bar. If she does show up, though...who knows what the night will hold.
The clock ticks down to eight o'clock. With all the preparations done, Gareth and I sit on the sofa. Waiting.
The air is heavy as the minutes pass. 8:00 PM comes and goes, and a sick feeling balls in my stomach as the reality hits me that Rose might not come. At 8:10 PM, Gareth finally turns to me. “Should we eat?”
My mouth is dry and there's a hollowness in my chest. I had really hoped this would work out. Instead, we just ended up making asses of ourselves. Gareth was right. We never should have gone over there.
“Are you hungry?” I glance at him.
He sighs. “Not really, but we should eat. I see a whole lot of alcohol in our future tonight.”
“Alcohol and a one-night stand.” I force a grin.
“I'm whatever at this point.” He pushes himself off of the sofa.
I feel bad, like this was a bigger let down for him than it was for me. Of course, I'm disappointed too. But he has talked a whole lot about being lonely lately. I'm not sure how much longer this can go on before he surrenders to the idea of trying to find someone on his own. And we both know how that always turns out.
“You made the right call on the Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.” I stand to go to the kitchen to find a corkscrew.
When I'm halfway there, the doorbell rings. I quickly pull my phone out of my pocket to check the time. The display reads 8:13 PM. Still, I know it's her. Who else could it be?
I turn to look at Gareth.
He lets out a breathy laugh. “Maybe we weren't stood up after all.”
“There's only one way to find out.” I half-walk, half-jog to the door. Before I open it, I plaster on my best confident smile. No hint of the doubt I had before is left on my face.
Rose is standing there, looking sheepish and beautiful. Her dark hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She's wearing a simple blue and white dress, but it's absolutely stunning on her, hugging all of her curves perfectly.
“Sorry I'm late.” She holds her clutch in front of her, her voice mousey.
“We were starting to worry you weren't going to show up,” Gareth calls over my shoulder.
“Come in.” I step aside, ushering her in. As soon as her back is to me, my grin turns wolfish. The night is just about to begin.
CHAPTER FIVE
ROSE
Delicious food, great wine, and devastatingly handsome men. What more could a girl want? Much more. More than she should. Desires completely fueled by the headiness of wine. Maybe not completely fueled, but the alcohol certainly didn't help to tame what was already there.
It's amazing how quickly awkwardness turned to comfort after a few glasses of red. For the most part, the guys have kept things casual. Over dinner, we talked about our jobs and backgrounds and all of the standard get-to-know-you stuff. Now the meal is over and I'm sandwiched between them on the sofa. And by sandwiched, I mean they're both sitting so close to me that I don't even have to put effort into keeping my legs shut. This should feel weird, but somehow it doesn't.
There's a Vampire Diaries marathon playing on the television, and I can't help but wear a shit-eating grin. Either they're bisexual or they're watching this to please me. I'm going to take a guess that it's the latter of the two. Devlin acts far too manly to be into a show like this. Gareth seems more passive, going with the flow.
If they're trying to impress me, the cooking and being gentlemen has done it. This is overkill. I probably just think that because I don't really like The Vampire Diaries, though. Since I'm not able to concentrate on the show due to lack of interest, it seems like all of the chemistry in the room has dried up. Now we're just sitting around, and nervousness is beginning to creep back in. I feel like I need to do something to keep it from turning into full-blown awkwardness.
“So, are you guys sure you're not bisexual because I'm pretty sure no straight guy would watch this.” I swirl the wine in my glass before taking another sip. This is glass number two, and it's definitely helped to remove some of the filter between my mouth and my brain. I'm not so sure that's a good thing. Hopefully, I
don't say something too offensive or stupid. That does seem to happen from time to time when I've been drinking.
“I promise we're not.” Devlin reassures me.
“Because if I read correctly, polyamory is a loving relationship between all people, which would have to mean that you two love each other.” I set my glass down on the coffee table, realizing I've had enough. My face flapping could potentially ruin this for me if I drink anymore.
“We do love each other.” Devlin looks across me at Gareth. “Like best friends love each other. But we don't fuck each other.”
That's too bad. It would be kinda hot if you did. I think it, but I dare not say it. I would not want them thinking that I'm weird or some pervert.
“I don't get how that works. So like, does one of you watch while the other...does his thing?” I gesture between them.
Devlin pushes himself away from the sofa slightly, leaning towards me. His smirk is absolutely devilish, making my pulse race as he crosses my personal space boundary. “Would you like for us to show you?”
I'm so shocked by how suddenly the mood in the room has shifted that I feel paralyzed. I'm not afraid, more nervous. In the beat of a hummingbird's wings, things have gone from casual to sexual. Devlin looks like a predator eying prey, and I'm right in his crosshairs.
My heart thumps in my chest as his face draws near to mine. With Gareth sitting so close to me, there's nowhere to escape to. This is exactly why I was reluctant to come over in the first place.
Before Devlin's mouth has a chance to make contact with mine, I raise my hand, creating a barrier between us. “I don't do one-night stands.”
He looks somewhat disappointed but doesn't pressure me further, resting back on the sofa. “Neither do we.”
The playful atmosphere I was trying to create dissipates, and we're all seriousness. You couldn't cut the tension in the room with a knife. Part of me wants to leave, but a bigger part of me is stubborn. If I walk away now, I might be throwing away a great opportunity. An opportunity for what, though?
“What would this be if not a one-night stand?” It feels like I'm just asking to be lied to. This is where they ply me with slick words. Say everything that needs to be said to get me into bed. Guys are good at that. It's like a game to them. And I bet that both Devlin and Gareth are great players.
“We'd like a relationship, if things go well,” Gareth says, staring forward as if he's afraid to look at me.
I'm surprised to hear him speak first. He's the strong, silent type. Shy and fairly reserved in comparison to his friend. Just from the way he acts, I'm inclined to believe that he's the most honest of the two as well.
“It would actually be pretty convenient, if you think about it.” Devlin stretches and slips his arm around me. “I mean, you live right next door. We could see each other whenever we wanted to. It's not like distance would be an issue.
“Gareth likes cooking, so you could come over for dinner several times a week. Or we could cook at your place. Do you like cooking?” He glances down at me.
“Not particularly.” I feel almost bad admitting it, but cooking has never been my forte.
“No matter.” He shrugs it off. “We're both pretty handy around the house, so if you need anything fixed, we could help you with that. And you've probably already noticed, but we both know a lot about cars, so if you ever have problems with yours, we could come take a look. If one of us doesn't know how to fix something, the other usually does.”
I can't help but grin. He sounds like a salesman. As if the fact that they're both gorgeous and sweet isn't enough of a selling point.
“Dual MacGyvers.” I nod.
“We can snake your pipes and make sure your engine purrs like a kitten.” Devlin waggles his eyebrows at me.
“You did not just say that.” Gareth hides his face behind his hands, and I laugh. If not for his adorable reaction, it might have been a completely awkward and uncomfortable moment. I'm getting the feeling that Gareth keeps Devlin in check. They seem good together. How would they be if I were thrown into the mix?
I silently chastise myself for even considering it. There's an internal push and pull. Should I stay or should I go? This is all a bit overwhelming. Never in my entire life have I considered a three-way relationship with two men.
Devlin curls his fingers into my hair and I shiver. When I glance over at him, the predatory gaze has returned.
“Sex doesn't have to happen tonight, right?” I arch an eyebrow at him.
“Of course not. No strings attached, remember,” his tone is casual, but his expression doesn't change. The way he's looking at me stirs something deep inside of me—makes my thighs press together. “We can take things as slow as you want. Or as fast.” He squeezes his eyes together. Not quite a wink, but definitely a mischievous look.
“What he's trying to say is,” Gareth chimes in, stealing my attention, “we think that you're smart, beautiful, funny. We want to be with you. We'd like to see if we can make this work.”
“Mhm,” my voice is clipped, my nervousness shining through.
Things seem a bit too intense. I'm starting to feel cornered. And while I do want to mull over what they're offering, I don't feel like I can do it when they're both so close.
Abruptly, I stand, feeling oxygen and cool air rush in from no longer being wedged between two warm bodies. I turn to them, and they both look up at me as if expecting an answer to a question that was never asked.
“I'll be right back. I need to use the restroom.”
“Our house is your house.” Devlin gestures towards the bathroom.
I nod before hurriedly making my way to the restroom and locking myself inside. Safely away from them, I feel like I can think again. I stare at my reflection in the mirror, wondering what in the hell I got myself into.
Earlier today, I was fantasizing about these two men. They both want me. I should be elated, but somehow I'm so unsure.
I take a deep breath and shake it out. “Get it together, Rose. Just because they're gorgeous and willing and you're horny doesn't mean you have to jump into bed with them tonight. If this is really what they want—what you want—then it's worth waiting and taking the time to get to know each other.
“You'll go out there, thank them for the lovely evening and leave. Then in the coming days, you'll see what happens. If this is real—if it's meant to be—things will fall into place. If it's not, then they'll fizzle out. You've got this. Just stick to your guns and everything will be alright.”
I hold my head up high, my confidence solidified. It is time to make my escape. I've lingered long enough and if I stay any longer, there's only one way things can go, and I definitely don't want that.
With new resolve, I wash my hands and walk out of the bathroom with my game plan cemented in my mind. As soon as my eyes land on Gareth standing by the sofa without a shirt on, though, my brain gets completely scrambled. At that moment, I know I've lost to lust. If either one of them hits on me again, anything goes.
CHAPTER SIX
GARETH
“Things are going well though you could lay off of the creeping a bit. I think you're scaring her away.” I wait until Rose is the bathroom with the door closed before I speak. I gaze across the empty space at Devlin. He's still sitting with his arm lounged across the back of the sofa, looking pleased with himself as usual.
“They are going well. I think she might be the one.” His eyes stay fixed on the bathroom door.
“I think so too.” I nod, glancing down at my lap. My cock is rock hard, straining against my cutoffs. I've had an erection ever since the three of us came to sit together on the sofa—ever since I felt Rose's warm, milky white thigh press against mine. How could I not get turned on by being so close to such an amazing creature?
When she first came over, I was afraid that things would quickly fizzle out. She seemed timid, like she was entering into enemy territory. Devlin immediately poured her a glass of wine, though, and by the time she was half
way through it, we were all talking and laughing like we'd known each other for years. Everything just fell into place—felt so right. Since then, I've been obsessing over her smile, loving the sound of her laughter, watching her eyes shimmer. Of course, I've been noticing other parts of her too. The way her chest rises and falls when she breathes, the sway of her hips when she walks. I want her so badly that it almost hurts, but I know not to press her boundaries. More than anything, I don't want to scare her away. Devlin is taking a more aggressive approach.
“We can't fuck this up,” I tell him.
“We're not going to.” He doesn't even look at me.
“What you're thinking is going to happen tonight is not going to happen.” I raise an eyebrow at him in warning.
“Oh, yes it is. She's so close to caving.” A toothy grin spreads across his face.
“You're reading this wrong,” I sigh.
“I'm not. Trust me. I've got a plan.” His gaze finally leaves the door, and he leans forward to grab my nearly empty glass of wine from the coffee table.
“What plan?” I give him a quizzical look.
Without another word, he dumps the contents of the glass onto the front of my shirt.
I'm on my feet in an instant, my temper flaring. “What in the hell, man?”
“Take your shirt off.” Devlin quickly sets the glass back down.
The door to the bathroom opens, and I feel confused, rushed and a bit panicked.
Devlin shoots back into his seat like he never moved at all. He looks up at me, eyes wide while he mouths the words again. I'm not sure what his game plan is, but I decide to follow it, pulling my shirt off and tossing it onto the arm of the sofa before checking my chest to see how much of the wine seeped through onto my skin.
Rose walks out of the bathroom and pauses for a moment, standing there staring at me with a blank expression.
“Dude, you're such a klutz,” Devlin chastises me before turning his attention to Rose. “Look at this guy, spilling wine all over himself.”