by Jane Jamison
“First of all, we want to apologize.”
She’d half assumed Walken would be the one to speak first. Not only because he was a therapist but because he seemed to like taking the lead. “Me, too. I shouldn’t have gotten so upset. It’s just that—” She stopped, closed her eyes, and regrouped. “Never mind. I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
“No problem, darlin’. In fact, we’re kind of glad you went off on us.”
“You are?”
If Grant got any closer, she worried she wouldn’t be able to control herself. Finding them attractive yesterday wasn’t the right way to describe how she felt. They were her bees to her flower, bears to her honey pot. The longer she stayed on the ranch, the more she wanted them near her.
How long had she lain awake last night thinking about them? Had it been a coincidence that she’d literally run into Hank again after a year of privately lusting after him? Hank was an extension of his two friends. Friends she was just as attracted to, maybe even more when the three of them were together.
But were they attracted to her or not? She wanted to believe what Penny had said, but what if Penny was wrong? It was stupid to put her faith in the words of a ten-year-old child.
Hank leaned against the window. Sunlight sifted between the slats of the plantation-style shutters, creating a halo around him. “Giving us hell for Jumper’s sake shows what kind of person you are. You were ready to go to battle for the boy.”
“He’s a terrific kid. I got to know Penny and him better today.” She’d loved being with all the children, but Penny and Jumper were her favorites. Bringing them together, even if only in play, had brought a pink glow to Penny’s face. Everyone around, except for Jumper, saw the crush she had on him.
“Which is why we want to offer you a job.” Walken glanced at smiling Grant. “Again.”
“For real? I mean I don’t have any experience.” She’d thought the first offer was more of a gesture than a real offer.
“You won’t need any,” added Hank. “You can work in this office and help with the accounting.”
“You’ll be a floater, going around throughout the day and helping wherever you’re needed.” Grant sat on the end of the desk. “In the house, in the barn, with the kids. Wherever.”
She couldn’t help it. The idea of leaving the real estate business behind thrilled her. She’d seen how the ranch ran and how happy all the employees were, and had yearned for a different kind of life. If her life was going to be shortened, she wanted what time she had left to be meaningful.
“You can move into house, rent free,” added Walken.
“And eat all the hot dogs and burgers you want,” joked Hank.
“All the hot dogs and burgers I want, huh? What about potato chips? Are those included?”
“You drive a hard bargain, but sure, we’ll throw those into the benefits package.” Grant took her hand and pulled her close.
They had to find her attractive to keep pulling her against them, right? Or was it simply because she was the new girl on the ranch? As much as she wanted to believe they wanted her, their words kept coming back. She eased away from him.
“You’ll have health and dental insurance, too, if that makes a difference.”
She studied Walken. Had he found out? “I wouldn’t have to pay anything for it?” As it was, a big chunk of her earnings went to paying her health insurance premiums. Monthly medication for her condition was going to be astronomical in price, not to mention the hospitalizations and treatments she’d have to endure.
“Not a dime.” Grant searched her. “Why? Is there something wrong?”
She had to tell them. After all, as her employers they had a right to know. But would they change their minds once they did? She wouldn’t blame them, even if it might be illegal to do so. “I’m glad it came up. I wouldn’t feel right accepting the job without you knowing.”
Tension rippled in the air as they became more alert. Hank and Walken moved closer, surrounding her.
“What is it?” Walken’s voice was low, a whisper compared to his usual robust voice.
They would be the first ones she’d told. Not even Kiley knew yet. Drawing in a deep breath, she said the awful words. “I have a heart condition.”
“What kind of a heart condition?” Grant took her hand again, this time holding it even tighter.
She couldn’t get into the details. Not yet. “Let’s just say my heart doesn’t tick the right way.” She smiled, recalling Penny’s words. “My heart is broken, and they can’t fix it.”
“Here. Sit down.” Hank pushed aside the paperwork on the desk and lifted her to sit on top.
Although she understood why he’d done it, she didn’t like it. “I don’t want anyone treating me any differently than they would a healthy person. You don’t treat your clients like they’re about to break and I don’t want you treating me that way, either.” Still, the way they looked at her, with concern, made her feel safe and protected.
“Are you seeing a doctor? Taking medication?” Walken tilted his head and lifted his eyebrows. “How serious is it?”
“Serious.” She hated thinking about her dismal future, much less talking about it. “It’s not something I can get past. My life expectancy is dismal at best.”
“Are you sure about the diagnosis? Have you gotten a second opinion? Who’s your doctor? I’ll make sure you get the best physicians. Hell, a team of physicians.”
“Thanks, Walken, but my doctor is one of the best.”
“One of the best isn’t good enough. You deserve the number one doctor the world has to offer.”
Hank was so upset he seemed to groan. Or was it a growl?
“They’re right,” added Grant. “We’ll make some calls. We’ve got the connections to find out who’s the leader in cardiology treatment. All we need is your doctor’s name so he can send your medical records—”
“Please, stop.” The last thing she wanted was someone, anyone, even them, hanging over her, spouting orders for her to follow. “Hold up, guys. I’ll answer all your questions in time, but I just received the diagnosis yesterday.”
“Yesterday? Shit, darlin’, did you get the news before or after the accident?”
“Before. That’s part of the reason I caused the wreck. My mind was still back at the doctor’s office instead of on my driving. Again, I’m so sorry I hit you.”
“You don’t look sorry.” Grant bumped his shoulder against hers.
“Maybe not, but I am.”
“Are you sure?”
She couldn’t deny it. “Okay, I’m sort of glad I hit your car. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have found”—she paused before she said the wrong thing—“the ranch.”
“The ranch? Nothing more? Like say three great guys, especially the really sexy one you’d already met?” Hank eased her hair off her shoulder, his fingertips tickling her skin.
“Well, maybe a little something more. Like Jumper and Penny.” Why let Hank get a big ego?
“Does this mean you’re going to take the job?” Walken stepped even closer.
The heat in the room had risen dramatically. Had the air conditioning gone off? She pushed back, sliding her butt over the smooth surface of the desk. “What is it people say? Never make a major life decision right after getting bad news? Or something like that.”
“What do you mean? It’s a simple question. Are we going to be your bosses or not?” Hank’s breath warmed her ear.
For the first time since receiving the awful news, Cinda felt alive. Better than she’d ever felt. And as turned on as a woman could get. The thickening of the air, along with her need swelling up inside her chest, caused her to drag in each breath. These weren’t ordinary men. In fact, they were as far from ordinary as men could get.
Extra ordinary. That’s it. They’re beyond great. They’re super great.
“It means she wants time to think. Not that she needs the time, but that she wants it. She wants to be sure. Am I right, babe?”
&
nbsp; She blew out a breath. “Exactly. Give me a few days.”
“So you’re putting us on a probationary period? Isn’t the employer supposed to put the employee on a trial basis?”
“Who the hell cares, Walken, as long as she’s staying?” Hank kissed the curve of her neck.
Steam billowed around her, and although a part of her mind wondered where it had come from, she didn’t have the faculties to care. What was happening? Suddenly, she’d gone from accepting a new job to something more.
They skimmed their hands along her body, strangely making her feel both turned on and relaxed. She moaned and closed her eyes as Hank kissed the curve of her neck on one side while Grant kissed the other side. As though they’d struck a match to kindling, she was alight with a craving so strong she couldn’t have fought it even if she’d wanted to.
“I don’t think—”
“Hush, babe. Just enjoy. I’ve waited a year to have you.” Hank’s fingers trailed down the front of her shirt.
“Hank told us about you, but I didn’t really believe him.” Walken pulled off her shoes. “Now I do.”
“Please. This is going so fast.” Fast and yet not fast enough.
“We want you, Cinda. Now.”
She gave into them as they deftly removed their clothing and hers. Each piece of material fell away from her, floating in the air as though suspended in the fog then gently drifting to the floor. Her body sizzled as though electric currents flowed over her skin with every touch and every kiss.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” she murmured. Yet all she really cared was that they wouldn’t stop. A layer of steam formed around them, like a warm cocoon that would keep them together forever.
“We’re what’s happening. Let us make every minute of the rest of your life pleasurable.” Walken’s voice sounded far away, yet somehow inside her head.
She lay back on the desk. “What are you going to do?”
“Hush, darlin’. Let us make you feel good.”
For the first time since getting her diagnosis, she let herself fully relax. Worn out from yesterday and from a night of fitful sleep, she was weary. If they wanted to please her without getting anything in return, then she was ready and willing to accept it.
She sighed then suddenly realized that she was naked. They’d removed every stitch of her clothing.
Realization that they could see every dimple, every ounce of flab, struck her, and for a moment of absolute clarity, she burst free of the magical spell they’d put her in. She tried to sit up. “No. I—”
“You’re beautiful.”
Could she believe Walken? Or was he only saying what he had to say so he and his friends could have their way with her? After years of being self-conscious about her body, her insecurity screamed at her to grab her clothes and cover her body. Yet another part of her, the part of her they had taken over, was willing to believe the lies, if only for the time being. If only to feel joy and pleasure for a few more minutes.
Hands skimmed over her naked body. Kisses pressed against her skin. Murmurs of sweet words drifted to her ears.
She kept her eyes shut, determined not to break the spell. Determined to let them give to her what she’d never had. If they rejected her later, if they told her they no longer found her attractive later, she’d be all right with it. At least she would’ve had this time together. After all, fantasies were never intended to last forever.
A mouth covered each nipple, one nipping at her taut bud while the other lashed a tongue over and around the peak. She moaned and reached for them, but strong arms forced her to move her arms above her head.
Hands pushed her legs apart. She sucked in a quick breath, ready to feel the raw hardness of a cock at her pussy. Instead, she gasped again as pressure struck her pussy. Spread wide, a tongue slicked along her wet seam, driving her insane as it brushed over her clit.
An orgasm, fast and furious, slashed through her at the slight touch. She cried out, and a hand covered her mouth. The man between her legs sucked on her clit and drank her juices, the noise of his thirst giving her a delighted satisfaction.
“Easy, babe. People, kids, might hear you.”
She resisted the urge to open her eyes. If she did, the dream might evaporate into a reality that would crush her soul. Instead, she answered by arching her back, silently begging for Hank to retake her nipple.
They lavished all their attention on her. Caressing her with hands and words, they took her to the edge again and again. Every time, just as she was about to climax, they’d pull away, torturing her. Fingers probed her asshole, something she’d never found enjoyable until now. As teeth carefully caught her clit, more fingers drove into her pussy, skimming lightly over her spongy spot. She moaned, her body writhing as passion swept her higher.
They spoke, yet their tones were so low she couldn’t understand the words. Nonetheless, she grasped the meaning behind them. They were flattering her, comforting her, enticing her all at the same time.
Without removing their hands, without breaking a beat, they shifted their positions. She could tell the difference between them. Hank was greedier between her legs than the first man. Walken pleasured her left tit then took her right one while nibbling his way from her earlobe to the aching nipple. Grant placed a hand against her stomach, and remarkably, she didn’t flinch away from it, trying to keep him from feeling her roundness. She breathed in deeply, taking in their scents. Although they held the same musky fragrance of manliness, each man had a unique edge that set him apart.
“We’ve got you, sweetheart.” Walken cupped her breast and squeezed. His mouth once again found her tit and tugged, pulling on her breast.
Hank eased her legs farther apart. Letting out a sigh, he lifted his head. “Damn, but she’s sweet. Then again, I knew she would be.”
Eat me more.
She thought the words and started to speak, then sensed it was better if she remained silent.
The first sensation of something burning slid from her hip where Walken’s hand rested over her waist then circled around her breast. Pain seared into her as though she’d been burned. At last, she opened her eyes.
But what she saw didn’t make sense. How could there be flames dancing along her skin? Red pinpoints of fire skimmed along the other side of her. Mesmerized, she slid her gaze to between her legs and found Hank staring back at her. His silver eyes sparked with bits of fire.
She let out a cry, not because of the pain but out of surprise. The pain had changed, sliding into something more than simple pleasure. Steam drifted around their bodies, causing her to blink. Was she seeing things clearly? Or had they somehow drugged her? But with what? She hadn’t taken anything. Could they drugged her with sex?
Hank tugged her closer, pulling her butt off the desk. Sucking harder, he whipped his tongue around her clit, slicking through the wetness there. Her clit throbbed, sending waves of lust coursing through her. Crying out softly, she reached for Walken’s and Grant’s cocks, but they kept her hands away.
“This time is for you,” murmured Walken into her ear.
“No. I want—” What she’d started to say no longer mattered as the climax exploded. She rode the roller coaster of need as tremors shuddered through her.
Grant kissed her, his tongue plunging into her as Hank’s fingertips found their mark with her G-spot. Walken lavished her nipple as he scissored his fingers in her dark hole. She was possessed as surely as if they’d really cast a spell over her. Sweat trickled down her back, slickening her skin against the desk. Her damp hair matted against her forehead and neck.
Higher and higher she went, her mind numb while her body felt every touch, every flick. When her climax reached its pinnacle, she felt a hand close over her mouth again. Her scream, muted, burned in her throat.
For a moment, she felt nothing. She’d gone into sensory overload until her nerve endings could take no more. Going to the edge of blacking out, she lay on top of the desk as the men took their hands away
. Only when she could once again steady her breathing did they return. Their caresses were different now, more soothing than before.
“Easy, babe,” calmed Hank.
“Open your eyes and look at us, sweetheart.”
She did and found Grant and Walken studying her. “Wow,” she whispered.
“Are you okay?” Hank flicked his tongue over his cream-wet lips.
“Better than okay. I feel great.” Her gaze fell to their fully erect cocks. She struggled to sit up. “Please, let me have you.”
Walken pulled her against him. “You can barely sit up. Don’t worry about us.”
“Yeah, babe. This was all for you.”
“You’ll take care of us the next time,” added Hank.
“The next time?”
“Yeah. You’re taking the job, right?” Grant picked a strand of wet hair off her cheek. “Providing you’re not going to sue us for sexual harassment.” He chuckled. “If you are, remember you hadn’t officially accepted our job offer.”
“He’s joking.” Walken squeezed her then handed her a box of tissues. “Take your time deciding. We don’t want to pressure you into anything. We didn’t do this to make you accept. I’m not sorry about what we did, but we should’ve waited.”
“I couldn’t have waited any longer. A year was long enough,” said Hank in a tone still filled with need.
Had he really thought about her all that time? She wanted to ask, but couldn’t. Instead, she gratefully accepted the clothing Hank handed to her. Now that they’d stopped, the steam had suddenly dissipated. “Do you do this with all your female employees?” She was only half kidding.
“Of course not.” Walken eased away from her. “You’ve got to know that you’re special. You’re—”
“Mr. Grant? Mr. Walken?” The voice came from behind the closed office doors.
Cinda hopped off the desk and mouthed the name “Penny.”
The men hurriedly tugged on their clothes. “Yeah, Penny?” Walken eased closer to the door, putting his fingers to his lips to tell the others to remain quiet.
“Do you know where Miss Cinda is? She said she’d play a game with me.”