Wicked Pleasure

by Scarlett Avery

  “It’s good to hear you laugh.”

  There’s a long silence between us and I can hear him breathing on the other end. “I really wanted us to talk, but it’s already getting dark and it’s going to be a challenge to get Riley out of this mess. I wanted to call you to let you know you’re most likely going to be on your own for a few hours.”

  “What about Hunter?”

  “I’m taking Hunter with me. I’ll take care of Riley, Isadora and the kids while he takes care of her truck. He’ll drive in with our friend Brewster Wilson who owns a garage in town and they’ll take care of towing Riley’s truck back to Fort Collins.”

  “I see. Well…” I hesitate, unsure if I should be bold and request this of him, but there’s a force inside of me pushing me to ask the question. “Maybe if you don’t come back too late you might consider coming over and we can talk. Even if Hunter can’t join the conversation, I’d love to make sure you and I are still okay.”

  “I can’t promise I’ll be back early enough for us to talk, but you don’t have to worry. You and I are okay. I had a great conversation with Hunter.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. I have to go now. If I get back at a decent time, I’ll text you when we’re approaching the ranch. Since it’s nighttime, it will be easy for you to sneak back into my house without raising any suspicions. Once you’re here, I’ll ask Hunter to come over. Does that sound good?”

  “It does.” I nod, knowing he can’t see me, but reassuring myself everything is still okay between us.

  “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  HUNTER

  Last night was a nightmare. As if Riley’s SUV breaking down in the middle of nowhere wasn’t bad enough, we had to deal with a raging storm. It rained so hard it was nearly impossible to see even a foot in front of us. Had it not been for the three guys who came with Brewster and I to take Riley’s truck back to Fort Collins, we would have been in big trouble. I know I’m built, but Brewster’s cousins are beasts.

  By the time we got back to the ranch it was late and we were all exhausted. I stopped by Jake’s place to find out if he had talked to Allison, but although he got back at a decent time, the blonde’s eventful day did her in. Jake tried to reach her by texting her and calling her, but he didn’t hear back. After a few failed attempts, he strolled down to her house to make sure she was unharmed. Luckily, she fell asleep on her couch with her curtains still open and Jake was able to confirm she was okay.

  We decided over a couple glasses of brandy that we’d find time today to put our cards on the table. Since Riley will be heading back to Denver for another culinary training with a few executives, we’ll have plenty of time to seduce Allison over to the idea of taking both of us at the same time.

  It’s going to be another scorching hot day.

  Jake and I have been at it for a couple of hours already and even though it’s only nine o’clock in the morning, I can already feel the heat. I was tempted to swing by Allison’s house an hour ago to see if she was awake, but since Jake and I agreed to talk to her together, I had to find work to preoccupy my mind. I must have jerked off three times last night before falling asleep—not even a crazy night and a physically demanding evening were enough to prevent me from relishing the memories from my raunchy afternoon at the cabin with her. I woke up this morning with an impressive boner begging for relief, dreaming of sharing her with my best friend. I know it’s only a matter of hours now, but I’m so impatient I can barely contain myself.

  I hope she agrees to being with both of us.

  I’m in the barn with a couple of our guys assessing which of our prime cows we’ll reserve for one of our biggest new clients. Jake’s meeting with Benjamin Russell went better than expected and the owner of all twenty-one of Benny’s Grill restaurants in Colorado wants our Angus beef on his menu. He made an irresistible deal with Jake in record-breaking time. Obviously meeting my best friend was simply a formality.

  I’m busy with Justin and Michael, two of our workers, when Jake approaches. I do a double-take at the worried look on his face. “Hey, buddy, is everything okay?”

  “I just got off the phone with Riley.”

  “What’s the problem? I thought Brewster did a good job of fixing her SUV. I mean, he had that thing parked in front of our ranch by six this morning.”

  “No, the truck is fine. She’s heading back from the market with Isadora and she asked for an urgent meeting at her house in fifteen minutes.”

  “Urgent?”

  Jake’s eyes darken as he nods in agreement.

  I look over at the two workers. “Justin and Michael, why don’t you guys continue without me for a few minutes? I need to step out and have a word with Jake. Call on Dirk if you need help.”

  “It’s not a problem, boss.” Justin is the first to answer.

  “Yeah, Justin’s right. We’ve already done a lot and there’s not much left to do.”

  Once I’m confident our two workers can take over, I step out with my friend.

  “Why don’t we take a walk, it’ll be more private.”

  I look at Jake, surprised by his suggestion, and I follow him. Once we distance ourselves from our workers, I inquire about what’s gotten him so rattled.

  “Talk to me. Is it that bad?”

  “Well, she said it was an important matter that concerned all of us—you, me and Allison. Given what happened between Allison and I and the fact Isadora caught her sneaking out of my house yesterday morning, I have a feeling the nanny might have spilled the beans on me.”

  “But you said Isadora didn’t suspect a thing.”

  “Yeah, but it doesn’t mean she didn’t innocently mention to my sister what she witnessed.”

  “Shit.”

  “We don’t know anything for sure, but when was the last time Riley called for an urgent meeting?”

  “That’s a good point. I think we have to brace ourselves for the worst. Let’s head over there right now,” I say, slapping my friend on the back to comfort him.

  Allison arrives at Riley’s office at the same time we do. And from the worried look on her face, I can tell she’s as nervous as Jake.

  “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, Allison,” we both chime in at the same time.

  “Well, you look well rested.” I can’t resist. She looks absolutely radiant this morning.

  “I am. I think it’s a combination of the fresh air and this new adventure I’m on, but I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.”

  I’m sure getting fucked by two incredibly well-hung men in the same day had nothing to do with it.

  “I texted you when I got back last night, but I didn’t hear back from you,” Jake says. “I came over your place to check up on you and I saw you had passed out cold.”

  All three of us are making idle conversation trying to pretend yesterday never happened when Riley makes her presence known in her booming voice.

  “Don’t just stand out there. Come on in, you guys. There’s a lot to talk about.”

  Jake’s sister breaks our casual chitchat and forces us to face the fact we may all be in trouble. Although no one else knows I gorged on the sexy temptress yesterday afternoon, Riley is well aware of my sexual appetite and she’ll be quick to reprimand me and warn me to stay away from her new assistant.

  “Did you have to call a group meeting like this? What’s so important you couldn’t text? We’ve got a busy day in front of us.” I can’t tell if Jake is irritated or anxious, but he dives right into his sister.

  Riley shakes her head. “Don’t we all, big bro. I wanted to look you in the eyes when I deliver this news.”

  She’s usually so cheerful, but this must be serious, because her face is closed.

  She grabs hold of Allison’s hand and drags her inside her house. “Honey, come sit next to me.” Jake and I follow right behind. “The two of you can sit over there.” Riley points at two gray armchairs. My frien
d and I remove our cowboy hats and take seats right across from Allison and his sister. “Isadora took the kids out for a walk. She already knows what’s going on.”

  Uh-oh.

  “I’m still struggling to accept it all, so I’m just going to do my best to remain as calm as possible while we have this little conversation this morning.”

  I know Riley is one for theatrics, but I’m starting to think my best friend’s right. His sister’s nanny might have inadvertently handed her his head on a platter.

  “You’re worrying me, Riley. What’s going on?”

  Jake is fidgeting with his hands and when our eyes meet I see the same worried look he must read in mine.

  “Well, here we go. I thought I was going to spend the summer at the ranch training my new assistant,” she says, squeezing Allison’s hand and smiling at her warmly. “But yesterday a few major events occurred that were only brought to my attention a few hours ago. We’re talking about colossal circumstances that have forced me to change my plans.”

  Shit. Did someone catch me at the cabin fucking her assistant?

  Riley pauses and I swallow hard. I furtively glance in Jake’s direction and I catch him raising his eyebrows. This isn’t good. Although Allison is still focused on Riley, I can tell she’s as anxious as we are because the color has drained from her face.

  “Thank God my faithful nanny was with me this morning when I found out or I think I would have fainted. I mean I couldn’t believe any of it.”

  We’re so busted.

  The tension in the room is so thick you could cut it with a butter knife.

  In an attempt to push Jake’s sister to drop the axe so we can get it over with, I ask a question. “Riley, these events have to do with all of us sitting here?”

  Riley nods. “Hunter, we’re talking epic proportions here.”

  Yikes. She definitely knows.

  Riley turns to face Allison and cups her hands. “I’m so sorry to do this to you, Allison.”

  Oh, no. She can’t fire her like this.

  “I don’t understand, Riley. Have I done something wrong or have I dropped the ball?”

  “I’m as confused as Allison. Jake, what is your sister talking about?” I look at my best friend for support.

  “Beats me. She’s talking in riddles. Riley, what is it that you’re not telling us?”

  Bless Jake for cutting to the chase.

  Suddenly, Riley lets go of Allison’s hands, jumps to her feet and paces around her house clutching her stomach. Is she pregnant or is she going to be sick? The blonde looks at me for answers. I just shake my head to let her know I’m as stumped as she is.

  “I don’t know how to share this news calmly.”

  “Well, don’t. Just blurt it out and get it over with, Ri.” Jake’s impatience is bordering on annoyance.

  “If you’ll just give me a minute,” she retorts, “I was trying to say Allison will be on her own. I won’t be able to train her like I’d wish because…” Riley pauses again and all three of us lean in waiting with bated breath for her to continue. “You’re looking at the new judge for the Food TV show Iron Skillets! A few hours ago Food TV asked me to step in at the last minute for Chef Rick Bateman who can’t finish the season as a judge because his wife just gave birth prematurely two days ago to triplets. Since he already has two other toddlers, he’s back home taking care of his family and I’m flying to Cali to replace him. I’m leaving tomorrow late afternoon with the kids and the nanny for LA. Can you believe it? I’m going to be on a major TV show!”

  Riley delivers her news at such a speed I look around the room, bewildered. When Jake raises his eyebrows, surprised, and Allison gapes, I know I’m not alone.

  What?

  It takes me a second to get it but when Riley starts screaming her head off and crying with joy it hits me—we’re safe.

  * * *

  As we leave Riley’s office, Jake slaps my back as if we just won the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy for basketball team of the year and I can’t help but return his grin.

  “Can you believe this? I don’t think we could have planned this better if we had tried.”

  We bump fists like two winners coming off of a life-changing Vegas poker-winning streak. Soon we’ll be able to possess Allison fully.

  “Your sister is leaving for the next ten days and she’s taking her kids and her nanny with her. You realize we have the ranch all to ourselves? When was the last time she left for that long?”

  Given the thousands of responsibilities Allison will have to take over during Riley’s absence, she stayed behind, but Jake and I snuck out the second we could. It was obvious we were both elated by the fortuitous turn of events.

  “I’ll be honest, I stopped breathing for a minute. I mean, with the way she was looking at Allison, I thought for sure she knew, but when Riley started to scream and jump up and down like a schoolgirl, I quickly realized her big news had nothing to do with us fucking her assistant. My sister is going to become an instant celebrity. Her food blog is already doing really well, but being called in to replace a judge who couldn’t sit in on a new food show will skyrocket her popularity.”

  “I know. This is going to be a mind-blowing year for her. I guess it makes sense that she takes the kids.”

  “As rambunctious as those kids are, she can’t leave them behind. It’s way too busy here at the ranch during the day and let’s face it, Riley would miss them like crazy.”

  “It’s a good thing Isadora will also be in LA or the twins might burn your mom and dad’s house down.” I chuckle. “Those two are a handful.”

  Suddenly Jake stops walking, pulls off his cowboy hat and flings it in the air. “Yahoo!” he yells in the middle of the open field.

  “I guess we’re thinking the same thing.” I look at my friend with a huge grin on my face. “When it became clear Riley would be away for the next little while, I came up with a master plan to seduce the goddess we both shared yesterday and entice her to have both of us at the same time.”

  “You can tell me all about it while we walk. Let me text Allison now and get her to come to our office when Riley leaves for Denver. This is a golden opportunity. We get the entire ranch to ourselves and if Allison says yes, it promises to be a wild ride.”

  “Wait. Ask her to come around at the end of the day. Let’s say around six. We can’t just ask her to take one of us up the ass without preparation. I’ll make a quick a trip to Pleasure Principles and I’ll buy a few toys.”

  “You’re going to drive to a sex shop this afternoon?” Jake asks, shocked. “I was hoping to keep this as low-key as possible, but obviously you have other plans in mind.”

  “Hear me out. Once the workers have left for the day, I’ll jump in my SUV and I’ll go buy a few things to ease Allison into it. Let’s not kid ourselves. We’re both well hung and it doesn’t matter which one of us claims her ass, since she’s a virgin we might as well make sure she’s ready.”

  It takes Jake a few minutes to accept my suggestion. “You know what?”

  “I’m brilliant, right?”

  Jake nods. My suggestion makes a whole lot of sense. Truth be told, I have a knack for turning any uncomfortable situation around—even anal sex.

  “If we’re going to do this, we might as well do it right. Make the trip and get everything we need.”

  “Now we’re talking. I’m glad we see eye to eye on this one.”

  “Let’s have a barbecue at my house and see how the evening unfolds.”

  I haven’t seen Jake’s eyes sparkle like this in months.

  * * *

  “It’s nearly six o’clock.” I’ve been looking at my watch every minute since I returned from my little shopping expedition at Pleasure Principles. Jake is sitting behind his iMac computer pretending to work, but I’m too excited to sit down or to focus on anything other than the woman who’s been occupying my thoughts.

  The energy flowing through my veins is intoxicating. If there w
as a way of convincing Allison to take both of us together tonight, I’d jump at it, but I do know my patience will pay off. We need to make sure Jake’s sister has left town tomorrow and we also need to make sure that her assistant is comfortable with the idea of us pushing her boundaries.

  “She should be here any minute now.” When our eyes meet we grin from ear to ear. The truth is we haven’t come down from our high since Riley announced she would be away for a few weeks.

  The second his sister jumped into her SUV, my best friend texted Allison and asked her to come to our office at the end of the day when all the workers had gone home. His sister will be in Denver teaching one of her executive cooking classes until four o’clock this afternoon, then she’ll take her kids to their sporting activities. Since last night’s storm put a damper on their plans, Riley intends on making it up to her kids and her nanny by taking them to Totally 80’s Pizza for dinner before she comes home. This should give us more than enough time to seduce Allison to the idea of allowing two men to worship her at the same time.

  “I’ve got everything ready,” I say, looking around the room for the twentieth time. “I hope she likes the desserts I selected. Since most women love sweets, I’m hoping this might ease her into it.” After I left the sex shop, I made a special trip to Cakes, Cakes and More Cakes to grab a few chocolatey treats we can enjoy with wine.

  “Well, I have to hand it to you, you went all out, buddy. I don’t think I would’ve thought of all of this, but considering she’s most likely a virgin, I think your setup will make it easier for her to say yes.”

  “I really hope so.”

  “So do I.”

  Suddenly we hear a knock and we both lock eyes.

  Damn, am I ever excited.

  “Hunter, wait,” my best friend whispers as I take a few steps towards the door.

  “Yeah?”

  “Don’t lay it on too thick. We don’t want to scare her.”

  “You don’t have to worry, Jake, I’ll handle it with kid gloves.”