Competing for Lisa [The Callens 11] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Melody Snow Monroe

  He stepped forward and grinned. “Denver, you outdid yourself.”

  He scanned her body from head to toe slower than any copy machine she’d ever used. When his gaze reached her toes, he returned to her boobs, and his hips shifted right then left as if his cock was trying to get a view, too.

  The smile she’d been trying to suppress broke loose. “Thanks.”

  His black boots were polished, his jeans dark blue and fresh, and the belt buckle had a stamp of a rearing horse. If he could linger, so could she, so she took a second look at the bulge in his pants. Immediately, her pussy dampened her new panties. Not to be outdone, she continued the sensual journey up his plaid shirt where she admired his full chest. Perhaps it was when she reached his lips that her heart stopped from her desire to taste him.

  He held out a hand. “Ready?”

  As much as she wanted to admire him, she had to leave. “Yup.” She waved good-bye to Mandy and Vince and stepped outside with Dante.

  He nodded to her large purse. “You didn’t bring your laptop with you, did you?”

  She laughed, but even to her, her voice sounded too high. “No.” Just an extra pair of undies, some condoms, a toothbrush, and thin tee in case she spent the night somewhere. A girl needed to be prepared nowadays.

  He pulled open the passenger door. “Have you ever been to Cheyenne?”

  “Nope.” She knew it was the state capitol of Wyoming, and it was where Trevor worked, but that was all.

  “It’s no Denver that’s for sure, but it has all you need.”

  “I’m looking forward to the tour.”

  During the hour drive, he mostly talked about his roommate and his too-long hours. Even after Trevor returned home, he spent his time reading medical journals until long after Dante headed to bed. “I worry about him.”

  “Because he’s so dedicated?”

  He glanced over at her. “Dedication is a noble trait, so no. It’s because he has to see some of the young ones he treats die, that he has learned to harden his heart. He’s thirty-five and not getting younger.”

  She wasn’t sure where he was headed. “He wants to make a difference. If he lets his heart rule him and not what he thinks is best for the patient, someone will suffer.”

  His smile wavered. “Do you always find the best in people?”

  “I hadn’t thought of it like that, but I know what makes people act the way they do isn’t always obvious. That’s why I try not to judge, though I’m not always successful.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. Trevor knows how to have a good time, but even when he’s partying up a storm, there’s no spark in his eyes. It’s like the world has a gray-brown tint to it. I wish I could change that.”

  “I can see he’s a complicated man.”

  “Amen.” When Dante’s grip tightened on the wheel, she decided he needed some time to think, so she glanced out the window and studied the landscape.

  He exited Interstate 80 and headed toward downtown. “Welcome to Cheyenne.” He smiled, but the corners of his mouth wavered.

  They passed over a railroad yard before reaching what she assumed was the town center. Then the capitol building appeared, big and stately. “It’s beautiful.”

  “We’re proud of it.”

  While there were some three-story buildings, it certainly wasn’t a large city. “The town’s quaint and quite charming.”

  He laughed. “Certainly not the skyscraper mecca you’re used to.”

  “No, but I like how some businesses are mixed in with the residential areas.”

  He smiled. “I’m guessing that’s just bad planning.”

  Dante pointed out places where he liked to shop and where Trevor worked. The five-story hospital, all glass and brick, appeared rather new, but it sat right on the street and didn’t give a very relaxed vibe.

  Dante glanced over at her. “Ready to chow?”

  Her stomach had grumbled a few times during the drive over. “Totally.”

  She was curious where he’d take her. Would it be upscale or more of a mom-and-pop place? He took several turns and as best she could tell, he was heading back toward the Interstate. Two miles later, he pulled into a Texas Roadhouse, which was one of her favorite places to eat. This was perfect.

  He put the truck in park, his hand hovering over the ignition key. “This okay?”

  “You know it is. Mandy must have told you how often she and I used to eat at one in Denver.”

  He grinned, looking like a ten-year-old who’d been caught stealing a Playboy. “Guilty.”

  Dante rushed over to her side and she waited until he helped her out. The lot wasn’t very full, so maybe they could have a quiet evening.

  “Don’t want you to get cold.” Dusk was only now climbing down the mountains, but Dante tugged her close.

  How sweet was that? Inside, the hostess seated them in a booth. Would he sit on her side or opposite her? She slipped in and he tucked himself across from her.

  “I can look at you better this way.”

  He’d read her mind? “And I can admire you, too.” It had been a long time since she’d flirted so much. Maybe it was the Wyoming air that was the cause.

  Perhaps it was the warm lights, but it almost looked as if he’d blushed. Before they had a chance to chat, the waiter came over and took their drink orders.

  Dante leaned back. “I have a question for you.”

  He wrapped his hands behind his head, and her mind almost blanked. God, he was such a sexy man. She bet he could set her body on fire with one well-placed kiss. “Shoot.”

  “If you couldn’t practice law for whatever reason, what would you do?” He dropped his arms. “I mean, if you could have any job in the world, what would you wish for?”

  No one had ever asked her that. “Would money be an issue?”

  “Hell, no. In my dream world, it’s all about joy.”

  Men thought that way? She leaned forward and raised a brow. “I thought you worked hard and played hard. I never took you for a philosopher.”

  His grin widened. “Denver, I have more facets than the Hope Diamond.”

  She cracked up. “You’re a poet, too, I see.”

  He tapped his chest. “Stick with me, babe, and you’ll never be bored.” He planted his elbows on the table. “Now stop stalling and answer my question.” He tried to disguise his comment with a chuckle, but she heard the undertone of a command.

  “I’d be a writer.”

  He schooled his features. “What kind?”

  His eyes locked onto her face, and he didn’t move, as if he wouldn’t until he dragged everything out of her.

  “A romance writer.” She waited for the ridicule.

  “I think that’s awesome.” He leaned back. “And fitting.”

  Once more he surprised her, and her relief allowed her to take in a big breath. “Why fitting?”

  Dante grinned. “When you speak with Trevor about the kids in the hospital, you’re pure compassion, and I see the way you look at Mandy and Candy as if you want what they have.”

  She stilled. “Are you saying I’m jealous of them?”

  He glanced to the side then back at her. “Not jealous, per se, but maybe envious. You’re an idealist.” His jaw tensed. “That’s a good thing. What woman wouldn’t want someone to love her, provide for all her needs, yet let her be herself?” His voice trailed off.

  She wanted to ask if this was what he wanted, too, except from the man’s perspective, but just as she opened her mouth, a hand clasped her shoulder. She looked up and almost swooned at Trevor’s green scrubs top worn over slightly faded jeans. “You made it!” Damn, that came out way too enthusiastically. She hoped Dante didn’t feel as if she’d been bored waiting for the prominent doctor to arrive.

  He smiled and slid in next to her. “Don’t let me interfere. From my friend’s serious face, you guys were into something heavy.”

  Dante’s face transformed to one of lightness. “Just shootin’ the breeze until you sho
wed.” He nodded toward her. “Seems our woman yearns to be a writer.”

  “Oh, yeah? I’ve never wanted to be anything other than a doctor.”

  Dante held up a hand. “Since I’ve know you forever, let me help you with your faulty memory.”

  Trevor chuckled. “Please do.”

  “At one time you wanted to be a professional boxer.”

  He sank back in the seat and groaned. “In high school, maybe.”

  She loved it. “Do tell.”

  The waiter returned with her wine and Dante’s beer. “Sir?” He faced Trevor.

  “Heineken.”

  “Are you ready to order or do you need a minute?”

  Trevor turned toward her. “I know what I want, as I’ve been here many times.”

  She pointed to the fish section then handed him her menu. “I’ll have the grilled salmon.”

  “Excellent.”

  The men ordered steak and the waiter disappeared. “So back to high school tales.” These juicy stories would tell her a lot about them.

  Mischief danced across Dante’s face. “Mr. Morrison, our science teacher, happened to box in college. One of the kids in school had been hazed pretty badly and Mr. Morrison mentioned there was a boxing ring in the basement of Howard’s Gym. If we were interested, he’d hold classes there twice a week after school.”

  She winced. “I hope you wore a lot of protection.” If she were their mom, she’d never have allowed them to fight.

  He grinned and nodded to Trevor. “See that, Trev? She’s worried about our safety.”

  She loved the way Dante flirted. He shouldn’t take sparring lightly, though, and they hopefully didn’t go there anymore. “Boxers can get brain damage.”

  He laughed and the sound did something to her bare pussy. Even the way her panties brushed against her made her cream much easier.

  “High schoolers don’t hit hard enough to hurt a guy.”

  She wanted to hear from Trevor himself. “What possessed you to fight?” She doubted anyone would make fun of a Callen.

  He pressed his lips together.

  “Tell her, Trev.”

  “There was a kid in high school named Mitch Dawes. He was an excellent athlete and a superior student. I wanted to wipe the perpetual smirk off his face, and I thought the best way to do that was to be trained by Mr. Morrison.”

  That didn’t paint Trevor in a good light, but then again high school boys had so much testosterone running through their bodies that common sense was often distorted. “Did you?”

  Dante cleared his throat.

  “Not usually, since Mitch took the same lessons.” He chugged half his beer. “He always won. It irked me when he won the English award our senior year.”

  Whoa. There was some bad blood between them. He’d made it clear he had a competitive streak, but even now it was as if he held a grudge. “So this Mitch’s only crime was being better than you?”

  Dante slapped a hand over his mouth to contain his chuckle.

  Trevor worked his jaw, and he took a moment before making eye contact. Interesting. “I was looking at the sky and thought tonight would be perfect time to stargaze.”

  Hello! The topic change was highly telling. Before she could respond, the waiter returned with their meals. Dante shot a glance at his roommate then back at her. He shrugged, as if to say he’d tried to get Trevor to open up, but had failed.

  The interruption gave her the opportunity to absorb what had gone down. Dante and Trevor had more facets to their personality than even she’d imagined. Being with them wouldn’t be easy, but their intensity, and in Dante’s case his astute observation of people, appealed to her. She wondered if that same intensity might translate to how they made love.

  Chapter Five

  Lisa faced both men in the Texas Roadhouse parking lot, her back to both of their cars, unsure who’d she be driving with.

  “Lisa’s coming with me.” Trevor stepped beside her. “It’s only fair since you had her for the hour drive here.”

  She laughed to defuse the tension. “This isn’t a competition, guys.” She faced Trevor. “I’d love to try out the Cadillac though.”

  Dante didn’t even argue, which seemed to make Trevor appear more on edge. Maybe his worry over his patients was wearing on him.

  Dante leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right behind you,” he whispered. “Don’t let him get sidetracked.” The chuckle that followed implied he loved pushing Trevor’s buttons.

  “Ignore him.” Trevor opened the door to his sedan and she angled in.

  The wonderfully rich new-car smell surrounded her, and she ran her hand over the dash and then along the seat. The soft textures spoke of true elegance.

  Trevor eased into his side, pressed a few buttons, and started the very quiet engine. “The best place to see the stars is from Dobbin’s Ridge, as there’s almost no light pollution there. I brought blankets in case you get cold.”

  He was sweet, though at any moment he could be shooting daggers at former high schoolers—especially ones with the last name of Dawes. Yeesh. What had that really been about? “Sounds great. My dad was into astronomy and even bought me a mini planetarium when I was twelve.”

  “Sounds like you had a great dad.”

  “I do.” Before they were out of town, her butt warmed. Sweet. “I can’t believe you have a car with heated seats.” For the most part, doctors made good money, but did he really need such a fancy car?

  “Too over-the-top?” His tone held no offense.

  “Maybe.”

  “I’m a Callen. What can I say?” A quick laugh followed. She liked how he could make fun of himself.

  She never got the impression that Vince or Daniel had to have nice things though. “You don’t have to say anything.”

  As he pulled onto the entrance ramp to the Interstate, he glanced in the rearview mirror, hopefully to check that Dante was behind him. “I know what you’re thinking.”

  “You’re a mind reader, too?” She held onto her seatbelt and twisted in her seat to talk to him easier.

  Flirting with Dante was easy. She could guess how he’d react to whatever she said, but being with Trevor was like walking on ice after the first freeze. Either you’d have a wonderful, freeing skate or the ice would crack, and you’d have to make a mad dash to the edge of the pond or chance falling in.

  “Hardly. A lot of people think I’m trying to prove something by having a fancy car and a great place to live.” There was bitterness in his tone. Did a lot of people misjudge him because he was a Callen? He checked both mirrors this time.

  He was probably trying to decide how to finish his sentence, but she wanted to show him she really understood. “But you’re used to living in luxury, and you can afford it, so why not buy what you want, right?”

  His shoulders seemed to relax. “As a matter of fact, yes. I’m ambitious and make good money. I happen to like nice things so I buy them. Plain and simple.”

  She wasn’t convinced even Trevor understood his true motivations, but tonight was about enjoyment, not about scrutinizing every one of his actions.

  Living in Denver, the city lights washed out most of the stars, but here, she bet they’d be beautiful. With all the snow they’d had when she’d come eight months ago, the stars hadn’t made much of an appearance.

  “Do you get a chance to stargaze very often?” She wondered how much time he took for himself.

  “I wish. Recently, I’ve been run ragged. Our center used to have ten permanent beds for very sick children, but then they did some reconfiguring, and we now have fifteen. Unfortunately, after the renovation, there wasn’t enough money to increase the staff.”

  That meant his workload increased fifty percent. He seemed to ache for the children and not because he was overworked. She could connect with his passion. If she’d been around kids, she wouldn’t be able to leave them either.

  Not that he’d asked her opinion, but she wanted to get a feel for his operat
ion. “Do you ever use therapy dogs to play with the children, or have volunteers to help them draw and keep them entertained?”

  “Yes to the volunteers, who are amazing by the way, but no to the animals. I have to say, that might not be a bad idea.”

  “The children respond really well to the dogs, who have to be trained and have all their shots before being allowed near the kids.”

  He shot a glance at her. “How do you know so much?”

  “The young daughter of a friend of mine had leukemia. She also told me the hospital where her daughter was treated had a radio station called Radio Sugarplum. They have daily contests and give away prizes. The children look forward to winning.”

  He glanced over at her. “Dante was right. You are amazing. If the center could afford it, I’d say we should set up a station right away.”

  The awe in his voice was like adrenaline to her veins. “I like brainstorming things.”

  He smiled. “You should move here and run for city council.”

  Too bad he didn’t mean she should move here because he wanted her around. “Never know.”

  She glanced in the side mirror and spotted Dante right behind them. As soon as they took the exit to Intrigue, the roads turned dark and she shifted in her seat.

  “Don’t worry, sugar. You’ll be safe with us.”

  “I wasn’t worried about you two. I was worried we might get lost.”

  He glanced at her then returned his gaze to the winding road. “Everybody knows these streets well. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if we found a few cars parked up on the ridge.”

  She slid lower in her seat. “Don’t tell me it’s a high school make out place?”

  He laughed. “Would that be so bad?”

  Not if he planned to kiss and ravage her. She bet the backseat would be big enough for sex, but there was no way she was leaving Dante out of the equation. She wanted both and that was that.

  After driving uphill for another mile, he pulled to a stop, and Dante slid next to them. Surprisingly, no others were there. Good. That meant more alone time with them. Trevor reached behind him and pulled a blanket over the backseat.