Zoey (I Dare You Book 2)

by Jennifer Labelle

  “Then what are you saying exactly?”

  “What I’m saying is that I’ve had some time to think in the short time we were apart. I know you both love me. Hell, I hope you know how much I care for the both of you too. It’s just sometimes I feel like the third wheel. I feel like I’m in the way. You’re both married now, and what am I, your play toy?”

  “Hardly a play toy, Rafe. You’re so much more.” Heidi gripped him against her harder and then leaned back to look at him again. “And you’re never in the way.”

  “Just tell us how to make it right for you?” Nathan interrupted. He was beginning to look worried. “The last thing we’d ever want is for you to feel uncomfortable or unwanted. We’d hate to lose you.” He gulped and cleared his throat while Heidi reached back for him and squeezed his hand.

  “You can’t really. This is my problem to work through. I guess I just long to find my something spicy who’ll agree to love you both as much as I do. I love you both truly, and forever sounds like heaven, but I want what the two of you have as well.”

  Heidi smirked, knowing that he was referring to when she and Nathan first started their relationship. It had been a rocky road, as Nathan had run from his feelings and almost shut her out of his life for good. He’d soon realized what a mistake that had been with the help of Rafe, and he’d humiliated himself in front of hundreds as he serenaded her inside their favorite club, Drink Nights. That was the night he’d proposed to her, and it was also the night they’d had their first threesome experience with Rafe. It was explosive, and the three of them had been together ever since.

  He obviously took the brief separation harder than she had thought, though, and she wanted to make things right. She had to fix this or risk losing him eventually, and that was not going to happen if she had anything say about it. What she shared with Nathan was an amazing love. He was her other half, and Rafe, well, he just completed them somehow. The three of them just worked.

  “Then let’s make it happen. There has to be one woman out there with an open mind. We had fun with Zoey the last night in Port Jervis, didn’t we? We could do that again. We could find a woman for you and make her our fourth. What’s the worst that could happen?” She rubbed her hands together. “Never mind, don’t answer that. All Nathan and I want is for you to be happy. Do we want to change what we all have? Never, so I can only hope for the best, that you’ll one day find a woman who is also okay with this.” She gestured between the three of them. “It could happen, right?” She was now a woman on a definite mission, but was disrupted from her thoughts by the laughter surrounding her.

  “God, I love you.” Nathan pulled her onto his lap and kissed her thoroughly. “You’re one of a kind, Heidi, but you can’t just start planning things without talking to Rafe first. And what makes you so sure we can find another one like you for him?”

  “I just do.” Heidi shrugged, smiling wide. “In fact, I think I already have someone in mind.”

  “You do, do you?” Rafe grinned. “Have I told you how much I love you lately?”

  “You have, but a girl can’t ever hear it enough.” She smiled again and positioned herself in between the two of them. “Just promise me that adding a fourth will only make our union stronger. I can’t bear to think of losing what we have.”

  “It’ll never happen,” Rafe whispered. “What we have is too good. How could I ever think of leaving when you both give me everything I’ve ever wanted and more?”

  Nathan cleared his throat and pulled her against him. “And I guarantee I’m not going anywhere. I gave you my vows and promised to love and cherish you for the rest of my days. You’re stuck with me, my love.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “Now prove it. Love me tonight, and tomorrow we’ll plan our mission to find a fourth.” She winked and lay back as Nathan went straight between her legs while Rafe took her mouth. They started off slow and finished with their hearts, minds, bodies, and souls.

  Life was about to get a little more interesting, and Heidi was up for the challenge to make it happen. Rafe’s happiness depended on it, and she aimed to please, even if the outcome was unclear for the future.

  ****

  “So did Rafe show up yet?” Heidi was over for a visit, and Zoey’s curiosity got the best of her. She couldn’t help it after their last experience as a foursome. She’d not only fulfilled the dare, but she secretly hoped for more.

  Rafe and Nathan belonged to Heidi, she knew that, and would never betray her friend by making any advances or anything. She loved Heidi, and she’d had just as much fun with her that night, but the fantasies continued and they were mostly about that Greek Adonis and his magical cock filling her up. She felt conflicted about it.

  “Sure did. He’s been with us a couple of weeks now, in fact.” Heidi sighed and looked like she was trying to figure out something. Her forehead creased and she tapped her chin in thought.

  “Hey, I thought you’d be happier. What’s up?”

  “We’ll get to that.” Heidi shooed away her worries and took the subject off herself for a minute. Meagan was on the phone with them on speaker. As great as their other friend was, Zoey sensed she wasn’t ready to talk about it at the moment, so she’d ask her about it later. “So, Meagan, how is school and your Mr. Hottie former colleague doing? Have you fucked him yet?”

  “Subtle, chica. Real subtle.” She chuckled.

  “Well…” Heidi prompted her to continue. “Come on give us some details.”

  “There isn’t much to tell. I’m enjoying my time here, but at the same time I’m also a little homesick. I miss everyone like crazy, but I’m also loving school at the moment and I’m looking forward to the future. As for David? Well, let’s just say I’m meeting him tonight at the office. I’ll let you know how that turns out later on.” She lowered her tone seductively for the last part, so Zoey assumed it was game on for tonight. “Now enough about me. What I’d like to know is how the other night went for Zoey.”

  “I’m so not ready to go there with Rob and Ila,” Zoey whined. “But at least I haven’t totally screwed myself into the poor house.” She sighed. “I chickened out this time.” They’d been upfront with Meagan about joining Heidi and her gang that night, but they’d graciously spared her on the details seeing as Nathan was her cousin and all. She was a good sport about it, but her friends also knew she wanted to explore more. She had thought the opportunity with Rob and Ila could be it, but it hadn’t worked out so well after all.

  “Oh, honey, you were so excited for it. What happened?” Heidi asked and held her hand.

  “It was all set, and I was looking forward to it, really. I called Rob and Ila last week and set it up to meet them for a drink before going to Lyrics and Lust, but the moment I stepped out of the cab and saw the two of them through the pub’s window, I got cold feet. I couldn’t fucking do it. I don’t really know them well enough to take that leap. I need more time.”

  She could still remember how rapidly her heart beat. It had been windy when she’d stepped out of the cab. She’d stood there at the open car door just about ready to give the cabbie a twenty when she’d locked gazes with Rob through the window and froze. Her lip was still tender from biting it a few nights ago. Her nerves had gotten the best of her. It was only when the cab driver had asked her if she was coming or going because he didn’t have all night that she’d snapped out of it. Zoey had hurriedly mouthed a quick apology to the man in the pub at a distance and then she’d jumped back in the car and went straight home. She’d called the couple later to apologize, and they were surprisingly understanding about the whole situation. In fact, she still had an open invitation to join them whenever she was ready to.

  “I’m actually proud of you,” Meagan said. “We’d never expect you to do something you’re uncomfortable with. We love you, Zoey.”

  “Agreed.” Heidi squeezed the hand she was holding.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Zoey cleared her throat. “Now enough about me. We want the details wh
en you have them, Meagan.”

  “Cross my heart. Look, I’ve got class in an hour, so I should get going. I love you both, and we’ll talk soon, okay?”

  “You can count on it,” Zoey said.

  “Bye. Love you, Meagan,” Heidi chimed in.

  Then there were two after Meagan hung up, and it was time for Zoey to find out what was up with her friend.

  “Okay, now that she’s gone, what’s wrong?” Zoey got right to the point.

  Heidi bit her lip. “I’m extremely happy, don’t get me wrong. Nathan and I are in love, and hell, who am I kidding? He’s perfect for me. Then we have Rafe to complete us, but I’m a little worried…”

  “About what?” Zoey snorted. “I envy you right now. Not only one, but two drop-dead-gorgeous men who worship you. Would you like to switch places?” she joked; she couldn’t imagine what would have Heidi so worked up.

  Her banter was meant to lighten the mood, and it worked, because Heidi smiled. “Very funny.” Heidi playfully nudged Zoey’s shoulder before placing her arm around it. “What I need is to find a good woman with an open mind to make our fourth. Know anyone?”

  Heidi grinned larger as Zoey tried to process what she’d just heard. And it looked like she was waiting to go on until Zoey gave her a reaction. Holy cow! Butterflies danced in her stomach, and her heart soared with longing. Me, me, me! she wanted to shout, but decided to play it cool until she knew more. “What?” She did a double take before her lips slowly upturned into a beautiful smile of her own. “Why on earth would you be looking for someone else?” She chuckled as if in disbelief and took a step back from Heidi to place their coffee mugs in the kitchen sink.

  “Because as much as Rafe loves being with Nathan and I, our move took a toll on him and he’s beginning to feel like the third wheel.” Heidi sighed again. “I don’t want to lose what we have, Zoey, but what matters most at the moment is his happiness.” Heidi smiled shyly. “Last night when we were in bed together, I could tell something was up, and he finally caved. He wants what Nathan and I have together with a woman of his own, but he also wants to involve her with us. His exact words were, and I quote”—she made air quotes with her fingers to emphasize—“‘I feel like I’m in the way. You’re both married now, and what am I, your play toy?’ After assuring him that wasn’t the case, he said he just wanted something spicy like what Nathan and I have. I mean, what am I supposed to do?”

  “Oh, Heidi.” Zoey wrapped her arms around her in a hug. “I’m sure it will all work out. I mean, I’ve only met Rafe a few times, but anyone could see the chemistry between the three of you. You’re the envy of every woman.” She smiled and pulled back to look her in the eye. “So what do you want to do?”

  “You’re kidding, right? I want to love both my men. It took forever for Nathan to notice me, and I cherish my every waking moment with him, and then there’s Rafe. He’s an added bonus neither of us expected, but we love him, and right now my mission is to make them both happy.”

  “They’re lucky to have you.”

  “Damn straight,” Heidi answered, and Zoey laughed.

  “Okay, then, so we’re on a mission to find Rafe another woman. Do you have any ideas about how to go about this? I mean, do you have someone in mind, or are we going in blind? We could check out some bars. There’s this great place down the street called The Rendezvous that I go to time and again. Tuesday nights are half-price drink nights. The place is usually pretty packed. Or are you going to let nature take its course? Rafe’s a gorgeous guy. I’m sure he’ll have no problems at all finding female attention.” Zoey shrugged and focused her gaze on Heidi again. She was genuinely curious about how Heidi would figure this out and secretly hoped it would be her they chose since they already had chemistry. She also knew she needed to tread carefully. It was her best friend’s happiness they were talking about here.

  “I am on a mission, a fact that I’ve stated to Rafe, and he seems okay with it. I have no doubt the man could get anyone he chooses to, but it’s different this time. He wants to settle down with someone who will accept him for who he is, lifestyle choices and all. Before we moved, there were memories at Drink Nights I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.” Heidi smiled dreamily, thinking of the night Nathan had proposed there. “And I’d love to check out The Rendezvous. Maybe we could all go together sometime?”

  “You, me, and your two gorgeous men. Hell yeah, that sounds like a plan.”

  “Good. Now, what would you say if I told you I wanted you to be the one?” Heidi held up her hand to keep Zoey from interrupting her. “Please just hear me out. You’re beautiful, inside and out. I’ve known you since I can remember, you’re my closest childhood friend, my best ‘girl’ friend, and we’ve been through so much together. You’re single, someone I trust with my life, and someone I’m attracted to and value. You’d be perfect for us, and Rafe is already half in love you after our night together.”

  “Are you sure? Your situation, although untraditional, is fine with me. Hell, I’ll even admit I’ve thought about our night together an awful lot since. I love you, and Nathan and Rafe are amazing, but it’s something I’ll have to think about.” This situation was everything she wanted, yet she wasn’t totally convinced Rafe was a hundred percent on board, and he’d have to be in order for her to agree with it. There were also other factors to consider before she just jumped right in too.

  “Why?” Heidi asked.

  “I want this. Believe me I do, Heidi but what if it didn’t work out? One, I’d hate to lose our friendship, and two, I’m not sure how I would fit in. A single night was one thing. Are you willing to share Rafe with me for some one-on-one time so we can get to know each other as a twosome as well?”

  Heidi giggled as she watched Zoey express herself with her hands as she spoke. “I’m sorry, I know this isn’t funny, but you’re adorable. We could go as fast or as slow as you would like. Some alone time between you and Rafe would be important, especially in the beginning, so yes, I’d be okay with that, and only when you’re ready would Nathan and I join the two of you again.

  “I mean, who knows? This may not even work out. All I’m asking is that you hang around us more often to give it a chance. Rafe is a great guy. He needs to feel loved and to find someone to settle down with so he doesn’t feel left out, and Nathan and I love him enough to help him find that someone special. Whether we like it or not, Rafe needs more than what we have provided him with, and I’m trying to give him the happiness he needs. That’s what you’re supposed to do when you love someone, isn’t it?” Heidi cleared her throat. “Look, the last thing I want is for you to be uncomfortable, but I had to try. You’d be doing us a huge favor, and at least you know us. Will you at least think about it?”

  Zoey exhaled in relief and nodded. “Then I can’t say no.” She smiled shyly and reached out to squeeze Heidi’s hand. “I’m half in love with him already too, and you know how I feel about you. So yes, but I really want this to work out, so I’ll have to go slow, okay?”

  “Thank you, Zoey.” Heidi exclaimed. “I can’t picture sharing them with anyone else. You won’t regret this.”

  Squee!

  ****

  “Well, what do we have here?” Nathan said. Both men had just entered the house and seemed to follow the delicious aroma of dinner being prepared. Heidi had talked Nathan into playing tour guide for Rafe so she could have that talk with Zoey. Coming up behind her, Nathan wrapped his arms around Heidi’s waist and leaned in for a kiss.

  “Dinner.” Heidi turned around and smiled at Nathan and Rafe. She pecked Nathan on the lips and then moved to do the same to Rafe. “Nathan, Rafe, you remember my good friend Zoey, don’t you?” She visibly suppressed a smile when Zoey blushed. “She’ll be joining us tonight.”

  “Will she?” both men chorused with mischievous grins on their faces that suggested all kinds of naughtiness again.

  “I will, for dinner. I’ll be joining you for dinner tonight, so behave.” Zoey winked t
hen

  blushed again as Rafe blurted out “a pity” and feigned a pout.

  “Be good,” Heidi teased, and then pointed towards the dining room. “Now, out. Dinner will be ready in a minute.” The last thing she wanted was to scare her poor friend off. She knew how virile and appealing both men where, and it could be quite intimidating if you weren’t used to all the attention. Both men chuckled as they obliged, leaving Zoey and Heidi to have a minute before they joined them at the dinner table.

  “You okay?” Heidi asked.

  “Yes.” Zoey exhaled loudly. “I just wish you hadn’t told me you wanted to set me up as your fourth. I’d be far less nervous about it. I mean, God, I remembered they were gorgeous, but my memory didn’t do them justice. It’s a little intimidating.” She chuckled.

  “I understand. Hey…” Heidi brushed the side of her face so she’d look up from preparing the salad. “This will go as fast or as slow as you want it to. Tonight, you’re here as a friend. It doesn’t have to be anything more.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry. Do they always flirt like that?”

  “Oh yeah.” Heidi giggled. “Those two are both sex on legs.”

  “That I definitely remember.” Zoey giggled with her. “Oh, man, am I in trouble?” she teased, grabbing the salad bowl to take with her to the dining room. “Let’s get this started, shall we?”

  Heidi smiled wide before putting her arm around Zoey’s shoulders and giving her a peck on the cheek. “We shall. Let’s go.”

  ****

  “Man, look at them in there.” Nathan nudged Rafe as both men sat at the table and watched the two women only a few feet away. “Zoey’s pretty hot, don’t you think?”

  “They both are.” Rafe smiled. “Too bad we don’t get to play with both again.”

  Nathan laughed. “You do realize that Heidi has a plan, right? She’s been friends with that woman since childhood, and I’m pretty sure she’s the one Heidi hopes you’ll end up with. She’s already joined us so we know she’s cool, and although she may seem a little shy today, at least we know she’ll be okay with our relationship as it is. Hell, she’d be perfect for you, man.”