As sure as if it were him in that other room, Brock felt Jessica's kiss, that tempting tongue sliding softly, shyly, into Nick's mouth. Heat surged through Brock's body as his cock immediately responded. Hard, demanding, it strained against his jeans as he experienced his first kiss with Jessica through the link with his twin.
He didn't dare turn around. Or he'd show the little old lady something she probably hadn't seen in a long time.
Damn Nick. He'd meant for him to flirt a little, to try to get her to settle down around them. He sure as hell hadn't meant for his twin to give them both hard-ons.
"Brock, dear?” Mrs. Norton put a fragile hand on his shoulder.
With a grimace, he set the cup and pieces of handle on the counter. Grabbing a nearby dishtowel, he held it in one hand, letting it camouflage his erection. Fighting back a blush—he might forgive Nick for his timing, but never for embarrassing him in front of this sweet old lady—he motioned toward the destroyed china. “I'm sorry about that, Mrs. Norton. You know that old saying about a bull in a china shop?"
She patted him on the shoulder. “Oh, don't worry about that, dear. It's probably one that my husband Oakley broke before and glued back together. These things happen all the time.” She reached inside a cabinet and brought down another cup, placing it on a flowered saucer on the serving tray. Then she picked up the tray and turned to leave the kitchen.
"You sure you don't want me to carry that, ma'am?” With a short sigh, he plopped the dishtowel back on the counter and started after her.
"Oh, no, I have it. Thank you."
He followed the old lady down the hallway and into the sitting room, where Jessica was once more sitting in her chair and Nick was in his spot on the sofa. The only difference was that now Nick held a pillow securely on his lap.
With a scowl, Brock sat beside his brother and brought one leg up, resting the ankle on his knee. Hopefully that would keep Mrs. Norton from seeing the hard, thick ridge of flesh that strained against his zipper.
Seemingly unaware of the sensual tension in the room, the old lady went about serving coffee and cake. He absently accepted a cup from her, murmuring, “Black's fine,” at her question on how he wanted his coffee. She turned to Nick, handing him first a slice of cake on one of those delicate china plates, then a full coffee cup on its matching saucer.
Brock's gaze settled on Jessica. Her soft mouth was swollen, still red from Nick's kisses. He looked lower, lingering on her breasts, seeing the tight nipples pushing against the material of her shirt. His cock jumped, and he bit back a curse.
Jessica crossed her arms, cutting off the view. He jerked his gaze to her face. Those brown eyes were wide, filled with uncertainty, but also with longing she couldn't hide. He stilled as he realized that desire was directed at him.
Nick's cup rattled in the saucer. Brock knew his brother was picking up on his building excitement. God above, could it be that she wanted them both? Could their fantasy be that close to being realized?
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CHAPTER 3
Jessica pressed her thighs together, unable to look away from Brock's intent stare. Her pussy clenched, sending a throb through her clit and another wave of arousal soaking into her panties. What Nick had started with his soul stealing kisses Brock might very likely finish with just those searing looks.
She was hyperaware of both men's lust. It practically shimmered in the air—she was surprised Nana was completely unaware. But her grandmother chattered on about the house and security measures she thought she wanted, with Nick's deep voice rumbling short answers now and again.
Then Nick looked at Jessica with the same banked heat in his gaze that was reflected in his twin's. Her heart skipped a beat, her arousal notching even higher, making her nipples so tight she wanted to touch them, squeeze them. Or, better yet, offer them up to the Phillips boys—fingers or mouths, she didn't care which.
Heat rushed into her face. She'd never had a sexual fantasy that involved sharing herself with two men until she'd met these two. And now that was all she could think about, what it would be like to have one thrusting into her pussy, the other coming in her mouth or claiming her ass.
She wasn't sure why, but she felt that Brock would be the one stretching her backside with that log he was hiding in his pants. She'd caught a glimpse of it before he'd crossed his legs. And, of course, she'd felt the hard ridge of Nick's erection pressed against her when he'd been kissing her.
They were twins, identical in just about every way as far as she could tell. Would their cocks be identical, too?
She shivered. If the thickness under those pants was anything to go by ... God, she hoped so.
But what if she was reading things wrong? What if they didn't want to share? What if this was still just them flirting, albeit much stronger than they ever had before?
With a hard swallow, she sank back in her chair, her thoughts chasing around like a dog after its tail. God above, she'd just played tonsil-hockey with Nick and, somehow, amazingly enough, Brock also was aroused. She frowned and peeped at him from under her lashes. He had to be aroused by her, because the only other woman in the house was Nana.
She glanced at Nana and then back at Brock with a frown. Surely he didn't ... No. That was just too squicky to believe.
"Let me show you around the place, boys, so you have a good idea of the layout.” Nana set her coffee cup aside and stood.
Both men stood as well, though it was Nick who said, “That's really my area of specialty, ma'am. Brock does the testing once I've put the new systems in place. I'll just make a few sketches and take some notes, which I can flesh out when we come back with the crew."
Jessica saw the two men exchange a glance.
"Maybe Jessie can fill Brock in on how effective she feels the current safety measures are.” He took Nana's elbow and walked with her out of the room, shortening his strides to match hers.
"What was that look for?” Brock hunkered down in front of Jessica, big hands resting on the arms of her chair, effectively bracketing her in.
"What look?” She glanced at him. Unable to hold that intense lapis stare, she looked down at her lap.
"The one you had on your face when I came back into the room with your grandma. The one that said you were maybe thinking not so good thoughts about me."
That brought her gaze back to his. The heat in his eyes nearly seared her. Her clit ached in response. “I wasn't ... You had a...” She glanced down at his groin and quickly back up to his face. “You were aroused,” she finally ended in a fierce whisper.
He rose up until his face was mere inches away. With his mouth hovering over hers, he whispered, “There's only one woman in this house that gets my blood boiling. And, darlin', that's you."
His lips slanted over hers, tongue thrusting in and out of her mouth with raw domination. She whimpered, needy, desperate for his touch. God, his kiss was like Nick's, but different. More ... primal. Brutal almost. And she loved it.
He mouthed kisses along her jaw and down the side of her throat. She tilted her head to one side, granting him better access, and shivered as he paused where her shoulder joined her neck. His hands cupped her breasts, thumbs rasping over her hard nipples, rubbing her through two layers of clothing and making her wish there were no barriers between them.
The stubble along his jaw scraped her skin and sent a shiver straight to her weeping pussy. He came back to her mouth, one broad palm cupping the back of her skull, tilting her head to the angle he wanted. Fingers tangled in her hair, he devoured her, tongue thrusting past her lips. A moan tore from her throat. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding tight, her nails digging into his back as she fought to maintain some kind of control.
Another stroke of his tongue against hers and her senses scattered.
When he drew back after only a few moments, she moaned again and tightened her hold on his shoulders.
"If you don't want your grandmother walking in on us like thi
s, you'd better let me go.” Brock's voice held humor, but just enough rough lust that she didn't take offense. She dropped her hands, a blush flaming her face.
He straightened and stepped a few paces away, going to stand behind the sofa.
"And that's the quick tour,” she heard her grandmother say. Jessica jumped out of her chair and returned to her spot by the window, hoping in the next second or two it took Nick and Nana to return to the sitting room some of the color would have faded from her cheeks.
"Thank you, Mrs. Norton.” Nick's deep voice was calm, but with an underlying layer of tension. “At the very least we'll need to put in some motion detectors on the windows and cameras in the hallways, and probably a floor safe for your valuables."
Jessica looked toward the foyer only to find Nick's gaze on hers, just as intent as before. He looked at Brock and raised one eyebrow, then motioned toward the door with a tilt of his head.
Brock sighed and leaned over the sofa, snagging his clipboard. Holding it in front of him, he walked out to the foyer. The two men said their good-byes to her grandmother and then, with a lingering look at Jessica, they left.
Wanting one last sight of them, Jessica leaned against the window frame and pushed back the curtain. She watched Brock walk around to the driver's side of a black SUV. Nick paused at the front passenger door, turning to stare up at the house. A rakish grin curled his lips and brought his dimples out to play. With the wind ruffling his dark hair, he looked delicious.
He gave her a jaunty salute and climbed into the vehicle. She watched the SUV pull away from the curb. Hearing Nana behind her, she turned and helped her grandmother clean up.
"I really like those two boys,” Nana said. Taking a napkin, she brushed cake crumbs off the small coffee table into her cupped hand. “If I were younger, I might make a play for one of them myself."
Even though there were no windows open, a hard breeze pushed through the room, fluttering the curtains and ruffling the lace doilies on the table.
"Oh, calm down, Oakley. I'm not younger, so there's no point in getting upset.” She shook her head and winked at Jessica. “It's a good thing I could never love another man, because I don't think Oak would stand for it.” She brushed the crumbs from her palm onto the serving tray. “Now you, on the other hand...” She paused while Jessica picked up the tray. As they walked to the kitchen, she went on. “I saw the way both those boys looked at you. They want you."
"Nana!” Jessica put the tray on the kitchen counter and busied herself with washing the coffee cups.
"It's true. I'm not so old that I didn't notice their interest, especially below the belt.” She put the stopper in the sink and twisted the tap. Squirting soap under the running water, she mused, “And I think both of them kissed you when they were alone with you.” Her keen gaze cut to Jessica. “Didn't they?"
"Nana...” This was not a conversation she wanted to have with her grandmother.
"Oh, all right. You keep your secrets.” She put her hand over her mouth to cover a yawn. “My, I'm afraid their visit wore me out. Will it be all right with you, dear, if I take a nap?"
"Of course.” Jessica planted a kiss on her grandmother's wrinkled cheek. “Sleep as long as you need. I'll get dinner ready."
Long after Nana had left the kitchen, Jessica struggled with her thoughts. It seemed that both Nick and Brock Phillips were interested in her. But the question was, for how long?
And the even bigger question ... Would they make her choose between them?
* * * *
"I think she wants us both."
Brock glanced at Nick, then looked back to the road. His erection had subsided somewhat, but at the mention of Jessica, his cock reared to full, throbbing attention. He swore under his breath, hands tightening on the wheel. “You just had to bring it up, didn't you?"
Nick gave a strained laugh. “Bring what up? The subject of Jessie or your randy dick?"
"Both.” Brock made the turnoff onto their road and drove the sedate twenty-five-mile-an-hour speed limit down the tree-lined, exclusive street. “She might want both of us, but I don't think she thinks we want her. Not really."
"Why do you say that?” Nick turned sideways in his seat.
"The way she looked at me. As if she was afraid any minute I'd tell her I was just kidding.” Brock shook his head. For all the intelligence he had, his twin tended to take people at face value. Brock, with his early wildness, had the kind of street-sense that only came with experience. With a turn of the wheel he guided the SUV into the wide driveway of their two-story house.
Nick reached up and pressed the button for the garage door. “Well, she's not what we usually go for. She's seen us around town, and what kind of woman do we usually have on our arms?"
"Tall and willowy.” Brock pulled the vehicle into the garage and put it in park. He twisted the key in the ignition and turned it off. “But that's all in the past. Every time I think about Jessie and those full breasts, that plump ass ... God!” His cock threatened to burst through the zipper.
"And that's what we have to convince Jessie of.” Nick unfastened his seat belt and opened his door. Climbing out, he paused and looked back in at Brock, a slow grin curving his lips. “And I have an idea on how we just might do that."
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CHAPTER 4
Over the next two days, Nick and a team of workers were in and out of the house, installing motion detectors on the outside, and video cameras and an alarm system on the inside. Every once in a while Jessica left her drafting table and the cartoon strip she was working on to check on their progress. Each time she did, it seemed she ran into Nick alone.
And every time he took advantage of that fact. So much so that by the evening of the second night, she was one big bundle of nerves, mostly centered between her thighs. He left with a wink and a promise that he'd be back the next day to show her and Nana how to operate the new security system.
Jessica had made one last ditch effort at saying they didn't need all of this. She didn't tell Nick or any of his men that they already had a security system named Oakley—especially since her Papaw had been noticeably absent these last two days. But she did tell Nick she wasn't sure how she was going to pay for it. Nana was on a fixed income and couldn't afford it. The only reason the older woman could still live in this house was because Jessica had moved in to help with the bills. Nick hadn't given her the cost of the upgrades, though she'd certainly pestered him for it.
Probably not enough, though, because anytime she tried to talk to him about anything, he kissed her. Sometimes it was just a soft meeting of lips, tender and affectionate, but still hot enough to make her toes curl. He had her so worked up—mentally, emotionally, and physically—she doubted she'd get a lick of sleep.
So now here she sat on her bed at eleven o'clock at night, reading the same magazine article over and over. She finally gave up and tossed the magazine on the floor. Reaching out, she turned off her bedside light and lay down.
When her mind slowed, her thoughts becoming muddled, she was surprised but thankful. Maybe she would sleep tonight, after all.
* * * *
Brock saw the light in Jessica's room flip off, and gave it some more time. He didn't know how long it usually took her to fall asleep, but he knew how long it took him and he wasn't taking any chances. After forty-five minutes, he grabbed the lowest limb of a large oak tree and hauled himself up. He climbed until he reached a thick branch that grew toward her window.
The window was locked, which gave her a brownie point. He pulled out a long, thin blade from his pocket and within seconds had the lock jimmied open. With little effort he slid the window up, then quietly climbed through.
There was nothing in front of the window to impede his way. She just lost that brownie point. Turning, he closed the window, then made his way over to her bed. The small lamp on the bedside table was on and lent enough light to the room for him to see her clearly. Even though the air was a little cool
, she'd kicked her covers off and lay with legs akimbo and her arms above her head.
Red and pink hearts of all sizes dotted her short pajamas, with the largest one above her mound, the tip of the heart pointing right to where her clit was. A sort-of X-marks-the-spot.
He grinned through the lust that tightened his entire body. He liked her choice of sleepwear, though he'd like her better in nothing at all.
Brock eased down onto the plush armchair that sat in the corner at the foot of the bed and studied her. The silky top left her midriff bare, and was pulled tight underneath her. The top two buttons had come undone, baring one nipple, which was slightly peaked in the cool air.
Soft scents of lavender and vanilla wafted to his nose. Probably from her sheets. Women did that sort of thing, washed their things in sweet-smelling detergents. He leaned closer. That lack in his life emphasized his—and Nick's—loneliness all the more.
A loneliness this woman could cure. A loneliness he was determined this woman would cure.
There was another, more beguiling scent filling his nose, and it was all woman. His cock reacted predictably, throbbing with each pulse of his heart, the primal beat echoing in his soul.
But he would wait until she woke up and realized how easily—and how quietly—he'd broken in. She'd rethink her objections to the security measures they'd put in.
* * * *
Dawn was just beginning to lighten the sky when Brock saw Jessica stir. At some point during the night she must have gotten cold, because she had the sheet and comforter drawn up to her chin. While he watched, she lifted one hand and rubbed over her eyes, and kicked the covers off her. He leaned forward in the chair.
It Takes a Thief or Two Page 2