Fire & Ice: A Ménage Fantasy

by Chance Carter

  Something she wasn’t sure she deserved, and was fairly certain she’d never get.

  So, it had always been easier to disconnect and focus on work. She put all her energy into her job, and tried to forget the fact that she had dreams of her own.

  She wasn’t a damsel in distress. She could take care of herself.

  The difficult things that had happened in her life could have easily destroyed her. But they didn’t. They made her stronger.

  And she was fine with that.

  Until Ethan. He brought up all those damn feelings she had worked so hard to bury.

  She sat in the reception area, waiting for Ragnar to be brought out. Penny came out of the main office and saw her. She smiled, and then stopped when she realized something was troubling Reagan.

  “Hey Ray. What’s wrong?” she asked, sitting down beside her.

  Reagan shook her head and gave Penny a weak smile. She wanted to pour her heart out and confess all her mixed emotions, but this was not the time or the place.

  “I’m okay, Penny. Really,” she said, touching her friend’s arm. “Just thinking about some things.”

  Penny raised her eyebrows. She’d known Reagan long enough to know that something was troubling her.

  “Honestly, I’m fine. Nothing a little Ragnar love won’t fix. Where is that silly mutt?”

  As if on cue, Ragnar came bursting around the corner, dragging a petite volunteer behind him. He was way too excited to see his beloved Reagan.

  Even though the volunteer tried to pull back on the leash, the muscular black lab outmaneuvered her. He was a young dog, but he was a big boy and as strong as an ox. He was naughty, Reagan thought. She stood up and approached him, Ragnar pushing his head into her legs, making her lose balance. When he tried to jump up, Reagan quickly took control.

  “Ragnar, down,” she said, kindly but sternly. The dog immediately sat down, his tongue hanging wildly out of his mouth, his eyes connecting with hers. She scratched him behind the ears as he panted, his happiness unmistakeable. Everyone laughed, even the exhausted volunteer who seemed anxious to hand the leash over.

  “Buddy, you need to work on your manners. You’re going to intimidate all those possible doggy parents,” Reagan said.

  Penny laughed.

  “You have no idea, Ray. He’s loud and obnoxious and goofy. Whenever someone tries to walk him, he acts like a donkey.”

  Reagan smiled warmly, wishing that someone would love him anyway, in spite of his behavior.

  “Come on, donkey,” she said, tugging his leash,“let’s get some exercise.”

  The dog pricked up his ears and followed Reagan outside, his tail wagging. Penny followed.

  “It’s almost noon, Ray. I was just going to take my lunch. Do you mind if I tag along?”

  Reagan smiled and nodded.

  “We’d love to have you. Tell me about your spa day,” Reagan said.

  Penny knew it was Reagan’s way of avoiding talking about what was troubling her, but she was happy to give her the time she needed. As they walked Penny gushed about her Sunday afternoon, constantly expressing her gratitude. Reagan was happy she could do something for Penny that made her feel so refreshed. She deserved it.

  They came to their bench by the pond and sat down. Ragnar walked as far as his leash would let him and stared at the ducks in the water. It was his nature to want to jump in after them, but the leash prevented him from going too far so he sat down, alert and ready for action. Reagan wished she could take the leash off him and let him go be a dog, but the shelter strictly forbade it. One day he’ll have a home and be able to run loose and play, she thought, sighing.

  He must have sensed something because Ragnar trotted back and put his head on Reagan’s knee. She rubbed him gently.

  Penny also noticed the shift.

  “Okay, Ray, what happened this weekend? You seem unnerved or something,” Penny said. “You’re being more quiet than usual.”

  Reagan knew Penny wouldn’t settle for a dismissal, but she wasn’t sure what to say to her. She didn’t know how to process her feelings herself, let alone explain them, but she tried anyway.

  “Honestly, Penny, I’m okay. It’s just that, well, I met someone this weekend that …”

  She paused to gather her thoughts. Penny sat forward, worried but curious at the same time.

  “Well, he...”

  Another pause. She honestly didn’t know what to say.

  “Penny, I met someone I really liked,” she finally said.

  Penny’s smile lit up her whole face. It made Reagan giggle.

  “Stop,” Reagan said with mock protest.

  She knew what Penny was thinking.

  “It’s not what you think. He confused me. I don’t know. It was just strange,” Reagan concluded.

  Penny gave her friend a playful shove and Ragnar looked up, wanting in on the joke.

  “You like someone,” Penny teased, emphasizing the like.

  Reagan huffed.

  “Stop. It’s just weird, and complicated, and I don’t know,” Reagan said.

  “Why’s it weird?” Penny said. “Why’s it complicated? Is he married?”

  Reagan stopped smiling for a minute and thought about the question. Was he married? She never asked. She didn’t think he was married, at least nothing she had ever read about him indicated he had a wife.

  “No, he’s not married,” Reagan said.

  Penny had a quizzical look on her face.

  “Was it a client, Ray?”

  Reagan put her head in her hands and groaned.

  “You fell for a client?” Penny said, surprised.

  She was more surprised that Reagan had finally allowed someone in, than she was that it was one of her clients. It had been a long time since Reagan had admitted feelings for anyone. Not since her marriage ended. That had been a very painful time. Reagan had experienced a lot, more trauma than any woman should ever have to go through. Penny nursed her through a lot of tears back then, and a few cuts and bruises.

  Reagan looked up at Penny through her fingers, a grin on her face, making Penny chuckle.

  “Tell me how it happened. What did this magical man do to break through that wall?” she teased.

  Reagan sat back, her smile softening as she thought about Ethan. She couldn’t really give Penny all the details.

  “He’s a very appealing man, Penny. I can’t tell you any more about him. All I can say is that he seemed to look past all the smoke and mirrors and he really saw me. He saw Reagan,” she said quietly.

  Penny smiled. It was one of the rare occasions she’d seen Reagan’s vulnerable side. She wanted to reassure her.

  “Ray, that’s a good thing,” she said, touching her gently on the shoulder.

  Reagan nodded.

  “I have no idea what any of this means, Penny. And I’m not sure it matters right now. All I know is that it felt good. Maybe I’m ready to be seen again.”

  Maybe that was the reason Ethan had come into her life. Maybe he was there to show her that she was ready to open her heart again. Penny put her arms around her friend and Reagan returned her embrace. It was the first time Reagan didn’t pull away first, and the moment was not lost on Penny.

  “Come on, we have to get both of you back,” Reagan finally said, standing up.

  Ragnar pulled up beside her and kept pace as the three of them headed back to the shelter.

  CHAPTER 19

  ETHAN

  Ethan made his way through his Monday with a huge smile on his face. During the brief downtimes of his day, he reflected on the naughty night before, and how excited he’d been, his thoughts drifting to Reagan and her delicious, sensual curvy body.

  He was into her, yes. He thought about some of the sexy things he could imagine her doing to him, but there was more. He also wondered about her.

  What made her tick?

  What was her life like outside of work?

  Was she social?

  Quiet?


  Did she have hobbies?

  What made her happy?

  He recognized that his curiosity would go unanswered, at least for a while. While he was certain they would see each other again, he had no idea how or if things would develop further. He wondered how soon was too soon to text her for another ‘date’.

  Ethan’s assistant opened the door to his office and invited his next appointment in.

  “Welcome,” he said, standing up and reaching out his hand. “I’m Ethan McLaughlin.”

  As he settled in to his meeting, he had to force himself to push Reagan from his mind.

  * * *

  Driving home proved to be stressful. The freeway was jammed up and he was stuck in traffic. As the car beside him slipped past, a young woman lifted her cell phone and took his picture, waving at him. He gave her a quick wave and turned on his radio.

  He sighed. The truth was, he thought, fitting Reagan into his life would be challenging, if not impossible. The public loved the idea of him hooking up with well known starlets, girls like Mia. That made sense to them. As soon as he showed up in public with a mystery woman, the press would dig into who she was.

  It was hard enough for him to accept the intrusiveness of the paparazzi, he couldn’t imagine how it would be for someone non-famous, especially if they didn’t want to be known. Also, he wasn’t sure he wanted people judging him, not to mention how it might affect his work.

  He knew he was overthinking things. He’d spent the past fifteen years avoiding media scrutiny. No matter what choices he made in his life moving forward, he was confident he could keep his private life his own.

  The traffic started moving and he made his way home.

  The rest of the week was stressful. He was pulled in every direction, with several projects demanding his attention. The day of the premiere was the worst. His latest project was in a tailspin with the casting director pulling out. He was fed up with the director, James, and said it wasn’t worth the bullshit.

  In spite of his best efforts, Ethan couldn’t convince him otherwise. All the progress they’d made was a big fucking waste of time. He had to hire another casting director and pray they could pick up where things had left off.

  Ethan was in a foul mood, which didn’t happen very often. A text message came in. It was from Mia.

  Hi Handsome! Super excited about tonight! ;) I want to get there early so we can spend some time talking to the press. We need to talk to Entertainment Tonight this time. I need the exposure. There are a couple of great roles coming up that I’m vying for. LOL. You know how it works. Anyway, what time are you picking me up? Do you want to send a car for me? <3

  He quickly texted her back, knowing if he delayed, she would send him another text soon after.

  Been a long day Mia. We can go early but I want to keep it a short night. Would you mind if I slipped out before the film is over?

  Before he could even get his mind into another task, another text came in.

  Awwwww really? I want to go to the after party. :( Can’t we go. please? I will totally make it up to you afterward. ;) Come on, a night out will do you some good. <3

  He read her message shaking his head. She really didn't know him at all. He knew asking Mia to go with him would lead to a long night of socializing and all he really wanted to do was get home as early as possible and chill. He thought about Reagan and her shackles. Yup, that would work too. He texted Mia back.

  Ok, I’ll send a driver to you for five-thirty. Will meet you there. I’ll head over from the studio. We can hit up the party for a bit. See you soon.

  He had a suit at the office he could slip into and avoid going home first. He looked at his watch. It was already three-thirty and he still had a lot to do. His phone chimed again.

  Yay! :) Ok. I have to run, my stylist is finishing my hair and makeup. I DO NOT want those bitches on Fashion Police ripping me apart again. See you at six! <3

  He put his head down and got back to work. The next few hours passed quickly. He looked at his watch and thought of all the things he still had to finish up before he called it a day.

  He sighed as he realized he was going to be late for Mia. By the time he got off the lot and drove over to the theatre it would be close to six-thirty.

  He went to the closet to pull out his suit and quickly changed his clothes. He wouldn’t have time to eat, so he stopped by the vending machine and grabbed a candy bar and bottle of water and made his way to his car. He was looking forward to this day coming to a close, but unfortunately, that was still a long way off.

  He could see a good crowd gathering as he pulled his Porsche up to the famous Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. The stars of the movie were lingering outside on the red carpet, surrounded by the press.

  They were all there and he was making a late entrance. He pulled his car behind a stretch limo and was met by a beautiful young greeter who opened his door for him. Behind her was the valet who he gave his keys to.

  The greeter walked him out to the red carpet, to the screams of his fans. He paused for a moment and waved to the crowd and was met by even louder applause. He stopped to shake a few hands until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Mia, looking stunning as ever.

  She’d gone all out for this event, wearing an expensive blue cocktail dress with a plunging neckline. He greeted her with a kiss to the cheek, but one look at her told him she was not in good spirits. She was smiling, but her eyes were angry.

  “Sorry I’m late, I lost track of the time,” he confessed.

  “You’re not wearing the Cavalli,” she said through clenched teeth.

  He was confused. Mia waved half-heartedly to the crowd as she walked with him up the aisle.

  “What?” he said, unsure what she was talking about.

  She sighed heavily.

  “The blue Cavalli tie. I asked you to wear it so that we’d match,” she pouted.

  He shook his head, too tired to press her further.

  She took his hand and led him into the press. They all wanted to talk to him and he did his best to pump up the film, but his heart wasn’t in it. Mia enjoyed herself, chatting everyone up. He gladly let her do all the talking. She was in her element.

  As they came to the end of the circuit, they were greeted by a fresh faced entertainment reporter from E News. She asked Ethan about the film, mostly a repeat of the questions he’d answered over and over already.

  Then she turned to Mia and asked her what was coming up for her. Ethan smiled patiently, but all he really wanted was to go inside. Mia prattled on for a few minutes until the reporter cut her off.

  “You two have been seen together quite a bit these past few months,” the reporter said. “Are you an item?”

  Ethan smiled and put up his hand as if to ward off personal questions. He tried to lead Mia gently away but she hesitated.

  “We sure are,” Mia answered, a little too eagerly, as Ethan pulled her along.

  It took a lot to upset Ethan, but today had been a rough one and his patience had just run out. He lead her inside and the usher closed the doors behind them. He pulled her aside.

  “Mia, what the fuck?” he said angrily.

  She looked at him with surprise. Ethan had never spoken harshly to her before. Having been caught off guard, she failed to filter her words before responding.

  “You promised you’d come early and left me standing alone for thirty minutes. I did all this for you. I’m here for you. And you couldn’t even show up on time. And to make matters worse, you didn’t even wear the damn Cavalli!”

  Ethan took a step back, trying to process what was happening. It was a fucking tie, why did it matter? Why did any of this matter? They stood in silence a few moments.

  He looked at Mia and could see she was disappointed and hurt. He realized that he’d been inconsiderate. He had invited her, regardless of his reasons, and he had promised her the party after. She’d put a lot into this evening and he owed it to her to be present. He took her ha
nd.

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. I should have been more considerate,” he said. “You look gorgeous,” he added.

  Mia looked up at him and smiled.

  “You think so?”

  He nodded. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

  “I’m not wearing panties.”

  She looked up at him and smiled seductively. He shook his head slowly and smiled at her. He knew she was trying to heat him up, and maybe a month ago it would have, but now it just wasn’t enough. He knew he needed to tell her, but it would wait until the right time. Why spoil her night?

  CHAPTER 20

  ETHAN

  The valet pulled up with Ethan’s car, signaling the end of a long night.

  After the film ended, the cast and some of the crew drove up to Spago to continue the party. Although he initially didn’t want to go, Ethan had to admit he had a good time. It was fun catching up with everyone. He hadn’t seen many of them since wrapping up filming sixteen months earlier.

  Mia also seemed to have a really good time, their earlier conflict didn’t really land on her at all. She knew several people at the party and ended up hanging out with them most of the night. Ethan was relieved as it gave him a break from her, and the freedom to chat up other people.

  Every now and then, Mia would stagger over with champagne in hand, and cosy up to him for a few minutes. Ethan kept his eye on her throughout the night, just to make sure she was okay. She was drinking quite a bit.

  In spite of the activity around him, he found himself thinking of Reagan. He wondered what his night would have looked like if he’d been with her instead. Thinking about that put a smile on his face, the kind of smile that said, “I have a hot little secret.”

  Several times throughout the evening he found himself looking at his phone, scrolling through some of her past messages. Especially the last one.

  It’s time for you to cum for me.

  Reading it aroused him all over again.

  Mia sat beside him in the car, chatting happily, her words slurring from all the champagne she’d enjoyed. When he pulled onto the freeway to take her home, she looked over at him, her head cocked to the side.