by Brynn Paulin
Her fingers tightened on her mug. “A little,” she admitted.
"I was once, too. Then I met my Jake and Nate, and they convinced me that three is the perfect number. Exactly what I was craving,” she said with a wink, then she grew serious again. “I'm not gonna tell you what to do, sweetie, but just remember that what society dictates as right isn't always. You need to look at what you want.” Standing, she pulled her order pad from her pocket and handed a sheet of paper to Jahz. It was blank save for a phone number. “Your breakfast is on me. That's my number. If you decide to come back, you can have a job here while you're lookin’ for something in your field."
Before Jahz could protest, Carol picked up the coffee carafe and walked away. Jahz shoved the slip in her pocket. It was nice of Carol to offer, but it was unlikely she'd be back for more than brief visits.
* * * *
"Okay, so we were spontaneous and went with the flow and it sucked,” Garrett complained as he stared at the coffeemaker and watched dark liquid drip into the pot.
"It didn't suck,” Chay replied as he clicked away on his laptop, checking their investments as he did every morning. It had been his idea to be more spontaneous. As a banker, things were pretty much mapped out in his life. Some people in his field liked that. Chay didn't. He liked his job, but when he thought about it, he found much of his existence boring. He'd fallen into habits that were so predictable people could tell time by his movements.
"No, being with Jahz didn't suck at all, but this morning does."
Chay frowned. Yeah, it did suck. Not only was Jahz gone when they'd woken, but she'd left town. He hadn't thought the sex was that bad. It had been spectacular. Then what...?
She was scared. That had to be it.
Getting up, he went to the fridge and grabbed a frozen breakfast from the wide selection in the freezer. After prepping it and shoving it into the microwave, he turned to Garrett. “I guess she wasn't the girl for us."
Damn, that hurt to admit. Neither he nor Garrett were much for random fuckings. Jahz had struck a chord with both of them.
"Man, you know that's not true,” Garrett replied.
"Why, because your Byrnam gypsy blood says so?"
His friend stared at him, his lips turning white around the edges as he struggled to contain his anger. Without a word, he slammed down his cup on the counter and left the kitchen.
Well, shit. Way to rack up the points, Chay. He closed his eyes and pressed his hand over his face. Just what he needed. Pissing off his best friend. His day just couldn't be much better.
* * * *
"Look man, I'm an asshole."
Garrett looked up from his drafting board. “Yeah, you are."
Chay sighed, but Garrett wasn't feeling charitable. That little dig in the kitchen ticked him off. They both knew Garrett wasn't particularly fond of his heritage and the way it sometimes poked its way into his life. They also both knew that he'd never been wrong. Ever. Waking up to find Jahz had hightailed it outta town had shocked the hell out of him.
"Could you throw me a bone here? I'm trying to say I'm sorry."
Garrett picked up the bottle of water he'd gotten from his mini-fridge and took a long drink while he glared at Chay, then deliberately turned back to his project.
"I thought you said none of yours was pressing this weekend,” Chay growled.
"It's not."
"Then will you fucking talk to me?"
"Why?"
"You know what? Fine. I said I'm sorry, but you're a jerk.” Chay spun and left the room.
"Hey!” Jumping off his stool he followed Chay. Grabbing him by the arm, he turned him back and yanked him against his chest. “Don't call me a jerk and storm away."
"Jerk,” Chay repeated, this time with a glint in his eyes.
"I'll give you a jerk,” Garrett threatened. His hand thrust into Chay's hair, and he dragged his mouth forward for a kiss. “Let's skip coffee and go sit in the hot tub for a while."
"Sit?"
"Well, I didn't say where.” He pulled Chay's hand over the thick bulge of his erection where it strained against his pants. “I'm sure you'll find an acceptable seat."
Chay dropped to his knees and pulled open Garrett's pants. “I'm sure I will. Hmm ... free-balling, I see,” he commented as Garrett's erection popped out.
"All the better to fuck you with, my dear,” he quipped.
"I thought you were a phantom not a wolf.” Leaning forward, Chay pressed his tongue to the head of Garrett's cock. Garrett groaned as fire leapt through him. His partner could always get him going with a few torrid licks.
"That was yesterday. Today, I might just start howling,” he managed, as Chay took him deep, looking up at him with soulful brown eyes as if worshiping him. The sight of his cock sliding in and out of Chay's mouth nearly undid him as did the burning sensations shooting through him. “Oh God, Chay, that feels good."
Chay raked his teeth along the under side of his cock and Garrett fumbled for the wall. Chay roughly pushed him back against it, never letting up from the suction he'd begun.
Garrett swore as Chay lingered at the head of his shaft, his suction increasing while he flicked at the tiny slit. Futilely, Garrett urged Chay to take more as he felt his orgasm sweep along his shaft and take a strangle-hold on his balls. But his lover refused, intent on his purpose. He stroked a hand over Garrett's belly, gently pushing, as if to say hold still, but there was no way Garrett could stay still with Chay's large, callused hand splayed possessively on him.
Garrett's head thunked back on the wall as his eyes closed. Grasping him, Chay pumped his hand up and down Garrett's shaft while he continued to torment the head.
"Oh fuck!” Suddenly, Garrett's need to come overpowered him and slammed along his limbs as the waves of release hit him.
With a growl, Chay finally moved his mouth forward as Garrett exploded, releasing hot cum down his throat.
"Shit, Chay,” he mumbled, blindly threading his fingers into Chay's hair as he trembled with the last of it.
With a final long suck, Chay pulled free and rested his cheek on Garrett's thigh. “I'm sorry about what I said."
Sliding to his knees, Garrett embraced him. “I love you."
Both of them needed a woman to complete their relationship—this was just a half-life for them—but loving each other would do for now.
* * * *
Halloween and her phantoms were far, far away. Wasn't it supposed to be her handsome prince who was far away but soon to start his quest to find her? Jahz had learned long ago that life wasn't a fairytale.
She examined the black and orange polish on her fingernails and studiously ignored her mother and father as they shared an intimate snuggle across the kitchen before her father left for work. She should have stayed in bed a little longer. While she was fantastically happy that her parents had a good marriage and had celebrated their thirtieth anniversary this year, the reminder of what she hadn't had in her marriage was painful. Even more, it made her wonder what could have happened with Garrett and Chay if she'd stayed in Cranston.
She missed Tam, and truth be told, she wanted to spend more time in the arms of her phantoms. What did they look like without their masks? No matter what they looked like, she thought they were beautiful. One night of loving in their arms had done that.
The door banged shut behind her dad and she sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. She needed to get a grip.
"Would you like some French toast?"
"You don't need to wait on me, Mom."
Her mother lovingly smoothed a hand over the back of Jahz's hair, then sat down kitty-corner from her. “How often do I have my one and only daughter home?"
"Could be a while if I don't find a job."
"There's a hospital just outside Cranston. Maybe fifteen miles out. Have you tried there?"
"What?"
"Darling, I'm not stupid. I know you were upset over the split with Payton, but you were far more relieved than anything else.
I saw you after that ass caused you to lose your job and you were angry. This...” She wagged her finger towards Jahz to emphasise her point. “This is something else. Something happened while you were with Tamera."
Jahz pulled in a shuddering breath. “There were two guys—"
"Two?"
She levelled a chagrined look at her mother. “It's Cranston."
"I suppose, but ... I never figured you'd be one for that."
"Are you angry?"
"I always thought you'd go a more traditional route."
"I did that. It didn't work out so well.” She shouldn't even be discussing this with her mom. It was hard enough to grasp what she was feeling without talking about it with someone else.
"Yes, I suppose you did.” Her mom got up and headed for the refrigerator. “French toast, then?"
"Sure.” Jahz looked away, unexpected tears pricking her lids. This whole thing was so frustrating. She needed to find a job, but she wanted to be back in Cranston more than anything else. She'd loved the small town and the people there. She wanted to find out what would have happened with Chay and Garrett if she'd given it time. Had it been a one night thing in their minds or had they wanted more too? After the phenomenal experience with them, she definitely wanted more.
"All right then,” her mom said. “Run along and repack your suitcase. You can head back after breakfast."
"What?” she exclaimed in surprise.
"I'll explain it to your father. Somehow. God knows I've wondered what two men would be like. Sometimes I think of it when—"
"TMI, Mom!” She paused. “You're sure you're okay with it?” Her parents’ approval didn't guide her, but it would mean an awful lot to her.
Her mom shrugged. “Some people might condemn me for it, but I just want you to be happy. And if this is it...” She sniffled and Jahz didn't press the subject. She rose and hugged her mom.
"I'll be right back.” She'd call Carol and see if the job was still open, then she'd go from there.
* * * *
Good lord her feet hurt. Jahz hadn't expected Carol to put her to work this afternoon or she would have dug out better shoes. Her tennis shoes were great with her jeans and sports shirt with the Carol's Cravings logo on it, but they weren't great for long term support. A long soak was definitely in order tonight after her shift. Thankfully, she wouldn't have far to go since Carol had given her the use of the apartment over the restaurant. She'd even dusted and changed the linens when she'd known Jahz was on her way. The woman's kindness touched her as did the down-home friendliness of the people in this town.
She smiled at the family who was leaving and went to their table to finish clearing it. Once that was finished, she checked on two of her other tables before heading over to the kitchen to see if food for the third was up. It was and she grabbed the hot plates to take out to the two customers—a pair of single men. She'd wonder if they were Chay and Garrett, but they hadn't said a word to her that hinted at recognition. She'd waited on several other men, single and in pairs today, too.
As she approached the table, they both looked up and smiled. A little quiver shot through her belly. Good lord, she'd turned wanton. Two cute guys smiled at her and her panties grew damp? Perhaps coming back to Cranston wasn't such a hot idea. She didn't want to be the town tramp. Forcing her smile to remain in place, she placed a plate in front of each man. She was hardly a loose woman. Just because she was aroused didn't mean anything—these were the first men who'd drawn this response all day and she didn't have to act on it.
"Be careful. It's hot,” she warned. And so were they. One had dark brown hair with chocolaty eyes while the other was blessed with the classic black hair, blue eyes combination. They both had strong masculine features, but it didn't detract from their handsomeness. But it wasn't their looks that aroused her. It was the way their gazes remained riveted on her at all times.
It's because you're a new-comer, dork. Get over yourself.
"Thank you,” they both replied.
Her throat dry, she nodded and pulled the faux-leather folder Carol had given her from her apron pocket. She removed their bill then placed it on the table.
"Let me know if you need anything else. Just wave me down."
She prayed they wouldn't see the tremble in her legs as she walked away. Guilt plagued her. She didn't have a commitment to Chay and Garrett, but she had a stronger moral core than her body was indicating.
"You look a little peaked,” Carol commented, when Jahz slid into the kitchen and grabbed her bottle of water. Thank goodness they were closing early so everyone could be home for trick-or-treaters. It was unlikely she'd have any at the apartment over the restaurant.
"I'm okay, but let me tell you, when we close in a half hour, I'm running for a hot bath."
"Feet hurt? Why don't you run on up now? I can finish up your tables."
"You've been here longer than I have—"
"An hour. After your phone call, I knew I'd be here tonight, showing you the ropes, so I got my sister Kelly to do the morning shift. Now scoot before I change my mind."
"Seriously?"
"Go!” Carol growled. “You shouldn't piss off the boss on the first day."
"Okay, I'm gone. Thanks! Oh and thanks for the job, too. I appreciate it.” Ducking out the back door, she headed up the outside steps that lead up to her apartment. Relief filled her at the thought that she'd soon be off her feet. Even better, she'd be out of temptation's way and her body could stop acting like a wanton, sex-starved nympho.
After letting herself into the apartment and sliding the chain, she headed straight for the bathroom, dropping her apron on the couch and kicking off her shoes in the hallway on the way. A bubble bath called her name. Letting her mind drift, she dropped her clothes to the tiled bathroom floor while her thoughts turned to Garrett and Chay. Tomorrow after her shift, she'd visit Tam then take a walk over and see the guys. Would the men be glad to see her?
A lukewarm reception was a possibility she had to face. Even so, she wouldn't regret coming back here. As a gated community, Cranston offered her a kind of security she didn't feel elsewhere. It obviously wasn't foolproof since Andy had managed to skirt the town's safeguards, but it would pose trouble, probably more trouble than Payton thought she was worth. Even across the country from where she and Payton had lived, she still didn't feel completely safe from him. And he wasn't across the country. Her mother had mentioned seeing Payton when she'd called to check on Jahz's arrival this afternoon. If she could put walls—or gates—between them, she would.
Dread crawled up Jahz's back. She didn't want to deal with her ex-husband and his threats. He no longer controlled her life even if he seemed to think he could.
Shoving him from her head once more, she stepped into the sudsy water. The heat seeped into her, at once refreshing and soothing her. Heaven. The scent of lavender and vanilla surrounded her as she slipped neck-deep into the bath. It felt so good on her aching body.
She cleared her mind of thought and let peace fill her, but her mind wouldn't relax. After a few moments, two black-masked faces entered her thoughts and she smiled. Chay and Garrett. She wanted to know them better and she prayed she'd have the chance. For now she imagined them touching her as the heated water and bubbles caressed her.
Finishing her bath, she climbed from the tub and dried herself with a thick towel then wandered into the bedroom. A quick search of her suitcase found her favourite silky pyjamas. Her thoughts had veered down a sensual path with her two lovers as the stars. She'd want to wear something sexy as she climbed into bed and let them dominate her dreams.
Her silky ice-blue chemise filled the ticket perfectly. Her nipples hardened as it slipped over her body and brushed her curves. She stretched languorously, enjoying the slide against her bare skin. She'd skipped panties and it made the feel of the soft fabric all the more decadent.
It was still quite early but she hadn't slept much while she'd been away. Coupled with the day of waitressing, an
d she was ready to hit the sheets. Bed and sultry fantasies awaited.
A knock on the front door startled her from her languid mood, and her brow furrowed. Who on earth could it be? It had to be Carol. No one else knew she was here. She grabbed the throw from the bottom of the bed and wrapped it around herself, then hurried for the door.
"Who is it?” she called.
"Trick or treat,” a deep male voice replied.
"And we guarantee it will be a treat."
The promise in their voices hit her middle like a freight train filled with lust and she knew exactly who was at the other side of the door. She opened it, leaving the chain on and peeked out at them. Two smiling men, two black masks, two pairs of worn blue jeans hugging rugged legs and black T-shirts stretching over wide chests.
Apparently, word was out that she'd returned.
She blinked coyly at them. “I don't have any candy for you."
"I bet you do,” Garrett replied. “The sweetest kind."
"Let us in, Jahz,” Chay said.
She hesitated a moment at his tone then reminded herself that not all men were like Payton. She couldn't let her experience with her ex colour her future. And despite Payton, she appreciated a man who wasn't a wuss.
Her body vibrating with the excitement of what was sure to come, she released the chain and let the two men into her apartment. They stepped inside, then in near unison, removed their masks. They were the men from the restaurant. The guilt she'd felt earlier flip-flopped into relief. No wonder she'd been aroused by them. Instinctively, some part of her had recognised them.
Their gazes captured her. Deep and intense. Need swirled in their eyes along with unmistakable wariness. They were worried about her reaction to them.
"Chay Harper and Garrett Byrnam,” Garrett said, placing his palm on his chest. “And now that that's behind us...” He pulled her to him, and she gasped at the feel of his warm, hard length against her softer body. He kissed her quickly then handed her over to Chay who just as quickly stormed her mouth with a deep, claiming kiss.