“Oh, is this your folks’ place?” she asked.
“It was. We bought it.” Clark sat on the other side of her. They both radiated heat, like big, muscular cozy furnaces. “But I’m afraid we haven’t taken the care of it we should.”
Her eyelids grew heavy, after her long day, traveling and then uncovering the treasure of that amazing table. “I don’t know.” She yawned, jaw stretching wide, and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, excuse me!”
Ty slung an arm over her shoulder and gave a friendly squeeze. “You must be wiped out. And we haven’t even fed you. Clark!”
“Yes,” she murmured, fighting another huge yawn. “Dinner was to be at seven. Is it seven yet?”
Clark stopped on his way to the kitchen to point at a grandfather clock by the stairs to the upper level. “It’s eleven.” He opened the huge old wood-burning stove and reached deep inside. “The casserole might be a little dried out, but it should be edible.”
Four hours later than they’d planned to eat, the three of them sat on the same bench at the table, Jenni between her two dates, and devoured the hot dish. She wasn’t even sure what was in it. Noodles, some kind of meat, a few vegetables… “This is delicious, whatever it is.”
They exchanged a look. “How do you feel about hunting?”
“Well, I’ve never done it, but do you mean this is deer or something you hunted yourselves?”
Clark shrugged. “We don’t only eat deer and rabbit, but it is plentiful up here. It’s kind of a pa—family tradition. We grow some vegetables, too, but nothing long season. We’re too high for that.”
What had he intended to say? They kept cutting off their words. “Well, it’s delicious. And way healthier than most of what they have in the markets.” Their beaming smiles encouraged her to continue. “It’s kind of sexy, too, being provided for. Goes with the cabin. You could probably live here all the time and never go into town at all.”
“Not exactly.” Ty shrugged “We like our comforts.”
“But you haven’t even installed electricity. I thought maybe you liked the old ways.”
“We do, in a lot of circumstances, but we have a pile of solar panels in the shed.”
“So it’s just something to get around to.” She nodded. “I’ve been planning to install a new showerhead in my bathroom for three months. I get it.”
“Like that, yes.” Clark stood and gathered their plates and silverware. “Coffee anyone?”
“No, not for me.” She rose and stretched. “I hate to be a party pooper or a dud date, but I’m absolutely exhausted. And dirty. Yuck. Is there somewhere I can wash up?” A thought occurred. “You don’t have running water, do you.”
“Sure we do!” Ty stood too and took her hand. “We have gravity feed from a spring above and a diesel generator that powers our water heater. It’s not like we’re in the sticks or anything.”
She blinked. “No you’re…do you really have hot water? Could I take a bath?”
“Better than that, I’ll run it for you.” He paused at the foot of the stairs, hand on the elegantly carved banister. “I’m sorry we don’t have any bubble stuff or anything like that. Bachelors.”
“Wait.” She opened her big case and pulled out a zipper pouch. “I’ve got everything here. When you’re a model, you learn what products you like pretty fast. And even though I’ve switched gears, I’m still in the industry and get lots of freebies. Here.” She tossed it to him.
He caught it and took two steps up then changed gears and came back to her side. “I’ll take it all up for you.” Watching him carry the bags to the top of the flight, she admired the view. She’d always liked the larger size guys. Probably because she was full-figured, thinner, smaller men made her feel clunky. And these two were tall and broad and probably looked amazing naked.
Shut up, Jenni. You are on a date with them. Sure, it’s at their house, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to hop into their bed. You haven’t even been asked.
But then, what men asked a woman to their home, overnight, and didn’t plan on getting her into bed? Sure, they’d been perfect gentlemen, but every time she’d gotten within a few feet of them, sparks flared.
She tried to stuff down the guilt. Harold waited for her answer to his proposal. They’d been going out for a year, and he was nice enough. Mostly. She’d agreed to this date only because Matilda wore her down. A trip to an historical cabin complete with two lumber-jack-sized guys was just space out of time. Or time out of space… After this weekend, she’d be back home, and in reality.
It would be dishonest to Harold to rip her clothes off and fling herself at the hottest guys she’d ever met. They weren’t looking for forever. Harold wanted forever. Nobody else had ever proposed to her. Matilda was probably still trying to decide between the two most amazing guys Jenni had ever met, but few women were that lucky.
“Can I help with the dishes, Clark?” she called. She had enough guilt at what she was contemplating doing without feeling like she wasn’t doing her share. “You must be tired, too.”
“I’m fine,” he said, piling clean plates on the drainboard. “Go on ahead upstairs and relax. I think you’ll be pleased. It’s the only room we’ve actually managed to modernize.”
“If it has a tub and hot water, I’ll be thrilled.” She started up the stairs. “Thanks for this evening. It’s been a blast.”
“You’re awfully easy to please.” The clatter of dishes drowned out anything else he might have been saying so she just continued on up. At the landing she looked right and left. The door to the right was open, and tendrils of steam emanating from deep within the room drew her toward the ecstasy of a hot bath.
“Ty?” The bedroom held the largest bed she’d ever seen. Large? Hell, it was massive and piled with fluffy pillows and colorful comforters. The head and footboard, along with a pair of highboy dressers, were more of the woodworker’s handiwork. The carving looked similar, not fancy, but beautiful. Simple. Amazing. Impressive. I’m so tired I’m losing it. Even if I wanted to fling myself into these guys’ arms, I’d just fall asleep. But when she entered the bathroom and saw Ty bent over, swirling bubbles around in a tub nearly big enough to qualify as an in-ground pool, she clenched her fists at her sides to avoid grabbing handfuls of amazing ass.
Then he stood and stretched, the T-shirt he’d stripped down to while cleaning outlining his broad shoulders tapering to a trim waist for such a big guy. Fuck Harold. Or rather, I don’t want to fuck him. I want Ty and Clark. Both of them. For once, I’m going with the flow and screw the details. Everyone is entitled to one night of passion and if they offer it, I’m taking it.
Even if it meant she couldn’t ever settle again.
Thanks for ruining my life, Matilda.
Chapter Four
Ty
Ty watched the bubbles rise in their tub, the first time that had happened. They’d never actually brought a female home, although they’d enjoyed more than their share elsewhere. But their den was sacred, not for casual encounters.
What did one say about a woman who arrived and went to work to make the place more of a home. Without comment or complaint, just as if she belonged there. Not a shifter, though. He’d always thought they’d end up with someone from another pack. Only Gerri’s stellar reputation convinced him to try an ordinary woman.
But she wasn’t ordinary, was she? Extraordinary in every way. Beautiful. Smart. She loved the grandeur of the mountains and didn’t fear heights. And she was one heck of a good sport who saw the loveliness of the home they had neglected. The one their mother had cared for until their father’s health required they move to a lower altitude. They’d always talked about updating the place, too.
Reaching to turn the water off, he heard a sharp intake of breath and peeked over his shoulder. Their lovely curvaceous guest stood in the doorway, and he had to think that gasp was for their remodel. Standing, he wiped his damp hands on a towel and turned to face her. “It is nice, isn’t it? We
worked on it all last summer. You wouldn’t believe the shape it was in when we started.”
She blinked and gave a little shake. “Oh. The bathroom. It’s nice.” Then that sweet smile curved her lips. “And yeah, I’d believe it. I’ve seen the rest of the place, remember?”
He knew. But her smile was infectious and he waved her in. “It’s all yours. Towels on the sink, lots of sundries in the cabinet. We’ll be downstairs if you need anything.” As he headed past her for the door, he wished with all his aching heart and equally aching groin that he wasn’t leaving. But they’d wait for her signal she wanted them to approach. It was their way.
A hand landed on his arm, and he looked from it to her face, which was far more flushed than the steamy bathroom called for. “I-you…that is, do you have to go downstairs?”
What? Frozen in place, he struggled to find words. He needed clarification. “There’s no need to be afraid. I checked for spiders when I came up.” Her fingers tightened. “And I swept and dusted too, just to be safe.”
“I’m not worried about spiders right now.”
“Then what? Are you saying? Pardon me if I’m misunderstanding. I don’t want to assume. Are you saying you want me to stay upstairs while you bathe.”
Her voice was so low, he had to lean in to hear. “Not just upstairs.”
He cleared his throat. “In here? With you?”
“And him, too.”
Clark had come up at some point and stood in front of him. He’d been too focused on her to notice. Which was saying something when the man took up the whole doorway. The world narrowed to the three of them.
And he was starting to sound like an idiot. “You want the two of us to stay in here and keep you company while you take a bath.”
A little shudder ran through her, and the flush on her cheeks deepened. “I’m not good at this.”
Clark pushed in and stood between them. “I think you are. Beautiful girl, are you saying you want us to take a bath with you?”
She nodded.
“You know what that means.” He cupped her chin and studied her face. “We’re grown men who only get naked with women where sex is about to happen. Is that what you want?”
She nodded again. Ty’s heart hammered so loud, he almost didn’t hear her whispered, “Yes, please.”
He met his partner’s eyes over her head. Unlike the other women they’d taken to their bed, this one was more than a fun evening for all concerned. If they moved too fast, if she panicked or if they did something else wrong, they could blow it.
Although a curvy handful, she looked so delicate compared to him and Clark looming over her. But no was not an option. When your mate invited you to get naked with her, that’s what a bear did. Even if you wondered whether she knew what she really asked for. Humans didn’t have mates in the same way their people did, so far as he knew. Sure, they married, and many stayed together for their whole lives…but mating was forever. A joining not just of hearts and minds, but souls.
Clark’s gaze held an intensity he’d never seen before. But they’d been bonded for a long time. He knew the other bear had the same concerns. Then Clark gave a slight nod and pulled his shirt over his head. Correct as always. But they’d have to take things slow…and no biting. Not tonight. As long as they held back that bit, she could leave without ill effect. That would not be the same for them. They’d be sentenced to a life without their mate, after meeting her. One man in the tribe had experienced that. His mate had not walked away, but she’d been shot by a hunter right after their mating was completed. Only good luck enabled them to whisk her body away before the human authorities found it. The one left behind lived a sort of half-life, stumbling through the motions, merely existing. Only incredible courage kept him going at all.
Jenni clasped her hands in front of her, watching Clark undress with wide eyes and her lower lip held between her teeth. He didn’t blame her. Despite his apparent bulk, Clark’s frame was all muscle and not an ounce of fat. The time they spent in the back country gave them both powerful leg and arm muscles. The other man could dig a victim out of an avalanche without breaking a sweat.
Ty disrobed to his undershorts as well, more than ready to sink into the tub with their mate. Jenni made no move to undress, and he hoped she hadn’t changed her mind. Coming up behind her, he rested his hands on her hips and drew her back against him. “Arms over your head, beautiful.”
To his pleasure, she obeyed, and he drew her sweater over her head, revealing creamy skin and an overflowing lacy bra. Clark, similarly clad to him, dropped to his knees and unlaced her sneakers, one by one. When he lifted her foot to remove the first one, Ty looped an arm around her waist and drew her back to rest against his body again. His cock hardened even more. Her breath hitched. She could have no doubt of his desire for her.
After removing her shoes, Clark followed with the wooly socks and then reached for her waistband. She trembled in Ty’s arms, and he murmured soothing nothings in her ear to calm her. “You’re so beautiful, and you’re all ours.” He grazed the shell of her ear with his lips. “We need to get your underthings off before the bath cools. Can you stand?
She nodded then shook her head, and he moaned deep in his throat, continuing to support her while Clark unhooked the front clasp on her bra and let her full, deep-rose-tipped breasts spill free. He rubbed his thumbs over her nipples then bent to take one in his mouth, and she whimpered.
“Now your panties,” Ty murmured. “How much do you like them?” She didn’t answer, so he shifted her onto one arm and gave the delicate lace a jerk. “Clark, get in and I’ll hand her to you. She’s a little wobbly.
She was a lot wobbly.
Clark stepped out of his boxer briefs and into the foamy water, sinking up to his shoulders before reaching up. Ty lifted their mate off the river rock floor, which was warmed by a series of hot-water pipes, and passed her to his partner, who settled her on his lap. From her startled expression, his erection was right up against her sweet, bare cunny.
Before he joined them, Ty piled several towels on the wide ledge of the tub. Then he removed his underwear and stepped into the water, settling opposite the other two. The warmth enclosed him, and he sighed. Although he and his fellow polar bears had no problem with cold weather—especially when wearing their fur—his human side still relished the heat driving out the chill. “This is good.”
Jenni’s tentative smile warmed him even more. “This is amazing.”
Jenni
Better than amazing. She’d never felt so at home with any man. Much less a pair of them. A pair so large and imposing, they left her the petite one in the room. Not a terrible feeling at all. Cradled in Clark’s arms, she sat on his thighs. The large bulge at the small of her back was both arousing and a little terrifying, though. She tried not to compare it to Harold’s because her almost-fiancé came up short, and narrow.
Ty tapped a series of keys on a control pad on the ledge, and she realized it was a jetted tub. Streams of bubbles swirled around her, moving the piles of foam like mountains of wobbly whipped cream. “This okay? I can change it.”
“I can’t imagine anything better.” She referred to the tub, the bubbles, the jets, and the two hottest guys she’d ever met who sat in the biggest tub in a remote cabin making her feel like the queen of the world.
Clark nibbled on her ear, and she shivered. “Good. But I bet we can make it even better.” He brushed an escaped curl from her neck and turned his attention to that spot. His lips caressed her skin, setting a fire raging in her core.
Her eyelids fluttered closed, but she forced them open when Ty lifted her legs onto his lightly furred ones and massaged her feet. He worked every bit of tension from them and taught her that there were nerves connecting them to her pussy as well. She felt like a connector between two live wires. Clark continued to suck and lick her neck and shoulders, while Ty massaged her calves, shifting closer as he stroked and compressed the muscles in her thighs until she was sandwich
ed between them.
The jetting water combined with their attentions was almost too much. Sensory overload, but when Clark cupped her chin and turned her face to take her mouth in their first kiss, she learned how much more they had to give.
With just a kiss and some caresses, they’d taken her higher than any man ever had.
Clark urged her lips open and stroked her tongue with his in a sensual dance, and Ty’s hands slid up her belly to her breasts. He squeezed and massaged them in rhythm with the other man’s kisses. How could they do this? As if they were one organism instead of two separate people.
Were they also lovers?
She didn’t know, and she didn’t care, not now. Because Ty replaced one hand with his mouth, sucking her nipple deep, biting down almost but not quite enough to hurt and flicking his tongue over the captive peak. He released it and moved to the other side, fingers tugging on the freed nipple, pinching and rubbing it. Could she come from nipple stimulation and kissing? Maybe so.
But just as she rode the waves both literal and figurative almost to the peak, he sat back on his heels and her breasts were left surrounded by foam, and desperate for his touch. “I have to taste you,” he murmured.
She would have asked what he had been doing before besides tasting her, but Clark’s kisses had her mouth too busy for words. Then that stopped, too, and the roar of erotic stimulation ceased completely. Panting, she looked over her shoulder at Clark and then in front of her where Ty knelt between her legs.
The men also shared a glance, full of meaning…not that she could decipher it. Then Ty slid his hands under her and lifted her bottom half above the surface of the water. Clark took over toying with her breasts, and Jenni let her head drop back onto his chest. With Harold—who she determined not to think of again this weekend—she had to do all the work. With these men, she could relax and go with the flow, which involved Ty supporting her bottom in one firm palm while his finger stroked her vulnerable pussy, awakening the few nerves not already on full alert. He bent and sucked her clit into his mouth. She yelped, thrashing her head back and forth, already almost too aroused to come.
Paranormal Dating Agency: Claimed by Her Polar Bears (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Claimed Mates Book 4) Page 3