by Leigh Lennon
I knew what he meant, and I was just as excited. The entire way home, I contemplated reaching out to Jordan. The good doctor was so stubborn. And Levi’s plan was all his own.
When he’d called me the night before and proposed the idea, it sounded too good to be true. I loved Levi. With him, I saw a side of life from his point of view. Where most things with Jordan were black and white, Levi was all gray. So of course with their diversity, I got the best of both worlds. Our conversation lingered in my mind.
“Scar, I have an idea. And I’m not saying this to sink my cock deep into the good doctor.” He laughed since I’d known Levi was attracted to Jordan from the beginning. “No, beautiful, I don’t want you to get hurt. And I understand having to choose between us will cause you to hurt deeply.”
I hadn’t said a word, but it was the truth. “Anyway, Jordan isn’t into me. I get that, and I won’t push.” I chuckled because I wasn’t sure who he was kidding. “Okay, I won’t push a lot anyway. But seriously, I want to date you, and I want you to date Jordan. I want a commitment from you, but I want you to be able to call Jordan your boyfriend, too. And because I know you care for us deeply, I don’t want you to choose.”
Now, I was back to reality, but his gesture wasn’t without appreciation on my part. It was similar to Ell with her men. But unlike Arden and Daimen, Levi understood Jordan was unattainable. Levi didn’t have to tell me, but at that moment, he loved me enough to make this sacrifice. And more so than sharing me with Jordan, he’d see Jordan in a way he only dreamed of.
With the warm water drenching my red curls in the shower, I massaged my tired head. Only one thing remained on my mind for now—being with Levi for the first time.
8
Jordan
He didn’t follow me, and I wasn’t sure if it was a good or a bad thing. His words affected me, and I sure as fuck didn’t like how they had affected me. There was so much I wanted to do, and sucker-punching Levi was at the top of my list. I also desperately wanted to call Red and demand answers. Staying with him was yet another thought I entertained way too much!
I’d somehow slumped home. Well, to my brother’s old condo. He was kind enough to take me in after I returned from Doctors without Borders, and I took over the mortgage when Andrew was given an apartment in the same building where Red and Elliot lived.
With the crazy, sometimes eighteen-hour shifts I’d pull over at Mercy, I really only needed a place to lay my head. Plus, his place was more than I could have imagined when I moved back to Chicago. But in the five hours I’d been home since seeing Levi, I’d remained seated in the same place my ass fell when I’d gotten back to my house.
My mind couldn’t get over his proposal or his words. Ell had let it slip once after her accident while leaving the hospital that Levi was bisexual, but I didn’t put much stock into it because she had been heavily sedated. But when I told her I was going to ask Red out, she’d joked with me. “Yeah, Levi is into her, but hell, he’d take you in the deal, too.” I shrugged it off, thinking her own relationship along with all the medicine had clouded Elliot Arnold’s views.
His comments about wanting me caught me by surprise. He really wanted to share Red? Part of that pissed me off, but the part that had me fleeing Levi’s condo was more desire than anything. Those emotions were what truly scared me.
I knew a little of Red’s past. She was bumped from foster care to foster care and was basically homeless at eighteen. Arden and Daimen literally took her off the streets. The second they saw her, they had told her she was like a little sister. Arden and Daimen’s net worth was less than ten dollars, but they gave her a place to stay even though they barely had anything themselves.
Her anxiety of being alone was awful to witness. She kept it under wraps, but when we’d had our first fight—appropriately about Levi, shortly after we first started dating—I’d walked in on her in a ball on her floor. It was the type of hyperventilating crying where one couldn’t catch their breath. It was the most heartbreaking moment I’d ever witnessed.
Thinking of her in that fetal position made me recall the complete memory of when I asked her out. It was the entire interaction with her, and just not the small bit I remembered the night we made love. It was vivid. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been honest with me from the beginning. Ell was still in the hospital and out of harm’s way when I’d cornered her at the vending machine.
“Hey, Red,” I’d started. With her flaming red hair, I knew it wasn’t original, but it got her attention.
“Hey, Doc. Just getting some sustenance for the night. After a crazy couple of days, I’m sending the boys home to get some rest. I’m staying with Ell for a few hours. It’s all her men have agreed to.” She bent over to get a bag of Doritos and Skittles from the vending machine. It gave me just enough time to stare at her ass. It was a fucking fine one.
“Hey, now that we know Ell’s going to be okay, would it be appropriate to ask you out?”
Shit, I’d seen her the second she rushed in the hospital the night of the accident. She was this vision, and I knew I wanted her—in every way. When she hesitated, I stated the obvious, “Shit, you have someone. I’m sorry. Of course, you’re taken.”
Her face blushed, and it was so fucking adorable “Um, I’d love to go out with you, but you gotta know I’m sort of seeing someone. We aren’t exclusive, though, so if you’re okay with it, I’d love to see where you and I could go.” She continued, “But I’m not looking for anything too serious. If you’re okay with it, I’d love to go out with you, too.” Somehow, I knew who the other guy was. His eyes never left her ass either.
But I wanted to get to know her, to woo her, and win her over. I just knew she’d choose me.
Back in the present, I hated I had been so cocky. But with her past, never being first in anyone’s life, I understood what she needed—what she needed from me. The ding of my cell alerted me to a text, and I grabbed it, my hands sweaty the second the name appeared on the screen.
Asshole Fireman: I’m giving you space, Doc. I’m not one to push. (Okay, so I’m one to push, but I’m trying not to.) Dinner is at my condo tonight at seven. I will set a third place setting. You’re invited. My code to get in the building is 3249. I hope to see you. If not, please know we’ll miss you. Again, I’m not pushing you. But since we both love Scar, and she loves us—it’s an option for her to get the love she never had growing up.
Well, shit, the asshole knew where to sucker-punch me, didn’t he? The mention of Red’s life in foster care was all it took. I grabbed my phone, then my jacket and wallet, and looked at the time. It was 6:01. I wasn’t necessarily going to Levi’s, but I needed clarity. I knew where I could get it in droves.
The doorman assumed I was there to see my brother. He already knew me by name, but when I texted Ell and asked to come over, she didn’t ask why.
Elliot: Sure. The boys and I were wondering if you’d seek us out for advice.
Well, hell, news traveled fast.
Pressing the code for the penthouse, I was glad I didn’t run into Red or my brother. The second I arrived at their luxurious home, an automated female’s voice announced my arrival. It was some sort of security to the stars, and of course, these self-made millionaires had it.
“Jordan, we’re in the kitchen. Come have a glass of wine with us,” Arden called.
Peeking my head around the kitchen, I saw all three sitting at the bar top, playing a game of cards. It wasn’t what I expected this triad to be doing—something so down to earth as playing a game—but what had I expected? Walking in on them fucking like rabbits?
“Red or white?” Ell asked as she stood to give me a hug. Daimen rose to shake my hand, but Arden stayed planted, his eyes fixed on his cards.
“You winning, Arden?” I ask, finding this serious side of him surprising. This man has only been serious one time since I’d met him, and it was when Ell was fighting for her life in the hospital.
“Ah, don’t let him fool you, Doc. Th
is asshole is a sore loser when it comes to games,” Daimen added as I pointed at the bottle of red on the counter, and he poured a glass for me.
Ell’s arms wrapped around Daimen’s waist with Arden’s cards hidden from them. “Well, caveman, we do have a lot riding on the results of the game.” She giggled as she whispered into his ear.
“Yeah, what she said,” Arden teased.
“Ah, fuck, did I walk in on some weird sexual card game?” I took a long swig of my wine, hoping it would help with whatever came out of their mouths next.
All three erupted into laughter when Elliot was able to mouth out, “No, but he’s on to something. I’m trying to get them to add some color to the white-on-white walls we have throughout our house. If I win, I get to choose the paint, and they’re afraid it’s going to be pink.”
“Shit, I like Doc’s idea better,” Arden said, tossing the cards. “I amend our agreement. Strip poker. That really is a win-win for everyone, especially if I get you both naked.” Elliot left Daimen’s side to walk over to Arden and kiss him on the bridge of his nose. She made the whole threesome thing look so easy.
“Sit, Jordan,” she instructed. “I know you’re not here to play cards with us or to be entertained by all our sexy times.”
“But if you are, that’s cool, too,” Arden deadpanned.
“Spill it, Doc. We know a little. Might as well bring us up to speed,” Daimen, the man who was always business, began.
“Well, shit, nothing is sacred in your little tribe, is it?” I questioned.
All three shrugged, and I had my answer. Squarely looking at Elliot, I began, “So your brother admitted to me he’s bisexual and would have no problem sleeping with me.” I laid it out there, and by Elliot’s expression, she was not surprised.
“Yep, it sure sounds like Levi.” She took a sip of her drink and was so casual about all of this.
I thought she’d be a little shocked, but watching how comfortable she was with her two men, I now understood why she was not. “Um, but he knows I’m not bisexual. He suggested that since Red loved us both and we both loved her, we could commit to her together.” I drank more wine, because this was an awkward as fuck conversation.
They were all silent for longer than what was comfortable. All three looked at one another like they had something or maybe many things to get off their chests, but feared saying it.
“Just come out with it, guys, I won’t be offended. Tell me what’s on your minds.” It was all the permission they needed, and they began to talk all at once.
Elliot worked her way into the conversation first. “My brother is cocky but very giving. I know he cares for you, Jordan, but his offer was with the idea of putting Scar first, which very few have done in her life,” she said, pointing at her men. “And Levi’s been in a relationship, a committed triad, before. He was young. It was the first guy he’d been with. They found a girl they both loved, and they were happy. But when the guy and girl wanted more—a family—he wasn’t quite ready to settle down. So he knows more about polyamorous relationships than I do. But his offer focuses on Scar.”
Ell pointed at Daimen, who’d been ready to say his piece before anyone. “Scar has so much shit from her childhood, so to be chosen by two men who are willing to put their differences aside for her would demonstrate your love in a very real and raw way.” His words were simple, and it was all he had to say.
Arden grabbed Daimen’s hand, looking at me when he began. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but for me, my sexuality is more fluid. I fell in love with Daimen because he’s Daimen, my best friend. He’s the best man I’d ever known. I’d never been with another man. Love doesn’t have to have labels. You can love someone for them. I have found labels sometimes mess up the ability to be happy.”
Daimen slipped his arm around Arden’s neck, bringing him in for a sweet but sensual kiss. “Fuck, I love when you tell our story.” Ell only looked at her men as if they hung the moon, and for her, they had.
I took my last sip of wine, watching them make this look so easy. “Well, you all gave me a lot to ponder. I’m going to let you get back to your weird sexual/painting card game. I’d say good luck, but I think it’s going to be a win-win no matter who ends up the victor.”
9
Levi
After Jordan left suddenly, I ran to the corner market to pick up some chicken, ham, potatoes, and green beans. My specialty was chicken cordon bleu, and being the optimist I was, I’d gotten enough for the three of us.
I texted the good doctor because I hadn’t heard from him. However, I knew this man was the analytical type. In my mind, I could see him with his pro and con list debating the merits of what I’d proposed.
As I pulled out the roasted potatoes and chicken, I heard a delicate little rap on my door. Opening it for her, I found Scarlet. She’d mentioned she needed to shower, and boy, did I love the smell of whatever she’d bathed herself in. This redhead seductress smelled like pears and cinnamon as her intoxicating aroma filled my loft. She was dressed in a bright pink skirt and a deep purple V-neck shirt, exposing the cleavage of her supple tits. Her colors, outside of the office, were always as bright as her personality. The girl wore the biggest hoop earrings and some sort of necklace that called more attention to the fine as fuck rack she displayed for my viewing pleasure. I pulled her into my arms. The good doctor might not show up, but fuck, she was a vision, and nothing would ruin our first night together.
“Shit, Levi, I didn’t think I’d want anything but you, but whatever you’re cooking has changed my mind.” She winked at me as she continued, “I’m a bit hungry.” Her lips curved up into a slight smile, and it was all it took to bring my cock out to play. Pulling her to me, I wasted no time, swinging her around and gently pushing her to the couch. Leaning over her, I covered her lips with mine immediately, sampling the goods with my hands.
Sure, my fingers had brought her to orgasms a couple of times, and her own hands were talented, too, but right now, I needed more. Popping my head for the briefest of seconds, I narrowed my eyes in on the heat of her hazel ones. “Fuck, I’ll feed you, but I need just a little bit to get me through dinner.”
She didn’t mention the good doctor, nor did I. At this moment, it was her and me, and if he was stupid enough to blow the chance—well, fuck him. Because this was all about Scar. I wouldn’t let one stupid person ruin our moment together. Not even the sexy good doctor.
My hand roved to the hem of her skirt, and shit, I had that piece of fabric hiked up in record time. “Fuck, Scar, I don’t want to feel rushed but shit.”
I’d barely touched her panties, and the wetness had me longing for something more edible than my world-famous chicken dish.
“Levi, we have all night.” I’d completely missed the bag she brought in, and when she pointed at it, and I looked back, a large smile covered my face. “And I don’t want to rush either. Feed me so I have the strength to ride that mighty fine cock of yours all night long.”
Her words put a hurting on me, but I stood, trying to tell my body we’d have to wait. I didn’t like it, and I knew as fuck my cock wouldn’t like it either.
Not having a dining room table or really the room for it, I’d pulled out my old card table. I covered it with a fancy tablecloth and used the china plates my sister had left me.
By the look on her face, it was not lost on her that I’d set it for three people. We had yet to discuss the elephant in the room or the lack of one. But when I pulled out the seat for her, she sat with a smile on her face. Should I clear that dish that reminded us both that he was not here, or should I stay ever so optimistic?
Before I sat down, ignoring the other place setting, I lit the candles. “Wow, Levi, you did this all on your own?”
I shrugged my shoulders. Being a fireman, it was bound to be my turn to cook at some point. I’d had enough shitty dinners at the firehouse, so I wanted to treat the guys who put their lives on the line to a good meal each time I was up for that d
uty.
“Yeah, it’s my specialty,” I replied and pulled at her hand, which happened to be on the table. “Scar, I know it wasn’t romantic—saying it for the first time over a text, but hell, I needed you to know how much I love you. It’s this intoxicating sort of power you have over me. I only wish I could give you your deepest desires.” We both looked down at the empty plate in front of us, but her brilliant red smile, as deep as her hair, was all the indication I needed to understand she was here tonight for me.
“Levi, what you did, what you proposed, I won’t ever forget. We knew it was a long shot, but hell, you did it anyway, for me. I know you care for him, too, but still, this gesture …” She didn’t finish her sentence as a couple of tears fell from her eyes.
Bringing her hand to my lips, I smiled at the thought of the good doctor eating my girl’s pussy. Shit, my cock thought it was time to come out and play yet again. “But it’s not over. What I suggested to someone as straitlaced as Doc, it may take him a while to understand the validity.”
Pursing her lips together, she turned them to a small smirk. “But you need to understand, with Jordan, everything is black and white to him. Think about it. In his job, there’s zero room for the gray area. In his methodical and analytical mind, it’s one or the other. Plus, having a gay brother and a lesbian for a sister make it more real to him. Does this make sense?”
“Kayla is a lesbian?” I asked, and a smile betrayed my thoughts.
Lightly giving me a small kick under the table, her laughter took over the room. “Yeah, but that’s beside the point, you pervert.”
“Hey, what can I say? I’m a guy.” I paused, realizing she wasn’t amused and I hadn’t answered her question. “Yeah, it does make sense, and I get it. But it’s not the way my brain works.”