“No,” Del said. “I was just hoping to get to know you a little better before we started. Your background, your astrological sign, where you live, your phone number, all those important details.”
Carissa frowned. “I’ve already given you the necessary background. I’m working on my thesis in sociology. My astrological sign is completely irrelevant to my research. I’m staying with my aunt and uncles, the Holt-Parkers, over the summer.”
“So now that I know where you’re staying, when should I pick you up for dinner?”
Perry noticed a slight blush forming on Carissa’s cheeks. “Sorry, but I’m a researcher, not your date for Saturday night.”
“So I don’t have a chance?”
“Not while I’m writing my thesis.”
Del grinned. “In that case, I hope you’re a fast writer.”
Perry felt sorry for Carissa as he saw her face grow even redder. He appreciated her willingness to spar with Del, but he also knew that whatever retort she had, he already had three possible responses simmering in the back of his mind. “As for your other questions, you already have my phone number, remember? I gave it to you when I emailed you to set up the interview. In the event that you want to foolishly attempt to read any significance behind that, my cousin Iris suggested I talk to the two of you. So no, I didn’t seek you out based on any reputation that you might have. Unfortunately, my work keeps me too busy to spend my time researching eligible bachelors in cities in which I don’t even live. Anything else?”
Del blushed. “No.”
Perry gave Del a death glare. I hope his antics don’t change her perception of me, he thought. Maybe I should have picked another best friend or something. He immediately felt guilty for thinking such things about someone who had been his best friend for nearly twenty years. After all, he would never have considered choosing a woman over his friend. In fact, his dream was for them to share one woman, whenever they found the right one. Perry couldn’t imagine anything else more fitting for their friendship. So rather than focusing on his irritation, he turned his attention to Carissa, who had turned on her tape recorder and was preparing to ask them questions.
“Perry, why don’t we start with you?”
He almost melted when she looked in his eyes. “Okay, sure.”
He wasn’t sure how he was going to get through the interview, not when she was so beautiful, not when his body was already on fire, and the closest thing to meaningful contact that they’d had was when he slapped her on the back to help her stop choking.
* * * *
Del eased back in his chair, listening to Perry prattle on about his family life. Yet he was more focused on the delicious-looking redhead sitting in front of him. She wasn’t quite his type—usually he was into women who were easily swept off their feet. Carissa seemed to be a little grounded, and it was clear he’d have to put forth effort to impress her.
What was strange was that he wanted to impress her. Usually, when a woman rebuffed his initial advances, he gave up. There were plenty of other women who would find him entertaining, and he rarely found it worth the effort to accept the challenge of attracting a woman who had better things to do than fawn over him. Yet for some reason, he felt compelled to try again. It was unsettling, suddenly caring what a woman thought about him, with no rational explanation for it.
It didn’t help that she was dead sexy. He was typically drawn to the well-coiffed women of Male Order, but something about her more casual appearance enticed him. Her smile was alluring, and he wanted to see what she looked like when her face broke into a laugh.
Del tried to chalk these feelings up to the fact that Carissa was a fresh face. There weren’t many women left in Male Order who hadn’t fallen captive to his charms, at least for one night. He wasn’t the kind of guy to drag an affair out for too long, and he was starting to run out of options in town. Carissa, however, was brand-new. Del chalked his irrational desire up to the fact that it had been a while since he’d had the opportunity to flex his flirtation muscles.
“Del? Del? Are you listening?” Carissa’s words cut through his thoughts.
“What?”
Damn. That’s another strike against me, he thought when he saw Carissa’s frown. “I was just hoping to get a little bit of background from you,” she said, tension seeping into the tone of her voice. “The kind that Perry just gave, which you’d know if you’d been paying attention. I wanted to know first and foremost about your parents’ marriage, in as much detail as possible.”
“I thought you were more interested in studying the younger set.” He winced as soon as he realized what he’d said. Yeah, save face by trying to undermine her research methods. That’s a surefire plan to turn her heart.
“I am, but I need to gather background details in order to get a complete picture. Now, if you’re not interested in participating, feel free to leave. I have plenty of other interviews set up for the next few weeks. I don’t think that you dropping out of the study will have any adverse effect on my project.”
Del was shocked to find that he was blushing. “No, really, I do want to participate. I’m sorry.”
“Look, I can tell that you’re the kind of guy who likes to have fun and goof off. This isn’t playtime for me, though. This project will be the culmination of my graduate studies, and I’m taking it very seriously. My thesis has the potential to make or break my career, and the project gets that much more difficult when my subjects are fooling around doing interviews. Does that make sense?”
“Of course it does,” Del said, placing his hand on hers. Carissa quickly pulled it away. “We understand completely.”
“I’m not sure you do. Please stop flirting with me.”
“I’m not flirting. What makes you think I’m flirting?”
“Del, be serious.” Perry’s voice had an edge that made Del consider backing off, but only for a moment. He knew he wasn’t going to get anywhere if he didn’t go all-out. Del was never worried about taking things too far. He was only concerned that he might lose out if he didn’t go far enough.
“I’m always serious, Perry. You know that. I don’t have time to play games. I never flirt. I only seduce.”
With that, Del stood up and leaned across the table. Deciding it was now or never, he rushed his lips toward hers, sweeping in for a kiss. To his surprise, he stumbled and missed, barely grazing her cheek, when he got distracted by the sound of a lock turning in the door.
Chapter 2
“Hello?” A woman’s voice entered through a slight opening in the door.
“We’re in here, Mom,” Perry called.
An elegant woman escorted by two gentlemen entered the living room.
“Son, we didn’t know you had company,” one of the men said.
“Oh, don’t worry about it. We’re just finishing up. Carissa, I’d like you to meet my mom, Camilla, and my fathers, Anthony and Donald.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” she said, offering firm handshakes to all three.
“Well,” Perry said, “it looks like we ran out of time for the interview. I’m really sorry, Carissa.”
Carissa tried not to let her disappointment show in her expression or her words. If Del hadn’t been goofing off, this would have gone much faster, but it’s not Perry’s fault. “It’s okay. I’ll just give you both a call tomorrow and we can work out a time to reschedule.” She began to gather up her things.
“Would you like to stay and eat with us?”
For a moment, Carissa intended to refuse the invitation. She wasn’t sure she had the finesse to get through dinner when her knees went weak every time she made eye contact with either man. But before she knew it, she said, “That sounds great.”
Perry smiled. “Fantastic. Why don’t I get you all some drinks while I get dinner together?”
“You cook?” Carissa asked.
“Yep. It’s my favorite way to decompress after a long day. Now, what does everyone want to drink?”
“Martin
is for the three of us,” Donald said.
“Got any beer?” Del asked. “I’ll take one. If not, scotch and soda is fine.”
“I’ll just stick to water.”
“Come on, Carissa.” Del punched her lightly on the shoulder. “Lighten up.”
“Just some white wine, please, I guess.”
Perry poured drinks, and then ushered everyone to sit on the couch while he fixed dinner. Del settled next to Carissa on the couch and was brash enough to put his arm around her. Carissa made a point of removing it and settling his hand back on his lap.
“What, you’re not into me?” he whispered.
Carissa blushed and hoped that Perry’s parents didn’t notice.
“What, I get the silent treatment now? Come on, you know you’re into me. I can see it in your eyes.”
“So, Carissa,” Camilla said, “how long have you known Perry?”
Carissa was relieved to have someone distract her from Del. “Just since I arrived in town this afternoon. I’m here interviewing Perry and Del for my thesis project.”
“Oh, you’re a student?”
“I’m almost done with my Master’s degree at the University of North Texas.”
“That’s wonderful. Why don’t you tell us a little about your project?”
“Well, I’m here doing research on the town of Male Order. I’m interested in the practice of menageamy. Specifically, I’m interested in the perspectives of young adults who have been raised in a menageamous culture but are not yet married, and their plans for marriage in the future. Actually, if you’re available, I’d love to interview the three of you about your lives here, to get some background information on established married couples.”
All three of Perry’s parents looked uncomfortable.
“You’ll be writing about Male Order?” Donald asked. “About the rest of the town? About our son?”
“Well, yes, but all names of the people I interview will be changed, of course. That’s standard practice.”
“Still…You’ll be writing about our town and our personal lives.” Hesitation weighed down Donald’s words.
“I promise nobody will have access to your identities. My project has already been approved by a research board that ensures my work will be ethical.”
“That may be all well and good for the university, but just because some board approves of it does not mean that the residents of Male Order will want you poking your nose into their business.” An edge was beginning to form in Donald’s voice.
“Well, nobody is obligated to talk to me. Interview participation is strictly voluntary, and those who are uncomfortable talking about their experiences with menageamy can just steer clear.”
“Still, even if they decide not to talk to you, maybe people around here won’t be so interested in you writing about them,” Camilla said, iciness coating her words.
Carissa was starting to feel unnerved by their hard stares. “Oh…well…I mean…” she stammered.
“I know I don’t mind such a lovely young woman writing a paper about our town,” Del said, sliding his arm around her shoulders again. “Especially if it means that she spends some time talking to me.”
Exactly what I need, this goofball undermining what little credibility I seem to have with these people. She moved Del’s arm off again, throwing it down on his lap with more force.
“Thanks, Del, but I am willing to hear other people’s opinions.”
“All of us in Male Order are proud of who we are,” Camilla said. “However, we’re also concerned about public perception of our life here. Many of us might not be so happy with the idea of an academic nosing around, writing all about us for a group of people that might not understand. Some of us are protective of our privacy.”
“As I mentioned, though, my study will be keep all identities a secret. I already said that I’ll change the identities of everyone who participates in an interview.”
“Even so, some of us are unhappy with the prospect of having our lives written about for your thesis.” Camilla’s eyes narrowed as she spoke.
“Then of course, you don’t have to discuss the project with me further. I’m not offended.”
“I don’t think you understand,” Anthony said. “We don’t think you should be doing this project at all.”
“W-well, that’s your opinion, and I’m not going to force you to change your minds. I promise that I’ll be completely objective in my research and writings. I’m not out to slander Male Order. In fact, I’m fascinated by the culture you have here.”
“Well, we don’t care what you intend. We’d all feel better if you’d just cut the project and pick something else for your thesis.” Donald smiled, as though turning on the charm would make Carissa agree with him.
Carissa couldn’t stand the interrogation anymore. “I think I should go.” She turned to Del. “Give Perry my apologies. It was lovely meeting both of you.” She hurried out, not giving anyone a chance to respond.
* * * *
Perry heard a door slam and stepped out of the kitchen to investigate.
“Everybody okay?”
“Your friend had to take off,” Camilla said.
“Oh, that’s too bad. I can’t believe she didn’t even say good-bye.”
“Well, you know how people are.”
“Anyway, dinner is almost done. Give me five more minutes.”
“Excuse me,” Del said, nodding to Perry’s family. “I need a refill. Can I get anyone anything while I’m up?”
“We’re fine, thanks,” Camilla said.
Del sauntered into the kitchen. “Just came in for a second beer,” he said when Perry looked up from chopping carrots with a furious aggression.
“Help yourself. They’re on the bottom shelf.” Perry returned to chopping, slamming the knife onto the wooden cutting board so hard that it kept getting caught in the grooves it made.
“Thanks. Need any help?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Are you sure? You seem a little pissed.”
“Well, I was expecting Carissa to stay around. I don’t get why she’d take off before dinner, and why she wouldn’t even say good-bye to me. She was so nice during the interview. I can’t believe that she’d just sneak off like that.”
“You’re getting a little upset over someone you barely know.”
“I know I’m being a little irrational, but I just really wanted her to stay.”
“So you like her.”
“Don’t you?”
“Yeah, she’s hot, but I’m not broken up that she’s not sticking around for dinner.”
“That’s too bad. I had hoped maybe the three of us could have a little fun.”
“Yeah?”
“Of course. You’re my best friend. Even though I hardly know Carissa, but in that interview, I felt like I was falling for her already.”
“Already? I know you’re a total romantic, but even you exhibit a little emotional restraint when it comes to the big L.”
“I know, it’s unusual, but you have to admit that there’s something special about her. She’s brilliant, for one thing.”
“She does seem pretty smart, although that can lead to trouble.”
“You’re just annoyed that she kept shooting down all your tricks.”
“Maybe.”
“She’s beautiful, too.”
Del sighed. “You’ve got that right. Even when she’s shooting me down, I can’t stop thinking about how gorgeous she is. In some ways, that makes the sting even worse.”
“She’s not like any woman we’ve ever met before.”
“You’ve got that right.”
“I’d love to share someone that special with you. Maybe she’s not actually all that special, after all.”
“You don’t even know why she left.”
“Does it matter?”
“I think it does. Look, she ran off because your parents freaked her out.”
“What?”
“
Yeah. They asked about her thesis, and none of them were happy to hear that she planned to do a detailed study on the practice of menageamy in Male Order. Even when she tried to explain that everyone’s identity would be protected and that she’d had her work cleared with an ethics board, they were really hostile to her. She got upset and decided to clear out before things got worse.”
“Really?”
“You don’t believe me?”
“I just can’t believe my own parents would be hostile to her. She was so sweet when she introduced herself to me this afternoon, and I know that she doesn’t intend to cause any harm with this project.”
“Your parents are very concerned about the ways in which people might perceive Male Order as a result of reading her thesis. Carissa swears she’s going to be objective, but they’re all concerned that people outside of Male Order will make unpleasant judgments about us. They even outright suggested she abandon the project and pick another.”
“Goddamn.”
“Of course, I probably made things worse by flirting with her.”
“You did what?”
“Hey, man, I thought you just said you wanted to share her.”
“Sharing is one thing. Putting the moves on her when she already feels attacked by my parents is a little inappropriate, don’t you think?”
“I think so now, but I honestly hadn’t given it much in the way of consideration at the time.”
“Geez. So she’s afraid of my parents, and she’s probably creeped out by your untimely advances.”
“It’ll be fine, man. I promise. Come on, quit mutilating those vegetables and let’s go eat.”
Once they all sat down at the table, Perry’s parents cut right to the chase.
“So, your friend, what’s her name, Clarissa?” Camilla gave a slight eye roll.
“Carissa.”
“Right, Carissa. Well, she’s certainly interesting, isn’t she?”
“Yes, I think so,” Perry said, trying to take the defensive edge out of his voice.
“Still, that research of hers. I just don’t know about it.”
“Oh, come on, Mom. It’s not a big deal. It’s an academic paper. It’s not like more than five people in the world read those, anyway. I don’t know what you’re getting so defensive about.”
Jordan, Olivia - A Bride for Two Studs [Male Order, Texas] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 2