Catering to Three

by Kalissa Alexander

  Noah couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was she just a helluva a good actresses, or was there some truth in what she had just told him? He knew he shouldn’t believe her. He didn’t want to believe her, and yet, she looked so pitiful, so lost, so damn vulnerable. And he had loved her once…before she destroyed that love with her manipulation and lies.

  He had worked hard to promote her stories and put her on the cover of Publishers Weekly and Time magazine. She had been hailed as the Queen of the Romance Novel. Even Jackie Collins hadn’t outsold her. And he had been her lapdog. His admiration and love for her had blinded him to her faults, and in the end the choices she made had ruined their marriage.

  She wanted to go with a well-known New York publisher, one that she told him knew how to take her to the next level of sales and stardom. He had been dumbstruck because it absolutely made no sense. There was nothing that another publisher could do for her that he wasn’t already doing. However, she wouldn’t let it go, and when her contract ended, she hadn’t re-signed.

  He should have seen it coming. He knew that now. Her frequent mood swings and paranoia were signs of substance abuse. Even their sex life no longer seemed to satisfy her. She had always been an aggressive lover, but aggression had changed to hostility. She wanted sex to be rougher and rougher. He enjoyed spanking her pretty little ass and making her scream with need when he whipped her breasts with a cat-o’-nine-tails, but when it came to really roughing her up, he had drawn the line. There was no way he was going to whip her until she bled or strangle her until she turned blue.

  Although he had found too much violence a turn-off, she had begged him to step up his game. When he refused, she had called him names and told him a real man would do whatever he needed to satisfy his woman.

  He had pleaded with her to see a marriage counselor or someone who could help them come to grips with her demands that he couldn’t bring himself to carry through. She had laughed at him and said she didn’t need some shrink to tell her what she needed in bed. The marriage had deteriorated quickly from that point on.

  She knew not re-signing with him would be a blow to his business, but she hadn’t cared. Noah had moved on, and now he had more than surpassed his expectations. She, on the other hand, seemed to be right back where she started.

  “After the way you behaved and your lies, there is no forgiveness. However, as a publisher, I find it hard not to at least hear what you have to say. I’ve always respected your writing ability even if I don’t respect you as a person.”

  “I’m not proud of the way I acted. I did horrible things to you and myself. I’m different now whether you believe me or not and I’m grateful you’re willing to hear me out.”

  Noah sat back in his chair and brought his drink to his lips. She took a sip from her own glass. She slowly placed her glass on the table. He watched her reach into her large, oversized purse and haul out a manuscript that she put on the table between them.

  “I wrote this for you, but I know it needs a lot of work. I think it could be a bestseller with your help. Will you at least read it?”

  Noah watched as she pushed the manuscript closer to him. “I’m begging you, Noah,” she said breathlessly, lowering her eyes. “I’m begging you to help me.”

  How many times had he heard her beg in the throes of passion? Until she had tried to push his limits, he had desired her. He had thought their love was forever. He had never thought she would turn on him or try to ruin him. He had been wrong, but according to her, so had she.

  Suddenly his thoughts went to Julie. Her face swam in front of his—beautiful, trusting Julie who had become more important to him than he cared to admit. Was it possible that she was cut from the same cloth as Deanna? Would she end up treating him with the same disregard? Up until now he hadn’t even thought she could be anything like Deanna. However, Deanna had been sweet and caring when he first met her.

  Julie had become more than a good fuck. She was someone he had come to trust. He talked to her about his business, and the four of them had enjoyed each other’s company outside of the bedroom. She had stocked their refrigerator and cooked for them whenever she had the time. His cock was beginning to stiffen just thinking about her. He brought his thoughts back to the present and the woman sitting across the table from him.

  “I’ll read it, but I can’t promise you anything.”

  “Thank you, Noah. This means everything to me.”

  The remainder of the dinner went smoothly. Deanna didn’t say another word about business and talked about people they both knew and current events that she knew were a safe subject. He, in turn, did the same. Before they parted company, he took the manuscript.

  “I’ll call you in a week or so. I’ll need your number.”

  “Yes. Here’s my card.”

  He took it and slipped it in his jacket pocket.

  When he arrived home, Mark and Keith were watching television in the den. He gave them a wave and proceeded to the kitchen. He grabbed a beer and downed it. He grabbed three more and went into the den.

  “Thanks,” they both said, taking the beers he offered them.

  “Everything okay?” Keith asked. “You look a little wound up.”

  “She wants me back as her publisher.”

  “Is that all she wants?” Mark asked sarcastically.

  “She may not even get that. I’ll drink this beer, and then I’m going to go upstairs and get a shower. I would imagine Julie will be here soon.”

  “Yeah,” Mark said, his disdain changing quickly to a smile. “I tuned her up this afternoon in my office. God, she’s hot. She never ceases to amaze me. One minute we’re going over staffing and the next minute I’m staffing her.”

  “Nice play on words,” Keith said, “although totally disrespectful.”

  Noah eyed Keith in surprise. He was afraid of this. They had each bonded with Julie, and at least one of them was getting far too attached.

  “Hell, Keith,” Mark said, “it was a joke. I meant no disrespect toward Julie. I wouldn’t do that. I was just trying to get Noah’s mind off his dinner.”

  Keith looked down at the beer he was holding. “I know you didn’t. I don’t why I said that.”

  “It’s okay,” Mark said, giving Keith’s shoulder a pat.

  “And I know what you mean,” Keith said, taking another swig of his beer. “She’s fucking fantastic. Last week at the gym, it was all I could do to keep myself from coming when she was on the treadmill. When I took her into my office, I barely made it inside of her before I came. That pussy of hers tastes like honey, and when she comes it gets even sweeter.”

  Noah knew just the thought of her could make him hard, too. He wanted her so badly that he knew as soon as she opened her mouth he’d want to shove his cock in it. He loved how she used her tongue and teeth to caress his cock and balls. And yet he was anxious to talk to her, too.

  He had been out of town for a few days, and he hadn’t been able to connect with her for a little one-on-one. He had missed her, and it had surprised him how much. The fact that she was a great fuck had been embellished upon many times by Keith and Mark. However, he knew she was a lot more than that to them by the way their eyes went soft whenever they mentioned her name.

  “It seems that Julie has become an important part of our lives,” Noah said, putting his beer down. “Maybe too important. I mean, you just never know with women. One minute they’re sweet and pleasing and the next they’re on to greener pastures.”

  “Not such a good dinner with the ex?” Keith asked.

  “Maybe. I for one don’t want to lose my heart only to have it trampled on.”

  “I understand,” Mark said sympathetically. “No one does. But sometimes you have to take a chance.”

  Finished with his beer, he stood up. He wanted to take a shower before Julie arrived. He left Mark and Keith watching a baseball game. Still damp from his shower, he was just pulling on a pair of loose shorts and a T-shirt when he heard Mark’s voice in th
e hallway. He stuck his head in the door.

  “Noah. You have company.”

  “Don’t you mean we all have company? She’s a little early, but I’m not complaining.” He smiled.

  “Not exactly,” he said hesitantly. “Your ex is downstairs. Keith is keeping her company.”

  “What the fuck!”

  “Yeah, I thought you might feel that way,” Mark said. “I wasn’t even going to let her in, but she said she had something else she wanted to give you.”

  “How the hell did she get through the gates?”

  “Shit,” Mark said. “I turned them off earlier. The security company reset the codes. I was supposed to turn them back on.”

  “Don’t worry, Mark. I’ll be right down.”

  Mark just shook his head and left. Noah waited a couple minutes and then went down to the foyer where Deanna was standing with Keith. Mark had disappeared.

  She looked up as he walked down the stairs. “Noah, I’m so sorry to bother you. I know you need your downtime. I just wanted to give you a couple of drafts that aren’t complete. I should have given them to you at dinner but I forgot.”

  Keith said good-bye to Deanna and walked toward the back of the house. Noah stared at Deanna. “You could have dropped them by office. There was no need to bring them here.”

  “I know. I just”—she hesitated—“was curious about where you were living. I didn’t realize you had roommates.”

  “It’s a big place. There’s plenty of room.”

  “I can see that,” she said with an admiring gaze. “It’s also quite beautiful. I’m glad one of us did well.”

  “I’ll take the drafts,” Noah said, holding out his hand.

  “Thank you.” She handed them to him, her fingers lingering on his. “I’ve missed you, Noah, and not just as my publisher.”

  “Don’t go there, Deanna,” he warned.

  “I know. I’m sorry, but…”

  She took a step toward him when the front door flew open. Julie ran through it dressed in a short, ultra-tight red dress that left little to the imagination. Black thigh-high boots completed her outfit. Her blond hair was swept back in a ponytail and her eye makeup was heavy, dark, and smoky. She started to run toward him when she stopped short.

  Deanna stood looking at her with her mouth open. Julie’s shocked eyes met Noah’s, confusion written across her face. It was an unspoken rule that when she visited they would be alone. They had encouraged her to surprise them, and tonight’s outfit was exactly the kind of surprise they liked. Only, tonight Deanna had invaded their privacy.

  The two women were still staring at one another. Noah knew he had to say something. “Julie, darling. I’ve been waiting for you.” Looking back toward Deanna, he said, “This is Deanna…my…”

  “I’m his ex-wife.” Deanna’s eyes narrowed before she turned to Noah, ignoring Julie. “You should have told me you had an appointment with a hooker. For goodness’ sake, I would have understood. I’m not a prude, as you well know. I’m just surprised you’d want her in your house or that Keith and Mark would approve.”

  “Julie’s no hooker. Now, it’s time for you to go.”

  She gave Julie a sly smile, her eyes raking her with superiority before she turned to Noah. “She’s not just your hooker, is she? She’s here for all three of you. Oh my God, how fabulous. I’m impressed. Who would have ever thought you were a man to share? I know when we were married that thought would have never crossed your mind.”

  “That’s enough, Deanna. I told you to leave.”

  “What is that incessant tinkling? It sounds like a bell.” Deanna turned to stare at Julie.

  Noah knew exactly what it was. He saw Julie try to keep from moving.

  “Deanna, I want you to go,” he said more firmly. “I told you I’ll call you.”

  “I can use my cell phone to call for a taxi. Tell Mark and Keith I hope you all have a wonderful night. I’m sure it will be, if nothing else, satisfying. I hope you’ve had your shots.” She walked past Julie without even looking at her.

  Noah closed the door behind her and then turned to Julie, who was standing perfectly still with her arms crossed over her chest.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Julie stood with her arms crossed watching Noah’s ex-wife walk past her without acknowledgment as if she was dirt beneath her feet. What was she doing at Noah’s? It would have been easier to take if she weren’t so gorgeous and Noah’s eyes hadn’t been glued to her every move. Could she blame him? His ex was tall, big breasted, and with a face that could grace the cover of any magazine.

  She had been so excited earlier when she was anticipating them ripping off her clothing. She loved dressing up in sexy outfits that she knew would drive them crazy. She had been prepared to even strip slowly for them if that was what they wanted. And now, all she could think about was running out the door in shame. She would, except she was sure that woman was still out there waiting for her taxi.

  “Julie, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” Noah held out his arms to her.

  “Me, too,” she choked out.

  “I had no idea she was going to drop by. If I had, I would have stopped her.”

  Ignoring his arms, Julie looked down. “She made me feel dirty and cheap.”

  “Do I make you feel that way? Does Mark? Does Keith?”

  “No, of course not,” she stuttered.

  “Then why let her? She’s bitter about life, and you happened to walk into something that has nothing do with you. But I am sorry that she made you feel that way.”

  “Have Keith and Mark been married, too?”

  “No.”

  “Well, at least I won’t be running into their ex-wives. She looked at me as if I were nothing more than a prostitute you were paying to….”

  “To fuck me?”

  “Is that how you see me?” Julie held her breath. Had she been blind to the truth? Was that all she meant to him? Were all the new clients a form of payment? The pain in her heart ripped through her chest.

  “Didn’t you hear anything I said before? If all I wanted was a whore for the night, I could easily find one,” he said, lifting her chin, forcing her to look at him. “And you and I both know you’re no whore. You’re a beautiful, incredibly sexy woman.” Noah stepped toward her, his hand reaching out to draw her into his chest. “You’ve brought me more happiness in the past few months than she did in all the years we were married.”

  “Noah,” Julie said softly, her eyes filling with tears. “Do you mean that?”

  “Mean what?” Keith walked down the hall to where they were standing. “I thought I heard your voice,” he said, running his hands down her back and squeezing her ass. “God, you feel good.”

  She heard a wolf whistle from behind Keith. She turned to see Mark bearing down on her. His need for her was evident in his eyes as well as in his shorts. She couldn’t help but smile.

  “How long have you been here?” Keith asked cautiously.

  “Julie met Deanna,” Noah responded.

  “Well, sort of,” Julie spoke up.

  Mark and Keith looked past her toward Noah, their faces grim.

  “It wasn’t that bad,” he said with a laugh that didn’t reach his eyes. “Julie survived her.”

  “Just barely,” Julie said, lowering her lashes.

  “What did she say to you?” Keith asked sharply. Julie buried her face back in Noah’s chest.

  “You know Deanna,” Noah said, his arms tightening around Julie.

  Keith was silent for a few moments before he took Julie’s hand in his, drawing her from Noah’s arms and into his own.

  “I’m sorry you were subjected to that.”

  “Noah’s right, it wasn’t that bad,” she lied.

  Keith pulled her closer protectively. He kissed the top of her head. “We won’t let that happen again, will we, Noah?”

  “Julie’s a big girl,” Noah countered, his voice becoming steely. She could feel the tension between the two men. App
arently, so could Mark as he stepped in between them to pull Julie into his own arms, ignoring Keith’s resistance.

  Smiling warmly, his eyes smoldering with unabashed lust, he said, “Now, how about a few twirls so I can really get the effect of what you’re wearing.”

  Julie did as he asked. However, before she could make her second twirl, Mark had scooped her up in his arms. “I’ve been thinking about you ever since you left me today.”

  She still wasn’t sure exactly where she stood with the three men, but for now, she wanted what they wanted. The future was something she didn’t want to think about.

  Mark carried her up the stairs with Keith and Noah following close behind. He kicked open the bedroom door and carried her to the center of the room, where he released her. She stood, trembling slightly.

  “Lift your dress above our pussy.” Noah’s order was more like a caress.

  Lifting the red material slowly, she spread her legs, the clit clamp’s bell visible between her thighs.

  “I thought I heard our little friend,” Mark groaned. “What beautiful music you make.”

  Noah reached down and released it from the hood of her clit. She groaned. Her pussy juices gushed. “Please,” she begged, “please.”

  Noah bent down, his tongue licking her swollen clit. She moaned, leaning back into Keith, who had come to stand behind her. Keith’s lips rained kisses down her neck and shoulders.

  Mark pulled the front of her red dress down to expose her breasts, the cloth giving way beneath his hands. She had a feeling when the dress and boots had been delivered to her door that the outfit would only be worn once. They had made a habit of ripping her clothes off when it suited them. Tonight was one of those nights.

  Mark sucked her hard nipples, stretching one and then the other between his teeth. Julie pushed her breasts out further and spread her legs wider. Keith continued to hold her upright, his cock rubbing against her ass though his lightweight shorts. Everything was forgotten as the erotic sensations they were creating consumed her, making her weak with desire.