Hotter Horizons

by JC Szot

  Okay, but remember…subtle. LOL

  After a few hours of managing scheduled conference calls, Levi went downstairs for lunch, planning to tell Fern what he and Alec had planned for the evening. When he entered the kitchen she was leaning against the counter, his sandwich already made and waiting for him. His eyes ingested her instead of reaching for his lunch.

  A pair of weathered jeans sheathed her delectable hips. A sunny, yellow t-shirt clung to her breasts, her feet tucked into a pair of white Keds. Her eyes caught him making his perusal when she glanced up from her cell phone. Her mouth tipped into a wide smile.

  “My friend Jada texted me. She wants to come visit.” Her words rushed on in an excited breath. “Is that okay?”

  Levi’s libido sank like the Titanic. He was sure to maintain the returned grin on his face. She’s too fucking cute!

  “Sure, tell her to come for dinner. Alec is bringing home lobster and scallops, some over-inventory debacle at the club,” Levi told her, sitting down in front of his sandwich, realizing food was all he was going to get to consume today.

  He’d be patient. Observing Fern’s joy was almost as pleasant as the feel of her kiss the evening before. Levi found it interesting that she’d leaned into Alec first. He smiled internally at the thought. Alec always made a good coach for their three-way encounters. He had the gift of compassion and patience—something Levi often lost when his urges became too great.

  Fern set a glass of water in front of him, the lemon slice floating. Levi lifted the glass to his lips, needing to cool down. He looked up. Fern’s back was to him at the sink, doing the dishes. His voice rang out between them.

  “I’m glad your friend is coming. We don’t want you getting homesick,” he said. Fern shut off the faucet and joined him at the counter.

  “Thank you for allowing her to come on such short notice. Her schedule is so crazy. I don’t know when she’ll have another chance.”

  “She can come anytime, Fern. Like I said.” Levi swallowed, his eyes lowering to the smooth skin of her neck. “We don’t want you getting homesick. We love having you here with us.” His admission was a rough whisper.

  He knew he was prodding, feeling her out, but he kept it contained. Alec would be proud. Her arched brows rose in question as Levi bit into his tuna salad sandwich.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “I can’t believe you brought my stereo!” Fern squealed. “Thank you so much.” She pulled Jada in for a hug. The sharp angled edges of Jada’s blonde hair grazed her cheek. Fern held her arms, stepping back to see her friend’s dark-brown eyes, the color of teak.

  Levi and Alec had just helped them carry the remains of Fern’s belongings up the stairs, leaving them to visit before dinner.

  “I have a feeling you’ll be staying here for good,” Jada said, her tone dipping. Her perfectly waxed brows waggled. Fern slapped her arm playfully.

  “Shush.” Fern giggled. Jada shook her head, tucking sleek strands of hair behind her ear.

  “You’ll see. I’ve only been here for twenty freaking minutes. If you can’t see it after a month, you need help, girl,” she told her. “I love this room, and this widow’s walk is awesome. It must be nice to sit out here at night.”

  Jada opened the doors, allowing the late afternoon breeze to move through the room. They walked out onto the perch, staring out into the front yard lining the quaint, quiet street. Jada’s voice eased through the reflective pause.

  “It’s so nice here, Fern, wow,” Jada said, turning to lean on the railing. “You know how lucky you are?” Jada smiled weakly, her eyes heavy with emotion. “I’m so relieved that you’re here, safe and with normal people.” Jada chuckled, shaking her head. She glanced over at Fern. “What could possibly be wrong?” Jada asked, her arms crossing in front of her chest.

  “They took me to a bisexual nightclub last night,” Fern said, whispering. She glanced through the door, her eyes squinting through her tiny room, trying to see out into the hallway. Alec and Levi were downstairs in the kitchen fixing what Levi was calling “Fern and Jada’s reunion dinner.”

  Jada grabbed her hand, her eyes wide.

  “I knew it!” Jada’s hoarsened whisper was strained. Jada rushed to close the French doors to the window’s walk and spun around, her gaze direct. “Tell me what happened. I mean … what led up to this outing?”

  Fern relayed all the events of the previous weeks to Jada, as well as Alec’s invite while she was doing their laundry. She went into more detail, describing her night at the Double Deuce as well as the situation involving Timothy. Her friend grinned, biting her lip in thought.

  “I had a feeling,” Jada said, her words connected like a song. “The energy’s pretty strong. Don’t tell me you haven’t felt it? I could feel it right away, while they were giving me the tour, and that Levi, the way he looks at you,” Jada said, suddenly lowering her voice, as if thinking her enthusiasm could be overheard. “Holy shit, Fern.”

  Fern diverted her eyes, needing to escape the reality she’d been trying to put off. Jada’s hand on her shoulder brought her back.

  “How are you gonna handle this?” she asked hesitantly. “Jesus. Those are two beautiful men down there, fixing our dinner, I might add,” Jada said, her admission laced with sarcastic laughter.

  Fern intercepted Jada’s inquiring gaze head-on. A calm breeze moved between them, holding the scent of freshly cut grass.

  “I’m not really sure.” She sighed. “If I said I wasn’t interested I’d be lying. I’ll tell you this.” Fern lowered her head into her hand, kneading her eyes. “I’m scared shitless,” she whispered, glancing up at Jada through vented fingers.

  “Hey, listen,” Jada said softly. “Whatever happens … I can tell these two guys respect you, and that’s what you want and deserve. We’ve been around a lot of assholes, so we should know, right?” Jada laughed. “If they respect you, and you trust them, then it’s not wrong—”

  “Girls.” Alec’s voice carried through the air, reaching them through the closed doors.

  “Oh God.” Fern flinched, seeing Alec’s face behind the glass panes. He smiled, waving, doing that sweeping thing with his hand again, moving the hair out of his eyes.

  “Fuck! He’s hot,” Jada said through tight lips.

  Fern opened the doors. Alec’s calm and level voice washed over them.

  “Sorry to intrude, but we’ve got dinner ready,” he told them, his smile blowing them to smithereens.

  “Thanks, Alec, we’ll be right down.”

  “No problem.” Alec turned on his heel, quickly exiting the room. Fern saw Jada’s naughty smile in her peripheral vision. Fern reluctantly glanced over at her. Jada’s lips stretched into a massive grin. She shrugged.

  “You’ve got your hands full, and this time we aren’t talking about dealing with dysfunctional bullshit.” Jada nodded knowingly. “This is a horse of an entirely different breed. You better think fast, Fern.” Jada’s eyes blazed. “The male libido isn’t very patient.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jada was the Marilyn Monroe of the new millennium. That was the best way Alec could describe her. She was very beautiful in a glamorous way, not as earthy as Fern. She also had a great sense of humor. Jada wasn’t the type of woman who held back. She spoke what she thought, and Alec liked that. He also thought she was a good balance for Fern.

  Alec was still trying to get a read on Fern. Though the interpretation was somewhat clearer, he didn’t want anything going wrong. He and Levi had piqued her curiosity, Alec knew that for sure. He was proud of the way Levi was conducting himself. Alec was already well aware that Fern had spoken to Jada about them both. He’d seen it in their eyes when he’d gone upstairs to summon them for dinner. Alec could feel it in the air: information had been passed between them, and Fern was ruminating. He hoped Jada was a strong advocate for him and Levi. The girls’ laughter pulled him out of his thoughts. Levi was always entertaining.

  “I’d like to stay,” Jada
told them, “but I’ve got to work a double tomorrow. Hey!” Jada’s eyes brightened. “Maybe you all could come out to visit me next time. I’ll get you free tickets to the next big show,” Jada said. Her eyes darted among the three of them.

  “Jada works at the casino,” Fern said.

  “Sounds like a good field trip. Let us know. I’ll be sure to put in for a few days off,” Alec said, noting the change in Fern’s facial features. Jada then tossed Fern’s worries right out on the table, her actions reflecting her personality.

  “Fern is worried about Johnny, her ex.” Jada’s mouth twisted in disapproval. “With you two in tow, I don’t foresee a problem.”

  Levi stood and began removing the dishes.

  “This Johnny character sounds like a buffoon,” Levi said harshly.

  “That he is,” Fern said wearily.

  “Unstable is more fitting,” Jada said. “But he’s gone, you’re here, and all is well.” She grinned.

  “That’s right, so let us know about the casino. We’d love to come out.” Alec grinned, eager to make plans that involved Fern. Any slightest commitment was a start.

  The remainder of the evening was spent in the living room with coffee, éclairs, and then a night cap of Sambuca. When it came time for Jada to head back to Easton, both he and Levi gave the girls some privacy to say goodbye.

  Alec tied up the garbage and took it out to the small adjoining garage. As he lowered the bag into the can, he heard Jada’s firm, yet considerate voice drift through the night air, the two girls leaning against the hood of Jada’s small compact.

  “You need to take the tinted glasses off, Fern. Those two guys are on a mission, and you’re it.”

  Alec shuddered, slipping back inside the house. Jada had read them quickly. A nervous excitement barreled through his body. Graphic images careened around in his brain. Alec felt his face flame with heat, his dick shifting in his jeans. As he entered the kitchen, Levi’s eyes landed on him like a pouncing tiger.

  “What’s with you?” Levi asked, his eyes lit with amusement.

  Before Alec could release the anxious words off his tongue, Fern came in through the front door. She leaned against the threshold of the kitchen, her smile arousing.

  “Thanks, guys … for everything,” she said. Her eyes shone, pooling with tears.

  “Oh, honey.” Levi tossed the sponge in the sink, closing the space between them. “Don’t cry,” Levi said soothingly, draping his arm over Fern’s shoulder. Alec’s heart swelled, seeing Levi react with such empathy, especially since they’d been dealing with such a forceful urge for Fern. Alec’s throat grew tight.

  “We’re glad you could see her.” Alec reached for her, resting his hand on her shoulder. “It’s not easy leaving the way you did.” He looked to Levi for support. “It takes a lot of courage.”

  “That it does.” Levi nodded. His fingers threaded through Fern’s hair briefly before he pulled his hand away. Fern wiped her eyes.

  “Thank you again. I am lucky to be here,” her tone strained with emotion.

  “We’re lucky to have you.” Levi’s tone was warm. “It goes both ways, doll.” He grinned.

  “You want me to help clean up?” Fern asked. Levi shook his head.

  “No, you go on up,” Levi said, patting her shoulder.

  ****

  After she undressed and brushed her teeth, Fern pulled back the covers and got into bed. She rolled over and stared out into the hall. The clinking of glassware resounded through the house. Hushed voices hung in the darkness. Hearing her name, Fern abruptly sat up, listening. It was Levi. Fern couldn’t detect his words. Alec’s voice tried to smother out the tone of Levi’s, which seemed to grow more enunciated with every word.

  Fern slipped out of bed, creeping out into the hall. A tiny night light at the end of the hallway in the bathroom tossed a faint glimmer of light onto the carpet. Her toes dug into the fibers with every step. She leaned over the stairwell. Muffled groans reached her ears. Levi’s urgent question made every pore of her skin tingle.

  “Don’t you want her?”

  Alec’s breaths echoed through the house. A loud thump filled the quiet. Fern edged down the stairs, her ears on alert.

  The men were in the corner of the kitchen. Fern’s eyes popped open at the sight of Levi pressing Alec up against the wall. The overhead lights in the kitchen were off. A small fixture above the sink bathed the kitchen in a soft glow.

  “Don’t you?” Levi asked, his tone an impatient growl. His fingers wove through Alec’s hair, tugging his head back. Fern gasped, feeling her fingers curl into her damp palm. Levi’s hips jutted into Alec’s body. Fern’s eyes followed the long line of Alec’s extended neck. Alec swallowed hard, his eyes heavy. Fern held her breath, her head exploding.

  “I do … more than you know,” Alec said, his confession a raw whisper.

  “Then what are we waiting for?” Levi asked. Levi’s mouth latched onto Alec’s neck, nibbling and sucking.

  “Ah God,” Alec called out, his voice barely audible.

  “I’m dying here, man,” Levi mumbled into Alec’s neck. Fern watched Alec’s hands wander, petting Levi’s strong torso. Alec ripped the tails of Levi’s shirt out of his pants. “You gonna get me off?” Levi asked, pulling back, his eyes glinting. There was a fire in them that had Fern’s wicked thoughts running between sides. Fear laced with a thrilling rush made her body twitch. Her hand was on the electrical fence that surrounded their arena. She felt the volts, standing on the outside. What would happen if she was to enter?

  Fern’s heart pushed into her throat. Her womanly reactions kicked in, responding to the sight of them. They were exquisite together, such a turn-on. All that had been hazed over with indecisiveness was now becoming increasingly clear.

  They wanted her, but were their wants equally balanced? She didn’t want to cause any trouble between them. How did things like this work? It was obvious that their household had been stable and tranquil prior to her arrival.

  I’ve never done this! I don’t know what I’m doing.

  The shadowed lines of their hard bodies came together, pressing tighter. When Alec released Levi’s cock, Fern lost it. A squealing yelp spilled from her mouth. She stepped back as her hand flew up to her mouth, but it was too late.

  Both men spun around. Two sets of shimmering eyes drilled into her. Her nipples tingled, protruding against the thin cotton of her short nightie. Her belly was already swelling, flooded with arousal, an arousal Fern wasn’t sure she knew how to act on.

  Levi’s gruff voice took over, dominating what would be the confrontation of all confrontations.

  “Frances,” he breathed, his voice dripping with want.

  Levi slinked across the linoleum, his pants unzipped and clinging to his hips. Alec hung back, his mouth parted, his face lined with concern. Levi shrugged off his shirt, tossing it behind him. He spoke again, his tone softening.

  “You’ve got us all hot and bothered here. I’m sorry, baby, but the truth is—”

  She wouldn’t let them finish, her conscience pulling her back into reality.

  “I won’t be the cause of any division here, between you,” she said quickly. Her skin moistened with sweat. Her eyes tracked over Levi’s chest. His biceps gleamed, his flesh alive. Dark lines of definition accentuated his toned chest and abs, his nipples dark nuggets. She followed those lines down into his groin. Her mouth dried at his magnificence.

  His nostrils flared as his hand worked over his cock, the head gleaming with a satiny sheen. Levi was entirely smooth, not a thread of hair anywhere. Fern bit down hard on her lip, unsure of what to do or say next. Leave it to Alec to offer her consolation.

  “You’re not causing any division. It’s unification that we want, and we want it with you.” His words were cautious. Alec ran a hand through his hair, shifting his weight from foot to foot, his eyes darting with nervousness.

  “That’s right,” Levi said. One side of his mouth tipped into a wicked gr
in. “Oh Frances, how well you’ll complete things.” He smiled, still closing the space between them. He stood inches away from her now, his cock lunging for a tender hand to touch. “You’re beautiful, kind, and sensitive, so sweet you’ll be.” Levi reached for her. He traced her mouth with the pad of his finger, outlining her lips.

  She fell into Levi’s eyes, swept away, under his spell. He was leading her in, yet the fear still teased, mocking an inadequacy that was fighting her, nursing her awkwardness. Alec was closer now, but still careful with his approach. Levi continued to lay out all the desires they’d kept caged for weeks.

  “I want you, Frances, and so does Alec,” Levi said, his voice thick with need. “There’s just so much we want, and we want it all with you.” He smiled. Levi closed in on her, snaking his other hand around her neck. She felt the stiff stalk of his erection graze her hip.

  Every joint went tight. Hesitation wormed through, colliding with an unfamiliar desire. It was truth or dare, all woven into one.

  The insecurities that’d been planted inside her by Johnny’s behavior had her feeling inept. Fern forced those memories out of her mind, fighting to not give into his malicious comments. Johnny was the one who was insecure.

  Levi’s grip tightened. He tipped her chin, forcing her eyes to his. Fern’s gaze bolted back to Alec. Alec licked his lips, his eyes simmering with a similar heat. Fern looked back and forth between them, her body on overload. Levi spoke again.

  “We’d never hurt you, Frances, please know that,” Levi whispered. “You were led here for a reason, ushered away from all the chaos of your previous life. Let us show you what that reason is. Allow yourself to experience all that we have to offer.” Levi lowered his hand, his other still jerking his cock.

  “Please, Fern,” Alec said, his voice meek. “Fuck.” Alec sighed. Frustration puffed between his lips.

  Fern tried to remember to breathe. Her mind attempted to wrap around it all. She took in Alec standing adjacent to Levi, his face agonized with need. His frayed jeans draped over a pair of lean hips and long legs. His cropped t-shirt had been riding up his flat abdomen all night, taunting her. Alec’s silvery-blue eyes locked with hers. Levi interpreted the vibe, jumping on board.