by Jane Jamison
“No. Not yet. I plan to get in touch with him about meeting when he’s not tied up manning his booth.”
She could melt from the heat coming out of his dark eyes. Melt and pool at his feet until he gave her permission to spread her legs wide. Her imagination took off to picture him lying between her legs, his dark eyes glittering above her mons as he flicked his tongue over her clit and plunged two fingers into her pussy.
She’d beg him to let her suck his cock. Rubbing the tips of her fingers together, she could almost feel the smooth yet vein-filled surface of his dick as she pumped him. Fondling his balls, she’d love it when they drew up, readying for his release.
But before he climaxed, she’d have him fuck her, begging him to pinch her nipples between his fingers then drag his tongue along her skin. She’d dig her fingernails into his shoulders as he shoved his huge cock inside her pussy.
He’d thrust in and out of her, his big hands covering her breasts, his gaze locked onto hers. She’d call out his name as she erupted then watch as his eyes closed. He’d tense up a moment before he spilled his seed inside her.
A poke in her side brought her back to the here and now. “Kelly, snap out of it,” hissed Lilly.
Jude watched her curiously, and yet she had an odd impression that he knew what she’d been thinking. “I’m sorry?”
He had an engaging smile that made her want to smile back. “I was suggesting that both of you come to dinner with Damon and me. Our treat, of course. Then, if you like, you can ask him questions in a relaxed setting. What do you say?”
The yes was almost out of her mouth before she managed to keep it inside. Was interviewing someone in a less-than-professional place, especially with two hot-as-hell men there, a wise thing to do? Was that acting in a professional manner? A large part of her didn’t care if it was professional. “Oh, I don’t—”
“Know if we should meet you there or if you’ll pick us up.” Lilly shot her a hard look.
Jude chuckled, and the richness of his voice soothed the nerves that Lilly had rattled when she’d butted in. “I’ll have a car pick you up if you’d like to give me your address.”
Lilly again beat her to the punch and handed Kelly’s business card to him, nixing her idea of begging off. “Here you go. I wrote the address on the back.”
He took the card, glanced at the address, then tucked it into the pocket of his shirt. “Great. I’ll let Damon know, and I’ll have the car come around seven.” He slipped his gaze down Kelly’s body and back up. “I’m looking forward to it.”
He grazed his hand along her arm as he moved past them, heading toward Damon’s art booth. The wonderful sensation had the hairs on her arms standing up and flooded her pussy with warmth. If the man had that much effect on her with a simple touch, what would it be like to have him in bed? What would it be like to have both the Darrington men in bed?
She rubbed her arm, hoping to keep the wonderful feeling from fading, and watched him disappear into the crowd.
“Holy hell, Kelly. Have I died and gone to heaven?”
“Maybe. But something tells me those two brothers can be more like two devils than angels.”
Chapter Three
“Lilly, I’m not sure we should be doing this.”
Lilly pulled her green dress over her head then fluffed her frizzy hair. She hardly ever bothered combing or styling her hair as it would inevitably revert back to its naturally wild state. “Tell me you’re not changing your mind, because that would be one of the biggest mistakes of your life.”
Kelly smoothed out the wrinkles in her modest blue dress and thought about changing into a pair of slacks. After what had happened with Damon, she couldn’t decide if she should look as unsexy as possible or throw caution to the wind again and dress as provocatively as she could.
She could hear her father’s words echo in her head. “Kelly, honey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.”
Her father had raised her alone after her mother’s passing a few days after Kelly’s birth. As an only child, she’d blossomed under her father’s adoring eyes and had never once wanted a sibling. She wished she’d known her mother and loved hearing stories about her from her father, but her mother hadn’t lived long enough for her to create her own memories of her. Her father’s quick wit and unfailing adoration had kept her laughing and happy throughout her childhood. When her father died two years ago in a car accident, she’d thought her life had ended. But with help from her friends, especially Lilly, she’d pulled herself together and gotten on with life.
“The story’s not that big of a deal.”
Lilly tossed one of the dresses she’d tried on and discarded at Kelly. “I’m not talking about the story.”
Kelly applied lip gloss and once again considered telling Lilly about Damon. She gave up, knowing she’d tell her eventually. She could never keep anything from her best friend.
“Lilly, I want you to—”
Lilly pulled her down to sit on the bed next to her. “I knew it. I knew you had more to tell me. Go on. Let it out.”
If anyone would understand, it would be Lilly. “Okay, but I hope you don’t end up thinking I’m horrible.”
Lilly shook her head, making her hair dance. “I could never think you’re horrible. But what did you do?”
“I kind of did more than kiss Damon.”
Lilly’s eyes grew wide as she dragged in a breath. “In the tent? You? Wow.”
Kelly fought back the urge to look away. “I know. But it’s like something came over me. I couldn’t resist him.”
“Exactly what did you do?” Lilly edged closer, her rapt attention showing in her wide eyes and tapping feet.
“I kind of let him, uh, play with my boobs.”
“Yeah? Why am I thinking there’s more to this story?”
Kelly took in a steadying breath. “Because there is. He, uh, I, I mean, I let him kiss me.”
Lilly frowned. “I already know that. Get back to his playing with your tits.”
“Yeah, he did that. He even pulled my shirt up and then pushed my bra aside.”
“And the kiss? The second kiss?”
Kelly let her gaze drop to her crotch then rise back up. Lilly followed her movement. “Oh! So you let him go down on you?”
“Exactly.” She already felt better now that she’d told Lilly.
“Holy shit.”
“So? What do you think? Am I just a ho or what?”
Lilly shoved her shoulder. “Are you kidding me? I don’t know any red-blooded woman who wouldn’t do the same thing with him. Damn. I’m so jealous I’m bleeding green.”
Relief flooded her, but she still had a decision to make. “I don’t know what came over me. I mean, that’s not like me, and yet, I wanted him so much I would’ve done anything he asked me to. It’s like he controlled my mind and my body.”
“Trust me. I’d let him control my mind, my body, and any damn thing else he wanted.” Lilly grinned at her. “You did a PDA, and you’re just now telling me about it? Shit, Kell, I thought we never kept secrets.”
“I’m telling you now.”
“Okay, but then what’s got you worried? I can see it on your face.”
“I’m worried about going to dinner. I mean, if I’ll do that with Damon in public, then think about what could happen after dark.”
“I see what you mean.” Lilly stood to pick up her flats and slip them on her feet. “Let me ask you this. What about Jude? The way you looked at him earlier, I thought you were about to jump his bones. Do you want to tap both Damon and Jude?”
Do I? She chewed on a freshly painted nail then caught herself and stopped. “The truth?”
“Of course. What else?”
“Yeah. I do.” Kelly couldn’t believe she’d admitted it. “But if you’re interested in him then I’ll back off.” But could she? A knot formed in her stomach just thinking about Lilly with Jude.
Lilly fingered the feathered earrings she wore. “I was. Who wouldn�
��t be? But I’m starting to think you’ve run into something special here. After all, how many girls get the chance to have brothers lusting after them?”
“I don’t know that Jude’s lusting after me.” Yet hadn’t she felt the same pull of desire from Jude that she’d felt from Damon? But that didn’t mean he’d felt anything for her.
“Believe me. He looked at you like you were the biggest, juiciest steak he’d ever seen. That boy wants you bad. I doubt I could’ve changed his mind, anyway, so don’t feel guilty about me losing out. My true love will show up one day.” She snorted as she often did instead of laughing. “He’ll probably be homeless with frizzy red hair like mine, and we’ll pass the trait along to our five children.”
Kelly laughed and slid her feet into her heels. “Not a chance. Whoever you fall in love with is going to be amazing. You deserve only the best.”
A knock on their apartment door sent Kelly into a spin toward the mirror to check herself one last time. As she swung the door open, she readied herself to see Jude or Damon. Instead, a tall, distinguished man, his white-gloved hands clasped in front of him, smiled at her.
“Miss Sims? Miss Beanston?”
“Yes?”
“I’m here to take you to dinner.”
* * * *
“The Gilded Cage? Tell me that’s not where we’re having dinner.” Kelly peered out the tinted window of the limousine at the best restaurant in Passion. Although Passion was a small town, restaurateurs liked setting up exclusive restaurants in the quaint community. Denver residents found traveling to an eatery outside the busy city easier than going downtown for an expensive night out.
Lilly pressed her hands to the glass. “Don’t look now, but he’s pulling into the parking lot. The valet parking, no less.”
Kelly tried to act as though she’d come to The Gilded Cage many times before, but she had a feeling even the valet who spoke with the driver about where to park knew she was out of her comfort zone. Nonetheless, he opened the door and helped first Lilly then Kelly onto the sidewalk.
Kelly thanked him then took a moment to stare at the ritzy restaurant. The front of the building was primarily tinted glass with brass columns framing the entrance. Two statues of copper lions sat in front of the columns, and a plush red carpet led the way up the two steps and into the foyer.
Lilly took Kelly’s hand as the doorman opened the beveled glass door and ushered them inside. Once inside the foyer, they stopped, again needing a moment to take in the luxurious décor. Waiters dressed in black walked with a steady pace that was quick yet seemed unhurried. Lights twinkled everywhere, and a door to the right opened into a huge bar. The brass trim on the mahogany bar as well as on the leather stools and booths made the room glow with a golden hue. The red carpet runner flowed into an even plusher red carpet that had an intricate gold design woven into the middle of the space. Small candles set in the center of the tables gave a cozy and romantic ambience to the room.
“I’m wearing my best outfit, and I still feel underdressed for this place,” whispered Lilly.
Kelly nodded her head, understanding how her friend felt. “He did say he’s picking up the tab, right?”
“I think so. If not, we’re going to be washing dishes until the sun comes up.”
“Ladies, my name is Mr. Walters, and I am at your service tonight. May I escort you to your table?”
Kelly winced at the prospect of having been overheard then pivoted to the gentleman standing behind her. “But we haven’t told anyone who we’re meeting.”
The middle-aged man offered her a small smile then waved his arm toward the dining room. “There’s no need. Right this way, please.”
He started down the steps that led to the large dining room. Kelly followed him and tried to ignore Lilly’s gasps of awe as they passed the exquisitely dressed customers.
Kelly tried to keep her face expressionless, but she couldn’t keep from noticing that many of the patrons looked strange. Was it her imagination running wild again, or did one of the women have large teeth and glittering eyes? The man seated across from the woman made Kelly think of the wolf man with his abundance of facial hair. Another woman nodded at Kelly then brushed her hair behind an ear that was decidedly pointed.
She lingered along with Mr. Walters and waited for Lilly to catch up with her. “Is it just me—”
Kelly nodded her head with a quick glance telling Lilly not to finish her sentence. Soon they were walking out of the main dining room and into a small, yet no less luxuriously appointed, private dining area with a table set for six.
Mr. Walters pulled out a chair for Kelly. Lilly tugged her own chair out and took her seat before he had a chance to help her.
“Mr. Jude Darrington and Mr. Damon Darrington will join you momentarily. Until then, may I pour the wine? Or would you prefer something else?”
“Wine would be fine, thank you.” Not knowing what else to do, Kelly placed her hands in her lap.
Until then, she’d had too much to look at to notice the wine bottle waiting on the table. She waited and let him choose which of the many glasses on the table to use. If she’d known they were coming to such a lavish place, she would’ve researched the finer points of table etiquette. As it was, she had no clue which utensil to use first, much less which goblet should be used for wine.
After Mr. Walters finished pouring the wine, he bowed to them and exited the room, closing the door behind him. Kelly waited, wanting to make sure he didn’t get another chance to overhear them.
“Do you believe this place or what?” asked Lilly. “I hear it has a reservation list that goes out six months. One of the Darrington men either has a standing reservation, or they’ve got some serious pull.”
“I think they must have the connections.” Kelly lifted the wine goblet to inspect the dark red liquid then sneaked a peek at the label on the bottle. “I’m no expert, but I’ll bet this isn’t the kind of wine you can pick up at the local liquor store.”
Lilly put the edge of her glass under her nose. “Eew. I’m no expert, either, and maybe it’s because I’m not used to any wine that doesn’t come in a box, but this stuff stinks.”
Kelly did the same and couldn’t suppress making a sour face. “You and me both, I guess. And it’s so dark. I mean, burgundy wine is dark, but this is even darker.” She moved her goblet to make small waves in the wine. “Plus it has a different texture to it.”
“But it must be good stuff. Almost everyone I saw in the other room had a dark red drink.”
Kelly put her goblet back on the table. “I think I’ll stick to water. After all, this is supposed to be a working dinner.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
Kelly jumped at the sound of Jude’s voice. Jude and Damon were already in the room and standing next to the door. But why hadn’t she heard the door open?
If two men had ever been born to make a woman’s heart flutter, it was Damon and Jude Darrington. They were bookends to each other. Both were dressed in black slacks and pristine white shirts with their collars open to put their strong necks on display. They wore no jewelry, not even the simple medallion Jude had worn earlier in the day. Silver buckles drew her gaze to their waists, and she wasn’t surprised when she dropped her eyes lower for a quick look at their crotches. After having cupped Damon’s hard cock under his jeans, she couldn’t help but wonder which man had the bigger, thicker cock. She blinked, suddenly aware of where she’d been staring, and caught Lilly trying to hold back a grin.
Damon slid into the seat next to Kelly’s. He reached toward her, and for a moment she held her breath, half-afraid and half-excited to think he was about to kiss her. Instead, he took her goblet and moved it away from her.
“Jude, let’s get something the ladies would enjoy instead of your favorite drink.”
No sooner had Damon spoken than Mr. Walters appeared holding a silver bucket with champagne chilling in it. She wasn’t sure how he did it, but Mr. Walters managed to remove th
e wine goblets and replace them with champagne flutes before she was aware that it was happening. She doubted Lilly had noticed, since her attention was focused squarely on Jude, who’d taken the seat beside her.
Jude glanced at the two extra chairs and frowned. “We’re not expecting anyone else, Walters. Why do we have two extra chairs?”
Mr. Walters seemed confused. “Mr. Whitfield called to say he’d be joining you.”
Jude exchanged a telling glance with Damon then nodded at Mr. Walters. “I’ve already placed our orders. We won’t be waiting for Mr. Whitfield.”
“Very good, sir.” Mr. Walters bowed and exited the room.
Thankful that she no longer had to deal with the awful red wine, Kelly lifted her flute to take a sip. Damon leaned back in his chair to study her while Jude rested his elbows on the table and turned his penetrating gaze toward her. Slightly embarrassed as well as flattered, she hoped the men didn’t forget about her friend. But Lilly wasn’t about to be ignored.
“I know I’m not used to these fancy kinds of restaurants, but aren’t you supposed to keep your elbows off the table?” Lilly grinned at Jude. “But what do I know? I work at a vegan restaurant where you can pretty much do anything you like. Aside from killing and eating a cow, of course.”
Jude and Damon paused as though suddenly realizing Lilly was there. But then the brothers broke into laughter.
“I like you, Lilly Beanston.”
“Back at ’cha, dude.” Lilly took a big drink of her champagne. “Thanks for the bubbly.”
Jude tossed Kelly a quick grin. “You’re welcome. Kelly, you probably want to pick my brother’s brain for your interview. Would you like to do that now or wait until after dinner?”
“I’m fine with now if that’s okay.”
Damon placed his hand over hers. A quick tug at her pussy told her she hadn’t been mistaken before. The sizzle she’d felt before fired into her, igniting a fire that promised to burn forever.
She was more than turned on by Damon and Jude, she was mesmerized. So much so that she wanted to dive under the table and risk upending the glassware as she gave first one brother then the other a long blow job. Instead, she swallowed hard. But she didn’t remove her hand from Damon’s.