Her pulse increased, which was dumb, because she was just sitting there and not exerting herself. Maybe it was the way Kurt seemed to know what he was doing that had her heart beating too fast.
“Perfect. Hold that pose.”
He returned to his tripod, adjusted a few dials, and clicked the camera. The flash nearly blinded her.
He smiled, looking quite satisfied with the result.
“I’m good?”
“Come see for yourself.”
She jumped down from the wooden crates and stepped behind the camera. She had to bend over to see the photo. “That’s really good.” No shadows crossed her face, and the clarity was amazing.
When his hand found her lower back, she wanted to stay right where she was. Kurt had this aura of masculine appeal that made people like him. While she was intrigued with idea of seeing where a relationship could lead, he seemed way out of her league. She’d been born and raised in Pleasure, Montana. Her Florida confinement had opened her eyes to a lot of things, but she wasn’t sure she was ready for really hot sex with a man who would move on to another woman in heartbeat. Not that she knew this about him, but men with this much self-confidence didn’t go for elementary school teachers despite his letters implying the opposite.
She wanted to get her mind off the subject of sex. “Do you know where all the extra presents came from?” Good thing there were three of them passing them out.
He did a quick sweep of the room. “Santa brought them.”
She liked how he always played along. “And does this Santa have a name?”
“You’ll have to wait like the rest of the little kids to find out who he is.”
As if on cue, a roar arose off to the side. Kids squealed and clapped. She straightened. Santa strode in, holding up his belly, looking like the stuffing might fall out if he hadn’t wrapped his arms underneath his full girth. She studied the tall man. Even in the red outfit and the fake belly, his face didn’t look heavy enough to be Santa. Then the man’s identity occurred to her. “Is that Drake?”
Kurt laughed. “Yeah. He got dragged into volunteering at the last minute. Seems the paid Santa couldn’t make it. But don’t let him fool you. He’s loving this.”
“Ho, ho, ho.”
She had to hold in a giggle. Would the kids really buy Drake being Santa? Charley raced up to her and Kurt.
“Hi, Ms. Jones.” He wrapped his arms around her waist.
He was dressed in jeans, a flannel shirt, and a red Santa hat. He couldn’t have looked cuter. “So what are you going to ask Santa for Christmas?”
“A new mommy.” He didn’t waste a moment thinking about his answer.
Her heart tore. She didn’t want to comment on that delicate situation. “Are you going to ask for any toys?”
“Yeah. I want a couple of games for my Xbox.”
Kurt gave his nephew a hug. “I thought you wanted a new bike.”
“Oh, yeah, that, too.”
She smiled. “You might as well get in line and tell Santa.”
His eyes sparkled. “Okay.”
She and Kurt stood side by side watching Charley get in the spirit of Christmas.
“I guess it’s time for me to go to work.” He almost sounded apologetic as if he wanted to spend time talking with her.
“Click away.”
He got in position and picked up the cable release. He waved to the kids to get them to look at him then took at least two shots per kid. He’d smile, laugh, and wave. Even when the little kids would squirm on Santa’s lap, Kurt held his cool. He did a lot better than his brother, who didn’t seem to know where to place his hands.
Well, she couldn’t stand there all day enjoying the eye candy of these two men. She was here to pass out presents. Destiny joined the other volunteers and gave out the gifts her class made to the older kids. While the presents were only wrapped in newspaper, the kids seemed to appreciate everything they got. The nicely wrapped gifts went to the younger kids. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.
At eight, the principal stood at the podium to say a few words and wish everyone a merry Christmas. As the throng of kids and parents thinned, she stayed to help clean up. Kurt packed up his gear. When Drake emerged from the back in a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt, she couldn’t help but stare at how handsome he was. Kurt motioned she come over and her pulse raced.
Trying not to look overly excited, she strode over to them. Kurt slung his camera bag onto his back. “We thought we’d head on over to the Mountain View for a drink. Care to join us?”
Her ever-practical side emerged. “What about Charley?”
“He’s going to spend the night at a friend’s house. Us two bachelors are going to do the town.” His grin was as wide as the candy canes on the wall.
She wondered what Drake thought about this threesome. Stop analyzing. “Sure.”
She gathered her coat. Kurt wrapped an arm around her shoulder and tugged. “Why don’t you and I ride in my car? I know Drake will want to drive separately.” He leaned over. “That way he can escape in his pod when the Federation calls him to save the world from the Romulans.”
She laughed at his analogy. “Okay.” He certainly had his brother pegged.
When they got to the bar and grill, the place was surprisingly full. They stashed their coats at a table, and Kurt suggested they play a game of darts.
“I don’t think I can even hit the target.” It was never a game she played.
Kurt winked. “How about you and I team up. Think we can take Drake?” He leaned over. “Just so you know, a win’s in the bag.”
Drake actually laughed. “You two don’t stand a chance.”
Kurt pulled her closer as if they were a couple. “You ready to get serious?”
She glanced to Drake, who stood with his legs wide, shaking his head, acting like he was going to clean their clock. “You’re on.”
Kurt led her over to the dart area. He looked back over his shoulder. “Drake, why don’t you get us a beer while I teach this little lady how to hit that bull’s-eye?”
“Dream on, brother.” Drake traipsed off to get them drinks.
Kurt gathered a handful of darts. “Let me see what you can do.”
“I’m not sure I can even hit the wall.”
“Try.” He sounded so encouraging, she was sure he wouldn’t get upset if she missed.
Which is exactly what she did. The first two darts bounced off the wall and landed on the floor. “See? I’m terrible.” Kurt really seemed to want to beat his brother. She hated disappointing him.
He grinned. “You just need a little Devereaux magic.” He stepped behind her and, with his hands on her waist, positioned her. “Here’s another dart.”
She took the plastic and metal missile and raised her arm.
He chuckled. “Okay, the first thing you need to learn is how to hold the dang thing.”
When he wrapped his fingers around her hand, her pulse rose. She liked how his grip was firm but gentle. He positioned her fingers properly.
“That feels more natural.” Maybe she could get the hang of this game.
Drake returned and set the drinks on the table next to them. “Make any progress?” He cocked a brow, clearly indicating she possessed no talent. She wanted to prove him wrong.
“Just you wait, big brother.” Kurt leaned closer and cocked her arm back. “Relax your body. Let me guide you. I’m going to throw the dart with you. Just feel the motion. Once you get it in your muscle memory, you’ll rock.”
She doubted that, but she sure enjoyed his muscled presence against her back. In order to get the right stance, he wrapped his left arm around her waist and pulled him tight against him. If she tilted her hips back a fraction, she bet she’d get confirmation he had a hard-on. She pulled away a bit, not wanting to embarrass him.
“Ready?” he said.
She inhaled and enjoyed his pine-scented cologne. “Yes.”
He drew her right arm back then snapped
it forward. Had he not been holding her, she might have fallen forward. He broke into a laugh. “Darlin’, you have to let go of the dart.”
“Whoops.” She’d been too distracted by having Kurt wrapped around her body to pay attention.
Drake stepped next to them. “What are we wagering on the outcome?” He drank about a fourth of his beer.
Kurt turned her around. “What do you think?”
“A kiss to the winner?” Talk about a win-win situation. She wanted to taste Drake again, but if she and Kurt won, she bet the experience would be as exciting.
Both men grinned. Drake held up his glass in a salute. “You’re on.”
Now the pressure intensified. She didn’t want to look like she was prejudiced. “I need a minute to practice.”
“By all means,” Drake said. He leaned against the wall, his foot propped up behind him.
She’d never seen him so relaxed. Trying to remember what Kurt had shown her, she took aim and threw the dart. The damn thing missed, but at least it stuck in the wall. She faced Kurt. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s cool. Think of the dart as a baseball.” He lowered his chin. “You can throw a baseball, can’t you?”
“I’ll have you know I was on the softball team.” With the new image in her mind, she tried again. This time she hit the target. “Yay!” She raised her arms and jumped up and down.
Drake pushed off from the wall. “Okay, let the games begin.” He rubbed his hands together.
“You are so not going to win,” she said.
He tossed her a wounded frown, and she laughed. She and Kurt alternated, but after four throws, they were losing.
Drake’s cell rang. She prayed he’d ignore it, but somehow she knew he wouldn’t. It was close to ten on a Thursday night. Who could be calling? Maybe it was the mom of Charley’s friend.
Drake checked his cell. “Devereaux.”
She knew that tone. It was work again. Would he really cut out when he was seriously having fun? She glanced at Kurt, whose hands were clenched. He, too, seemed disturbed by the interruption.
Drake disconnected. “Sorry, guys. That was a judge. Seems I need to do some more research tonight. I’ll have to earn that kiss some other time.” Had he not winked, she would have been royally pissed he was copping out once more.
Drake stepped over to her. “I promise, we’ll have one night together.”
Oh, my God. Had he just said what she hoped he had? Did spending the night include bed time? In a bold move, she ran a finger down his arm. “You could turn off your phone and say your battery died.”
“Could, but I can’t. People’s lives are at stake.”
She saw his point. She shot into teacher mode. “Thanks for pinch-hitting for Santa. I know the kids really appreciated it.”
He glanced to the side, almost as if he wasn’t any good at taking compliments. “We’ll catch up.” He put on his jacket. “I know. On Sunday, a couple of families are going caroling. If you’re interested, how about joining us?”
She wasn’t sure if he felt bad about leaving or if he felt obligated to ask. It didn’t matter. This would give her one more chance to show how much she cared. “Sure.”
“I’ll call you.”
With that he walked out. The air seemed thinner once he left.
“Want to finish the game?” Even Kurt’s humor seemed to have vanished.
“Absolutely. I’m determined to learn this dang game.”
By the time they finished, she’d managed to stick three of the four darts in the target. For her that was progress.
Kurt walked her over to their saved table and motioned she take a seat. “Let me ask you something.”
“What is it?”
“You’ve been away for over a year. Have you noticed a change in Drake?” His brows furrowed.
“That’s a tough question. At times, I see some joy in his eyes, like when he’s talking about Charley, but for the most part, he’s so driven by work, life seems to be passing him by.”
Kurt blew out a breath, like it was the answer he wanted. “I agree. I can’t get him to relax. If he doesn’t stop and get a life, not only will Charley grow up without having a dad around, I think my brother might end up all alone and miserable.”
What a terrible prognosis. “I’ve often thought the same thing. I even suggested we do something fun, like go dancing, but his work always seems to get in the way.”
“I’ve spoken with the other attorneys Drake works with. I specifically asked if Drake’s work is that demanding. They said he goes overboard on everything. While they might read five cases, he has to read ten. He’s on a fast track to the end.”
Dare she ask Kurt to help? If she wanted both men, she had to try. “Ever since I got back, I, too, have been trying to think of a way to loosen him up. I’ve come up with a plan to help him, but I need your support.”
“I don’t know what I can do that I haven’t already tried.” He threaded a hand through his hair. “I’m convinced he’s using work as an excuse not to face his demons.”
“I agree.” She’d do anything to get him out of his shell. “That’s why I need you to help me seduce him.”
Chapter Three
“What?” If he’d been drinking beer at that moment, she bet liquid would be all over her face.
“This is a little awkward. No, it’s a lot awkward.” She inhaled. Telling the truth was the only way to go. “I’m in love with your brother.” She held up her hand when he opened his mouth. “But I also want you, too, and therein lies my problem.”
Kurt leaned back in his chair and smiled. “Darlin’, I don’t see how that’s a problem. Not one tiny bit.”
Her heart beat so fast she could hardly get her breath. “You don’t?”
“I’ve dreamed of having a three-way with you in the middle ever since I met you. Didn’t you wonder why I was always stopping by after class to ask about Charley’s progress?”
She had to think back. “You did visit a lot, but I thought you were concerned about your nephew.”
“Oh, I was. After all, what happened to Camille was terrible, and Drake was often out of town. Someone had to make sure Charley was adjusting.”
What a wonderful man. “But you never asked me out.”
“Drake and I discussed it and thought it inappropriate since you were Charley’s teacher. If you hadn’t been, rest assured, I would have been the first in line to get a hold of your sweet pussy.”
His dirty talk heated up her face. She swallowed. “What about now? I’m his third-grade teacher.”
“I personally don’t have a problem with that. It’ll be Drake who needs convincing.”
“So what do you suggest? If I ask him out, he’ll say no.”
“I’m not so sure. He has the hots for you. Always has. In fact, I think he loves you back, only he won’t admit it to himself.”
Her insides melted. “For real?”
“Darlin’, if I weren’t moving, I’d ask you to marry me.”
Kurt wasn’t serious, but clearly he found her attractive. Then the implication hit her. Surely, he wasn’t talking about her having sex with two men at the same time. While she’d fantasized about both men, actually participating in something so wicked would put her out of her comfort zone. Way far out. A friend she’d met in Florida thoroughly enjoyed her ménage relationship, and she knew of a lot of people in Pleasure who did, too. Being okay with others enjoying two men at once was different from actually participating in the event, though she wouldn’t rule it out. After all, she wanted both men. How else could she have both if not at the same time?
The fact that those two had discussed having a relationship with her in any capacity sent her soaring. “Were you a team with Camille?” She wasn’t sure if she really wanted to know the answer.
“No. Camille didn’t do anything for me. It’ll take a special woman to satisfy both Devereaux men.” He picked up her hand and rubbed her palm with his thumb, sending tiny electric sho
cks up her arm.
She swallowed. “So now what?”
He snapped his fingers. “Maybe we need to make him jealous. Show him that if he doesn’t see what he’s about to lose, I’ll scoop you up. I know deep inside he wants all three of us to be together, but he can’t get his head out of his ass.”
“Your plan is flawed. Tonight when you wrapped an arm around my shoulder, and another time when you pulled me close, Drake didn’t seem to mind.”
“Then do a good job of seducing him.”
She slapped her hands on her hips. “I did. It didn’t work. I’m not convinced he likes me all that much.” Though from his kiss the other night, maybe Kurt was right.
“I guarantee you’re wrong. But to tip the scales in your favor, sneak his phone out of his jacket and turn it off before you strip. If you need me to help, I will.”
He’d help her strip? Or he’d help her sabotage the phone? A giggle bubbled inside her at the uncomfortable suggestion, but from the way Kurt was holding her gaze, he was dead serious.
Her mind raced through some options. They were going Christmas caroling in three days, but she could hardly invite herself back to his house and strip for him. Charley would be there.
“I can’t think of a way to accomplish that.”
“Be yourself. You love him. You’ll think of something.” Kurt placed his elbows on the table and opened his palms faceup. “Don’t worry. You’ll be a natural.” He cocked a brow. “You ever dream of making love to both of us?”
The room got hotter as her mind raced.
He reached across the table and held her hand. “Don’t worry about it. I was just asking because I know Drake and I had a three-way before Camille came into his life. I wasn’t attracted to his fiancée, so I bowed out, but I know he’s open to the idea.”
She couldn’t do it. “Can I think about it?”
“Absolutely. I’ll do all I can to help.” He snapped his fingers. “Christmas is next Friday. I always prepare a nice Christmas Eve dinner. Never know what might or could happen. We’d love to have you.”
Monroe, Melody S. - Destiny's Desire [Pleasure, Montana 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3