Summer's Indiscretion

Divine Creek Ranch 7

Summer's Indiscretion Summer Heston is ready to give up on men and has sworn off blind dates permanently. A chance text message and phone conversation with two mysterious friends of Grace’s changes her mind. A dangerous situation literally thrusts her into their powerful arms as the attacks on her ladies’ adults-only boutique escalate and the tone of the Divine Morality blog grows more blatantly hateful. Ace and Kemp work diligently to protect the women of Discretion while simultaneously striving to win Summer’s heart. A minor mistake on Kemp’s part has big repercussions for their budding romance as their ability to withstand their growing attraction for Summer crumbles. When their passion finally flares out of control, their intimate tryst becomes much more than a minor indiscretion. When an old flame knocks at the door, Summer must face her doubts and make a decision. Can she trust her instincts? Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys Length: 85,478 words

SUMMER’S INDISCRETION Divine Creek Ranch 7

Heather Rainier

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

SUMMER’S INDISCRETION Copyright © 2011 by Heather Rainier E-book ISBN: 1-61034-903-2 First E-book Publication: September 2011 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. Randy Rogers Band. Lyrics. “Steal You Away.” Burning the Day. MCA, Nashville, A Division of UMG. © 2010. Scott, Ray. Lyrics. “Do It with the Lights On.” Crazy Like Me. Jethropolitan Records. © 2008. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Summer’s Indiscretion by Heather Rainier from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Heather Rainier’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Rainier’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION Summer’s Indiscretion is dedicated to every woman who has ever been judged for her dress size or body shape and been found wanting, by others or by herself. My sincerest hope is that every woman reading this book, regardless of her size, will look in the mirror today and acknowledge in her heart that she is beautiful. “…having lost 100 pounds...I only need to say this: It would have been wonderful to know and believe that I was beautiful, as I was.” -Holly Sweet For his devotion and unfailing belief in me, this book is also dedicated to the man who loves me just as I am. My husband. I love you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS People come and go in our lives and my acknowledgements have grown along with the Divine Creek Ranch Collection. I’d like to thank my tireless cheerleaders who put up so forgivingly with my disappearances into the writing cave: Christi, Jennifer and Tonya. Thank you to all my readers and the fans who send email and interact with me on Facebook. I love every minute of the time I spend visiting with you. Thank you, Sophie Oak, for reaching out to me as a new author and becoming my friend. I love your perverted sense of humor and I’m looking forward to the next getaway weekend. For giving me encouragement, love, and support when I needed it, thank you to the Righteous Perverts. Their creativity, uniqueness, naughtiness, and total supportiveness have meant more to me than I can express with mere words. Their rampaging rants are especially inspiring. I offer my sincerest gratitude and respect to my publisher, Diana DeBalko of Siren Publishing. Your words of wisdom and encouragement still echo in my heart. Thanks also to my editors and the staff of Siren Publishing. Without their tireless efforts and creativity the Divine Creek Ranch would not exist as it does today. They are worth their weight in chocolate.

SUMMER’S INDISCRETION Divine Creek Ranch 7 HEATHER RAINIER Copyright © 2011

Chapter One Never again. A lump of disappointment swelled in her throat as Summer Heston did her best to smile at her blind date, knowing this one was a dud, too. Grace Warner and Rachel Wolf had talked her into a blind date with a new coworker of Rachel’s. It had taken both of them to convince her, and now she wished she’d trusted her instincts. She glanced across the table and caught Grace’s apologetic grimace. Everyone had “off” nights, even Grace. The good Lord knew Summer understood that. She was having an “off” decade. This time I’ve learned my lesson. At least this guy wasn’t as insulting as that jerk Kent Hargrove had been the weekend before. Kent had been rude and belittling to her until Jack Warner had rescued her by inviting her onto the dance floor. Kent had been gone when she’d returned. No, this guy didn’t speak to her as though she were an ignorant child. He just flat-out ignored her. After arriving for their blind date at The Dancing Pony, Taylor Vance had taken one look at Summer when Grace and Rachel had introduced them, and the disappointment had been clear in his eyes and his body language. He’d made polite conversation with her,

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fiddled with his phone a couple of times, and then one of his wingmen had conveniently shown up. They’d been involved in a conversation about work from that point on. Unless she spoke directly to him he seemed content to pretend she wasn’t there. Never again. It’s not worth it. Summer had a feeling she’d just hit bottom in the dating world. She felt bad for Grace, who sat there with an expression that alternated between embarrassment and disgust. Even Grace’s normally stellar instincts as a matchmaker couldn’t hook her up with a winner. Grace leaned over to Summer while Taylor continued his discussion with his friend and said, “I’m so sorry, Summer. He seemed like such a nice guy when I met him in Rachel’s office. I thought you would hit it off. I saw the way he looked you over like he was disappointed. It was rude of him and stupid of me to misjudge him. Can you forgive me?” Summer smiled and waved a hand dismissively. She could get through this night, no problem. “At least he’s not verbally insulting me. We didn’t click. Some men just don’t care for curvy women.” I’m never doing this to myself again. “Not even beautiful, vivacious, and clever, curvy women,” Grace said, frowning at Taylor’s back. Summer couldn’t decide who Grace was more disgusted with, herself or Taylor. The intro for “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” began to play, and Grace’s face brightened up considerably. Summer grinned as Ethan helped his pregnant wife from his lap then kissed her before she walked to the dance floor. Many others left their tables, including Rosemary, Corina, Bernadette, Juliana, Teresa. Maya was still recuperating at home, having just been released from the hospital a few days before. Her men, Kendall, Boone, and Richard Warner, were understandably protective of her after she’d been shot by her deceased husband’s business partner. It had recently

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been discovered that he had also been accused of murdering her husband. Summer turned to Taylor to let him know she was off to dance also, but he was so caught up in his conversation he didn’t even notice as she slipped from her chair. She decided to leave him alone. As they walked together, Rachel asked, “Want to bet on which of the guys is going to take Taylor’s head off for ignoring you like that?” “Oh, no.” Summer turned to look over at their table, but couldn’t see as the club was too crowded. “I don’t want any drama tonight. I wish they’d just let this date fizzle out without saying anything.” “I can’t promise you that. The guys don’t take kindly to seeing their women mistreated, and I can promise you that they take his behavior as an insult to you. He should have better manners.” Summer glanced again at the table. “Stop worrying about him and let’s have some fun,” Grace called as they joined the others on the packed dance floor. The evening couldn’t get any worse, so Summer decided to let her hair down and have fun wherever it found her. Taylor bought into the “stick thin is beautiful” stereotype, and that was his loss. Summer knew what she’d looked like tonight in her silky turquoise dress when she’d stood in front of the mirror. She was going to enjoy herself. How much did she really value his opinion? She hardly even knew the man. No more blind dates ever again. The pounding beat pulsed in her blood, and she moved with the music. Away from Taylor, her self-confidence returned. It wasn’t like she’d been hoping for a commitment. But it sure would be nice to be the object of someone’s adoration for a change. She smiled softly at Grace’s pregnant, but undeniably sexy, grinding moves and got into the dance. ****

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Ace Webster sat still in his chair, his gaze focused on the beautiful blonde on the dance floor. Her perfectly voluptuous body undulated with a flawless rhythm to the beat of the music, and he wasn’t a bit surprised when his cock hardened in response to her glorious display. Ace’s business partner, Kemp Whittier, sounded a bit strained from where he sat next to Ace. “Tell me again why we’re not over there getting to know her better?” Ace chuckled, sympathizing with Kemp. The woman they watched was all kinds of beautiful, but they were focused on a job tonight, doing a favor for friends who needed their help. He relaxed in his seat, casually surveying the crowd. Watching her. He was vigilant for onlookers using a handheld recording device. The video posted on the Divine Morality blog appeared to have been made on a cell phone or small camcorder as the recording was zoomed in at times on one of the girls then zoomed out to capture a group. The subjects were always centered in the shots as though the person shooting the image was watching on a screen or through a viewfinder rather than merely aiming a spycam. He scanned the approximate area from which the last two clips were shot, hoping the person doing the recording favored routine. They’d been watchful the weekend before and had actually followed a suspect home, but the lead had turned up no connection when Duke checked into it. The only good thing to come out of last weekend’s stakeout had been seeing Summer dance for the first time. Unfortunately, by the time they’d returned to the club, she was being escorted out to her car by Eli Wolf. Kemp now sat with him at their table, alert but relaxed as he sipped his drink casually and murmured, “Damn, she’s beautiful.” His appreciative tone of voice spoke volumes to Ace, and he didn’t bother to hide his grin. Kemp hadn’t shown interest in a woman in ages. Getting laid was one thing, but Ace couldn’t remember the

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last time Kemp had been involved with a woman for more than a night or two. Kemp had liked Kathleen Stevens when they’d met two years before, but she and Ace had already been dating for a while. Ace had asked him if there was an interest in a threesome. Kemp had told him he could tell that what Ace felt for her was real and he didn’t want to interfere with what Ace had with her by bringing up the notion. Not that Ace’s feelings had mattered much in the end. Kathleen had come to Ace’s house one day in a very emotional state a few months after they’d started dating and had told him that she needed to leave the area. He’d never gotten a good explanation from her, then or later. He’d missed her for weeks afterward but hadn’t heard from her since. As a private investigator, he could’ve discovered her whereabouts at any time but figured that if Kathleen didn’t want to share her reasons for leaving he should respect that. It had hurt like hell, and a number of times he’d almost gone after her. She’d assured him she was doing the right thing and hoped he would forgive her but made no promises she’d ever return to him. Eventually, he’d moved on with his life. Once again, Ace’s eyes were drawn to Summer. A man would have to be dead not to be turned on by that incredibly beautiful woman. She was a gorgeous, curvy armful of woman, and the thought of holding her to him made his dick harden even more. She had an hourglass figure with full breasts, a lithe waist that his hands itched to span, and rounded hips. He groaned as he imagined staring into her eyes while he sank balls-deep inside her. Her eyes sparkled as she danced right now, and Ace wondered what color they were. Kemp shifted in his seat with a discomfited look on his face, and Ace grinned in commiseration. Kemp was probably thinking parallel thoughts of his own. Summer flicked her long, thick blonde hair over her shoulder, and Ace imagined the feel of it running through his fingertips right before

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he kissed her. Her lips would be sweet, full, and soft. A delightful precursor to what else he wanted to do with her. He shook his head and realized he’d been in full fantasy mode while on the clock, so to speak. This job was gratis for Grace and her friends. They had to find the creep—or creeps—who were posting hateful statements about her and the other girls. His eyes scanned the crowd as the girls danced and gyrated, and growled softly in triumph. Across the room he could clearly see a man with a cell phone aimed right at the girls. Like the other men in the seats around him, he must’ve been too distracted to be more secretive in his actions. “You see what I’m seeing?” “Hell, yes.” “I’ll let Duke know.” The only thing left to do was wait until the man left the nightclub then they would follow him. As the dance music faded, Kemp fired off several quick texts then slipped the phone back in his pocket. The sight of the cell phone gave Ace an idea. Pulling his own out, Ace selected Grace’s number and sent her a text message. **** A few minutes after the song was over and they were all back at the table, Summer watched Grace remove her cell phone from her evening bag. Grace squinted at the display and then smiled widely. Summer observed as she sent back a brief text message. Taylor continued ignoring her, having never acknowledged her return. Rachel drew Summer into a conversation, but a minute later she felt Grace’s touch at her shoulder. Grace placed her phone in Summer’s hand, pointed at it, and said, “For you.” Summer looked down and gasped. “He’s not paying attention to you like he should.”

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Summer glanced up at her friend, and Grace whispered, “Trust me. You want to answer him.” “Who are you?” “A man who wants to take you away from that prick. I would, but I’m working.” With shaking fingers, she typed, “Where are you?” “If I were him, I wouldn’t ignore you. I watched as you danced and you’re beautiful. I wanted you.” Her breath left her in a rush. “Are you Grace’s friend?” What a stupid thing for her to ask. Of course he was. How else would he know to contact her? “Yes. She told me he hurt your feelings. I would never treat you like that.” Another text message quickly followed on the heels of his last message. “Would it be too much to ask for your phone number?” She paused for a second, her heart thudding in her chest, before typing the number. “Please call me. I have to hear your voice.” The phone vibrated in her hand. She touched the talk icon and said, “Where are you?” “I’m sorry, kitten. I’m working, and I have to leave right now.” Summer looked around the club, but too many people were milling around for her to easily spot someone with a phone to his ear. “What’s your name?” “I’m sorry, kitten. I’ll be in touch.” There was regret in his tone before the line went dead. Summer stood from her chair and searched the crowd then turned to Grace. “Who was that?” Damn, his voice was like whiskey in her blood. “Where is he?” Taylor never even turned her way. Grace pointed to two very tall, powerfully built men in suits as they disappeared through the entry. Summer would’ve run after them, but Grace stopped her. “They’re working. Otherwise he would’ve been over here asking you for a dance. He’s requested the next song for you.” “He what?”

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“Ethan told me he requested a special song for you to be played. He said it’s next.” Summer felt unsettled. Her heart pounded, and she realized her silk G-string was soaked. Just from the sound of his voice. Oh, damn. Here I go again. With tingling cheeks, she looked over at Taylor. Jack was speaking quietly to him and didn’t look very happy as he did it. Shit, what is Jack saying to him? She still vacillated with the urge to follow those men into the parking lot. She turned to Grace and said, “There were two of them. Which one was sending the text messages?” Grace smiled and looked very satisfied with herself. “They both were.” Summer had to sit down before she fell down. Holy shit! They were both sending text messages to her? “You mean…” “Oh, baby, do I ever.” “Who was I talking to? I only talked to one of them.” “I don’t know.” “They were both texting me?” “That’s what he told me before I handed you the phone. Oh! Holy moley! It’s on! The song they requested is on! Listen!” Summer heard familiar, gentle guitar chords as a love song began to play. Just then Taylor grabbed her arm. “Come on, Summer. It appears I’ve neglected you. I suppose we ought to dance.” Grace pressed her lips into a straight line, staring daggers at Taylor. Taylor’s only response was a shrug. Summer was torn as she smiled at Taylor as nicely as she was able. Ugliness would only ruin this surreal moment. She allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor as she listened to the singer’s rugged voice. She recognized the song as “Steal You Away” by the Randy Rogers Band. Taylor never pulled her close as they danced an awkward two-step, and Summer was quite content to

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keep it that way. She was caught up in the lyrics and the sudden arousal flooding her body as she listened and remembered the sound of the caller’s deep, velvety voice. “I could see you standing with him. He ain’t holding your hand like he should. He ain’t listening to a word you say. He doesn’t look at you the way I would. I should steal you away…” She was overwhelmed by the clear message the song sent from those two mystery men. Summer looked up at Taylor and knew he was utterly clueless to the irony of the moment. There on the dance floor he ignored her still, dancing with her as if he were relieving himself of an obligation. She longed for those men to return and steal her away in reality. Yep. Here I go again.

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Chapter Two Ace chuckled when he saw Kemp’s Escalade pull up in the driveway while he was working on his second cup of coffee. Kemp climbed from the SUV and ran for the porch to avoid the rain. “What?” he asked when Ace looked at him and grinned knowingly. They were doing the security consultation as a favor to Jack and the guys, but Ace and Kemp were looking forward to it for another reason. That reason’s name was Summer Heston. Ace shrugged and leaned against the porch railing. “You must be ready to get the day started.” Kemp quirked a brow at him, the most he usually gave in the way of facial expressions. Kemp always looked serious, even when he was joking. “And you’re not?” “Oh, I am. You’re just here a little early.” Ace gestured to the pressed slacks and button-down shirt Kemp wore. “And more dressed up than you normally are for a job like this.” “I wanted to impress her. I brought a change of clothes,” he said, gesturing with a thumb to the SUV. “How long before you’re ready to get rolling?” They went inside, Kemp fixed himself a cup of coffee while Ace got his clothes on, and they were both out the door and in Kemp’s vehicle ten minutes later. Kemp glanced at him and said, “She won’t mind if we show up a bit early, will she?” “A bit? More like a half hour early.” Kemp grunted then changed the subject. “I tried to call Sis this morning.”

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Kemp’s parents had been friends with Ace’s parents. When Kemp was a teenager, his entire family had been killed in an automobile accident. Kemp would’ve gone into foster care, but Ace’s parents had intervened and Kemp had joined their family with the blessing of the State of Texas. Ace asked, “Did you get through this time?” They’d been looking after their baby sister since his mom and dad had passed away in the last few years. She was younger than both of them and had hit a few bumps in the road before finally getting on her feet. He and Kemp took watching out for her very seriously, the way Mom and Dad would have wanted them to. Kemp fiddled with the windshield wipers and shook his head. “Nope. Got her voice mail. Again. It seems like she’s always working. They must keep her hopping at that fancy restaurant. Seems like she’s always there.” Ace said, “I wish she hadn’t made us swear that we wouldn’t look into her employers for her.” Kemp replied, “I know. I would feel a whole lot better if I knew more about her situation, but I guess we have to respect that she wants to find her own path. She can’t do that if we’re constantly looking over her shoulder.” Ace snorted. “Pfft. She called me a ‘nagging mother hen’ the last time I had her on the phone.” Kemp choked on his laughter. “If the beak fits…” Ace laughed with his brother, knowing they both fit that bill, but he really didn’t mind. Lydia had been like their little shadow from an early age, driving them crazy at times. So it only seemed fair that they return the favor. Because Ace and Kemp had always been close, the logical thing to do as adults had been to go into business together. Ace was good at dealing with people where Kemp was talented at gathering information and patiently “waiting out” situations. Ace also valued Kemp’s physical strength and unimpeachable ethics. Another thing

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they both had in common was their zeal for standing up for the “little guy” who didn’t always have the strength to stand up for themselves. To Ace’s knowledge, Kemp had never been able to abide a bully. Glancing at Kemp, Ace asked, “Excited to finally meet Summer in the flesh?” Kemp groaned and replied, “Nice word choice, Ace. I just hope I don’t stick my foot in my mouth or make an idiot of myself by clamming up.” “It’ll be fine,” Ace murmured as he slipped his phone from his pocket and pulled up Summer’s cell phone number. **** Summer juggled her mug of coffee, handbag, lunch, laptop case, cell phone, and umbrella as she locked up her house. The open, sloshing coffee mug was not a good idea, and she whined when a couple of warm droplets hit her toes as she pulled the key from the deadbolt. She looked down at her open-toed, strappy heels and debated going back inside. Looking at the time on her phone she decided against it. She could clean up with a damp paper towel at work. She struggled with the umbrella, trying to keep the misty rain off her hair and loaded everything into her car then climbed in. Her cell phone rang, and she looked at the screen, wondering who would call her so early. She normally was just barely making her coffee at this time of the morning. Her heart fluttered with excitement when she recognized the number from last night. “Hello.” She tried to sound sexy and seductive but was afraid the way her voice cracked gave away her nerves. When was the last time she’d felt this twittery dealing with a man—men? “Good morning, kitten.” She hadn’t been able to sleep last night, thinking about the sound of his voice, whoever he was. She willed her fingers to stop shaking

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so she didn’t accidentally drop the phone. “Good morning. How are you—both of you?” The sexy chuckle on the other end made her stomach quiver. “Grace told you?” “She pointed you out to me right as you were going out the door. When I asked, she told me it was both of you texting me last night.” There was a small pause on the other end, and then he softly asked, “How did that make you feel? To know that two men were interested in you?” Summer giggled and replied, “Given my luck with men, I would have run screaming from the nightclub. But I trust Grace. She verified that you are gentlemen and not crazy stalkers.” I might be crazy for entertaining this notion, though. “Good. I think you’re beautiful.” His simple words sent a rush of heat to her cheeks, and she didn’t know what to say. He said, “Hold on. Someone else wants to say hello.” Summer heard what must’ve been road noise and then a different, slightly rougher-sounding voice said, “Good morning, Summer. How are you?” His gravelly voice was deeper, and her body responded instantly to hearing him speak for the first time. You slutty thing, you! She wondered what kind of woman responded to two men who she barely knew by getting hot and wet just from the sound of their voices. Summer thought of Grace and knew that she and her men had to start somewhere, too. She decided she might also be a lucky woman this time around. “I’m fine. How are you?” “Did you sleep well?” She squirmed in her seat, thinking that voice was playing havoc with her body’s responses. Honestly, she replied, “No. I couldn’t stop thinking about last night.” The deep voice chuckled and replied, “We hated to leave like that, but duty called. If we weren’t working, we would’ve asked Grace to

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introduce us last night. What did you think of the song? Did Grace tell you?” Even higher rosy color filled her cheeks, and she squirmed again. The conversation was definitely getting to her. “Honestly? I was floored by it.” “What do you mean, darlin’?” “It was honest. Between the song and what both of you said in the texts.” She paused and then went on, “I liked that someone was being honest with me for a change. You could see what I looked like and you still wanted me. Then—” He interrupted her. “We could ‘see what you looked like?’” “Yes. Full-figured. Plus-sized. Big.” “Darlin’, we could see that you are beautiful, luscious curves and all. You were surrounded by your friends, laughing, and having a good time, despite being ill treated by your date, which showed the strength of your character. I don’t read fashion magazines and I don’t subscribe to the belief that you have to be thin to be considered beautiful. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you last night. Don’t believe what that asshole was trying to tell you by ignoring you. We’d never treat you that way. You’re worthy of being noticed. And we weren’t the only men watching you last night.” She highly doubted that but said, “Really?” “Yes. Hold on a second, darlin’.” “Wait, what’s your—” What’s your name? Dang it. The sound of road noise increased, and she realized they’d switched to speakerphone. The other man said, “The song was supposed to communicate how we felt, watching him ignore you. The week before was even worse, when that dickhead kept talking down to you. Neither of us could hear what he was saying, but we could read your body language, despite you trying to act like he didn’t hurt your feelings.” “Oh. You saw that, huh?”

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“Yes. I thought he was your boyfriend. I finally called Grace and asked her.” “You did?” “Yes. She said I should feel free to make a move as you were unattached.” She smiled widely, and a pleasant, warm feeling washed over her. “I wish you had. Wait. Are either of you married?” Her stomach clenched waiting for his answer. The butterflies doing acrobatics in her stomach were getting to her. He paused for a moment then replied, “No, of course not. Grace offered to set us up on a blind date, but we weren’t so sure about it. It’s rather intimidating for a woman to find out two men are both interested in her, and we didn’t want to scare you off. We decided to reach out to you together instead. Shortly after, we had to leave to follow the one we were watching. So you liked the song?” Summer smiled and flicked a curl over her shoulder. “Yes, until Taylor ruined it.” The voice grew serious as he replied, “What did he do?” Summer curled her lip in distaste. “He asked me to dance to it. Made me is more like it. Jack must’ve fussed at him for ignoring me because the next thing I knew he had me by the arm, dragging me to the dance floor. At least he didn’t pull me close.” “Sorry, kitten. We’ll request it sometime when we’re there with you. When we dance, you’ll know we’re doing more than fulfilling an obligation. I didn’t mean to keep you so long on the phone. I didn’t feel like texting back and forth this morning. I wanted to hear your sexy voice instead.” Summer smiled, thinking she’d definitely identified “Man Number One” as the flirt of the two. “Sweet talker. Are you headed to work?” “I sure am, but I wanted to tell you good morning first. Know what I’d do if I was there?” Her voice caught in her throat, and she croaked, “What?” “Give you a sweet, long, good-morning kiss.”

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Caught up in the fantasy, all she could get out was, “Wha…” “Talk to you soon, kitten.” The phone shifted, and the other voice said, “Have a good morning, darlin’.” “Um, all right. I will,” she replied, still in a bit of a daze. “Wait! What—” She groaned when the line went dead. Summer wanted to scream because she still didn’t even know their names. Grace had better be on the money with those two. This cloak-anddagger nonsense is going to make me crazy. She shook her head as she started the car, wondering what would happen next. Would they call again? At some point would she meet them? Grace hadn’t described them to her at all. Were they concerned that she’d find them unattractive and wanted her to have a chance to get to know them first? They certainly didn’t have to do that for her sake. She knew how it felt to be judged for her appearance and wouldn’t have judged them on theirs. Looks were fleeting and only skin deep. True beauty resided in the soul of an individual. As she drove the short distance to the shop, she debated once again about moving into the apartment upstairs. The fact that Discretion had been vandalized several times in recent weeks was the only reason she hesitated. Her older sister and business partner, Margot, had already agreed that they would put in a security system, and there was the added bonus that it would save her the cost of her rental every month. When they’d had a dream of starting a business, there were few people in their family who had approved. Summer and Margot had never quite fit into the straitlaced expectations their parents had for them. That was nothing new. The Victorian house Discretion was located in was left to them by a favorite great-aunt, who Summer knew would’ve loved the little shop she and her sister co-owned if she’d known about it.

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Once they’d secured funding and Discretion had opened its doors they’d had only themselves to rely on. It had been rather lonely until Grace and Teresa had walked in one day a couple of years before. Their interest and subsequent investment in the shop had begun a new chapter in Summer and Margot’s lives, and they’d made several great friends along the way. Their friends had stood by them in the last few months as the shop had drawn unfavorable attention from anonymous and downright hostile sources, the latest being the attempted arson on the shop a few weeks before. A carpenter was already contracted to do the repair work. He’d given them an estimate to just fix the damage then had also given a price for completely refurbishing it. Summer and Margot loved the back porch area and rose garden, so they had decided to fund the project and paid the difference to have the extra work done. The contractor was supposed to start early the following day. Grace had told Summer she knew of someone who could install the best in security systems at a very reasonable price. Summer had an appointment with them that morning, which was the reason she needed to get to the store early—to get her work done before they got there. She parked in her spot and climbed from the car, juggling all her belongings. Once inside she laid everything on the oak-topped lingerie cabinet they used as a sales counter. She was particularly fond of that huge oak display case. She’d found it at an estate sale, recognizing it for what it actually was. She and Margot had repaired and sanded it down, then refinished it themselves. After the glass in the numerous small panels on the front was replaced it looked like it had when it had graced a ritzy 1920s department store. She checked the stack of messages Margot had left for her on the counter and carried her belongings back to the office opposite the kitchen. Once a formal dining room, the office housed Summer and Margot’s desks, which were back-to-back, and Juliana’s desk and

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hutch in one corner. The office was in the rear of the house and had very large windows which were draped with sheer white lace to let in as much light as possible. Summer loved this room. One window looked out over a rolling hayfield on the property next door. When the sun hit the grass just right and the wind rippled through it, it was magical. The other window looked out over rosebushes in the shaded backyard. She looked out the windows now and smiled at the overcast, pearl-gray sky. The rain was still falling but was supposed to clear up by midmorning. She sipped her coffee and giggled at the antics of a squirrel climbing down a tree trunk in the backyard. The house was completely silent except for the occasional settling creak. After checking the time, she set to work. A while later, Summer stood in the dimly lit kitchen stirring sweetener into her second cup of coffee when she heard a thump outside the back door. Thinking it was Mr. Abbott, the carpenter, she peeked out through one of the closed shutters. Perhaps he was dropping off supplies for the big job starting tomorrow. She focused on the individual dressed in dark clothing. He had his back to her and was bent over something. He moved and she could see he was leaning over a small toolbox, and she gasped when he turned. Carpenters didn’t wear ski masks in the summertime. She silently closed the shutters, grateful she’d left the bright overhead light off, and snuck across the hall on trembling legs. She snatched her cell phone from her desk, dialed 9-1-1, and slid her other hand around the handle of the aluminum baseball bat Margot had brought up to work after the fire. Summer’s heart lurched in her chest as the masked intruder tampered with the back door. She nearly jumped out her skin when she heard a loud thump. She could hear swearing on the other side of the door as she peeked from the office. The burglar was making so much racket, he evidently assumed no one was there.

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She pulled her phone from her ear and looked at it. No bars. “Damn it.” Cell service was spotty at best this far out in the country. Sometimes they had it, and sometimes they didn’t. Suddenly righteously pissed off, Summer made a decision that might get her into trouble later. Once they got in, whoever that was on the other side of the door was in for a surprise. She turned off her desk lamp and tiptoed back across the hall and switched off the light over the stove in the kitchen, casting the back of the house in darkness. She was tired of “phoning it in” to the sheriff and tired of being a victim, constantly checking her rearview mirror as she drove to and from work. She was sick and tired of assholes like this one in general. Adrenaline pumped through her system as the knob jostled in the door like it was coming loose. In a matter of seconds the door would be open. Where were her keys? In her pocket. She breathed a prayer of thanks for that bit of luck. They could be another weapon. She could use the remote to set off her car alarm and perhaps scare him away, but she perversely wanted to catch him in the act, inside her house. He thought no one was there yet. Otherwise he would have been much quieter. She bit her lip as the inside part of the old doorknob fell with a thump to the doormat. Her hands tightened around the bat as she stood back from the opening leading into the kitchen. He’d have to move forward several feet before she could swing. Humidity permeated the air and brought in the scent of rain as the door swung open slowly. Her pulse pounded in her ears as she waited. Well, I’m committed to this course now, aren’t I? Come here, sugar. Don’t be shy. A dark shadowy figure moved forward and angled to his left toward the office. Excellent. Hold still. This might hurt a bit… Careful to step on the carpet runner and not the hardwood floor, Summer snuck as close as she dared. She threw her body into it and

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swung the bat, aiming for his head. She didn’t want to kill him, just knock him out cold. Whap! She pulled back as he flapped his arms and tried to reach for her in the dark. She swung again and landed a blow across his upper chest as he tried to grab for her. He cried out in pain, and she realized she might’ve broken his collarbone. Damn it! Why didn’t I run? Knowing she had to make it count, she backed away to lay a good one on him when he slowly crumpled to the floor, moaning. She would have to step over him to get out either door. Holding the bat ready to whack him again, Summer edged close and prepared to jump over him and sprint. At the last second he grabbed for her and closed his big hand around her ankle. She tripped and fell on top of him. He tried to get his arms around her to immobilize her, but she twisted and fought him with every ounce of strength she had. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she kicked and scratched. She landed her elbow in his groin, and he screamed in pain. He let go of her ankle and rolled into a ball with a groan, and she took the opportunity to flee down the hall and into the shop. She heard a thump outside and skidded to a halt at the front door. Glancing back down the hallway, Summer saw the intruder trying to rise to a standing position. She looked around the edge of the lace curtain in the door. In the early morning light, she saw two men, also dressed in dark clothing, who were climbing from an SUV. They looked huge and scary, but they hadn’t threatened her safety yet. She glanced back, and her heart did a double lurch as the shadowy form filled the doorway leading out into the darkened shop from the hall. She twisted the door latch. It was better to trust her instincts and run than risk another physical altercation with the intruder. He spotted her at the door and lunged toward her. She let loose a bloodcurdling scream, yanked open the door, and bolted through.

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**** Kemp expected to walk up on the porch, knock on the locked door, and see her beautiful face up close for the first time. He had not expected to hear her frightened scream as she flew out of the front doorway. Her long, wavy blonde hair flew around her shoulders as she glanced behind her. Her face was pale, and it was obvious she was terrified of whoever or whatever was in the shop. She bolted down the steps, and Kemp took two long strides to her, catching her in his arms as Ace rushed forward. Kemp heard a crash and loud thump from inside the little boutique. Ace looked back at him. “Got her?” “Yeah.” Kemp turned her, using his body to block hers, and jerked open the door on the Escalade. He lifted her bodily into the seat and handed her the remote. “Lock it. The glass is bulletproof. Sit tight.” Her beautiful, full lips quivered, and in a husky, scared voice she whispered, “What if he—” “I’ll be right back.” The need to determine and fix what had frightened her so badly warred with the urge to stay with her and comfort her. The tears pooling in her hazel eyes made his heart clench. She nodded, and he closed the door, gesturing to the key ring. She locked the doors. Kemp drew his weapon, released the safety, and ran up the steps. Cautiously, he approached the doorway, ascertaining Ace’s location inside. A display fixture was overturned on the hardwood floor, and lacy little nighties were strewn around it. It bothered him a lot that this feminine place filled with delicate, frivolous things was unsafe for her at the moment. He gritted his teeth and tried to focus on the task at hand, but the look in her eyes had moved him. It cranked his urge to “fix” the problem into overdrive.

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Ace returned from the hallway out of breath. “He went over the fence. Must’ve gone through the woods. She okay?” “Yeah. I had her lock herself in the Escalade.” Kemp flipped the safety on his weapon and returned it to the holster under his jacket. No point in scaring her. “He left his tools. There must’ve been a scuffle by the door.” Ace held up an aluminum baseball bat with bright-pink grip tape around the handle. “I found this on the floor.” Kemp chuckled. “I hope she got in at least one good shot with it.” Their little kitten had some claws. He lifted the display fixture from the floor and stood it upright. There was no reason for her to see further evidence that her little boutique had been violated. He and Ace both grabbed an armful of the lacy garments and laid them carefully on the large counter by the door. **** Summer shifted on the leather driver’s seat, watching for signs of movement inside the shop. Her heart still pounded in her chest, and she tried to take steadying breaths. She could still feel his strong arms around her, whoever “he” was. It had felt like running into a solid wall as she’d collided with his chest. If he hadn’t caught her as she’d hurtled down the steps, she probably would’ve fallen to the asphalt and been easy prey to whoever was in the shop. A full-body shudder rippled through her at the thought. Putting her hands to her face, she realized tears wet her cheeks. She checked her appearance in the rearview mirror and groaned. Dark streaks from her eyeliner and mascara crept down from the outer corners of her eyes. Using the back of her hand she wiped them away carefully, trying to salvage her appearance as best as she could. To distract herself she looked around the interior of the luxury SUV. The scent of leather and coffee permeated the space. Two open,

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half-full cups of coffee, one with cream and the other black, were in the cupholders. There was a thin stack of business cards, receipts, and a small spiral-bound notebook in an opening in the console. She lifted one of the cards and looked at the name on it. Kemp Whittier, Security and Investigation Specialist. “Oh.” That explained the presence of her saviors this morning. They were here for the eight o’clock appointment. Just then the two men made an appearance at the door. Her jaw dropped as she took a good look. One after the other, they completely filled the doorway as they filed out, both their eyes trained on her. She gripped the leather-covered steering wheel above her lap. “Holy Moses.” She shut her mouth and fumbled with the SUV’s remote as they approached the driver-side door cautiously. They were both massive, larger than life, and almost stereotypical for the kind of guys who would be involved in security and investigation. Why had she expected some dweeby nerd in a panel van emblazoned with the logo of a security service? These guys did more than install burglar alarms. They looked like they could catch and beat the crap out of the burglar so she wouldn’t need an alarm. The one who’d caught her had a noticeable bulge under his arm, and she was willing to bet there was a loaded firearm inside that jacket. Both men were dressed impeccably in suits, and Summer had a feeling that she and Margot were in over their heads as far as this security consultation was concerned. They could afford a burglar alarm but not the level of attention these men were obviously used to delivering. She bit her lip as the man with black hair, who had run in the shop first, smiled at her when she couldn’t get her fingers to work properly on the remote. The other man was rather stoic, but she thought she detected warmth in his voice and his eyes as he pointed to the remote. Through the glass she heard his muffled voice. “The top button on the left.”

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Heat stole over her cheeks as she growled at herself and pushed the button. “Duh. Open.” The lock on the driver door popped open quietly. Smiling at her, the man with black hair opened the door and held out a hand to her. He wore his hair slicked back and had a face that was classically handsome. His lips were just full enough, and his eyebrows arched over intense, dark brown eyes. She wouldn’t want to be on the other end of his attention if he was not smiling. He looked strong enough to lift her over his head, he was so powerfully built. She realized her hands were shaking when she placed one in his. His tanned, callused hand felt solid under hers, which was comforting under the circumstances. Dressed in suits as they were, she wouldn’t have been surprised if his hands were soft, but it was obvious looking at them that they were not “desk types.” She slid from the leather seat, and he caught her as her knees gave out when her feet landed on the asphalt. Her cheek landed against his lapel, and she was once again held against another hard chest. Way to go, graceful.

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Chapter Three Summer looked up at him towering over her and managed a weak smile as he steadied her. “You okay?” He leaned down and looked in her eyes, his dark eyebrows drawing together slightly. That voice. She gasped as he smiled and said, “Hazel.” She imagined the dumb look on her face. “Huh?” His voice was— “Your eyes. They’re hazel.” “You’re Grace’s friend. The one who texted me.” Oh, duh! These were the guys investigating the ugly posts on that horrible blog, Divine Morality. Of course Grace would recommend them for a security consultation at the shop. Both men smiled in confirmation. Drawing a deep breath, Summer looked up at the first man to catch her and said, “Kemp?” “At your service, ma’am.” A smile split his craggy face, and her heart skipped a beat. He wasn’t model handsome like the other man was, but his smile reached his green eyes, and she couldn’t help the undoubtedly goofy grin that spread across her face in response. She smothered the urge to touch the dimple that appeared in his cheek. His nose looked like it might have been broken at some point, judging by the slight bump in the bridge. His hair was dark brown with just a sprinkling of silver at the temples, and she found him ruggedly handsome. “Hi.” Both these guys were texting her the other night? Wanting her. “It was you. And you.”

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“Ace Webster,” the black-haired man replied with a nod and a smile. She realized he was still holding her hand, and she looked at the two joined together, hers small compared to his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Summer. Are you all right?” Mentally shaking herself, Summer replied, “Yes. Was he still in there?” “No. He’s gone, but he left his toolbox. Or I assume it’s his, right outside the doorway. Let’s get you inside.” They each took an elbow and gently escorted her up the stairs. She was grateful because her knees were still wobbling a bit. Everything in the shop looked safe and secure, except for the pile of lace chemises and camisoles on the counter. The intruder must’ve knocked a fixture over. They walked back to the office, and she sat down. Kemp went across the hall and returned with a glass of water, which he placed in front of her. Ace pulled a chair up and sat down with her. “Did you get a look at him?” Summer frowned and tried to picture him in her mind. “No. He wore dark clothing, a mask, and gloves. I couldn’t even see his eyes. It was one of those masks that have the built-in shades,” she said waving her hand over her brow. “Tall? Short?” Summer remembered him standing in the doorway right before she flung open the front door. She walked back to that door and indicated his approximate height. She could almost see him standing there, and a cold chill ran through her body. I could have been killed. What was I thinking? “Tall, then.” “Y–Yes. He was big,” she said, indicating broad shoulders with her hands, which suddenly wouldn’t stop shaking. “He grabbed me when I tried to get away and I fell.” She touched her elbow and was suddenly aware of the throbbing pain there. She felt like a baby when she couldn’t stop the quivering in her lower lip. Kemp growled softly.

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**** Ace glanced at Kemp when he reacted to Summer’s statement. Watching her suffer the aftermath of the attack made a tight ball form in his chest. He wanted very much to soothe the way she trembled as she pressed a shaky hand to her lips. “Come here, Summer,” he murmured, gently drawing her suddenly quaking body into his arms. “Just breathe, kitten.” A great tremor passed through her. “Don’t fight it, just breathe through it.” Her respiration turned to panting as her reaction to the event finally caught up with her. She’d been holding it together up until the moment when she relived the attack in order to describe it to them. A slight whimper escaped from her, and she held on to him tightly. Looking sympathetic, Kemp stroked her back and her hair. After a minute, her trembling began to dissipate, and she finally looked up at him and then over at Kemp. “Wow,” she whispered softly. “I don’t know where that came from.” Kemp said, “You went through a very dangerous, scary experience, darlin’. Your body is just catching up to it.” Once her shakiness had passed, Ace helped her back down the hall to her office and helped her sit down. After turning on the lights, Ace pulled back the sleeve of her dress and said, “The skin isn’t broken, but you’re going to have quite a bruise there. Some ice should help.” Ace went to the kitchen and returned with a plastic bag filled with ice for her. She thanked him and gingerly held it to her elbow. He squatted down in front of her and brushed a lock of hair from her cheek. Her eyes were dilated, and her skin was cool to the touch. “How do you feel otherwise?” “Honestly? A little woozy like I could take a nap.”

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Ace nodded in commiseration. “It’s the adrenaline that dumped in your system earlier. If it doesn’t pass, you may want to lie down for a while. You had quite a fright.” Remembering the extreme fear on her face as she’d run from the shop earlier caused another wave of protectiveness to wash over Ace. He wished like hell that he’d caught the son of a bitch that had scared her so badly that she was now reacting to it physiologically. Ace noticed the line between her furrowed eyebrows and asked, “Does your head hurt, too?” “Yeah, it does, all of a sudden.” She reached in her desk and pulled out a bottle of Tylenol and took a couple with the glass of water Kemp had brought her. Kemp asked, “Can you tell us what happened, Summer?” Ace listened as she described that morning’s events. She hadn’t expected them for at least another twenty to thirty minutes, and the fact that they’d arrived early might have been the only reason she was still in one piece. He’d teased Kemp about being overeager to get to the shop, but now he wanted to thank him. Ace was both shocked and impressed when she described clobbering the burglar with the baseball bat. He nodded appreciatively and said, “Well done. That was a gutsy move.” Ace disregarded the urge to turn her over his knee for placing herself in so much danger when she could’ve just run. “He may have to go to the emergency room. I may have broken his collarbone the second time I hit him, plus I…” Kemp prompted her with a puzzled expression. “You what?” “When he pulled me down, I—um. I nailed him really hard in the groin with my other elbow.” When both men grimaced she added, “He wasn’t much of a fighter after that. I just wanted to get away from him. He followed me to the front but must’ve run when he heard you close your vehicle’s door.” Kemp said, “I’ll ask Duke to check area hospitals and clinics.”

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He took out his phone and began dialing then moved away into the hall as Duke answered the call. As he gazed at her, Ace noticed Summer’s complexion had returned to a more normal rosy-cheeked ivory color and was not so pale anymore. She drank the rest of her water, and Ace was mesmerized as her full, soft lips pressed against the glass and she swallowed delicately. His cock responded to the pretty sight, and he imagined her sucking on him. He closed his eyes and was very thankful for the suit jacket that he’d buttoned after replacing his revolver in its holster. He was also grateful that he preferred snug-knit boxer briefs, otherwise she’d have gotten a show. Placing the emptied glass on the desk blotter, Summer said, “So you were both texting me last night.” She looked up at him with uncertain eyes as though she were looking for confirmation of their earlier phone conversation. When he’d overheard her mention being “big” as she spoke to Kemp, he’d wanted to sweep her up into his arms and do his best to personally convince her that she was beautiful the way she was. “Yes.” “I didn’t sleep at all last night.” “Me either.” That was the truth. It had felt all kinds of wrong to leave the club without making contact with Summer. He’d had the pleasure of watching her face as they’d each sent her text messages. The color in her cheeks had deepened as she’d read them then looked around trying to locate them. He and Kemp had come within about ten feet of her as she held the phone to her ear the night before, and he’d regretted not being able to continue the conversation right then. The man they’d followed home had no apparent link to the blog, so they would keep looking. There was a connection out there somewhere. Once they found it they would do some more digging. Everyone had skeletons in their closet.

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When he’d gone to bed, thoughts of her, the way she moved, the adorable way she bit her lip kept floating through his mind. He’d also remembered the hurt in her eyes at being ignored by that idiot blind date. She sat in her chair studying him now. “I liked that you called me this morning. It was almost like…” “What?” She waved her hand dismissively. “You’d think it was silly.” “Like kissing you good morning?” Her cheeks took on a bright pinkish tinge, and she chuckled. She bit her lip, and he had to suppress the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her. She probably had no idea how that innocent, yet sexy, little mannerism affected his libido. “You’re a mind reader as well as a security specialist?” “I don’t think I can read your mind, that’s just how it felt to me, getting to hear your voice on the line again. That sounds really sappy, but it’s true.” Kemp returned to the office and said, “Duke is on it. He’ll get back to us if he hears of any likely suspects. He said things appear normal with that guy we followed home last night, but his instincts are telling him otherwise so he’s going to be watching him.” Summer smiled at both of them and said, “Will you be at The Dancing Pony again this weekend?” Ace replied, “Until we turn up some good leads, yes. Nothing new has been posted to the blog, but there have been new comments popping up daily. We’d like to get that thing canned sooner rather than later. Besides how much it bugs Jack and all the other guys, the things they say about Grace trouble me. It’s just wrong.” Summer seemed to hesitate for a moment then smiled at them both and rose from her chair. Approaching, she said, “You know what I think?” Ace smiled as she stood between them both, her gorgeous hazel eyes looking very serious as her gaze swept from him to Kemp. She

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laid a hand on both their chests. Her gentle fingertips caressed both their pectorals, and Ace felt a tingle slide from her fingertips down his torso to his cock. “What, kitten?” “You’re really tough because it’s what you specialize in, but you’re soft as marshmallows on the inside.” Kemp placed his hand over hers and murmured, “Only where certain people are concerned.” The smile on his friend’s face was genuine and happy. “You look as though you’re feeling better.” “I am, Kemp. The shakes seem to have stopped. It hit me hard afterward, but I really am better now.” The fact that they were both into her didn’t seem to trouble Summer in the least. Ace wanted to take her in his arms right then and kiss the daylights out of her. He was about to when she asked, “Should I report the break-in to the sheriff? I know there isn’t much he can do about it.” Kemp replied, “The guy is long gone, but you should let the sheriff know.” He admired her resilience and the way she bounced back from the emotional and physical reactions to being attacked. She nodded and replied, “Thank you again for saving me, guys. Can I make you a fresh pot of coffee? Do you want to get started looking the place over?” Ace looked in her eyes and asked, “How do you feel, Summer? Do you want to put your head down for a little while?” She smiled at him and shook her head. “I may take a break and lie down upstairs in a little while, but I’m okay for now. We can get started.” They spent the next thirty minutes looking around the house, both inside and outside, upstairs and down. During the inspection, Angel and Joaquin Martinez’s wife, Teresa, arrived to open the shop. They explained to her what had happened that morning and assured her that they would be around from that point forward to watch over things. That seemed to greatly ease Teresa’s concerns, and she told them she

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would let her husbands know. Ace was gratified in helping the women feel safer. Summer took them upstairs and showed them around. “What are you doing with the rooms upstairs?” Kemp asked as he followed Ace back down the stairs. There were two bedrooms, a bathroom, and another room that could be used for a media room or library. Summer stood on the landing looking up at them and replied, “I was thinking about moving into them. I have a rental house in town, but we thought it might be good if someone was living here.” Ace said, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, kitten, given what happened this morning. You’re a big girl and it’s your decision, but I’d hold off on that for a little while.” Summer’s jaw took on a stubborn tilt as she looked from one to the other. “But you’re putting in a surveillance system and burglar alarm. That’s more than I have in my own home. Plus, I showed whoever is up to these shenanigans that we’re not going to take it lying down anymore. Whoever that guy was, he is in real pain right now for trying to break in to my business.” “That may be so, but you also had an attempted arson. Your security system can’t put a fire out. What if you were trapped upstairs during a fire?” “I’d have a plan of escape, the same as anyone with a two-story house would.” Damn, she had an answer for every one of Ace’s reasons. It wasn’t his place to tell her she couldn’t move in, but he wished it was. The fact that she didn’t have a security system in her own home made Ace want to stop by there after they were done and rectify that situation. Summer smiled at him when he stopped debating with her. In resignation he said, “Well it looks as though you’ve made your mind up.” “Yup.” She crossed her arms over her chest, causing her breasts to swell upward and fill the neckline of her blouse in a way that made

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him groan inwardly with appreciation. He wanted very much to see her do that with the blouse off, sometime soon. His cock stirred, informing him it wasn’t just a want. It was a need. Kemp stroked his chin and said, “What if you held off for just a couple of weeks? Give us a chance to get things set up here then make some progress with all these incidents that have been occurring around here.” “I would need that long to organize everything and get packed anyway.” Ace replied, “Good. That will give us time. I want to ask you something.” “Sure.” She turned and gestured for them to follow her to the rear of the house. They walked back into the office as customers entered the front door and were greeted by Teresa, who had arrived shortly before the boutique opened. Ace said, “We’re going to be keeping an eye on the place.” “Meaning what exactly?” “Surveillance and security. In a vehicle down the street and scouting the area. Would you feel comfortable if one of us was inside as well? If we’re spread out we have a better chance of catching whoever is behind these attacks on the shop. We wouldn’t get in your way. The upstairs rooms would be perfect for that. We could switch off and stay here at night.” “Sure, but when would you sleep?” Kemp replied, “One of us would sleep during the day and the other in the afternoon or at night. It’d be worth it to be able to catch them.” Summer paused and said, “I’d have to talk to Margot about it. She’s in Dallas with Juliana again. I was planning to call her after you were done anyway.” “Fair enough. How do you feel about it?” Ace asked, brushing a lock of hair behind her shoulder.

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A slow smile crossed Summer’s beautiful lips, and she chuckled. “About what? Having two handsome guys hanging around the shop keeping all us delicate females safe? Gee, that’s a tough one.” She laughed when he grinned big and added, “It wouldn’t be a problem for me at all. Although how I’m supposed to get any work done is beyond me.” Ace agreed with that sentiment. His reasons for volunteering duty in such close quarters were not entirely work related. He’d take whatever opportunity he could to get closer to Summer and figured Kemp had to feel the same way. “We’re ready to get started if you are, Summer. Would you mind if we borrowed your bathroom to change into work clothes?”

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Chapter Four If they only knew the fantasies that were running through Summer’s mind and the way those thoughts affected her body. Their deep voices were barely audible as they talked to each other, and she imagined them undressing, their bare chests and abs revealed as they unbuttoned their dress shirts. Her fingertips tingled as she imagined running them over a hard biceps or a trim hip. Her body pulsed with need, and she tried not to think about the last time she’d felt true, deep satisfaction with a man. Stopping to think about it, she realized she never had experienced either because if it had been true and deep it would’ve lasted. She’d never been in a relationship that lasted more than a few months. It seemed that once the excitement and newness wore off, the guys she dated usually showed their true colors and lost their appeal or they turned out to be freaks. Such was the case with her last boyfriend, Gary. The guy was married, as it turned out. He and his wife, Paulina, were looking for a “third.” She shivered, remembering the phone call she’d received from the wife, trying to persuade Summer to give them a “try.” Neither of them had been too put out that she’d sold all of the belongings he’d left at her house for a garage sale the month before. Paulina had called a couple of times since then, trying to persuade Summer to change her mind. Both times, Summer had assured her kindly that it wasn’t going to happen. Summer still wondered at Gary’s tactic, leaving so many of his things at her place. Perhaps he’d hoped that by being magnanimous about the loss of his possessions he could manipulate her into giving their threesome idea a try.

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Summer laughed, recalling her conversation with the girls in the shop a few weeks before. The idea of sharing a man with another woman repulsed her, but being shared by two men was her ultimate fantasy. Now suddenly she was being presented with an opportunity to test drive that fantasy. “You mind if we hang these in here, Summer?” Ace asked as he stood in the doorway, holding their clothing on several hangers. She hadn’t even heard him come in the room. “Oh, sure! Right there.” She indicated a hook that hung over one of the French doors that led into the office. Ace stood in the doorway, dressed in blue jeans, work boots, and a faded denim shirt. The lightweight denim fabric was stretched flat over his well-defined pectoral muscles, and she made a decision. Why fight it? Teresa was up front, and what harm could a little cuddle do? Ace watched her as she rose from her desk and walked over to him. She stood in front of him as he hung the garments up, and when he smiled at her, she slipped her arms around his waist and pressed close to him. His body was warm and hard, and when his arms closed around her, she felt caged in and safe. She let out a long sigh, and the unsettled feeling she’d had all morning dissipated a little. The muscles in his back were hard and well defined under her restless hands. She remembered that Kemp was somewhere nearby, and a disturbing thought occurred to her. If the three of them progressed forward in a relationship they were going to draw serious fire like the rest of the girls had. Already Joaquin and Angel were alternating taking Teresa to and from work, which had to be an inconvenience for them, but they didn’t want to take a chance with her safety. Rachel didn’t have the challenge the others did because she worked odd hours doing the store’s books and website maintenance. She came and went as she pleased, and nobody had bothered her at her other job.

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Grace was having a difficult time getting her men to allow her to leave the house alone at all. Summer couldn’t blame them after the second time Grace was followed closely on the way home by the same vehicle that had run her off the road a few weeks before. Her men were also taking turns bringing her to the shop. It might make them all happier to know that Ace and Kemp would be around. “You okay, kitten?” Ace’s voice was soft and indulgent sounding as he stroked her back. “I needed a hug. It’s been a while since someone held me. I just needed—I was…” Words failed her as his hands roamed. Ace slid his palm up her back until his fingers sifted into her hair. At the base of her skull, he gripped her hair and tilted her head back. The feeling took her by surprise. He held her close, and a tremor went through her as she lost herself in his dark brown gaze. He stayed that way for a few seconds, just staring into her eyes, then looked down at her parted lips as he closed the small gap between them. Oh, God. His first touch was gentle, and he took his time caressing her lips with his own. He pressed his lips to hers, and she moaned quietly, coming up on her tiptoes to get closer to him. His arm around her and his hand in her hair grew tighter as he deepened the kiss until their lips were crushed together. Her heart pounded so hard, she was certain he could feel it against his chest. When she relaxed against him, he plundered her mouth, stroking her tongue with his. He tasted of coffee and mints and his own natural flavor, and she melted against his muscular frame as her pussy dampened with desire. Finally, finally! Someone who knows how to kiss! Her breasts felt like they swelled as he held her to him tightly, and she could feel his thickening erection against her abdomen. By the time he released her lips she was breathless and lightheaded. Fantasies of the two of them making love made her heart race. There was no doubt in her mind that he would be an incredible lover.

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Ace looked up and around then pulled her farther into the office and crushed her lips with his again. “I’ve wanted to do that since last weekend, kitten.” “What? Kiss me until I couldn’t breathe or feel my extremities anymore?” Ace’s lips curved in a sexy grin and he said, “Yes. That and more.” He kissed her again, and she shuddered when his hand slowly trailed down to her ass and squeezed one cheek firmly. She took a deep breath when he allowed her to come up for air. “Holy sm–smokes, Ace. Y–You can really kiss,” she mumbled as she caught her breath. Kemp stepped in the office and hesitated. “Oh. Sorry to interrupt. Ace, I’m going to get started outside.” Summer’s cheeks tingled with heat, unsure how Kemp took catching them in an embrace. He didn’t pretend to not notice, but she blushed all the same. Ace nodded and grinned at his partner. “I’ll be right there. Just getting another quick kiss from our kitten, first.” Kemp, who was so very serious, winked at her and chuckled. “Just make sure you save some for me.” Instead of going back down the hall, he came closer, and her heart skipped a beat. Does he want to kiss me, too? Right now? Desperate for direction, Summer looked up at Ace. Ace whispered, “It’s fine with me if you kiss him, Summer.” “And it’s fine with me if you kiss him,” Kemp said, gesturing at Ace. Ace released her, and she turned to Kemp, wishing she knew how to do this less awkwardly. Kemp seemed to sense how she felt and reached for her hand and drew her closer. He slipped her hand around his back and used the closer proximity to caress her jaw with his other hand. He smiled at her and said, “Your hazel eyes are beautiful.” He tipped her chin up with a thumb and kissed her gently without preamble. His slow, gentle approach was appreciated as she wrapped her mind around the notion that she was being kissed by a man after

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just kissing his business partner. It all felt surreal but wonderful as he melded his lips to hers. She parted her lips when his tongue lightly flicked against them, and Summer slid her hands along his solid back muscles as he took the kiss slightly deeper, stroking her tongue with his. He tasted minty, but definitely different from Ace. She could imagine going to him after a hard day and letting him hold her and kiss her like this. His embrace was comforting and solid and felt so right. Finally he released her lips and murmured, “That was every bit as sweet as I knew it would be.” He smooched her again and then groaned softly. “If I stay here I’m not going to get anything else done today. Can I have some more of those after we get done?” “Yes,” she replied in a shaky voice. That, and much more, handsome man. Kemp chuckled at her monosyllabic response and said, “I’ll get started outside.” He kissed her nose, released her, and returned to work. Summer watched his ass appreciatively as he walked away. Kemp was clad in jeans and a tucked-in button-down shirt, and Summer had to admit he looked just as good dressed casually as he did in a suit. She turned to find Ace watching her with bedroom eyes, and she knew she was a goner for these two men and quietly asked, “Have you ever done this sort of thing before?” “The two of us? No. I have with someone else, but it was a very casual thing.” “You mean a ménage a trois?” “Yes. A friend and I dated a girl and shared her a few times. It was fun experimenting, but we knew it was temporary. What about you?” Summer looked away from him and felt her cheeks warm up again. What would he think of her if she answered honestly? “Yes. In college. A boyfriend and another friend.”

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Ace must have seen her hesitation and asked, “Was it not what you expected?” She paused, and he added, “You can talk about it if you want, kitten. I think it’s fine that you experimented while you were in college. I wouldn’t judge you for that any more than I would expect you to judge me.” Summer bit her bottom lip then said, “It was something my boyfriend wanted to try. I’d read a few erotic romances by that point and wanted to try it, too. We didn’t really know what we were doing, I guess. It…just wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be. Could we maybe talk about this when we’re totally alone?” Ace grinned at her. “Of course, kitten. I’ll want all the details later.” Oh hell. She shouldn’t have told him anything. Now she’d have to tell him the whole humiliating story. Showing his intuitive side again, Ace said, “Don’t worry, kitten. I just want to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes. I’m going to work now. We’ll try to stay out of your way and work around you. And don’t forget to call the sheriff.” Summer smiled, thinking this was going to be one interesting day, especially if Ace and Kemp were inside when there were customers filling the store. With her body still tingling, she returned to her desk chair and picked up her phone. She entered the number, and a few seconds later the man himself answered. **** Kemp adjusted the wall bracket on the surveillance camera that he’d just installed in the large main room of the boutique. He was currently up a twelve-foot ladder near the vaulted ceiling. Ace was on the back porch replacing the old doorknob and installing a new deadbolt lock.

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Hushed conversations were going on at the sales counter and near the jewelry counter as both Summer and Teresa helped customers. Twice, Summer had looked up and caught him as he watched her move around the shop. She’d smiled at him both times and had even blown a kiss to him. Knowing how those lips felt against his had him wishing for another chance to be alone with her. Summer was just finishing with a customer at the register when a man wearing a county law enforcement uniform walked in. Kemp watched the tall, rather young-looking man as he slipped his sunglasses off and removed his cowboy hat. He nodded and smiled to Summer and the other ladies. The man noticed the ladder and looked upward until he made eye contact with Kemp. Noting the surveillance camera in his hand, the uniformed officer nodded in apparent satisfaction. The young man’s face looked vaguely familiar. Northup. His name was Northup, and he’d been a Tarkett County Sheriff’s deputy when Kemp had worked his end of the Reese McCoy case for Eli Wolf. Nice enough guy. Polite and efficient when he’d spoken with him. Summer held out her hand to shake his. “Sheriff Northup. Thank you for coming by in person. You could’ve sent a deputy to take my report. I didn’t mean to make you come down here yourself.” Kemp listened to the conversation with idle curiosity as he worked. Or perhaps not so idle, as he noticed the way Northup eyed Summer. Summer’s cheeks were rosier than usual as she said, “Why don’t you come with me to the office and I can give you my statement there?” Kemp thought he saw more than just detached interest on the sheriff’s face. The look in his eyes as he glanced up at Kemp verified it. Northup was there because he wanted to be there. Kemp installed the camera, consulted his checklist, and moved to the installation of the camera over the staircase landing pointing toward the back door. Installing that one put Kemp in closer

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proximity to the office door so he could hear some of what was being said. He just wanted to watch over Summer. He wasn’t in the hallway because he was jealous. Summer gave Northup a basic rundown of what had happened, sharing the same set of facts with him that she had with them earlier. She laughed at something he said when she was finished, and then Kemp had to strain to hear the Sheriff’s softly spoken words. Summer’s reply was equally hard to hear, and Kemp wanted to growl in frustration. Ace had already moved on from replacing the locks on the back door, so he was not there to hear what was being said to Summer, either. Northup’s words were indistinguishable, but his tone of voice was easy enough to discern. Kemp checked his watch and climbed down from the ladder after making sure the camera was installed securely and racked his brain as he strode the few steps to her office doorway and knocked on the jamb. Think, think! “Darlin’, I need to make a run to the hardware store. I’m going to get lunch for us as well. Would you like me to pick something up for you, too?” She glanced at the clock, which read ten thirty, and said, “No, but thank you, Kemp. I brought my lunch with me this morning.” It was a little early for lunch but the best excuse he’d been able to come up with. “Okay. I’ll be back in a few minutes. You sure you don’t want anything?” He leaned forward and kissed the corner of her mouth. Summer’s eyebrows drew together in the briefest of frowns as Northup’s gaze turned to him, and Kemp had a momentary sense of impending doom. What did I just do? She gave him a smile that didn’t reach her expressive eyes and said, “Will you bring me back an iced coffee, dumplin’?” She placed

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slight emphasis on the endearment, and Kemp felt like she’d just called him a dickhead. Fucked up good this time, dude. The sheriff broke the awkward silence with a congenial tone. “Well, Summer. I appreciate you giving it some thought, anyway. You let me know if you need anything at all, okay?” Summer turned her gaze to the sheriff after giving Kemp a silent look that dared him to spend another second in her office in an attempt to wait for the sheriff to leave first. It was official. His ass was grass. Kemp went in search of Ace to let him know he was leaving. He found Ace on the front porch, caulking around a wall-mounted camera bracket. “I think I need to get out of Summer’s hair for a little bit. I’m going to the hardware store and then picking us up some lunch.” “What happened?” Ace said, the barest hint of amusement showing in his eyes. “Let’s just say the kitten may want to lay her claws into my hide. I’m going to give her a chance to finish with the sheriff and cool down a bit. I won’t be gone long.” The sheriff was still inside as Kemp backed out of the parking spot and drove into Morehead. He couldn’t believe he’d pulled that stupid-ass move without thinking it over more thoroughly. He’d felt territorial when Northup had followed her into the back of the shop as comfortably as though he’d done it before. Of course he had. They’d had trouble recently, and he no doubt had been in to take her statement previously. Kemp hadn’t enjoyed the jealousy that had prompted him to act without thinking. That was unlike him. Earlier that morning, Summer had him laughing and smiling, which had honestly felt a little weird to him. He’d even caught a funny look from Ace over it. Being around Summer made him feel…warm, as ridiculous as that sounded. Her bubbly personality made him feel less stiff and serious. She made him

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want to have a little fun. It was sad that it felt foreign to him to want that. Maybe he’d been on a crusade to right wrongs so long that he no longer knew how it felt to relax. Kemp had never been big on outward displays of emotion. The seriousness of their job at times demanded that from him. Very often they dealt with the underbelly of society, and the need to be serious was also bred into Kemp by his background. An abusive father who gave him the back of his hand at the first sign of weakness or defiance had also ingrained his naturally stoic countenance in him. It had paid to learn to hide his feelings and always maintain control. He knew what he’d done the moment he’d pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. Laying it on her like that without her permission was nothing short of marking his territory for the other man’s benefit. She had every right to be pissed off at him. That kiss hadn’t been for her benefit, but for his. Solely for his own pride’s sake. He picked up what he needed, got them a takeout lunch and her iced coffee, with extra sweetener and creamer on the side. He figured she could make it just the way she wanted it and hopefully be a little pleased with him for making the effort. He hurried back to the shop, knowing an apology was in order. Ace met him on the porch. “I don’t know what you did, man, but she is pissed. I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.” “Hell. Did she tell you what I did?” “No. Not much anyway. She has a store full of customers right now,” he said, indicating the full parking lot. “She told me she doesn’t want to talk to you. At all.” “Shit.” Ace chuckled and said, “She’s got some spirit. Little sparks were practically shooting from her pretty hazel eyes.” With a disappointed but resigned sigh Kemp said, “I’ll give her some time.” He handed Ace her iced coffee to give to her. “Yeah, why don’t you work out here and I’ll finish inside for today. Give her a chance to cool off and think it over. She’s not the

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unforgiving type.” With a grin, Ace added, “Maybe I can put in a good word for you. What happened?” Kemp told him, and Ace groaned, shaking his head. “That’s not like you, Kemp. Not thinking things through.” “I know. She’s got me all wound up. I was jealous. You should’ve seen the way that guy was looking at her.” Ace went inside to deliver her beverage and finish the camera install and the other items on Kemp’s checklist. Summer’s little boutique was evidently very popular with the local women. Over the course of the next few hours, customers came and went until the number of cars in the parking lot steadily dwindled to none. Kemp finished his work as the sun slipped behind the tall trees in the wooded area beside the shop. While he’d been upstairs he’d noticed that several different kinds of wildflowers graced the overgrown landscape next door. A privacy fence ran the full length of the property on that side of the shop, but the area near the road wasn’t fenced off, so he decided to get creative in his “sucking up.” He picked her a huge bouquet of wildflowers and assorted colorful greenery. Rachel Wolf turned the sign on the door and rehung it with the “Closed” side visible. She grinned at Kemp as she walked to the steps and said, “Flowers. Nice touch. Good luck, Whittie. She’s pretty pissed.” Kemp smiled at Rachel’s use of the nickname she’d dubbed him with over the last couple of years. Through Eli she’d discovered the vengeance he’d taken on her behalf with Reese McCoy. The man had hurt Rachel and abused her trust before dumping her when she was barely out on her own, going to college. After helping Ace find the guy, they’d let Eli have a little revenge, and then Kemp had taken it upon himself to fit the guy with custom-tailored duct tape underwear. Sick bastards like McCoy walked around free while the victims they tallied up suffered the repercussions for years. It fueled

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Kemp’s passion to help people feel safe and secure, and it felt good to deal out a little retribution on occasion. Rachel patted his shoulder and said, “Summer is very forgiving, but get ready to ‘get your grovel on.’ She said she was coming out to talk to you in a few minutes.” Rachel leaned forward and kissed his cheek then went on her way. At first, Kemp had been reluctant for Ace’s friends to know of his involvement in their cases. He preferred to stay in the background while Ace, social butterfly that he was, became a part of their little group. When Rachel had found out about his revenge on McCoy, she’d singlehandedly pulled him into the group whether he liked it or not. He tried unsuccessfully to hide a smile. That’s how Summer found him, smiling like an idiot as he sat on the top step fiddling with the bouquet of flowers. He schooled his grin quickly and looked up at her in apology as she sauntered out onto the porch. With rosy color high in her cheeks and determination in her eyes, she was some kind of gorgeous. Even though she’d had the hell scared out of her earlier in the day, she still looked ready to take on the world. Her skirt fluttered daintily around her knees as she moved, and he salivated at the way her matching top skimmed her hips and torso. He wished that he’d had something to wrap the flower stems with as he held out the big bouquet to her. Surely she couldn’t stay mad at him long holding the flowers he’d picked in her hands. She looked at them and held the flowers to her face, sniffing, then patted some of the flowers gently before turning her eyes back to him. Nope. It was obvious from her serious expression that he had more work to do. His hands itched to hold her close. He could imagine sliding his hands up from her hips to her smooth abdomen then cupping the undersides of her lush breasts. He stifled a groan as his dick hardened in need. His gaze slid over her satiny cleavage to her delicate collarbone and throat. Her chin was set implacably, and she frowned

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at him. Her eyes spoke volumes, and he knew Rachel was right. It was time to “get his grovel on.” “I’m sorry. I know I’m an ass. I—” “Let’s talk about me for a minute, Kemp.” Her voice was low and calm, but he detected a tremble to it. The note of fragility made his heart sick that he’d already done something to hurt her feelings. “I’m not a piece of territory you can mark, like a tomcat pissing on a tire.” That imagery hurt, but she hit the nail on the head with it. “I’m so sorry.” “I never gave you permission to act like I was yours.” “You’re right.” “I don’t even know where this relationship is going and already you’re getting territorial. You haven’t made a single move to indicate what you want, but you’re already warning men away from me.” By this point she was standing in front of him, her slim, highheeled feet and ankles within easy reach. He brushed the fingertips of one hand over her instep and wrapped his hand around her ankle. He smiled up at her when she gasped but didn’t move out of his reach. “I want you, Summer. That’s all I need to know or can express right now. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.” His cock stiffened further as she bit her full lower lip. He slid his hand slowly up the back of her calf and felt a telltale tremble in the muscle. “Did he ask you out?” His voice felt gravelly in his throat. “Y–Yes. He asked me out a couple of days ago, and last week, too. I’m not attracted to him.” A slow smile crossed his face at her admission. “A pretty boy like him? I would think most women would go for the model-type good looks he has.” “I’m not attracted to young, pretty-boy types. He’s very nice, but he’s not the type of man I want.” She crossed her arms and then dropped them, evidently noting that the action pressed her breasts up

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into her neckline. He suppressed a chuckle that she was making him “work for it.” “What type of man do you want?” Summer’s cheeks flushed as his fingertips stroked up her silky flesh to the indentation at the back of her knee. He longed to let his hand slide farther north until he reached the hot, slick heat at the apex of her thighs. His mouth watered at the thought. “I prefer taller, more solidly built men. But you know what I like even more?” “What?” he asked as he rose from the step so he could look her in the eye, regretting that he had to remove his hand to do so. He made up for the loss of contact by standing close to her. Sparks ignited in her eyes. “A man who trusts me.” Then she balled up her little fist and punched him in the stomach. He grunted at the impact, impressed that her little clout had as much strength as it did. “If you’d eavesdropped a little longer you would’ve heard me turn him down.” Her chin jutted a little in irritation, and she looked just like an adorable little kitten with her back up and claws out. Kemp grasped her upper arms and pulled her to him. He wanted to growl in satisfaction as her breasts pillowed against his chest and her scent filled his nostrils, fueling the lust he battled with. He meant to apologize again and ask her permission before he kissed her, but all his good intentions flew out the window when her lips parted to say something and a moan came out instead. That small sound spoke volumes. He cupped her jaw in his hands, and her silky hair twined in his fingers. A thunderous wave of desire crashed through him, demanding satisfaction, but he took her mouth tenderly, enjoying the feel of her soft lips under his. She shuddered and sighed as her body yielded to him, and he wrapped his arms around her. His cock ached to be inside her, and he slid his hands down her back and grasped her derriere firmly and pressed her against him. Her

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dazed eyes opened, and he released her from the kiss. She laid her head against his chest, panting rapidly. A soft click got his attention, and he looked up as Ace came out the front door. Ace paused and watched intently. When Kemp nodded, he came forward. He buried his nose in her fragrant hair before brushing it from her shoulder. He kept his eyes on Kemp, probably trying to judge his reaction to the contact, the sharing of the moment. Kemp smiled when a delicate tremble rippled through her lush body pressed close to his. They’d talked about sharing over the last couple of years, after seeing the happiness their friends had found. He’d liked Kathleen Stevens well enough, but she and Ace had started out as a couple and he could never picture himself as more than a third wheel with them. After Ace had broached the subject one day of forming a threesome with her, Kemp had considered talking with Kathleen, but only halfheartedly. She had been beautiful, voluptuous, and always friendly toward him, but her relationship with Ace had already been well established, and he’d felt at a disadvantage. Additionally, he’d been worried about her ability to handle the physical relationship. He and Ace were both large men, and not only in stature. Ace had tried to reassure him that they would manage, and just about the time Kemp had changed his mind about talking with her, she’d disappeared. He’d felt bad for Ace after Kathleen had left Divine suddenly. Ace had been in a slump for weeks afterward. If it didn’t work out with Summer, Kemp knew he was in for a world of hurt. He wanted her, and he knew Ace wanted her just as badly. There was the potential for someone to lose big if it didn’t work out. The big difference this time around was that he felt like he and Ace were on even ground with her. Ace pressed his lips to Summer’s bare shoulder above her neckline, and Kemp watched her face. Her eyelids shuttered closed again, and she moaned through parted lips. Her hips flexed against them, and she trembled slightly in Kemp’s arms. Ace slid his hands

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up her sides and traced them over her shoulders and her collarbone. She shook life a leaf in the wind and rested her head against Ace’s shoulder as he pressed closely against her back. Ace pressed a kiss to her cheekbone and whispered, “Kemp didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, kitten. Can you forgive him?” Summer responded with a sexy chuckle as she gazed at Kemp. Her beautiful hazel eyes glimmered with desire. “Like there was ever a question I wouldn’t.” Kemp kissed her again and could’ve done a victory dance when she held on to his biceps and returned the kiss hungrily. Relief flooded through him as he thanked her with his lips. Her soft palm on his cheek was an unspeakably tender gesture, and his heart felt a little achy for her. He promised himself he’d think before he acted in the future. His cock jerked when she slowly broke the kiss and turned her head toward Ace, seeking his lips as well. Lust exploded inside Kemp, and his doubts about how he’d feel if she shared passion with both of them simultaneously were laid to rest. She looked lovely, filled with passion as she tasted Ace’s lips and drew him into a deeper kiss. Kemp pressed his lips to her silky throat, felt her pounding pulse, and flicked it with his tongue. She shuddered all over, and Ace plundered her mouth. Ace voiced Kemp’s desire when he murmured, “Come back inside with us, Summer.”

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Chapter Five Summer’s body sizzled with desire as she processed the words Ace spoke. She was standing out on the front stoop of the shop, pressed between two hard, virile men, for the whole world to see, ready to be their love slave. She tried to find her voice, but then Kemp’s warm lips traveled up the column of her throat and her whole body vibrated with need. Any thought of being mad at him was gone the moment he’d smiled with apology in his eyes and held out the bouquet. It had been a long time since a man had given her flowers, and she’d never received a handpicked bouquet before. Kemp whispered in a gravelly voice, “Let me make it up to you, darlin’.” Her pussy convulsed at how he might go about making it up to her. If the simply enormous erections pressed against her abdomen and ass were trustworthy indicators, she could rely on the fact that the drenched satin thong she was wearing was coming off first thing. “Yes. Wait! No.” Reason tried to surface momentarily as she whispered, “I’m not sleeping with either one of you right now.” Kemp grinned and gave her a sexy chuckle. “No, you’re not. We’re all very much awake right now.” She pushed ineffectually at his chest. “You know what I mean. I’m not a slut. I don’t jump into bed with men I barely know.” Ace replied, “We’re not asking you to, kitten. Kemp just wants to make you feel good. We’d never think you were a slut.” “We want to do this for you and I want to do more than just ask for your forgiveness. Let me earn it.”

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Without even realizing it, she’d allowed them to walk her right back into the shop. Distracted by the heat and softness of Ace’s lips and tongue on her throat, she barely heard the metallic click as the deadbolt on the front door slid home. She squealed in fear as Kemp effortlessly lifted her in his arms and laid her on the large oak-topped lingerie cabinet. She struggled to sit upright until Ace came to her side and pressed his lips to hers while pressing her shoulders down. The sensation of being lifted onto the counter had unsettled her equilibrium. She wasn’t used to being lifted in a man’s arms, and it had scared her a bit. But her world settled as they caressed her with their warm hands and held her securely. She panted lightly in their grasp as Ace’s strong hands kneaded her shoulders before sliding to both breasts. She’d always lamented not having sensitive breasts and nipples and couldn’t believe how urgently her body responded to his touch. Her pussy quaked as he brushed his thumbs over her hardened nipples, and she cried out when Kemp’s callused hand slid up her calf until his fingertips stroked her inner thigh beneath the hem of her skirt. She no longer cared how she must look splayed out on the work surface as she turned to warm, pliable putty in their capable hands. “The door is locked, darlin’. No one can see in,” Kemp murmured as his fingers stroked ever higher on her inner thigh, inspiring an almost orgasmic trembling inside her. Five inches higher and he’d know just how wet his touch made her. Her pussy had pooled with desire practically from Kemp’s first touch at her ankle. “Let me show you how much I want you.” “You’ll love it if you do, Summer. Let Kemp make you feel good,” Ace cajoled softly at her ear. Ace gathered her skirt slowly in his grasp, and she felt the hem inch up her thighs. Kemp’s lips followed the hemline ever higher. “Please, darlin’.”

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Desire sizzled through her as it dawned on her that he waited for permission this time. “Yes. Yes, Kemp.” Ace kissed her, and she held on to his shoulders, in need of an anchor. Her abdomen shuddered as Kemp’s fingers curled around the waistband of her thong and easily slid it from her. Once it was gone, his roughened fingers traveled back up her calves, circling and kneading the muscles before inching upward. Her pussy clenched almost painfully with anticipation for his first touch. Kemp breathed deeply through his nostrils, and she heard his faint growl as he pushed the skirt up and out of his way. “You are beautiful.” Pressing his warm lips to the side of her mound, Kemp nuzzled her, and Summer wanted to cry at the simplicity of his loving touch. Her cheeks heated as Ace lifted his head and got his first look at her pussy. He smiled down at her, lust flaming in his intense, dark brown eyes as he said, “I’m partial to a neat little pussy. You’re very wet, aren’t you?” Her pussy convulsed at his words, and she was grateful for a split second that she’d visited Madeleine’s a couple of days before for a bikini wax and trim. Kemp’s fingers slid through her slit with a light, gentle touch, and she arched her back suddenly as a single, callused digit caressed her clit. One more touch. One more was all it would take. “So wet, darlin’,” Kemp said appreciatively as he stroked her labia teasingly. A strangled moan erupted from her lips as he kissed her pussy and rubbed her clit with his fingers. The desperate sounds coming from her didn’t sound like her at all. Would he lick her next? Hell yes, he would. A growl rose in his chest as the tip of his tongue slid a tiny bit into her opening before gliding up between her inner lips to her clit, and Ace muffled her scream as he kissed her. The orgasm shuddered through her as Kemp held her hips in his gentle grasp.

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He groaned as he licked her and petted her to another stronger orgasm on the heels of the first. A moment later he slid a finger inside her cunt and stroked in and out a few times before adding a second finger. Her pussy clenched at the tight fit of his fingers, and she barreled toward a third, completely unprecedented climax as he thrust gently several times. She knew he’d found her G-spot when tendrils of pleasure coursed through her to all parts of her body. Even the tip of her nose and her hair follicles were awash in pleasure. Her voice rose on a wail as her body was seized by the looming orgasmic crescendo. “Coming! Oh, Kemp, don’t stop!” His hot tongue flicked her clit repeatedly, and she froze, whimpering as the wave rolled over her. He licked and stroked her through every throbbing wave of pleasure until she was completely still. She shuddered with an aftershock as Kemp licked indulgently several more times before gazing down at her. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, with lustful satisfaction on his face. Ace chuckled as he lifted his lips from her throat to look up at his friend. “That good?” Kemp nodded. “That good,” he replied with assurance in his voice as he licked her juices from his fingers. Her body throbbed and tingled with the aftermath of her orgasms. Kemp pulled her skirt down to cover her. She appreciated his intuitiveness because she suddenly felt selfconscious splayed out for them like that. What kind of woman let not one but two men do that with her before the first date? She’d never be able to look at her sales counter again without blushing. “Kitten? You okay?” Ace asked as he stared into her eyes. She blushed and looked away. She’d gone and done it again. Let them in too easily. It was probably downhill from this moment. She sat up with Ace’s help and blushed even harder at the sight of her thong hanging on her sandal.

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Kemp removed the wet satin from it and slid it into his pocket. Knitting her bows together, she risked another glance up at him and was held by his warm gaze. He smiled at her as he pushed the satin further into his pocket and pulled her so she sat on the edge of the counter up against him, her thighs spread to allow room for him to fit between them. Kemp nuzzled her cheekbone, sending tickling shivers down her spine, and murmured, “If that was just the beginning, it was a wonderful way to start. So I take it you forgive me?” “Yes. Beginning? You’re not…” Shouldn’t they have been thinking of a reason to leave, or worse, thinking of a way they could both get inside her so they could come as well? That thought gave her pause because she knew they were both hurting right now. There was no question about it. She’d climaxed on an epic scale, and they weren’t making any moves to get what they needed. “Don’t you need to get off? You must be in pain.” Ace and Kemp exchanged a look, and Kemp gave him a small shake of his head. Kemp said, “Not tonight. We respect your wishes. It’s nothing a change of topic and a warm shower later on won’t take care of.” She giggled at his words and felt herself flush more deeply at his casual reference to masturbating in the shower later to relieve the pressure. “Am I going to get my panties back?” “Nope. They’re mine to enjoy later, darlin’,” Kemp said with a chuckle. The thought of going home bare-assed made her pussy quiver. “What now?” she asked as Kemp helped her down from the cabinet, chuckling when her wobbly knees buckled under her. He steadied her for a few moments and kissed the top of her head. Ace said, “Kemp is going to go home and get some sleep and I’m going to stay here and keep an eye on things. Can I use the bed upstairs?”

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Of course you can, you big stud. I’ve totally changed my mind. You could use me on it while you’re at it. “Certainly. We use it when we have out-of-town guests. There are clean sheets and blankets in the closet. I’ll make the bed up for you.” Ace said, “No, I’ll make up the bed and you can walk Kemp out and tell him good night. We’ll show you how the security system and the surveillance DVR work in the morning. You look like you could fall asleep on your feet right now.” Yep, nothing like coming good and hard multiple times under the hands of an expert to make me want to curl up in a stupor. She wasn’t even hungry right now. She just wanted sleep. Kemp chuckled at her sleepy blink and said, “You had a rough morning and a long day, kitten. Give me a kiss and I’ll let myself out.” The light was fading outside, but it seemed early to call it quits. “You’ll come back in the morning?” Kemp smiled at her wistful tone. “Of course. We need to show you and the others how the system works.” “Oh.” She couldn’t keep the disappointment from her voice. “Besides, how else will I see you?” He tipped her chin up as she smiled at him and kissed her gently. She could taste a hint of herself on his tongue, and her core pulsed at the memory of what he’d done to her. “I’ll check on you this evening and in the morning. Get some rest, okay?” She nodded and locked up after he left. It had been a while since she’d been with a man who knew how to pleasure a woman, and her pussy still tingled at the memory of his touch. She found Ace upstairs, making up the full-size bed in the larger bedroom. She showed him where the towels and soap were in the bathroom, and then he kissed her soundly and walked her out to her car. She went home feeling a little bereft, which was silly. They weren’t taking advantage of her, and she should feel great about that. Ace had made it clear to her as he kissed her good night with his

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hardened cock pressed against her that although he definitely wanted her, he didn’t want to rush things. She missed them both as she heated leftovers in the microwave. Every time she thought of either of them her pussy felt a little more responsive and tingly. To distract herself, she turned on her DVR and watched an episode of NCIS. After about fifteen minutes, Summer could no longer ignore her “hot seat.” This was not merely a postorgasmic tingle she was still experiencing. She went to the kitchen and got a glass of water. She looked at the profuse bouquet of wildflowers in the large vase on her kitchen counter, and a sinking feeling hit her. “Please, no.” She got out rubber gloves and lifted the flowers from the water and laid them on a dish towel. She found what she was looking for as she separated the stems. It hadn’t occurred to her to ask where he’d picked the flowers. “Damn, damn, damn.” She ran to the bathroom and started a hot shower. She had to get the oil from the poison oak vines off of her. She’d barely touched the bouquet, but where it had brushed her wrist the rash had already appeared. Looking in the mirror she realized what she thought was a residual blush from the afternoon’s activities was actually the beginning of poison oak rash. He’d picked the flowers and had his hands all over her. “Holy shit!” She’d had poison oak rash before, and Dr. Guthrie had told her everyone was allergic to it, but she was especially sensitive. She knew what to expect. The extremely itchy, painful rash and blisters. Summer heaved a sigh of relief as she found the poison oak remedy left from her most recent exposure in the medicine cabinet. After taking a very careful, thorough, hot shower she got out and dried off. In the full-length mirror she checked herself and could see the trail of the rash already, up and down her legs, her hips, and her mound. It was everywhere Kemp had touched her with his hands,

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which he’d been unable to wash since she’d let it be known he was to stay away from her. She’d received full-strength exposure to the urushiol in the plant leaves from him. Her pussy was now tingling in a most unpleasant way. The rash was also developing on her cheeks, jaw, chin, and even around her eyes from sniffing the bouquet. She carefully applied the poison oak cream to all the affecting areas, including her throbbing labia. The next few days were not going to be fun ones. Oh, no! Ace had playfully mentioned the possibility that either of the men might take advantage of a warm shower to get off since they hadn’t wanted to rush her into sex with them. She dialed Kemp’s number, hoping he was still busy doing other things. If it was just on his hands he might not get the rash, but he’d had his mouth on her and near his contaminated hands aplenty. “Hello, darlin’. I was just about to call you and wish you sweet dreams.” “Kemp, do you have any calamine lotion?” “I don’t know. I can go check. Do you need some?” That was awfully thoughtful of him, and it pleased her that he’d be willing to bring it to her if she needed it. He lived all the way out in Divine. “No, but I think you might need it.” “Why?” There was a guarded tone to his voice. “There were poison oak vines in your bouquet. You probably pulled them along with the flowers and didn’t realize it. There is poison oak growing in the wooded lot next door.” Kemp groaned, sounding sad. “That’s where I picked them. Honey, I’m so sorry. Are you having symptoms?” She moaned at a rather painful twinge in her pussy and said, “Oh, you could say that.” “How bad?” “It’s everywhere you touched me.” “Everywhere?” She could hear the regret resounding in every syllable of the word.

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“Yup. I’m especially sensitive. I’ve had it before. I’m going to see Dr. Guthrie tomorrow for a steroid shot.” “Is there anything I can do?” “No. Just make sure you don’t touch yourself before you’ve had a really hot shower to get all the oil from the plants off of your hands.” At his low groan she cringed. “Did you already…” With an embarrassed-sounding chuckle Kemp said, “I was in the shower as soon as I got home.” “Maybe it won’t be too bad. Do you itch at all?” “No.” “It can take several hours before the itch starts. Do you have calamine lotion, just in case?” “Yes, I found some. Will I see you tomorrow?” “Kemp, if this is anything like last time, you may not want to see me.” She didn’t want him to see her with swollen eyes and lips like Daisy Duck’s beak, not to mention what was going to happen to her “hoo-hoo.” She’d be lucky if she could walk by tomorrow. “I’m so sorry, darlin’. I had the best intentions.” “I know you did, and I still love my bouquet. I saved it but threw out all the poison oak. I know it seems vain, but I don’t really want anyone to see me when I’m all swelled up, blistered, and rashy. I hope you don’t get a rash.” “It would serve me right if I did. If I get one, can I come over and we can be miserable together?” The things his sexy voice does to me. “You won’t want to be around me when I’m like that, Kemp.” If he continued using that cajoling, sexy tone she knew she’d give in to him, but he let it rest for the time being. “Okay, darlin’. Sleep well.” What a pathetic way to end the day. She called Grace and asked her to let everyone know. After turning off the DVR, she went to bed, hoping to get some sleep before the pain and itching from the rash really got their groove on.

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Her phone chirped on her bedside table right after she turned off the lamp. She smiled as she checked the text message. It was from Ace. “Kemp told me what happened, kitten. Are you hurting?” “Not yet. I’m worried about tonight, though.” “He said you’re really allergic.” “I am.” “You know if you need anything, either of us will be there for you.” “I would be very embarrassed to be seen, looking like that.” “We would understand.” “I know you would. But we’re still new to each other and I don’t want to mess it up. I’ll be fine, I promise.” “So I guess phone sex is out of the question?” Summer burst out in giggles and replied, “Men! Is that all you think about?” “Phone sex, text sex, real sex. Pretty much. You know I’m teasing, right?” “Of course. Thank you for checking on me.” “You’re welcome. Despite what you’re going through now, I enjoyed this evening with you. You’re beautiful when you come.” Heat blossomed in her cheeks. “Thank you, handsome.” “Wish I could kiss you good night, kitten” They wished each other good night, and she laid her phone aside, wishing that he and Kemp were with her right now. They’d both been so understanding, and it made her want them more.

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Chapter Six Kemp resisted scratching for the hundredth time Monday morning as he and Ace scoured the woods beside the boutique, searching for a trail or any sign of a person using the woods to get close to the shop. Rachel had told them Maya had seen the man who’d set the back porch on fire a few weeks before, and Kemp believed it was the same man who had broken in yesterday. His disappearing act led them and the authorities to believe that he was using the woods as a means for a hasty exit. Duke was going over the toolbox with a fine-tooth comb, looking for fingerprints and traces of who it might’ve belonged to. “Kemp, come look at this.” Ace was squatting at the privacy fence line dividing the wooded area from the boutique. “What do you have?” Ace poked at a pair of binoculars lying on the thick grass. “These were not here yesterday morning when I checked this area. Must’ve left in a hurry and forgotten them.” Looking over the privacy fence, there was only one spot he would’ve been able to see. The front porch. The windows were all covered by curtains. Kemp said, “What kind of idiot leaves his binoculars behind?” Ace replied, “Judging by what Summer told us about the other day, and then finding these this morning, I’m beginning to think we’re dealing with amateurs.” And damned elusive amateurs at that. Ace studied the area along the fence line and added, “Time will tell, I suppose. Let’s leave them here. I’ll turn one of the outdoor

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cameras to face this area and we’ll see if someone comes back for them.” “Good idea,” Kemp said, scratching his wrist. Ace noticed and asked, “You itching?” “Yeah, you?” “A little. On my chin where our faces must’ve rubbed together when Summer and I were kissing. If it’s this itchy with only mild, indirect contact, it must be driving you crazy.” “Damn, don’t remind me.” Kemp groaned, wanting to scratch his cock and balls like crazy. The heat and humidity made it worse. “I can’t imagine how Summer must feel. She drove herself over to the doctor’s office this morning to get a shot. She sounded like she was in pain and even whimpered once while we talked. It serves me right if my rash gets worse for not thinking about that when I picked her flowers. I should’ve been more careful. I feel even worse because she was so sweet to me about it. No saying, ‘You did this to me,’ or anything.” “You should send her flowers and chocolates. This time from the florist,” Ace added with a chuckle. “You’re funny.” But Kemp did like the idea. **** Kemp smiled Tuesday morning when he looked at the screen on his phone and saw Summer’s name pop up in the caller ID. “Hello, darlin’.” “Kemp?” Her voice was soft, and she sounded like she was in pain. “Darlin’? What’s the matter?” “You remember telling me I could call you if I needed anything?” “Tell me what you need, darlin’.”

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“My air conditioner stopped running this morning. Margot is still out of town. I’m…” “Miserable?” “Uh-huh.” Her voice hitched as she said it, and his heart went out to her. She was rashy, itchy, in pain, and hot on top of all of that. “I’ll handle it, darlin’. You don’t worry about a thing.” “Thank you, Kemp.” Each word sounded like it required effort, and Kemp replied, “Get as comfortable as you can and I’ll be there with a repairman as soon as I’m able.” “’Kay.” Kemp hung up and made two phone calls. First to Ace to let him know, and then he looked up Adam Davis’s phone number. **** Summer’s already inflamed face burned with embarrassment as she peeked around the opened front door. She imagined that she must look like a total freak with her face painted with calamine lotion. Looking up into Kemp’s sympathetic green eyes, she said, “Hi.” Of all weeks for her air-conditioning to go on the fritz, it had to be this one. Texas in the summertime was not a place to be without airconditioning under normal circumstances. Add in the extreme poison oak rash and her body felt like it was on fire. She had her hair pulled back into a ponytail to keep it off her face and neck, so he’d be able to see just how bad her reaction had been, and that was the last thing she wanted. In a soothing voice, Kemp said, “Hey, darlin’. Adam Davis is pulling up right now. He’s going to slip in for a minute to check the unit inside.” “It’s in the hall closet. Thank you, Kemp. My landlord is on vacation and told me to handle it. I forgot Adam does this kind of

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work.” Her lips were a little swollen and made it hard for her to talk, but they weren’t as bad as she’d expected. “He’s minus his worker today, so we volunteered to help out where needed. Ace will be here soon.” “I wish you didn’t have to see me like this.” “Neither of us can stand the thought of you suffering in this heat and we want to be helpful if possible. You look like you don’t feel good, but that doesn’t change how beautiful we think you are.” He stroked her pulled-back hair and then kissed the top of her head where it didn’t hurt. She heard vehicle doors close, and Kemp turned so she could see that Ace had also arrived and stood talking to Adam Davis in the driveway. She stepped back from the doorway because the bright sun shining on the rash made it tingle uncomfortably. Kemp said, “Get comfortable for now. Hopefully this won’t take long.” She slowly returned to the couch in the living room, which she’d draped with a white sheet, and gingerly sat down. The way Kemp assisted her was sweet, and she gestured at the two flower arrangements on the coffee table and said, “I love the roses, Kemp.” The previous morning she been a little surprised to see the delivery van for Merritt’s Florist parked in her driveway. They’d delivered a dozen red roses and a box of rather expensive chocolates from Kemp. Just an hour ago, another delivery had arrived, this time a dozen white roses and more chocolates. “I’m glad you liked them. It’s a good thing I was able to get in touch with Adam. It’s like an oven in here.” As if on cue, Ace walked in the door. “Knock, knock, kitten. I brought you a treat to cool you off.” He held up a container of cheesecake ice cream. When he’d called to check on her the previous night, she’d talked with him and he’d asked all sorts of random questions, including what her favorite ice cream was.

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“Thank you, Ace. It’ll sure come in handy now.” “I’ll put it in the freezer.” He returned from the kitchen and repeated Kemp’s earlier observation. “It’s hot in here.” He came to her and leaned down and kissed her on top of the head. She was very appreciative that neither of them seemed to be hiding disgust at her unsightly appearance. It was difficult sometimes as a full-figured woman to put her best foot forward and project confidence. It was even harder with her face and most of her body looking like she’d been dipped in a vat of calamine lotion. Adam greeted her quickly and offered his wishes for her speedy recovery then set to work. Thankfully, the problem was that the Freon needed to be recharged, and Adam had her AC up and running and the house cooling in a matter of minutes. “I love when it’s an easy fix,” Adam announced as he carried his tools back out to his truck. “I’ll see y’all later. Feel better, Summer.” Realizing Adam was leaving, Summer tried to rise. “What about the bill? I have to turn that in to my landlord.” Kemp waved her back to the couch. “It’s already been taken care of, darlin’.” “You didn’t have to do that. My landlord will reimburse me.” “Don’t worry about it, kitten,” Ace said as he handed her a small bowl of ice cream then licked his finger. “That’s some good stuff.” “Thanks for having the air conditioner fixed. I feel better already.” Ace grinned and said, “Good! Then you won’t mind having company tonight. I’ll bring some movies.” Chuckling, Summer thought that explained why he’d also quizzed her about her favorite movies. “Are you sure you have time?” Kemp chuckled and said, “Sure we do. The cameras are all set and being viewed from the surveillance van even as we speak. We don’t have to work twenty-four hours a day and can take the occasional night off.”

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“Okay.” Summer had never known men like these. Plenty of other guys might have helped in a difficult situation like this one, but she didn’t know any others who would hang around given her appearance. It was a sad fact of her life. One by one, they bent down to kiss her forehead carefully on the one little spot that was not painted pale pink, and Kemp said, “You get comfortable and rest. We’ll call you later and let you know when we’ll be over.” “We’ll let ourselves out, kitten. Stay put,” Ace said as he and Kemp both blew her a kiss and they left. The old-fashioned gesture left a lump in her throat. She ate the ice cream Ace had given her and tried to read a book but found she was too distracted by her real-life heroes. They called her late in the afternoon and told her they’d decided to not only bring movies but dinner as well. They brought Chinese takeout and made a picnic on the coffee table, and Summer found that she really enjoyed herself despite still feeling a little self-conscious. “How is the Mongolian beef?” Ace asked her. “It’s very good. I was wondering how things are going at the shop for you. Have you settled in okay upstairs?” They both nodded. With a chuckle, Ace added, “The bed is a little small, but it’s temporary so no big deal.” Summer grinned picturing this tall man with his poor feet hanging over the end of the bed. “If you want to move anything up there to make yourselves more comfortable, it’s fine with me and Margot. That full-size bed is not really big enough for a tall person.” “I may do that. Thanks, kitten.” When they let Summer pick the movie, she chose Beastly. While Ace put the DVD in, Kemp drew her to him and coaxed her into his lap. “Um—are you sure?” she asked as she awkwardly sat on his knees, unsure where he wanted her because she was definitely not

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used to sitting in a man’s lap. Self-consciously, she wobbled and braced her hand on his shoulder. Evidently sensing her unease, he smiled at her and patted her thigh. “Allow me, darlin’.” Kemp carefully slid his right forearm under her knees and braced her back and turned her so she was now across his lap, facing Ace as he sat down beside him. Figuring this would last five minutes before he’d start squirming and want her off of him, she was surprised when he put a pillow behind her back and helped her get comfortable. “Thank you, Kemp. This is nice.” He gazed down at her and replied, “I want you to be comfortable with me. I know I’m a big guy and I figured it might help.” Summer could say with certainty that it helped to sit with him like this. Her main fear in a position like this was the vulnerability that came from feeling too big and out of proportion with the size of the man holding her. With Kemp that was a nonissue. He was so much bigger than her that she experienced the rare, wonderful sensation of feeling small compared to him. Once Summer relaxed, she settled into the comfort of his embrace. Her head fit perfectly in the indentation between his muscular shoulder and pectoral. She snuggled and then grimaced at the pale smudge the calamine lotion left on his shirt. “Uh-oh. Sorry, Kemp.” She rubbed at it, and it faded a little. He never even looked at the mark as he stroked her side and her hip. “Don’t worry about that. You cuddle all you want, darlin’.” Dragging his fingertips in a light caress up the top of her thigh, he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her gently. As they watched the movie, Ace lifted her sock-clad feet and placed them in his lap. He kept his eyes on the television screen and lightly massaged her toes and her arches, systematically drawing what little tension remained in her body. She caught her breath when he slipped the socks from her feet and continued to gently caress her feet, careful to avoid any area that was inflamed. He lightly tugged on each

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toe in turn, and she had to hold back her response, surprised that a simple touch like that could turn her on. By the time he reached her other foot she couldn’t suppress a soft moan. Ace asked “Feeling okay? Are you hurting?” Hurting? No. Aching? Possibly. “No, Ace. It feels so good.” Kemp said, “Let me know if the way I’m holding you makes the rash uncomfortable, okay?” Holding up her inflamed hands, she replied, “The calamine lotion helps with the itch on my hands and from my ankles up to my knees. The oak rash is most painful on my inner thighs and my…” She couldn’t believe it when heat crept into her cheeks. She looked up and found that Kemp’s green eyes were riveted on her. Kemp’s voice sent a wave of heat through her that had nothing to do with the rash as he asked, “Your pussy?” There was no way she was in any shape for sexual activity, but the spirit was definitely willing as his soft words sent a wave of heat through her body that culminated in her pussy. The pain she experienced had been helped by yesterday’s steroid shot and over-thecounter pain relievers, but there was nothing that could be done for the throbbing ache that now centered in her cunt. Pressing his lips to her temple, Kemp murmured, “I wish I could kiss it and make it feel better.” She groaned softly when her pussy trembled in agreement. Ace’s deep tones added to her arousal as he murmured, “I’m not sure I could stop at a kiss.” The tension between them felt like a rubber band being stretched taut as she imagined both of them doing just that. Kemp shifted briefly but held on to her when she tried to rise. She felt the erection hardening under her bottom. Kemp shook his head and murmured, “Uh-uh. Don’t move, darlin’.”

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“But aren’t I hurting you? I’m sorry, what Ace was doing felt so good and the thought of you kissing my pussy…I couldn’t help it.” Even to her own ears she didn’t sound repentant, and they both chuckled. Kemp replied, “Darlin’, you feel really good in my lap and I don’t want you to move.” “Okay.” She tried to pay attention to the movie and felt herself being lulled by Ace’s rhythmic stroking of her feet. **** Kemp didn’t move a muscle as he sat there staring at Summer like a sap. Even with the lotion painted all over her face she was undeniably gorgeous. A few minutes before, she’d snuggled closer to him in her sleep and made a happy little sound. Ace had grinned at him and gone back to watching the movie. She looks like a little angel sleeping. I hate to wake her. Summer was a “put-together” kind of woman. She dressed nicely and seemed to enjoy taking care of herself and looking her best. It must have been especially hard for her to let them see her like this. He appreciated the stretch that it must have been for her as he enjoyed the feel of her warm, sexy body curled up in his arms. Rather than disturb her, he would have sat there holding her all night. Ace had angled toward her on the couch, and her calves were now draped over his lap. They’d both been very careful not to aggravate the areas where the rash was visible on her legs. He remembered the feel of her silky skin under his fingertips as his hand had traced around her ankle and up her calf. The visual reminder was there as well. The movie ended, and Ace reached for the remote when the credits began to roll. The music stopped, and Summer stirred in his arms.

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“Wow. I fell asleep.” She looked up at him and smiled as she gave a little stretch, and his heart thudded in his chest at the faint tremble he felt run through her. “Did you like the movie?” “Sure,” he said as she sat up a bit. But not nearly as much as I enjoyed sitting with you curled up in my lap like a kitten. “I was just wondering if I should carry you to your bed and tuck you in.” She must have liked that notion because it brought a big smile to her sweet lips. Her sleepy eyes made him wish that he could put her to bed and then climb in after her. Ace said, “We should probably put you to bed, kitten. You need your rest.” Kemp helped her to rise and suppressed the need inside him as he watched her stretch her arms over her head. Clearly she had no idea how she turned him on. Otherwise she wouldn’t torture him like that. Her back arched, and her breasts were tilted up like a sexy offering to his lips. His enlarging cock made it difficult to stand, but he managed somehow. Ace went to her first and gave her a gentle good-night kiss on her lips, and she smiled up at him and hugged him carefully. She was worried about getting the dried lotion all over them, but Kemp thought he’d let her rub all over him if that’s what she wanted to do. Turning to Kemp, she said, “I was kind of worried about you both seeing me like this. It’s embarrassing. But I am glad you came over tonight. I enjoyed it.” Kemp replied, “I wish you wouldn’t worry about that. I think you’re beautiful no matter whether you’re dressed to the nines or casual like this. I’m glad I got to see you.” “Same here, kitten,” Ace said as he turned off the television and the other components. She walked them to the door and bid them good-night. They’d come in separate vehicles, so Kemp’s thoughts occupied him on the drive home.

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The sense of comfort and familiarity they’d enjoyed that evening came to his mind. If she wasn’t completely comfortable with them there was no way she would have fallen asleep in his arms like that. When she’d paused while explaining where the rash hurt the most and he’d filled in the blanks for her, her expressive hazel eyes had spoken volumes to him of how she felt. Desire had been plain in her gaze and the way her breathing had quickened. Honestly, he was still shocked that she wasn’t furious with him for exposing her to poison oak the way he had. She certainly had the right but hadn’t taken advantage of it. Instead she’d curled up with him and Ace and had given them her company for the evening. He’d planned to send her roses and chocolates all week but felt that she was the one truly giving the gift. **** Thursday morning, Summer sighed with pleasure as she closed her front door after receiving the latest delivery from Merritt’s Florist. Today, she was feeling remarkably better as she placed the cheerful arrangement of yellow roses next to the other three. So far, Kemp had sent red roses, white roses, and fiery, multihued orange roses, then today’s yellow roses, along with enough chocolate each day to put a small country in a sugar coma. Today’s chocolates were her favorites, mint truffles. She opened the card and read his handwritten message. You were in my dreams last night and I woke up this morning missing you like crazy, darling. Feel better for me. —Kemp PS, Ace sends his love.

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Over the last few days, they’d called at night to chat when they had time, and she felt like she knew them better every day. She also felt a little better with each passing day. Margot had gotten home from Dallas that Thursday morning and had been both dismayed by Summer’s predicament as well as slightly amused by it. She’d shown up at Summer’s door, had taken one look at her splotchy, calamine-painted face, and hugged her. “Aww! You poor baby!” Margot had looked as pretty as ever, dressed and ready for her work day, her lustrous brown hair around her shoulders and down her back. The only resemblance between them was in their figures and their voices. People had often commented that they sounded alike. As Summer had dished some of the ice cream Ace had brought for both of them, she’d said, “This is just par for the course. I may not have attracted assholes or freaks this time, but I definitely don’t consider myself lucky in love right now.” Margot had widened her green eyes at Summer’s use of the Lword. “Lucky in love? Wait, did I miss something? I was only gone for a few days, damn it.” Summer had smiled and slid the spoon between her lips. After the bite was gone she’d replied, “A lot can happen in a weekend.” “Tell me first how you were exposed to poison oak.” Summer had pointed to the wildflower bouquet on the kitchen counter. “But you know better than to go picking wildflowers next door.” “Sure I do, but Kemp didn’t. He was trying to do something sweet for me.” She’d told her the whole tale, and Margot’s eyes had gotten bigger and bigger. Margot was by no means a prude, and polyamorous relationships were common knowledge among the women of Discretion. Margot said, “Well, this leaves me at a disadvantage. Besides Rachel, who, bless her heart, has enough man for two men, I’m the only one without multiple men seeing to her every whim. Do they

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have brothers or cousins, maybe? Mom and Dad are going to have a conniption when word gets back to them about this.” “They’ve approved of very little you and I have done in the last few years. This won’t be any different. They’ll come by the shop, pitch a fit, and then go back to their busy social lives.” “So what are your Romeos’ names?” “Ace Webster and Kemp Whittier, our security and investigation specialists. Grace sort of introduced us this weekend.” Summer had gotten up and moved slowly with her empty bowl to the sink and then returned, sitting carefully. Margot hadn’t failed to notice, judging by the way she’d watched her. Summer felt her cheeks get hotter as her eagle-eyed sister had asked, “Exactly how did you get the poison oak on you? And where all do you have it?” “If you must know, I got it from Kemp, and it’s everywhere.” Margot’s eyes had become as round as saucers. “Everywhere? Poor baby!” Summer filled Margot in with the rest of the sordid details because there was very little that they didn’t share with one another. Later on that evening, Margot had stopped by again with a box of oatmeal bath for her. Soaking in the oatmeal bath that morning had helped her symptoms below the waist. Once she felt like moving around, Summer used the forced time off to declutter her home in preparation for the eventual move. She also worked on future promotions and projects for the store. Rachel was doing a great job with the website, and it was becoming more popular, judging by the sales and number of visits. Sitting gingerly at her dining room table, Summer turned on her laptop and opened her e-mail. She bit her lip when a Google Alert popped up. Rachel had suggested setting them up for her name and the name of the store. The ones Rachel had set up for their names and pseudonyms had turned up the defamatory, anonymous blog, Divine

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Morality, which made mention of the girls by name in very unflattering terms. Summer groaned when she saw the web address and clicked on the link. She scrunched up her eyes, dreading what she was going to see when Divine Morality’s blog site came up on the screen. At the top of the article was a photograph of Summer squeezed tight between Kemp and Ace on the front steps of Discretion. Her lips were parted and her head was tilted back against Ace’s shoulder, one hand on Kemp’s chest and the other with her fingers threaded through Ace’s short black hair. It was a lovely, intimate moment between the three of them, made sordid by the article beneath it. “…as you can plainly see, Summer Heston, owner of Discretion in Morehead, is every bit as guilty of immoral behavior. We shouldn’t be surprised to see this kind of activity on the front steps of her sinful establishment. Clearly, her joining forces with Grace Warner and Teresa Martinez only strengthens the stronghold they have in that part of our community. Along with their close friend, Rosemary Garner, they continue in leading the eligible bachelors and other women of this community astray. If that so-called ‘boutique’ was erased off the face of the earth, not many would shed a tear. The infestation continues to grow and something has to be done about it…” It was par for the course with the rest of the ugly, insulting blog posts, and Summer gritted her teeth, thinking of how much it would hurt Teresa to see her name used in such an inflammatory article. Summer had expected some negative public opinion when they started their business. Grace and Rachel were a lot tougher because of dealing with book reviews and critics. Teresa avoided the computer and going to town alone altogether. Summer sincerely hoped that Ace and Kemp would have luck this weekend finding a connection. She called Ace’s cell phone, and he picked up on the second ring. “Hello, kitten.” His husky voice resonated through her, and her heart galloped at the sexy promise in his tone.

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Her voice caught in her throat as she greeted him. “H–Hi.” “What’s up?” She explained what she was looking at and gave him time to pull up the website on his phone. After a few moments he growled. “That explains what that pair of binoculars was doing on the other side of the fence. They must’ve been busy shooting photos and accidentally left the binoculars behind. In all honesty, it’s a beautiful image, but not one I wanted shared on the Internet.” “I feel the same way.” “Wait. Did you see the comments beneath the article?” Summer returned to her laptop and hit the refresh icon. Multiple comments popped up, most of them anonymous. “…I used to enjoy your blog but I know one of these ladies and she’s nothing like you paint her here. You should stop this mudslinging…” “…I wish you sanctimonious hypocrites would get a life…” “…As long as they aren’t hurting anybody and it’s all consensual, it’s none of your business or mine. Frankly, I love shopping at Discretion. Maybe if you shopped there and spiced up your love life a little you wouldn’t be up in the air harping all the time…” A comment from ASheridan1334 said, “Just my humble opinion but I think we’ve gotten off base here. See you in Bible study.” “Bingo,” Ace said. “Kitten, thanks for calling me and letting me know about this. We’ve been watching the comments hoping for a clue or connection.” “I’ll let you go work your PI magic.” “Things have been quiet at the shop, at least security-wise. Business appears to be booming. I think that blog may have had an unintended benefit for your business. Kitten?” “Hmm?” “That bed upstairs sure is lonesome. I miss you.”

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Summer smiled, remembering what Rachel had told her midweek about Ace having a king-size bed delivered to the shop the morning after their movie night. “I miss you, too. I feel better. I may come in for a bit on Friday or Saturday. The swelling has gone down.” She was grateful, too. Today was the first day she could walk without pain. The rash was going to take longer, but she could deal with it. “Think you’ll be able to come to The Dancing Pony Saturday night?” “Maybe. I haven’t decided.” She hoped it didn’t make her sound vain to be so hung up on her appearance, but she wanted to be at her best for them. “I hate to ask, but given that I’m the subject of this week’s blog, wouldn’t it be better for me to sit with Grace Saturday night?” “Kemp mentioned that this morning. As much as I don’t like it, you’ve made a good point. If you sit with her it should seem like any normal night out. It would be better if we were able to observe without being observed ourselves. Do you mind?” Summer sighed. Yes! I mind very much! “No. I understand.” She didn’t want the person video-recording to catch on to the fact that they were being observed. That didn’t mean she was happy about sitting apart from Ace and Kemp after spending a week away from them. Feeling her sense of humor returning, she added, “You don’t suppose they’d e-mail me a copy of this hot picture, do you?” Ace laughed and said, “When I sit down to have a talk with the person behind all of this, I’ll make sure and ask.” Summer almost felt sorry for that individual.

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Chapter Seven Ace chuckled as he watched Summer pout across the room. She’d just read the text message he’d hit “send” on seconds before. Her lower lip stuck out adorably as she tapped out a reply message. “But I don’t want to. Can’t I just sit here and chat with the others?” “When they go off to dance you sit there all alone. I don’t like that. Kemp thinks you should dance too. We’re watching over you. Maybe we’ll cut in later.” “You will?” Ace chuckled at her quick reply. “Sure. Duke is outside in the work truck, so we have backup if we spot someone suspicious. Say yes to that guy walking toward you.” Ace hadn’t meant for her to sit alone at the table. Not everyone had come tonight, so when the girls paired up with the men they came with, it left Summer on her own. He’d watched as she’d waved Grace off to dance with Ethan then fiddled with her drink napkin. She’d politely refused twice when men offered, and that’s when Ace had intervened. She smiled at the man when he offered and nodded, allowing him to help her from her chair. Ace wasn’t happy that another man’s hands were on her but liked her sitting alone even less. Kemp was alert, scanning the crowd but looking casual and relaxed as he did it. Ace noticed she bit her lip when the next dance song began to play. She looked over at Ace and Kemp then smiled at her dance partner when he said something in her ear. Ace noticed when the man

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pulled Summer close to him, and Ace smiled as she eased away, gracefully placing more distance between them. The song was faster paced, and she seemed to settle into the dance as he twirled her and two-stepped with her on the dance floor. She seemed stiffer than she had the other times he’d watched her dance. He remembered the poison oak and realized there was the possibility she was uncomfortable moving to the lively dance because of it. Perhaps he shouldn’t have pushed her to go dance. One look of true discomfort from her and Ace promised himself he’d cut in and rescue her. “She looks pretty in her black dress,” Kemp said as he watched her, too. “Beautiful.” The knee-length silky dress molded to her torso and drew his eyes to her full breasts. He wondered what she had on underneath it and wished he could find out firsthand. **** Summer did her best to smile politely at the tall, thin cowboy twostepping with her. Her partner kept her moving on the dance floor to the faster beat, and he began to loosen up. Or maybe loosen up wasn’t the right word. He got a devilish grin on his face, and all of his joints seemed to loosen up. The effect was most unfortunate as he took on the appearance of a scarecrow flapping about as he moved. Worse still, he began to sing along with Ray Scott. “Do It With the Lights On” was one of her favorite songs. She loved Mr. Scott’s ultra-sexy, deep voice, and this guy was ruining it for her. The next time I hear this song, this poor guy is what I’ll imagine! Oh, Lord, make him stop singing and flapping his elbows! Summer decided to concentrate on the dance while listening to the singer. She didn’t want to hurt this man’s feelings, but this was the last time she was dancing with him. He pulled her closer, which made not looking at him easier while simultaneously making her a little

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nervous about his closeness. He sang in her ear, and she hoped he didn’t feel her shudder. “You look so good tonight. That dress you’re wearing has got me wound up tight. There’s a tidal wave of tension building up. You know we oughta take it home and do it with the lights on, do it with the lights on.” Oh, let’s not! She focused on her handsome hunks at the table in the corner, dressed in suits. Mama. She’d dirty dance with either of them. Her dance partner evidently thought it was pretty darn cool to use the sexual lyrics and erotic buildup of the song to press his claim on her. He rubbed against her as he serenaded her with the second verse. “Well, I can’t take this teasing anymore. Let’s say goodbye and make a beeline for the door. We’ll see how far we make it before we have to pull that car right off the road and do it with the lights on, do it with the lights on.” When he pressed his hardening erection against her belly she shivered. She wished one of the guys would cut in and rescue her. Maybe if she backed away a bit he’d get the message. He launched into a full-throated chorus with Ray Scott and gyrated his pelvis against her. “I wanna slide that black dress off of you—” She broke the hold he had on her. “Okay, honey. We’re done dancing. I’m not that kind of girl—” His dance moves might’ve worked on an unattached woman, but she only wanted Ace and Kemp rubbing against her like that. “Excuse me. May I cut in?” Summer tried to not react outwardly to the effect that sexy, pantydropping voice had on her. Her dance partner looked at Ace and then at Summer. “You sure, darlin’?” He seemed disappointed when Summer nodded but obviously had enough sense to know she wasn’t going to dance with him anymore and moved away.

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Another song started, and Summer savored the moment as Ace drew her against his chest. He smelled heavenly, of soap and leather. To be held within his strong arms as Jason Aldean’s “Don’t You Want to Stay” began to play was profoundly comforting. He squeezed her and said, “You looked uncomfortable with him. I came to save you.” “I’m so glad you did.” Summer peered up into his dark brown eyes and sighed happily as he led her around the dance floor. Ace brushed gentle fingers at her jawline. “How do you feel tonight?” “Happy, now.” She was surrounded by his strength and warmth and didn’t want to think about returning to her seat across the club. A wave of desire rippled through her as he brushed his lips against her temple and inhaled. It had a totally different effect on her body when his cock hardened against her abdomen. “You feel so good, kitten,” he murmured in a husky drawl. To hell with looking like they were just dancing and barely knew each other. She tilted her head and allowed him to capture her lips in a long, sultry kiss, not giving a rip who watched. His lips were warm and gentle as he consumed her, body and soul. Her pussy flooded with moisture as Ace slid his hands in a sensual caress over her hips and slowly up to her ribs. She couldn’t stop the moan that slipped from her lips. Did he know how his touch stimulated her? “Come to the shop with us tonight.” Her breath caught in her throat as he continued, “Stay with us.” She wanted to very much, but also didn’t want to lead either of them on. “Ace, I can’t—” “Just spend the time with us. We can watch a movie. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want.”

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Oh, believe me. I want. But it would probably take another week before she was healed enough to have sex. She wanted them, despite the fact that it would be painful if they made love tonight. Her cheeks must have been bright red they were so hot. “It’s not that I don’t want to—” He put two fingers over her lips. “I understand. Just be with us. We wouldn’t want to do anything that might hurt you. We both want you like crazy, but we can wait as long as it takes.” There was nothing on her schedule for the following morning, and she had clothing and toiletries at the boutique. “All right. But I want you to know that I’m not abstaining by choice.” Ace smiled. “I know. But it’s good to hear, kitten.” “Are you here until closing?” she asked as Kemp approached them. Ace slowed them to a stop on the dance floor, and Kemp smiled at her as he caressed her lower back and leaned close to kiss her cheek. In a subdued voice, Kemp said, “I think we’ve got our guy. It’s the same one as last week, in the same basic location as the other videos were shot from. Big guy. He’s using a camera phone and he had it pointed at you two while you were kissing. That’s how I spotted him.” Could it be the same one who broke into the shop and set the fire? Maybe shot the photograph of them on the porch? “Come sit with us, Summer. If it’s the same guy, he would think it was odd if you didn’t sit with us after I kissed you.” Pleased with this turn of events, she followed Ace and Kemp back to their table. Ace took out his phone and sent a couple of texts after seating her in his chair. She shivered, not knowing if it was because of the air-conditioning or the knowledge that they were being watched. Ace noticed and draped his leather jacket over her shoulders. She gathered it to her and turned her nose to sniff his spicy scent on it. “Duke has followed him once before. He’s waiting outside in the truck, so all we’ll have to do is let him know when this guy leaves.”

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A few moments later Ace looked at his phone and chuckled. “What?” she asked as he sent a reply message. “Duke has tapped into The Dancing Pony’s surveillance system. He said he can take care of things tonight, once this guy leaves, in case we want to spend time with the incredibly gorgeous blonde.” He held out the phone to show her the message. “His exact words.” Her cheeks warmed at the compliment. Kemp grunted. “Duke just gave us the night off?” Summer asked, “How did he access The Dancing Pony’s security cameras?” “Ethan allowed him to tap in to the system. But you’d be amazed what Duke can do given the right tools. He has some serious skills, kitten,” Ace replied.

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Chapter Eight Summer laughed when she walked into the bedroom Ace was using upstairs at Discretion. A bed wasn’t the only thing he’d had delivered to the shop in the week she’d been gone. The wall opposite of the bed was now filled with a flat-screen television and enough home theater equipment to have any red-blooded man beating his chest. Ace asked, “Want to watch a movie?” Summer was sleepy but nodded. “Sure. Put it on while I go change.” Ace and Kemp’s eyebrows both arched, and she giggled. “I keep clothes here.” “Going to slip into something more comfortable?” She’d thought about the T-shirt and yoga pants in the office closet but decided she might make some quick selections from a new line of loungewear they had on display downstairs. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Downstairs, Summer selected a floor-length lavender satin robe and matching lace camisole and pajama bottoms. She removed the tags and left them with a quick note by the register. Summer blushed as she stood near the lingerie counter, thinking about what had happened on it when she’d been in the shop the weekend before. Summer slipped into the downstairs bathroom to get ready for bed. As she washed her face she heard the shower come on upstairs and smiled. She imagined whichever one was in the shower, naked with thick white suds sliding down his hard, muscular chest and abdomen.

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She pictured his strong, callused hands lathering his body and wished they were her hands. She’d stroke her hand across his abdomen, going lower and lower until her fingertips finally slid around his cock and balls in the soapy suds. He’d harden in her hand and be positively enor— Why am I doing this to myself? There was no way she was recovered enough to make love with either of them, much less both of them tonight. That was a pity because the spirit was definitely willing. Of course that didn’t mean she couldn’t give them a little bit of pleasure. Kemp had told her the rash he’d experienced was gone, and Ace’s had taken even less time to heal because his exposure was so limited. She brushed her teeth and made the short trip back up the stairs. Ace stood barefoot looking through a collection of DVDs as she entered the room. He’d removed his dress slacks and was now clad in his white dress shirt, unknotted tie, and white, knit boxer shorts. His legs were tanned, so the difference between his skin and the white of his knit boxers and dress shirt was an appealing contrast. “Kitten, what are you in the mood to watch?” Summer bit her lip in appreciation. You, undressing the rest of the way, handsome. He turned to look at her and a wide smile spread across his face. “Damn, you look beautiful in that. Come here,” he said, beckoning to her. She turned for him when he twirled his finger, thinking if he liked this modest ensemble she was definitely investing in more lingerie, starting with that midnight-blue silk babydoll nightie and matching sheer robe downstairs. “An action-adventure or comedy always works for me, but suit yourself. I’ll probably be asleep before it’s half over.” Yeah, right. That would happen in that enormous bed, surrounded by rock-solid, hot male bodies. Who am I fooling? It was a good thing she was okay with losing a little sleep.

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He held up the DVD case for The Hangover, and she nodded with a giggle. Ace pulled his tie from the collar of his shirt, folded it neatly to put away, and then unbuttoned his shirt. “Kemp is taking a shower. After he gets done I’ll take one, too. Could we wait to start the movie? There is something I’d like to ask you about.” “That’s fine. What do you want to know?” she asked as he drew her over to the big bed. She climbed up and positioned herself in the middle, piling a couple of pillows behind her. Snuggled down into one thousand thread count sheets, under the luxurious comforter, she sighed happily. Her body sang with exhilaration at the rightness of being there. Her heart pattered at the thought of them joining her soon, and her juices pooled from her pussy as she wiggled around, getting comfortable. She looked up and caught him watching her with hooded eyes. “What?” “I like the happy, contented sounds you make.” His deep voice reverberated in the quiet of the room. Unable to reply, she smiled up at him and patted the spot beside her, delighting in his warmth as he drew near. “What did you want to talk about?” “You mentioned a few days ago that you’d had an experience with a threesome, but it sounded like it wasn’t a good one.” Figuring it was best to get the issue out of the way, Summer didn’t hesitate. “Yes. And no, it wasn’t a good first experience.” The memory of the disappointment she’d felt as her one and only ménage had crashed and burned flitted through her mind. She pulled her knees up to her chest and looked at him, hoping that didn’t change the way he saw her. Facing her on the bed, Ace took her hand from her knee and gently stroked her palm and fingertips, sending a little flurry of tingles up her forearm.

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“If it’s not something you want, please don’t feel pressured to try a threesome with us, kitten. I never want you to look back on anything we do as a bad experience.” Summer shook her head. “I wouldn’t have a problem making love with you both at the same time. It’s just…” “Could you tell me what happened?” Summer watched Ace’s face as she explained. “It started out just fine, good in fact. They made sure I was ready and everything went smoothly until…‘Guy number two’ started thrusting into my ass. H– He lost control and couldn’t slow down, got too hard and fast, then came. It hurt and I never got my momentum back. ‘Guy number one’ came soon after.” She referred to them without names because she didn’t think Ace would care to know. “‘Guy number two’ was a friend of my boyfriend’s. Beyond that friendship there was no relationship motivating him to be more…careful or considerate. If he’d cared more perhaps it would’ve turned out different.” Summer shook her head to dispel the memory of how used she’d felt. “I was left hanging.” And wasn’t that the story of her life? “Left hanging” was a pattern that had developed over the years. Looking into Ace’s understanding eyes, she hoped she wasn’t repeating that pattern again. “They offered to help me out, but I was hurting, frustrated, and quite frankly, pissed off. I called a halt to it, they apologized and left. That was my freshman year of college. Later on, the two of them became a couple. They wanted to try again, but I wasn’t interested anymore. It’s not as much fun when the one in the middle doesn’t get to come.” Ace kissed her knuckles, smoothed the comforter over her knees, and leaned in to her. “That was with college boys. You’re with men now. Men who have a bit more restraint and staying power. Are you worried that we’ll leave you hanging, too?”

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Summer bit her lip, at a loss to explain. His question brought to mind all the other worries she had. She didn’t have any illusions about what they were doing, but she needed more. Perhaps more than they were offering. Facing possible rejection, she steeled herself to answer. “No, and yes.” Ace nodded silently, looking her in the eye. He smiled and waited, evidently knowing she was choosing her words carefully. “No. I imagine that a ménage with the two of you would be beyond all my fantasies. I have no doubt it would be good with you.” She looked into his eyes as she continued. “And yes, but in the metaphorical sense. My love life has been neither prolific nor lucky. It’s always the wrong type that’s attracted to me, and blind dates have been a total disappointment. I want more than dashed hopes and disappointment. I’m not saying I’m looking for the perfect man…or men. I’d just like…” What was she doing? Telling him what she wanted like he was going to jump up and down and holler, “Pick me! Pick me!” “Something that could last?” She looked up at his unexpected words. Did he understand what she was trying to convey? “Someone who won’t let you down?” Kemp said from the doorway. Her breath left her in a gust when she looked up and saw him leaning casually against the doorframe, a towel wrapped low on his hips. Words failed her, both because he was huge and all muscle but also because their words surprised her. In her experience, guys who talked this early about relationships that lasted generally had something wrong with them. In the past, statements like theirs would’ve sent up a red flag in her mind, but looking in their eyes, she thought they might be serious. “Yes. Exactly. Discovering that I’m dating a dud is disheartening and embarrassing. Having had several of those in a row, I’ve gotten to

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the point where I don’t want to invest in a relationship for fear of what I’ll find after I’ve made the commitment.” “We can appreciate taking it slow, Summer. There are no skeletons in our closets waiting to surprise you,” Ace replied as Kemp stepped into the room and lifted his overnight bag from the end of the bed. “I forgot to take my bag in the bathroom. Be right back.” Summer watched in appreciation as he sauntered out of the room. Through the towel she could make out the curve of his perfectly tight butt and had to stifle a soft moan. She felt positively petite around all their masculine strength and size. Ace reclined beside her on the bed, facing her, and propped his head up in his hand. He stroked the top of her lavender, satin-clad thigh, and his warm touch felt reassuring. “Summer, we want you to feel safe with us.” “I do, Ace. Have no doubt about that.” “But your heart is safe, too, kitten. We’re not out to control you, or use you for our own gratification. We feel very lucky that you like us both and are open to exploring with us together.” Summer felt like the fortunate one as he kissed her knuckles again. “I don’t mean for you to feel like you have to make a declaration of some kind, Ace. I needed to make sure you knew where I was coming from. I just need something…sane right now. I need to feel safe.” “We want that for you, too,” Ace replied as he stroked her calf and her ankle. “Especially in light of everything else you’re experiencing right now. You’ll be safe with us tonight.” Kemp padded barefoot into the room, dressed in dark-green, baggy, knit pajama bottoms. Summer’s eyes were riveted to his broad, muscular chest and taut abdomen. Ace chuckled softly and said, “I’m going to take a quick shower, kitten. I’m sure Kemp would like to cuddle and talk with you, too.”

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Pulling her eyes from Kemp’s glorious physique, Summer smiled at Ace as he gave her a quick, soft kiss and then rose from her side. Kemp stood by the bed for a few seconds, gazing down at her. Maybe she should’ve felt nervous, but she didn’t. She felt safe. Her mind flashed back to that morning the weekend before, when he and Ace had stood outside his Escalade while she tried to figure out how to unlock the door. He joined her on the bed, taking Ace’s place, as she heard the shower come on in the bathroom again. “You look beautiful in that color,” he murmured as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “How’s the rash?” “I should be good as new by next weekend. Did Ace tell you I can’t make love with you tonight? I’m not healed up enough yet.” The guilty look on Kemp’s face spoke volumes. “Yes. I still feel terrible about that. But, darlin’, there wouldn’t be any pressure on you even if that hadn’t happened. I’m happy you’re spending the evening with us. Though, it may be an equal part of torture with you looking so beautiful in this,” he said, indicating her ensemble. “I missed you and I’m glad to have some quiet time with you.” “It was lonesome at my house. I thought about you and Ace a lot. I also made progress with getting ready to move. I’d accumulated a lot of stuff in the years I’ve lived in that house.” Kemp nodded and replied, “I know. I saw you going back and forth to your Dumpster several times this week. You were a busy little bee.” Summer was surprised by his comment. “You were watching over me, too? I thought you and Ace were trading off watching the shop. When did you sleep?” “The three of us, me, Ace, and Duke, rotated keeping watch. We talked about it and none of us was comfortable with you staying by yourself. We’ve got another friend coming from San Angelo to help out as well. He’ll be watching over Margot and making sure all the girls are getting home safely.”

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That was going to go over like a lead balloon with her sister. Summer giggled. “Does Margot know about this?” “Not yet. We don’t like to be stretched so thin, and it will allow us more flexibility to bring another guy in.” “This is getting to be a big, expensive-sounding undertaking.” Kemp lifted a lock of hair from her shoulder and rubbed it between his fingers. “Summer, it’s become a personal endeavor for us. We were concerned when we heard about the blog. Then Grace got harassed while driving. Rachel and Maya had that trouble with the arsonist. Then Maya got hurt. Even though her situation was separate from what you all are going through, it still reinforced our desire to get to the bottom of these attacks. It’s on multiple fronts, too, which makes it harder, because we needed more manpower than we had. We think we found a link to that blog, but we want to approach it carefully because there is an innocent woman involved.” “Really?” “Yes, one of the commenters to this week’s blog. She seems sympathetic to you girls and indicated that she also knows the writer personally. We have to approach her carefully since it doesn’t sound like she’s directly connected to the attacks.” “What are you going to do once you pinpoint who is writing the blog?” “Dig real deep and find a reason to convince them to stop. That’s what we specialize in.” Summer grinned and said, “Sort of ‘make them an offer they can’t refuse?’” A chuckle rumbled in Kemp’s throat. “Something like that, without the gangster connotation. Everyone has secrets they’d like to keep hidden. We plan to motivate the people behind these attacks with undeniable leverage.” “I talked to Rachel on the phone this week and she told me what you did for her.” Duct tape underwear was the very least that sick person had deserved for abusing Rachel.

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Kemp grunted and rolled onto his back. “I wish she would stop telling people about that.” “Why? You’re her hero. You’re my hero for doing it, too. That nasty jerk had it coming to him. You’re just shy and don’t like it when you’re in the spotlight.” She laid her hand on his taut, bare abdomen. “I like that you’re on my side.” Kemp caressed her cheek with gentle fingertips and said, “I like being on your side.” “Kemp, have you and Ace ever done anything like this before? Together? He told me he had but didn’t say if you were the other man involved.” Kemp shook his head. “No. I’ve never been part of a ménage. I think we came close once, but it didn’t work out.” “What was her name?” she asked as she stroked his warm skin. Kemp hesitated, then said, “Kathleen. She was a friend of Grace’s.” Summer thought that over, and it seemed like she’d heard Grace mention someone by that name a time or two. “It didn’t work out?” “No. I’m not sure we would’ve gone through with it, either, I’m…” “You’re what?” Kemp appeared to mull his words over. “I would never have felt like more than the third wheel because they’d already been dating for a while before the subject ever came up. But I also worried about hurting her. I’m a big man, darlin’.” She glanced at his groin and saw the growing evidence for herself. “Um, yes you are.” “I don’t want to hurt you, either.” “Is that something you’re worried about?” “Of course.”

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“If we ever make love all together, it’ll be amazing. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could handle it. I know you’ll take good care of me and make sure I’m ready.” Kemp nodded, and she saw the truth in his eyes. He would take good care of her. She was truly losing her heart to him. “You are incredible, darlin’.” “Not really, Kemp. This just feels right to me. But there is one thing I want you to know.” “What’s that?” As succinctly as possible, Summer told him about Gary and Paulina and their repeated invitations to get her to join their open marriage. Kemp’s opinion of their offer showed clearly on his face, but he didn’t say anything. “Even though it’s embarrassing that I find myself in these awkward positions, I wanted you to know that happened so I can make something else clear to you.” “Tell me.” “I felt like Gary cheated on me because he was dishonest about his marriage until he was ready to make an offer for me to join them. I don’t have a problem with anyone who forms a poly relationship of any size or gender. What I would have a definite problem with is being a part of an arrangement with more than one woman in it. If we move forward with this we need to all be in agreement about that. It’s the three of us, and if you ever try to introduce another woman into our little group, I’ll be gone so fast your head will spin.” Her heart was racing by the time she was finished with what she had to say. The thought of having to share them with another woman was making her feel a little sick. Kemp’s smile was reassuring as he said, “You never have to worry about that with us, Summer. We’d never do anything that would hurt you.” “I know it might seem hypocritical because the two of you would be sharing me.”

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“That’s all we want, Summer. We weren’t actively seeking a poly arrangement in and of itself. We just happened to both be attracted to you and open to the idea of sharing you. That’s the extent of it.” “I’m relieved.” “Then I’m glad you said something.” Summer scooted closer and smoothed her hand up to his firm pecs. His flesh was warm under her palm. “You had your way with me on that countertop downstairs, and I haven’t done more than kiss you.” Her core suddenly felt superheated, and the lavender satin slid sumptuously across her skin with her movements. She savored the barrage of sensations as she gazed into his moss-green eyes and smiled. She leaned down to his chest and kissed one brown nipple. Kemp gave a hiss, and Summer noticed the small flex of his hips in response to the touch of her lips. “You don’t have to remedy that tonight, Summer. I meant it when I told you that neither of us wants you to feel obligated. What’s growing between us doesn’t have to be rushed.” His cock was hardening as he spoke, telling a different story. She watched in disbelief as it swelled to enormous proportions. Holy mother of all things gargantuan! Summer couldn’t take her eyes off of the massive bulge inside his pajama pants. At the rate it was going, the head would soon be peeking over the waistband. Her pussy fluttered in response, and she bit her lip before looking up into his eyes. Whatever Kemp saw there made him groan softly as if he were in pain. Summer shook her head and said, “Kemp, I don’t feel rushed. I’m disappointed that we can’t do more. If not for the poison oak, I’d be making love with you both right now.” Sliding her hand down his abdomen, she was about to slip her fingers beneath the waistband of his pants when he halted her progress. “You’re about to get more than you bargained for, darlin’.”

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Summer shuttered her eyes, savoring the moment of discovery. “That’s funny. I feel like it’s Christmas morning, and I’m about to discover that Santa brought me a pony.” “A horse is more like it,” Ace murmured from the end of the bed. She looked up to find him watching her intently with his bedroom eyes. She’d been so caught up in the moment she hadn’t heard him walk in on bare feet. Ace was similarly clad in pajama bottoms and looked to be in similar straits, judging by the erection pressing against the elastic waistband. Her pussy quivered in need again, and she licked her lips as he climbed onto the end of the bed and prowled up behind her. He growled and nipped playfully at her shoulder as he tugged at her robe and slid her arms free. Summer felt inundated by sensations as Ace touched her and she touched Kemp. She turned back to Kemp and bit her lip in delight when she got her first glimpse of the head of Kemp’s cock, which was now poking above the waistband of his bottoms. His cock would probably rival the largest of the sex toys displayed downstairs, and that was saying a lot. Ace turned off the lamp so the room was cast in darkness except for the glow from the television screen. He picked up the remote and turned the television off. Soft music began to play. “Did you really want to watch a movie, kitten?” Summer shook her head. “No. I want to be with both of you.” Kemp shuddered and flexed his hips again. “What do you want to do?” Her fingers curled around the elastic at his waist, preparing to gently draw it down under his monster erection. Kemp’s eyes flared when she sat up and straddled one of his knees. “I want to play with you. Both of you. I want to make you feel good.” Ace moved into the spot she’d just vacated and assumed his earlier position on his side, head supported in his hand. He reached out and slid the other hand down her back in a slow caress that ended with his hand cupping her derriere. She lifted the waistband of

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Kemp’s pants as Ace whispered, “I love a woman who asks for what she wants.” Summer couldn’t hide her gasp of awe as Kemp’s massive cock was revealed to her. She thought cocks like this existed only in erotic fiction. **** She looked around in satisfaction at her handiwork. The house reeked of the perfume of a whore, and it stung in her sinuses. She yanked at the lid on the can of spray paint and fumed when her hand slipped inside her plastic gloves. Knowing she was done with the rest of the job, she slipped the gloves from her hands and stuffed them carefully in her pocket. She wiped her sweaty hand on her blue jeans and finally succeeded in getting the top off of the can and shook it. Leroy should be at home by now, so she went back to work, finishing off the destruction she’d inflicted. She smiled with satisfaction as the odor of spray paint filled her nostrils, at the thought of the shocked expression on that woman’s face when she finally came home from her night of debauchery. It rankled in her gut, the way the men of the community continued to be drawn into unholy relationships. It was bad enough that Summer and her sister owned a shop that catered to perversions of every sort, but her association with that queen of whores, Grace Warner, would undoubtedly increase her influence over the misguided women who passed through its doors. She gritted her teeth and allowed her righteous indignation free reign as she sprayed red graffiti on the walls of the living room, writing words she’d never speak aloud. She needed to get on her way since Leroy had called to say he was leaving the club with the video clip on his camera. It had been sheer genius that he would keep an eye on Summer Heston so she could sneak over on her own to leave a welcome home gift without fear of being caught in the act.

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She remembered to put the glove back on after finishing. Just to be ugly, she gripped the front doorknob and opened the door and left it hanging open. Maybe she’d get robbed on top of being vandalized. Heaven knew she wouldn’t steal any of that loose woman’s things.

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Chapter Nine More than anything else, Kemp wanted to please this woman. Her gasp of surprise and the delight in her eyes made the Neanderthal inside him want to beat his chest in pride. He resisted the impulse and held still for her as she gazed at his cock, which pulsated with excitement. “You’re enormous,” she whispered. He lifted his hips as she pulled at the waistband so it didn’t lie across his distended shaft. He glanced at Ace and saw the grin on his face. Ace flicked his eyes up at his friend in a nonverbal statement of “told you so.” Summer reached out to Ace and repeated the maneuver, exposing his erection. “Oh my.” Ace didn’t have the length or girth that Kemp sported, though Kemp didn’t think that put Ace at a disadvantage. He was still extremely well hung but along more comfortable proportions for most women. Kemp knew his cock was going to take some getting used to, no matter how experienced Summer was. Something about the flush in her cheeks and the lust in her gaze told him she was up for the challenge. Ace chuckled and asked, “What do you think, kitten?” She beamed as she replied, “I feel like a kid set loose in a candy factory.” Kemp’s cock swelled even more at the pleasure in her eyes, and he wanted her to touch him. His cock bobbed at the thought, and she smiled again. She laid her little hand on his length and sighed. “It’s so hot.”

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He had to fight not to shoot his load at the way she emphasized the word “hot.” He resisted the desire to think about somewhere hot he wanted to put his cock, namely inside her slick, little pussy. He bit down on the inside of his cheek, trying to get a hold of himself so she could explore to her heart’s content. Summer paid similar attention to Ace, who growled softly as she stroked his cock. Kemp struggled with himself, feeling like an inexperienced boy with his first girl as her hand closed around his dick, or at least as much as she was able. Sweat broke out on his brow as she caressed up and down his tingling length, and he groaned when his hips followed the movement, thrusting into her hand. He wanted her in the worst possible way. Ace’s deep sigh signaled that he must be getting the same treatment. Kemp had known Ace for thirty years, since they were both boys. They’d worked together for over twenty years. He would’ve thought that he knew everything there was to know about his friendship with Ace, but he learned something new with this experience. His lust and desire were ramped up to a fever pitch by the thought of him and his best friend pleasuring this incredible woman together. “I want you both so much it hurts,” she whispered, and there was a restless quality to her voice that gave truth to her words. He exhaled slowly as she rubbed her satin-covered pussy against his leg. “Oh.” Her shaky moan was evocative in the extreme as he watched her eyelids slide closed and her lips part in pleasure. Remembering the taste of her sweet, silken cunt, he growled at the heated feel of her pussy against his thigh. He wished he could taste her again sometime soon and hear more of her sweet moans and cries. “Do you like our cocks, kitten?” Ace asked as she continued stroking them both. “Yes. I could come just from touching you and rubbing against you.” Her breath shuddered, and she lifted slightly off of Kemp’s leg. She locked eyes with him and asked, “Can I taste?” God, more than I want to breathe. Yes, I want you to taste!

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“Yes,” he uttered in a low, hissing whisper, his head thrown back against the pillow. He was bowled over by the quiver in her voice. She sounded like she wanted them just as badly. He gritted his teeth as her hot tongue traced up the length of his shaft, wet and slick, until she reached the head, then flicked her tongue expertly against the sensitive spot at the underside. His hips moved against her, completely independent of his control, desiring to feel more of her. He threaded his fingers into her silken tresses and caressed the back of her head as she licked again. She looked up into his eyes and smiled, her angelic face flushed with desire. Ace groaned, and Kemp noticed that she continued touching him as well. Their little kitten was a multitasker. He didn’t know how much more of her teasing touches he could take. Just when he thought he’d lose control, she switched to Ace’s cock to pay attention to him. He missed her sweet, hot touch but appreciated the chance to cool down a bit. “Yes, kitten, that’s it,” Ace said as she leaned over him and swiped her tongue up his cock as though it were the tallest ice cream cone in the world. She moaned softly as Kemp caressed her nipple with one of his knuckles. Unable to resist her soft, pliant flesh, he slid his fingers into the neckline of her camisole and whispered, “Summer, you feel so good.” Her breast was a glorious handful, warm and firm, the turgid nipple peaking as he stroked. Her breath caught in her throat as he rolled it with his fingers. She winked at him as she licked Ace’s cock. They’d found a woman who obviously enjoyed giving head, and Kemp wanted to get on his knees and thank her for it. He gasped when her hand closed over his shaft and she began stroking him again. She caressed and petted his balls as she licked Ace’s, and judging by the strangled sounds he was making, she was very talented with her little pink tongue. “Oh, baby, that’s so good!” Ace panted and cried out when she drew closer and suckled on his sac. She had yet to take either of their

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cocks in her mouth, and Ace already sounded close. Tingles went up Kemp’s spine at the thought of how it would feel when she did that to him. His cock bobbed in anticipation. Reading his mind, she gave a parting lick to Ace’s balls and switched back to Kemp. She applied her tongue in soft, teasing licks to the underside of the head again, and Kemp felt himself catapulting back to the edge once more. He groaned and whispered, “Yes, darlin’,” as she wrapped her hand around his cock at the base and lifted his aching, heavy shaft to her lips. It was all he could do not to come right then and there. Kemp released her breast and slid his fingers through her hair, gently cradling her head. He shivered as her pink tongue slid in a silken path up his generous length and then moaned as she licked her lips and suctioned the head of his cock into her mouth. She teased him with her tongue as she tightened her lips and took several inches of him on the first pass. Her mouth was hot and soft as she engulfed him, and he bit his lip as she sucked him on the way back up. Summer pressed her pussy to his leg and shuddered lightly as she rubbed against him. “Does it feel good to rub against Kemp, kitten?” “Mmm-hmm,” she moaned in assent before taking more of him on the second stroke. Her lips tugged on him, and the suction increased slightly. She went back and forth, torturing the two of them like that for a few minutes until they were both ready to blow. While she tended to Kemp, Ace stroked her back and said, “I wish my face was buried in that sweet pussy of yours, Summer. I still haven’t had a taste of it and I’m dying for it.” “Mmm-hmm,” she replied softly in agreement. Fiery tingles of pleasure shot down Kemp’s spine, and his balls tightened up in warning. “Darlin’, I’m about to come. Let go if you’re not swallowing because I can’t stop this time. You do that so good.”

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Her cheeks grew rosy from her exertions, and she hummed softly then sucked a little harder. Kemp panted desperately, trying to determine if she wanted to continue or if she was going to let go and allow him to finish for himself. She glanced up at him, and the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile and her eyes twinkled, letting him know she wanted his cum. That thought sent him over, and he threw back his head, hollering loudly as his cum spurted in hot waves into her mouth. “Oh, fuck, yes!” She swallowed, and the tightening sensation made him cry out again. She sucked with each thrust until he collapsed, fighting for every rasping breath. Finally, after lovingly licking him, she released him and sat up, bracing herself on his trembling thighs. “Damn,” Ace uttered. “I’m about to explode just from watching the two of you. Was that good, Kemp?” Summer smiled, her lips a darker pink, as she bent to kiss a trail up Kemp’s abdomen, sending flurries of tingles in the wake of her lips. “Amazing,” Kemp whispered when he was able to speak. She rubbed her cheek against his sternum and planted a kiss there before looking up at him and smiling. “Good?” she asked. “Much better than that, darlin’. Heavenly.” His heart lurched at the emotion in her eyes, and he wondered if she felt for him even half of what he was feeling for her. He hoped so because soon he’d be a goner. She held his heart in her little hand. Kemp kissed her warm, pliant lips and squeezed her tightly to him. “Thank you, darlin’.” She hummed softly and squeezed him back. Then he released her, knowing that Ace was waiting patiently for her attention, too. She smiled almost shyly at Ace and said, “Want me?” Ace smiled and reached out to her. “So much, kitten. You okay?” Summer nodded and allowed him to straddle her over his cock so that

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her satin-covered mound pressed against him. Ace growled and said, “Damn, you feel so hot.” He held on to her curvy derriere and rubbed his cock up and down her pussy, drawing a needy-sounding moan from her. “Feel good, baby? I can tell how wet you are, even through your pj’s.” “You both make me that way. I stay aroused just thinking about you,” she whispered as she loosed his grasp at her hips and gracefully stretched and moved down to pay attention to Ace’s cock. “You were both so good to me last weekend, and all I’ve been able to think about is how much I want to do the same for you. I think your cocks are magnificent.” Kemp sighed in contentment, disbelieving that his cock tingled with fresh arousal as he watched her prowl down Ace’s body. Ace sighed in pleasure as she licked and sucked at the head of his cock before she took him in her mouth. Kemp’s dick throbbed at the sight, and he stroked it, unable to recall being so easily aroused right after climax in years. At forty-five he had staying power but was usually only good for one round a night, maybe two if he had time to rest. Summer threw all those suppositions out of his mind as his cock swelled, demanding attention again. Summer looked over at him, and he ceased stroking, thinking that might bother her. “Don’t stop, Kemp. I like watching you touch yourself.” He tugged again, pleasure curling inside him as she whispered encouraging words. “Yes, like that. Show me what you like.” He squeezed his shaft at the base and stroked upward as she took Ace’s cock to the back of her throat, making him groan as though he were in agony. Kemp wondered if Summer had any clue what a seductress she was. “It won’t take long, kitten. Ride my leg if you want. I want you to come too,” Ace whispered in a shaky voice. “You’re unbelievable.” Ace’s hips flexed, and Summer settled above his leg and brushed her pussy repeatedly against his thigh as Kemp stroked himself. The

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pressure built in Kemp’s groin to a blistering intensity, and he was vaguely aware of Ace crying out as another orgasm ripped through Kemp’s body and his cum shot across his abdomen in hot streams. His pleasure was multiplied as he heard Summer’s unmistakable breathy moans as she came undone, too. The room was quiet except for the sounds of their panting as they all caught their breath. Kemp grabbed several tissues from the box on the bedside table and cleaned himself up. He watched as Summer looked up at Ace, the tenderness unmistakable in her eyes, and kissed him at the juncture of his thigh and hip bone. Ace’s eyelids were closed, and his head flung back so he missed her gaze, but his hands were gentle as he stroked her hair and her cheeks. She looked at Kemp and smiled serenely as he reached for her. “You must be worn out, darlin’,” he murmured as she snuggled into the spot between them. She practically purred as they both turned to her at the same time and wrapped themselves around her. Kemp kissed the spot beneath her ear and said, “I hope you don’t regret rubbing against us like that in the morning. I don’t want you to be in any pain.” “I tingle a bit now, but it’s hard to tell if that’s from my orgasm or if it’s from the poison oak. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Making love to you wouldn’t have been a good idea, especially now that I know how big you are. That little bit of rubbing probably didn’t do much harm. I can’t wait until I’m completely healed.” The sincerity in her tone told him she was offering more than platitudes. “Me either, kitten,” Ace mumbled as he smooched the same spot on the other side of her throat. “We’re going to take very good care of you. You were something else.” She snuggled between them, making kittenish, happy sighing sounds as she got settled. Kemp lay there listening as their breathing slowed, and a peaceful languor took over his body. The bed might’ve been more crowded

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than his at his house, but the woman snuggled next to him made it feel like home. He became alert as the quiet was broken by the sound of his phone ringing. He reached for it and touched the “talk” icon, knowing that Ace was instantly wide awake as well. Summer shifted in her slumber but didn’t fully waken, and he caressed her hip as he answered. “Kemp Whittier.” “Hate to disturb you, Kemp.” “Duke? What’s up?” “Can you get over to Miss Heston’s place?” “Summer’s house?” Summer roused when she heard her name mentioned. “Yes, Jake is already at the other Miss Heston’s house. Everything is fine over there.” Kemp climbed from the bed and padded down the hall to the bathroom where he’d left his clothing. “What happened?” “It’s under control now. You’ll see when you get here. Her house has been broken in to and vandalized.” Kemp cursed under his breath, wishing he’d pressed the issue about putting in a system at Summer’s rental house. She’d questioned the necessity since she’d be moving out in a matter of weeks. They’d given in on the point, knowing they’d be checking in and watching over her anyway. “I followed the guy home who was recording y’all at the club. Once he got settled for the night I went to grab a bite to eat before heading over to check on her house. I take it she’s with you.” “Yes.” “Good. Whoever did this trashed her house and used spray paint on her walls.” “Damn. We’ll be right over.”

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Chapter Ten Summer looked around her living room in shock. Her pristine little home was a shambles. Her cheeks reddened as she read what had been spray-painted on her white walls. “Whore.” “Slut.” “Fucking cunt.” Whoever had done this had left her front door hanging wide open with the word “Cocksucker” painted on it. “Why?” Her belongings were strewn everywhere, and she felt violated. She looked in the bathroom and saw her costly toiletries and cosmetics thrown and shattered in the porcelain bathtub. The waste made her want to cry. Walking back to her bedroom, she headed straight for the closet. It was a small consolation that the safe was undamaged. Her sex toy collection, locked inside a file safe, was also untouched. Every item of clothing she owned was tossed about on the floor. Nothing appeared to have been stolen in the random chaos. Tears overflowed her eyes when she picked up the frame that held a picture of her with her grandmother when she was a little girl. “Grammy.” It had been broken, lying face down on the floor, evidently stepped on. The picture inside was salvageable, but the ceramic frame had been a gift from her now-deceased grandmother. It was too much. She broke down, and strong arms closed around her as she sobbed. Judging by his spicy scent, it was Ace who comforted her. He held her and rocked her gently as she let the emotions out.

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In a comforting tone, he whispered, “At least you weren’t home, kitten. This could’ve turned out much worse. I’m so glad you came to the shop with us.” Summer shuddered at the thought. Kemp came in and stood beside them. “The police should be here any minute. Duke just called it in. You okay, Summer?” With a teary sniffle, Summer shrugged and nodded, unsure how she felt. Kemp reached for her, and she went into the haven of his arms. A few minutes later the police arrived. In addition, David Northup also showed up. She thought it was kind of him to come when it wasn’t absolutely necessary because the police officers had already taken her statement. She also hoped his arrival didn’t create more tension between the men. David was nice, but she wasn’t interested in him. Ace and Kemp kept it friendly, which was a relief, and after the officers were finished with her, she set about picking her clothing up off of the bedroom floor. That was where Kemp found her a few minutes later after he and Ace were finished conferring with the authorities. Kemp began lifting her clothing from the floor, shaking each item out before neatly laying it on the bed. Ace joined them in the task and said, “Kitten? Why don’t we save this work for tomorrow? Come back with us to the shop.” “I’m sorry, Ace. I can’t. I’ll never be able to rest knowing this is waiting for me here. I need to get it picked up now. My privacy has been violated and I can’t leave it like this.” Nodding his understanding as he caressed her shoulder, Ace replied, “We understand. Do you by chance have any interior paint left over?” Their willingness to help in such a concrete way touched her heart. “Yes, I saved a can from when I painted this past spring. It’s in the garage.”

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“Good. You do your thing and we’ll take care of the spray paint. After we’re done we’ll help with the rest. I think Duke is tidying up your kitchen, sweeping up the broken glass and whatnot.” She had yet to meet the mysterious Duke, and he was helping to pick up the pieces. The intruder had cleared out an entire cabinet of glassware and dishes onto the tile floor. She rubbed the heels of her hands on her forehead. Sounding concerned, Ace stroked her knotted shoulders. “How are you doing?” “I’ll feel much better after this is set to rights,” she replied, indicating the mess with a wave of her hand. Ace stroked her cheek and said, “Would you consider staying with us from now until you’re ready to move?” She looked up at him in surprise, and he continued, “This could happen again, and it pains me to think of what might’ve occurred if you’d been here when this person broke in.” It scared her to think of it, too. “Let me think about it?” “Sure, kitten. We’ll take care of painting over the graffiti. Just think it over. We’d feel much better knowing you’re safe with us, rather than home alone.” She knew what Margot would say. Her sister would tell her she was being naïve by trusting them so soon. Margot had told her in the past that some of the relationship difficulties she’d had were because she trusted too easily. Margot might be right, but Summer preferred supposed naïveté to cynicism. As if on cue, Summer heard Margot’s voice. “Will you get the hell away from me! Where is my sister? Summer!” Summer was curious over the cause of Margot’s irritation and called out, “Back here, sis.” “What the hell happened in here?” Margot asked in shock as she made her way to the back of the house. She was stepping over a pile of lingerie in the hallway and lost her balance when her high heel caught on a G-string as she stood on it with the other foot. A man

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Summer had never seen before caught her as she started to topple backward. Summer’s embarrassment was complete when her poor Gstring shot across the room and Ace caught it with a grin then stuck it in his pocket. “I said to stay the hell away from me!” Margot growled at the unknown man as he steadied her and then put up his hands in a gesture of surrender. In a deep, growly voice he said, “Fine, next time bust your grouchy ass on the floor. No sweat off of my back.” His words were harsh, but his tone was slightly amused, and Summer squinted at him, wondering who he was. He was wearing blue jeans, a white button-down shirt, and beat-up cowboy boots. Margot glared at him and then blushed as he smiled nonchalantly at her and leaned against the door frame. His black hair was in need of a trim, and he had a day-old beard gracing his devilishly handsome face. Ace smiled and went over to the man to shake his hand. “Hey, Jake. I see you made it. Already on the job?” The darkly attractive man replied, “Yup. Looks like I’m just in time for all the excitement, too.” Ace nodded and said, “I’ll say. Summer, this is Jake Redman. He’s a friend of ours from San Angelo. He’ll be helping us for a while.” “It’s nice to meet you, Jake,” Summer said as she cast a glance at Margot. It wasn’t like her to be inhospitable to someone new in the area, but she now stood to the side, her arms crossed, looking out of sorts. Ace said mildly, “I see you and Margot have become acquainted.” Margot scoffed and muttered, “Yeah. You could say that.” Margot’s tone promised there was a story there, which Summer planned to get out of her as soon as possible. Margot was normally very levelheaded, but she obviously had her panties in a twist about

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her new bodyguard. The men excused themselves and set about hunting down the supplies and leftover paint she kept in the garage. Margot and Summer began sorting through and hanging all the clothing back in the closet and putting her other things back in their drawers. Her sister was unusually quiet. To distract herself from the task at hand, Summer gave in to her curiosity. “Spill it, sis.” “Did Ace and Kemp tell you that they are tailing us?” Margot asked in a clipped tone. Summer decided to ignore her sister’s pissy attitude in favor of getting to the bottom of how she’d come to be in her present mood. “He told me tonight, but I knew they would be watching out for us off and on. Why?” “Well, I didn’t know they were going to dedicate someone to following me around, snooping on me.” “Uh-oh. What happened?” “I couldn’t sleep tonight. I was worried about the shop and thinking about you with two guys, and I couldn’t get my mind to stop churning.” Her sister continued rattling on about everything else that was keeping her awake. At times Margot seemed to think that the world would stop turning if she wasn’t there to worry about it and sometimes took on more of a burden than she needed to at the store and in her personal life. “What does your crazy life have to do with Jake Redman?” Summer asked, trying to get her back on track. “He’s a Peeping Tom!” Summer had to stifle her shocked laughter. “A what? Come on!” Margot lowered her voice and said, “Well, what would you call it if someone was peeking in on you while you took a bath? Hmm?” “Oh, boy. So what happened?” “I was in the tub reading and trying to relax. I happened to look up and there is this strange man peeking in my window!” “What did you do?”

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“What the hell do you think I did? I screamed my head off.” “Did he really see you naked?” “Of course he saw me naked! I was in the tub. No bubbles, just me and my e-reader, and…” Summer noted the red flush stealing over Margot’s cheeks. There was more to tell in this story. “And?” Margot shook out a knit top furiously and whispered, “And one of the toys from my collection.” Summer took the silk top from Margot before she shredded it. “A vibe? You weren’t using it at the time, I hope?” Margot groaned and covered her face with her hands and said in a muffled voice, “Yes.” “Oh, holy crap! He saw you?” “Doing the deed. Yes. And the window was open, so he could hear as well.” Margot removed her hands and looked like she wanted to cry. “I’m so embarrassed.” “How did you figure out he was with Ace and Kemp? Did you call the police?” “I got out of the tub, ready to run for my phone, when he called out and told me Ace and Kemp had sent him. That’s how I found out I now have a bodyguard.” Summer patted her sister’s shoulder consolingly. “And he’s…He’s— “A big, handsome, totally hot bodyguard?” “Who saw me masturbating.” Summer was afraid Margot would burst into real tears. She appeared to be that embarrassed by the memory. “Now I can hardly even look at him without my face feeling like it’s on fire.” That explained why she’d sounded so pissed off earlier. He had her at a disadvantage, and she was very uncomfortable with that. Margot was a woman who liked to be in control. “Did he say anything about it yet? I assume he brought you over here.”

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Margot rolled her eyes and said, “He insisted. He got the call about this mess while he was trying to explain his presence.” “His presence at the window you mean?” “Yes. He said he’d just gotten into town and was checking out my house, making sure all windows were locked and things like that. He noticed the light on in the bathroom and the window open, so he came closer to check it out. There was a nice breeze tonight, and I just wanted a little fresh air. He claims he heard noises and well…We know what that was. Oh, God! I’m so embarrassed.” “I’m sorry you didn’t get off to a good start with him.” Summer pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh. “But at least you got off.” She ducked when Margot humphed and threw a sweater at her, but then Margot had to stifle laughter of her own. “So how’s it going with your knights in shining armor?” Summer chuckled. “Well, up until the phone call this evening, my night was shaping up just fine.” “But there’s not much you can do right now. Right?” With a nod of her head and a naughty grin, Summer replied, “Oh yeah. But I can still get up to plenty of mischief.” Margot giggled and fanned herself with her hand. “They are really hot, both of them. Ace is very sociable, but Kemp seems much more serious. A loner. For a while I wasn’t even sure if he liked me or not.” He must show more to her than to others, because she loved the warmth in his eyes and the hint of a smile on his face whenever he looked at her. “Oh? But you changed your mind?” “Yeah. I think he’s just one of those guys that doesn’t talk much unless he has something important to stay. I saw the way he looked at you earlier, and that told me a lot more about him. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they weren’t both falling head over heels in love with you.” Summer laughed and said, “Oh please. We’ve known each other a week.”

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“Yeah, but what a week!” They heard voices in the living room and shushed each other. The men had been out in the garage for quite a while, and Summer wondered if they had been getting the other half of that story. After the cleanup in the bedroom was complete, Summer and Margot checked in with the men and found that the offensive graffiti had already been covered over and the living room and study set to back in order. “Where is Duke?” Summer asked when she glanced in the kitchen and saw the broom and dustpan standing neatly in the corner, all evidence of the break-in gone. The broken glass and china were gone from the trashcan as well. Kemp came up behind her and kissed the top of her head as he replied, “He left to go get some rest.” “I never even got to meet him.” “Sorry, little angel. Maybe next time. Are you done?” His hands worked magic on the knots in her shoulders, and she wished for a bed and strong arms to hold her while she slept. “Yes. I’m wiped out. Will you tell Duke I appreciated him cleaning up the kitchen?” “I will. Let’s get you back to the shop.” Summer nodded and noticed Margot standing in the doorway, looking uneasily at Jake, who was across the room speaking quietly with Ace. Jake nodded at something Ace said and then sauntered across the living room to her discomfited sister and said, “Margot, they’re done here. Let me get you home.” His rugged voice was accented with a west Texas twang, and Summer was unsurprised when Margot unconsciously bit her lip. Summer smiled at her always beautiful, in-control sister and thought that Margot might have met her match. ****

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The next afternoon, Summer stood with Margot and Mr. Abbott on the back porch. He’d completely refurbished the rear area of the house, including fixing the area that had been damaged by the fire. According to their specifications, he’d also installed the porch swing they’d found at an auction and widened the steps leading down to the newly built deck and gazebo. Summer said, “Mr. Abbott, it’s lovely. I can’t believe you got this all done in a week.” He’d also made their landscaping plans a reality, and she now admired several newly planted flower beds containing antique rose bushes. The work this jack-of-all-trades had done had turned out to be a good investment. The middle-aged man smiled and replied, “I have exceptionally good help, Miss Heston. It was a pleasure to work on this old beauty.” He took off his cap and looked up at the Victorian structure admiringly. “They don’t build like this anymore.” Mr. Abbott’s sons, eight in all, worked alongside him in his contracting business, and they had come highly recommended. Now she had to agree with those recommendations. It had also come as a pleasant surprise to discover that Mr. Abbott and his sons had done some work for Ace at his home. Summer went down the stairs and stepped up onto the deck and wandered into the gazebo. It was a perfect shady spot and would be surrounded by blooming roses later that summer. She took a seat on one of the wide benches and imagined having guests out there. Margot and Mr. Abbott joined her, and they settled the bill. She covered her mouth when she yawned and apologized, thinking a nap sounded heavenly. Unfortunately, she and Ace had errands to run after Mr. Abbott left. Ace and Kemp had gotten her back to the shop around four in the morning, and she’d tossed and turned, unable to wind down. Kemp and Ace had convinced her to turn on her stomach, and they’d both

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lightly stroked her back until she’d finally settled and fallen asleep. Now all of them were stifling yawns and looking bleary eyed. Even Rachel wasn’t looking too chipper as she did the store’s books. Morning sickness was still getting the better of her, but she insisted she’d rather distract herself with work than sit at home feeling wretched. After Mr. Abbott said his farewells and Margot went back inside, Kemp and Ace joined Summer out in the gazebo. Ace leaned against the railing, and Kemp sat down beside her as she smiled up at them. “Kitten,” Ace began, “did you give any thought to staying with us?” Summer nodded and asked, “But where? Here? There really isn’t enough room for three people.” “We trade off going home to sleep. We talked about it, and my house is closer to Morehead than Kemp’s. We’d like for you to stay with me. There is plenty of room, and you’d be safe. We would still be here off and on during the day and would see you home safely in the evening.” “I’ll need to store my things.” “I have a three-car garage.” Damn, how big is his house? “I don’t want to be in the way.” Ace and Kemp both chuckled, and Ace’s dark brown eyes twinkled as he caressed her shoulder. “You wouldn’t be in the way. You’d be pretty much right where we want you to be.” This was a big step. She had a feeling once she was in his house she wasn’t going to want to leave. But she wasn’t going to ask for a declaration. It was too soon for that. She’d spent a week tidying her house and clearing the clutter from it in preparation to start packing for the move. With all the damage the burglar had done to her home, she now had even less to pack. With the attack last weekend, and the memory of those horrible words spray-painted on her walls, she didn’t care how much pro-feminist

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disapproval she got from her sister, she didn’t want to be alone in her house anymore. She no longer felt safe there. Margot had offered to let her move in, but Summer had rejected the idea because Margot had two obnoxious Siamese cats that Summer was allergic to. In addition, she knew she wouldn’t be able to abide their constant neediness and yowling. Summer’s motto was “trust your instincts,” and despite the fact that she might have made some unfortunate decisions where relationships were concerned in the past, she trusted her instincts right now. If she went home with Ace, she’d be right where she wanted to be, as well. The one downfall was that the physical aspect of their relationship still had to wait. In a way that was good because they’d have a chance to get to know each other better first. A little delayed gratification built character, she reminded herself. She just hoped they discovered the asshole behind all these attacks. After that was settled then maybe they could talk about what they really were to each other and where she went from there. Knowing how she felt about them now, she knew it would be difficult to be on her own again. Some chances had to be taken. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

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Chapter Eleven That afternoon, Kemp’s heart went out to poor Rachel as he looked at her, bracing herself with both hands in the doorway that led to the back of the shop. She was extremely pale with a definite greenish cast to her otherwise perfectly beautiful face. “You don’t look so hot, Rachel.” “Whittie, I don’t feel too good, either. Oh, no.” She groaned piteously then turned and ran for the bathroom. Again. There were no customers in the shop at the moment, so he went down the hallway, found a washcloth in the bathroom cabinet, and wet it for her. She was bent over the bowl, heaving what little lunch she had left back up. She groaned in misery as she crouched there, holding her long, dark brown hair back in one hand. “Sweetie, why don’t I call Eli?” he asked as he handed her the cool, wet washcloth. She accepted it and looked up at him with pitiful, red-rimmed blue eyes. Blotting her face, she nodded as he brushed the top of his hand against her very warm brow and continued, “This is the third time you’ve been back here, and each time you come out looking worse. I’m not so sure this is morning sickness, and I’m getting a little worried about you. I think you’re running a fever.” Rachel held her stomach and whispered, “Will you call him?” No sooner were the words out of her mouth than she was violently ill again. Kemp patted her back and held her hair for her as he put the phone to his ear after hitting Eli on the speed dial.

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Eli Wolf walked in the shop fifteen minutes later, looking worried. That was saying something, considering that he towered over Kemp at six foot nine and probably tipped the scales at close to three hundred pounds. He didn’t look like he needed to worry about much of anything, but he was definitely concerned about his lovely wife, who was expecting their first child in December. “Angel?” Eli murmured as he knelt next to her where she hovered near the toilet, and Kemp stepped out to give them a little privacy. Rachel looked completely wrung out as she put her arm around his neck. Rachel had come in only to do the books but had offered to stay so that Margot could go home and rest after her sleepless night and Summer could go get boxes for the move with Ace. All the other girls were off. Kemp stayed at the shop, too, to keep an eye on things and to keep Rachel company. What she’d thought was mere morning sickness was looking more and more like the stomach flu. A minute later Eli came down the hall, carrying Rachel, who had a bottle of water and a plastic bag in her hands. He said, “Kemp, thank you for calling me. She’s got a temperature and Dr. Guthrie asked us to meet her at her office.” “You go on ahead. I’ll hold down the fort here.” Surely Ace and Summer wouldn’t be too much longer. “You could call Margot and let her know. She’d come back up to run the shop,” Rachel said, gesturing weakly at the interior of Discretion. Kemp waved them off and said, “It’s been quiet all day. Don’t worry about it at all, Rachel. Just feel better.” Rachel rested her head against Eli as he cuddled her to him and said, “Thank you, Whittie. The key to open the register is under the counter on the hook.” Kemp patted Rachel’s shoulder and said, “I’m sure Summer will be back soon. Let me know if I can do anything.”

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Eli nodded, and Kemp could still see the concern in his eyes. Eli was taking EMT training, and Kemp knew she was in good hands. Rachel gave him a halfhearted smile, blew a tiny air-kiss at him, then closed her eyes. Poor, little Rachel. He hated to see her not feeling well. He held the door open as Eli carried her out and loaded her into his truck. Kemp walked back inside and looked around at the shop. Soft music played in the background, and enticing herbal scents filled the air. This was a distinctly feminine sanctuary devoted to pleasure and sensuality, and Kemp wondered what he’d do if a customer came in before Summer got back. As if on cue, the doorbell rang. He gave an inward cringe and turned to greet the customer who walked in. He smiled at the sweetlooking little lady, who had to be in her early seventies, as she came in the door. Oh, what the hell. How bad could it be to help out for a few minutes? After he greeted her, he asked if there was something he could help her with. “Rachel told me she would save a book behind the counter for me.” Kemp stepped over to the lingerie case and lifted out a book with a yellow sticky note stuck on the front. The note listed a name. “Frances Stewart?” “Oh, yes. That’s me.” He pulled the sticky note off and saw the title. Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism by Philip Miller and Molly Devon. He showed her the title and said, “Is this the right book?” “Yes, I was so glad I didn’t have to order it and wait for it to be shipped. I spilled sweet tea all over my old, dog-eared copy. Thank you so much,” Mrs. Stewart said as she reached for it. “How much do I owe you?”

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Figuring he might as well jump in with both feet, Kemp looked at the price tag and stepped behind the register. He looked at the machine, hoping it was self-explanatory. He punched in the amount of the book and hit total. It added the tax automatically, he noted with a sigh of relief. She handed him cash, and he told the register how much she gave him and it told him how much to give back. “You’re new here, aren’t you?” she asked as she waited while he counted up the change. “You could say that, ma’am. I’m just helping out for a friend.” “Well, I think it’s wonderful they have a man working here. Are you a husband or boyfriend to one of the ladies?” With a nod, he replied, “A boyfriend.” “How nice. Lucky girl. Well, I’ll get out of your hair, young man. Thank you for your help.” As she exited, two more women came in the store. He figured there was no need to call one of the girls. The register was simple enough, and if all the merchandise was marked, he could handle just about anything. One of the women, who were both in their forties, elbowed the other one as they stopped in front of the sales counter. The second woman turned beet red and tried to speak, but no sound came out. Her friend rolled her eyes and elbowed her again. “I’d l–like to look at th–the anal plugs, please.” Alrighty then. Yeah, you can do this. “I think they are over here, ma’am.” Both women whispered furtively to each other as he led them to the case he remembered seeing such items in and opened it. He allowed them to handle the sex toys. The more confident one in the duo gave her friend a quick tutorial. She asked Kemp a question, and he filled her in on his “helper” status. They thought that it was sweet of him to help Rachel out, whom they both knew. Kemp wound up learning quite a lot about butt plugs.

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With the selections made, and lubricant added to the order, he tallied them up and thanked them graciously. The afternoon proceeded quietly. In between customers, he made sure the store was tidy. In the process, he discovered a lingerie display containing diaphanous black lace gowns and matching sheer robes to go over them. The pattern of the lace was very open and transparent, and he thought Summer would be gorgeous in it. Holding an ensemble up for inspection, he guessed which size she’d need and made a purchase of his own. A group of eight young women in their twenties bustled in. Their giggling chatter filled the shop as their leader, a well-endowed blonde with big hair, announced, “I’m Jessica. These are my bridesmaids. We all need corsets. Can you help us?” Several of them glanced at him shyly or avoided eye contact as he led them to several racks that displayed such items and left them to make their selections. Soon they were all going in and out of the dressing rooms, shouting for different sizes, giggling, and carrying on. One of the girls volunteered as a runner since Kemp wouldn’t go into the area just outside the dressing-room doors. Their chatter continued on, getting gradually raunchier. “Oh, come on, honey. We don’t mind!” the bride cried out then broke into laughter. Kemp grinned in relief when he looked up and saw Summer and Ace walk in the front door. Summer waved at the girl outside the dressing rooms like she knew her, put her finger to her lips, and giggled quietly. “Oh, Mister Handsome Lingerie Salesman,” the bride called out. “I need a little help with my laces!” The bridesmaids all giggled from behind the dressing-room doors. Summer whispered to the young woman who had her hand over her mouth, evidently trying to not laugh out loud.

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Another feminine voice called out, “Mister Lingerie Salesman, are there G-strings to match these corsets?” The young woman held up one of the corsets they were trying on for Summer to see. Summer turned to Kemp and whispered, “Say, ‘Yes there is, sweetheart. I’ll be right there.’” Kemp rolled his eyes and did as she asked, feeling silly. Summer apparently knew the bride and her friends. A flurry of hushed whispers broke out in the dressing rooms, and Summer went over to the racks where the G-strings hung, picked out several, and returned to the doorway. She gestured at Kemp to come closer and mouthed, “Say, ‘I’m coming in, gorgeous.’” She shushed the other girl, who nodded and blushed profusely. Ace stood behind the counter and chuckled quietly. More furtive whispers came from the dressing rooms. He did as she asked again, and then Summer bustled into the dressing room and all the girls screamed. “What are y’all doing flirting with my boyfriend!” Summer hollered, and then started laughing. “Summer? Oh my gosh! I thought it was him in here!” the bride said, and then she and Summer broke out into a-mile-a-minute conversation and all the other girls joined in. Kemp didn’t see how any of them could understand each other, all talking at the same time. Summer giggled and said, “I should have warned him that you crazy gals would be coming by today. Are you ready for your wedding?” “Hell, no! So that guy is your boyfriend? He’s frickin’ huge!” “And hot!” “Those green eyes!” Kemp felt his cheeks flush as Ace laughed at him. They listened as Summer gabbed back and forth for a few minutes with the bride, helped with laces, and delivered G-strings to the other girls. Kemp leaned against the counter and Ace asked, “Where is Rachel?”

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Kemp grimaced. “She got really sick after everybody left. I called Eli, and he took her to see Dr. Guthrie. She was running a fever.” “What?” Summer asked as she retreated from the noisy dressing room. “Is she okay?” Kemp described how she’d been, and Summer called Eli to check in. It turned out that Rachel did indeed have the stomach flu, and Eli was instructed to take her home, push fluids, and watch for dehydration. Summer checked the register tape and said, “Looks like you were busy this afternoon.” “For a little while. It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.” “Thank you,” she murmured as she snuggled close for a kiss. Their romantic moment was met with whistles and catcalls as the girls exited the dressing rooms. The girls did a double take when they saw Ace behind the counter on the other side of Summer. “And who might you be, handsome?” one of the bolder girls asked. Ace grinned and replied, “I’m Summer’s boyfriend.” There was a split second of complete silence, and then several of their mouths fell open. The bold girl giggled and replied, “Can I fill out a job application, Summer? Because y’all have sure got some multiple men action goin’ on around here.” Kemp felt a little like a bug under a microscope as the girls stared at him and Ace for a few seconds before recovering their wits. Summer took care of the girls’ purchases, and as they left, Kemp realized it was nearly closing time. As she was removing the cash drawer from the register, Ace asked, “Summer, would you like to go catch a bite to eat?” “Sure.” “Good. When you’re done, why don’t you grab your overnight case and we’ll treat you to supper at O’Reilley’s before we head to the house.”

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Kemp smiled, retrieving the handled bag off of the side counter near the register. He hoped she liked his surprise. **** Ace sat tensely in the driver’s seat of his black Hummer. Kemp sat in the passenger seat, his eyes trained on the side-view mirror. Ace and Summer had just picked the vehicle up from the dealership in Morehead that afternoon, where it had been in for bodywork and repairs after another run-in with a deer late one night. He was especially grateful right now to have “the tank” back, as Kemp called it, and he hoped it wasn’t about to need more bodywork done on it. Kemp silently watched Summer’s red Mazda in the mirror. They were tooling down the highway, headed toward the restaurant in Divine at sixty miles per hour, and there was a black SUV behind her that had been on her tail for the last two miles. Several times the vehicle had moved up until it was mere inches from her rear bumper then backed off. The distance between her and the Hummer evidently emboldened the driver of the SUV in harassing her. Several hundred yards in front of her, Ace had watched in growing concern as she’d moved over into the outer lane and the SUV had moved with her rather than passing her. She’d moved back into the inner lane, and it had stuck with her again, creeping closer and dwarfing her little red sports car. The SUV matched the description Grace had given them of the vehicle that had harassed her on the road a couple of times in the past few weeks. Ace knew she had hands-free phone capability, so he hit the “talk” button and spoke her name when prompted by the phone system. The call connected over the audio speakers and began to ring.

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“Hello?” Her soft voice held a trace of unease in it that made the alpha in Ace want to fix the situation and the fucker currently riding her bumper. “Kitten, it’s Ace. You okay?” he asked cautiously as he began to slow down by barely perceptible degrees, closing the distance between the Hummer and the Miata. It wouldn’t take much of a nudge for the big black SUV to have her rolling down the incline to the side of the highway they were driving on. His heart did a flip-flop as he recalled the accident he and Rachel had been involved in. After the impact with the deer and his SUV, her little car had made an awful noise as it had rolled down into the river bottom below. “Yes, I’m okay, but I’m getting a little nervous.” “Completely understandable, kitten. Don’t slow down, okay?” “Okay.” They continued down the road, approaching another incline. Even though the highway was divided and vehicles had two lanes to choose from, the SUV had stayed behind her the whole time. If he continued slowing, he’d eventually be right beside her. “Does your little car have a manual transmission?” “Yes. Why?” “The driver of that SUV doesn’t recognize my vehicle, so he thinks he’s got you. When my front bumper is even with yours, I want you to downshift and put the accelerator on the floor. Got that?” “Yes. When we’re even you want me to nail it. What are you going to do?” “Cut him off from following you farther. If we’re lucky, have a little talk. We’ll stay on the line with you, so don’t hang up.” “Okay.” She sounded a little steadier. They continued down the road, getting closer and closer to the steep incline ahead. The Miata had its light weight and agility on its side. The SUV would need greater horsepower to make it up the incline, and that would be Ace’s chance to slip in between them. “Kemp, you get the plates?” “Obscured. Windows are darkly tinted, too.”

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“This is our guy,” Ace said softly. The vehicles barreled through the very bottom between the two hills as he stayed right ahead of Summer in the outside lane. They started up the incline, and he allowed her to begin to catch up to him. “Get ready, kitten.”

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Chapter Twelve “Ready.” Her car gained on his vehicle, and as she drew even with Ace’s front bumper, he said, “Nail it.” Ace watched Summer’s nimble fingers as she gripped the shifter and did as he asked, her little sports car jumping ahead. “Good girl, keep going.” Just like with his vehicle, the SUV needed a bit more time to get up to speed on the steep hill, and as soon as her rear bumper cleared Ace’s, he veered into the other lane. Kemp gripped the dash and said, “She’s doing great. Keep going, Summer.” “Okay!” Ace cursed when he saw that the SUV had already slammed on its brakes and made a U-turn on the deserted highway. He made a corresponding move and tried to catch up with the SUV. He was pissed off with how long it was taking to get to the bottom of this case and was determined to not lose this guy. The SUV turned off on a densely wooded, winding, narrow county road and gave them a merry chase for a few miles before that was exactly what happened. They lost him. “Damn it!” Ace said as he pounded the wheel. “Guys?” Ace sighed heavily and said, “We lost him, kitten.” “Oh. Are you okay?” “Yes, baby,” Kemp responded. “Where are you right now?” “I’m almost in Divine.”

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“Okay. Why don’t you meet us at O’Reilley’s?” They pulled in beside her car ten minutes later and found her waiting in the entry. She looked like she’d seen a ghost. On top of everything else that had happened in the last twenty-four hours, now she had this to deal with. Ace held out his arms to her, and she rushed into them. It felt good to hold her again after what they’d just been through. He’d hated the feeling of powerlessness, knowing that the SUV could’ve run her off that highway at any time prior to his intervention. “No sign of him?” “No. He lost us on a twisting, turning back road. I’m sorry, Summer. We’re going to get to the bottom of this. I promise.” Summer looked up at him with expressive, hazel eyes and nodded. “I know you will.” The smiling hostess approached them with three menus in her hands and led them to a comfortable booth in one corner of the main dining room. There weren’t many people there, as it was early on a Sunday evening. After they placed their orders, Summer sighed heavily and sat back against the cushioned seat. Ace reached for her hand under the table and noticed Kemp made the same gesture as well. Summer looked up at Ace and smiled, but he could see the weariness in her eyes and he wanted to take care of her. His stronger desire was to get her home so she could unwind and feel safe rather than getting her home so they could fool around again. She brought out all his protective instincts. The other, more intimate stuff still had to wait. He was going to show her that they wanted more than that with her. He wanted her company, too. Kemp murmured, “I know what would make you feel better, Summer.” Summer turned to Kemp and said, “About twenty-four solid hours of sleep? I’m so tired my head is spinning.”

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Kemp chuckled and said, “All the sleep you want, since you have the day off tomorrow, but first a nice, long soak in Ace’s whirlpool tub. It’ll make you forget all your worries.” Summer sighed and closed her eyes, evidently imagining it. When she reopened them, she looked from one man to the other and said, “My moving in is a big step for us. Even though it’s only temporary, until it’s safe for me to stay in the apartment.” Ace didn’t like that notion at all. Once she moved in, he was going to have a hard time allowing her to leave. Judging by the look on Kemp’s face, he must’ve felt the same way. Kemp said, “You know there’s no hurry to move. You would have plenty of room, and peace and quiet at Ace’s place. It’s off the main road and has a pretty hilltop view.” Ace wanted to high-five Kemp for the sales pitch. “You can’t even see it from the road, for all the oak trees. It has an upstairs deck that runs the length of the house, and there is also a hot tub right outside the French doors in my bedroom. You can see for miles while you soak.” A sexy smile spread across Summer’s soft, full lips, and she sighed again. “That sounds heavenly. I’ll be spoiled rotten by the time I leave.” “Maybe we won’t let you leave,” Ace murmured. “What if we want you to stay?” She looked back and forth between them. “You don’t have to say things like that, Ace. You may change your mind, and I don’t want you to feel obligated.” A trace of uncertainty showed in her eyes. “Besides, doesn’t Kemp have his own place? If I stay with you, Ace, and he is all alone, that will cause problems. I don’t want to be the cause of trouble between the two of you.” Summer was about to say more when Ace pressed a gentle fingertip to her lips. “Are you afraid this will all go flat at some point? That we’ll feel let down with the reality of living with you?”

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Summer pressed her pink lips together and almost said more, but finally looked down and nodded. “Kitten, Kemp and I have been roommates before. We don’t have any problem with living with each other, especially in a place that big. We found separate lodgings when we both moved to Divine a couple of years ago. The opportunity to buy my house came along and I took it, while he’s stayed in his rental. We’ve both been happy, so we stayed where we were.” “How long have you known each other?” “Since we were kids, in San Angelo. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Kemp was always at my house.” Ace decided to allow Kemp to share the details of his family and his upbringing in his own time. “Do your families still live there?” Kemp shook his head and said nothing further. Ace replied, “My mom and dad have both passed on, but I have two younger sisters. One is married and lives in San Antonio. The other one just finished at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin.” “Are you close to them?” Ace nodded but felt sheepish when he answered, “Yes, but I haven’t talked to either of them in several months. We all have busy lives and lose track of time.” He made a mental note to call them both during the week. Summer took a sip from her tea glass and said, “I’m close to Margot, but we never wanted to be roommates. We both needed our own space. I’ve had one roommate, and it was an experience I plan to never repeat. I’m telling you both, sometimes I think I’m jinxed.” “Then it’s time you got unjinxed, kitten.” Summer giggled and held up her glass of iced tea. “Well, here’s to unjinxing me.” They toasted her and settled in to eat their food when it arrived. Ace talked her into sharing a dessert with him. “I really should abstain.”

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“When there is something as sinfully delicious as O’Reilley’s banana pudding concerned you have to at least try it.” Kemp smirked and softly added, “I don’t know, Ace. I think you might find that it’s in second place now.” Summer gasped and gently shoved Kemp’s shoulder, a pink blush spreading over her cheeks. Kemp shrugged and added, “Just sayin’.” They were midway through their dessert, when a woman in her mid-thirties approached their table with a toddler in tow. She smiled tremulously at them, and Ace smiled back as she drew near. “I–I’m sorry to bother you.” The woman gulped nervously and looked conflicted for a moment. Ace asked, “Is there something we can help you with, ma’am? Are you all right?” The woman smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m just awfully nervous. You see, I recognized the three of you because—well, because—” Softly, Kemp filled in for her. “Divine Morality?” Guiltily, she nodded. “I think what she’s doing is terrible.” That was their first confirmation that it was probably a woman behind this. “She’s jealous, mean spirited, and I can’t believe I ever sat still long enough to listen to her.” She handed him a folded up note. “Bible study was good before she took over teaching it. Now all she does is go on and on about you and your friends. I see new posts there every week, and I just wish someone would stop her. I wanted to tell you I’m sorry for what she is putting you all through. I hope that helps,” she added as she pointed at the note. Ace asked, “Do you have any idea why someone would do this?” The woman nodded and said, “Jealousy, pure and simple. My name is Ann. Ann Sheridan. I’m sorry to distract you from your meal. I put my number in there. If there is anything I can do to help, I’d be happy to.” To confirm his suspicion, Ace asked, “Are you ASheridan1334?”

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The woman’s eyes widened a bit, and she nodded. “Yes.” Ace said, “We saw your comment.” “Oh, yes. I’m glad you did before she deleted all the negative ones that didn’t line up with her hypocritical viewpoint.” Ace nodded. “We saw that, too.” “Well, I wish you luck. Just know that not everybody believes as she does.” Her little boy tugged on her hand as she turned to Summer and said, “Miss Heston, I plan to visit your shop sometime very soon. I wish you all blessings and good luck.” The lady’s kind words brought a blush to Summer’s cheeks, and she replied, “Thank you.” Mrs. Sheridan nodded to them and went on her way. Beside him, Summer whispered, “Wow.” Ace opened the folded note and read the name. Summer asked, “Who is that? Is that the person behind the blog?” Ace replied, “Yes. Along with her address and contact information, social media, and affiliations. It says here that she has a husband and a toddler.” Kemp reached for the note, and Ace handed it to him. “This name sounds familiar to me.” Summer scooted over and looked at the information with him. “The girls are going to be so thrilled that you have a lead.” Ace felt like a hunting dog hot on a trail, but he wanted to take care of Summer tonight, too. “Can we put this on hold, just for this evening?” Kemp looked him in the eye and smiled. “Just for tonight. Sure.” From his vantage point, Ace could see Kemp slide his palm over her thigh. He’d told Ace it made sense that Ace be the one to show her affection in public, since it came more naturally to him. Kemp was prone to be quiet and in the background and didn’t mind as long as Summer was happy. As irresistible as Ace found Summer, he didn’t see how Kemp could keep his demonstrations of affection so subtle.

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As if on cue, the waitress brought the bill, which Ace paid in cash. After the waitress returned with his change, he rose from the booth and helped Summer as she slid from it, too. They walked her out to her Mazda Miata, and Ace murmured as he caressed her hips, “Just follow me, kitten. I won’t lose you.” Summer blushed again and smiled as Ace leaned toward her and kissed her soft lips. He lingered there for a few seconds, sipping from her mouth and suckling gently on her lower lip as he inhaled her natural, womanly fragrance. Her hand came to rest on his forearm as if she needed to steady herself. He slid his right hand over her shoulder and threaded his fingers into the silky locks at her nape, then cradled her head and kissed her more deeply. The essence of Summer’s mouth was sweet, and her silky tongue stroked his with hesitant flicks as her grip on his forearm increased. He hadn’t meant to take so long kissing her, but now that he’d gotten started he didn’t want it to end. Her breath left her in a shuddering sigh as he finally withdrew from her lips. His cock throbbed, and he indulged in a fruitless, momentary fantasy, imagining how good sliding into her snug, silky pussy would feel. He stroked the back of her head and smothered a growl of satisfaction at the dazed look in her eyes. In a dreamy voice, Summer whispered, “If there was an award for being a great kisser, you’d both be gold medalists.” Ace chuckled. “Think so, kitten?” “Oh, yes.” She drew the simple response out expressively, and his cock surged with need. Glancing at Kemp, she blushed and added, “You both would.” “Thank you, darlin’,” Kemp murmured, sliding a single fingertip up her arm and then cupping her shoulder. “Would you like some company on the ride?” Very intuitive, Kemp.

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Ace nodded slightly at his suggestion. It was a good idea and what they should’ve done to begin with. Then Summer might not have been so badly frightened by the vehicle harassing her. “Sure,” she murmured, still looking a little dazed. Ace smiled, wondering if she was counting the days, hours, and minutes until they could truly be intimate like he was.

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Chapter Thirteen Summer was relieved that Kemp was riding home with her. She watched with slight amusement as he folded his large, muscular frame into the front seat of her little red Miata. The man was built like a tank and obviously found it to be a challenge. When he realized she was watching him as he struggled with the seatbelt he grinned at her. “Having difficulty, big man?” Finally strapped in, he chuckled and gamely replied, “Nope. I’m ready to go.” She backed out of the parking space and followed Ace. “So what will you do with the information Mrs. Sheridan gave you? Will you go see that other woman?” Summer’s heart fluttered when he laid his hand on her thigh and stroked her gently. “Eventually, but not yet. First we have to figure out her motivation for doing this. In my experience, when people voice moral outrage like she is doing on that blog, there is usually a deeper, more private reason for it. She’s using the moral outcry as a means to punish you and the other girls for something else entirely. At least that’s my supposition right now.” “What will happen in the meantime?” “We’ll watch her. I hope now that we have a link, we can discover who is attacking the shop and you girls. There may or there may not be a connection between the two. The man who broke into your shop may be working on his own or he may have a connection to her. It’ll take some careful digging.”

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“I know that she is guilty of libel, but if she’s connected with the other more serious incidents, I’m not sure how I feel about a mother being taken away from her child.” “If she’s connected with the fire and the vehicular attacks and the break-in, she’s got much bigger worries than just libel. She’s gotten herself into this mess, darlin’. Don’t worry about it for now. Give us a chance to discover her reasons for doing this and see how this all works out.” “Okay. I just hate the thought of a mother and child being separated.” Kemp stroked her thigh and squeezed gently. “That’s because you’re a nice person, darlin’. These things have a way of working out sometimes. Let’s just wait and see.” She glanced at him as she drove down the highway and caught him gazing at her, an inexplicable look in his eyes. “What?” His hand was very warm where it rested on her leg. Kemp looked out the windshield and shook his head before looking back at her. “Being around someone who puts others before herself is nice. I’m used to dealing with lowlifes and people who do things for purely selfish reasons. I grew up with a father who thought only of his own selfish desires. I deal with people who look good on the surface but are rotten underneath.” “Was your father abusive?” Kemp was silent for a moment but finally replied, “Yes.” He didn’t say anything else, and since he didn’t appear upset by the admission, she pressed just a little, softly asking, “What did he do? Was he physically abusive?” Kemp looked out the windshield as he replied, “Yes. Toward my mother, me, and my sisters. When he didn’t have work, or things weren’t going well, he would drink. He was a mean drunk, and when he lost his temper, he took it out on us. If we stepped out of line, disagreed with him, or made mistakes, he lost his temper. He was very volatile, even when he was sober.”

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“If you made mistakes?” “Yes, like made a mess and didn’t clean it up or broke something. If I—” He looked down, and when she glanced at him, she could see the tension in his face and the set of his broad shoulders. “If you what?” she whispered as she placed her hand over his on her thigh and entwined their fingers together, letting him know she was there for him. “If I stepped out of line, argued with him, or showed how I felt about what he did, I got his fist or his belt.” Oh, God. “If you showed how you felt?” That might explain why Kemp was so stoic and self-possessed. It might also explain how his nose had gotten broken. “If I reacted to his tirades, the things he yelled at us, or how he treated my mom and my sisters. If I showed emotion he beat me for it. Or at least he did until I grew big enough to defend myself and my family.” She pictured him as an adolescent. He must have shown signs of the large man he would be early on. “It was a good thing, too. He became increasingly explosive and began drinking more and more. I was as tall and as big as most of the men I knew by the time I was in eighth grade.” “You defended yourself and your mom and sisters as an eighth grader?” Kemp nodded. “I played sports and had access to the junior high school weight room. I worked out to get strong.” Summer wanted to cry, thinking of Kemp as an eighth grader. He should’ve been doing those things for fun and to be with his friends. Instead he’d worked out with weights so he could defend his mother and his sisters. “I had a coach that taught me some self-defense moves. I think he knew what my dad was like because he said he’d known him in school. Anyway, he taught me and some of my friends how to defend ourselves.”

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“I’m glad you had someone who could help you.” With a small nod, Kemp continued. “The next time my dad lost his temper I put a stop to it. He had my sister by the hair and was…” His voice broke, and Summer’s heart lurched at the vulnerable sound. Silently she waited. “Lizzie had always been frail and had fine, thin brown hair. He had her by a handful of it and was shaking her because she’d left the water faucet running in the backyard. It had been running all afternoon and flooded the area around the house which was mostly dirt. He told her he was going to teach her by rubbing her nose in it.” Summer pressed her lips together to stifle a gasp. Kemp was opening up to her, and she didn’t want to interrupt him. “I heard what he’d said to her and watched him as he dragged her out the back door. My mom and my other two sisters were terrified of him and started screaming and crying. Something broke loose inside me. I’d been scared of him so long. I’d watched him take his anger out on everybody around him. If work was tough, we suffered. If he lost his job, we suffered. If the house wasn’t perfect, we suffered. If he drank, we definitely suffered. I finally reached the point where I was done suffering and watching my sisters and mom live in fear. “Lizzie was only nine years old, the youngest. He was very angry, and she’d been sick. I knew whatever he did might put her in the hospital. My mom had said she was really worried that if one of us got put in the hospital that we would be taken away from her. That’s what my father had told her. If we got hurt, she tended us at home because she believed her babies would be taken from her by the state. It wasn’t until later that she found out the state would’ve placed us in a shelter together until she could get help. My father had complete control of her and us. Anyway, I stopped him when he tried to drag her out into the yard. I hit him and he let go of her.” Summer squeezed his hand and followed Ace down the highway, hearing the pain and loss in Kemp’s voice.

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“He was surprised, and that allowed me to land the first blow. As it turned out, it was the only blow.” “Good.” “He landed in the mud with a really surprised look on his face. He didn’t come back inside when I took Lizzie back in the house for Mom to tend to. When we looked for him later, he was gone. He came back drunk during the night but slept it off on the couch.” “Did he hit any of you again?” “It happened one more time, a few weeks later. He was drunk and taking some small offense out on my mom. He had her backed up against the kitchen counter. He pulled back to hit her and I caught his arm and spun him around so my mom could get away. He tried to hit me.” “What did you do?” Kemp looked down, and it took several seconds before he replied, “I hit him until he passed out.” It made Summer incredibly sad that Kemp had to deal with that horrible situation as such a young age. “By the time he came to, we were already gone.” “Where did you go?” A small smile crossed his full lips, and he replied, “Down the block to Ace’s house. His family took all five of us in. His mom and dad had talked privately with my mom a few months before and I realized later that what they were doing was offering her a place to stay if she ever needed it. My dad would do those things to us and then sober up and promise her that he’d never do it again. She loved him and wanted to believe him so much.” Summer’s heart sank because it seemed like there was more he hadn’t told her yet. “Did she go back to him?” Kemp nodded. “Two weeks later. She felt we were a burden to the Websters, even though they assured her several times that she wasn’t. We were all school age, and she’d decided to get a job and go back to school herself. She went to our house one day to pick up some more

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of our belongings because all we had was what we’d carried when we walked down the street to Ace’s house.” Oh no. “My dad was home, and he talked her into staying. He was sober, and he vowed that he’d changed. She came back for us that afternoon, looking so happy, swearing Dad was a new man. The girls were younger and had no choice, but I refused to go with her. Ace’s mom assured her that I was no trouble at all and that she was welcome to leave me with them for as long as necessary. I think Arlene—Mrs. Webster—wished she could’ve stopped my mom from taking the girls home, but it wasn’t her call to make. They left and that was the last time I saw my mom or my sisters.” Summer’s heart froze in her chest. “What happened to them?” Kemp sighed deeply and settled back in the seat. “I wasn’t sure for a long time, but we did some checking into it a few years later and were able to piece things together. We talked to some of Dad’s friends, a counselor he saw, and our pastor. He was sober and getting clean when Mom went back to the house that day. His friends remembered talking to him and said they were convinced that he was going to change his life and be a good father and husband. Waking up on the kitchen floor after I knocked him out and realizing we were gone must have been a turning point for him. He took my mom and sisters out to eat that night, and on the way home they were involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver.” She remembered him saying he didn’t have any family left. “They were all…” She couldn’t finish the sentence. “They all died in the accident.” “Oh, Kemp. I’m so sorry.” Kemp was quiet for a minute, and then said, “I found it ironic that it was a drunk driver that killed them. Ace’s family petitioned the state to become my foster parents, since my parents didn’t have any siblings and my grandparents had passed on years before. Thank God the state allowed it and they raised me to adulthood. Ace and I have

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been best friends since we were kids, and his family treated me like one of their own.” “Did you miss them?” “Very much. I was devastated, and it was worse because we didn’t know all the details. When I found out later that my dad had really cleaned up his act, it allowed me the chance to forgive him. I sometimes wonder how things might’ve turned out.” “You and Ace are brothers, aren’t you?” This time the smile on his handsome, craggy face reached his eyes. “Yeah. We decided when we were kids that we would be private investigators and help people to feel safe. That dream morphed over the years into what we do today.” “I’m sorry about your family. What were their names?” “My mom was Victoria. My sisters were Veronica, Lucy, and Lizzie.” He spoke Lizzie’s name on a broken whisper, and Summer knew he’d been especially close with her. “They’re all buried in the Woodlands Cemetery in San Angelo. My dad’s name was Jerome.” “I wish things had turned out different.” “Me, too. I wish my dad could have known some victory. I don’t condone the way he acted, but I did finally forgive him. Our pastor told me Dad was talking with both him and a counselor and trying to work out his issues. Everything might have turned out okay.” “I’m so grateful that you had Ace and his family.” Kemp nodded stoically. “If not for them I would’ve wound up in the system. Given my history and issues, I’m not sure how I would’ve turned out.” “Meaning?” “Meaning I enjoyed whaling on my dad that day. I enjoyed it too much. If the Websters hadn’t gotten me some counseling of my own, I might have become just like my dad eventually.” “Oh.” Summer knew there was a tendency for abusive patterns in families to be handed down. It made her wonder about her own parents at times.

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Kemp stroked her thigh gently as he clasped her fingers and said, “Summer, I don’t want for you to ever worry about being with me. I’m nothing like my dad. I promise.” Briefly, Summer gazed at this gentle giant and replied, “Kemp, that never entered my mind. But if it makes you feel better, I come from a long line of really bitchy women, and I’m going to do my best to not repeat their mistakes, either.” “You? You’re all sweet, innocent, and angelic,” Kemp said with a deep chuckle. “Not if you ask my parents. If you ask them about me, they will have a vastly different opinion to share with you.” “Everyone is entitled to make mistakes.” “Not according to my folks,” she said as she slowed to follow Ace’s indecently wide Hummer through a turn onto a long driveway that led uphill. “I’ll tell you all about them sometime.” “I’ll hold you to it.” They rode along the curving driveway that snaked around the hill until they were on the backside of it and into the heavily treed area at the top of the hill. Kemp was right when he’d said earlier that the house was not visible from the road. The prolific growth of oak and pecan trees was too thick to allow it. It gave the area around the house a shady, green, haven-like feel. The house itself was more of a small mansion made of dark gray stone and beautiful natural timbers. It was two stories, and the front of the house faced away from the road. Upstairs was a deck that ran the full length of the house and could be accessed by three different doors as well as a staircase at the far end. Wide windows filled the upper story, so the view from inside must have been spectacular. The large garage doors opened, and she pulled in, parking alongside Ace. He climbed out of the Hummer and lifted her bags from the trunk after she hit the trunk release. Kemp unfolded himself from the front seat, came around to her side of the car, and held out his hand. She

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smiled and took it, impressed as ever with their gentlemanly manners as he helped her from the vehicle. He held on to her hand, and Ace led the way to a door. He opened it and allowed Kemp to help her over the threshold. They entered the kitchen, and she gasped when she saw the interior of Ace’s home. With the exception of the walls necessary for the kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances, the floor plan was completely open downstairs. In front of her, beyond the kitchen, were the large, heavy dining table and windows that looked out over the shady backyard. To her right were the huge living room and what appeared to be a hallway leading back to other rooms. The front entry was to her far right, and next it was an office, judging by the furniture, desktop computers, and other work-related paraphernalia inside. “Welcome home, kitten,” Ace murmured, and she noticed he watched her as she looked around, taking the interior in. The large space had high, hardwood ceilings with beautiful exposed beams, walls all painted in the same muted shade of light tan, and ceramic tile flooring. The countertops were a beautiful, contrasting dark red marble that gleamed in the light from the overhead fixtures. She held on to Kemp’s hand and reached for Ace’s as well and said, “This is gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.” Kemp said, “Ace renovated this place. He did a lot of the work himself.” Summer turned her gaze from the comfortable-looking brown leather sofa and loveseats in the living room to look at Ace. “You did? I’m impressed. You have a lovely home.” And it did feel like a home, not a showplace. There was minor clutter on one counter in the kitchen, and a hastily folded newspaper lay on the large upholstered chair by the sofa. Kemp murmured, “Why don’t we give you the quick tour of downstairs and then get you situated in the big tub upstairs, darlin’?”

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Twist my arm, handsome. Summer nodded, and they showed her the rest of the first floor then ushered her up the stairs to the second story. There was a large, open living area upstairs, and a large window that looked out onto the front deck. Summer’s heart pounded in her chest inexplicably as Ace opened a door. “This is my bedroom.” Summer met his warm, brown eyes as he said it, and she knew by the heat she saw there that he wanted to say more. She looked around in awe at the luxurious interior of the master suite. In keeping with the rest of the house, the room was huge and encompassed one entire end of the second story. Ace placed her bags on the luxurious navy-blueand-gold patterned comforter at the end of the massive bed, which had to have been custom made. She recalled that Grace’s friend Rosemary was married to two brothers who designed and built custom furniture. Ace was probably friends with them as well. Matching bedroom furniture lined the walls, and Summer couldn’t ignore the urge to squeal when she saw the huge curving divan situated at an angle in front of a huge plateglass window. The divan looked like a perfect spot to curl up with a book or take a nap. The manner in which a person could recline in it also suggested it would be ideal for making love. She giggled, thinking that she was seeing it from the perspective of someone who worked within the pleasurerelated industry. She glided a palm over the smooth, upholstered headrest of the wide divan as she walked behind it. “I love this.” “A couple of friends made it,” Ace replied. “They also built the bed.” “The Garners?” “Yes. Both pieces were designed and built to hold more than two people,” Ace added quietly as he came around the divan and Kemp joined them on her other side.

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Her core warmed and her pussy quivered as she turned to look out the window. Their solid presence and body heat on each side drew a soft sigh of delight from her. Ace said, “I liked the look of their workmanship when I saw similar pieces at Grace’s and Rachel’s homes and decided to have a few things built for me. Now I’m glad I did. There would be enough room for all three of us on this.” Her hands trembled slightly as she brushed a lock of hair over her shoulder. His words resonated in her mind, and she grew curious. “A few? I only see two pieces of furniture.” A crooked smile formed on Ace’s sexy lips, and he said, “There are other rooms you haven’t seen yet, kitten.” That thought made her whole body quiver, and she wondered at the secrets yet to be revealed in this house. Kemp placed a gentle kiss on her cheek and murmured, “I’ll start your bath.” She smiled at him as he slipped away, and then she looked out the large window again. The tops of oak and pecan trees formed a green, leafy carpet below, framing a lovely view of the Hill Country around them. The sun was setting, and the diffused light cast everything in a romantic glow. It was that, or she was just really turned on by these two gorgeous men and it affected her vision. “I hope you’ll be happy here,” Ace murmured as he looked out the window with her. “The view is spectacular. How long have you lived here?” “About two years. I bought it as a foreclosure and put the money I saved on the purchase price into upgrading the grounds and the house. The house itself had been here about twenty years and had not been well maintained. I gutted the interior and started fresh. I’m glad you like it. Would you like to go on the deck for a few minutes?” She put her hand on his forearm. “One second. I need to give Kemp something.” She went to her bag and removed the container of

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oatmeal bath and took it in the immense bathroom. “Wow. This is a dream bathroom.” Kemp smiled at her. “I helped him with all the bathrooms and the kitchen. My dad was a plumber, and he used to put me to work during summer vacation.” “Well, that was nice of him.” “Nice for him is more like it. I was basically unpaid slave labor, but I did pick up a few useful skills. He had a friend who had a tile business, and I got to work with him, too. That came in handy when Ace wanted help with the tile work.” “So you really had a hand in how the house turned out?” “A bit, yeah.” “It’s gorgeous.” Handing the container to Kemp, she said, “This helps with the poison oak. Would you add some?” The bathroom was scented with a delicate herbal fragrance. “You can add it to whatever is already in the tub.” He took the box and looked at the label. “How is your rash?” “It’s not quite healed in more sensitive areas, but it’s so much better than it was. It will probably be healed by next weekend.” Or at least that’s what I’m hoping, handsome, because I sure do want you. “Ace has an aloe vera plant outside on the deck. That might help the healing process. I’ll cut some and scrape out the gel if you’d like.” “I didn’t have an aloe vera plant at home, so I’ve never tried that. It may even work faster than the oatmeal bath. Would you mind?” Kemp measured out the amount on the label and added it to the bathwater, then gazed up at her with serious eyes. “I’ll even help apply it.”

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Chapter Fourteen Summer bit her lip and nearly groaned with longing at the idea of Kemp ministering to her body. The thought of his gentle hands on her was enough to cause her pussy to swell with desire. But it wasn’t fair to tempt him like that knowing she couldn’t reciprocate. “You know I can’t—” Kemp caressed her chin as he smiled at her. “I’m perfectly capable of waiting until you’re ready, darlin’. I know it will be worth it, in the end.” Neither of them had shown the least trace of impatience with her off-limits status, and it endeared them to her more and more. “If that’s something you’d like, I wouldn’t want to disappoint you.” Lust surged in her heart as heat flowed through her pussy in agreement. “I’d like to,” he murmured as he leaned toward her and kissed her lightly. “Ace is waiting for you. I’ll catch up with you on the back deck after I get a knife for cutting the aloe vera.” Summer nodded and hugged him silently before retracing her steps to Ace, who waited for her outside the bathroom. He smiled at her, and she saw the desire in his eyes. Under his gaze she felt naked and vulnerable but not scared at all. Two men. Two men waited on her and wanted to take care of her tonight. She didn’t know how long it would last, but one thing was certain—her heart was deeply entangled. She’d be a fool to think otherwise. Ace opened the French doors, and she stepped out into the fading afternoon light. The deck was deep, allowing plenty of room for the

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large hot tub that sat outside the master bedroom with space to walk around it to the stairs. Ace walked with her to the railing and admired the view. The tops of the trees formed an undulating, variegated carpet down the hillside. She wondered what it would look like in the fall with the other varieties of trees that were mixed in with the oaks, going through their autumnal color change. Hills rolled through the wide-open vista, and Summer sighed with pleasure. “Can I ask you a question, Ace?” “Sure.” “Don’t think I’m prying or unappreciative, but you’ve spent a lot of time away from your business lately. I just wondered at the enormity of this place and how expensive it must be to maintain. How can you afford to keep…” Her words dwindled away when he looked in her eyes. “To keep taking care of you? The same way I would if you were mine in reality and not just in fantasy. We’ve worked really hard over the years, kitten. We cater to a wealthy clientele and we charge a premium price for our services. We’ve managed to invest our earnings successfully and both lead comfortable lives. This house is great and I loved working on it for the last couple of years, but the end result isn’t worth much if I knock around in it alone. I felt very proud, bringing you into my home a few minutes ago and seeing your reaction. I hope that you love it here as much as I love having you in it. This is your home now.” “For now.” She couldn’t afford to go where he was leading right now. Reality needed to set in slowly. They needed time to get used to each other. She needed to ease into this so if it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t be so painful to leave. She steeled herself to ask the next question, hoping it didn’t come out wrong. “Ace, since I can’t—do anything until this weekend, wouldn’t it be better if I slept in a guest bedroom? Don’t take that wrong. I love your bedroom, I think it’s beautiful, but until I’m better, maybe I should sleep in another room.”

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Ace leaned his elbows on the railing and clasped his hands together, holding one of hers in between his, keeping her at his side. He stroked her palm with his thumb in a soothing gesture that made her draw nearer to him. So near she was enveloped in his manly fragrance and his body heat. God, she wanted him so badly. He turned his steadfast gaze on her. “Scared?” He saw right through her. “Yes.” “Why?” “I don’t want to disappoint you or tempt you with what you can’t have.” “Kitten, you tempt me right now. Being near you is a temptation. I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you. Today is no different. If you’re uncomfortable and want a separate room until you feel more secure then I’ll move you to another room. But I don’t want you to leave out of some misguided notion that removing yourself to another room will mean you are tempting me less. At least if you sleep with us we can hold you and feel you snuggling up to us.” Summer giggled, remembering that morning. She’d awakened to find that they’d both gravitated to her during the night. That was fine by her because she was cold natured when asleep and had enjoyed snuggling into their body heat with just a sheet for a covering. She’d latched on to both their arms in her sleep to keep warm. “And, kitten, let’s just see how things go over the next few days before you decide when to move into the apartment above the shop,” he murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead before adding, “If ever.” She smiled but felt a hint of trepidation, knowing that the excitement of moving in together would soon be overshadowed by the reality. It wouldn’t be romance and roses all the time. The daily grind would wreak its havoc, and then where would she be? Still jinxed. But hopefully not heartbroken and jinxed.

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Lost in her own thoughts, she plastered a smile on her face when Ace gently tipped her chin up with two fingertips and gazed into her eyes. She knew he could read her as easily as a book. “Give it time, little kitten, and you’ll see how it will be. Trust me?” She didn’t look away from him as she nodded, determined to give it her best try. Kemp came out of the French doors and joined them at the railing. Her heart lurched when she felt him stand so near his body touched hers, and he pressed his lips against the top of her head. “Darlin’, your bath is ready.” Ace smiled and asked, “Would you let us be your bath attendants?” Oh, she was a goner. An absolute goner. Determined to trust them both, she bit her lower lip and nodded. **** Ace was filled with anticipation as Summer followed them back into the master suite. He saw her tremulous glance at the bed and was determined to put her at ease in his home and his bed. She removed her satin robe from the overnight bag, but Kemp put out a hand and stopped her. “I have a surprise for you in the bathroom. You won’t need that, darlin’.” Summer looked surprised but smiled and nodded as she carried her smaller cosmetic case into the bathroom. Kemp pointed to the handled bag he’d carried out of the store earlier that evening and Summer turned to him. “You bought something at the shop for me?” Kemp nodded and glanced at Ace, looking proud like Summer had just given him a gold star. But Ace wanted to do a chest bump and high five with Kemp when he saw what she pulled carefully from the bag. It was lingerie made of sheer black lace.

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Summer gasped ecstatically as she held it to her lush breasts. “The peignoir!” “Is it something you wanted? Is the size right?” She checked the label and nodded then replied, “Coveted is more like it. Oh, Kemp, thank you!” She embraced him happily. “I can’t wait to put it on.” Kitten, I can’t wait for that, either. There was no point in trying to mask his desire for her. The erection he was currently sporting was too obvious. Ace brushed her shoulder with his lips as he put his arms around her from behind and reached for the small buttons down the front of her lacy red top. “Let us help you get undressed, Summer. Then we’ll help you into the tub.” Summer turned her gaze to him in the mirror over the marble vanity as his fingers hesitated over the buttons. She gifted him with a beautiful smile and nodded slightly. She was trying hard to trust them, and he prayed he didn’t misstep on this first night. Once the front of the top was loosened, he slid the filmy lace blouse from her shoulders and revealed the matching red camisole underneath. She was the sexiest thing, no matter how she dressed, but Ace particularly loved seeing her in lace. He’d be willing to bet there was more lace to discover on her tonight. Reaching behind her, Summer unzipped the skirt she had on and allowed it to fall to the floor. Kemp groaned as they both got a look at her. She was now clad in her red high heels, lace-trimmed nudecolored stockings, red satin panties, and a red-satin-and-lace garter belt. Sweet merciful heavens, she was on fire tonight, all in red. Betting that her bra was red, too, he lifted the hem on her camisole and watched her reflection in the mirror. She watched his hands as they moved, and he noted the lovely, rosy flush in her cheeks. He allowed his fingertips to drift over her torso, and she shuddered and gasped at his light touch. She raised her arms so he could slide the lacy garment off, and then he laid it aside.

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Ace smiled at her as she lowered her arms slowly and made eye contact with both of them in the mirror. Her bra was indeed red ruffled lace, and it barely contained the perfect globes of her beautiful breasts. “Kitten, you are perfect,” Ace whispered against her shoulder as he stroked up her satiny arms from her wrists to her shoulders. He didn’t want her to feel rushed, so he took every touch and caress slowly and gently. “Darlin’, you are quite a sight in all that red. I just want to stand here and look at you,” Kemp murmured as he drew closer and palmed her shoulder. He leaned forward and kissed her lips with infinite care. “I don’t know what to say.” Ace kissed her other shoulder and released the clasp of the bra at her back and said, “You don’t have to say a thing, kitten. Just enjoy what we do for you.” Kemp knelt in front of her, and Summer allowed him to remove her shoes. Ace slowly slid the red straps of the bra from her shoulders, and he got his first, unfettered glimpse of her glorious breasts. He whispered, “Beautiful.” He laid the bra aside and felt sweat break out on his forehead when he filled his hands to overflowing with those firm, warm mounds. Her nipples were rosy pink, the same color as her lips, and probably the same color as the sweet lips he planned to taste and lick by week’s end. He wanted to gorge on her all night and not let her up from his gargantuan bed until the sun rose again. Kemp looked up at her after setting her shoes aside and unhooked her stockings from the garter belt. Once both stockings were free, he gently slid each one slowly down her thigh to her knee and beyond, planting kisses along the way. Ace steadied her as Kemp removed them from each foot and then unfastened her garter belt and laid it with the stockings, pressing a kiss to her mound in the process. By this point her breathing was rapid, and Ace could see that she was turned on. Kemp could detect the wetness of her pussy, judging

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by his slow, deep inhalation. Kemp’s fingers gently traced her inner thigh, and he glanced at her. “Does this still hurt?” Shaking her head, Summer relied, “No. That part is almost healed.” She was down to nothing but her red satin panties, and Ace let Kemp do the honors after she nodded at him to continue. He hooked the waistband with his fingers at both hips and gently drew them down, gradually revealing her mound. Ace wished he was in Kemp’s shoes as he gazed at the blonde curls that adorned her mound. She was trimmed, bikini waxed, and neat, just the way he liked. Womanly. He could make out the flush of the poison oak rash on her skin and longed to sooth it. “Kemp cut some aloe vera so that we could apply some to the rash after your bath, kitten. Is that all right?” Summer caught his gaze in the mirror and nodded, but Ace could see the need in her eyes and in the way she bit her lower lip. They’d fooled around the night before, albeit through the satin of her pajama bottoms, but she’d withstood the stimulation without too much trouble. It was worth asking about. “Kitten, can I touch you?” She seemed to hold her breath and pause to think about it, her eyes darting from Kemp to Ace, and she seemed unsure how to respond. Kemp said, “Darlin’, I know Ace will be very careful, and you can tell him if it doesn’t feel right. Would you let him make you come? Just once with his fingers? You look like you want it but you don’t want to ask.” “I do. I—” Ace said, “If it doesn’t feel right you can stop me, kitten. We want you to feel good. Trust me?” Her hazel eyes locked with his in the mirror’s reflection, and she seemed to come to a decision. She nodded and whispered, “Yes, Ace.”

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Chapter Fifteen Summer turned her face to his and parted her sweet lips for a kiss which he gladly gave her, dipping his tongue into the recesses of her mouth as he kneaded and cupped her breasts. She squirmed against him as he teasingly stroked her erect nipples with his thumbs. He released her lips and watched as Kemp leaned forward and kissed her mound above her slit and then rose to stand beside Ace. Ace released her breasts, and Kemp took over caressing and rolling each nipple between his thumbs and forefingers. Summer reached back and feathered her fingertips through the short hairs at the nape of his neck and did the same to Kemp with her other hand, giving them free reign over her voluptuous body. Pleased with her show of trust, Ace trailed his hands down her abdomen to the soft flesh above her mound. She gasped and tilted her head back, and he watched the pleasure showing on her face as she enjoyed his touch. He slid his fingertips lower and discovered the copiously damp curls surrounding her pussy. Summer hummed softly and pressed her warm, bare ass against his groin. His erect cock throbbed in response to her movement. How many days until Saturday? Willing his baser thoughts into submission, Ace gently parted her outer lips and slid a single digit into the warm, slippery folds of her cunt. Her hot, wet skin was as soft as silk under his fingertips, and she trembled in his arms. “Is it good?” “Oh, yes. Please don’t stop, Ace.” “Not unless you tell me to, kitten. Your pussy is so warm and wet.”

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“Yes.” Ace saw no reason to risk irritating an already sensitive area when she was clearly so close to coming. He stroked the swollen nub of her clit with gentle purpose, not attempting to draw out the experience or delay her orgasm. Her hand receded from his hair, and Summer held on to his shoulder as he gently stroked alongside her clit and then circled in progressively smaller circles until she was whimpering with need. The tension in her body told a tale all its own as she neared her peak. He winked at Kemp and smiled as his friend lowered his mouth to her breast and began to suckle at her nipple. “Oh! Oh, don’t stop!” Ace increased the pressure by the minutest degree and used the thumb of his other hand to gently raise the hood of flesh shielding her clit from his direct touch. A soft wail left her lips, and he continued stroking her as her climax finally hit her. Her orgasm drenched his fingers as she undulated against him, seeking a second peak. Kemp suckled noisily at her nipple then switched to the other one. She groaned and became tense again. Her swollen, slick pussy convulsed, and he allowed one fingertip to carefully slide into her opening as he stroked her to a second climax. He heard a deep growl and realized it was him as her cunt clenched around his finger, seeking to be filled by his cock. He wanted to give it to her so badly that it hurt. Her breathless sob brought him back to reality, and he withdrew his fingers gently from her pussy and smiled at the sight of her, seeming barely able to stand upright in their arms. Her head was tilted back, her hair flung every which way, and her lips were parted in ecstasy. She was glorious, and he knew the first time he made love to her was going to be pure heaven. To see her like this and know he was partly responsible gave him a feeling of deep satisfaction. Now it was time to take care of her. “Was it good, kitten?”

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She chuckled softly and smiled with a dazed look in her eyes. “So very good.” “Want to pin up your hair?” “Hmm? Oh, yes.” She scooped her long hair up in that sexy way women did and used a large clip to pin it up out of the way. She didn’t protest in the least when Ace lifted her in his arms and walked the short distance to the steaming tub and settled her into it. The heat from the water drew a dreamy moan from her, and the sound caused his cock to surge again. Summer opened her warm hazel eyes and smiled at them both. “This is more like a hot tub than a bathtub. There is plenty of room. Will you both come in with me?” He glanced at Kemp, who was already disrobing, and began unbuttoning his shirt. His cock ached for relief, and he peeled his knit boxers over the painfully distended shaft and climbed into the large tub with her. With a sultry smile, Summer moved from her resting place against the sloped side of the tub and settled in Ace’s lap with her slippery, wet buttocks pressed against his cock. He willed the beast into submission as she settled against him. He snaked his arms around her torso and smiled at Kemp as he watched Ace caress and cup her breasts, which fit perfectly in his hands. She curled her feet back around Ace’s ankles and held on to his forearms then purposefully rubbed her ass against his cock. “Oh, damn that feels good, kitten. What are you up to?” he asked with a chuckle, already having a pretty good idea. Summer giggled and beckoned to Kemp as she said, “The clinical terms are intergluteal and mammary intercourse, but I prefer the simple term frottage.” When she said the last word it came out like “massage” with a suggestive lilt to her tone. “Come to me, Kemp.” Summer reached for the bodywash he kept on a tray by the tub and poured a generous dollop into her palm and applied it to the flesh between her breasts. She handed it to Ace and lifted her ass slightly above the water.

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“Will you apply that to the cleft of my ass? Get me nice and slippery.” She giggled and wiggled her ass a little, and he had to chuckle at her enthusiasm. He applied the vanilla-scented bodywash to her ass just like she’d asked, and then she settled carefully in his lap again. Her movement caused his dick to slither and slide through the soap there. He groaned and pressed against her. “There you go, Ace. Come stand in front of me, Kemp, and let’s see how well we line up.” All kinds of mental images of how well they would line up flitted through his mind. Ace sat up as she pressed her ass against him and leaned slightly forward to Kemp. Perfect. Summer released her hold on Ace and used her hands to hold her breasts together. She glanced up at Kemp and then back at Ace and asked, “Ready for slip and slide?” She bucked gently against Ace’s cock, and Kemp drew near, sliding his dick between her breasts. Kemp looked uncertain for a second until she bucked again and squeezed her breasts together as his cock slid between them. “Holy fuck,” Kemp muttered and groaned. “I’m not about to leave either of you in need after the way you took care of me a few minutes ago. Does it feel good?” Ace held her hips to aid her balance and began moving with her swaying rhythm. Kemp stroked her shoulders and sighed heavily as he thrust against her, his jaw tense as though he were gritting his teeth. She wiggled and pressed more firmly against Ace, and he held her to him tightly, keeping up with her as she picked up the pace a bit. The water sloshed around them in the tub, some of it splashing over the edge onto the floor. Kemp gripped her shoulders, and one hand slid down her back as his movements increased. She tilted her head back and whispered to him, “Come all over me, Kemp.”

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Judging by the position of her arms and the loud moan coming from Kemp, she’d tightened the tunnel her breasts created for his cock to slide through. Kemp shouted, “Darlin’! Oh, fuck, yes!” Ace held her steady as Kemp thrust twice more and let loose a heartfelt groan. Ropes of his cum shot from his cock, splashing her chin, chest, and shoulders as he gave her everything he had. Ace kept his thrusting to the same manageable pace as Kemp leaned down to kiss her and then sat back on the seat to watch them. Summer turned back to gaze into Ace’s eyes and said, “I want your cum all over me, too.” Her throat was painted with the translucent evidence of Kemp’s orgasm, but she didn’t stop her movements to rinse off. She redoubled them instead. He wrapped her with his arms and drew her back against him, one hand grasping her hip and the other hand cupping one of her shoulders. The last of his flagging self-control slipped, and he growled as his cock shuttled up and down in the soapy, slippery cleft of her ass. He felt her little hands slide over his, and she whispered, “Harder, Ace. I want you to come hard for me.” She pressed on his hands, and he gripped her tightly and howled as the first hot jet ripped from his cock against her spine. His balls felt like they were exploding as his cum shot from him in pulsing waves. Her sweet, curvy body felt so right against him, and he never wanted to let her go. But he loosened his hold as he became aware of how tightly he held her. “You okay, kitten?” he asked breathlessly as he lay back against the edge of the tub, caressing her abdomen. “I’m fine. How do you feel now?” Both men groaned and chuckled at the same time, and she added, “Well then, my plan worked. You both sound satisfied.” Kemp murmured, “You hit the nail right on the head, darlin’.”

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When she shifted, Ace helped her to sit between them on the tub seat and then flipped on the whirlpool jets. The water foamed, and she sighed happily as he positioned her in front of a jet so it could massage her lower back. Summer smiled at both of them in turn and said to Ace, “I love this tub. Your house is wonderful. I can’t wait to discover what other surprises await.” Ace smiled, thinking he still had a few up his sleeve. “We’ll do that tomorrow. Stay here with Kemp and relax for a few minutes while I go see about a snack for us.” He rose from the tub on legs that still felt a little wobbly and caught her appreciative, lascivious stare as she gazed up at him. His cock tingled in response. He stepped from the tub, and after mopping up the wet floor, he took his robe from the hook inside the closet door and shrugged into it. Downstairs, he made quick work of slicing a small brick of aged gouda and cheddar then placed the slices on a large plate with white grapes, dried cranberries, and chunks of dark chocolate, thinking Summer might like that combination of flavors and textures. He cut a few thin slices from a baguette and placed them on the plate as well. He took down two wine glasses and cradled them upside down by their stems between his fingers and carried the plate and the bottle of Shafer One Point Five he’d opened and left to breathe on the kitchen counter right after they arrived. By the time Ace returned upstairs, Kemp had helped Summer from the tub, and he could hear their quiet voices in the bathroom as they toweled off. Ace placed the plate, wine bottle, and glasses on one of the bedside tables and then switched on the lamps by the bed. He pulled back the navy-and-gold, patterned comforter and top sheet and then turned on soft music on the stereo. He lit candles, placed at intervals around the room on the dressers and tables, to complete the atmosphere. He smiled at Summer’s soft sigh when she came into the room.

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“Ace, what a romantic you are.” She was clad in her black lace gown and negligee. “Wow,” he whispered. “You look beautiful.” “Doesn’t she?” Kemp asked, the admiration evident in his voice and the smile on his face. “How many days until Saturday, kitten?” Ace murmured as she came to him and enveloped him in her softly scented embrace. Her skin, in contrast to the sheer lace, glowed in the candlelight and felt as smooth as silk under his palms. As she’d moved toward him he’d been able to make out the curves of her breasts and the faint blonde triangle of curls at the apex of her thighs. Her rosy nipples were almost hidden from view by the overlapping layer of the filmy dressing gown, which served to make them all the more tantalizing. She snuggled to him and replied, “Six days, two hours, and…” She turned to look at the clock on the bedside table. “Thirty minutes. Give or take.” Not wanting her to dwell on the hellish torture that wait was going to be and risk her asking to sleep in another bedroom, he forged on. “I brought up a snack. Let me help you into the bed and then we’ll have a bite to eat.” She allowed him to help her onto the bed and then got situated while he poured two glasses of the full-bodied California Cabernet and handed one to Kemp. Summer smiled at him as he joined her on the side opposite of Kemp and asked, “Where is my glass?” Ace chuckled and replied, “We plan to share with you.” He smiled at her playfully, and she giggled when she caught his double meaning. “Well just make sure you save some for me.” “Trust me, we have plenty for you.” He gave her his glass and reached for the large plate and placed it in the center of the triangle formation their bodies created as they got comfortable on the bed.

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She sipped the wine and nibbled the slice of gouda he handed to her and moaned with delight. The sound was provocative, and he found that the hard-on he’d managed to tame with the mundane activity downstairs was returning with renewed insistence. Reclining on her side, she rested her head in the palm of her hand as she handed Ace the glass and accepted a slice of the cheddar and baguette. He sipped from the glass and watched her as she settled in. The low neckline of her gown was strained by the full swell of her breasts, and he took time to savor the moment as she arranged the negligee with her graceful hands. They traded their glasses for nibbles of food as they sampled all the items on the plate, and Ace found himself hardening more and more with each yummy sound she made. He glanced at Kemp when he heard a sound come from him and could see that Kemp was feeling much the same, judging by the tent in the towel wrapped around his hips. She loved the dark chocolate with the wine, and he was glad he’d followed his instincts. When she was finished, Ace took the glasses and plate and placed them on the table beside the bed and crooked his finger at her. Kemp went into the bathroom and returned with the cuttings from the aloe vera plant as she crawled on her knees to Ace at the side of the bed. She went to him trustingly, and Ace wrapped his arms around her as he kissed her again. Her lips were silky and damp as Ace smooched her and teased her lower lip with his tongue. Her head tilted to rest against Ace’s shoulder as he kissed her, and the small movement was unspeakably tender and trusting. She tasted of wine, dark chocolate, and woman. Ace’s new favorite combination.

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Chapter Sixteen Kemp sat beside her on the bed and spread a hand towel out on the comforter between them. He trimmed the nubby, pointed edges of the aloe vera leaves before splitting each one through the middle to expose the glossy, slippery interior. He smiled as he listened to Summer’s breathless sounds as she and Ace kissed. He’d wondered if the bath would relax her to the point where she’d want to simply seek sleep once she got in the bed. He was glad that wasn’t the case. Ace finally ended the kiss and softly said, “I think Kemp wants to put some of the aloe vera on your rash. Would you like for him to do that?” Summer blushed and nodded, seeming to wait for his instructions. Kemp glanced at the negligee and gown that she looked gorgeous in and then smiled as he gazed into her warm, hazel eyes and said, “Slip off the robe, darlin’.” She did as he asked with Ace’s help, and Kemp admired the way the sheer black lace clung to her luscious curves. The long slit on both sides revealed her satiny thighs all the way to her hips. Ace sounded ready to eat her alive as he said, “Damn, kitten. This is so sexy on you. I like the easy access, too.” Ace slid his hands down to her hips and glided them under the fabric to caress her ass. Kemp noticed her lips tremble a bit when she replied, “Me, too.” Ace glanced at Kemp, and he nodded at him. Ace slowly lifted the gown, and she raised her arms to assist him. Kemp stopped what he was doing to watch as her beautiful body was revealed to them again and thought once more that there was not a more gorgeous creation

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than her. Judging by the appreciation in his eyes, Ace felt the same way. Kemp split the last aloe vera leaf, wiped the knife with the towel, and then laid it aside on the table. His cock throbbed painfully as he thought of how much he’d enjoy ministering to her and wished for the millionth time that he could make love to her tonight. “Where do you want me?” Curled into my side every night for the rest of our lives. “Get comfortable on your back in the middle of the bed.” Ace stacked a couple of pillows at the head of the bed for her to recline on, and Kemp noticed that Ace was just as hard as he was. She smiled at him as he placed the towel holding the aloe leaves within easy reach and gently caressed her ankle. Ace got up and switched off both lamps, casting the room into candlelit shadows, and then returned to her side. Kemp knelt in front of her and gently took hold of her ankles and parted her thighs, scooting forward as he did. Summer raised her arms above her head and laid her hands on either side of her head, watching him intently as he leaned forward to stroke her inner thighs. He knew he should just apply the aloe vera gel to her labia and allow her to rest, but he thought the look in her eyes meant that she was ready for whatever else he’d like to do. A glimpse at the glistening dampness of her pussy confirmed this. “Mind if I play a bit first, darlin’?” She shook her head and smiled. Ace chuckled and said, “We just can’t get enough of you, woman.” “The feeling is completely mutual, boys. I assure you.” She slid her feet up a few inches higher and parted her thighs to give him even greater access, and Kemp had to restrain himself from diving right in. He leaned forward and, using touches as light as a butterfly’s wing, he stroked her pussy. Summer asked, “What can I do?”

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Kemp replied, “Just lie still and feel, darlin’. No need for you to do anything right now.” Summer took a deep breath and relaxed as he stroked through her damp labia again. He wanted her loose and relaxed, not focused on anything but what he was doing. Multitasking could happen later. She caught her breath as he leaned forward and delicately traced the folds of her pussy with the tip of his tongue. Her thigh trembled against his shoulder at his intimate touch, and she whispered his name. “Kemp.” Her flavor was sweet and tangy, and as he coaxed her pussy with his tongue, she gave him more of her juices. He took his time and gently laved her clit over and over, noticing that her trembling increased with each stroke. His dick pulsed with need, and he was careful to not brush it against the comforter for fear of the stimulation causing him to lose control. “Kemp, you’re so sweet to me. Oh, that’s so good.” He focused on her clit and the hood over it, taking each stroke of his tongue slow and gentle so he didn’t irritate the parts that were still rashy near her opening. He tried not to dwell on the guilt he felt for causing that. Instead he focused on pleasing her. Ace caressed her breasts, gently plucking at her nipples, and then leaned down to suck happily on one of them. Each slow lick to her clit brought ecstatic-sounding sighs and moans from her. Her pussy wept more for him, and her thigh pressed against him as her fingers slid into his hair and she pressed her pussy against his tongue more firmly. “Yes, more. Oh please don’t stop, Kemp!” He closed his lips around her swollen clit and alternated sucking and licking until she bucked and strained against him, crying out in her pleasure. He flicked his tongue through her drenched lips a couple of times to steal her honey, and she shuddered blissfully.

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He looked up at her when he’d finished and smiled at the sight of her. Her eyes were closed and her cheeks were flushed as Ace whispered in her ear. The tendrils of her hair at her forehead were damp as though she’d broken out in perspiration from his efforts, and she looked as relaxed as it was possible to be. She looked beautiful, perfect just like that. “The aloe may feel cool as I apply it, okay?” “Mmmhmm,” she moaned as she stretched luxuriantly. His shaft leapt in response to the sexy sight as she arched her back and lifted her arms above her head. Ignoring his eager cock, Kemp lifted the first leaf and gently brushed the slick gel against her parted labia. She sucked in several panting breaths. He smiled and blew a warm draft against her pussy, which convulsed in response. “Oh, baby! So cold and hot!” She flexed her hips against his light touch, and he realized she was rising on another climactic wave. He was more than up to taking her there again. Ace’s hand trailed slowly down her abdomen when he nodded at him. Kemp brushed the slippery gel against her repeatedly, trying to remember he had a purpose there beyond playing with her. Ace dipped a finger into the slick balm and trailed it up and stroked her swollen clit until she was bucking against their hands. He wanted very much to slide a slippery finger into her cunt and stroke her G-spot, knowing the pleasure she would experience, but he disciplined himself to just playing with the parts that were rash-free. Kemp blew another stream of warm breath on her pussy, and she froze. A loud sob broke from her, a heartfelt, wild sound, and she arched off the bed, crying out ecstatically. He gritted his teeth desperately, fearing the joyous sounds she made would cause him to lose control. By the thinnest thread he maintained composure. She lay still as he finished applying the gel to a couple of areas on either side of her labia, just to be thorough, and then slowly sat up, willing his cock to behave when he looked at her.

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She was wanton, sated, and blissed out lying there with her long, golden hair flung all around her. Ace looked very pleased as he gazed at her, too. He and Ace shared a silent glance, and Kemp gathered the used-up aloe vera leaves in the towel and climbed from the bed. After disposing of the leaves, he started the shower and returned to the bedroom. Ace was speaking softly to Summer, and Kemp caught the last part of what he told her. “We’ll be right back. No. I want you to rest. We’re going to shower and then we’ll join you.” “But you—” “But nothing, kitten. You’ve had a long day, you’re relaxed now, so try to get some rest. We won’t be long.” Kemp retreated to the bathroom when she objected again, allowing Ace to deal with her need to please them. The hot water felt good on his tense shoulders, and he didn’t hesitate to fist his cock. Thoughts of her moans and cries of ecstasy and the taste of her on his lips filled his memory, and it didn’t take long for his balls to draw up. The release tore through him like a whiplash, and his cum spurted from him in hot jolts. He bit back a loud groan as the satisfaction of release coursed through his body, relaxing him. Ace joined him as Kemp rinsed off, looking in need of relief as well. “Our little kitten is persistent, I take it?” Kemp asked with a smile. Ace braced his hands on the tile and leaned into the hot spray from his showerhead. “You can say that again. She’s amazing.” “I could do that to her all night long.” “You looked like you were enjoying yourself.” “She’s addictive,” Kemp responded quietly. Ace groaned affirmatively in response, and Kemp shut off his showerhead and left Ace to deal with the monster hard-on she’d given him. He dried off and hung his towel up then returned to the dimly lit bedroom. His eyes adjusted, and he smiled when he saw her. She’d turned onto her side, bottom leg extended and the other bent at the knee. Her hair was still in wild disarray around her, and her

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eyes were closed. He padded silently around the bed and climbed into it behind her, preferring to spoon with her. He kissed her shoulder, enjoying the feel of her warm, silken skin pressed against him. In the quiet, broken only by the whispering sound of the shower, she murmured sleepily, “I would’ve helped you out, Kemp. I know you needed to come.” Kemp smiled at her sleepy tone and her thoughtfulness. “I know you would have, darlin’, but it’s been a long and trying day for you. We wanted to help you relax, not make you serve us.” “I would have been happy to, though. Are you okay?” “Yeah, darlin’. I’m fine now.” “Good, baby. Six days and twelve hours.” “I know, darlin’. I’m counting the minutes.” “Me, too, Kemp. Thank you for what you did for me. The aloe feels nice and cool.” “I hope it helps.” “Thank you for loving on me, too. You’re very good with your mouth. I’ve never known men as sweet as the two of you.” Sounding almost hesitant, she asked, “So you enjoy doing that?” “Licking your pussy?” Summer giggled and wiggled her ass against him. “Yes. Do you enjoy licking my pussy?” Kemp chuckled at her risqué repetition and replied, “There are few things I enjoy more than that. You have a very sweet, lickable pussy.” “Really?” “Yes. I love it.” She turned her head to look into his eyes. Her eyes searched his, and he thought he saw a trace of uncertainty there. He reiterated, “I love it, darlin’. You heard right. You’re the sexiest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever known or had the privilege of touching.” He put his arm around her torso and squeezed her gently and laid another kiss to her shoulder.

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Suddenly she turned in his arms, surprising him because he’d thought she’d been drifting toward sleep. She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered softly, “I love you, Kemp.” His breath left him with a gust, and he wound his arms around her and rolled to his back, pulling her until she was mostly on top of him. She’d buried her face in his shoulder, and intuitively he waited until she raised her eyes to look into his. He brushed the wild strands of her hair from her face and saw the turbulent emotions in her eyes. “I love you, too, darlin’. I’ve loved you since I laid eyes on you.” Her lips trembled, and she swallowed with an audible gulp. “Really?” She almost seemed scared to believe him. “Don’t look so surprised, Summer. You’re loving, and caring, and beautiful. It is entirely believable that I would fall in love with you in such a short period of time.” Her smile nearly lit the room, and she leaned forward to kiss him. “You love me,” she stated. “Now you’re catching on, darlin’.” Kemp glanced up when Ace returned to the bedroom and smiled at seeing Summer draped across him. “Kitten, as drowsy as you were earlier, I would’ve thought you’d be asleep by now.” Summer rested her cheek against Kemp’s chest and said, “I thought so, too.” Ace climbed into the bed and pulled the covers up over the three of them and then scooted up close on her other side. He scrutinized her face and glanced again at Kemp and asked, “Everything okay?” Summer nodded and lifted her face from his chest so Ace could see her expression too. “I told Kemp I loved him. He said he loves me, too.” Ace smiled at her and stroked her cheekbone. “I believe it. Do you love me, too?” Kemp knew Ace would never have asked her that question if he wasn’t already certain that he loved her as well. He didn’t play games

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like that with people’s feelings. It was patently obvious she adored Ace as much as he did her. His straightforward approach seemed to surprise her, and she braced herself on Kemp’s chest and nodded at Ace. Her eyes welled up, and the tears visible in her eyes made Kemp’s heart churn for her. She was afraid to be in love. He knew it in that instant. “Darlin’, don’t be afraid,” Kemp whispered. She turned to look in his eyes, and the tears spilled down her cheeks. She swiped them away quickly, and they were followed by more. She sniffled as Ace reached out and wiped the tears away. “Yes, Ace. I love you.” “And I love you.” “Are we crazy? Am I crazy? It’s only been a week.” “That’s long enough for some people,” Kemp said, caressing her smooth, bare ass under the covers. “I’ll bet Ace would love it if you’d kiss and cuddle him, too.” She looked at him gratefully. She probably thought it would offend him if she left his arms to go to Ace’s, which was why he’d prompted her. She went into Ace’s embrace, and he made a satisfied, happy growling sound as he clutched her to him tightly. Ace whispered, “I do love you, kitten. I’m a lucky man. You should get some rest now. We have a big day tomorrow.” “You do, don’t you? Bad guys to hunt?” “Locate, at the very least.” He released her and allowed her to cuddle up between the two of them. “You really love me?” “Really, darlin’,” Kemp replied with a smile. “Yes, kitten.” Based on some of the bad luck and poor experiences she’d had in the past, it might take time for her to understand how different loving them would be. He looked forward to the adjustment.

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Chapter Seventeen Summer smiled when a pair of warm lips pressed to her collarbone. She’d been awake for a few minutes, listening to the sound of her men’s quiet breathing and reveling in their combined body heat. It felt good to be sandwiched between the two of them, nice and cozy. The sun was up, but it was still early morning. “Sleep well, darlin’?” Kemp asked softly. His voice was raspy with sleep and sounded incredibly sexy to her. Ace shifted behind her, and she shuddered when his fingertips drifted lazily over her mound, where his hand had been resting when she’d awakened earlier. Just like that, her pussy was warm and wet with desire for them both. How many days? Six long days. She hoped that aloe vera had super healing properties because by the end of six days she’d be truly desperate to make love with them. “I did. And you?” “You’d better believe it. Waking up with you snuggled up to me was even better.” Kemp yawned and stretched, and she watched with admiration as the muscles in his chest and arms corded and rippled with his movements. Ace’s warm hand swept up her torso in an intimate, loving gesture, squeezing her close to him as he cupped one of her breasts in his gentle hand. “Good morning, kitten.” Ace pressed his lips to her shoulder, and she enjoyed the sensation of being held against his broad, powerful chest. “Morning.” It was indeed a good morning.

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“Ready to explore a bit more before we get moving for the day?” “Sure. What did you have in mind?” As loose and relaxed as she felt, she would’ve done anything he asked. “How about a skinny dip?” She turned to look at him as she heard Kemp chuckle. “A what?” Ace rose from the bed with a big grin on his handsome face and held out his hand. “Come on and we’ll show you.” He lifted her sheer lace dressing gown from the chair near the bed, where he’d laid it the night before, and said, “Slip this on if you’d like. We have complete, utter privacy here.” Summer knelt in the bed and stretched lazily, feeling incredibly sexy as she realized they were both staring at her with rapidly glazing eyes. Ace blinked and shook his head. She smiled when she noticed his cock was hardening, and he went into the bathroom and returned clad in his bathrobe and threw an extra robe to Kemp. She smiled, wondering if she’d have an opportunity to help with that morning wood. She shrugged into the sheer robe, feeling very naughty at the thought of going outside clad only in something so very sheer. Ace led her to the French doors, and she followed him as he headed for the stairs at the end of the deck. At the bottom he headed to the end of the house where the sun shone through the trees. She gasped with delight when she realized what was located at the end of house. “You have a swimming pool!” The water gurgled through a stone fountain at one end and lapped invitingly at the edges of the pool. “Want to take a dip before we get rolling?” Ace asked as Kemp slipped the robe from her shoulders. Being completely naked in front of anyone else would have had her cringing, but after the attention they’d paid her last night and the words they’d spoken, she didn’t hesitate before nodding. The open air kissed her skin, and her pussy swelled and throbbed at the thought of

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all the naughty things they could do out here with complete and utter privacy at their disposal. Outdoor furniture was scattered around the poolside, low chairs with arms for lounging, tall chairs gathered around a high-topped table under a shady arbor on one end, loungers for sunbathing, and one piece of furniture that intrigued her in particular. It was low and flat, with a large cushion on top of it that was about the size of a kingsize mattress. A cover was currently draped over it to protect the cushion from the harmful rays of the sun, which Ace was removing. An image of her making love with Ace and Kemp on that outdoor bed flitted through her mind, wreaking havoc on her libido. She couldn’t wait. Her pussy pulsed as Ace came to her and said, “We plan to make love to you often out here.” Indicating the bed, he added, “I knew when I bought this that I would be glad I did later. I am now.” Her voice was shaky as she replied, “I cannot wait.” Kemp stroked her shoulders, adding to the fire of desire flaming inside of her. “Darlin’, after our shower I’ll put some more of the aloe vera on you, if you’d like.” Summer chuckled and said suggestively, “Oh, I think I’d like that very much.” She was perfectly capable of doing that herself, but she’d love to feel their hands on her again. Soon. “Come in the water with us, kitten,” Ace said as he led her to the pool. She knew the water would be cold, but she dove in anyway, surfacing with a gasp and smiling up at them. She felt exhilarated as she teasingly turned her back on them and gave them a shot of her bare ass as she dove beneath the surface. They both dove in after her, and she turned to watch as they swam beneath the surface of the water to her. She surfaced and giggled when they both clutched her to them. With their bodies slithering against her, she was left with no doubt as to their current states. They were both as hard as a rock.

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She was suddenly much less interested in the pool and more interested in trying the outdoor bed. Ace had uncovered it, leading her to believe that they were interested in trying it, too, and also that they had the time for play before work. She didn’t have to be at the shop today before noon. They held on to her as she gently grasped their hardened cocks, allowing her to tread water only by kicking her feet. She stroked gently and said, “Can we play a bit on the bed? Do we have time?” “Yes, kitten.” “Sure, darlin’. We would’ve waited to show you this later if we didn’t have time this morning. Are you sure you’re up to a little fooling around?” “Very much up to it.” She was so up to it, she felt like she was on fire with lust for them. They swam to the edge of the pool and climbed out then helped her out. She accepted the towel Ace offered her and patted herself dry, noting that her pussy was slippery and hot with arousal. Kemp climbed onto the bed, big, hard, and ready, the morning sun shining on his muscled body. “Kitten, why don’t you pay attention to Kemp’s cock. I have a hankering to finally taste your pretty, little pussy. Kemp has told me how much he loves it, and I want try it for myself.” His frankness caused her pussy to throb, and she knew without doubt she’d do whatever he asked of her. She got on the bed with Kemp, on her hands and knees, and crawled to him. He knelt on the bed, his knees spread. His cock had grown to massive proportions and was pointed straight at the sky. She hungrily wondered how much of it she could take into her throat, willing to try. Summer quivered as she licked the head of his cock and felt Ace move in behind her. She spread her legs wider at his whispered request and moaned when his tongue swept between her pussy lips. His eager mouth returned for more as he groaned deeply, wordlessly. She focused on Kemp’s cock and teased his head with little lapping

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licks and sucks. Settling on her elbows, she held the base of his cock and took the first few inches into her mouth. Kemp groaned with delight and stroked her back and her wet hair as she drew back from his cock until he popped from her mouth. She repeated the act over and over because he seemed to like it. Meanwhile Ace zeroed in on her clit and lashed it with his tongue until she moaned for relief. His hands massaged the globes of her ass, and she shuddered again when one of his fingertips brushed against the entrance to her ass. Ace knew she wasn’t an anal virgin, and she appreciated that he hadn’t suggested that since her pussy was off limits, perhaps she would let them take her ass. It told her they cared about her general level of comfort as well as her specific needs. His fingertips stroked her ass again as his mouth made love to her, nonverbally promising her that he wanted it and probably soon. Her pussy convulsed with need at the thought, wringing another groan from him. Kemp was flexing against her, evidently finding it difficult to stay still while she playfully sucked on him. Deciding to get serious, she focused on relaxing her jaw and mastering the gag reflex. He made a surprised sound as she took a bit more of him then swallowed. He quickly became incoherent as she swallowed again around him, her throat working his cock. She pulled back to take a deep breath and repeated the move. “Darlin’! Oh God, darlin’!” he cried out as she swallowed again and his cock pulsed in her mouth, and she started swallowing his cum as it spurted in her throat. “Damn!” His hands in her hair trembled as he thrust gently against her. She released his cock after sucking him dry and kissed it one last time before she rose from her elbows to balance again on her hands. She arched her back as Kemp stroked her lovingly and whispered, “Thank you, darlin’. That was amazing.” She smiled at him and accepted his kiss. New heat blossomed in her pussy when Kemp shifted and moved behind her to watch as Ace ate her pussy. In her current position she felt vulnerable and

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controlled. She couldn’t see either of them very well and could only feel what Ace was doing. She pressed back against his face as he laved her clit mercilessly until she wanted to beg him to fuck her. Kemp nearly growled. “Her pussy is perfect, isn’t it?” Ace responded with a groan and continued. Kemp’s words ramped up her lust, and the thought of him watching as Ace tonguefucked her nearly drove her over the edge. Kemp continued, “I think she likes what we’re doing. Summer, you like being watched, don’t you? You like hearing what we’d like to do to you?” Her voice was a shaky whimper. “Oh, baby, yes. Yes.” She felt what she assumed was Kemp’s hand stroking her spine, and the loving, gentle touch tempered the wild lust inside her. “I’d love to spend an evening outside, with the two of us fucking you at the same time, making you come so hard you see stars. I can barely wait to put my cock inside your sweet, little pussy.” Ace chose that moment to suckle her clit gently, and the image of Kemp fucking her for the first time and them both being inside of her together sent her over the edge. Her pussy swelled and vibrated with tremor after tremor, and she screamed in ecstasy at the waves of pleasure reverberating through her at the thought of them both hammering into her. She opened her eyes as she caught her breath, Ace’s soothing touch gliding up and down her back. Kemp helped her to lie down and provided his biceps for her to use as a pillow for a few minutes. Ace lay down on her other side and kissed her. “Feel good?” She smiled blissfully and nodded, but then her eyes flew open, and she looked down at his still very hard shaft. “Baby, let me help you with that.” Ace chuckled and allowed her to push him onto his back. He wouldn’t let her to do anything for him last night, claiming that she must be tired and needed to rest. This morning she wasn’t going to be denied.

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Chapter Eighteen The doorbell rang at Discretion later the following Friday afternoon. Summer looked up to greet the customer who walked in and smiled when she recognized Chance Carlisle. “Hello, Chance. How are you?” Chance gave her a warm smile, showing his dimples, and said, “I’m fine, Summer. How are things with you?” Summer bantered with him for a minute before asking what she could do for him, already having a pretty good idea. Chance had a “lady fair” who lived quite a distance away. Chances were good that he was planning another trip in that direction and wanted to take her a gift. This was the third time Summer knew of that he’d come into Discretion to make a purchase for her, whoever the lucky girl was. “I’m planning to head west again in a couple of days. Lydia really seemed to like the gift I brought her last time, and I’d like to surprise her with something else when I stop in Fort Stockton.” Fort Stockton. That was where she lived. Summer had a hard time remembering that it was Fort Stockton, in the remote west Texas landscape that she lived in. At least now she knew what the lucky woman’s name was. “Lydia is a beautiful name.” “I think so, too, Summer. And she’s just gorgeous. And sweet. And kind.” Summer denied the urge to pat and hug him when she got a clear glimpse of just how smitten he was. It was obvious he was in love. His eyes even got faraway and kind of dreamy, too.

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“Well, let’s figure this out. A few weeks ago you got her the entire body care line in lavender.” “And she loved it, too. It seemed to really make her day.” “Good! And then last time, you bought the lavender aromatherapy line and a pretty, little silver bracelet. What were you thinking about getting her this time?” Chance looked uncertain, and Summer decided that before he bought any more lavender-scented products for this sweet girl she’d better intervene. “I’m not really sure, Summer. That’s why I come to you girls. You have a better idea of what she’d like than I do.” Summer came around the lingerie cabinet to lean against it and quietly asked, “Chance, before I make recommendation you’ve got to give me an idea of where you want this thing to go. Do you want it to stay sweet and platonic, or would you like to take this friendship to the next level? Gifts communicate a whole lot about your intentions. We can play it safe with more scented products, but I honestly think she has enough to last a while.” Chance chewed his lip for a second. “You’re probably right, Summer.” Pushing just a bit, Summer asked, “If you had your way, where would she be, right this second?” Chance smiled and easily replied, “Standing right here with me, talking to you. Picking out whatever she wanted in the entire store. I’d buy her anything she wanted.” Summer nodded. “That tells me exactly what I needed to know.” If he’d replied “wherever she wanted to be” then Summer would’ve recommended another “safe” gift. It was time to move to the next level. “You have an idea of what I should get her?” “I know exactly what you should get her. What color are her eyes?”

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Chance paused, and she smiled at the dreamy look in his eyes. He was so sweet she wanted to hug him and hoped this woman treated him right. “Her eyes are pale green with a hint of blue.” “Perfect. Follow me.” She grabbed the keys from under the register and led him to the jewelry counter. She removed a display and laid it on top of the glass counter for him to more closely inspect. “You don’t think she will feel pressured by jewelry?” “Not turquoise. It makes the perfect statement. She can wear it with just about anything. It will tell her you care about her without putting too much pressure on her the way precious stones in a more formal setting would. It will also look beautiful with her eyes.” She pointed to a pendant and cuff bracelet set and added, “I’d suggest the pieces that have a slightly greener cast to them, but any of them would be perfect.” Chance lifted the pendant she’d suggested from the display card and looked closely at it. She flipped the heavy pendant over and indicated the maker’s mark on the back. “This piece was crafted by a Navajo Artisan in New Mexico. That is his name. Take a look at the rest, since you know her coloring better than I do, and see if there is one that you think would look pretty on her.” While Chance perused the rest of the pieces, Summer went over to the bookcases, hoping the volume she wanted was still there. He needed something romantic and erotic that Lydia might find…inspiring. She smiled when she found the perfect book. She patted the cover, which featured a brunette beauty and two handsome cowboys, feeling like she was doing her part to further ménage romance. She placed it on the jewelry counter when she returned to Chance. He’d picked out the turquoise beaded necklace with the heavy greenish-blue pendant she’d suggested, along with the dangle earrings that matched it and a costly inlaid-turquoise-and-silver cuff bracelet that would go nicely with the set. He had better instincts than he thought.

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He looked over at the book on the counter and said, “What’s that?” Summer smiled as he perused the cover and replied, “It’s a Western erotic romance.” “There are two cowboys on the cover.” Summer indicated the imprint on the spine. “It’s a ménage romance about a shy heroine and the two handsome, romantic cowboys who fall in love with her.” She’d have to mention to Grace later that she’d sold Chance Carlisle a book that he and his brother Clayton had helped inspire that Grace had written the year before. Few people in the area knew that both Grace and Rachel were very successful erotic romance authors. Chance’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh! Oh.” He smiled at her and chuckled. “How’s that handsome brother of yours doing?” Summer asked as she placed the white velvet display back in the jewelry case and locked it up then carried his selections to the register. “He’s doing great. He’s dealing with the avalanche of paperwork on his desk this afternoon, otherwise he would’ve come along.” Based on Chance’s comments in the past, Summer knew there was a possibility that Clayton was equally interested in Lydia. Whether or not Lydia was amenable to that remained to be seen. “Well, I think you made good choices.” He lifted the paperback from the counter and squinted at the back cover then pulled his reading glasses from his denim shirt pocket. He chuckled and said, “I need my cheaters for this small print.” Summer didn’t think his silver-rimmed reading glasses detracted from his rugged good looks in any way. “So you think this is something Lydia would like? Whoa, it says back here that this title is scorching. What does that mean? That can’t be good.” “That means it has explicit sex in it. Actually it’s not as hot as some that I would recommend if she likes that one. But that book is a good place to start. I think she will like it a lot. It’s a best seller.”

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“Really?” Turning the book over, he looked at the title and author name. “I’ve never heard of Caressa MacFarland.” Summer giggled and replied, “Chance, honey, I’d worry about you if you said you had.” Chance glanced up at her over his glasses, and they shared a good laugh over that thought. “I can wrap it all up for you like we usually do, if you’d like.” “Why don’t you wrap up the jewelry real pretty, but I think I want to take a look through this book. Clayton might be curious about it, too.” “Don’t be surprised by how explicit it is. Erotic romance leaves very little to the imagination where sex is concerned, but these books are wildly popular with readers nowadays. I’d be willing to bet she’s read others like it before. If she seems unsure about it just tell her the lady that sold you the jewelry suggested she might enjoy it.” “Okay. That I can do.” She placed the jewelry in a padded gift box and wrapped it up for him. After she completed their transaction, he thanked her and went on his way. Summer hoped his trip to see the mysterious Lydia was a fruitful one. She heard footfalls above her in the rooms upstairs and denied the urge to go up there. She’d heard Ace’s deep voice earlier, probably speaking on the phone, and her body responded with a rush of heat and dampness between her legs, just from the sound of his voice. Her heartbeat accelerated as she once again reminded herself the wait was over. It was nearly Friday night. They’d tortured her all week long with applications of the aloe vera. Well, it wasn’t complete torture because they’d made sure she came each time they applied it for her, taking the job as their personal responsibility even though she could have done it herself with a hand mirror. The aloe had worked wonders, and she’d declared herself completely healed that morning. There was a thump outside, and then she heard the sound of Ace’s footfalls on the stairs. Heat bloomed with renewed force in her body

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when she looked up as he came into view on the landing and made his way down the last steps. He caught her gaze and smiled at her. She’d announced to them earlier that morning that tonight was the night. She had a feeling she’d be lucky if they made it home first, much less made it until the evening. The added convenience of the luxurious bed upstairs contributed to the shakiness of her self-discipline. “It’s just Kemp and Duke outside. Want to meet him?” Drawn from her haze of lustful thoughts, Summer grinned and replied, “Yes! Finally I get to meet the elusive Duke.” There was no one in the shop, and it would be closing time soon, which was seven o’clock. Ace chuckled and said, “He likes to stay in the background. His cousin Gage is with him today. You’ll get to meet them both.” He opened the front door and held it for her, and she licked her lower lip at the way his thick biceps bulged against the sleeve of his shirt. She brushed past, nearer than was strictly necessary, and traced her palm down his oblique and rubbed her breasts casually against his chest. He groaned softly at the contact, and she gazed up at him, not bothering to hide the desire she felt coursing through her body. “Oopsie.” His scent wafted in her nostrils, causing a surging response inside her, and her doubts about making it home increased. Not that she was worried. Ace made a slight, appreciative sound as he returned the long gaze, and she smiled when he looked down the deep neck of her blouse. “You wore that filmy top just to tempt me all day, didn’t you?” She’d picked the sheer, white blouse over a camisole for just that purpose but also because of the early-July heat. The nearly transparent cotton was cool and had the added bonus of being very sexy. “I wore it thinking you and Kemp might like it. It’s nice and cool, too.”

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He ushered her through the doorway and whispered, “If you’re lucky I won’t tear it getting it off of you tonight.” His tone was dominating, but his caress was tender as he palmed her lower back and walked with her down the front steps. Kemp peeked around from the back of the large paneled work van which had “Foremost Landscaping” and the slogan “We’ll Do Your Dirty Work” emblazoned on the side, along with a phone number. Summer quirked a brow, and Ace led her around the rear of the van. She gawked in surprise at what she saw in the interior. Kemp kissed her and said, “Hi, darlin’. We don’t like to keep the doors open. Let me help you up.” He lifted her with seemingly little outward effort so she could step inside the van. “I don’t suppose you want anyone to see all the equipment inside if they drove by.” “Exactly. But Duke also gets pissy if we let out all the airconditioning.” Summer giggled, and as her eyes adjusted from the bright sunlight outside, she took in the technological wonderland contained in the interior, which was about the size of a large shipping van. Movement on one side drew her attention to a man sitting in front of a bank of what appeared to be security monitors. Ace said, “Summer, I’d like you to meet Duke Rivers and his cousin, Gage Randall.” Summer smiled as a second man rose from a stool on the other side of the first man she’d noticed. He stepped away as the other seated man turned to look at her, then stepped over to her and held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Heston. I’m Duke and that’s Gage,” he said gesturing with a thumb at the man who had gone back to peering at the screen of a laptop computer. He looked up, nodded, and smiled at her but didn’t speak. Duke was about six feet tall, with longish, dark hair that reached just past his shoulders. He was built wiry and looked strong. As he shook her hand, she noticed his hand was firm but gentle and

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callused. His smile reached his eyes, and she tried not to stare as she looked closer because his eyes were a lovely, unusual slate-gray color. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Duke.” “Likewise, ma’am.” “Thank you for helping out at the house last weekend. I was grateful for your help cleaning up the terrible mess in the kitchen.” “It was no problem. The guys were concerned about you cutting yourself on all that glass, so I dealt with it. It seemed like a good way to help. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to stop the person who did it.” “So you work with Ace and Kemp?” “Yes. I’m a subcontractor. Gage and I help them with jobs where they need more than two pairs of eyes or hands.” “This is a pretty amazing setup.” “We have pretty much everything we need for surveillance inside this truck,” Ace said, giving her a quick tour, demonstrating the placement of hidden cameras on the exterior of the vehicle and the corresponding surveillance screen in the bank of monitors. At present, they could see all angles outside the van, as well as the feeds from the surveillance cameras mounted both inside and outside of Discretion. “Wow. You really have been watching over us. I thought the cameras were mostly for recording if something happened inside the shop.” “That, too, but we watch over you during the day as well.” “That’s good to know,” she replied as Ace reopened the back door of the van and helped her down. Duke returned to his spot beside his quiet cousin. “It was a pleasure to meet you both,” she said in farewell. “Same here, Miss Heston. Y’all have a good evening. We’ll be around.” To Ace, he added, “We’re going to eat supper and then head back over to Leroy Paggs’s house.” Ace nodded. “Thanks. There has to be a connection there. I don’t want to make any moves until we know what it is.”

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Surprised by all the technological wizardry she’d just seen hidden inside that unobtrusive-looking work van, she climbed the steps to the shop with Ace. “Foremost Landscaping, huh?” Ace chuckled and said, “Yeah. We do your dirty work. Actually, that’s my brother-in-law’s business and contact information in San Angelo on the side of the van. We figured we might as well advertise for him since he has crews that go all over this part of Texas.” Added on to the back of the house was the addition Mr. Abbott had done for Ace, and her favorite discovery of the week. Monday evening, Ace and Kemp had completed the tour of his house and she’d nearly flipped over the outdoor garden room in the backyard. It was accessible from the pool at the end of the house and also through the French doors that led onto the back deck. It was built of natural rough-cut timbers which served as an arbor for a large climbing antique rose bush which grew on it and provided a haven dappled with sunlight and shade. Beneath the arbor there had been large pots filled with lush, green plants, and the green screen was so thick, it wasn’t until she passed through the entrance into the arbor that she realized there was another outdoor bed located within it. The sunlight shone down on the bed, which had a cover over it to protect it from the elements, and once the sun descended a bit, the cozy enclosure would be bathed in cool shade. She’d imagined the lovemaking she wanted to experience out there and had said as much. The tour had ended with the three of them testing out the comfort and shade of the bed, bringing her to several sweet orgasms orally before letting her return the favor. From the vantage point of the bed, she’d noticed that they were visible only from one of the master bedroom windows upstairs and from the windows in the living room, although the casual observer couldn’t see the bed until they were standing right at the windows.

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She sighed with relief as she passed into the shade on the shop’s front porch and returned to the cool air-conditioning inside. The temperature outside was scorching, and she didn’t blame Duke if he got pissy when the cool air was allowed to escape the interior of the work van. Kemp and Ace followed her inside and paused at the lingerie counter inside the doorway. Kemp said, “I thought I’d run into town and pick up supper. We can eat here if you’d like.” Summer nodded and looked at Ace. “I’m starving.” The girls took turns closing the shop so that none of them had to stay this late more than one or two evenings a week, thus enabling them to be home most evenings with their husbands and families. She usually brought something to eat on the evenings she worked so she didn’t find herself eating supper late at night, but she’d forgotten to bring something with her today. Her men kept her distracted like that. Kemp said, “I’ve missed you today. I can’t wait to get you home.” The hot look he gave her told her he didn’t mean so they could watch television together. “I promise the feeling is entirely mutual, Kemp.” He winked at her and left, and Ace returned upstairs to finish what he’d been doing before they arrived. Summer was unpacking a box of new lingerie items when the doorbell rang. She giggled happily when she recognized the woman who came through the doorway. “Emma Guthrie! It’s about time you came by for a visit!” Doctor Emma Guthrie chuckled and returned Summer’s hug and replied, “I got done early today, which never happens. I decided with the weekend coming on that I’d treat myself to a shopping trip at your boutique, which I love, by the way.” She looked around the interior admiringly then turned her gaze back to Summer. “I also thought I’d check on you and see how your allergic reaction to the poison oak was doing.”

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They talked about that for a few minutes, as well as other subjects. Emma seemed slightly nervous, and Summer’s instincts kicked in. Emma was the type who was comfortable discussing sexual topics, being a doctor, but probably didn’t dwell on her own sexuality very much. Summer was willing to bet that while she might’ve shopped online for sex toys and aids, she probably had never been in a shop like Discretion. “Can I show you around the store?” “Sure! I want to see everything you have. You never know when the information might come in handy. I talk to people all the time who need help spicing up their love lives or help with sexual issues. I think a lot of the stress I see in my patients would be helped by more openly embracing their sexuality and seeing it as a vital need rather than something to talk about in hushed tones.” Physician, heal thyself. Summer suppressed her smile, wondering if Emma was giving herself a pep talk. She gave Emma the grand tour, from the books, to the toys, the fashions, and even the bondage gear. Emma was feeling much more relaxed after Summer had drawn her into talking about the various sexual aids in the shop, and the blush had long since left her cheeks. Summer and the girls were not shy about discussing the items the store carried and the wonderful benefits they could help achieve, but not everybody was comfortable talking about it and sometimes it just took time to get them to open up. This moment was what she’d been waiting for. “Want me to show you something really special that we just got in?” Summer asked conspiratorially. A twinkle came to Emma’s eyes as she nodded enthusiastically. Summer gestured to Emma and drew her to the far corner of the store, beyond the bondage gear.

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Chapter Nineteen Duke sat with Gage eating the sub sandwiches they’d picked up on their way to the boutique. Normally, he relished his toasted pepperoni, ham, and pepper jack cheese with avocado, but right now he was tasting very little. They’d decided to do a little bit of online research on the two people they would be watching later tonight, but Duke found that the laptop was holding less of his attention than the monitors positioned above it. Normally, he watched for suspicious activity and people when watching these video feeds and left the women of Discretion to run their business without infringing on their privacy or that of their customers. He’d quickly grown inured to the sight of one of the nice ladies recommending a dildo or butt plug to a customer. Today was different though. He glanced at his cousin and noticed his eyes were on the monitor as well. They’d both been watching when the beautiful brunette had pulled up in the parking lot and climbed from her quirky yellow-and-black Pontiac Aztek, which looked like an oversized bumblebee. What she drove alone had piqued his curiosity, and then he’d gotten a look at her and he’d been all eyes since that moment. The brunette was tall, probably five nine, and built just right with sleek curves. She was dressed in blue jeans and a tank top that revealed her soft-looking arms and shoulders and her delicate collarbones. She’d turned slightly toward the van as she closed her car door, and he got a tantalizing view of her full bust and cleavage pressing against the neckline as she retrieved her keys from the ground when she dropped them.

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She’d paused and looked at the exterior of the shop, seeming a little hesitant. He’d watched as she firmed her lips and marched up the steps and been further intrigued by her demeanor. She seemed…shy somehow and it made him curious about her. Maybe this was her first visit to a shop like Discretion. He’d looked over to find Gage watching the screen as well, and then they had both switched their gazes to the monitors for the shop cameras. Duke had noticed that Summer was really good at setting people at ease inside the shop. The brunette must’ve been someone she was acquainted with because they’d hugged as soon as she’d entered the shop. She’d taken her all around the boutique, talking with her the whole time, and Duke had noted that she’d seemed more comfortable as the minutes passed. Summer got a conspiratorial look on her face and said something to the brunette which he couldn’t make out because her lips were obscured. The sound was turned down on the monitor because he preferred to not have the chatter running constantly and also to give others their privacy. The temptation to turn on the sound was overwhelming. Summer beckoned to the brunette, and she followed her to a corner of the shop. The temptation to turn on the sound grew with each passing second as they drew near where one of the cameras was mounted on the wall and within plain sight of Duke and Gage viewing them. “This is so wrong. What we are doing?” Gage muttered, not looking away. “Yeah. We shouldn’t be watching them.” “Nope.” Neither of them looked away from the monitor. Gage reached for the volume control on the monitor when the brunette put her hands to her mouth in surprise. Her shoulders shook like she was giggling, and when she turned to look around the shop, evidently to make sure they were alone, he could see a blush darkening her cheeks.

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Summer spoke using her hands, indicating enthusiasm over whatever she was talking about. She was standing next to an opened shipping carton on a rolling cart. Duke put out a hand to stop Gage from turning on the sound. “We shouldn’t be listening, either.” Gage groaned and said, “Nope. But we’re gonna.” Duke knew he’d feel guilty later for spying on them, but curiosity got the better of him. He didn’t stop Gage when he adjusted the volume control so their conversation could be heard. The brunette said, “Someone saw a need for something like that and served as the model?” “Yes. Can you imagine having to stand still with an erection while rubber molding material dries around it?” “Oh, my gosh, no!” The brunette flapped her hands and giggled as she fidgeted from one foot to the other. Duke was beginning to think she was adorable. “Where did you find these?” “You remember Maya Daire, right?” “Of course.” “She has a friend who showed her one, once. Her husband is the one who served as the model. They sell all kinds of kinky products on the Internet and also have a kinky bed and breakfast in San Marcos. I think her name is Charlotte. But anyway, Maya said Charlotte calls it ‘The Instant Threesome.’” Summer removed a box from the carton and opened the folding flap on the top. The brunette gasped and Duke choked on his soda when a large penis flopped up in the plastic wrap, and the brunette squealed and clapped her hands over her mouth. Duke heard the sound of rapid footsteps as Ace ran down the stairs. A moment later he heard Ace’s voice raised anxiously, beyond the viewpoint of the camera. “You okay, Summer?” Summer turned and nodded at Ace, and Duke really felt like a voyeur when he saw the unadulterated adoration on her face as she replied, “I’m sorry, Ace. I was showing Emma one of the new toys.”

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“Oh. Okay. I heard noise and got worried. Hey, Doctor Guthrie, how are you doing?” “Fine, Ace, and you?” she asked as she placed her left hand on her blushing cheek. “I’m good. Are you showing her Enrique?” “Yes, honey.” “Okay, I’ll be upstairs. Kemp called and said the restaurant was busy and it would be a few more minutes before our food was ready.” “Okay.” The name Emma suited the pretty brunette. They turned back to the toy as Ace headed back upstairs. “Enrique?” Emma asked. Her sexy, low-pitched voice sent a little tendril of lust through Duke. She sounded very intrigued. “That’s what I nicknamed it. You can roll your Rs while you ride, screaming his name.” “Oh, I thought maybe that was Charlotte’s husband’s name.” “No. I heard through Maya that his name is Zane. For all I know that may be what she calls her original of this toy. Anyway, it’s called ‘The Instant Threesome,” but obviously you could use it solo and have a great time. I’m just glad Maya told me about them because we really like doing business with entrepreneurs in the kink business. Want to see?” she asked, her hands hesitating on the wrapping enclosing whatever was in the box. All he could make out so far was a large dildo-looking device pointing toward the ceiling. “Duh! Of course!” “I was hoping you might say that,” Summer said with a snicker. She removed the carton from the rolling cart and sat the box on it. Emma held the flaps while Summer pulled the rather large item from the Styrofoam peanuts it was packed in. “You have got to be kidding me!” Emma said then erupted in giggles.

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Duke looked on in surprise as Summer revealed the newest sex toy in Discretion. It was a life-sized, anatomically correct casting of a lower male torso, from the lower ribs all the way down to midthigh. “Lift it, Emma, and you’ll see how heavy it is. It’s made from silicone gel and it’ll take a little muscle to move it around. But you don’t want something lightweight, right?” Emma looked at Summer and said, “I guess not?” Her expression was adorably clueless. Summer smiled and said, “When you’re riding it, you wouldn’t want it to bounce around under you with your movement. You’d want it to stay rock solid and in place.” Duke’s cock hardened at the explanation, thinking he could stay rock solid and in place for Emma if she was riding him. Gage groaned, and Duke knew he was thinking similar thoughts. “Oh.” Emma reached out a tentative hand and poked the erect cock with a fingertip. It bounced a couple of times and then pointed unflaggingly toward the ceiling again. Duke’s cock reacted as if she’d touched him, swelling behind his fly to painful proportions. His food grew cold in front of him as he waited to hear what she would say next. “I’ll take it. How much?” Holy shit! **** Summer sighed happily as she set the small bistro-style table on the back porch. She put out everything, plates, silverware, and pretty glassware, even though she knew it wasn’t necessary. They could just as easily have eaten from Styrofoam cartons with plastic utensils, but she wanted to give the evening a little more romance. Kemp had called to say he was on the way with their food. She didn’t have any idea where he’d gone, but it had taken a while for him to get back.

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She smiled as she gazed around the backyard. The ambient effect of the new outdoor lighting was very pleasing to her. The welcoming gazebo stood off in the yard, the interior illuminated by the strands of small white bulbs hung inside it providing just enough light. She admired the newly renovated porch again. Some of the rosebushes in the new flowerbeds surrounding it were already budding. Ace opened the back door and brought out the pitcher of tea she’d made and the bottle of wine he’d removed the cork from earlier in the day. “Kemp just pulled up.” “Good. Are you hungry?” “Starving,” Ace replied quietly. His tone was at once reserved and intense. She looked up into his eyes and saw her own emotions reflected at her. Yeah. We’re so not making it home tonight. At least not for a few hours. He placed wine glasses at each setting and poured the wine. She was glad he knew something about wine because she knew very little. Kemp came through the back door, carrying bags with the restaurant logo emblazoned on them. “You went to Tessa’s to pick up supper?” Summer had heard good things about Tessa’s, and not just about the exceptional food. Tessa’s offered a unique, private dining experience if a reservation could be had. Kemp replied, “Yes. We’d like to take you there some time, but they have a waiting list for the private dining booths right now.” Turning to Ace, he said, “I put our names on the list.” “Good. We’ll make it a special occasion.” “In the meantime they were happy to put supper together for us.” He sat the bag on the side table and removed the boxes. A succulent aroma of spices and grilled meats filled the air. “Yum. What did you get?” she asked as her mouth began to water. “Shrimp and vegetable kebabs, rare tenderloin with mushrooms, and lobster tail. You can have your pick. There are also vegetables,

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and this,” he said, holding up a separate bag, “contains salad, bread sticks, and dessert.” Ace asked, “What’s for dessert?” Summer watched a slow, sexy smile flit across his lips. Me, baby, if I’m lucky. Kemp caught Ace’s suggestive tone and replied, “Tessa’s signature tiramisu. I’ll go put it in the refrigerator so it stays cold.” When Kemp returned they sat down to the meal and began picking and choosing from the containers. Everything smelled delicious, and her stomach growled hungrily. Despite her hunger pangs, her appetite was small. She enjoyed the food tremendously, but her thoughts were wholly on the rest of the evening. They talked quietly with her and inquired how everything tasted. She accidentally dropped her napkin, and Ace bent to pick it up, placed it back in her lap, and his hand remained on her thigh. The soft summer breeze blew a lock of her hair against her lips, and Kemp reached out to smooth it back before she could make a move. He smiled warmly at her, love in his green eyes, and leaned forward to brush his full lips against her cheekbone. The heat that had been simmering in her blood all evening flamed a little brighter inside her, and her pussy trembled with longing. Ace stroked her leg, his fingers shifting to her inner thigh over her skirt, and kissed her other cheekbone. The quivering inside her grew as she looked into their eyes and saw the hot desire they no longer had to deny. “Finish your tenderloin, kitten. We have all night.” Her mind made the journey to Ace’s house, to all the different places in it and around it that she wanted to play. The hot tub. The poolside bed. The garden room. His gigantic bed in the master suite. The bathtub. Visually ticking off each location fueled the heat inside her, but she knew the perfect place to start the evening.

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The meal was finished in silence, and a knife could’ve been used to cut the tension. Ace started a sink of soapy water, and Kemp brought in the dishes and other things while Summer put away the large amount of leftovers. It was all achieved in a matter of a few efficiently used minutes. The shop was locked up tight and the quiet of the night descended around her as she flipped off the lights on the back-porch area but left on the dim strand of lights inside the gazebo. They were there more for ambience than to actually be helpful as a light source, and she was thrilled with the effect. The soft music of crickets filled the air. Sensing their dual presence behind her in the doorway, she made a bold decision. The heat in their eyes when she turned to look up at them told her they would follow wherever she led in this moment. She wanted them now. She watched their faces as she reached for the tiny pearl buttons on the front of her sheer gauze top. They were riveted as she loosed each button from its hole. She carefully slid the delicate top from her shoulders and laid it over the back of one of the chairs they’d sat in earlier. The camisole she’d worn beneath the top followed. Leaving her in her white lace push-up bra. She pushed down the elastic waist on the matching layered gauze skirt to reveal the white lace cheeky shorts beneath it. She slipped her feet from the silver beaded and sequined thong sandals she’d worn and left it all on the porch. Smiling in invitation, she turned her back on them and strolled down the steps and across the still-hot flagstone walk that led out to the gazebo. She wished she could see their faces and wondered if they been able to make out the lace-up backside of the cheeky shorts. If they had, it wasn’t the only thing they would discover about the lace undergarment in a minute. She heard movement behind her and turned to watch them as she mounted the steps to the subtly lit gazebo. They were right behind her, unbuttoning their shirts. She smiled as she stood and watched them both undress, their nimble fingers fumbling over suddenly

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uncooperative buttons. Summer smiled when Kemp jerked on the last one and she heard it snap and ricochet across the structure. They kept their eyes on her as they undressed until finally they were down to their underwear and then nothing but their bare skin. The sight of them naked and looking ready to take her made her pussy pulse wildly and burn to feel them inside her. Ace’s dark eyes burned with desire as he said, “Kitten, are you ready for us?” She bit her lip as she looked him over. He was so tall and broad at the chest and shoulders, so strong but so gentle and skilled with his hands. He wanted to know if she was ready for them, which told her his primary concern was still her well-being, but she doubted it was possible to be more ready for them. “Ace, I want this tonight more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I need you. Both of you.” They’d asked her earlier in the week if she’d mind going bareback tonight, assuring her they had both been tested at their yearly checkups just a few months before. She was on the pill, so tonight was going to be a barrier-free first night. She couldn’t imagine it happening more perfectly unless they gave her the true ménage she was now craving. She wanted them both at the same time. She had a feeling they might balk since this was their first time together but hoped they would concede to her wishes. She had a clean bill of health, and she was ready to trust her instincts with them. Kemp removed a tube of lubricant from one of his pants pockets and placed it on the cushioned bench nearby. She smiled in relief, having forgotten to grab some before she’d made her decision and stripped for them. “Thank you, Kemp. I have a feeling we’re going to need that.” Kemp chuckled quietly and said, “I wanted to be prepared, darlin’.” He stood before her, letting her look her fill of him. He was a big man. His chest was a solid wall of muscle leading down to tight abs and a trim waist. His thighs were as thick as tree trunks and

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heavily muscled, too. She was glad for his physical strength because she loved the way he carried her around as if she weighed nothing. His green eyes were soft and filled with desire as he drew close to her, and she pressed her breasts against his hard chest. Despite the lingering heat, she was comforted by his warmth. They closed in on either side of her, and a ripple of nervous excitement shot through her. “I can’t wait to feel you inside me.” She looked from one to the other as Ace caressed her hips. “Both of you, together.” Ace’s black eyebrows knit together in a momentary frown. “Are you sure, kitten? Our first time together?” “I’m completely healed and it’s been on my mind all week.” “But given your first experience, wouldn’t you rather ease into a ménage more gradually? I think you should take time to get used to sex with us individually first, don’t you?” Ace looked genuinely concerned, and that was when she knew he really loved her. She’d never dated a guy who she wasn’t willing to bet would rush into a threesome at the barest mention of the word. “No. Your concern for my welfare makes me want it even more. I know you both will take it slow. It’ll be so good, I’ll forget that other experience altogether.” Kemp traced his hands up her abdomen and gently cupped her breasts. “You trust us that much, darlin’? You really want it?” “More than you can imagine.” She moaned when his thumbs brushed over her lace-covered nipples and a trickle of her juices seeped from her cunt. She bit her lip as her clit throbbed, and a hard ache began in her pelvis. “I need you.” She spoke the words to both of them, and they must have understood that was her intention because they both responded simultaneously. Kemp took her lips in a kiss that seared her nerve endings from the tips of her toes all the way to her hair follicles while continuing to stroke her nipples through the lace of her bra. Ace’s strong arms wrapped around her middle, and she could feel the heat of his large

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erection pressed against her ass. She trembled when he slid a hand down to her lace-covered mound, and they moaned together when his fingers slid though the split at the crotch and into the slippery juices of her cunt. Ace’s finger slid through her opening, and her pussy clenched in need for more. “Damn, you’re full of surprises, kitten,” he said in a deep, growlysounding voice. Kemp opened his eyes and looked questioningly over her shoulder at Ace, and he explained, “Her little panties are split up the middle for easy access.” Kemp gave her a slow, sexy smile. “You don’t say? I guess I should investigate for myself.” Summer’s voice was shaky when she whispered, “Yes, you should. Especially since I wore them to please both of you.” “The way you dress always pleases us. But trust me when I say that we love what you put inside your clothes even more, kitten.” Summer giggled and wiggled her ass against him then moaned again as Kemp’s fingers joined Ace’s in stroking her sopping wet cunt. Kemp said, “Darlin’, you’re so wet. Do you like being out here with us, naked?” Summer chortled again and said, “I’m not naked. You’re naked. I still have clothes on.” “Well, we need to remedy that,” Ace replied as he loosed the hooks on the back closure of her bra. He eased it from her and dropped it on their pile of clothing. The warm, humid air kissed her nipples, and they stood up in tight points as Kemp stroked them directly with his thumbs. Ace slipped her panties off her hips, and they fluttered down to her ankles, and she stepped from them. Kemp pulled her to the cushion where he’d left the lubricant. He sat down and patted his thigh, indicating she should pillow her head on it. She intended to do more than use him for a pillow. She lay down and allowed Ace to position her to his will. She turned her head and licked Kemp’s balls

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and the underside of his cock. Kemp groaned and caressed her cheek as he gazed down at her. In her current position there was no way she could reach the head of his cock, so she contented herself with licking what she could reach. Ace’s hot mouth descended on her pussy, and she arched her back in pleased surprise. She would’ve fallen from the bench if Kemp hadn’t been holding on to her. Ace licked at her pussy with wicked abandon for several minutes and suckled at her already pulsing clit until her pussy clenched and she panted and moaned in orgasm. Ace growled happily and tormented her clit a moment longer as each wave of sensation washed over her. Once the use of her extremities returned, Summer carefully placed her elbows on the cushion and propped herself up so she could reach the head of Kemp’s cock. Unsatisfied that Ace was neglected, she sat up and motioned Ace to come stand close. She knelt on the comfy cushion and grasped both of their cocks at the base and took turns suckling them. She tortured Kemp, tonguing the head of his cock and kissing it until he groaned in need. She turned to Ace and gave him the same attention. With each round she took them deeper and suckled a little harder until they both stopped her. “Enough teasing, kitten. Kemp wants to taste your pussy and then we’re going to fuck you together.” His words were vulgar, but his tone was strained, and she thought maybe they needed the moment to gain control before moving on. Kemp flipped her gently onto her back, using care that she didn’t hit her head on the wooden framework of the gazebo. He lifted her hips from the cushion as though she weighed nothing and dove for her pussy almost hungrily. Ace bent over her and tongued her nipples, teasing her now with his flicking tongue. Holding her firmly in his grasp, Kemp lashed her clit with his tongue as she squirmed and bucked against his mouth. The dual assault on her breast and her pussy increased a thousandfold as she became aware of what Kemp and Ace were doing. Grasping her hips

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as he did, Kemp had spread her ass cheeks open. Gentle, wet fingers applied lubricant to her clenching asshole in preparation for what was to come. Ace smoothed more lubricant on her asshole and began a slow, circular massage. She gradually acclimated to the forbidden feel of his callused fingers there. Kemp’s tongue slipped into her pussy opening, and combined with what Ace was doing, their attentions sent her over the edge. Her cunt clenched on his tongue, and she cried out as another orgasm came upon her. Wave after wave of undulating pleasure coursed through her body until she was like putty in their warm, sensual hands. She heard them quietly conversing and realized she must have been drifting in bliss. “Feel good, darlin’? Relaxed?” Kemp asked as he smoothed stray locks of hair from her forehead. She nodded and took his hand when he offered it. He helped her sit up and drew her to him where he now reclined on his back with a couple of throw pillows propping him up. Feeling her strength quickly returning, she straddled his thighs and began pressing kisses up his torso until she reached his lips. She heard movement behind her and panted softly against Kemp’s lips when Ace drizzled lubricant into the crack of her ass and then smoothed it around. She had no doubt she was well lubricated and appreciated their loving care. Ace poured some in Kemp’s hand, and he applied it to her pussy and his cock as well. After wiping his hands off on a towel that Ace must’ve brought at some point, Kemp asked, “Ready, darlin’?” Summer nodded and pressed her slick cunt to the length of his cock. She closed her eyes and smiled, memorizing the sensation and this moment. His cock felt so hot and hard sliding against her lips, and he groaned in pleasure and gazed at her as she sat up on him. She brushed her hair from her face so it trailed down her back in a wild, tangled mass. Crossing her hands behind her head to counterbalance

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her movements, she gave him a lap dance. He growled happily as he rested his hands on her hips and allowed her to set the pace as she slid back and forth over the tremendous length of his cock. He groaned and flexed his hips trying to get his cock inside her but she changed direction and swirled her pussy on him, gently twisting her hips from side to side like a belly dancer would, only in slow motion. Ace joined them on the cushion, and her pussy convulsed when his fingertips slid down her cleft to her asshole again. He used her movements to massage her asshole and finally breached it with one fingertip. She moaned and tilted her backside to him, trying to relax to let him in. Soon she was moving as much on Ace’s fingertips as she was on the hard ridge of Kemp’s cock. The sensation was unbelievable as his finger slid deeper before withdrawing and he entered her asshole with two fingers. “That’s good, kitten. Let me in. Do you like it?” “I love it.” Her movements on Kemp became smaller and more focused, and she broke out in a sweat when Ace slid three fingers into her asshole because she knew she was ready for him. She tilted her hips to allow him easy access and leaned down to kiss Kemp as he grasped her hips. “Ready, darlin’?” More than ready, she nodded and asked, “Want my pussy?” “More than you can imagine,” he said with a groan as she rubbed her wet cunt against the head of his cock in a teasing, kissing motion. She pressed her mound against him, and he flexed his hips to position his cock just inside her opening. He felt huge and hot stretching her tight as he slid in just a bit. He reached up to her and stroked her cheek as she panted with wanting. She opened her eyes and looked into his as he softly said, “I love you, Summer.” The emotion she saw there made her chin quiver a bit as she replied, “I love you, too, Kemp.”

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Ace murmured, “You were made for us, kitten. I love watching you take his cock. You’re so wet and your sweet, little pussy looks beautiful with his cock disappearing inside of you.” “Oh, if you think that’s something you should feel it. Baby, you’re huge, but you feel so good!” Kemp’s cock was stretching her tight, but each time he withdrew and thrust, he slid more easily as she adjusted to him. She arched her back and flexed her hips, taking more and more of him until she was seated on his hips with all of his enormous length inside of her. “Darlin’, it’s so good. You’re so hot and sweet inside.” In thanks she smiled and flexed again like she had when she’d given him a lap dance earlier. Kemp nodded at Ace and then said, “Darlin’, Ace wants in your ass now. Stop moving until he gets inside you. I want to last and it feels too good when you move like that.” “So, you like my pussy?” His green eyes twinkled, and he said, “I love your pussy. Now hold still.” A hot shiver passed through her when Ace’s hands caressed her back. He came closer and kissed her shoulder and the blunt tip of his cock nudged at her asshole. “I love you, Summer. You amaze me, letting us do this the first time. I want it to be good for you.” He pressed against the tight ring of muscle, and she concentrated on relaxing for him. The hot shivers returned as his cock made headway in her ass, and she groaned passionately as he slid past her resistance. His slippery cock entered her ass a little at a time, until she finally felt his hips against her ass, and she whimpered at being so completely possessed by them. Her clit throbbed and ached, and she was dying to move against them but waited for them to take the lead. “Relax, darlin’. Hold on to me.” She rested her cheek against Kemp’s chest and clutched his biceps as Ace withdrew a tiny bit and pressed into her ass then repeated the motion. The sensation was unbelievably erotic. With each withdrawal

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he pulled out a bit farther before pushing back in until he was moving freely in and out. Just as she was able to process the sensation coherently, Kemp began to move beneath her. She held on to him tightly as her clit brushed against his length and his pubic bone. She was stretched so tightly between them she felt every stroke of his cock against her clit. She crooned and said, “I need to come. Oh, baby.” The flurries of orgasmic sensation built up in her pelvis explosively. Like a runaway train, there was no stopping it. “Oh!” “Yes. Come for us, kitten,” Ace ground out behind her, sounding like he was in mortal pain. He gripped her hips tightly, and their movements sped up a bit. The sensation against her clit was just enough, and she cried out as the orgasm crashed around her, sending her body into overdrive. She moved and bucked with them in a frenzy as another orgasm followed quickly after the first one. Kemp tilted his head and arched his back as he cried out. He thrust hard against her a couple more times before his body tightened up, and he held her hips pressed firmly to him. Kemp was decadent and ruggedly sensual as he came. She watched him intently, hoping to never forget this moment. Ace pressed his lips against her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her torso as he thrust into her ass. She loved how tightly he held on to her and reveled in his sounds of unadulterated pleasure. He pressed his lips to her shoulder, and she could tell when his orgasm struck because he growled and his body shuddered forcefully. He thrust a few more times and then pressed his forehead to her shoulder and caught his breath. They stayed like that for a minute or two, just catching their breath. Summer wanted to wallow in the feeling of being so well loved. One man beneath her, the other on top and behind her, with their cocks still firmly planted inside her. The sounds of crickets and the occasional cicada filled the night air, along with intermittent birdsong.

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“You okay, darlin’?” Kemp asked as he caressed her temple. She released his biceps after realizing she still held them very tightly and gasped when she saw ten neat, little semicircles on both of his biceps where she’d gripped them so hard. “I’m sorry. That must’ve hurt.” Kemp closed his eyes and smiled. “I felt so good everywhere else I didn’t even notice, darlin’. Are you okay?” Bliss felt like it oozed from her pores, and she gave him a happy smile. “That was beautiful.” Ace groaned and said, “Uh-huh,” against her shoulder. He finally sat up and slowly withdrew from her tingling ass and used the hand towel to wipe the lubricant from her ass cheeks. “Let’s get cleaned up and get you home. You were perfect, kitten.” “The feeling is entirely mutual, handsome.” Reluctantly, she allowed Kemp to help her slide off his cock, and she sat up. She stretched her arms over her head and sighed luxuriantly. When she opened her eyes, it was to find that both men watched her raptly, warmth in their gazes. Kemp murmured, “And she’s all ours.” **** Lydia trudged up the stairs, her footsteps echoing faintly on the metal steps. She’d hoped to be out of this low-rent motel by now. It had been the best she could afford when she realized she might be stranded in Fort Stockton for a while. Then sweat trickled down her back, even though the sun had already set hours before. The July heat was like a suffocating blanket. The news she’d just gotten about her car only added to her misery. The mechanic had promised he could get her elderly Karmann Ghia fixed and running well enough for her to make it out of Fort Stockton once she paid the price he’d quoted. She fought the trapped feeling that threatened to overwhelm her.

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She wanted out of Fort Stockton pretty badly, and the repair would all but wipe out the money she’d saved. But she was determined to make it on her own without help from her brothers. So far, whenever they called she’d managed to sound like everything was fine and she was happy with where she currently was. She was up a creek without a paddle if they ever paid a surprise visit. She walked down the row of shabby motel-room doors until she arrived at the doorway of her rented room. Tilting her head back to ease the tired, sore muscles in her neck, she reached in her pocket for her keys. She was about to insert the key in the lock when she noticed the door was ajar. Her heart skipped a beat. Oh, what now! She cautiously pushed the door of her small hotel room open and gasped at what she found. Everything was gone. Just…gone. She paused and looked again at the room number screwed on the door to make sure she had the right room. It was her room, and she knew it because the pleasant scent of lavender lingered in the air, masking some of the musty odor of the now-bare old motel room. Her heart froze in her chest, and cold chills spread over her skin as she closed the door and rushed to the bed. She knelt and looked under it, reaching for the Ziploc bag she kept hidden in the box spring of the full-size bed. She found nothing and searched more diligently, thinking perhaps she’d placed it in a different spot after putting yesterday’s tips in it. No. It was gone. Crouching there in her shabby waitress uniform, it didn’t take much to collapse in a heap. She cried wearily for a few minutes. A glint of something caught her eye, and she reached inside the torn cover of the box spring. Her lip quivered when her fingers came into contact with the metallic object. She hadn’t lost everything. The beautifully formed sterling silver bracelet Chance Carlisle had given her rested in her hand. Even though it was foolish of her to think it, she wished more than anything in the whole world that he was with her right now. Not

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so he could save her or anything like that, but because being around him made her happy. She felt safe around him. Right now she didn’t feel safe at all.

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Chapter Twenty Thunder rumbled as they made the drive home that night. Ace’s body simmered with a mix of anticipation tempered by satisfaction. It was almost confusing to feel that way. On the one hand, he’d just made love with the woman he’d always hoped would become a part of his life and he’d come so hard he’d seen stars. But with her snuggled up next to him in the back seat of Kemp’s Escalade, his cock was hardening again, readying for another opportunity to make love to her. Summer was beautiful, fun to be around, and gloriously sexy. She loved both him and his best friend unashamedly. She was like a siren, her voice and touch drawing him on a deep, earthy level. He was passionately in love with her and wanted her with them always. Ace looked out the rain-spattered windshield, relieved that the rain had waited until after their outdoor tryst, and saw when Kemp directed his gaze in the rearview mirror at them. Ace could see enough of his friend’s profile to catch the small smile that crossed his face. Summer hadn’t known Kemp long enough to realize the change she had affected in him. He was relaxed and prone to joke and smile more often. Ace could also tell that he was sleeping better and knew that Summer had something to do with that as well. Her fingertips strayed through the front placket of his buttondown shirt, and he smiled in the dark as she stroked his chest. Her head rested on his shoulder with his arm around her, holding her close. He loved the way she snuggled to them and wanted nothing more than to take care of her tonight. To take care of her forever. She

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tilted her head and looked up at him, and he took the opportunity to kiss her gently before she returned her head to its resting place. Lost in his thoughts, he was relieved when Kemp finally pulled onto his private driveway and proceeded up the hill. He’d known a good deal when he found that house, but it had never felt so completely right as it did when he’d brought her home. Ace hoped she abandoned her plan for moving into the upstairs rooms of the shop and that she would come to see this place as her home. Kemp parked in the garage, and Ace opened his door. The scent of rain permeated the air as the garage door slipped closed again and he helped Summer from the back seat. In the kitchen, he removed his phone from his pocket and realized that he’d never turned the volume back on after they’d left the shop. He hadn’t wanted to take the chance that his phone would ring while they were busy that evening. There were three messages, one right after the other from Duke. Kemp looked questioningly at him, and he said, “I have to check these messages. I’ll meet you upstairs in just a few minutes.” Summer turned a querying look to him. “Is everything all right?” “I think so, kitten. Duke wouldn’t call and leave three messages in a row at this hour unless it was important.” Concern showed in her eyes, and he kissed her brow and said, “No matter what it is, it’ll keep until the morning. I’ll just call him back so he won’t worry.” She nodded, and Kemp took her hand as they climbed the stairs. Ace flicked his finger over the touch screen of his phone and put it to his ear to listen to the messages first. All good news. He dialed Duke’s number. “Hey, Duke. I don’t want to know how you managed it.” Duke chuckled on the other end. “You owe me hazard pay for collecting those DNA samples.” “I’m just glad you caught the similarities.”

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Ace smiled as he climbed the stairs two minutes later. He decided to save the news for in the morning, not wanting to distract Summer and Kemp from the night to come. He followed the sound of a moan and a giggle into the bathroom and discovered Kemp and Summer in the big shower. Kemp had her reclining on the bench with one of her calves draped over his shoulder as he used the shower massage on her pussy. Her cheeks were flushed, and judging by her whiny moan, Kemp was teasing her clit with the spray. The phone calls temporarily forgotten, he stripped out of his clothing and joined them. “Is Kemp teasing you, kitten?” Summer pouted prettily, “Yes.” Kemp bent down to lick her clit, and she whimpered with need. He went back to teasing her as he looked up at Ace and grinned devilishly. Yeah, Summer had been really good for Kemp. Ace lathered up and washed his hair and his body. His dick grew harder with each of Summer’s cries as Kemp brought her closer and closer to orgasm. “Please, I need you.” Her whispered plea shot a bolt of lust straight to Ace’s cock, and he shut the water off on his showerhead as Kemp did the same thing. Ace helped her rise from the bench and enveloped her in a thick, fluffy towel. They dried off quickly, and Ace went into the bedroom to turn down the sheet and comforter. Kemp followed behind him, carrying Summer in his arms as she kissed his neck and his jaw. He laid her gently on the bed, and they climbed in with her after switching off the bedside lamps. The single flickering candle on the dresser, which he’d lit on his way into the room, provided the only illumination. Her skin glowed in the dim light, and he pressed a kiss to her silky, sweet-scented shoulder. She turned to her left hip and leaned toward him for a kiss as Kemp scooted in behind her. Ace kissed her and cupped her breast, gently squeezing her delicate warm flesh, enjoying the weight of it in his palm. She looked up at him as he

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brushed damp tendrils of hair from her forehead and smiled. She closed her eyes and gave a blissful-sounding sigh. He liked knowing he was partially responsible for that sound. Kemp brushed her long hair from her neck and pressed a kiss there then trailed his fingertips down her arm then crossed over to her abdomen and continued the light, teasing touch to her mound. She shuddered and giggled with delight at his touch, and Kemp smiled at him, evidently pleased with her reaction. Ace caressed her cheek and asked, “How do you feel, Summer? Are you sore?” Summer smiled up at him again, her eyes filled with warmth and love, and replied, “I feel fine. My ass is tingling and I’m probably not going to want anyone in there again tonight, maybe not even tomorrow, but I’m definitely ready for more. If you’re game, that is.” Ace looked down at his cock, which was hard as nails, drawing her gaze as well. “I think this removes all doubt about whether I want to fuck again.” She closed her soft hand around his dick, and he growled at the sexy, earthy sound that came from her. “Oooh. You’re very hot and hard.” His dick pulsed at her words and twinged almost painfully as she stroked his length. He stroked her warm hip and palmed her ass as Kemp’s fingers delved into her pussy, stroking her clit, judging by her panting sigh of pleasure. Kemp murmured, “Darlin’, you’re so wet. So you want Ace to fill your sweet pussy with his cock?” She shuddered and moaned then whispered, “Desperately.” Ace slid his hand down to the back of her thigh and guided it over his until she was opened so he could nudge her wet cunt, which felt incredibly hot and slick against the head of his cock. He resisted the urge to plunge in and teased her with small back-and-forth motions against her lips while he caressed her ass and hip. Her sounds were

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uninhibited and passionate as he brushed his cock against her swollen clit, and she began to squirm restlessly in his grasp. Kemp shifted behind her to make room as Ace pressed her hip so she could recline on her back. She shifted willingly and smiled up at Kemp as she reclined against his chest and he stroked the full swell of her breast with his fingertips. Ace kissed her and positioned himself between her opened thighs, enjoying the soft, welcoming cradle of her body. He stroked her clit gently while spreading her lips and nudged his cock at her entrance. Her swollen pussy was slick and tight as he pressed against her. He bit his lip as her trembling, hot flesh acquiesced to his entry and he slid into her sweet, silky cunt. She moaned and flexed against him, and though he’d intended to take it easy on her, sliding in by minute degrees, he couldn’t stop himself as he slid into her in one smooth stroke. He panted and fought for control as he felt her pussy convulse and she trembled beneath him. Her pussy muscles gripped him tightly, and she crooned as she undulated beneath him. He buried his face against her throat and breathed in her clean, womanly scent, pressing a kiss to the sweet spot beneath her ear. Trying to maintain self-control, he thrust against her and withdrew almost completely. “Oh, Ace!” He thrust and withdrew again, gently pressing deeper, tilting his hips so that his cock rubbed against her G-spot with every stroke. She clutched his biceps and then wrapped her arms around his neck. “Does it feel good, kitten?” “Oh, honey. I love it!” She held on tightly and thrust back against him with each stroke. She panted, and her moans sounded almost desperate as she moved beneath him. Each stroke into her cunt was pure, sweet heaven, and the way she moved against him ensured he wouldn’t last much longer. Changing his position, he knelt between her legs and lifted her thighs so he could watch as his cock slid inside her. She palmed her knees and watched him.

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“Do you like it, Ace?” “I love watching your pussy take my cock. You take all of it like you were meant for me, kitten. Beautiful.” He pressed his thumb against her clit and began stroking it in a circular pattern. She closed her eyes and gulped, and he felt her pussy liquefy around him at his touch. It was a heady feeling to know he could affect her like that, and it motivated him to make this as good for her as he could. He slowed his thrusting, kept up the strumming of her clit, and tilted his hips so he rubbed her G-spot with every stroke. She bit her lip and clenched her hands at her knees until Kemp clasped them with his fingers, giving her something to hold on to. Ace felt it on his cock with each stroke as her pussy muscles tightened more and more. She rose higher and higher on her orgasmic wave until he was afraid he would hurt her, she’d grown so tight around him. She whimpered, then pleaded with him, “Please don’t stop, baby! I’m—” She froze suddenly, and her eyes flashed open as her pussy convulsed in wild, agonizing waves that finished off his self-control. He looked down at where they were joined together and growled at the drenching evidence of her climax. Every muscle in his body tensed, and he let loose a howl of pleasure as his cock slid to the hilt in her cum and pulsed with each scorching wave of his orgasm. He knelt there, unable to move, just enjoying the sensation of her quivering body beneath his. Her panting reached his ears, and he looked up as Kemp held her close, his hands still clasped with hers, and kissed her forehead. Ace withdrew slowly from her, hoping he hadn’t been too rough, both for her sake and for Kemp’s. He pressed a kiss against her mound and worried that he’d taken the last of Summer’s strength for the evening and possibly left Kemp in the lurch. He’d lain there with them, holding her as Ace had fucked her into oblivion, and now Kemp’s massive hard-on attested to his own need for relief. As always, Summer was full of surprises.

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She sighed blissfully and kissed Ace on the lips as he lay down beside her. “Thank you, Ace. That was worth the wait. Completely worth it.” “I’m glad, kitten. Are you thirsty?” “Yes. A little. Then I want Kemp.” Kemp tilted his head so he could look down into her eyes. “Are you sure about that, darlin’?” Kemp was clearly caught between his need for release and his need to care for her. Ace rose from the bed to let them work it out and got a glass of water for her from the kitchen downstairs. When he returned, it was to discover that they had indeed worked it out to their mutual satisfaction. He climbed back onto the bed and handed her the glass as Kemp pressed kisses to her mound. She drained it and handed the glass back to him with a grateful smile. Between kisses Kemp asked, “Will it bother you if we lick your pussy after the other of us has fucked you?” She blushed at his straightforward language and glanced from him to Ace and replied, “I’m assuming that if you ask me that question, you must be okay with doing it, so the answer is no. It won’t bother me if the possibility of tasting each other’s cum doesn’t bother you.” Kemp chuckled and said, “It wouldn’t bother me. I just wanted to make sure first.” Summer gasped as his mouth descended on her primed, wet flesh. He and Kemp had discussed this very act in private and had both been relieved to arrive at the same conclusion. As long as Summer was in the middle, they didn’t mind the sharing of such intimacies. Their chief concern was pleasing her. Kemp latched on to her clit and made her moan and wiggle until she was begging for his cock. Ace was glad Kemp used lubricant and made damn sure she was ready before entering her again, knowing she was going to need some time to adjust to the size of Kemp’s enormous cock.

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Placing a parting kiss on her pussy, Kemp crawled up her gorgeous body until his dick was nudging at her wet opening. Ace found the wet sounds their bodies made slithering against each other incredibly erotic. Kemp thrust against her, and his cock slid in and withdrew. Her shaky exhalation said as much as words would as she moved with him on the next inward stroke. She was well prepared, and she easily took more and more of his cock with each thrust. Kemp sat up, lifted her ankles, and placed her heels on his shoulders, allowing for Ace’s unimpeded view as he repositioned on the bed. Kemp’s cock was bathed in the evidence of her arousal, and the voyeur inside Ace enjoyed the scene tremendously. Kemp stroked up and down her thighs, and he fucked Summer slowly and whispered to her. “Damn, you feel good, darlin’. So tight and hot.” Summer gazed up at him as she moved against him and replied, “I love you, Kemp.” She looked over at Ace. Her eyes were awash with emotion. “You’re both so good to me. I love you.” Kemp caressed her clit, and her breath suddenly turned to panting. She tilted her head back and moaned, “Don’t stop, Kemp. Please!” Kemp thrust more firmly and continued stroking her. “Yes, darlin’. Come for me.” Summer laid her hands on his knees at either side of her hips and held on as she bucked hard against him and then wailed in rapture. She was glorious when she came undone like this, and Ace loved watching it happen nearly as much as he’d loved making it happen. Kemp whispered sweet words to her as she reveled in every moment of her climax and then picked up his own pace, gasping deeply as his own release came. Kemp tilted his head back, looking like a man completely satisfied, and Ace found that he related fully to that feeling. Kemp lowered her ankles and carefully lowered himself to lie against her, still lodged deep inside her. He rested his upper body on

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his elbows so she wasn’t crushed under his weight. “Thank you, darlin’. Thank you so much. I hope I didn’t hurt you.” Ace relaxed beside them and stroked her upper arm as she replied, “Not at all. I loved it. You’re both wonderful, gentle lovers, and I couldn’t ask for more than what you gave me. I feel wonderful.” Ace smiled at her when she made eye contact and said, “Kitten, we don’t want you to feel like you have to have sex with both of us in the same night. It’s going to take a little time getting used to making love with two men, and we don’t want you to feel like if you make love with one you are automatically expected to do the same for the other.” Ace smiled and added, “Although some consideration and gratification would be appreciated.” Summer giggled. “So I could blow one of you while I get fucked by the other and that would be perfectly okay with you?” Kemp and Ace both chuckled, and Ace replied, “Basically, yeah.” “I’ll bear that in mind, big man. Oh, that feels nice,” she murmured as Kemp licked and sucked on one of her nipples then switched with a smile to the other. He groaned and flexed his hips against her and said, “So does that, darlin’.” She smiled softly and stroked both his cheeks and then reached a hand out to Ace, which he took and placed a kiss on her knuckles. Kemp finally withdrew from her, settled on her other side, and sighed deeply as he cuddled up to her backside. Ace rose from the bed to blow out the candle and then pulled the blankets up to cover the three of them. Summer yawned and sleepily asked, “Did you get through to Duke?” “Yeah. Everything is fine.” “Did he find something?” Ace chuckled. “Yeah. Did he ever. I’ll tell you about it in the morning.”

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**** Pouring a second cup of coffee, Ace finished telling Kemp the news. “Duke submitted blind samples of the DNA from all three of them and found the connection. I knew they had to be more than just mere acquaintances. No one shows up at a single guy’s house that late at night without hanky-panky of some sort going on. She’s been jumping from place to place maintaining that blog, but I knew there had to be a good reason why he’d do her bidding like that. Bet me she’s stringing him along, promising she’ll leave her husband.” Kemp shuddered and shook his head. “It takes all kinds.” “I feel for the guy. Judging by everything Duke found, he’s completely clean, although I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if there is a connection there, too. Her postings strike me as those of a jealous female and not just righteous indignation.” They’d risen early that morning to make plans for the day. Ace knew it bothered Summer to talk about the situation now that she knew there was a child who might suffer because of it. They heard a door open upstairs and then Summer’s soft footfalls on the stairs. Ace smiled when he noticed she was wearing the shirt he’d worn the day before. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes sparkled playfully as he opened his arms to her. “Good morning, my handsome men.” Ace kissed the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her shampoo, and enjoyed the feel of her soft, bountiful breasts pressed against his abdomen. “Did you sleep well, kitten?” “Mmm-hmm! Have you been up long?” “An hour or so. I like you in my shirt,” he murmured as she tilted her head and kissed him. Her kiss was sweet and short, tasting of mint. “I hoped you would.” “Are you hungry, darlin’?” Kemp asked as he removed a plate from one of the cabinets.

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“I could eat.” Kemp served her from the skillet scramble Ace had made a few minutes before. They’d been about to start eating. He toasted a piece of bread for her, buttered it, and then served her at the dining room table where she’d taken a seat with Ace. “This is delicious. I’m going to cook for you tonight, so don’t make any plans, okay? I’m going to make you my specialty.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. Ace grinned and asked, “What is it?” “A surprise. I hope you like it. It’s my version of Southern comfort food.” They chatted for several minutes, finishing their breakfast, and were about to go upstairs to dress and start their respective days when the doorbell rang. Summer took one look at herself and held up a finger. “Let me get up the stairs before you answer that.” Her eyebrows furrowed a bit as she looked at the front door. “I wonder who that is?” The large glass panel in the heavy oak door let in light, but the rippled and etched effect in the glass still allowed for privacy. Even so, Ace hesitated when he made out the glow of red hair and the womanly build of the person standing on the other side. He only knew one person who fit that height and hair color. Kemp summed it up perfectly when he muttered, “Oh, crap.” Summer turned and looked up at Ace in confusion. “I’ll explain in a few minutes, kitten. Why don’t you go on upstairs and let me deal with this.” She was about to say something else when the doorbell rang again, and then a knock was heard at the door. Making this moment seem even worse, he cringed when he saw the redhead bob a little as though in excitement or nervousness. A painful, confusing lurch went through him at Summer’s befuddled look before she turned and mounted the stairs. He reached for the door and opened it.

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“Kathleen.” She stood on his front doorstep, dressed to the nines, in all her sophisticated glory. Her red hair sparkled in the sunlight, and he could recall a time when looking in her green eyes was like looking at his future. He’d loved this woman in a way that had almost scared him. She’d left in a mysterious rush, breaking his heart in the process, and now he wanted answers, but not if gaining the answers hurt Summer. “Hello, Ace.”

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Chapter Twenty-one Summer watched from the landing, wondering if Ace knew she could see his profile clearly in the mirror by the door as he answered it. Do the mature thing and go upstairs. This has nothing to do with you. Despite knowing that was the right thing to do, Summer paused on the landing, watching Ace’s obviously conflicted expression. “The house looks beautiful. Even better than I remember. I’ve missed you. Could we talk?” Her voice sounded sorrowful and sincere. The sound, directed at the man Summer loved, tore at her heart. Summer heard Kemp shift and move across the room. He came to a stop and looked up at the stairs, a sad expression in his eyes when he made eye contact with her in the mirror. Kathleen continued, “Oh, hello, Kemp.” She sounded genuinely happy to see him and added, “I wanted to talk to you, too. I know it must be a shock to find me on your doorstep after so long, but I swear I had a good reason for leaving like I did. I’m—I’m really sorry about that. I had hoped—” Still gazing at Summer, Kemp interrupted. “Why don’t we take this conversation on the back porch, Ace. Kathleen, we have company.” Summer turned on her heel and trudged up the stairs. “Oh.” Summer frowned at his announcement as she took the steps silently. She was a little angry at Kemp for revealing her presence. It was none of Kathleen’s business if they had company. She resisted

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the immature urge to slam the bedroom door to punctuate Kemp’s statement so they’d all know how she felt about it. She sat on the bed, which she’d made before going downstairs. Her emotions started churning, and she fidgeted. She moved to the divan and lay down, looking out at the beautiful view of the Hill Country. Ace had bought this house two years ago and renovated it himself. Kemp had mentioned Kathleen the first night they’d shared and the possibility that they might have formed a threesome with this woman. Chances were good that as Ace had worked on this house he had envisioned her luxuriating in the gigantic bathtub and swimming in the pool. Perhaps Ace had imagined sharing the enormous bed, the reclining divan, and the two decadent outdoor beds with Kathleen when he had ordered them. Suddenly she felt like a usurper in this house. If the woman speaking to Ace and Kemp on the back deck was the one this house had been designed and renovated for, what right did she have to be there? Why would she want to be somewhere originally intended for another? She didn’t need anyone’s hand-me-downs. She showered quickly and dressed. Her heart pounded the whole time as she did her makeup and her hair. Just as she was slipping into her shoes, she stepped to the window and glimpsed the interior of the garden room below. Ace was holding Kathleen and gently rocking her within the circle of his strong arms. Her heart felt as though it had been ripped from her chest as she watched him tenderly stroke a lock of her hair from her cheek. From her flushed cheeks it was easy to tell the beautiful, sophisticated woman had been crying. He spoke to her, and she shook her head and smiled at him. He wrapped his arms around her again and kissed the top of her head. Fresh pain raked over Summer’s heart, and she stepped away from the window dry-eyed. She couldn’t watch this, and she’d be damned if she’d cry right now.

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She checked her purse for her car keys and turned off the bathroom light. As she slipped from the master bedroom, her eye was caught by movement outside the windows that looked out on the upstairs deck. Kemp leaned against the railing, looking pensive. She could tell in the set of his shoulders and the way he gripped the railing. Funny how she’d come to notice those little nuances about him in so short a time. She wanted to go to him and hug him. Make it better. But she was almost afraid to find out what troubled him. She turned and headed down the stairs to the garage. She knew once she hit the remote for the garage door that he would know she was leaving, so she waited until the last possible second. She started the engine on her Miata and hit the button on the remote they’d given her and backed the vehicle out as soon as there was enough clearance under the door. Luckily, the Mercedes Kathleen drove was parked outside one of the other garage doors. It would’ve been awkward to go back in and ask her to move her car. The men probably wouldn’t have let her leave in her present state. She drove down the long driveway, her conscience pricking her at the immaturity of running like this. She was a grown woman and had always prided herself on facing difficult situations head-on. The good Lord knew she’d had enough experience with man problems to face painful realities with dignity and class. But not today. Today, she ran. Right when it was time to put faith in the trust she had in those two men, she ran, without explanation. Isn’t that what Kemp had told her Kathleen had done? It didn’t take a genius to see that her knee-jerk reaction was way off base. Ace told her he loved her, and she believed him. She believed Kemp loved her, too. She could tell in their eyes that they meant it. She sighed heavily as the distance between her and her men grew.

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As if on cue the radio cut out, and the car’s audio system announced an incoming call. She hit the “talk” button on the steering wheel and said, “Hello?” “Kitten? Why did you leave?” Summer sighed heavily and felt a sob ripple through her chest. She pulled over onto the shoulder on the state highway headed into Divine. “Because my feelings are hurt.” Might as well be honest. “Where are you headed?” “Divine.” From there? Who knew? “Why are your feelings hurt?” “You two appeared to be very intimate on the back deck. I needed to get away.” “Why did you think we were being intimate?” He didn’t voice his question as an interrogation but as a means to help her work through her feelings. “I saw you kiss her head and hug her close and hold her. It made me jealous.” “You realize she can’t hold a candle to you, right?” “No, I don’t realize that. It was really her house I was staying in. I felt like a usurper.” “Usurper? This house has seen more of you than it has of her. It was a shell the last time she saw it. I’d just gutted it and started the major renovation.” “Oh.” Sweet relief swept through her, and she tilted her head back against the head rest. “That’s not her bed I slept in last night?” His voice was smooth and calming, and carried a note of regret. “No, kitten. I bought all the furniture after she was already gone. I should have explained all about her to you before this happened.” “That’s okay. I’m a firm believer in letting that stuff stay in the past. I just didn’t like thinking I’d made love in a bed that was originally intended for another woman.” “Territorial?”

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Summer chuckled a little sadly. She really should have stayed there and talked it out face-to-face. “Very. Evidently.” “Kathleen came to apologize and explain. She never got in touch after she left so suddenly and felt that she owed me an apology. She also hoped that I was available still and wondered if the three of us might have a chance after all. She was more interested in Kemp than she let on.” That explained Kemp’s pensiveness out on the deck. What a revelation. “Why did she leave you?” “It’s a complicated story best told over a stiff drink. I’m sorry if you saw me hug her and kiss her head. It was meant to be a comforting, parting gesture.” “I forgive you. It made me a little crazy to see you touch her.” “But you understand now, right? I don’t want you to be upset, kitten. I love you.” His words were sincere, and his velvety tone made soft shivers slide up her spine. It was a good thing he was a decent man because he could use that voice and tone to get his way with any woman. “I love you, too, Ace.” “Kemp was very worried when he saw you drive away. He told me he saw you on the landing and you looked really hurt. He was waiting for you to get done in the bathroom because he wanted to talk to you and make sure you were okay. Then he saw you leave.” Telling her that made her want to cry. Kemp had never done anything to hurt her. He’d probably been trying to protect her by cutting Kathleen off and announcing her proximity to their conversation. She never wanted to do things to make them hurt or worry about her. Her lip quivered and she said, “Tell him I’m sorry.” A tear trickled from her eye. She looked in the rearview mirror, preparing to make a U-turn to return to the house when a dark shape rolled in behind her on the shoulder.

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“You can tell him yourself, kitten.” Two thumps marked the sound of doors closing, and then they were there, smiling down at her. They’d been in the Hummer rolling down the state highway trying to catch up to her the whole time, so Kemp had heard the whole conversation. She pulled on her door handle, but nothing happened. Embarrassed, she fumbled with the ignition and the door lock mechanism. This was an instant replay of the day she met them as she went all “fumble fingers” trying to open the door to Kemp’s Escalade. Kemp tapped on the window and said, “Press the button in the other direction.” “My own car and I can’t get the doors to unlock,” she muttered to herself. Finally she got the door to unlock, and Kemp pulled it open. She stepped from the car and threw herself into their arms. “I’m sorry I left. I got upset.” She kissed them both, uncaring who saw as they drove by. “I’m sorry you were hurt, darlin’. It pained me to see you on the stairs, looking like you’d been sent to your room. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” “It’s okay. I just want it to be all right between us. I won’t leave like that again. It was an immature knee-jerk reaction. I thought she was there to reclaim her place.” “That’s not possible, kitten. You fill our hearts and there’s no room for any other woman.” Kemp’s phone rang, and he removed it from his pocket and put his finger to his other ear so he could hear. His conversation was short and appeared to be bad news. Ace looked at Kemp as he returned to them. “What is it?” Kemp looked like he was gritting his teeth and then said, “A new blog post just got published. You’re not going to believe this.” Ace sighed and said, “We’re already running late for where we were supposed to be this morning.”

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Summer said, “Can I call a ‘do-over’ to this crap of a day?” Both men chuckled and hugged her hard. Summer grabbed her wireless tablet and stepped carefully over to the passenger side of the Hummer. Ace opened the door for her and helped her up into the seat, and they waited while she pulled up her Internet browser and found the bookmark for the blogsite. She pressed her fingers to her lips when the blogsite finished loading and nearly dropped the tablet on the floorboard. She dimly heard Kemp’s phone ring again, but they both stood there with her gazing at the image and the headline. Outrageous Behavior at Discretion! The image was a crystal-clear photograph of the three of them together last night, in the throes of passion, their bodies joined together. Her fingers trembled as she scrolled down the screen. In the article, the blogger suggested that the act was Summer’s payment for the new security system installed at the shop. The rest of the blog consisted of the usual hatefulness. She scrolled for comments, but none had been posted yet. “Hit the refresh icon, darlin’. I’m curious what people think.” “How would you know if they’d had a security system installed unless you were watching their shop yourself, you pervert?” “I know for a fact that gazebo is built in their backyard inside a privacy fence. What Miss Heston does in her free time is her business!” “Shameful. Just shameful and ungodly!” “I’m a God-fearing Christian woman but I’ll tell you something for certain, you fruitcake! I have kids at home and this blogsite is supposed to be safe for me to open with them around. I’m un-

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following your blog and not admitting to anybody I ever followed it in the first place. You’ve gone over the line.” “Wow. And how long has it been up?” she asked as she scrolled back up to the article. “Ten minutes.” She scrolled back to the picture, got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, and then looked at the two of them. “It’s going to be all over.” Anybody could save that photograph before it was taken down. It would be all over the Internet. They looked horrified, and then it dawned on her. “Don’t go there, guys. I know we were indiscreet, but I don’t regret last night for anything and I never will. It was a wonderful experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’d just rather it wasn’t shared with the whole world.” Kemp’s phone rang again. “Yeah. Okay. Call Jake and ask him to hang out at the shop today. We’ll be right there.” Summer chuckled, trying to find the humor in the situation. “Margot will love that.” Ace smiled, “Actually, they seem to have hit it off after their rather bumpy start.” “Really? I wondered what was up with them,” she replied. “Opposites attracting, I think,” Kemp said. “Okay, darlin’. What are you going to do now?” “What I always do when I have stress.” “What’s that?” Ace asked as he helped her down from the seat of the Hummer. “Go shoe shopping.” **** Summer browsed the shoe displays, elbowing Grace as she pointed to a wicked-looking pair of black stilettos that had a row of

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silver chains for ankle straps. “Who’s doing the buying for Stigall’s these days? Pretty racy for a traditional family-run operation. Grace giggled and replied, “Leah is trying to get the buyers to select more trendy fashions. She cuts the fat, so he gives in a little,” she said indicating the shoe department. “It used to be that there were chairs here and they brought the shoes out to you, for you to try on. That was someone’s job, to help you. They’ve taken out the seating area and expect you to try shoes on standing up or perched on a little bench if one is available,” she said, holding on to Summer’s shoulder as she balanced her very pregnant body on one foot, trying to slip the stiletto on. She sighed and put it back. “No luck?” “Nope. I should be looking for something more comfortable anyway. The guys said they love seeing me in heels, but if it’s affecting my balance and making my feet hurt, I should get some comfy shoes.” “They’re so sweet to you.” “I know. I love those men so much. Speaking of men, did Rachel tell you that Chance and Clayton Carlisle stopped in this morning?” Summer shook her head. She’d called around looking for Grace to see if she wanted to go shoe shopping since it was her day off. “Nope. I took care of Chance yesterday though. Was everything all right with the turquoise jewelry I sold him?” “Oh, there was no problem with that. He came in with a slip of paper, saying he needed another copy of a certain book. A Caressa MacFarland book that you sold him.” Grace made big eyes at her and then started laughing. “I will be so mortified if they ever figure out they are the inspiration for that book. No, they will be mortified. I will just die!” Summer chuckled and said, “Pregnancy sure has brought out the drama in you, Grace. Why did they need another copy? Or do I want to know?”

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“According to Rachel, she quizzed him a bit and since they’ve known each other a while he fessed up and told her they’d both been reading sections of the book and didn’t realize until it was too late that they’d creased the spine on the book. Chance didn’t want her to think he’d give her a used erotic romance as a gift. He said he and Clayton actually enjoyed it.” Summer burst into giggles and noticed a woman frowning at them with disapproval on her face. She tried to smile at her and looked away, vowing to be quieter. The stress of the morning must’ve been getting to her. Summer found a pair of sunflower-yellow patent wedge-heeled sandals with jeweled flowers on the uppers that she couldn’t live without. Grace pulled her over to the baby department, and they were looking at little one-piece fuzzy sleepers when Summer noticed the angry-looking woman from earlier in the shoe department chasing after a merrily giggling toddler. “Patrick! Patrick Jr.! You cut that out. Be a good boy,” she fussed. She looked beyond frustrated. “Nope,” the blond-headed boy said and clapped his hands. “Hey, girls! What’s shakin’!” Summer looked up in surprise at the familiar voice. “Hi, Rosemary! How’re you?” she asked as Rosemary hugged her. Looking as gorgeous as ever, the petite, raven-haired beauty replied, “I’m just peachy. Staying busy at the store. I had to get away so I could enjoy shopping for a change.” She cast a glance around and added more softly, “Although I will say I wish that one would stop giving us the death stare. I swear she is everywhere I go these days.” Summer looked in the direction Rosemary pointed and caught the same woman glaring at them again, only now she seemed positively incensed. Leah Woodworth, the store manager, pushed through the stockroom doors, pulling a rack of women’s clothing, and said, “Hi, ladies! How is everybody? Everything going okay out at Discretion?” Leah dusted her hands off and then gave each of them a hug.

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“Discretion is great. How are things here?” Leah chuckled and said, “The same. Dad says ‘trim the fat!’ I keep telling him there isn’t any left.” She shrugged. “He’s my dad. What can I do?” Leah seemed to take running the store and dealing with her dad well in stride. “What about that other mess? Juliana said y’all were having a heck of a time with that nasty blog business. I’m sorry you keep getting harassed like that.” Grace filled her in on some of the details, and they shot the breeze for a few minutes. To Summer, Leah said, “I sent some customers out your way. They wanted something we didn’t carry.” In an aside whisper, Leah added, “And you and I know there ain’t no way Daddy is gonna let me carry crotchless thong panties in this store. There’s only so far I can push the man, for now anyway.” Summer smiled recalling the customers mentioning the referral a couple of weeks back and thanked Leah for the mention. Leah reached for the rack and said, “Well these dresses aren’t going to hang themselves. I’d better get…” Summer turned to her when Leah’s words drifted off. Leah was focused on the front of the store, and she looked a little concerned. “Excuse me, ladies. I’ll talk to y’all later.” Leah threaded her way through the racks in the baby department and cut diagonally across the store toward the front. “She must have a shoplifter,” Rosemary said casually. She looked up and spoke over Summer’s shoulder. “That’s right, stare all you want. We’re here and we’re not going anywhere.” Summer turned and caught the evil look directed at Rosemary, Grace, and her and turned back to the girls and said, “Who is that woman? I’ve been getting ugly looks from her since we got here.” “Her name is Elizabeth Owen. She has a very high opinion of herself and a very low opinion of us. Evidently we’re leading all the eligible bachelors of this fine community astray.” Something about Rosemary’s words jogged Summer’s memory, and she asked, “What does she do?”

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“Far as I know she’s a stay-at-home mom, judging others on high. Supposedly she also leads a Bible study group.” More memories came to mind. “See you in Bible study…” Ann Sheridan had told them at O’Reilley’s that the woman who wrote the blog also taught a Bible study class. Turning to Grace, Summer said, “That’s the one writing the blog, isn’t it? That sounds just like her—” Boom! All three of them practically jumped out of their skin.

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Chapter Twenty-two “Holy shit!” Ace looked away from the monitor and at Duke. “Turn up the sound. What just happened?” Ace and Duke were currently sitting in the work van, watching a live feed from Stigall’s security cameras. The girls had just responded bodily to something that had occurred elsewhere in the store. They were now crouched down in the back corner of the store. Duke pointed to another monitor and said, “There.” Ace was out of his seat in a heartbeat. Cool as ever, Duke handed him the wireless earpiece before he even had to ask. He placed it in his ear and grabbed his weapon from its holster. His hearted pounded with worry for Summer, and he found it incredibly difficult to focus on the guy with the sawed-off shotgun holding the store manager at gunpoint. “Ace, he’s got her backed up against one of the shoe racks at the back of the store. She’s trying to calm him down. This dude looks like he’s a little past the ‘calming’ stage.” Ace slipped in through the side door that opened into the bed-andbath department at the rear of the store. Softly he asked, “Have the girls moved?” Duke replied, “No. they’re staying put for the moment.” Ace maneuvered around a display and could see the shooter. Several customers ran for the front of the store, and one woman screamed in fright as the man with the gun looked at her and waved the gun in her direction.

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To no one in particular he yelled, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for this bitch and her cheap, fucking father. I did the best work I could, and she fired me. They’ve fired half the people who used to work here or made it near impossible for them to survive.” Leah held out her hands, trying to calm him. “George, we can talk about this. Please be reasonable. You’re scaring all these people. They haven’t done anything to you—” “I don’t give a shit about them! All I care about is making you pay. Making this store pay. Maybe after I shoot a few people up no one will come back and they’ll have to close the doors. People don’t like that.” It was obvious this guy was drunk and half-crazy, spouting off his plans for revenge. “George, let’s just go in my office and talk about this. You’ve got my attention. Please don’t hurt any of these people.” Ace moved from rack to rack, trying to maneuver in behind George, but it was difficult to get close with the open aisle behind him. If he jumped him he took a chance on him accidentally shooting someone. George kept yelling at Leah, sounding more and more unstable. “You can’t just fire people for no good reason! I can’t support my family, and my wife left me and moved in with her mother.” Duke said, “Ace, he’s maneuvering Leah away from the back of the store. He’s getting nervous.” George yelled, “I see you there! Get over here. You stand with her.” A woman cried incoherently and struggled when he grabbed her, and Ace took the opportunity to move a little closer. George fired another terrifying blast which showered bits of ceiling tiles down on the girls. “I don’t care who you are! Get over there with her.” The shooter pointed the gun at them, which put the area the girls were in within firing range. Duke said, “Ace, the girls are moving. One of them has got a piece of a—Oh, shit.”

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**** Summer, Grace, and Rosemary maneuvered away from George, trying to keep as many racks as possible between them and him, hoping that he might not see them. She looked down at the shoe box she still clutched in her hands and tried to relax them because the box was now a mangled mess. She heard a strident, desperate-sounding whisper, a giggle, and the patter of tiny sandals on the carpet. The little boy, Patrick Jr. Summer got on her knees and looked beneath the racks at floor level. She could see his chubby legs as he made his way through the racks. His mother was several feet away, gesturing for him to come to her, but he evidently was having none of it as he moved farther away. Patrick was headed straight for Summer when he suddenly veered onto the main aisle. Miraculously, he was silent and didn’t draw the attention of the huge man with the deadly weapon. Summer saw movement beyond Patrick and looked into Ace’s dark, determined eyes. She’d never been so happy to see him. Relief struck her in a sharp, almost bittersweet wave because there was no guarantee this wasn’t the last time she’d ever see him. Looking at the box in her hands, she did the only thing she could think of to save the little boy from George’s notice. Summer opened the box and removed one of the shoes. She jerked the bejeweled flower from the shoe and waved it at the boy so the jewels would twinkle under the overhead lights. His eyes got big when he noticed her, and she crooked her finger at him to come to her. Smiling, he reached for the sparkling flower, and she carefully reeled him in until she could wrap her arms around him and put her finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. He took the flower she handed to him, patted her cheek, and crowed at the top of his lungs, “Pretty lady!”

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A flurry of movement was heard from the direction George had been standing, and Summer looked into Ace’s eyes as she backed away. She saw movement to her left and couldn’t believe her eyes when she watched Rosemary stand as George passed her. With a determined grimace, her petite friend bashed him over the head with the metal arm from a display rack. The blow didn’t knock him out but clearly disoriented him and gave Ace enough of a chance to jump him. Display racks fell in a jumble around them as they fought for the weapon, and Summer struggled to get away so none of them fell on her or Patrick. By now Patrick was crying and carrying on, people were screaming, and George and Ace were tussling on the floor. The police rushed in and took over custody of George, whom Ace had disarmed and pinned to the floor. Summer heard Kemp calling out to her. Ace came to her and helped her from the floor where she’d fallen in her attempt to get away. She clung to the little boy reflexively and allowed Ace to help her to her feet. Patrick wasn’t getting away from her until she knew for certain she could place him in his parent’s arms. His little face was red from crying, and tears rolled down his cheeks. “Shh, baby. Mama’s coming. Shh.” She hugged him and patted his back as he trembled in her arms. “You okay, kitten?” “No, but I will be. I’m so glad you were here, Ace. How did you get here so fast?” “The woman we are watching is here in the store somewhere. I think this is her child,” he said, indicating the boy in Summer’s arms. She sighed, remembering that she’d just come to the same conclusion before the first shotgun blast. Kemp joined them and closed her in the circle of his strong arms. “Darlin’, I’m so glad you’re all right.” She looked up into his sincere, green eyes and said, “It was really scary, but I’m okay.”

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Kemp turned to Grace and Rosemary, and asked, “Are you both all right? Grace? Feeling okay?” Grace was still pale from her fright but patted her abdomen and nodded. “Yes, Kemp. We’re okay. I’m grateful to be able to say so, too.” “Elizabeth! Elizabeth?” A tall blond man in a suit ran toward them from the front of the store shouting, “Elizabeth! Patrick!” He caught sight of Summer holding the little boy in question, and relief flooded his face as he ran to them. “My wife, Elizabeth, has she been hurt? A friend called me and told me she was here.” His question had a fearful note, and worry filled his eyes. Summer said, “She’s around here somewhere, sir. Your son got loose and wandered in my direction. I think she’s okay, though.” “Patrick?” Both the man and the little boy looked in the direction of the person who spoke. Patrick seemed surprised, but then a flush of color stained his cheeks as he replied, “Rosemary?” Summer turned to Rosemary and said, “That was a very foolish thing you did, Rosemary, but thank you. I think you saved our lives by sneaking up on him like that.” Rosemary smirked and replied, “You can thank me by defending me when Evan and Wes get wind of the stunt I just pulled. You can bet my ass is grass when they find out.” Summer smiled, noting Rosemary’s apparent lack of concern. If her ass was grass that implied that Evan and Wes were the lawnmowers. Rosemary smiled at Patrick and continued, “Patrick, how are you? It’s been a long time.” Patrick Owen replied, “I’ve seen better days, Rosemary. What happened here? And what did you do?” As Rosemary and Summer quickly explained what happened, Ace excused himself from their little group. Patrick was obviously shocked by the news and very grateful to them both. He hugged

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Summer and allowed Patrick Jr. to kiss her cheek and thanked her for corralling his wayward son. Then he turned to Rosemary, and some unspoken communication seemed to pass between them. Rosemary smiled reassuringly and reached to give the tall man a hug. She patted his back as tears finally surfaced for both of them and said, “You’re welcome, Patrick. Your son is just precious,” she added, patting the boy’s leg. He still clung to Summer’s neck. “Get your hands off of my husband and son!” Elizabeth Owen charged forward across the menswear department, breaking up their tearful moment, but Ace cut her off before she could reach their group. “Elizabeth Owen?” “Yes. What do you want?” she asked with venom in her tone. Summer noted that she didn’t ask who he was because she already knew. “I’d like a word in private with you,” Ace said quietly. So far they had not drawn anyone else’s attention in all the noisy chaos surrounding them. “I don’t have anything to say to you,” she replied condescendingly. “But I have plenty I’d like to say to you. Why don’t we include your husband in this conversation,” he said as he looked at the man in question. Patrick looked at Summer in inquiry, and she said, “I’m not going anywhere, sir. If you’d like, I’d be happy to watch him for you.” She patted Patrick Jr.’s back, and his father nodded and smiled in thanks. He turned to Rosemary, and sadness filled his features. “It was really good to see you, Rosemary. You look gorgeous as ever.” His last word seemed to break a little, and Summer looked away, not wanting to intrude on a moment that appeared to cause him pain. “I’ll be right back, ma’am.” Summer nodded and said, “Take your time.” She had a feeling there were more painful revelations coming for this kind man. She doubted he had the slightest clue what had been going on.

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Grace asked, “Rosemary, do you know him?” Rosemary had a sad smile on her face as she replied, “Yeah. I dated him for a while, long before Wes and Evan and I finally got back together. We got along well together and I enjoyed his company, but I knew it wasn’t what I really wanted. I didn’t realize until after I’d told him I needed to break up that he was in love with me. It was awful. I felt like such a heel because he’s a real sweetheart.” “But the heart wants what the heart wants, right?” Grace replied, softly patting Rosemary’s shoulder as she swiped tears from her cheeks. “Elizabeth! Elizabeth! Oh God, where are you, Elizabeth!” The desperate, shouted plea drew the attention of the entire assemblage as a hulking, blond-haired man dressed in a mechanic’s uniform ran through the front doors. Summer turned in the direction of the trio consisting of Ace, Patrick Owen, and Elizabeth Owen as they looked in the man’s direction. Summer grimaced as she watched Elizabeth Owen’s face. The woman looked like she wanted to go hide under a rock somewhere. Kemp murmured, “Darlin’, excuse me. I need to talk with this guy.” “Elizabeth!” Summer said, “Sure, honey. I’ll be right here.” Grace whispered so no one else could hear, “I think we have front row seats for the shit that’s fixing to hit the fan. I need to write this stuff down. So Mr. Owen was your boyfriend, Rosemary?” “For about three months, yeah. The Owens are a big family, so that’s a common name around here. Elizabeth has always been snippy toward me, but I never made the connection until the last time I saw Patrick. It was that night at O’Reilley’s. Remember, Grace? That was the night you and I met.” “Oh, yeah. How can I forget? The ‘gold necklace’ incident. Oh, boy.”

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Summer observed the man who had just entered the store as Kemp approached him. Patrick Jr. sniffled and lifted his head to watch the policemen as they lifted the handcuffed shooter from the floor and dragged him shouting and screaming from the store. Two police officers had assisted Leah to one of the benches in the shoe department, and one of the cops handed her a glass of water as the other squatted in front of her and rubbed her shoulder. It was a casual gesture for such a situation, and Leah smiled at him tremulously and nodded. She looked up at the other man and smiled at him in thanks as she took the paper cup he offered her with both hands. “Boom,” the little boy whispered as he looked at Summer and put his pudgy little hands to his ears and said, “Scare me.” She looked into his cornflower-blue eyes and patted his back comfortingly. “Don’t worry, baby. You’re all safe now. You stay with Mommy and Daddy and no more running around in the store, okay?” He nodded, looking completely convinced, and said, “Okay.” She looked at the man Kemp spoke with and then back at Patrick. Then looked at the man again. “Grace? Rosemary? Anybody else notice a familial resemblance between that man and a certain member of this group?” she asked, pointing at the top of little Patrick’s head. Grace pressed her lips together and made big, surprised eyes, and Rosemary whispered, “Dang, Grace, I hope you’re taking notes with all this drama going on.” Grace replied, “It’s like I always say. The frozen chosen get on their high horses, but they are usually hiding bigger secrets of their own when they do. That little sinner,” she whispered, looking Elizabeth’s way. The woman looked nearly broken as she watched her husband begin to draw the same conclusions from across the room. He gazed at his son and then at the man Kemp spoke with quietly. Sheriff Hank Stinson joined Kemp’s conversation, and things grew heated judging by the blond man’s tone. His face turned red, and he pointed at Elizabeth and started crying. Summer had to look away

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from his display of emotion. This whole situation had morphed from incredibly scary to just plain sad. She glanced at Mr. Owen and knew he’d drawn the same conclusion as she had. That man speaking with Kemp was Patrick’s father. The resemblance was too clear. A sudden convergence of male bodies occurred. Jack Warner, Ethan Grant, and Adam Davis bore down on Grace from one side. Jack reached her first and wrapped her in his arms. “Darlin’! I was so worried!” In turn, Ethan and Adam both hugged and kissed her as she reassured them she was fine. Summer thought she still looked a little pale, and one of the men voiced the same opinion. Approaching from the front of the store, Wes and Evan Garner descended on Rosemary. She reached for them happily, and Evan wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her to him. “Baby. You okay?” She kissed him and nodded. Wes got hold of her next and lifted her off her feet as he hugged her to him gently. He whispered against her shiny, black curls and kissed the side of her head. Checking on her own men, Summer noted that Hank was leading the blond-headed stranger from the store and Kemp was making his way back to their little group. He looked satisfied. He slid his arm around Summer’s waist and said, “His name is Leroy Paggs. He confessed to setting the fire, the break-in and assault on you, and to harassing you and Grace on the road. The black SUV is parked outside by the sidewalk. He said Elizabeth promised to leave her husband for him if he helped her. He took the picture of us on the front porch and assisted her in taking pictures last night. He made a full confession to Hank just a minute ago. He said he’s the biological father.” He indicated with a nod of his head toward little Patrick, whom he was referring to.

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Summer looked over at Ace and noted the serious look on his face. Elizabeth’s husband was speaking to her in soft but certainly irate tones, solidifying Summer’s belief that he was a true gentleman for not revealing her sins to the crowd that was milling around. A policeman joined their group and ascertained whom he needed to take statements from and got an idea from them of what had happened. Rosemary groaned when Summer mentioned her part in the takedown of the shooter. Evan and Wes reacted noticeably and both turned to her simultaneously. Evan’s eyes blazed as he turned to look at Rosemary. She smiled lamely at him and patted his chest. “Not here. Okay?” Summer tried to hide her snicker when Rosemary smiled at Evan. It was visibly difficult for him to frown darkly at her and hide the trace of a smile in his eyes at the same time, but he tried anyway. “Woman, what are we gonna do with you?” Rosemary looked up at him with love obvious in her gaze and shrugged. “I dunno. You’ll figure it out.” EMTs arrived on the scene, and one of them approached Grace and her men. At his direction and her men’s insistence, she allowed them to lead her to a chair that must’ve been brought from one of the offices. She sat down and allowed him to check her vitals. She made eye contact with Summer and rolled her eyes but then nodded at one of her men and kissed him when he leaned down to whisper in her ear. Ace and Patrick Owen rejoined their group as well, and Summer turned curiously and watched as Elizabeth Owen was escorted by Hank Stinson from the store. Patrick Jr. went happily into his daddy’s arms, which gave Kemp and Ace the opportunity to hug Summer again. Patrick hugged his son and said, “Who’s my buggabear?” Emotion clogged Summer’s throat at the turmoil she saw in Patrick Sr.’s eyes. He’d just discovered that the son he loved wasn’t biologically his.

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The toddler playfully replied, “I yer boogerbear!” Patrick Sr. turned to Ace and said, “I’m going to take him home now. We both need a little quiet time. I’ll be around the house whenever you want to come by.” Holding out his hand, he said, “Thank you, Mr. Webster. It’s a helluva lot to take in at once. I’m sorry for what Elizabeth and Paggs did to you and your friends. I promise you can have full access to her laptop to take down the blogsite if you need it.” Ace looked down as if he were listening to something and then said, “Thanks, but it’s already been handled. The laptop was sitting on the front seat of her car. Hope you don’t mind.” He left unsaid that her car had been opened and the laptop confiscated, at least temporarily. Patrick shrugged as if it was of little concern. “I knew she was unhappy, but I attributed it to baby blues and exhaustion from chasing Patrick. He’s a handful as you can tell.” Ace nodded and said, “I’ll make sure the laptop is returned. The police will want to take a look at it. Our only concern is the defaming materials she’s posted on the Internet. Any evidence won’t be tampered with. Can I talk to you privately?” The two men stepped away a few feet and spoke briefly. Patrick shook his head and hugged his son. He seemed sadder. They returned, and he thanked the girls for their part in saving his son, shook Ace and Kemp’s hands, and then left. Summer raised an inquiring brow, and Ace softly said, “I told him our main concern was the injury Elizabeth and Paggs had caused you girls and that we would’ve been happy to leave the authorities out of it if the harassment stopped. With Paggs’s confession, it’s gone too far for that. He’s pointing the finger at her for dragging him into this. I told him the last thing we wanted was to drag his family through the media. He said he’d deal with whatever came his way. His main worry right now is retaining custody of his son. I feel for him. His wife and her lover have made quite a mess. We’re going to help him.” “Did you know the baby belonged to Paggs?”

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Ace nodded. “Duke had a feeling there was a link between these two seemingly innocuous people all along. He caught her sneaking out of Paggs’s house one evening and knew they had to be up to something together. Duke was the first one to notice the family resemblance. He got creative in obtaining DNA samples.” Summer asked, “How creative?” Ace replied, “It involved Dumpster diving and a new pair of shoes and clothes for Duke. He went above and beyond the call of duty, even for him.” “Dumpster diving? Ew. Say no more.” Ace laughed at her expression and continued, “So Duke had the tests run and proved without question little Patrick’s paternity.” “What will he do about his little boy?” Ace shook his head and bit his lips thoughtfully. “I don’t know, but I’m going to take the laptop back to him in a few minutes and visit with him about it. He obviously loves that little boy. He said Elizabeth’s family might be a problem.” “How can you help?” “Do a little digging. Same as we did for Teresa Martinez when she was concerned about the same sorts of issues with Michael.” Summer had heard this story and nodded, remembering Teresa telling her that Ace and Kemp had been very persuasive and that she’d not heard a word from Michael’s monstrous grandparents since. A police officer approached them and said, “Excuse me, Ms. Heston? I need to take your statement if you don’t mind.” It was one of the officers who had been caring for Leah earlier, and Summer made a mental note to check in on Leah and get the scoop about her two attentive policemen. She nodded at him and caught Rosemary’s eye as she went with him. Rosemary winked and put her thumb and pinky to her ear and chin and mouthed, “I’ll call you.” Rosemary turned to her men and announced, “I want to check in on Leah while I wait my turn to give a statement.” The men nodded,

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and she made a beeline for the store manager. Summer had to give Rosemary credit because she worked fast. The other officer was already talking to Grace where she still sat in the chair stroking her abdomen. She nodded and answered his questions calmly, and her color definitely looked better. The officer asked, “Were you in the vicinity of the armed man while he was in control of the store?” “Yes, sir.” “Can you show me where you were?” She led him to the baby department and showed him the path they had taken, while trying to stay out of the shooter’s line of sight. After she showed him, the officer seated her at a bench in the shoe department and then got out his notepad and pencil. “In your own words, can you tell me what happened, Miss Heston?” Summer described to him exactly what had happened.

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Chapter Twenty-three Summer walked with Kemp out to the Escalade after paying for the shoes. When he’d seen what had happened to the pretty shoe she’d been forced to ruin, he insisted on buying her a replacement pair, so her shopping bag contained two pair. If she could repair the damaged one then she’d own them in yellow and hot pink. It was surreal to think on what a great deal they’d been in light of the morning’s events. Ace was on his way to the Owens’ house to return the laptop and have a chat with Patrick. She sincerely hoped Mr. Owen would be able to keep his little boy. It was obvious he loved him. Kemp opened the door on the Escalade and helped her in. Ace had taken her car since his Hummer was back at the house. Duke had picked him up there shortly after his call to Kemp earlier that day. He started the vehicle and was buckling his seat belt when Summer said, “I’m glad we’re riding together because I wanted to ask you about what happened this morning. In all the drama and excitement I forgot to ask about Kathleen.” Kemp caressed her knee and clasped her fingers with his. “What do you want to know?” “Why did she show up out of the blue today?” “She wanted to explain why she disappeared so suddenly.” Knowing he was collecting his thoughts as he gazed out the windshield, Summer sat quietly and waited. “Kathleen had a very difficult decision to make. She had a prior relationship that Ace didn’t know about with a very powerful man in Europe. She met him while working as a translator. He was

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considerably older than her, but they fell in love. Long story made short, she found out through a friend that he had a wife tucked away in his home country. The wife didn’t care what he did as long as he didn’t embarrass her or try to divorce her. Kathleen couldn’t abide feeling like an adulteress, whether the wife cared or not, and left him. She said he had some powerful, not totally legitimate connections, but she never feared for her life. “What is her connection to Divine?” “She had family here. She came back and started a new life and met Ace. That was a little over two years ago. Like I’d told you before, they dated for several months and I was beginning to feel this connection with her, too.” He turned his gaze on her and said, “Sorry, darlin’. It’s kind of uncomfortable telling you about my feelings for another woman.” She imagined that it did and squeezed his hand reassuringly. “I appreciate you being honest, Kemp. I know you love me, so go ahead.” “So, one day two years ago, she shows up at the house while we’re working. It was obvious she was upset. Kathleen said she had to leave and that she was really sorry she couldn’t explain. When Ace asked what had happened all she would say was that she was needed elsewhere and that she had to leave immediately. She begged us not to look for her and said that she would get in contact when she could. I didn’t like seeing her so upset but didn’t get the impression she was in danger.” He caressed Summer’s palm and said, “Kathleen broke his heart, darlin’. She broke mine, a little, too. Without even kissing him good-bye she ran out of the house and drove away. That was the last we saw or heard of her until today.” “Did you look for her?” “I did. Ace said to respect her wishes, but I couldn’t let it go. I hated seeing him so torn up. She dropped totally off the grid. I never found a trace of her, so I stopped looking. Her apartment had been stripped clean, and she’d left no forwarding address.”

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“Was it the man she’d had the relationship with?” Kemp nodded. “Yeah. He wanted her back in his life, but it’s probably not what you’re thinking. He was powerful and had a lot of money and connections. He knew where she was the whole time.” “Did he threaten her if she didn’t come back?” “No, he didn’t threaten her, but he made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. He was still in love with her, and I seriously doubt that he would’ve harmed her if she refused, but he held us over her head. He threatened to harm us if she didn’t return.” “How awful of him.” Kemp shook his head and chuckled wryly. “I thought that, too, until I realized I’d do just about anything to get you back.” “Oh. Okay.” Maybe there was a reason the man resorted to such dark tactics. “He sent two men to visit her. They told her what he wanted, and she refused, telling them she was in love with us. This was the first time I ever heard her say that in front of me. Finding that out after all this time was really messing with my head earlier while I was waiting for you on the deck.” She remembered seeing him out there and thinking that he’d had a lot on his mind. “They told her they had orders to do permanent, bodily harm to us if she refused. They said their employer was terminally ill and that he was not expected to live more than three months. He knew how Kathleen felt about being with him knowing he was married, and he didn’t expect sex. All he wanted was her companionship because he was already sexually incapacitated. His wife had refused to come to him, and he just needed Kathleen’s companionship.” Summer’s heart went out to Kathleen for the first time, wondering how she’d feel if she’d been put in the same situation. “So she went to him and spent every day of the last couple of years with him, give or take a few months. She doesn’t regret doing that because they made their peace and he treated her very well. They

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had been lovers before, but he became her friend, once she got over the anger of having her life disrupted. “She didn’t find out until he was on his deathbed that he would never have given the order for his men to harm us, he was just desperate for her presence. He very much regretted disrupting her life for his own selfish reasons and begged her forgiveness, which she gave him. “I admired her for being able to do that because I’m not sure I could have given absolution to someone who disrupted my life for their own gain, but I believe love made him desperate, not malice. He left her a very generous inheritance to make up for disrupting her life, and she returned to the US after tying up all her loose threads in Europe.” “How long has he been dead?” “Two weeks. She needed time, which was understandable.” “I can’t imagine.” “I worried about her off and on this whole time but had never gotten the impression that she was in any danger. We explained to her that you had come into our lives and we were both in love with you. Kathleen felt pretty bad for upsetting you. She knew when she showed up that there was a chance we had moved on. She broke down and I could tell she needed a few minutes, so I left the two of them alone to come check on you. Judging by the look on your face, I figured you might be a little upset for me letting her know we had a guest. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I just didn’t want her to say anything that would distress you. Things are still kind of new for us, but I didn’t want to take a chance on you feeling like we would welcome her if she spoke any further about coming back into our lives.” Summer chuckled at the irony, realizing she’d thought that anyway.

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“I love you, Summer, and I don’t want anyone else in my life. I want to make that perfectly clear. She was seizing an opportunity to find out if there was a chance for us.” Suddenly Summer felt really sympathetic for Kathleen. She’d given up two men she loved to protect them and to help a dying friend. Regardless of the other man’s motivations, she’d obviously had a lot of love in her heart if she would sacrifice her happiness to protect Ace and Kemp and to care for this man she had loved at one time. “Now she has no one.” Kemp smiled and replied, “Kathleen has rented a new place in town, and I think she is going to be just fine. She loves things like what you carry at the shop, and I have a feeling the two of you will become friends once we all get past this bump in the road. Don’t worry too much about Kathleen. She has this…aura that men find very attractive.” Summer didn’t think they’d ever be BFFs but did hope she found happiness in Divine. “How do you feel about finding out that she loved you, too?” “Sad, I suppose. Relieved, maybe. It’s always nice to know someone loved you. My main concern right now is that you know that I am one hundred percent in love with you. What’s in the past doesn’t really matter anymore.” He squeezed her hand and said, “We are both right where we want to be, in love with you.” Summer smiled at him and replied, “Well, then you wouldn’t be opposed to taking me home and making love to me?” She giggled when he floored the accelerator on the last couple of miles between them and the turnoff to the house. **** Ace took a seat at the kitchen table while Patrick settled his son in front of the television with a children’s movie and a sippy cup. The

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tall, blond-haired man made a cup of coffee and joined Ace, looking like he’d been through a hell of a day as he rolled up the cuffs on his dress shirt. “Ace, I feel like I have to apologize.” “Why?” “Because I may have exacerbated the situation unintentionally.” “How so?” “Elizabeth and I have had a rocky relationship from the start. You probably know that I dated Rosemary Garner, well, when she was unmarried, that is. My wife knew about that. During an argument, she threw it in my face that I hadn’t been enough man for Rosemary, which was why she’d needed two men. I revealed to her that I’d discovered her little cache of love poems she’d written about Ethan Grant when they were in high school. He was a few years older and never even knew who she was. It was juvenile of me, but that woman can…” He looked even more exhausted as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Push and push. She got religion a few years ago, and instead of getting better she only got worse. I’d hoped the baby would help her stay busy and out of trouble.” Ace said, “I think she was motivated by jealousy for not having what she’d wanted, and guilt over having an affair. Those emotions fueled her moral outrage at what she deemed illicit behavior in others to cover what was going on in her life.” Patrick nodded affirmatively. “We had a terrible fight one night, and she accused me of still loving Rosemary. I was pushed to my limit and I told her I did. I do still love Rosemary. I’d never interfere with her relationship or do anything to make her unhappy, but the life she has is my ideal now. She’s found men who obviously make her very happy, and I wished for the same thing. Elizabeth went ballistic. This was about the time she started spending more time on the Internet.” “When she started blogging.” “Yeah. That’s why I feel at least partially responsible.”

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“We found e-mails from Leroy Paggs that date back to the same timeframe.” Patrick shook his head in disbelief. “What will happen to her?” Ace shrugged. “From what you and I heard and Kemp told me, they are pointing the finger at each other. Paggs is probably writing a full confession as we speak in hopes of getting a judge to go easy on him on the arson, breaking and entering, and assault charges leveled against him right now.” “What do I do about my boy?” “Let me do a little digging for you and see what I can come up with.” “Do you need any information from me?” Ace smiled sheepishly and replied, “No, Patrick. We already know pretty much everything there is to know about you and Elizabeth. Probably more than you want to know.” Patrick chuckled and said, “Fair enough. Thanks for being straightforward about it.” “Nothing I learned or will learn will see the light of day, as it pertains to you or your son. We’ll do our best to help you retain custody.” Gesturing to the laptop lying on the table between them, Ace added, “All we did was use her access to the blog and shut it down. She never posted from the same place twice and led us on a wild-goose chase all over town. After talking to one of her Bible study members we discovered they took turns hosting it each week. She was posting from a different Wi-Fi address each time. She would tell them she needed to arrive a little early and then would connect to their router and get on the internet under the guise of research for their study topics. What she was really doing was posting the blog updates.” “Did she think no one would ever catch up to her?” Wryly, Ace said, “Well, she led us on a merry chase, that’s for sure.”

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**** Kemp pressed Summer back against the wall of the shower and kissed her hungrily. This was their first opportunity to be alone together, and he intended to take full advantage of it. He’d return the favor to Ace later that evening. “My goodness, Kemp. You’re so big and hard,” Summer said with suggestive emphasis and closed her soft hand around the base of his cock. “I love it.” Kemp growled and thrust within her grasp and plundered her mouth with renewed enthusiasm. She broke the kiss and in a silky voice added, “I’ll love it even more when you fuck me with it.” Grateful they were already showered, Kemp hit the faucet handle with a little more force than was called for to shut off the water. She squealed gleefully when he lifted her off her feet, soaking wet, and carried her into the bedroom, leaving puddles of water in his wake. He dumped his beautiful woman on the bed, and she giggled and asked, “Are you going to fuck me hard, Kemp? Make me beg to come?” Summer giggled and tried to crawl away from him, but he grabbed her ankle and pulled her back toward the edge of the bed. She looked back at him, and her eyes glittered playfully as she wiggled her ass at him. He could see how wet her beautiful cunt was, and he was torn between burying his face between her luscious thighs for an hour or sinking his swelling cock into her this very minute. A thought occurred to him as her lusty words echoed in his brain, and he grinned lasciviously at her. She glanced at his cock, and her eyes rounded. She tried to scoot away again, but he didn’t allow her to escape and pulled her upright, pinning her back against his front as he took position. It didn’t go unnoticed that she spread her legs eagerly and stilled for him. He growled in her ear, and she shuddered as he whispered, “I’m going to fuck you slow and deep, darlin’.” He nudged his cock gently

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against her, taking his time and ignoring the driving urge to ram into her. Panting, she tilted against him, and his cock slid into her in a long, slippery stroke, aided by the juices flowing copiously from her cunt. “I’m going to make you come so many times you lose count. I’ll keep going until you beg me to stop.” “Oh, Kemp.” She groaned passionately, and the lustful sound was music in his ears. He loved the sensual sounds she made and found it very satisfying that he inspired them. “Fuck me.” He released her and stood at the edge of the bed, grasping her hips. Her cunt was hot and slick as he slid into her again. She took every inch of his cock to the root, and damned if it wasn’t the most beautiful sight he’d ever beheld. If he were a poet, he’d write sonnets about her pussy, it was so inspiring. Kemp pulled out and thrust again, guiding her hips back against him. Her warm, wet pussy was a delicious, tight clasp on his cock as he slid to the hilt again. He reached in front of her, sliding his fingers through her drenched pussy to her clit. He rubbed in slow circles, and she bucked as his fingers swirled against her swollen nub. He changed the angle he thrust at to stroke her G-spot, and she nearly purred, moving with him until her pussy spasmed uncontrollably around his cock. She wailed as her orgasm struck, and he rode it out with her. He smiled because he knew he was just getting started. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “That’s number one.” She chuckled breathlessly and replied, “Oh, baby, I’m yours to torture.” An hour later, Summer lay cuddled in his arms, her cheeks rosy from so many orgasms, even he’d lost count. He remembered hitting number ten and losing track after that. She murmured drowsily, “Margot is going to kill me.” “Why?” “I should be working.” “You should?”

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Summer chuckled limply. “I have no idea. My brain is not functioning from all the orgasms.” Kemp chuckled, wondering if all the orgasms had fried her neurons to have forgotten that. “You took today off after what happened at Stigall’s.” “Oh. I’m glad you’re keeping track.” “It’s been one helluva day, too.” Looking at his watch, he said, “It’s only three. Why don’t you nap for a while? I’ll wake you later.” “I won’t be able to sleep tonight if I do.” “You may lose some sleep tonight, darlin’. Get it while you can,” he said with a chuckle. She smiled, and her eyelids slid closed a minute later. Kemp was willing to admit he was a complete and utter sap as he lay there naked with her, stroking her hip, her arm, her cheek, whatever part of her he could reach. He was enthralled by her, wanting to pinch himself and make sure this wasn’t just a dream. She moaned softly and slid her arm across his chest so her warm hand rested over his collarbone then settled back into sleep. Maybe she’d felt the need to make sure it was more than just a sweet dream she was having. A smile of satisfaction crossed his lips.

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Chapter Twenty-four Summer’s heart pounded, and she giggled as she rounded the leather couch. They’d just finished dining on the delicious supper Ace had brought home for them from O’Reilley’s. Summer had promised them she’d cook for them another night. She was currently dodging Ace, who was stripping as he stalked her, dropping his clothes wherever he stood. “I promise you, kitten. Wherever you are when I catch you, that’s the spot you’re getting it.” Biting her lower lip in anticipation, Summer watched as he toed his boots off. She edged toward the end of the couch, hoping to make it to the stairs. His eyes glittered with lust, and she knew he would enjoy the chase as much as he would the capture. “Ten second head start?” she asked hopefully as he unbuttoned his shirt. “Five seconds, if you run now.” He started toward her, and she shrieked and dashed for the stairs, her lavender satin robe swirling in her wake to reveal her bare legs as she mounted them. She paused and looked behind her and heard the deep murmur of her men’s voices in brief conversation before he ran for the stairs. Summer shrieked again when he made eye contact with her and charged after her. Thinking it would be too easy for her to run into the bedroom, she headed straight for the French doors that led onto the upstairs deck from the central upstairs room and rushed through them. Closing them quietly, she backed away from them. She caught movement in the corner of her eye through the bedroom window and jumped practically from her skin when she saw him cutting across the

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bedroom to catch her. Summer skirted the hot tub and ran for the stairs as she heard him open the doors. Her pussy seeped with wet heat when he said, “The first thing I’m going to do is spank you for making me work so hard to catch you.” “Is that supposed to scare me?” she replied with a giggle as she fled down the stairs and around the corner to the poolside. She heard him on the stairs and realized he was closing in on her. Barefooted, Summer darted across the pebble surface and heard him running behind her as she rounded the next turn. She giggled gleefully as her robe sailed behind her and ran for the timbered entrance to the garden room. One of them had guessed this was where she would run because the weather cover for the outdoor bed had been removed and there was a bottle of chilled, white wine and a single wineglass on the small table beside the bed. Summer watched Ace as he approached the garden room, catching a glimpse of him through the leaves and branches of the living enclosure. The sky glowed with post-sunset light, casting everything around her in dusky shadows. They’d gotten another rain shower earlier, and the scent of damp earth and plant life hung in the air. He made eye contact with her and said, “Strip.” She backed away as he stalked toward her with his chest bared. He must’ve discarded his shirt, socks, and pants on the chase because he now stood proud and very erect in his snug, white knit boxers. Their body-hugging fit left no doubt as to his state of arousal because she could clearly make out the ridge of his hardened shaft stretching upward to the waistband. Her pussy responded welcomingly to the sight, and she reached for the satin belt on her robe. Stripping was a simple matter as she untied it and opened the front of her robe. Her flesh was bare beneath it, and she smiled with anticipation as he looked her up and down and licked his lower lip. She gave her shoulders a leisurely shrug, and the robe slipped down. She caught it in her hands and laid it on the bed.

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As he watched her, she smiled and faced the end of the big bed. She leaned forward a bit and positioned her hands flat on the end of the bed, exposing her bare ass for his attention. She gasped and bit her lip as he drew near. His body heat caused a rivulet of desire to course through her as she felt the light stroke of his fingertips sliding up her spine. She tilted her head back, and her lips parted on a moan at his tickling, teasing touch. He slid his fingertips back down, gliding over her hip and ass, then cupped one cheek in his warm palm. He squeezed, and she felt a corresponding convulsion in her pussy. If he delved much lower, he’d discover how she responded to his touch. She was drenched and ready for whatever came next. He squeezed the other cheek and began massaging it. The heat in her flesh built up against the palm of his hand, and she shuddered in anticipation. When the sharp, openhanded slap landed solidly against her rounded ass cheek she gasped at the sting. He rubbed over where his hand had landed and then applied another to the other cheek. “Oh.” Her pussy tightened and her derriere bloomed with heat as he caressed it with his open palm and then delivered several more lighter, stinging pops. The heat radiated from his hand as he cupped her cheek and then slid his fingertips to her cleft and trailed them through her slick cunt. “What a sweet, wet pussy.” She sensed him change position and moaned when she suddenly felt his hot mouth at her cunt. He licked and caressed her with his tongue, taking time to tease and flick her clit as he gently held her open. Her cunt tightened with each touch until she was on the verge of climax. She froze as the pulses of an orgasm echoed distantly and then groaned in frustration as he pulled away. “Impatient little kitten. I think Kemp spoiled you this afternoon.” He patted her ass and said, “Get on the end of the bed, on your knees.”

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Her juices trickled as she positioned herself for him, and he growled softly when he caressed her pussy. His callused fingers felt so good against her heated flesh, and she trembled at the position he was going to take her in. She sat up and turned to look at him. He smiled at her and kissed her hungrily. There was no doubt who was in charge of the moment and no question of how in control he would be as he slid his hands over her hip bones and down her inner thighs. He parted her thighs a bit more as he kissed her until the head of his cock pressed against her pussy. He poised himself there and didn’t move. One hand slid around her hips to hold her, and the other rested on her mound as he very lightly teased her throbbing clit with a single digit, flicking it with small touches like a butterfly’s wing. “Relax, kitten. Rest your back against me. I won’t let you fall.” She realized how tense her body was while waiting for his next move and groaned with pleasure as she leaned against his muscled chest and abdomen. “You feel so good, Ace.” He chose that moment to thrust deep inside her from behind and growled softly, “So do you.” Her body vibrated with quivering delight at the invasion, and he pressed his lips against her throat. He filled her cunt tightly, and she gasped and moaned as his retreat stroked against her G-spot. Pleasure coursed through her body as he rubbed against it with each precise stroke. His fingertips made silky, wet sounds as he continued caressing her cunt while he thrust slowly, drawing their pleasure out. Each thrust sent her higher and higher until her back arched as she waited for the stroke that would send her over the edge into bliss. Ace cupped one of her breasts in his hand and lightly pinched the nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She moaned and undulated against him, placing both her hands over his where they rested on her body. She threw her head back and wailed, “Oh, yes! Oh, Ace! Yes! I’m coming! Don’t stop!”

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He held her tightly and rode every wave of her orgasm with her. He thrust several times in quick succession, giving her every hard inch, and stilled with a deep growl as he came. She could feel his cock pulsing his release inside her and tilted her hips against him, receiving all he had to give her. His arms around her gentled and he panted against her as she enjoyed the deep intimacy of the moment. He was so warm, wrapped around her as she caught her breath. “Good, kitten?” “Oh, very good, Ace. Thank you.” He brushed her long hair from her neck and shoulder and planted another kiss there. “I love you. So much.” She reached up to put her hands on his forearms and said, “I love you, too.” He withdrew from her with a reluctant groan, and they climbed up the bed until they were both reclining on the pillows. Ace poured a glass of wine from the opened bottle and took a taste before handing it to her with a smile. Summer enjoyed the cool, tart, dry wine and took another sip before handing the glass to him. She lay on the pillows and looked up at the darkening sky. When Ace lay back, too, she allowed him to draw her into the clasp of his arms. He stroked her shoulder gently and murmured, “Kemp told me that he explained to you what happened this morning with Kathleen.” “Yes, he did.” “Her appearance out of the blue shocked me.” “I could tell. I was on the landing when you opened the door. I saw your face in the mirror.” “I knew it was her before I opened the door. I was almost afraid to.” He looked at her then continued, “It was very painful because we didn’t part on a negative note. I worried about her for weeks, months, and…nothing. Not a word from her. I hardened my heart to her, but the last time I saw her, all I felt was…”

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“Love?” Ace bit his lip pensively, his brow knitting together as though he searched for the right answer. Finally, he nodded but looked at her with concern in his eyes. “But a love that I’m distanced from. Does that make sense?” “Like an old love? Someone you still care about, but that’s it.” “Yeah. It took a while for her to get the whole story out. She said she hated telling it because she knew coming to the house today wasn’t going to turn out the way she hoped. I hated seeing her cry.” “And she explained that she was falling for Kemp, too?” “Yeah. I could tell that floored him. We’d wondered about it after she’d left but never knew for certain how she’d felt until today.” He pulled her so she lay atop his chest and brushed the stray locks of hair from her damp temples. Looking deep into her eyes, Ace said, “I do know this, though. We love you. We want you. You are what matters most to us.” She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly, licking and teasing at his lips and then finally settling into to a slow, deep kiss that grew sweeter with the emotion that made her throat ache. His hands were gentle in her tangled hair as he stroked and caressed her. She laid her head down on his chest and said, “I love you, too. I love you both so much.” “I’m sorry our morning didn’t go the way I planned.” “Morning? How about the whole day? Well, the second half wasn’t too bad, actually.” Ace’s chuckle rumbled deeply under her ear. “So I heard from Kemp. And tonight?” “I discovered that I love being chased…and spanked.” She giggled as he squeezed and massaged her ass cheeks with both hands and said, “They’re still nice and warm.” “Mmm. That feels so good,” she murmured against his chest.

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He chuckled again and said, “I love when you make purring, whispering sounds like that.” He squeezed her ass cheeks one more time and kissed the top of her head as she sighed happily. “Kemp said Kathleen will resettle in Divine and that I will have a chance to get to know her. Will that make you uncomfortable?” “Not if you’re okay with it. I don’t want there to be any tension between the two of you.” “There won’t be on my end. I feel for her after hearing what happened. She made the best choice she could in a difficult situation. I would be miserable and lost without the two of you in my life.” “I think she’ll be okay. She knew there was the distinct possibility that we would find someone new. If she’d asked me to wait I would have, but she didn’t and I don’t know why. She was sorry for interrupting our morning and that her sudden appearance upset you. We were her first stop after returning last night. Otherwise I think she would have known, if she’d checked in with Rosemary or Grace or one of the others first.” “It’s behind us now.” “Yeah.” He stroked her back until she purred some more for him, and when she noticed he was hard again, she straddled his hips and slid down until his cockhead was lodged in her pussy, which was tingling and burning with need for him again. “Kitten, you sure you feel up to another round?” Summer swirled her hips and took another few inches of him inside her and replied, “I don’t know. How do you think I feel?” Ace groaned and said, “Hot, wet, and tight.” He held her hips and thrust against her, giving her more of him with each movement. When she had all of him, she sat up and ground in a circular motion. Ace smiled and arched his back as he muttered, “Damn, you feel so good.” His face was a portrait of handsome, male pleasure. She braced her hand on his pectoral and fingered her clit as he thrust against her.

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“That’s right, kitten. Touch yourself for me. Show me how you like it.” She leaned back a little for balance as she showed him exactly how she liked to be touched, riding him into another searing-hot orgasm. He caught her as she fell forward and rolled her over with him still lodged, hot and hard, inside of her. She lifted her knees and said, “Fuck me, Ace. Hold on tight and fuck me hard.” He grasped her hips and did just that, fucking her until they both came a second, blissful time. He rolled them so she was once again on top of him, and she sighed in contentment at the feel of him all over her, even still inside her. Her thighs were opened and entangled with his. If anyone walked up they would clearly be able to see that she and Ace were still joined together. “Can we stay like this for a while?” “If you’re comfortable, sure. Do you like it?” “I love it.” It was an unspeakably tender, intimate position. She was completely vulnerable and open to him, fully trusting him and her instincts to be with these two men. Nothing had ever felt so right in her life. **** Ace felt like his body was melting into the firm foam mattress beneath him. He was satisfied sexually but knew the feeling went so much deeper than that. Today had been an emotional roller coaster for all of them. The case had come to a violent head, thankfully with no permanent damage. They’d all had one major emotional upheaval after another. But it had all righted itself in the end. Opening the front door and seeing Kathleen had been tremendously painful. To see the person he’d longed for, for months on end, finally standing there and then to watch as she realized she was just…too late. It didn’t sit well with him to deal out pain to Kathleen. The only thing she was truly

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guilty of was compassion for an old lover and wanting to protect him and Kemp. She’d given him the name of the foreign diplomat she’d been with all this time. He’d had no difficulty at all that morning, verifying the man and his level of influence as well as her presence under an assumed name as his former lover and companion. He hoped she found someone she could love when the time was right. The time had been right for him, Kemp, and Summer. Of that, he had no doubt. She was everything he could’ve hoped for in his life. She’d been dozing for a few minutes, and he hadn’t moved a muscle because he was enjoying feeling her all over him. He knew they’d have to go in soon because she got chilled in her sleep, but he wanted just a few more seconds with her, like this. She shuddered lightly as he caressed the sweet curve of her spine down to her ass and back up again. Summer was all woman, and he just couldn’t get enough of her. A warm breeze wafted over them, and she shivered and stirred. He knew it was time to go in and was grateful to Kemp for the time alone he’d had with Summer. Ace planned to make alone time a regular occurrence for the three of them. She raised her head and smiled at him sleepily. “You okay?” “Me? I’m just about perfect. Ready to go inside?” She nodded, and he helped her up after finally withdrawing from the soft, warm depths of her body. She stretched, arching her back in a sexy, lithe curve. The move tilted her buttocks toward him, and he couldn’t resist a caress over the tempting swell of her ass. Ace held her robe as she slipped her arms into it and smoothed the satin over her shoulders, just because he wanted to keep his hands on her as long as he possibly could. She looked up at him with a relaxed, contented smile on her face. They replaced the cover on the bed and went inside.

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They found Kemp upstairs, reading in bed. A slow, satisfiedlooking grin came over his face, and he inquired, “Have a good time outside?” Summer nodded as she shrugged her robe off and laid it over the chair near the bed. “I love it out there. That garden room is my new favorite place for making love.” Kemp chuckled and said, “You’re going to say that about all the places around this house we plan to make love to you, aren’t you?” Summer nodded happily and said, “What matters the most is that you are the ones making love to me. Ready to try out the hot tub? The divan? The kitchen counter? I got a nap and I’m ready to go.” Judging by the lively twinkle in Summer’s eyes and the way his cock responded to her words, they’d be willing to go wherever she wanted to try next. What Ace wanted to do could wait a little longer. **** Summer settled back in the hot tub with a contented sigh, feeling no regrets about the day that was now slipping away toward midnight. Kemp and Ace both looked relaxed and ready for sleep. Both men watched her indulgently now as they each stroked and massaged one of her legs. Their hands were gentle, and she was certain that after the day she’d had and the soak in the hot water she would sleep like a baby tonight. Finally, Ace patted her calf and said, “Let’s get out, kitten. We have something we want to show you.” They rose from the water, their naked bodies all glistening in the moonlight before they dried off and went inside. Kemp found her in the bathroom, brushing out her hair, and silently took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Ace lay on one side of the divan watching them. Summer climbed onto the plush surface, cuddled up to him, and smiled at Kemp as he drew close on her other side. All three of them were still naked, and

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the light of the full moon cast their bodies in a luminescent glow. The differing tones of their skin, with their limbs overlapping, were beautiful to her. Ace rested his head on his firm bicep and smiled at her, and the love in his dark brown eyes melted her heart. Kemp stroked the outer swell of her breast, and she looked up into his warm, green eyes and could see the love radiating from them Ace took a breath to speak, and she heard a hint of shakiness in it as he placed something on her bare abdomen. She looked down at a small, black velvet box. “Marry us, kitten.” Her hands trembled as she reached for the box and opened it. Her breath left her in a rush and all she could manage was incoherent babble. “Huh—whoa, whoa, wow—wow!” The square-cut diamond set in a classic gold setting was absolutely stunning. She’d be willing to bet it was at least three carats. Ace chuckled and nudged Kemp. “Did that sound like a yes to you?” The humor was evident in Kemp’s voice as he replied, “It may have been, Ace. I’m not really sure. Let’s see what other sounds we can get her to make.” Kemp’s fingertips tickled her ribs, and Summer squealed and wiggled between them. “Still not sure, Ace. Try her feet.” “No! No! Not my feet!” she said with a giggle as she struggled to keep them out of Ace’s grasp. Kemp tickled her gently again, and she remembered that she needed to respond to their question. “Yes! Yes! Of course, I’ll marry you. I’ll do anything you want me to do, just don’t tickle me anymore.” Their hands stilled, and they turned their sexy gazes on her. Ace asked, “Anything?” She was amazed that she saw desire spark to life in his eyes after the long day and their lovemaking earlier. She glanced down at his cock and the sight of it swelling and stiffening

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confirmed what she saw in his eyes. Her tingling cunt throbbed anew to feel them both inside her again. “Anything,” she responded sincerely. In that sexy, whiskey-laden tone, Ace asked, “Ready to christen the divan, kitten?” “Oh, baby, am I ever,” she said as she allowed him to pull her over so she straddled his hips. His hardening shaft pressed against her damp cleft and they both groaned when he slid easily through her slick juices. “I want you both, together.” “Are you sure you’re up for it, darlin?” Kemp asked as he stroked her hip. Making eye contact with Kemp, she nodded and reached for him. She wrapped her arms around his strong, broad shoulders and kissed him. His warm hands sent fiery tingles up and down her spine as he stroked her back and her hips. When she released him, he said, “I’ll get the lube.” Ace caressed her cheek and her throat as she turned back to him, and she hoped he could see in her eyes the love she felt overflowing in her heart. She pressed her cunt against the long ridge of his cock, and he groaned pleasurably and moved under her, rubbing his cock against her sensitive clit. “Kitten, you feel so good.” She braced her hands on his chest then arched her back and ground her pussy against his length. “I love being your kitten.” Ace grinned devilishly and replied, “Sweet, little pussy.” Summer giggled. “That’s me.” Kemp returned to the bed and took advantage of her current position. He dribbled lubricant in the cleft of her ass, and she hissed when she felt it reach her asshole. She sighed deeply when he rubbed more against her anus and began to prepare her for his cock. Kemp took his time, massaging her sphincter and working the lube inside her a bit at a time. She groaned softly as he penetrated her with one thick finger and wondered if she’d come just from his prep work. Ace stroked her upper arms and murmured, “Come lay on my chest so you can relax, kitten.”

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Summer smiled at him and then laid her head on his chest, right over his heart as Kemp continued his ministrations. Ace’s heart beat steadily next to her ear, and she sighed contentedly as she closed her eyes and focused on relaxing as much as she could for Kemp. He added a second finger and continued stretching and lubricating her ass. Her pussy trembled with arousal, and Ace must have felt it on his cock because he growled softly and flexed his hips. “One more finger, darlin’. I want to make sure you’re ready for me.” “Mmm-hmm,” she murmured shakily as three fingers entered her ass simultaneously. The full, burning sensation as his fingers slid deep in her ass drew a moan from her. She shuddered in pleasure at the wave of heat and longing as he thrust again and again, driving her higher and higher, closer to orgasm with each stroke. Surely she could take him now. Kemp whispered, “Ready, darlin’?” She nodded and positioned her knees comfortably on the soft plush covering of the divan and braced her forearms at Ace’s sides. Lastly, she tilted her ass up to give him full access and smiled blissfully at his groan of obvious appreciation. Kemp stroked her readied asshole with a finger and caressed her left hip and said, “I love the way you offer yourself to us, darlin’. It’s beautiful. We’re going to take good care of you.” Ace shifted under her, and she felt the thick head of his cock nudge her pussy as the slick, lubricated head of Kemp’s cock nestled against her asshole. Ace kissed her forehead and murmured, “Hold still, kitten. Let us do the work for now. Relax and breathe. Kemp is going to take his time getting inside you. I’m going to slide in.” The lubrication had also worked its way down to her pussy and his cock, coating them well in the process, and he loosed a deep groan as he filled her pussy to the hilt on the first stroke.

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Biting her lip, Summer struggled not to move against him as orgasmic tremors fluttered in her cunt. “Easy, kitten,” Ace murmured as he stroked her back and her hair. Kemp used his strong, gentle hands to part her ass cheeks and hold her steady. The pressure slowly built against her resistant asshole, which began to tingle and burn a little. Kemp’s cock was extremely thick, and she knew he was exacting a lot of patience and control at this moment. Breathing deep, she willed her body to allow his intrusion. Gradually, the tight ring of muscles gave way. He backed off slightly and thrust in minute degrees. His cock entered her, and the fiery burn was painful but also intensely pleasurable. Her body wanted to fight the intrusion, but she breathed deep and let out a moan. “Oh. Kemp. Oh!” Kemp’s hands trembled as he held her hips, and his voice trembled as he said, “Damn. Hold on, darlin’. Don’t move. It’s so fucking hard to go slow. You feel so good.” Ace groaned beneath her but held perfectly still. When she looked up at him, he smiled at her and kissed her forehead. “You feel unbelievably good, Summer.” Kemp pressed his fingers to the inside of her ass cheeks and thrust gently in a rhythmic stroking motion, gradually sliding more and more of his enormous cock into her ass. She whimpered at the full, glorious feeling of having both her men inside her at the same time and pressed back until his hips finally nudged against her. Kemp withdrew slightly and thrust, his cock stimulating nerve endings as he moved within her. “Oh, yes. Yes!” She doubted she’d last long and thrust back against him on the next stroke. Ace growled deep in his chest and grasped her hips and thrust as well. The effort to hold on to their control was obvious, and she knew they wouldn’t get ahead of her and leave her hanging. Kemp thrust his cock deep in her ass and groaned as though he were in ecstasy. She braced herself on her hands at Ace’s sides so she

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had a little leverage, and Ace delved down to her pussy and stroked her clit. Her pussy clenched at the stimulation. Her control unraveled, and she cried out, “Yes, Ace. Don’t stop!” Almost of their own accord, her hips began rocking between them, as their thrusts reached a feverish pitch and she thought she might explode. “Yes!” Just a few seconds more. They thrust in tandem, and Ace grasped her throbbing clit between two fingers and stroked her firmly. Summer wailed until her throat hurt as she moved and rocked convulsively with each wave of her violent orgasm. “Oh fuck! Yes!” Ace threw his head back and howled as his release pulsed inside her and he thrust deep. Kemp trembled and groaned as he thrust hard two more times and pressed his forehead between her shoulder blades. Because he was so close to her, she heard his panting breath and beautiful, but very masculine orgasmic moan as his release hit him and his cock twitched and jerked with each spurt of his cum. Kemp’s breath tickled against her back before he finally sat up, still in his kneeling position behind her. He asked, “Darlin’, are you okay? She lay flat on Ace, unable to move yet, and blissfully murmured, “Mmm-hmm.” Ace stroked his knuckles along her cheekbone, and she was too dazed to open her eyes, until she felt cool metal slip onto the ring finger of her left hand. Kemp had retrieved the ring from the box and had slipped it on her finger, and now held her hand clasped in his. There was no hesitation in Ace’s tone when he asked, “No regrets about agreeing to marry us?” “None whatsoever. I love you both so much my heart wants to burst from the feeling.” Kemp leaned down and kissed her shoulder and said, “You’ve made us the happiest men on the planet, then.”

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She lifted her hand to look at the ring on her finger, and Ace took the opportunity to kiss her knuckles and add, “And we’re going to do our best to make you the happiest woman on the planet.” Like any other woman, Summer had dreamed and fantasized about this moment ever since she was a little girl. She’d dreamed of the wedding dress, the romantic ceremony, the flowers, the attendants, and even the cake. Her grooms, however, were beyond even her wildest fantasies.

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Epilogue The following weekend… Taylor Vance sat with his friend and his beautiful blind date at a table in The Dancing Pony, talking about work. His job consumed a lot of his time, and he loved talking about it. Jessica sat beside him after finishing with her important text message from work and listening intently as he explained the intricacies of designing the signal distribution for a high-end home theater system he’d recently sold. His coworker at Thorne Home Theater, Rachel Wolf, walked up and nudged him with her elbow as she interrupted him and said, “Can you not see that your date is bored to tears with your yammering on about amplifiers and subwoofers? You begged me to set you up with my friend and I did it, even though you were on my shit list for the way you acted with Summer. Major fuckup on your part, by the way. Your loss is their gain,” she said, gesturing toward the dance floor. He rolled his eyes at her pronouncement, knowing full well that Jessica was riveted by what he was saying, even though she was now looking in the direction Rachel was pointing. He squinted at the darkened dance floor and finally saw what Rachel gestured at. Summer Heston was on the dance floor, but he couldn’t see her very well for the two men she was currently pressed between. Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” was playing so loudly he almost couldn’t hear himself think.

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Taylor said, “I thought this was a country and western nightclub. That doesn’t sound like country music to me.” The beat of the music throbbed in the air. Rachel shrugged dismissively and said, “I doubt Ethan and Ben follow anyone else’s standards but their own.” Taylor wondered how Rachel’s husband put up with her sassy attitude. Jessica turned to Rachel and asked, “Is she dancing with two men?” Rachel smiled broadly and replied, “Yeah. Her fiancées, actually.” Gasping, Jessica’s eyes widened, and she whispered, “No, really?” Rachel chuckled and said, “Really.” Jessica asked, “And she got them both to go dance with her to that song?” Rachel nodded and replied, “Yeah. I think they pretty much give her whatever she wants, judging by the size of that rock on her ring finger.” Just then, a popular song all the women in the nightclub seemed to enjoy dancing to started to play. Rachel asked, “Want to dance with the girls, Jessica? I’ll introduce you to Summer.” Taylor wasn’t done talking about the home theater system and was surprised by how fast Jessica hopped from her seat snuggled close beside him. She turned to him, patted his muscular forearm, and said, “I’m sorry, Taylor, but I don’t think this blind date is working out. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be sitting with Rachel and her group. It was nice to meet you, though.” As she turned away with Rachel, Taylor thought he heard Jessica call Rachel her wingman.

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THE END WWW.HEATHERRAINIER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Heather Rainier lives and writes in South Central Texas. Her stories offer up the content of her fantasies, with autobiographical humor, triumph and tragedy mixed in. With great pride, Heather writes erotic romances exclusively for Siren Publishing, under their Ménage Everlasting and Everlasting Classic imprints. Heather's love of romance fiction began as a teenager when her mom gave her copies of Kathleen Woodiwiss’s “The Flame and the Flower” and Bertrice Small's “Skye O'Malley.” To this day she's pretty sure that was her mom's version of the “birds and the bees” talk. Heather writes the type of novel she loves to read: More erotic and edgy than the mainstream, with plenty of sweet romance mixed in and a happily ever after guaranteed. Heather's favorite type of hero is the gentle, lovable giant but readers will discover a wide variety of heroes and alphas on the pages of her novels, from nearly perfect to very flawed. Heather hopes that readers relate to her heroines and the challenges and dilemmas they face head-on. Heather believes that life doesn’t always present love to us in neat little sanitized packages. Sometimes we have to seize the day, live life with no regrets, forget the past, never give up, learn to trust, and dare to live, even in outrageous circumstances. Those themes are woven throughout her Divine Creek Ranch Collection which debuted in November of 2010. When not happily typing at her keyboard, Heather is usually busy corralling her kids, volunteering as a reading tutor, or loving on her smokin’ hot husband, who thankfully loves to cook.

Also by Heather Rainier Ménage Everlasting: Divine Creek Ranch 1: Divine Grace Everlasting Classic: Divine Creek Ranch 2: Her Gentle Giant, Part 1: No Regrets Everlasting Classic: Divine Creek Ranch 2: Her Gentle Giant, Part 2: Remember to Dance Ménage Everlasting: Divine Creek Ranch 3: Heavenly Angel Ménage Everlasting: Divine Creek Ranch 4: Rosemary’s Double Delight Everlasting Classic: Divine Creek Ranch 5: Spurs and Heels Ménage Everlasting: Divine Creek Ranch 6: Maya’s Triple Dare

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com