Three In Their Cups

Three In Their Cups By Carys Weldon

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Three in Their Cups Copyright © 2004 Carys Weldon Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2004 Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com www.Extasybooks.com

Tarot Card: Three of Cups Rather than simply two forces working together towards the purposes of love and harmony, the Three of Cups represents all kinds of people or groups who work as one. The figures pictured on the Three of Cups are always joyful, celebrating some success together, and thus the card shows us that happy times spent in the company of our friends and loved one become even happier, while sad times become a little less sad. This is one of the many powers of the group, and the community as a whole, that are explored through the card called the Three of Cups. The influence of the community is very powerful in this card; and though each member of this community is different they can and will often work together in harmony. This card is often a sign of the true power of the group: to bring people of all ages and ways of life together, to achieve a common goal. It is a sign that you should seek out other people to celebrate your success along with you. But bear this in mind: in such groups, it is essential that everyone has common ground, but it is also important that not everyone is the same. It is similarities which bring

people together; but it is differences which make them strong. Any occasion where people celebrate together can be indicated by the Three of Cups; including weddings, anniversaries, parties, baby showers, community festivities, etc. For the moment, even though life's problems go on, you can take time out to forget about the hassles of the everyday world and enjoy the company of your friends and loved one. Such respites are often needed before and after periods of high stress, to stop you from getting burned out emotionally or physically. When this card appears and you are in a lot of stress, take some time off to recuperate, and gain the support of friends before returning to battle. The sentiments expressed on this card are deep and unusual, not fully visible just from the appearance of the card. It is a kind of love that many people search for their entire lives and yet never find, while others do nothing and it seems to flow right to them. If you are one of this latter group, enjoy it as much as you can! If you are in the first category, maybe you've been looking too hard for that which you already have. Everyone has an abundant life in his or her own way, and the appearance of the Three of Cups is a sign to count your blessings and be thankful for every one.

Dedication: To men everywhere… may you never forget foreplay, always remember romance, and let love lead your every spoken word.

Carys Weldon

Chapter One

T

he string bikini was the first thing Leah pulled out of her underwear drawer to put in the bag. Then her thong. Then her g-string. She was definitely packing for a private party. “Not that!” Derek had to draw the line somewhere. Leah glanced up at him with a surprised look on her face. “What?” She rummaged in the bag to see what he had a problem with. Everything. It didn’t matter how long they’d been together, he didn’t think he’d ever get tired of looking at her. Her long, wavy red hair turned him on like crazy. Even now, when it shadowed half of her face, he wanted nothing more than to slip his fingers into it. Feel the silky texture slide against the skin of his wrist, bury his nose against her throat. It, she, always smelled like heaven to him. “Bikini’s okay. Thong’s okay. Not that I was asking permission, but… you have an issue with this?” She pulled the g-string out, dangling it from her fingertip. The image of her in the damn thing, straddled over his body, sprang to mind. He couldn’t help it. He wanted to close his eyes and revel in the memory. 1

Three in Their Cups Leah, bra-less, wearing nothing but the g…his hands roving over her body…the erection between his legs throbbing, leaking…and still she teased…rubbing her hands over her breasts, tweaking her nipples until they stood out, before reaching down, running her fingers through his short-cropped, dark hair—kissing him hard, and then leaning up to grip the headboard behind him. “Just blow, Derek. I want to feel your hot breath on me.” He blew three times before she pressed the small square of fabric and the rest of her crotch completely to his lips, begging, “Tongue! Use it, quick!” Her obedient servant, Derek’s tongue flicked out and slipped its way around the edge of the material, laving slowly, steadily, deeper. It wrapped around the string, sucking. That was in his way. Fingers peeled it aside, positioned her better over him with a firm grip on her ass. He looked up, waiting for her command. “Again.” His tongue snaked inside with predatory striking skill. She grunted in frustration, writhing above him, “Deeper, dammit!” Her pelvic bone ground against his teeth. Leah watched the glazing of his eyes as Derek keyed in on the miniscule swatch of teaser. She snatched the g-string out of his view, back into the bag, echoing his thoughts, stopping the train. “I need… something deeper.” He blinked. “What?” 2

Carys Weldon “A deeper duffle. There isn’t going to be enough room in this one.” “So don’t go.” His best answer. The only one he could get his tongue around. “Right.” She turned her back on him and threw the closet wide. “I’ll just have to be more selective in my packing.” She tapped her lips with a manicured nail. “What do I have that won’t take up much room?” Derek propped himself against the wall near the closet and tucked a thumb in his front waistband— affecting one of those male model poses—hoping she’d notice that he left the top button of his jeans undone. “Why don’t you put that g-string on and see if it still fits?” Leah harumphed, eyeing him sideways. “Are you saying I’m fatter now than I was… then?” She’d only worn it once. It wasn’t like either of them could mistake the reference. Derek wanted to kick himself. And he’d been trying foreplay? His tongue was good for one thing only, and it wasn’t talking. He shook his head, “That’s not what I was getting at and you know it.” His thumb rubbed idly inside his pants. Just thinking about her, them together… had him excited. Leah glanced down, narrowed her gaze briefly. To him it looked like she was frowning. He spread his fingers. No sense in irritating her with his lack of self-control. She’d probably think he was a pig. How many times had he fanned his fingers out, just to cover what she did to him? Waiting for a sign that she was interested? Derek’s lids slid over his eyes. He tipped his head 3

Three in Their Cups back. Looking lazy, sexy. He was hiding his emotions from her. He’d forgotten the question she asked. “Well, then you won’t mind if you don’t have to look at my fat butt any more.” Her rear end wasn’t fat…exactly. Well rounded. Enough ass to last ‘til Christmas. He never told her that, though. He loved it. It was perfect. “You don’t have a fat—” She cut him off. Holding up a green sheath dress, she asked, “What do you think of this?” Was she serious? Asking his opinion when she was going out—leaving him? What was she trying to do? Torture him? Through gritted teeth, he said, “You know it looks good on you.” Leah slipped it off the hanger and rolled it, then placed it in the duffle bag. Derek watched her every move, the way her shoulders rolled, the curve of her cheek, the flutter of her lashes, the way her teeth worried her bottom lip when the zipper of the inside compartment got stuck. He didn’t offer to help her with it, though. He was drinking in every last nuance of her. How she smelled… freesia. And beneath that, her woman’s scent. He allowed himself a savoring moment, inhaling deeply. Aah, that smell made him crazy. A thump in the closet, the twang of hangers bouncing, got his attention. She asked, “You falling asleep standing there?” Somehow, she’d managed to throw a dozen things onto the bed in about two seconds flat. Everything lacy, slinky, sexy. Derek mumbled, “No.” He could have. He’d spent all night—wide awake—tense—watching her sleep— 4

Carys Weldon wondering how she could do it when their whole world was falling apart. She was ripping it to shreds, jolting him out of his complacency. Sure of one thing, Derek stated, “This is the worst time in the world for you to go on one of these weekends with your sisters.” She was restless. She wanted something she refused to name. Something Derek couldn’t figure out. She was hellbent on going, too. And ignoring him completely, apparently. She yanked item after item from the closet, held it up for examination, and tossed it onto the bed. Some, very few, all skimpy little numbers, got rolled up and shoved in the duffle bag at her feet. When she grabbed the teddy he’d given her for Christmas, his gut reaction made him blurt, “Don’t you wear that for some other man.” He moved to take it from her. He knew what was going to happen on this weekend. They were always booze and body fests. She was gonna get laid—and by someone besides him. Leah made a face, shrugged the teddy just out of his reach, held it up again, and then tossed it over her shoulder. “Fine.” It landed like the rest, in a heap on the bed. “Not that it matters any more.” Discarded: the teddy, him, their whole relationship. The coiling snake of death was eating him from the inside out. Derek didn’t know what to say… how to stop this insanity. He could feel his chest splitting but he just 5

Three in Their Cups couldn’t find the right words… whatever she wanted him to say—so that she’d stop the nonsense, so that she’d stay. Panic was rising inside him, locking his jaw. The squeal of tires out front, accompanied by the blaring, repeat honks forced Derek to jump from his leaning position near the closet. It got Leah to move a little faster, too. She let out a squeal of her own. “Ack. They’re early!” Grabbing her cosmetic bag off the master bathroom counter, snagging her mini-duffle, she headed down the hall for the door, shoving the smaller one into the bigger bag as she went… with Derek on her heels. Plaintively, he repeated, “Don’t go.” She opened the front door. He snatched it shut with a fast hand and held it there. Seriously, he stared her in the eye and begged, “Leah… please.” The insistent horn wasn’t letting up. Through the screened window, they could hear her sisters laughing, calling, “Leeeeeaaaaah! Come out! Come out! Wherever you are!” Leah said, “I gotta go. Let me by, Derek.” He shook his head. “We need to talk.” She pushed, forcing him to step aside. “We’ve talked way too much.” Wrinkling her nose, she brought her chin up and clarified, “Correction, I talk. You never say anything. Not what I want to hear, anyway.” She flipped her long, red hair over her shoulder, juggled the duffle to her other hand and pointedly finished with, “When I get back, I expect you to be gone.” Grunting, she yanked the door open, applied pressure to the screen door handle. 6

Carys Weldon Derek couldn’t let her go. Not like that. He reached out, his fingers biting into her upper arm. “Leah—” Her head twisted so she could look at him. “What?” Derek’s tongue tripped over his lips. He swallowed hard. “You know how I feel about you.” For a second, time stood still. They were locked in the spell of honesty. They both knew it was true. He loved her. No matter that he’d been lousy at saying it, and worse at showing it. The fact that he was dying over her decision to leave, and God help them, go on another wicked weekend with her sisters… stood between them. The horn beeped again, about a dozen times in rapid succession. Her younger sister, Mira, wailed, “Kiss him or dump him, but get your butt in the car, Le. We’re burning gas and daylight both.” Leah shrugged her arm free and muttered, “Yeah, well… I love you, too, but that isn’t enough. Is it?” To her sisters, she hollered, “Pop the trunk so I can stow my stuff.” Anna made a face, craning her neck to see around Mira. “Is that all you brought? One little duffle?” Mira giggled, “We’re spending the weekend in the hot tub and the night club, Anna, geez. What did you want her to bring? Her parka?” Derek smiled through gritted teeth. “I could go in and get that, if you want.” All three of the women turned to look at him. Wellrounded, super stacked redheads—every one of them sexy as hell. The only difference between them, really, were a few highlights, hair length, a couple of 7

Three in Their Cups pounds, and personality. For a brief second, Derek compared Leah to her sisters. Where Mira had expensive, extensive highlighting, a shaggy, shoulder length cut—and a gutsy, snappy tongue, Anna had more natural, darker shading in her straight hair, a total conservative, been hurt before thing going on. Leah’s locks were truer red, more tress-like, a lot longer. She also had a few more pounds on her sisters, in all the right places, too, as far as he was concerned. Derek shrugged, “Hey, I was just willing to fetch.” Leah dumped her things in the back end of the car, shut the lid, and moved around to the passenger side. She mumbled, “Fetch. Sit. Stay. Why don’t you just come?” The door cranked open. She looked down. “Mira, why don’t you oil this thing?” The red, late model convertible had been a gift from the last old geezer she’d dated. They called it the Sin-mobile. That door had made noise from week one. Mira laughed, “Complain, complain. I don’t know what Derek sees in you. Just get in the Sin.” She was busy watching him, winking, half leaning out the driver side window, blowing kisses. “Oooh. You look good today, Derek.” “Thanks. Glad somebody noticed.” His gaze strayed over her head, past Anna, to Leah. She was looking at him, to see what he had on. Well… Derek, had put on the jeans she said turned her on, made his butt look good. He’d left the top button undone, too. And his shirt was hanging open, exposing his body like a frame, drawing attention to the hair swirling from the low-rise center of his jeans. 8

Carys Weldon Self-consciously, he rubbed a hand over his left nipple. All three women narrowed their eyes, keying in on his tight pecs. Derek bit his lower lip, scratched across his whole chest—because he didn’t know what else to do. He wasn’t used to all three of them gawking like that. Anna tugged on the back of Mira’s shirt. “Quit scamming on him. He’s taken.” He noticed that she stole another look, before blushing, and averting her gaze. If Leah appreciated him half as much as her sisters did…. Mira was unrepentant. She kept on blowing him kisses, fluttering her lashes. “Come on, Derek…gimme a g’bye kiss. You know you want—” Anna was sitting in the middle of the front seat, sandwiched between the other two. Leaning around Mira, she said, “Seeya around, Derek.” She hit the gearshift, knocking it into reverse. Both Mira and Leah made noises. Leah shut her door with a slam. Mira grabbed the wheel, hit her brake, looked in the mirror, then released the brake. “Oh, well,” she called to Derek. “Guess we’ll see you when we get back.” With another squalling of tires, they were off. For good measure, the horn was honked another few times, and again as they turned the far corner. He watched them go with a bellyful of foreboding. Leah was going to screw the first guy she came to, just to close the door on him. She’d already told him so. Damn, he was cursing the wine coolers he’d brought home the night before. He’d been hoping to woo her into bed. Instead, 9

Three in Their Cups they argued over her trip and she’d had enough to pass out. He’d carried her to bed, undressed her…wanted to make love to her. But no. He hadn’t taken advantage, of course. He’d just spent a miserable night thinking of all the things he wanted to do to her—to convince her that she could have more fun at home with him. Derek stood there for ages, not wanting to think— about it—or anything else. But when he finally turned toward the house, the thought came again. He had to stop her from making a big mistake. He muttered under his breath, “We’re far from over, Leah. I haven’t…” He stopped there. That was the problem. He hadn’t done anything. No flowers. No sweet words. Oh yeah, he’d made love to her. Told her she smelled good. But that was about it. His failures were choking him. It was all his fault, and he knew it.

10

Carys Weldon

Chapter Two

A

s soon as they were out of sight from the house, Mira, Anna, and Leah grew quiet. All staring straight ahead, Mira asked, “So, uh, did you tell him where we were going?” Discouraged, Leah turned her head out the window. “Yeah. I don’t think he was listening.” “What did you say?” “I don’t know. That I was going. He was staring straight ahead—at the TV—you know.” “You didn’t make sure he heard where we were going?” “I tried. A couple of times. What was I supposed to do? Beat him over the head with a skillet and say, look—the plan is for you to care enough to come after me? —oh never mind.” Mira kept on prodding. “No. Honestly. Think he’ll show up?” Leah’s fingers ran across her forehead, then slipped through her hair. “Probably not. I got mad last night and told him to get out.” “You didn’t!” Anna jumped in. “Oh, Le. What were you thinking?” Ruefully, Leah faced her mistake head on. “That’s 11

Three in Their Cups hardly an invitation to come, isn’t it?” Tears bubbled up in her eyes. Fighting them back, her lip trembled and she admitted, “I don’t know what I’m gonna do.” The tears had no mercy, they spilled out, making her even angrier and she turned her face toward the window. Anna said, “Well, telling him what you want wasn’t working. I think reverse psychology is just the ticket.” As if they’d planned it, Anna patted her. “Good move, sis. It’ll work.” Leah was tense. She rolled her shoulders and cracked her neck, sniffing back the tears. “Well, if it doesn’t, I’m screwed.” She looked around for a tissue. Anna handed her one. They exchanged one of those smiling moments of gratitude and love. Anna was always there for her. Mira summed things up, “So, either way, the weekend is good. Right?” Anna and Leah looked at her. Anna was the first to say, “What are you talking about?” Mira shrugged. “Look. If he doesn’t show, we’ll hook her up. She can screw around. There’s no law against it. I mean,” she leaned forward to get some eye contact with Leah, "you did tell him to get. So, technically, you’re free.” Leah groaned, berating herself. “He asked me to stay. I should have.” “For what?” Mira rolled her eyes, turned on her blinker and edged the car out on the Santa Monica freeway. “More of the same? No. You needed to make him feel threatened. Jumpstart him. You know?” Anna turned her head toward Mira. “It’s not really 12

Carys Weldon good on us if going somewhere with her sisters makes a guy feel threatened, Mir.” Mira shrugged that off. “You’ll feel better for it, Leah. I promise.” She had her eyes on the road, which was good, because her sisters were giving her some ugly, appalled looks. Leah asked, “You don’t get it, do you? I don’t want to screw around. I want Derek.” She sighed. “It’s probably my fault. I don’t know what I want him to do different. I just know I want something. That doesn’t make sense, does it?” Anna assured her, “It makes perfect sense. We’re women. That’s how we are. Men should be able to figure it out.” She reached for the flyer on the resort they were going to –lying on the dash. “You left one of these back at the house, in plain view, right?” Leah eyed the flyer sideways. “Yeah. I forgot about that. It’s on the kitchen counter. Right where his pizza will go. I don’t expect him to leave until right before I am supposed to be back. He’s a procrastinator, you know.” “Duh.” Mira rolled her eyes. Anna flipped the flyer over and pointed, “I picked this one because the map is on the back.” She smiled at Leah. “He’ll come. I promise.” Leah had to laugh. “A promise from both of you in the span of about two minutes.” She looked up. “The sky must be ready to cave in.” Her sisters never made promises they couldn’t keep. There were really trying to cheer her up. “No way. Clear skies all weekend long. I checked.” Mira rested an arm across the top of the steering 13

Three in Their Cups wheel before adding, “Anna, you potty mouth.” Anna blinked. “What are you talking about?” Mira grinned. “And I thought I was the one who was supposed to set the mood for the weekend.” Leah and Anna were lost. Mira had to explain. “He’ll come.” She glanced over at Leah, “If I were you, I would worry about the second half of that.” All three of them silently retraced Anna’s words. He’ll come. I promise. Anna quickly said, “I didn’t mean I’d make him come.” She punched Mira in the arm. “Pig. Talk about potty mouth.” “Well,” again, Mira was unrepentant “somebody needs to be thinking about that. I mean, once he shows up… how we gonna work the whole thing?” She sniffed, flipped a turn signal and switched lanes. “We need a tease.” Anna and Leah let her ramble. Mira said, “I can get some guys to look interested. You know, something that’ll prompt loverboy into making a possessive move.” Leah said, “You’re wasting your time. He won’t show.” That possibility stunned them a little. Silence haunted the rest of the trip. But when they arrived at the hotel, all three of them had made up their minds. Anna said, “I have faith in fate. You two were meant to be together. He’ll show, Le.” Mira said, “If he doesn’t, screw him. Geez, if he can’t get a clue… then move on.” She waved toward the beach that lined the resort. “There’s plenty of—” Leah cut her off before she threw out the age-old 14

Carys Weldon analogy. “You’re right. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. If it’s not…I need to get on with my life.” She crooked her finger toward the valet—the first man she saw. He looked like an off-duty lifeguard, a little out of place in his too-tight valet uniform exaggerating his surfer build. “So, uh, my sisters and I were wondering where thirsty girls wet their whistles at around here.” Mira popped the trunk and let a second valet climb in behind the wheel of her car. While Lifesaver Boy unloaded their bags onto the bellman’s dolly, he told them, “The main bar is through the foyer, to your left. The tiki bar is out on the beach. There’s another near the hot tubs and a lounge on the top floor, connected to the restaurant. We also have wandering servers. You won’t go thirsty, I promise.” The sisters all raised eyebrows at the word promise. Mira couldn’t skip the chance to sidle up to him and ask, “What else can you promise us?” He cleared his throat and pushed the dolly toward the door. With a discreet smile, he offered, “This hotel has all the amenities. Anything you could desire… is yours. Just say the word. They don’t call it five stars for nothing.” Mira was footing the bill—compliments of one of her old geezers, she said. Who knew? Neither Anna nor Leah wanted the details. Anna left them, went to the desk, checked in quickly and flashed them the room number. In the elevator, Mira told her, “So, uh, this is Brad. Brad, meet Anna.” She leaned close, and grinned 15

Three in Their Cups conspiratorially, “She’s the old one.” Anna didn’t look old. In fact, she was only twentysix, the oldest of the sisters, who were only two years apart. Brad lifted an interested eyebrow—his crystal-clear blue eyes, not missing an inch of her long legs as he punched the button for the floor their rooms were on. A second later, he reached up and ran a hand under his shoulder length blond-bronze hair, asking, “Does it seem a little warm in here to you?” Anna shouldered into Mira, squeezing her into the corner. Pretending to be innocent of it, she gestured toward Leah. “Definitely. Have you been introduced to Leah? She’s just gotten out of a relationship with a dud. We’re here to cheer her up.” The close proximity to the bellboy-cum-sex god had driven up Anna’s body temperature immensely. Leah gave herself a little room, made a face, then smiled too sweetly at Brad. “Nice to meet you.” Brad didn’t say anything, he just watched her, which made Leah even more uncomfortable. When the bell dinged, and the elevator door swooshed open, Leah muttered under her breath, “Thank God.” She knew one thing. She wasn’t ready for the open market. It was gonna take a lot of drinks to fix her up. She had every intention of drowning in her sorrows, getting deep in her cups. It didn’t take long for their bags to be deposited in their suite. Mira wouldn’t let Brad leave without another promise. “Promise me you’ll show up at the hot tub later?” Brad looked over her to the other women, waiting 16

Carys Weldon for a full invitation. Anna had already gone to the sliding glass door that opened onto a balcony. She glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. Leah shrugged. “Come bearing gifts and we’ll be your willing slaves. Now…out…” she shooed him. “so I can get into something more comfortable.” She was wearing capris and a tied top, sandals— and obviously no bra or panties. Way too much for a beach side resort at high season. Mira pressed the door shut behind the man, saying, “See you later. Bring friends.” Anna rested her butt on the balcony, and looked into the room. She scratched her jawline. “We have a problem.” Anna and Leah turned to look at her, saying, “What?” simultaneously. “What if Derek can’t get a room, like it’s booked up or something? The beach is packed.” Leah shrugged. She was already undressed, and pulling her swimsuit from her bag. “Then I guess it’s over. Hurry up. I need a drink.” The thought depressed her, but she didn’t say any thing. There was no way he’d made reservations. Forget the fact that she’d been talking about the trip for a month. She’d been talking to a blank wall, a firm chin, glazed eyes, Mr. Stiff Neck. When he responded, it was with a simple, “Don’t go.” Leah knew it was over. And that’s why she had plans to get drunk and stupid. Celebrate her freedom, even if she didn’t want it.

17

Three in Their Cups

Chapter Three

D

erek went in the house, wandered all the way through it, touching Leah’s things, smelling them, putting them back. He spent a little time lying on the bed, her clothing all around him, listening to the bedside clock tick away at his life. He wondered what she was doing, where the hell they went. She was right, he hadn’t been listening. He drifted off. And there, he found the sweetest memory of his whole life. The night he first laid eyes on Leah and her sisters. One of their wild weekends. That’s how he knew what happened when they went away. It unfolded as if he were there again. He could smell the mix of booze and cologne that sweltered in the crowded bar. The Dog's Meow— stupid name for a bar. All the rage. Even had a bouncer at the door, keeping people out. He’d been with Jimmy, his best friend, or he’d never have gotten in. Jimmy was made of bucks. Passed a hundred and voila! They were in. Two minutes in the door, Jimmy whispered, “Holy Moses. I’ve just found the promised land.” He singled out the three laughing sisters, cozied up around a tiny round table near the dance floor, swilling down shots 18

Carys Weldon of tequila, lime and salt, smacking the table after each one, building a tower out of the glasses. He counted quickly, “Looks like they have two down apiece.” Jimmy tapped the back of his hand into Derek’s tummy. “Okay, you gonna get the drinks or the seats at their table? We need to catch up fast before someone else moves in.” There were plenty of men eyeing the trio, getting up the nerve. Derek said, “I’ll do the bar.” His confidence was a little shaky. He looked good. Everybody said so. Smelled good. But that’s where the man’s depth ended, and he knew it. He was a chicken in the game of life, afraid to put it all on the line, to hook up for more than a few drinks and a quickie. But he was lonely as hell and aching for a real relationship. That feeling, when Jimmy walked away, swamped Derek’s dream. That moment of emptiness… the engulfing feeling of pressure to perform… to come through for his buddy. Not to be a loser. Derek gulped down the spit that puddled at the back of his throat and went for the drinks. While the bartender poured up some more shots, Derek glanced over at the table. Jimmy was moving in, smiling, chatting, pulling up a stool. Jim had some kind of cocky thing going on. Maybe it came from being a little shorter than average or too many hours on the street. Whatever it was, Derek admired his smooth tongue and easygoing come-on lines, the sleek way his hands worked. Nothing choppy. Nothing sloppy. All slick. His sandy colored hair and green eyes, 19

Three in Their Cups stocky build—Derek didn’t get Jimmy’s appeal to the ladies. But all three of the sisters were drinking him in, looking him over, appreciating what he had to offer. Derek never really looked above the table line after the first glance. Legs, legs, and more legs. All bare. All in thigh high skirts and stiletto heels. Red painted toenails. Thirty of them. He counted twice to be sure. The sea of people parted for him as he trammed five shots of tequila towards the table in one trip. Jimmy hollered, “There’s my man. Derek… meet Mira, Anna, and Leah.” He pointed quickly to each one as he tipped off their names. Derek set the drinks down and nodded to each girl. And then he set eyes on Leah. Not that Mira and Anna were slouches. No way. Just… Leah had it. Whatever it was that he’d been looking for… she really had it. A ready smile, a light smattering of tiny freckles over her nose. Flecks of red in her brown eyes. And hair. Oh my God, she had hair! Red tresses, halfway down her back. He’d been a little stunned at the reaction his body had to her. Instantly, he suffered an erection, an oozing want that tightened everything up, including his tongue. Jimmy didn’t miss a beat. He slid the glasses around, “I hope you don’t mind. We took the liberty of ordering another round.” They giggled, accepting the gift. Mira said, “It’s a shame you don’t have another friend.” Jimmy shrugged. “Ah, we have lots of friends. We could call them, but what would be the point? I’m 20

Carys Weldon sure Derek and I can take care of all three of you.” It could have been taken as pompous, or too hopeful, but Jimmy was smooth. And really, he was a god. Three beautiful women were clinging to his every word, teasing him, encouraging his familiarity. Derek had plenty of time to absorb everything about Leah, to single out her scent from the others at the table. Before he knew it, Jimmy was off to the dance floor with Mira, leaving him to carry the ball. Another round of drinks arrived, saving his bacon. His killed his fast. Anna asked, “You ever do body shots?” Derek hated to admit it, but he said, “No. Can’t say that I have.” Anna put an arm over Leah’s shoulders and said, “Great. Neither has Leah. You can do each other.” Leah quickly shook her head, “That’s okay. You do them, Anna. I’ll just watch.” Astute Anna… it took her all of about two seconds to see the mutual attraction that was tying both Leah and Derek’s tongues. She chattered about nothing in particular until Jimmy got back and said, “Le and Derek are gonna do body shots, but somebody’s gotta show them how.” Jimmy said, “I’m your man. Where you wanna do it?” “Ooh.” Mira jumped in, “Lay back and we’ll salt you down.” The demonstration went too quickly. Anna pushed at Derek’s arm. “Okay, you do Leah.” He was game—just not sure about how Leah was taking the whole idea. He stood up at Anna’s 21

Three in Their Cups prodding. Leaning over, he asked Leah in her ear, “Where do you want it?” He could smell her perfume. Something floral. Leah really liked floral scents. She had a collection of them, but that was his favorite—gardenia. Well, it was his favorite since he met her. She joked, “My arm?” Jimmy helped them both out—because, truth be told, Derek half believed she was serious. Jimmy pushed him back a second, and said, “Nah. Here.” He shoved a lime in Leah’s mouth and sprinkled salt over the exposed top of her breast, pushing her backward so the shot could rest close by. Laughing, he said, “That way you don’t have to work too hard at it. It’s all right there.” Derek salivated. His tongue traced his lips as he put his hands on her elbows, holding her in position. He took his time at stepping in—because he was watching her eyes. He licked her breast, did the shot and then came up for the lime. There was the jolt. He sucked, peeled it from her mouth, spit it out and pulled her in for a real kiss. Three shots in short time had given him courage. Her previous drinks hadn’t hurt. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slid her tongue into his mouth. Derek’s hands grappled, squeezed up her body, spread out over her back and then he slid his leg between hers. He didn’t come up for air until Jimmy tapped him on the shoulder, demanding, “Okay. Enough already. Let the girl breathe. She needs to do one now.” Mira suggested he lay back on a bench the bar had 22

Carys Weldon for just that purpose, pull up his shirt, let her lick his belly. The night had degraded—become meteoric— from there. After licking breast and belly, how could they not find deeper intimacy before the sunrise? The phone rang, jolting him out of his dreamy stupor. He swore, while rolling for the receiver on the bedside table. Picking it up, he said, “Better be good.” Jimmy laughed, “Tell me she stayed and I’ll hang up now.” Derek sat up, rubbed his head. The telling silence stretched. Finally, Jimmy said, “I’ll be there in five.” Click. Derek tossed the phone and got up, groaning, “Stay away, Jim. I need to be alone.” But five minutes later, when Jimmy showed up, he let him in. Well, he didn’t tell him to get out when he walked through the door. By then, Derek had turned on the TV, flipped through the channels, turned it off and cranked the stereo. The first thing out of Jimmy’s mouth was “What the hell is this? Ought oh. Listening to her music… already?” Derek hit the remote, turning off the CD player. “Seeing what was in there.” Neither one of them commented on the fact that the male vocalist had been talking about things he’d like to do while bumping, grinding, and swaying to the music. Jimmy leaned back on the counter, eyeing Derek with wary eyes. “So… you ask her to stay?” “A hundred times.” “Still went, huh?” Derek asked, “You come over here to piss me off?” 23

Three in Their Cups Jimmy shook his head. “No. Came over to help you with your game plan.” “I don’t have a game plan.” “That’s why I’m here.” Jimmy’s hand came in contact with the flyer on the counter. Idly, he looked it over, asking, “So… where’d they go?” “I don’t know.” Jimmy watched Derek for a couple minutes—his gaze occasionally going to the flyer in his hand. He asked, “She never mentioned the place?” Derek scratched his chest. “If she did, I didn’t hear it.” Jimmy creased the flyer and shot it at his friend. “Bingo. She left the damn map on the counter. Man, she wants you to come after her—stop her from whatever she’s doing.” The paper floated through the air. Derek reached for it. With wonder and confusion, he stared at it. He said, “Leah doesn’t play games like that.” Jimmy crossed his arms over his chest and lifted a sardonic brow at his friend while biting the inside of his cheek. After another silence, he asked, “What did she take with her?” Derek glanced up. “What? Not much. The resort's only an hour or two up the coast.” “She didn’t go naked, did she?” “Close enough. Why?” “Clues, man, clues. Think.” Derek leaned his head back and examined the ceiling. Then it came to him. All the things she’d packed, or wanted to pack, were the clothes that signified a special event for them, a really super 24

Carys Weldon sexual memory. He slapped his forehead, “Aw, man.” He got up. Pacing, he came to one conclusion. “I gotta go. She IS playing a game.” A self-deprecating laugh rumbled out of his throat as he remembered his comment before she left. He said, “Fetch.” He headed for the door, with Jimmy in tow. “She doesn’t want a damn parka. She wants me.”

25

Three in Their Cups

Chapter Four

L

eah’s depression exhibited itself in the quick gulping of few shots of whiskey and grabbing the first guy that looked hungry for a dance partner. Since tequila reminded them all of Derek, who hadn’t shown up, it was off limits. Leah’s sisters were playing with the parasols in their liquor-based concoctions. Anna asked, “What is this again?” Mira shrugged, examining her festive little umbrella at close range. “I dunno. Some sissy, girly drink.” Anna’s lip curled, “It sure isn’t tequila.” “It’s pretty, though.” Jimmy eased in between them—from out of nowhere—lifted Mira’s glass and held it up to the light. “Damn pretty.” He tasted it. “Tastes like shit, though, doesn’t it?” Mira looked around and over her shoulder, “Where the hell did you come from?” Hope crossed her features. Anna perked up, too. “Tell me you brought Derek with you.” Jimmy licked his lips, still contemplating the drink. “He’s a little thick.” 26

Carys Weldon Mira rolled her eyes. “Tell me about it.” Not finding Derek in view, she flopped her forearm onto the table with a slap. “You’re both on my list.” To Anna, she complained, “I hate men.” Jimmy nuzzled up to Mira, slipping his arm around her shoulders, prodding the lower tip of her ear with his lips, whispering, “I better be ahead of Derek on that list of yours.” She tried not to giggle, ineffectively shoved at him, then swooned as he pulled her in for some hickey action. She whined unbelievingly, “I mean it, Jimmy,” right about the time her hands went up around his neck. Anna grumbled, “Jesus. Why don’t you two get a room?” That brought Jimmy’s head up. “They’re booked up.” Anna made a face, “Damn.” She tossed her parasol. “This weekend’s a wash.” Standing up, she searched the dance floor for Leah. “Shit. I think she disappeared with that guy.” Mira stood up, too, pushing Jimmy away. Instantly cranky, she pushed her lips together and did her own room search. “I didn’t even get his name, did you?” Anna said, “It was Bob or Bud, or something with a B.” Jimmy asked, “What did he look like?” “I don’t think it mattered.” “Not to Leah, anyway. She was proving a point, I think.” Jimmy said, “Fuck. This is not good.” Both Mira and Anna turned to him. Mira asked, 27

Three in Their Cups “Why not?” Jimmy held his tongue for only a minute before explaining, “Because I fucking brought Derek down here. Sure as shit, he’s gonna find her… and he ain’t in no condition to chat, if you get my drift.” Anna blinked. “You mean… he’s here?” Mira jumped with excitement, twining her arms around Jimmy’s neck again. “Oooh, Jimmy, I could kiss you.” He peeled her loose. “Another time, baby. We gotta find my boy.” Anna said, “Fate is putting her hand in. I knew it!” Jimmy started to walk. “Fate… shit.” They followed him, listening as he mumbled, “Fate can eat shit and die.” Mira hopped to keep up with his long strides. In no time they were halfway up the beach, searching the sands, stilettos in hand. “Why are you so irritated, Jimmy?” She slipped her hand in his. He paused to look into her eyes. “Because… he’s drunk off his ass—wasted—and… I feel responsible.” Anna asked, “Where did you leave him? Maybe we should find—” They hadn’t been able to find either Leah or Derek. Her voice trailed off. Jimmy explained, “I thought she’d stay home. You know, when he asked her to.” The women stared blankly at him, waiting for more. “So, I was a little surprised when he said he was home alone. I went over. He couldn’t remember her saying where she was going. But the flyer… was on the counter. On purpose, I guessed.” 28

Carys Weldon Anna nodded, “Yeah… and so?” Jimmy let out a heavy breath. “He figured it out… finally. We got in the car, headed up here, and stopped off for some courage.” “So, he’s drunk off his butt somewhere and—” Anna had no way of second guessing what Derek would do. He’d always been her sister’s mysterious, brooding boyfriend. Who could tell? Jimmy chewed on the inside of his cheek. “I figure he’ll be in a fighting mood—easy enough—if he sees her with someone else already. You should’ve kept her sober long enough for me to get him here.” Mira said, “You didn’t show. She wasn’t waiting.” Jimmy eyed her sternly, “Damn good thing I didn’t find you chumming up some poor slob. I’d a had to break your little neck.” Mira’s lips twisted slowly upward, her head tilted back and she prodded him. “Yeah?” Jimmy’s hand went right to her throat, slipped under her hair. His thumb rubbed up the flesh of chin, over her jawline. They were instantly lost in their own little world. Anna, feeling like a third wheel, rolled her eyes and turned to leave. “Right. Forget the room. They’re booked. I’ll look on my own, thank you very much.” She slipped off into the shadows without another look back. Breathless, Mira whispered, “Stop taking your time, ya old geezer. I’m dying here.” She’d forgotten all about Leah and Derek. Jimmy drew her close and kissed her. Showing her how fast he could move, he tore off his overshirt, 29

Three in Their Cups dropped it to the ground, then eased her to the sand on top of it.

30

Carys Weldon

Chapter Five

M

ira and Jimmy weren’t artful at disrobing. They weren’t discreet. Fortunately, the area of beach that they had come to was abandoned, dark with shadows and dunes. Jimmy was hot. Hot to look at. Hot to go. Hot to handle. Mira kept her eyes open the whole time, and her fingers roving. Both of them kept their lips moving. Kissing, whispering, tonguing, their tussle of love became more of a wrestling match than a smooth and suave slipping and sliding of bodies. Gritty sand accentuated the whole episode, creating friction, increasing the urgency. Breathing hard, Jimmy came up for air, mid trying to get her T-shirt over her head. That effectively handcuffed Mira’s arms above her. Jimmy grinned, just for a second, and said, “Mira… we gotta stop doing this.” And then he dove in for another kiss, lick and tongue move. There was no way he was stopping now. Mira squirmed beneath him, freed her lips and muttered, “Get to it, Jimmy. I can’t stand this. I want to feel you inside of me.” Jimmy laughed outright, let go of her hands, 31

Three in Their Cups yanked her tee off her wrists, and said, “Then help me undress, Baby.” A second later, he was on his knees, undoing his Dockers—and her fingers pushed his away. “Here. Let me do it.” Jimmy took a second to scout over the top of the dunes that were banking around them. Tiki torches were lit down the way, a luau was in progress. Drums were thrumming now. “Luau,” he said simply. Mira giggled, “I thought it was my heart. Come here.” She pulled him to her, planted a wet one, and muttered against his lips, “Waste any more time and I’ll—” She never finished her threat. Jimmy kissed her hard, reached up under her tight little skirt, yanked her panties in one ripping pull, and grunted. Not a second later, he was inside of her, pumping hard and heavy, rocking into her with full throttle. His tongue mimicked the motion. The thrumming drums, and lapping ocean washed loudly across the top of them, drowning out any moans that escaped from Mira. He whispered to her, “You’d think you’d loosen up down there, Baby. Jesus, this is tight.” “It feels so good… don’t stop.” “Oh, don’t think I could if I wanted to.” Jimmy didn’t have a lot of choice in the matter. Mira was rolling beneath him, clutching at his ass, squeezing and clamping her vaginal muscles with every thrust. She was reaching for climax with furious intent, concentrating on the rhythm. In that, they were in sync. If a bevy of party-goers stumbled over their 32

Carys Weldon dunes, they couldn’t have stopped. “You’re too slow, Jimmy! Harder!” “I’m trying!” Jimmy huffed, puffed, and grunted into her. “How do you like that, now?” “It’s good, Jimmy. Harder. Oooh. Right there!” Mira arched. Jimmy rose up a little, putting his hands on her shoulders, finishing the pump as she came. He plunged into her through the afterspasms and then he, too, arched his back, releasing into her when she sighed out, “Aaaah. That’s it. Thank God.” Limp beneath him in the sand, Mira watched Jimmy’s expression of relief and fulfillment when he finally got her there, and let go of his own body fluids. He hung and clung to her shoulders. She squeezed his ass, holding him tight, encouraging the deepest of thrusts, the push and press of the last. When he collapsed on her, she exhaled and looked up at the stars. It was a clear sky, warm, humid with salty air. They’d worked up a sweat between them. Sand mudded up in the creases of their flesh. Mira stretched her fingers up toward the sky, then let them fall loosely over his shoulders. Jimmy tipped his head to look at her. With the celestial lights above, her pale skin looked almost blue—ethereal. He told her, “Baby, you look like…” he half laughed, “an angel.” Propping himself up on his elbows above her, he thumbed the hair back from her face and looked into her eyes. Accusing, he asked, “How much did you drink before I showed up?” Mira shrugged, once again, her unrepentant attitude was evident. Protruding her chin forward, 33

Three in Their Cups she pouted, “Plenty. I thought you weren’t coming.” He grinned, playing with a pun. “You always say that, Baby. I always come.” He kissed her, repeating, “You always make me come.” She chuckled. “What kind of tumble would I be if I didn’t, Jimmy?” Jimmy tensed. Gently he rubbed his thumbs at her temples. “You aren’t just a tumble, Baby.” She pushed him off of her. “Don’t start that again, Jimmy.” Reluctantly, he reached for her shirt and handed it to her, then got his pants up. A little frustrated, he said, “You never wanna talk. I gotta talk about this, Baby. I can’t keep doing this.” Mira laughed, her back turned to him. “Jimmy— you and I both know how the play goes. We’re players, both of us. It would never work.” Shaking out her shirt, she said, “Damn. Those sissy, girly drinks pack a punch. My head hurts.” “It’s those damn drums.” He reached out a hand— to help her up. Instead, she scooped his shirt up and put it in his fingers. “Shake that out, Jimmy. I don’t think you can wear it now. It’s got a wet spot on it.” He wadded it up in one hand and held out his hand again. “Mira.” She got up on her own, glanced around for her shoes, which she’d lost in the fray. “Help me find my shoe. I forgot about Leah. We gotta help Anna find her.” Jimmy tossed his shirt down, grabbed her roughly by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. 34

Carys Weldon Kneading the spare meat there, he struggled with what he had to say. Mira tried to look away, pull free, but he held onto her. “Look at me, dammit.” Mira belligerently pursed her lips, staring him in the eye. “I don’t give a shit about Derek and Leah right now. For months, we’ve played this stupid game—not telling them, worrying about how their relationship is. I’m done with it, Mira. They can get their shit together or not. I ain’t playing any more.” Once again, Mira tried to free herself. Jimmy didn’t let go. His fingers bit into her a little. The scent of his cologne, mixed with their body sweat and consummation fluids drifted up between them. Jimmy told her clearly, “I could fuck you again, right this minute. Jesus, Baby. I can’t get enough of you.” Mira closed her eyes. On an exhale, she admitted her worst fear, “Jimmy… you want me because…” she gulped, “because you can’t hold me.” He pulled her into his arms, cupped her head to his 'wife-beater' covered chest and groaned, “Is that what you think?” She sighed into him. “Players never commit. Not really.” “That’s not true. Some do. Marry me, Mira.” Mira slid both hands up, splaying her fingers over his chest. “No.” She pushed him away and turned. “Let’s go find your buddy.” Jimmy spewed a few expletives, snatched his shirt up off the ground, snagged her lost shoe from the far sand dune edging their lust-fest spot, and followed her. “Here. Your shoe.” He scooped up the other one, too. She ignored him. Playing catch up, he asked, 35

Three in Their Cups “Why? Just tell me that.” “Leah would never forgive me. Even if I could trust you.” “So… I gotta get Derek to ask Leah the big question, then you’d reconsider?” Mira rolled her shoulders, flipped fingers through her hair, but Jimmy couldn’t see the smirk on her lips when she responded with, “I might rethink your commitment issues then. Yeah.”

36

Carys Weldon

Chapter Six

A

nna met up with Brad, the surfing bellman, shockingly sexy in his Bermudas, polo shirt and thongs, near the pool. Biting her lip, intensely searching for Leah and her latest conquest, Anna didn’t even see Surfer Boy eyeing her. He watched her for several minutes before scooping up his beer bottle, moseying over to her. “Hey.” Anna, surprised to see him, smiled. “Hey.” She kept looking. “You looking for your sister?” Anna turned to him, seriously asking, “You see her?” “Oh, yeah.” He grinned. It was one of those smirky, lopsided, too-cute things—given only to beach bum gods. Anna perked an eyebrow. “Tell me she was alone.” “No can do, honey.” He made a show of slurping his beer at a side angle, so she could see the chiseled outline of his good features. The fluid trickled over his tongue, down his throat. He guzzled it with pleasure, prolonging her suspense. 37

Three in Their Cups Anna noticed the convulsing of his throat, and the sideways slant of his eye. She squared her shoulders and spun on her heel, saying, “Good enough.” The move guaranteed he’d follow her. Anna wondered idly if all men had to be puppyfied. She also wondered where Leah could have got off to, how long it would take for Mira and Jimmy to do the dune scene and get back into the hunt… and somewhere in the back of her brain, she wondered if she would ever find a guy worth keeping. Too many fish in the sea. All of them cod, bottom fish, and mudstreaks. Brad tossed his empty into the closest bush and went after Anna. “Wait.” Anna paused mid-stride, allowing him to come even with her. “I saw her with some loser about forty minutes ago. She headed into the hotel.” Anna groaned. “Great.” Brad touched her arm, which got her to look up at him. He said, “I don’t think you should hunt her down.” Anna looked at him with something less than appreciation. “Excuse me?” “She and the guy she was with… let’s just say… they were pretty intense.” Anna was not happy at the news. She marched toward the hotel, mumbling, “She’s gonna do something stupid.” Mentally counting Leah’s drinks, equating that to the level of depression and desire to turn her life, Anna groaned, “I’ve got to find her.” Brad said, “If I help, will you have a drink with me?” 38

Carys Weldon Anna stopped again and looked him up and down. Doing a quick think about Brad’s inner hotel connections, she said warily, “Maybe.” She needed to walk off her parasol drink. Like the background drums, it was beating a tattoo in her head. Anna didn’t want to commit to another drink, but she willingly took his help. “You think you can narrow down my search? Go for it. Impress me.” Brad slipped his hand to the small of her back and directed her straight to the concierge. Describing Leah very well, and the fact that they were looking for her and the man she was with, and needed to find her pronto, got the concierge on the phone, muttering, “Is this connected with…?” Brad cut him off, “Just do it. Call through the boxes.” The resort had several call boxes, in elevators, service desks, etc. In just a few moments, they received several reports. Leah had taken the third elevator, with a gentleman, up to the restaurant, had another drink there, left the restaurant… ordered room service. Brad said, “Whew. That guy she’s with is a real mover. One drink and into the room?” Anna made a face. “She met him at the bar earlier, when we were waiting…” She rolled her eyes. “Never mind.” Heading off toward their rooms, where the room service was ordered, she said, “I wonder where the hell Derek is. God, I hope he’s passed out somewhere.” Brad kept up with her. “You going to interrupt?” Trying for humor, he tossed in, “Kinky. Mind if I tag 39

Three in Their Cups along?” She scrunched up her nose. “Please. I’m not in the mood.” Slipping into the second elevator the moment it swooshed open, with him right beside her, she gave the elevator captain her floor. “What would it take to get you there?” Anna turned on Brad. “You need to work on your foreplay.” The elevator captain covered his lips as he coughed back a chuckle. “You don’t like the direct approach?” “On the contrary, I thrive on it. I just don’t like your style.” Brad glanced down at his beachy attire. “What? Too casual for you?” She looked him up and down with distaste. “Too… something.” Bold? Brassy? Ballsy? What was it about him that was rubbing her wrong? The hair on the back of her neck was standing up. A chill frizzled up her arms. She frowned wondering if the a/c in the elevator was on super high. The shiver crossed up and over her, down her back. Anna squared her shoulders and averted her eyes to the numbers illuminated above the door, counting the seconds until she could get out of the confines of the lift. She said, “You know what? I don’t think I need your help any more.” “Uh uh. Not that easy. You owe me a drink.” “I don’t owe you squat. Leave me alone, or I’ll call security.” The elevator captain contained his cough again, barely. 40

Carys Weldon Brad said, “You might need my help…If that guy with your sister…” Anna gritted her teeth. “You’re probably right. I hate to admit it.” Smugly, Brad rolled his toes and rocked backward, puffing out his chest. “I come in handy every now and then.” “Right.” Anna had no intention of furthering the discussion. Focused, on the door, when it opened, she wasted on time moving out and down the hall. Once again, Brad was on her heels. When they came to the door of her suite, Anna hesitated. Brad leaned against the wall beside it and asked with a grin, “Rethinking the interruption scene?” Anna had her key card in hand, poised above the slot, biting her upper lip. Grudgingly, she admitted, “Maybe.” She leaned her ear to the door. “I can’t hear anything.” Brad smiled. “Why don’t you just wait here for a few minutes. There’s no sound of violence in there. Personally, I don’t get my kicks walking in on people in the throes, ya know?” Anna closed her eyes, lifted her face toward the ceiling and questioned what right she had to interfere at all. It was Leah’s life. Never mind that it was tearing hers apart. She couldn’t take much more of the ups and downs between Derek and Leah. She was so busy listening to Leah’s heartache, and Mira’s song and dance act with Jimmy, that she didn’t have a life of her own. Not really. Brad said, “You’re the best looking one in the lot, 41

Three in Their Cups you know.” That made Anna open her eyes. “Excuse me?” “You. Your sisters. I mean, don’t get me wrong. You’re all hot. You’re just….” He shrugged, looking uncomfortable suddenly. Anna muttered, “Thanks.” Looking down the hall in the other direction, she added lamely, “I guess.” Brad said, “I want to get to know you better.”

42

Carys Weldon

Chapter Seven

W

hen Jimmy left Derek, promising to find Leah and her sisters and bring them to the car, Derek was fine with that. But the longer he waited, the more his anger—mostly at himself—built up. It was work, but he managed to get the car door open and stagger inside. Leah’s dance partner had lured her away from her sister’s and into the forward bar of the hotel. Derek managed to get that far, to the entrance anyway, where he could scan the room. He spotted Leah’s gleaming froth of wild hair almost instantly. He could hear his heart rumbling into pieces (the drums had started up again) the minute he spotted the guy shouldering toward his girl, sliding a drink—a double shot of whiskey--at her. Derek wanted to roar. He wanted to rip the guy’s head off. He wanted to drag Leah by the hair—into some cave—and never let her go. Instead, he froze. His fingers pried into the wall of the arch leading into the bar. It was all he could do to stand. Mark told Leah, “I’m glad you let me buy you another drink in here. The drums were competing too loudly with the music out there.” 43

Three in Their Cups Leah’s sick smile accompanied a nod. She eyed the double shot, knowing she was about as far into her cups as she could be. Sitting with a stranger… Mark seemed nice enough. Inane. Harmless. He was damn good looking—just not Derek. She told him, “I’m drunk. I don’t think I need this, too.” Mark said, “I’ll help you to your room.” She nodded, “I bet you would.” “Hey. I thought that was where you wanted to go. I mean, you’ve been pretty friendly.” Leah pushed her hair over her shoulder. “I broke up with my boyfriend today.” Mark groaned, ran a hand through his hair and searched the room. He and Derek made eye contact a second later. “Don’t tell me…tall guy…could squeeze my neck like a pencil?” Leah’s head came up, swung around. “Ouch. That hurt. Son of a bitch.” She grabbed her temple and massaged, squinting through the smoke. The haze moved, clearing her view. “Doesn’t look like he’s done with you.” Mark peeled some money from a wad, dropped some on the bar and said, “Yeah. Nice knowing you, Leah. Have a nice life.” Leah reached for his arm. “You don’t have to go.” Mark spared a glance at Derek. “What? Do I look stupid? You’ve done nothing but talk about him. You keep forgetting, I think. And you’re right. You are drunk. And so is he. And I’m not drunk enough. Thanks anyway.” He walked away in the other direction. Derek appealed to her with one look. Come to me. 44

Carys Weldon She made her way to him, bumping against several other patrons. He wrapped his arms around her, kissed the top of her head and whispered, “What’s it gonna take?” They stood there for the space of several minutes. She cried into his chest, grateful that he’d come for her—saved her from a big mistake. After awhile, she said, “Coffee?” “Yeah.” They went up to the restaurant on the top floor, had two cups each and then went to the suite she shared with her sisters. They were holding hands, kissing a lot, making a spectacle of themselves to the hotel staff. Safe inside the room, Derek pushed Leah against the wall, lifted her up and full frontal assaulted her with his passion. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck— and gave it back, tongue dance for tongue lash, body press for flesh squeeze. He slid his fingers up under her wraparound skirt/bikini cover, felt her up, applied pressure as he leaned into her with his cock, whispering, “Don’t ever leave me again. No more weekends with your sisters, Leah. Let’s get married, stop this bullshit.” Leah drew back, just enough to look at Derek’s face. She’d wanted this. Him to come after her. His proposal. She asked, “Are you too drunk to know what you’re asking?” “I sobered up enough. I’ve been thinking about it for ages, Leah.” He put his forehead against hers, closing his eyes. “Just… it’s hard. I wanted to be 45

Three in Their Cups sure.” She kissed him. One long, hard kiss—then a million little ones all over his face. She repeated, almost as many times, “I love you.” Derek carried her to the closest bed, fell with her onto it, and treated her to body worshipping. With reverence, he gingerly fingered the edges of her clothing, raining little sweet kisses everywhere, tickling the upper rounding of her breasts, unleashing the front closure of the bikini bra—teasing over the tops of her nipples with more feather light caresses from his lips, down over her tummy. Derek’s fumbled with the knot-tie of her skirt wrap, but managed to get it undone. All the while, she watched him through hooded lashes. When he peeled her panties down, dropped them to the floor, and came back a second later, naked… she reached out—to touch him, wrap her fingers around him, help him—guide his entry. Wet, sleek, the lower lips of her body wrapped around his cock. Both of them were swollen with desire, enveloped in their body fluids, lubricated by lust. Still, they moved slowly. As the head of him entered her, he settled down over her, nuzzling her neck. When he managed to get all the way inside, he held tightly, whispering, “I love you, Leah.” **** Outside, Brad folded his arms across his chest. “I’m only a mild-mannered bellman by day.” Anna grinned, “I wouldn’t say keep your day job 46

Carys Weldon then, Brad.” “You think I can’t afford you?” Anna was still listening at the door, one ear pressed against it, but she was watching his face. Teeth gritted, Brad barely managed to ease out, “Do you believe in love at first site?” “I believe in lust at first sight. My whole family does. Leah lusted after Derek the minute she saw him. Same thing with Mira and Jimmy.” “I can assume those are your sister’s boyfriends?” Anna smiled. “Correction. The loves of their lives.” “Have you met yours yet?” Anna closed her eyes. “That’s what I’d like to know.” She smiled to herself, saying, “I recognize Derek’s voice.” She was relieved. Somehow, they’d hooked up—their world was gonna be all right. She could just feel it. Brad reached out, took Anna’s hand—by her surprise—and tugged, “Let’s go celebrate.” They met up with Mira and Jimmy in the foyer. An hour later, Leah and Derek found their way down—in search of all of them. Derek wasted no time in announcing, “We’re getting married.” Jimmy’s fingers tensed around his glass. His gaze skewered Mira’s. She, in turn, asked, “How would you feel about a double wedding?” Anna squared her shoulders, sitting back in her chair. Brad raised his beer, “Here’s to securing the future.” They lifted their drinks. And Brad, more than anyone, drank deeply. 47

Three in Their Cups

THE END

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For the love story of Anna and Brad… and the wedding of Leah and Mira…search other titles by Carys Weldon.

About the Author

C

arys Weldon loves contemporary tales of love. They have foreplay, fun, fantasy… but, above all, they have the feel of true possibility. A believer of fate finding its way, she has one message to share. “Love will find a way to be part of your life. Reach for it and hold on.”