Page 42 of Succumbed

He beams and nods, dropping onto the couch and patting the cushion beside him. “Ridiculous view, too. It’s going to be incredible when he’s done with it.”

“I’d love to see it.”

“Next time.” His arm settles around me as I sit, tugging me against his body.

I peer over the top of the couch at Shane, then look up at Linc, brow raised.

“Shane’s cool,” he murmurs, squeezing me gently as he searches my face. “When can I see you again?”

I snuggle into him, tucking my feet under me. “You running with me tomorrow?”

“Of course. But allow me to rephrase…”

He ducks his head to capture my lips with his, reaching up to cup my cheek. I open for him instantly, savoring the taste and feel of him. He slides his fingers into my hair with a claiming touch.

“When can I see you naked and spread out for me again?” he breathes against my lips.

A soft moan escapes me as goosebumps rise on my skin, anticipation filling me. “Tomorrow night?”

He rumbles a pleased sound in the back of his throat, and my clit throbs. “Can’t wait.”

Shane steps into the living room, three bowls in hand, his icy gaze lingering everywhere we touch. “Dinner is served.”

Straightening, I tuck my hair behind my ears. “Oh, wow, that looks amazing.”

“Kale caesar with salmon, pretty simple. May I join you?” Shane juts his chin toward the spot on my other side.

“Please.”

I glance at Linc to see his reaction, but he just smiles as he grabs two of the bowls and hands one to me. Shane smoothly folds himself next to me as I accept the salad, and I swallow roughly as his firm thigh presses against mine. Being sandwiched between them is an intoxicating experience. They’re both athletic and toned, though Linc carries more bulk. I find myself wondering how different they are in other places, and I feel my cheeks heat. Get yourself under control, Lex. One client situationship at a time.

Linc flicks on the TV. “Okay, Lex. I have a super important question for you. Do you like Bake Off?”

“Um, who doesn’t?!”

“Thank goodness,” Shane mutters, his tone indulgent.

As Linc pulls up the show, I snuggle into the couch. I’m absently aware of how normal it feels, how comfortable. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as settled in my own home as I do here, in a house I’ve barely spent three hours in. Being around Linc and Shane is natural, if I ignore the visceral way my body reacts to theirs. Both of theirs.

Fifteen minutes and one stellar signature bake later, I’m the last to finish my salad. I gather up their bowls and take them to the kitchen despite their protests. Shane picks up the appetizer tray and follows.

“I’m glad you stayed,” he says softly, standing next to me as we load the sink.

“Well, you didn’t give me much of a choice,” I tease, “but I’m glad, too. Thank you for the delicious meal.”

My hand brushes his as we both reach for the sponge, and electricity crackles between us. His eyes catch mine, those icy blue depths sucking me in, and I stop breathing for a moment.

“It was my pleasure.”

I shiver at the low rasp of his voice, and his eyes flare. He swallows, watching me watch his Adam’s apple bob. Standing this close to him is the ultimate temptation, and I fleetingly wonder if I’m supposed to feel guilty for eye-fucking this man while the one I submitted to a week ago is in the next room. All I feel is turned the hell on.

“I’ve got this,” he says, so calmly I wonder if the lust is one-sided. “Go snuggle with Linc. He needs it.”

And then Shane Kelly winks at me. I’ve never gone weak in the knees from a wink, but I do then. Shane smirks when he sees me sway. Get it together, Lex.

Who am I to disobey his order? I pad back to the couch and slip under Linc’s arm, cuddling close to finish the episode currently playing. Shane joins us moments later.

As he gets comfortable, he reaches over and grasps my ankle, pulling my foot into his lap. I blink at him owlishly, then look up to find Linc’s dimple on show as he watches us.

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