Page 24 of Indiscreet

“Now that we’re okay”—he tugged my hair until it fell from my bun—“go dry your hair and put on a dress.” There went his hand, this time with a cup and a squeeze on my buttocks. “Sexy.”

I pushed his hand aside, but I couldn’t hide my grin. “Stop flirting.”

He was infuriating, but I liked being called sexy.

“Show me the rest of your house and we’ll dry your hair.” He placed his hand on my lower back and we moved through a quick tour that ended in my bedroom, where I went into the bathroom to dry my hair. He came in after a few minutes and took over brushing it. I thought it odd that he was surprisingly gentle.

“You do this often?” I mused.

“I did for my mother before she died,” he said. “She had pancreatitis and many aliments growing up. My sister and I did what we could. It took some moments away from her pain.”

My heart turned over, watching him try to school his face. I knew that pain; I had it too. “My mom died from an aneurism before I left for college. It came as a shock. My father remarried. He’s in Palm Springs.”

“We have that in common too, but it’s Florida for my dad, and his third wife. We’ll leave it at that.” The amusement that surrounded him left, and I gave him a side hug. “I’m all right,” he said then let me go and followed me back into the bedroom. We walked into my closet. “Business suits and more business suits,” he mused.

“I’ve been meaning to shop for new clothing.” I grimaced at my selection. “Most of what I have in the closet is for work or political fundraisers.” For a few minutes we went through the racks of clothing in silence. He broke it first.

“You know, Gia…” he said in a low tone.

I paused between the racks and looked at him. “Yes?”

“I’m all right with you being curious about having sex with the two of us,” he said. “I can also promise you that when we all do, it’ll be the best sex of your life.”

I lowered my brows. “The best sex of my life? I can’t imagine sex being that good.” Moving some clothes on the top shelf dislodged a couple of boxes, which Elliott quickly set back in place for me. The collar on his shirt came untucked at the neck, and I reached over to fix it.

His face softened. “It would be, and then some. Dane would spoil you if you’d let him, beautiful.” His fingers traced the side of my face and down my neck, making me shiver.

Just Dane? I shook my head. What was I thinking?

That was when I realized my hand had moved down from his collar to the front of his shirt, and I was feeling the ridges of his muscles rippling underneath.

My eyes slid back to his and our gazes locked together. All the air left the room. It was like slow motion watching his head come closer. I could have moved away, but I didn’t, and when his lips met mine, mine parted.

Elliott groaned approvingly as he glided his tongue in and slid it seductively with an eagerness and demanding I had never experienced before. I found myself responding in kind, my tongue intertwining with his.

It would have been perfect to put my arms around him. Though it felt good, it also felt off. I was genuinely interested in having sex with Dane, but there I was again making out with someone who was not only his friend, but his business partner too.

I broke away and sucked in air, my confusion overtaking the enjoyment of the moment.

“Dane is fine with you kissing me,” he reassured. “It’s good with us. We’ve shared women before.”

My brows furrowed. “Maybe, but I’m not sure if I’m fine with it. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”

He sighed and took out his phone. “You’re doing what you want and not worrying about it. It’s freeing. If you want Dane’s take on it, I’ll get him to tell you.”

I tugged his arm. “No. I don’t want to interrupt whatever he’s doing.” Interrupting was one of Patrick’s pet peeves, which made it ironic that he always expected me to drop everything for him. I shook my head and tried to move all thoughts of Patrick to the back of my mind.

“Dane will make time to speak to you,” he assured me. I watched him, not knowing what to make of it, or of myself.

My conflicted mind had me pulling into myself by wrapping my arms around my body. I was certain I wanted to spend more time with Dane, but I was also attracted to Elliott. I didn’t know how it would work.

Elliott talked to him then held out his phone for me to take.

I took a deep breath and answered. “Hi Dane.”

“Hello, Gia,” he said, and I couldn’t stop the thrill that ran up my spine at hearing him say my name. “Elliott said you stopped a kiss because you were worried about what I’d think. I’m feeling encouraged—that’s what you’re having a hard time understanding. I know you’re attracted to him. You want him too, don’t you?” There was no mistaking the delight in his voice.

“I…I don’t know,” I stammered.

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