Page 25 of Doubling Down

“No, I mean, what’s he like? As a person. He’s going to be watching me… us. Is he going to want to, you know, sample the goods?”

Simon’s eyebrows shoot up and he glances toward the door. He clears his throat. “Um, we’ve chatted with him on video conferences a few times, when we first showed him the machine. He’s British. In his late thirties, I think, maybe forty. He’s rich and good-looking. No idea how tall he is, but I guess he looks a little like that blond guy from Game of Thrones. He’s not some old, creepy pervert, if that’s what you’re worried about. Everything’s above board. Sampling the merchandise, though… that wasn’t something we discussed. He’s here to see the machine. Not you.”

I nod, but now I’m picturing some hot celebrity watching me and the twins having sex, and I’m not sure whether I like the idea. First of all, how can he stand it, if he’s at all good at his job?

“Sarah, what’s cooking in that head of yours?”

“Just that it must be a really frustrating job, if all he does is watch other people demo their toys.”

He narrows his eyes. “True, but like I said, he’s a pro. And you also know we have strict rules at the club so that no one has to do anything they don’t want to do. You already agreed to let him watch, but he won’t touch you. Not unless you want him to.”

“Is… Is that even an option? I mean, I don’t want to do it if you guys wouldn’t like it, but if I decided I’d be into it, and if he wants to, can we try it out?”

Simon studies me for several beats, and I stare into his eyes, determined not to reveal the complete uncertainty I feel about what I just suggested. When he slowly nods, my heart rate skyrockets. “We can check in with Jude when he returns with Sheridan. If we’re all on board with the idea—and more importantly, if our guest is too—I’m game to add him to the mix.”

“Is it crazy to ask, not having met him at all? And after reconnecting with you two… I don’t want to ruin what we have either.”

“Nothing at Whitewood is crazy, Sarah. You know us. Jude and I are both just as open to experimentation as we ever were. Trying new things is kind of our kink. So if you’re into the idea of getting railed by three guys while strapped into a machine, honestly, that’s pretty fucking hot.

“And Sheridan’s one of us. Jude and I both like him enough to do business with him. Max and Rick helped us vet him, and they trust him too. Rick’s licensed a few of his own designs to Sheridan’s company.”

I heave a breath and Simon chuckles, then kisses me. “Baby, you never have to be afraid to ask for what you want, but let’s meet him before we decide, okay?”

I nod, then slip my arms into the robe he holds up for me and tie the belt at my waist. I’m so aroused it isn’t funny, so I hope actually meeting this guy doesn’t become a huge turn-off.

We step out the door just as Jude enters the room, followed closely by a tall, broad-shouldered man in a sharp suit. He’s slightly taller than Jude, but not by much, and he only vaguely resembles the actor Simon compared him to—he’s about ten years younger and ten times as attractive.

Simon whispers, “Wait right here,” and leaves me standing beside the machine while he goes to greet the new arrival.

“Sheridan Keene, this is my brother, Simon,” Jude says.

“We’re sorry we had to postpone the demo,” Simon says, shaking Sheridan’s hand. “Thank you so much for being flexible.”

“I’m nothing if not accommodating,” Sheridan says with a warm smile, his accent not nearly as pronounced as I’d expected. It’s as refined as his good looks. “I was well taken care of here. And your brother filled me in on why you missed our appointment last night. I completely understand.”

His easy manner allows me to relax just a little, but when his gaze shifts to me, I tense again.

“This must be Sarah.” He strides over and stops in front of me, holding out his hand. “A pleasure. I don’t begrudge the twins the need to prioritize your reunion. I see why they did.”

I stumble over a thank-you as I offer my hand. Rather than simply shake it, he bends and brushes his lips over my knuckles. A waft of pleasant-smelling aftershave reaches my nose as I stare at the top of his head, which is covered in dark blond hair that looks smooth and fine as silk.

Simon catches my eye, one brow raised, and I smile, positive the heat in my cheeks is enough to tell him that yes, I’m interested in following through with my suggestion.

“Sarah’s more than her looks,” Jude says. “But you’ll have a chance to observe just how special she is soon.”

Sheridan straightens and steps back a pace, nodding, then looking around the room. A big, comfortable armchair rests off to one side, arranged with a view of the machine. On a table beside it is a bucket containing a bottle of champagne and four glasses.

“I believe this is my spot,” he says, striding over to the chair. He lifts the bottle and inspects it, then nods. “May I pour you three a glass?”

“I’m good,” I say, and the twins both decline as well. Sheridan pours himself a flute of the bubbly liquid, then sits and crosses one ankle over his knee.

“Then I am ready when you are. As excited as I am to be here, there is no rush. My goal is to see the machine in action, nothing more or less. If there’s anything you need from me, you need only ask. I might ask questions, but otherwise, pretend I’m not here.”

“You ready?” Jude asks softly, an eager gleam in his eyes.

“Yes, except…” I give Simon a beseeching look. He clears his throat.

“Let’s get you strapped in,” he says, tilting his head toward the machine. Jude frowns at him, then follows as Simon leads me up the short steps onto the center of the platform, where we’re out of earshot of Sheridan if we whisper.

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