Page 6 of The Best Number

“You need to be careful, Mac.” His careful warning is oddly comforting.

“I know. I’ve already had this chat with Jack.”

Jack dances his fingertips across my shoulders, causing me to quiver. “We could take care of you.” His voice has dropped another octave, even huskier now.

What? What is he offering here?

I watch as Tom gives a slight nod and Jack’s face breaks into a grin.

“What do you mean?” I blurt, my gaze bouncing between them.

“We could be your test subjects.” Jack’s hand sweeps up the nape of my neck, burying his fingers in my hair at the back of my head.

I swallow hard. “Have you done anything like that before?”

“Once or twice,” comes Tom’s muted response. He licks his lips. I wonder if it’s some kind of tell. But what is it telling? That he’s turned on? I sure am. I fidget in my seat as all the blood in my body seems to rush south. I’m sure my underwear is ruined, and that’s just from my earlier daydreaming about watching these two together.

“What do you say, Cass?” Jack draws my attention again with his question. He raises his eyebrows as I turn to look at him.

“I’m not sure,” I croak. I’ve lost my voice from the shock I’ve just had. When I posted that ad, I hadn’t thought beyond whether I’d receive any legitimate takers or if it would all just be the usual dating site nonsense.

“You know us. I know you don’t know Tom as well as me, but I can vouch for him. I swear he’s not some crazed pervert.”

“No, that would be you,” comes Tom’s dry reply.

“I don’t like the idea of you meeting strangers from the internet. You get all sorts out there.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Come on, Jack. That’s how dating works these days. And I’m not stupid. I wouldn’t just jump in blind and meet people when I know nothing about them or have a safe plan in place.”

“But you don’t need to, Cass. We’re here and we’re offering. Unless you’re not attracted to us. Is that the problem?” Jack probes, dipping his head and looking up at me from beneath those long lashes. “Because that’s definitely not a problem foreither of us,” he goes on, his eyes smouldering so much I’m convinced he’ll start a fire soon. “Is it Tom?”

I rip my gaze away from where I think Jack is trying to hypnotise me to look at Tom again.

“You’re gorgeous, Cassidy. I’ve thought it since that night at the bar. Jack’s been talking about you since you moved in. I’m surprised he’s not made a move before now.”

Is this really happening right now?These two amazing men are offering themselves to me. This is my chance to fulfil my threesome fantasy and get some inspiration from my book.But am I brave enough to jump in and actually do it?

“I don’t want things to get awkward… you know, afterwards. I like Jack and I’d love to get to know you more, Tom. You guys might not want to see me again after. And that’s gonna be weird as hell with me living across the hall.” I close my eyes, drawing in a deep breath. “My friend Mel already thinks I’m a hermit. If it got awkward between us, I’d never be able to leave my apartment again.” I take in another gulp of air. My heart is racing, sweat building on the back of my neck.Maybe I should get out of here.

“We don’t want to pressure you, Cassidy.” Tom has such a quiet, laid back manner and I wonder if he’d be a relaxed, easy lover. “Do we, Jack?” He looks across to Jack with a frown, as if he’s telling him off for coming on too strong.

“No, we don’t, but would you let me do something that might help persuade you, Cass?” Jack dips his head closer but pauses, waiting for my response. He’s going to kiss me. I can tell.I want this.

I nod and almost close my eyes, puckering my lips—ready to receive all the persuasion he wants to throw at me—but decide to keep myself open and alert to experience the whole thing.

I gasp when he reaches past me and takes Tom’s lips in a kiss instead. Their lips crush together and I can’t hold back mygentle moan when their tongues tangle. Jack’s hand strokes up my thigh while Tom reaches up and toys with my hair.

I can’t take my eyes off them. Jack’s other hand is gripping the back of Tom’s neck and a current of electricity is zinging through the three of us, connected by touch. I have no idea how much time has passed but can’t help pressing my thighs together to try to alleviate the pulse quickening there as I watch them devour each other.

Eventually, they ease back, and Jack dips his forehead to rest against Tom’s as they both seem to revel in their connection. “Now your turn,” Jack murmurs as he uses his hand on the back of Tom’s neck to encourage him forward, closer to my mouth.

“Okay?” Tom whispers.

I blink and nod shyly. I close my eyes as his soft lips meet mine. Tentatively at first. Such gentle kisses. My sigh sounds out at the same time as Jack groans. Tom makes me feel precious. I can picture him taking very good care of me.

I peel my eyes open and my vision is full of Tom. His eyes twinkle as my gaze meets his. Jack’s lips brush the sensitive spot behind my ear. My skin tingles all over as heat builds within me.

Tom gives me a peck before grinning. I laugh as Jack’s hand pushes Tom’s face out of the way and then he’s there. He doesn’t ask. He takes. Showing me just how different these men are.

---