Page 7 of The Best Number

Diving straight in, his tongue pushes between my lips, twisting with mine. His hands hold my hips, keeping me in place. Tom buries his fingers into my messy bun, massaging my scalp as Jack ravishes my mouth.

There’s no doubt this persuasion technique is working as they both lavish me in attention that has my body humming. When Jack eventually pulls away, he’s panting like he’s run a marathon.

“Fuck, Cass, that was hotter than I even imagined,” he groans.I’m glad I’m not the only one that’s been fantasising about this.

“Please say yes,” Tom whispers against my ear as his hands drop to my waist.

I glance back at him and his damn dazzling eyes—maybe it was him that hypnotised me and not Jack.

“I think so,” I whisper.

Tom tilts his head to the side, his eyes questioning.

“I just…” I draw in a breath. “Can I think about it?” I blurt. “I don’t want to rush into anything. That was incredible and it would be easy to be swept away and leap right in, but can I just have some time?”

He pecks me on the cheek. “Of course, Cassidy. Take your time.”

“Is that okay with you, Jack?” I twist around to ask and find him watching me and Tom intently.

“Sure thing, doll. I hope it’s a yes, Cass. That was the hottest kiss I’ve ever had. Imagine how good we’d all be together.”I’ve been thinking of nothing else all night.

He gives me one of his signature grins and I doubt my decision for a moment.These guys are insanely attractive and inviting me into bed with them. What is there to think about?

But I know I can't rush into this. Jack is my friend. One that I’ve met since my horrendous marriage break up. And I don’t want to spoil this friendship by jumping into something temporary with them. No, I’m right to take a step back and gain some perspective.

My hands pull away from each of their legs.

“I… uh… I’m going to go. I need to think about this. But I really appreciate the offer and I promise I will give it my every consideration,” I tell them both seriously.

Tom nods at me and Jack gives my hand a squeeze as he says, “Take the time you need, Cassidy. We will be ready when you are.”

Chapter three

Tom

Jack watches Cassidy get safely inside her flat before he closes the door and turns back towards the couch. “Am I going to get told off for not talking to you about that offer beforehand?” he asks as he sits.

I frown as I consider the question. “I knew you wanted her, Jack. I’m surprised you haven’t suggested it before now.” And then, “I’m not mad, no”.

“She seemed really keen, right? So why did she run off like that?”

“You’re friends and she doesn’t want to fuck that up. Let’s give her a chance to think about it and see how we all feel in a few days.”

“That makes sense. And, as much as I want to have fun with Cassidy and you together, I don’t want to lose her friendship.”

“Maybe if we set some ground rules, it would help?” I suggest.

Jack stares broodingly at me. “Like what?”

“How long the arrangement would last. When it would happen. Talk about how we’d continue as friends afterwards. You know, stuff like that.”

“Yeah, that might help,” Jack responds, seemingly deep in thought.

“You want me to head off too?”

Jack ponders my question for a moment. He likes his own space. But I’m enjoying the nights that I stay over and they are becoming a more regular occurrence.

“No, I want you to stay.” He reaches across and fists my t-shirt as he leans in closer and presses our lips together. I give a soft moan, which fires Jack up instantly.

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