Page 9 of The Best Number

She gulps. “Er, good question. I hadn’t gotten that far. I guess I’d want to know if either of you have any kinks I need to know about. If you’ve done this before. What you’re willing to do… stuff like that.”

I wait to see if Jack answers. He leans forward, looking Cassidy straight in the eyes as he starts to speak. “I’m willing to do anything, Cass. I want to give you as much pleasure as possible and receive the same in return. Yes, I’ve done this before—with Tom and another woman. It was good. Everyone had an amazing time. So much so that we did it a few times until she moved away and now she’s happily engaged to be married. Tom and I have been invited to the wedding, actually.” He chuckles to himself and glances across at me with a big grin.

“Is this going to be a onetime thing, Cassidy?” I ask in a quiet voice. She turns her attention to me.

“I think so, yes. It’s research for my book.”

“So, how do you see things going afterwards? It would be a shame to lose the friendship you two have.” Her brows knit. Jack shifts his body towards her while he awaits her reply as well.

“I don’t want this to affect our relationship. Our friendship means a lot to me.” She looks towards Jack and then back at me. “And I’d love to get to know you better, Tom.”

“Okay, so a one-off and make sure we all come out the other side, being able to look each other in the eye,” I summarise with a smile.

“So you’re saying I’ve got to rein it in so she keeps some respect for me after?” Jack drawls and I watch as he winks at Cassidy.Jeez, her blush is endearing. Does she blush that colour all over?

“What do you mean? Rein it in?” Cassidy asks with a look of intrigue.

“Aw, doll, I want to do plenty of filthy, dirty things to you. I want you to have trouble looking me in the eye afterwards. I want you to see me and remember every single thing I did to you and be ready to go all over again.”

Cassidy gulps.

“But I can rein it in. Make sure you get a fuck ton of orgasms and fodder for your book. Make sure that me and Tom have a bloody good time and be able to act normally with you afterwards.”

“I’m not sure I want you to rein yourself in. I want the total experience. I don’t want you to not enjoy yourself as much as you would if you were being your true self.”

Jack nods knowingly. “Well then, you’re in for a fucking good time, Cass.”

“Do you have any kinks or limits we need to know about, Cassidy?” I ask.

Her tongue pokes out to wet her lips. “I’m not sure. I’ve never had sex with two people before, so we might have to warm up a bit first. I’m not big on degradation. I love praise. Perhaps we could see how things go and take it from there?”

“That’s a great idea. So when’s this going to happen?” I ask.

Cassidy takes in a gulp of air and blurts out, “I think sooner rather than later, before I lose my nerve.”

“Okay, are you on contraception, Cassidy?”

“I’m on the pill. And I got tested a while ago to make sure my ex hadn’t passed on anything nasty. I’ve not been with anyone else since then.” She blushes deeper.

“Jack and I got tested recently too. It made for a fun date.” I grimace at the memory. “We were both negative, and I’ve not been with anyone else but Jack since then.” My eyes land on Jack. I’m intrigued to hear his response. As far as I know, he’s only been with me.But what if I’m wrong?

“When was it?” he asks me with a frown.

“March.”

“I’ve only been with you since then.” His tone sounds almost bewildered.Is Jack surprised that we’ve inadvertently been exclusive?It isn’t something we’ve discussed before.

“Are you working tonight?” Jack asks, and I nod. “Off on Wednesday?” He knows my usual night off. I give him another nod.

“That makes the most sense for me if it works with your schedules. And if you’re happy to be naughty on a school night. Although…” I pause for a moment. “I could see if Abby can handle next Friday night if I get an extra staff member in. That way, there’s no rush the next day.”

“If you can make Friday work, that’s better for me,” Jack says. “Cass? What about you?”

Cassidy sits there looking a little like a deer caught in headlights. But she shakes it off and says, “Friday works. I’ll be ready, but where?”

“We can stick with familiar territory and go to your place, or here. Or find some neutral ground like a hotel room?” Jack suggests.

She mulls it over. “Would you be okay if it was here, Jack? I feel like I want familiar.”

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