Page 22 of Just Curious

“Isn’t it? I’d sure like to fix that somehow for her. She just works like a dog on her writing career and tries to keep her troubles to herself. She could sit around and do nothing or shop and get her hair and nails done all the time, but she chooses to work. She also mentors a group of teens who aspire to be writers. I found that out sort of by accident because she’s also so humble, she’d never brag about herself.” He chuckled then and added, “The funny thing is, she’s been using Face-to-Face with the young writers’ group for their weekly sessions. Small world, huh?”

“Pfft! Everyone uses Face-to-Face, you dope,” Casey scoffed and then they both cracked up. “There’s no reason foryouto be so humble. So, what’s your next earth-shattering project you’re going to make more billions on, huh?”

As Willa rejoined them at the table, Jackson explained, “I’m working on an anti-hacking program. Firewalls are too easily breached, and I think I can do better. It’s still mostly in here, though.” He tapped his head. Turning to Willa, he said, “I get the feeling that you’re not really with us right now. You’re writing in your head, aren’t you?”

Laughing, Willa answered, “Guilty. I wasn’t aware I was so obvious. I’m sorry. Sometimes inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and I want to spruce up a passage I wrote a few days ago.”

Jackson took her hand. “I take it you’re ready to head home then and get back to your computer to write it all down.”

“Do you guys mind? If you want to stay longer with Casey, I can always take an Uber home.” She looked between the two of them.

“It’s fine,” Jackson assured her. “Or,” he turned to Casey and continued, “you could always follow us home and spend more time with us that way. We can work out in my gym or go for a run on the beach or something while Willa writes.”

Casey didn’t have anything planned for the evening, and the servers had taken care of cleaning up after his party, so he didn’t have to think about things very long. “Sure. Sounds great. I have to make a couple of calls, but I’ll be able to leave soon. I’ll just meet you there. Thanks.”

So, it was settled. Jackson and Willa collected their clothes and headed home. Once they were on their way, Jackson asked seriously, “Any regrets?”

Willa’s head snapped around as she stared at him. “About Casey and what we’re doing?” Jackson nodded, so she continued with a smile, “None at all. That was amazing. Thank you so much for suggesting it.” Looking at his face for any signs of regret from Jackson, she asked, “How about you? Are you happy we went through with it? I mean, you must be fairly okay with it if you invited him to meet up with us later.”

“I’m fine with it. I just hope it doesn’t end up hurting someone. I love what you and I have together, and I feel great about Casey, but I hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces. I guess we’ll just have to be careful and honest.” He blew out a heavy breath then and added, “But, man, that was some seriously heavy stuff we got into with him, and I have no trouble admitting I loved every moment of it.”

This admission made Willa grin ear to ear.

Willa went straight to her laptop as soon as they got back, and Jackson headed off to call his parents to check in with them as he liked to do weekly.

Chapter 13

On his drive from Rancho Santa Fe to La Jolla, Casey headed toward the beach and made his way south via the coastal highway through Del Mar instead of navigating Interstate 5. He loved the scenery and preferred the slower driving along the ocean instead of maneuvering through traffic on the freeway. He considered it a lucky day because he spotted a trio of Great Egrets in the San Elijo Lagoon. There was something so graceful and almost magical about those huge, snowy white birds. It took a few more minutes to make the trip along the coast, but he didn’t need to hurry, and the day was perfect. Plus, this route gave him plenty of time to think.

He couldn’t deny that last night and this morning were the most amazing sexual experiences of his life. Kinkiest too, if he was honest with himself. He’d never even considered being part of a ménage, and this had blown his mind. He’d been melancholy thinking he’d never have that same connection with Jackson again once he realized his buddy was serious about Willa, but he had never dreamed they could be as close as they were last night.

He also hadn’t had sex with a woman in a while, so he was definitely looking forward to boinking Willa. Then he amended his thoughts. “Boinking” wasn’t what you did with a woman like Willa. With her, you made passionate, beautiful, sexy, sometimes raunchy love.I can’t believe Jackson is cool about it, he thought.And she’s incredible. I’ve never seen a woman so invested in enjoying sex in my life. Tamara always had so many rules of what we could and couldn’t do and thought blowjobs were beneath her. Fuck, Willa can practically get herself off by giving one! I just hope we all don’t end up in one of her books…He wasn’t too crazy about that thought.I also hope they don’t get tired of me too soon.For me, anyway, this is about more than hot sex. It’s a chance to have something truly spectacular with two amazing people… if it works. I’ll have to be careful.

Casey punched in the keyless code at Jackson’s house and let himself in. He found his buddy stretched out in a comfortable reclining chair facing the window that overlooked the beach. Jackson was on the phone and looked up at Casey giving him a big smile and a chin lift. He indicated to Casey that he was winding up the call and to have a seat in the chair near him.

“I’ll definitely be there, Mom. Don’t worry,” Jackson said. “Maybe I can get Casey and Willa to come up there with me for the big event.”

Casey’s ears perked up at that.What event?Jackson’s family were always big on celebrating things. With a snort, he considered,Maybe they’ve finally developed a hairless artichoke. Not likely, though.

Jackson said goodbye to his mom, promising to give her love to Casey, and he disconnected. “Mom sends her love. My dad’s birthday is coming up soon, and she wants me to be there. Interested?”

“Sure. When is it?”

“A week from Tuesday. He supposedly refuses to let her have a party because he doesn’t want to feel old, so of course she’s going to round up everyone she can find anyway. She knows he secretly wants to celebrate. I’ll probably just drive up for a couple of days. I’d love the company, and you can see your parents too at the same time. I wonder if Willa’s free. It would be a great opportunity for her to meet them.”

“Oh, sorry. I can’t do it then. I need to stay here because I have clients who’ve just bought a second home in Del Mar. They’re living in Scottsdale now, but they plan to fly over to go through the place with me the same day as your dad’s non-party. I don’t think I can reschedule with them because it was tough synchronizing this date with their calendars.”

“Bummer. Well, next time maybe.” Jackson looked up then to see Willa entering his house looking perplexed. “What’s up?” he asked her.

“I don’t know,” she answered in a troubled voice. “Something’s weird with my computer. Would you mind taking a look at it later? I’ve rebooted it, and that doesn’t seem to do anything. I think a recent update somehow messed up Microsoft Office.”

Willa started to sit down onto the floor next to Jackson and gave a startled squeak when strong hands grasped her around the waist. “You don’t need to sit on the floor, Willa. I have a perfectly comfortable lap right here,” suggested Casey as he pulled her onto his chair on top of him.

“Oh! Um, okay,” she laughed softly. “I’m sorry, Casey. I was so in my own head, I guess I had tunnel vision and didn’t see you. But this is nice.” She cozied into his arms as he nuzzled her neck. Stealing a look at Jackson, however, she noticed he looked confused and upset.

“Please tell me you’ve backed up your files recently,” he said somberly.

“I did just yesterday. Everything is both in the Cloudandon an external drive that’s in my desk drawer.”

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