Page 9 of The Forbidden Trio

After a few silent, tense moments, Noah said quietly, “You know, I can see you two are attracted to each other, and I don’t know why nothing has ever happened, but I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t. And I think you’re really beautiful, Jessie.”

Her heart was pounding. She didn’t know what to say. “I thought you were gay. I mean, you said you like girls, but you’re here with Paul, and… I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m putting this the right way.”

“It’s okay. The labels aren’t always that easy—it’s something I’ve been trying to figure out myself, but it’s not totally clear-cut. I don’t think it has to be. We’re each simply who we are, attracted to who we find attractive. I guess I’ve mostly thought of myself as gay—or maybe I was simply subscribing to the label society—even gay culture—wanted to put on me. But occasionally I am attracted to a woman.” He paused. “I’m definitely attracted to you, Jessie. And I think Paul feels pretty much the same way, on all counts.”

She swallowed, hard, her body melting into a hot liquid that pooled between her thighs. Her pulse hammered in her veins.

“Paul?” Noah asked.

“Yeah.” Paul blew out a long breath, paused, then said quietly, “The truth is… Well hell, the plain truth is I’ve always wanted you, Jess, regardless of how I identify.”

“What? But you never… you never said anything. You’ve never touched me. Not in that way.”

“And you, Jessie?” Noah asked, his voice low. “Do you want to touch him? Do you want to touch me?”

God.

“Yes,” she said, her voice a harsh whisper.

Chapter Three

Her body was on fire, but she had to understand what was happening. “Paul, tell me why now? Why have you waited?”

“Because you’re my best friend, Jess.”

“That’s it?” Noah asked. “Sorry, but even I don’t get it.”

Paul stroked her hair from her cheek. “You’re too important to me. I didn’t want to risk that. And… having Noah here makes it easier, in a way. Can we talk more later, sugar? Can we just enjoy this right now? Because my mind is really elsewhere and it’s damn hard to focus. Right now, I need you.”

Her heart twisted with wanting and emotion, her head spinning. She didn’t understand. But maybe he was right—she should simply be in the moment.

She nodded. “Yes, we can talk later. I need you, too. Both of you.”

It was Noah’s hand she felt on hers as he leaned over Paul. He pulled it to his lips, slowly kissing her fingertips, and it was hot and sweet and sexy as hell, making her body burn. He pulled her closer, until she was pressed against Paul’s long, lean form. But Paul held still while Noah bent his head and brushed a soft kiss across her mouth. She went damp instantly, between the lovely press of Noah’s lush mouth and Paul’s arm brushing her breasts. Her nipples were two hard peaks, begging to be touched.

Please don’t let this be a dream…

She knew it wasn’t when Noah parted her lips with his and slipped his tongue inside.

Just a small, wet flicker, then he let her go and asked, “Okay?”

She nodded, took a moment to find her voice. “Yes. Definitely okay.”

“Jesus, Jess.” Paul’s voice was thick with desire. “Finally.”

Then his hand was on her, sliding over her waist, and she was soaking wet instantly.

Needy. Squirming.

How many times had she imagined Paul touching her? But never in her wildest fantasies had she imagined Noah being there, actually being with two men at once. The idea was wild, intoxicating. She closed her eyes, and suddenly there were strong male hands on her, all over her, and she couldn’t tell who they belonged to. It was like her fantasy in the shower, but the reality was so much better. It was all sensation and pure, driving hunger, pleasure shivering over her skin.

“Too many damn clothes, sugar,” Paul said, then he pulled her tank top over her head.

There was something almost electric about being bared to him, toPaul. Her system was going crazy, overloading simply knowing it was him, knowing what was about to happen, combined with the mystery of what two men would do together and what they might do to her.

When she opened her eyes once more, she could make out Noah’s muscular silhouette against the side of the tent. He was sitting up, struggling out of his boxers. Her mouth watered in anticipation, and she licked her lips.

This is really happening.

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