Page 4 of Playing with Desire

“I don’t know about you ladies, but I’m way past ready to get tied up in Sawyer’s ropes,” Paige said, her voice infused with excitement. “I’ll see everyone later.”

As Paige strolled across the lounge toward her husband, Raina and Kendall followed suit, which left Stephanie, Jillian, and Summer still at the table. Both of the other women appeared reluctant to leave Summer by herself.

“Do you want us to stick around a while longer until you’re more comfortable?” Jillian asked her, slight concern in her tone.

Summer shook her head, shivering as her long, wavy blonde hair shifted across her bare shoulders. “Actually, I think I’m good,” she murmured, her eyes automatically flicking to the two men still standing with Mac and Dean, both of whom were still watching her, their stares lingering with purpose.

Stephanie followed the direction of her gaze, her own eyes widening in shock when she realized that Rick and the guy he was with were clearly interested in Summer. “Have you ever been in a threesome?” she asked, because that was the vibe the two men were giving off.

“Ummm... no,” she admitted, feeling her face flush. “But it’s a super-hot fantasy, and there’s a first time for everything, right? Considering I’m in a safe, controlled environment here at the club, I figure why not go for it if the opportunity presents itself.”

Her friend laughed. “You have a good point, and if the way the two of them are eating you up with their gazes is any indication, I do believe the opportunityisgoing to present itself, so get ready to double your pleasure.”

Summer lifted her chin a few inches. “I am ready.” And she really was.

“Wow,” Jillian said, blinking at Summer in complete surprise. “Look at you, being all bold and fearless.”

She shrugged, though she couldn’t stop the smile of anticipation that curved her lips. “What’s the saying... no guts, no glory?”

Stephanie looked impressed by Summer’s fortitude and gave a nod of approval. “Well, whatever you decide to do, have fun, and we’re all definitely meeting up for breakfast on Monday before work because I’m already dying to know how this evening plays out for you.”

“Oh, me, too,” Jillian chimed in.

Stephanie picked up her plate with her half-eaten birthday cake and carried it with her as she and Jillian made their way toward their husbands. Now that Summer was by herself, Rick and the stranger made their move. As she watched the two of them approach—so gorgeous, hot, and self-assured in their stride—her pulse quickened, and everything below her waist turned to liquid.

Without a doubt, she craved them both, but could she handle all the heat and testosterone heading her way?

God, she hoped she was about to find out.

Chapter Two

As they neared,Summer couldn’t take her gaze off the dark-blond-haired guy. Her attraction to Rick had always simmered beneath the surface, a flirtation they’d both indulged in but he’d never pursued up to this point. But her awareness of the other man was immediate and incendiary, and she knew that intense connection had to do with his sharp, laser-focused gaze that slid down the length of her body with unapologetic lust, along with the seductive smile touching his full lips that promised a night of sinful pleasure.

Her dress molded to her curves, and by the time he was done devouring every dip and swell of her fuller figure, she felt as though he’d stripped away the nude-colored fabric and she was already standing naked in front of him. Her nipples beaded almost painfully, her belly fluttered, and she had to clench her thighs together to appease the throbbing ache in between.

She shifted on her heels, suddenly nervous as the duo stopped in front of her—but more than willing to see where this meet and greet led.

“Hi, Rick,” she said, her voice breathless as she acknowledged the man she already knew.

“Summer,” he replied, the corner of his mouth curling into a sexy, inviting grin before he indicated the man next to him. “I’d like you to meet my stepbrother, Declan Burke.”

His stepbrother?She blinked in surprise as she met the other man’s mesmerizing hazel eyes, now glimmering with amusement over her shocked reaction. “So, you two are related?” she asked, still trying to process that bit of information.

“Sort of,” Declan said, a touch of humor vibrating in his deep voice, despite his more guarded and reserved personality. “My mother married Rick’s father, and we got stuck with each other as siblings. Of course, I’m the better-looking of the two.”

She smiled at his teasing comment. They were both gorgeous men in their own right—clean-cut, smooth-shaven, classically handsome Rick, with his black hair and green eyes and athletically honed body, versus the more rugged Declan, with his dark blond hair, a day’s worth of sexy stubble covering his jaw, and a well-built physique that conveyed subdued power and strength. His wide shoulders filled out the white dress shirt he wore, and there was no mistaking the muscular chest, tight abdomen, and sinewy arms concealed beneath the fabric.

Black slacks hugged Declan’s narrow hips and lean thighs, and she caught herself just as her wandering gaze swept across the ample bulge filling out the front of his pants. He wasn’t hard—yet—and as she bounced her gaze back up to his, she couldn’t help but wonder, if he was that generously endowed when flaccid, how much bigger would he be when completely erect? The naughty images filling her mind made her mouth go dry, as did the insightful smirk on his face.

She swallowed hard to moisten her parched throat and extended her hand toward him. “It’s nice to meet you, Declan.”

Instead of sliding his much larger palm against hers in a traditional handshake as she was anticipating, he picked up her hand and lifted it to his mouth, then skimmed his lips across her knuckles in a feathery kiss. His gaze met hers, pure temptation heating his eyes.

“The pleasure is all mine, kitten,” he murmured.

His husky voice, combined with the intimate pet name he’d just given her, made her weak in the knees. “And here I thought Rick was the charming one.”

Rick laughed. “Don’t let all that sweet talk fool you,” he said with humor. “Declan is only charming when he wants something.”

---