Page 86 of The Broker

Charlotte’s stunned voice was breathy. “Kissing is only for us?”

“Yeah.” I tried to play it casually, but it was so fucking weird to me I was willing to share her in any other way—

But not this.

Her expression softened, her eyes melting, and beneath the table her hand came to rest on my leg. It was like she wanted a connection to me, and I was happy to oblige, encasing her hand in mine.

Shit, the idea of us remaining simply friends—even with benefits—became hazier every time we were together. How much longer could I keep lying to myself that I didn’t want more?

The couple across the table from us must have sensed the moment between us because they fell silent. They sipped their drinks and patiently waited for it to pass. And when our attention finally returned to them, Shannon wore a faint smile.

It was like she knew something I didn’t.

“I’ve never been with another woman either,” Charlotte said. “But I don’t know if I want to. I mean, maybe?” She frowned and peered at Shannon like she was worried she’d offended her. “You’re really hot, so don’t think it’s you. I just don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

Shannon grinned and shook her head. “No, no. You’re new to this, and I’m sure it’s a bit overwhelming, and we got ahead of ourselves because it’s one of our fantasies. Forget we mentioned it.”

“And since we’re talking about fantasies, we have something we’d like to ask,” Patrick chimed in. “We fully expect you to say no, but I’m bringing it up just in case you’re interested.” He glanced around, checking to see if anyone nearby was listening. “We have a date with a friend next week. He’s a guy we’ve playedwith several times before, although he’s been too busy the past few months. We finally got our schedules to align.”

Shannon bit down on her bottom lip before speaking. “As long as he’s okay with it, would you want to join us?”

I heard Charlotte’s breath catch and my heart skipped a beat. “As in, all of us together?”

“You could just watch. You don’t have to participate. But,” she glanced at her husband, “we were hoping you might want to, because a group thing... that’s another one of my fantasies.”

My mouth went dry, and my hand tensed around Charlotte’s.

“We’re pretty sure our friend’s going to be up for it,” Patrick said. “Eli has a ‘the more, the merrier’ attitude. If y’all want to join, we could get together on Zoom. We’ll introduce you and then we can share our thoughts about how we see the evening going.”

Shannon drew in a breath and pressed out a persuasive smile. “What do you think? Would you be... interested?”

The answer burst from Charlotte with no hesitation. “Yes.”

Her statement hung in the air, and she turned to me abruptly, her face red. She hadn’t checked with me first, and now she was horribly embarrassed. Goddamn, it was the sexiest thing ever.

Shannon grinned and glanced at her husband. “Noah was right. I think she’s into it.”

I laughed and, beneath the table, I squeezed Charlotte’s hand. “I think it’s safe to say we’re both interested.”

TWENTY-THREE

Charlotte

The sun was so low in the sky, it was hidden behind the trees that lined the edges of Old Hickory Lake. It cast a warm glow on the dock and the trio of people standing at the end of it, who were waiting for Noah and me.

My pulse had been humming the entire forty-five-minute drive out here, and now it raced even faster.

The boards of the dock creaked underfoot as we walked toward the boat tied off at the end of it. When Patrick had invited everyone on a sunset cruise around the lake, I’d pictured a smallish boat. Maybe something sporty, or a little pontoon boat.

But this thing was large, sleek, and looked like a tiny yacht. There was a large awning over the top, covering the wheel, the lounge couches, and the entrance to go below deck.

“Hi.” Shannon’s gaze swept over me, taking in my emerald green top, white shorts, and gold sandals. “How was the drive?”

“It was good.” Noah ticked his head toward the boat, and he sounded as surprised as I’d been. “This is your boat?”

“Yep, this is Nauti-By-Nature,” Patrick said. “Would you believe me if I told you we didn’t name her? We bought her used, and the original name was a good fit for us. Plus, it’s bad luck tochange it.” He gestured to the cooler Noah was carrying. “Here, I can stow that for you.”

While that was handed over, my gaze flicked to the other guy who stood beside Shannon on the dock.

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