Page 26 of Between the Stacks

If the way they watched me was any sign.

“Where are you going?” Cole asked, concern marring his features.

“To finish studying in my room. I figured you guys needed the space to do whatever you have to, uh, brainstorm?” Before he could answer or anyone else could say anything, I hurried for the stairs and the safety of my room.

I was equal parts hot and cold. My mind spun.Maybe I should just flick the bean.Ugh, even my inner monologue sounded stupid. They’d done that to me. I dumped my stuff on the bed and pulled my clothes off, intent on taking a shower to cool off and give me some space from them. At least when I came downstairs, I’d be a little more put together. Turning on the shower, I grabbed my towels and waited for the water to warm.When the glass fogged, I stepped under the spray and groaned. This was what I needed.

“Don’t freak out,” Cole said.

I bit my tongue hard, holding back the scream from being startled.

“Shit. Sorry. Damn, that looked painful.”

“What are you doing here?” I said, trying to shove away the pain of biting my tongue.

“I saw the look in your eyes, Lyra. You’re so fucking turned on right now, you can’t think straight.” He pulled his shirt off, affording me another glimpse of his tanned skin and amazing physique.

“What...” I closed my eyes. “What are you doing, Cole?”

“Helping you,” he said with a little shrug. “I know this is weird, but I want to do this for you.”

“Sex?” I blurted, confused by the situation while he removed his clothes.

“If you want.” He lifted his shoulder in a nonchalant shrug. “I could go to my knees and eat that pussy of yours. Or finger your sweet little pussy. The decision is all yours.”

“What if I wanted to take a shower alone?”

“Oh, well, yeah, you could do that,” he replied. “Do you want me to leave?”

Yes.

No.

“If you’re getting in...” I opened the door to the walk-in shower. “This is so...”

“Awkward?” he chuckled.

“Weird.” I kept my gaze above his right shoulder.

“I don’t mind you looking at me, Lyra.” He took my hand. “You can look at me as much as you want.”

“You’re naked.”

“So are you,” he laughed. “We’re in the shower, aren’t we?”

I groaned. “This is so awkward.”

“Let’s change that,” he said, tugging me to him. The hard press of his cock in my lower belly showed me how aroused he was. I couldn’t tell if it was because of me or the kiss he shared with Jonesy or perhaps a combination of both? Both would be the better outcome, right?

“I see those wheels turning,” he murmured, dragging his fingertips along my ribs. “I’m bi, Lyra. I enjoy men and women. Scott mostly, but you...” His gaze blazed a trail across my body, searing my flesh. “You got me so fucking hard.” He took my hand and wrapped my palm around his dick. “See.”

“Cole...” I bit my bottom lip.

“Yeah,” he nodded, “you did that. Watching you with Jonesy was so fucking hot.”

I’d wanted to say the same to him after watching the man kiss Cole. I hadn’t been given the opportunity before Jonesy had kissed me and left me a puddle of arousal. “Same. You. Him.” I closed my eyes, chiding myself for being so stupid. Cole hissed then groaned, and I let go of him, not realizing I’d squeezed him in my moment of embarrassment.

“Fuck that,” he said, “keep your hands on me, Lyra. Please.”

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