Page 63 of Mine to Share

He shifted, angling himself back to the bar, ending the conversation.

Or so I thought.

“You asked about my orgy experience. Why? That was a few hours, and then we all went our own way. Nothing like you’re talking about now. You’re making it out to be more of a supportive structure for Rain.”

The smooth edge of the glass pressed against my lower lip as I tipped my beer back, draining the contents. “I think you know why.”

He cut his eyes my way. “Explain it to me. If you want me to really consider this.” My lips parted, but he held up a hand. “And I’d have to see what she wants. Because even though you say she’s interested in more, that doesn’t mean she is.”

For someone like Slade, the insecurity he felt around Rain was confusing. Every woman in the bar had her eyes on him, yet he still wasn’t sure if Rain would want him. Did that mean he was afraid of what she’d say once she uncovered the real Slade instead of a broody detective? Or had he put her on such a high pedestal that she was more an unobtainable prize?

“I want to be around for that conversation when you have it with her.” I smirked. It would no doubt lead to more than words, and I sure as hell would love to watch that. “And explain what? We’re both there for her, and it works as any other relationship. At least I assume. Like I said, I’ve done the closed-door group activities before but not anything long term. It would take some getting used to and a lot of communication, I’m sure. But knowing now that her parents are poly, she can help guide us on that front.”

“And on the other?”

“Other?”

“‘Group activities,’ like you worded it.”

Even thinking about it got me semihard. I shifted on the barstool. “Am I expecting that? No, but if it leads to that….”

“Why?”

“Why what?” I sighed, rubbing a hand along the back of my neck. This was fucking awkward. Tallon and I just fell into the sharing routine. He was the one in control, so I just followed his orders. Even though Slade would be the dominant male in our threesome, getting him to understand that role would take some time.

“Why did you do it before? Why do you like sharing with another guy?”

After flagging down the bartender and motioning for another IPA, I braced both forearms on the edge of the bar. “Because, like Rain, I get so damn tired of being in control all the time. It’s a relief to not have to think, to either simply enjoy watching or follow someone else’s orders. But you have to understand that what I like isn’t the reason I’m suggesting all this. It’s Rain. She needs and deserves the support multiple men in her life can give her.”

And if the three of us came together in the physical way, that would be a bonus.

A bonus I knew he would enjoy.

I just hoped he was open-minded enough to consider all the possibilities.

19

SLADE

The sounds of the bar faded as I stared at the bottom of my empty highball glass, lost in thought.

I didn’t want to admit it, but Jameson’s suggestion intrigued me. The thought of the emotional side of a relationship not falling solely on me, that there was another to help where I always seemed to fail, was fucking amazing. Maybe then I could have a long-term relationship that didn’t end in a dumpster fire and expensive lawyers.

But the physical side of things….

Could I share, knowing some other man was balls deep inside my girl? Or would the jealousy stop all this before it could get started? Though knowing Jameson and Rain were fooling around now didn’t diminish the longing I had for her, nor did I want to kill him. But if I were in the mix, that could change how I felt.

Then again, when I was too sucked into a case to leave at a normal time, knowing she would still be supported and taken care of could ease the pressure of feeling pulled in too many directions. Even if I left this soul-sucking job, no matter what I did next, it would consume me. I was an all-or-nothing type of man with my career, no matter the path.

“Group activities,” I said after a while. I knew the long break in the conversation was him giving me the opportunity to process it all. Though I wasn’t lying. I’d have to talk to Rain first. “Tell me about that.”

“Like I said before, I can only tell you what I’ve done, but it was always one-night scenarios, not relationships. But I can’t imagine it would be much different. It’s not all the time, just when it happens. So, let’s say if things move forward while I’m here, then you can be with her alone, or if something turns to more when all three of us are together, then that door is open.” He paused, making me shift to face him. “I know it’s only been a few days, but it’s not like whatever this is between Rain and me is fresh. I wanted her before, and now it’s possible. What I’m trying to say is I don’t see this ending between us when I leave. I’ll come back as much as I can to see her, even if it’s for just a day.”

Interesting. My respect level for the man increased with his admission. So, he wasn’t just talking about this for however long he was in Santa Coasta. Jameson was considering this long term. Not sure if that added more pressure or took it off.

“I need to know the parameters.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, tapping his fingers against his half-full pint glass.

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