Because Naughty Holidays Can Be Oh So Nice 2015 (18 page)

Chapter Five

6:59 p.m.

COLE RISKED HIS life to get Luke to the club by seven o’clock, but they made it—only breaking a few traffic laws in the process—and that was all that mattered. When they pulled into the parking lot, he noticed that all of the valets were already set up out front, gearing up to move cars once guests started to arrive in an hour.

Sixty more minutes before the night got underway and Cole was beginning to wonder if Luke was going to survive until then. Thank God for the meeting, that was all he knew. It would provide the perfect distraction for a man who was getting himself worked up for absolutely no reason.

However, he had to give Luke props because he had managed to refrain from giving Cole hell on the way there, even now as the clock turned to seven and Cole pulled up in front of the club. But before he’d even managed to put the car in park, Luke was out the door, walking inside without looking back.

Cole smiled to himself, climbing out of the car, shaking his head.

After handing the keys to the attendant, Cole went inside, greeting Candace, the woman who manned the reception area. She had her work cut out for her tonight, but it appeared she was getting ready for the event, so he attempted to pass through with a wave, but she caught him before he could.

“You ready for this?” she asked, turning to face him.

“Aren’t I always?”

“Is he?” Candace chuckled, nodding toward the door, where Luke had disappeared.

“I’m sure he’ll relax.”

“Maybe after a couple of drinks,” she said.

“Drinks. Why didn’t I think of that?”

Candace smiled. “I’m sure it’ll be fantastic.”

Cole nodded. “Let me know if you need anything. Though I doubt we’ll need it, we’ve got extra security coming in.”

“I saw that.”

Security was one thing they took seriously. On any given night, there were two bouncers at the front doors, then more managing each of the exits and several standing guard on the floor. Due to the nature of their club, it was crucial that they didn’t let anything get out of hand. And since they’d have a few unknowns at the club tonight, he and Luke had agreed they needed to beef things up.

“See you later,” Cole told Candace before pulling open the door. After a quick pass through the main floor, checking the bars to ensure they were being set up, Cole poured Luke a drink, then met up with him in his office, where Trent and three others were already waiting.

“I’d like you to meet my husband, Cole,” Luke said to the others when Cole approached. “Cole, this is Phoenix Pierce, his wife, Mia, and his husband, Tarik.”

“Nice to meet you all,” Cole responded, shaking the hand of each person, noticing that someone—hopefully Trent—had thought to get them drinks, which was a good thing. He didn’t mind being the gofer, but he had his hands full with Luke or he probably would’ve thought ahead.

Handing Luke the tumbler of scotch, Cole discreetly studied Phoenix and his better … thirds…
Is that how the saying goes when there are three?
Mia was a pretty blonde with ice-blue eyes, the perfect counterpoint to the fierce-looking, dark-haired Tarik, a man who obviously was responsible for handling Phoenix’s protection. The guy looked like he was ex-military, but Cole honestly had no idea.

Cole didn’t know much about Phoenix, other than recognizing the name due to the man’s public persona. He was a prominent Texas businessman, not to mention the owner of the Austin Arrows—Austin’s NHL team.

“Please, sit.” Luke gestured toward the table and chairs set up in the corner of the office where they occasionally had meetings such as this. Rarely, though. In fact, this was the first time since they’d opened Devotion that they were actually having this particular conversation.

Expansion.

That in itself was a big deal, especially after Luke had abruptly closed down The Club @ Club Destiny a few years ago when there was a threat to their client list. The man definitely didn’t put up with a lot of shit, and he certainly didn’t trust many. So for him to consider branching out and putting trust in others once more said a lot about how far he’d come in the past couple of years.

“If you’d like, I can provide you with my business proposal,” Luke offered.

“If you don’t mind, we’d like to keep this casual,” Phoenix replied. “I really just wanted to introduce you to Mia and Tarik.”

Casual. That was a good thing. If Luke got started discussing business, he likely wouldn’t stop, and Cole would be forced to rein him back in once people began to arrive. He glanced at his watch. They didn’t have long.

And while he was interested in where this might lead, Cole knew that no decisions would be made at this meeting. He and Luke had discussed what Luke expected to get out of tonight, and basically, he was looking for reassurance that Phoenix was seriously interested. Whether or not that meant they went through with this was still to be seen.

So, until then, Cole decided to sit back and listen. And next week, once the new year was under way, he’d worry about the logistics. Until then, this was basically to appease Luke.

Something Cole had found himself doing quite frequently lately.

And with great pleasure.

7:47 p.m.

BASED ON THE brief conversation they’d just had, Luke decided that he liked Phoenix. He was a good guy. Professional. Intelligent. All the qualities Luke was looking for in a business partner.

And as far as Luke was concerned, Phoenix was definitely the smarter choice in investors when it came down to Phoenix or Max, though he was still kicking around the idea of working directly with Max Adorite. He’d given considerable thought to Trent’s suggestion about opening a club in Vegas, and he was fairly certain Max would be the perfect partner in that venture. His only concern regarding that was the fact that Max was a known mobster. His money wasn’t exactly clean—most of it, anyway—and getting in bed with the guy, so to speak, meant taking a risk that Luke had to be sure he was willing to take.

Needless to say, Phoenix’s interest was a good thing.

It was clear that Phoenix was a keen businessman, too. Since the Austin Arrows were kicking ass again this season, a seemingly new trend since Phoenix had taken over the team when his father had passed away roughly two years ago. But what impressed Luke the most was Mia and Tarik. Those two knew what they wanted, and if Luke wasn’t mistaken, Phoenix wasn’t the one looking to invest in a club; they were.

And he was good with that. Which even surprised him.

Leaning back in his chair, Luke watched the three of them as they talked to Trent, noticing the way both men doted on Mia, probably without realizing it. Luke knew the feeling. There was something about a woman—
your
woman—that automatically brought out protective instincts in a man. Luke and Cole felt the same about Sierra and a lot of the time probably looked much like the threesome sitting across from him now.

“Have you been to a club like this before?” Luke asked, not directing the question to anyone in particular.

Mia shook her head, then glanced over at the men on each side of her.

Phoenix didn’t answer, nor did Tarik, which made Luke laugh at the same time Mia asked, “When?”

Phoenix’s arm slid around Mia. “Not since we’ve been together.”

“That’s good to know,” she teased. “Except I’m wondering why you didn’t bring me.”

Tarik’s dark eyebrows lifted and Phoenix grinned.

“I think we’ve ruined her,” Phoenix said, his emerald-green eyes landing on Luke’s face.

Luke’s phone rang on his desk and Cole moved to answer it. When he hung up, he watched as Cole returned to the table.

“We’ve got early arrivals,” Cole informed them, coming to stand behind Luke.

“Are you guys ready to see how crazy things can get?” Trent asked, getting to his feet. “Why don’t I take you downstairs and get you set up with some fresh drinks. Then I’ll show you around.”

“It was great to meet you,” Luke told Mia and Tarik directly, realizing that was exactly what Phoenix wanted. “Hopefully you’ll enjoy yourselves tonight, and we’ll reconvene next week to see where we go from here.” If Phoenix was interested in investing in the club, Luke got the sense everything would be handled during the week and mostly over the phone.

So tonight’s impromptu meeting had been about Mia and Tarik.

And Luke was going to keep that in mind because it said a lot about the man he’d hopefully be doing business with in the future.

7:55 p.m.

“HOLY SHIT,” SAMANTHA said when Sierra opened the front door and greeted her friend. “Where did you get that dress? You look incredible.”

Sierra hugged Sam, then took a step back.

“You’ll never believe that I found it on clearance.”

“It’s fabulous, but probably more so because it’s on you,” Sam said, still looking her over. “Your men are going to go nuts when they see you.”

Sierra grinned. “That’s the plan.”

“Are you ready?” Sam asked. “I’m not trying to rush, but Logan and Eli are waiting in the car. I think they’re ready to get this night under way.”

“I’m ready,” Sierra confirmed. “Let me grab my clutch.”

Sierra strolled into the living room to find her mother sitting on the couch with Hannah in her lap. They were watching some holiday cartoon and getting ready to wind down for the night.

“I’m heading out,” Sierra told them, moving close and kissing Hannah on the head.

“Be careful,” Veronica told her.

“Always. And if you need anything at all, call. If you can’t reach us on our cell phones, you can always call the club.”

Veronica smiled, one of those grins that told Sierra she was used to doing this and knew how it went.

“Love you,” Sierra told them both, grabbing her clutch and heading back to meet Sam in the foyer. “I’m ready when you are.”

A minute later, Sierra was in the backseat with Sam, with Logan at the wheel and Elijah riding shotgun. They said their brief hellos, but then Elijah and Logan continued with a conversation they’d been having when Sierra climbed in.

“How’s Luke?” Sam asked, keeping her voice low.

“He’s doing much better than I expected,” Sierra answered with a chuckle. “Doesn’t mean it’ll last all night, but I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised.”

“Don’t be,” Sam said sweetly. “I think the man knows that he has you and Cole there to keep things in order so he doesn’t have to stress quite so much.”

True. He didn’t. Only Sierra and Cole knew that he did anyway.

And sometimes, as they’d learned, he did it on purpose.

Which was why Sierra and Cole had something special in store for the man tonight.

Something they were all going to enjoy.

Chapter Six

8:25 p.m.

COLE REMAINED CLOSE to Luke as guests began arriving. He greeted the people he knew and was introduced to some he didn’t. One thing he noticed right off was that the guest list was diverse. Everyone from political powerhouses, A-list actors, small business owners, right down to the average, everyday rancher.

And of course, the Walkers. Some of them, anyway.

“Good to see you again,” Travis Walker greeted with a firm handshake.

“Same to you,” Cole returned, smiling at Kylie and Gage—Travis’s wife and husband. “How’s the family?”

“Never better.” Travis pulled Kylie up next to him.

“And Kate?” Luke asked, shaking Travis’s hand in greeting, then hugging Kylie and shaking Gage’s hand.

Travis’s grin grew bigger than Cole had ever seen it. “She’s perfect. And it looks like she’s going to be a big sister in the near future.” Travis placed his hand protectively over Kylie’s belly.

“That’s fantastic,” Luke inserted. “Congratulations.”

“I hear congrats are in order for y’all as well. How’re the kids?”

“Doing well,” Cole told him. “And how’s AI?”

“Good,” Travis told him. “Filled to capacity.”

“That’s expected,” Cole told him. “It’s quite impressive.”

“Thanks.” Travis looked around. “The same can be said for this place. So tell me, is it true? You’re looking to branch out some?”

“That’s the rumor,” Cole confirmed, glancing over at Luke.

Kylie placed her hand on Travis’s chest. “You promised we weren’t talking business tonight.”

Travis smiled. “She’s right. I did promise, so we won’t keep you,” Travis said. “But hit me up next week, would you? I’ve got an idea of my own if y’all are interested.”

Cole nodded at the same time Luke said, “Will do. Glad you could make it. Let us know if you need anything.”

Travis, Kylie, and Gage moved on toward the bar, and Luke moved to stand closer to Cole’s side.

“You doing all right?” Luke asked.

“That’s my question for you,” Cole teased, looking at him. He was cool and calm, and handsome as hell.

“So far, so good.” Luke’s eyes widened suddenly. “Holy fucking shit.”

Cole turned to see what or who Luke was looking at, and his gaze landed on the absolute most stunning woman in the world.

“Sierra,” Cole muttered. “Where the hell did she buy that dress?”

“I don’t know, but I’m buying stock in that fucking company,” Luke said, his arm around Cole’s shoulder as they moved toward her.

“Hi,” Sierra greeted with a grin.

“Hi,” Cole said, suddenly tongue-tied.

His wife was wearing a very short, nearly indecent silver dress that molded to her body as though it had been designed for her. Perhaps it had; he didn’t know. It’d been a while since she’d dressed up, mainly because of the pregnancy and all that was going on in a household with children. They didn’t get the opportunity to go out much, and when they did, it was generally for a quick bite to eat. Nothing that would warrant her to dress up.

She looked phenomenal.

“You look good enough to eat,” Luke whispered, moving in and taking one of her hands in his.

“This ol’ thing?” she teased, glancing down.

The heels adorning her feet glittered in the light, catching Cole’s eye as he soaked up the sight of her.

“I can’t wait to get you out of that,” Luke muttered. “Or maybe I’ll leave it on you. Either way…”

What he said
, Cole thought as he continued to eye Sierra.

“Whatever we do, we’re keeping the shoes on,” Cole told them.

Luke peered down at her feet. “Definitely.”

Cole glanced behind him, noticing plenty of others looking Sierra’s way, as well, likely admiring her because she was by far the most beautiful woman in the place.

A surge of pride expanded his chest.

Because this exquisite, gorgeous woman belonged to them.

And them only.

8:31 p.m.

LUKE WASN’T SURE he could continue greeting the guests as they arrived. Hell, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to focus on much of anything tonight. Not with Sierra looking like she did. She made his mouth water, his hands itched to touch her, and he suddenly couldn’t concentrate on anything else.

“Luke?” Sierra said, but he couldn’t stop staring. He wanted to slide his palms over her thighs, then up beneath that indecently short skirt to see what she wore beneath.

Someone cleared their throat, and Luke pulled his gaze up to meet Sierra’s face. She was nodding over his shoulder.

Luke turned around, coming face-to-face with Brendon Walker.

“Luke,” Brendon greeted, holding out his hand. “You know my better half, Cheyenne Montgomery.”

“Nice to see you again,” Luke told the famous country music star. “I’m glad you both could make it.”

“Thank you for having us,” Cheyenne replied in that soft country drawl that most of America was acquainted with. “I’d like to introduce you to my cousin, Grace Lambert.”

Luke held out his hand to Grace.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. McCoy,” she said in a thick Texas drawl. “These are the rowdy cowboys in my life, Grant Kingsley and Lane Miller.”

“Please, call me Luke.” Luke shook their hands as well, trying to be a good host, but it wasn’t easy when the only thing he wanted to do was turn around and ogle his wife for a little while longer.

“Glad you could make it,” Cole said, clearly stepping in when Luke lost his manners.

“Thank you for extending an invitation,” Grant said. “We’ve heard a lot about this place.”

“Good, I hope,” Sierra added.

“Of course,” Grace said with a smile. “Looks like tonight’s gonna be the party of the year.”

“That’s the plan,” Sierra told her.

“Then it’s a good thing we were invited.”

Luke looked over to see a set of identical twins standing beside Brendon.

“You must be cousins,” Luke said, offering them his hand.

Brendon turned to the two dark-haired men standing beside him. “These are my cousins, Keegan and Kaden.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure’s ours,” Keegan stated. “Nice place you have here. Very interested in checking it out.”

Luke chuckled when Kaden’s gaze followed a couple of women who walked by. There were quite a few single ladies in the house tonight.

“If we can get you anything, just let us know,” Cole offered.

“Thanks again,” Brendon said, nodding his head, then taking Cheyenne’s hand in his and leading the group toward the nearest bar.

“Is it just me or does the Walker family all look the same?” Sierra muttered.

“Hadn’t noticed,” Luke said, once again staring at Sierra. “Can’t get past the dress.”

Sierra’s eyes held his and her smile was radiant. “Thank you.”

“No, thank you,” he said, pulling her against him.

“We ready to kick this thing off yet?” Cole asked, placing his arm around Sierra’s waist.

“Ready as ever.”

After a quick look around the room, Luke noticed things were getting into full swing. It didn’t usually take long before clothes started falling off, and it looked as though tonight wasn’t an exception.

He glanced back at Cole and Sierra.

Yep, definitely going to be the party of the year.

And it was going to involve a very naked Sierra crushed between him and Cole in the very near future.

9:44 p.m.

THE LOOKS ON Luke’s and Cole’s faces were what women everywhere longed to see, and Sierra couldn’t deny seeing them like that made her body heat to astronomical degrees. And when Luke had had difficulty greeting the guests, that only added fuel to Sierra’s internal fire.

For the past hour, Sierra had been standing with her husbands, greeting the guests one by one as they came into the club, while the only thing she really wanted to do was to prowl the room and see what was going on. Although she’d spent several minutes talking to friends who had arrived to celebrate the new year with them, she’d opted to stay close to her men.

Still, she didn’t mind checking out what was going on.

Yes, there was a voyeur lurking beneath the surface, something she hadn’t realized until she’d met Luke years ago. And now, as the party was getting underway, she was eager to join in the festivities.

“Drink?” Cole offered, placing his hand around her waist.

“I’d love one,” she told him, allowing him to guide her over to the bar as Luke engaged in conversation with Max and Courtney Adorite.

“You look breathtaking,” Cole whispered against her ear after he’d ordered her drink.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Cole’s big hands slid down her back, over her ass, coming to rest on the backs of her thighs. She could feel the rasp of his thumbs as he teased between her thighs. Part of her was tempted to spread her legs a little to give him better access, but she refrained. Although she wasn’t necessarily opposed to public exhibitionism, they had learned long ago that no amount of security would be able to keep people from doing things they shouldn’t—such as snap photos and threaten to sell them to the tabloids. And for that reason alone, the three of them had agreed that they would use discretion when at the club, unless the guests were limited to their closest friends.

Granted, they didn’t always hide out, and they wouldn’t promise to, either, but on nights like this when there were extra guests, several of whom they didn’t know all that well, they knew they had to be cautious.

“Do you know how much I want you right now?” Cole mumbled against her ear. “I want to put you on this bar, spread your legs, and drive my tongue into your pussy.”

A lightning bolt of heat slammed into her. She absolutely loved when Cole allowed his dirty mouth free rein. Truth was, he didn’t do it often. Unlike Luke, Cole was somewhat shy, though he’d shed some of that in the years they’d been together.

“Then what would you do?” she asked, taking her drink when the bartender pushed it toward her.

“Mmm.” Cole’s fingers twined into her hair, wrapping it around his fingers as he tugged her head back so she was forced to look up at him. “After I made you come with my mouth, I’d pull you down into my lap and let you ride my cock until you were screaming my name.”

“And when do we get to make this a reality?” Sierra asked, glancing over her shoulder to see Luke still conversing with Max and Courtney.

“Once all the guests have arrived,” he told her.

“That’s too long,” she said, smiling up at him.

“Don’t I know it.”

But something else Sierra had learned over the years—mainly thanks to Luke—was that patience definitely was a virtue.

And tonight, she would have to hone hers because, as she glanced at the door, she noticed more people pouring in.