Gordon, Solara - Jet Lag Blues (Siren Publishing PolyAmour)

SOLARA GORDON

Copyright © 2011

Chapter One

“What do you mean we’re stuck?” Val Swarter’s wide-eyed stare and pout damn near undid Mason Cox’s composure.

When she and Darryl began dating, Mason had sworn his heart wasn’t involved. Ha!
You can’t lie to yourself any longer
, his conscience crowed. Mason turned to his best friend and roommate, Darryl Swanson. “I’m going to see about getting us rooms and find out when this storm might let up.”

Mason handed Darryl his flight brief and turned. How much more could he keep in? If he lingered, his ebbing patience might be gone. Probably best to put some space between them for now and work on regaining his self-control while he checked on getting them accommodations.

Mason stuffed his captain’s cap under his arm. Getting caught by the impeding storm rubbed his limited tolerance up against his tired, frayed nerves. What he’d give to be home after a hot meal and shower in his recliner reading the mystery he’d forgotten to pack two days prior!

“The line at the concierge is growing. I’ll be back in a few moments.” Mason moved forward, quickening his pace, focusing on the message board just above the exit. A stalled storm with growing intensity and a rapidly dwindling list of places to stay weren’t helping his determination.

Mason stopped halfway to the counter and glanced over his shoulder, watching Darryl move closer to Val.

Damn, Darryl.
Mason could feel his ire growing each time Darryl touched Val. Being pissed off at Darryl wasn’t something Mason wanted to happen. What if the three of them had to share a room?

Prior to Val dating Darryl, time spent together was the three of them. Not any exclusivity. Just three friends enjoying hanging out.

Mason held his breath and reminded himself why he and Darryl were best friends. Being two tall, geeky-looking teens ostracized by the popular crowd for being different cemented their bond in high school. College and career goals had separated them until a chance reunion occurred thanks to a mutual acquaintance. Who knew their keen interest in model planes and aerodynamics would reunite them far from their Midwestern roots?

* * * *

Darryl watched Mason stalk away. Val’s weak smile punched Darryl in the gut. The two people he cared for the most appeared to be at odds. He didn’t get it. Every time he’d asked Mason about dating Val, Mason had been okay with it. Or that’s what he’d said.

Darryl glanced at Val and took her hand. He tugged her into his embrace. “Hon, I know it’s not what you expected. None of us did. The storm came up faster than predicted.”

Val nuzzled his neck and hugged him back. Her spicy perfume filled his nostrils. His cock nudged his fly as images of her dabbing the scent between her bare breasts and along her neck filled his mind. Her lithe build and sensual curves nestled up against him in all the right spots. Except the middle of the employee lounge wasn’t quite the correct place.

Darryl stepped back, putting space between them. He cupped her cheek and looked into her blue eyes. Tears sparkled against her lashes and pooled at the corners. Threading his fingers into her chin-length auburn hair, he brushed his lips against hers.

Darryl wanted to reassure Val, and at the same time, he wanted to grab Mason to get to the bottom of what had him so obviously pissed off.

“Let’s find Mason and see what’s going on. I’m sure once we know more, things won’t look so bad.”

Val’s subdued nod tugged at Darryl’s heart. He’d been in love with her ever since he and Mason moved in two doors down from her in Seattle. A quirk of fate and the Pacific Northwest gaining another NASA contract had landed them jobs with a local medium-sized airline.

Flying standby to get back to Seattle wasn’t easy. Cramped flights full of folks trying to beat the freak storm bearing down on the Pacific Northwest had bumped them to another flight. The approaching snowstorm grounded the last leg of their flight after they had landed in Spokane.

* * * *

Val followed in Darryl’s wake. His warm hand held hers, but it didn’t comfort her. She’d seen the look on Mason’s face at her outburst. She hated seeing him hold back. Ever since she started going out with Darryl, Mason had pulled away. It was almost like he walled himself off. She missed their mutual laughs and spontaneous hugs.

Sex with Darryl was great. She wondered what it would be like with Mason. Or even both at the same time. Neither Darryl nor Mason was bisexual. She’d overheard stories about them sharing other women and threesomes. No one seemed to complain. What kind of reaction would she get if she mentioned her fantasy?

Mason rushed toward them frowning, his brow furled. He looked like he could use a hug and some friendly snuggles. She missed their Friday night puppy piles in front of her plasma TV watching old movies and munching popcorn until midnight. Why did he keep turning her down?

“I got us the last room available, a king bed and kitchenette.” His determined stare took on a fierce quality when he sighed.

She reached out with her free hand, wanting to take his and offer him reassurance. His presence along with Darryl’s settled her anxious heart. Being with them, she felt safe. Mason’s quick wit and questioning mind pushed her to grow and learn. Darryl’s sweet nature and boyish charms nurtured her softer side. If a man existed with both of their strengths and attractiveness, she hadn’t found him. She really had the best situation, both of them caring for her.

* * * *

“Why are you scowling?” Darryl asked, squeezing Val’s hand. “It isn’t like we don’t know each other.”

“One bed and three of us…” Mason’s voice trailed off.

A huge lump threatened to constrict his throat. Couldn’t they stop touching? He hated feeling alone and outside like a third wheel upsetting the balance. He’d nearly taken Val’s hand when she reached toward him. How long did he keep his feelings silent? Jealousy wasn’t an issue. Or was it? He hated being prickly about it.

“I say we deal with it as best we can and go from there,” Val offered. “I’m tired and hungry. What about you?”

She interlaced her fingers with his. Warmth spiraled up his arm and straight into the pit of his stomach. Her soft skin and scent drove him to distraction. He noticed her slight smile as she held both their hands. Had she winked at him? Stuck her tongue out and licked her lips as she winked? What was she up to?

Darryl shrugged and wrapped his arm around Val’s waist. He turned toward Mason. Was he aware of her actions?

Mason swallowed hard and forced himself to breathe deeper. His pulse refused to slow down each time her fingers brushed over his wrist. He didn’t think he could withstand much more without pulling his hand away.

Darryl’s arched eyebrow caught him off guard. Crap, he knew! He had to know! Mason began to pull his hand free from hers. He started to shake his head no, when Darryl smiled at him. Confusion flared and an uneasy feeling crept into his stomach. Something was up, and he didn’t know what.

Val’s quirky little hum plucked his nerve. How could she be content holding hands with both of them? Was she playing them against each other? Anxiety inched up his back and fueled the acid lapping higher in his throat.

“What did they say about the storm?” Darryl’s question threw him off guard. Why the change of subject?

“There’s a break right now. Planes can’t get out due to the low ceiling level. Folks are making a run for food and needed items. One of the baggage handlers is going to the local Walmart. We can ride along.”

“What about our luggage?” Val asked, refusing to let go of his hand.

“I found it and sent it ahead to the room. Reports are this storm could last three or four days. We’ve got a change of clothes apiece.” Mason wondered if the implications of sharing a room, much less the same bed, conjured similar images for Darryl and Val as to the ones running through his mind.

“I don’t know about you two, but I could use a couple of books along with some food to keep me occupied over the next few days. Maybe a couple changes of clothes.” Darryl winked at him and slid him a sideways grin.

Mason gulped. He’d seen that signal before. The last time Darryl used that signal they’d brought the Yancy twins and two boxes of condoms home. Darryl had an idea brewing.