Is Three A Crowd? (10 page)

She leaned across the table, all but whispering, “Who would you call?”

He sat back in his seat, putting distance between them. “It’s just a knee jerk reaction, Maris, wanting to make sure you’re safe and happy.”

“Speaking of happy, when we were together, did I make you happy, was I content with our relationship?”

“You, my dear, defined our relationship before it ever started. I accepted your terms to be with you. So did Nathan.”

Maris let out an exasperated breath. She felt he was giving her the same non-answers Nathan had. They both knew something she didn’t but weren’t willing to tell her. Maybe changing the tactic would help. “You say we’ve been lovers, but I can’t remember us together. I only get images.”

“Oh yes, we were lovers and confidantes and so much more to each other. I can see you’re aching to ask, so go ahead.” He winked at her, a familiar gesture she remembered. From where, she had no idea, but she’d seen it before.

“I’m working on the assumption that I’m not crazy. That you and Nathan aren’t. So where does that leave me? What kind of crazy history do we share? I’m finding this all very frustrating on many levels.”

“History can’t be changed. What we can do is influence the future, and I’d much rather talk about our future together.”

“Nathan had a similar view. What happens once I make a decision? What does the other man do or go?”

“You’ll be the one to open that door. Whoever you choose, the other will have to accept your decision and leave.”

“Wait, so if I decide to have a relationship with you, then Nathan has to leave the Chateau? And vice versa? Where would you go?”

“I’ve made no plans,” he said. “I wholly believe you’ll choose me, and Nathan will have to leave.”

“What if I choose to leave both of you?” For the first time, she saw the light in his dark eyes go blank. His brow furrowed with worry. “What?” she asked. “That is an option. I had a life before I was hired for this job. What if I want to go back to it?”

“It would never be the same, and you’d always wonder. Once you know the truth, you’d be willing us both to an eternity in limbo. No other man would pleasure you the way I can.” He paused as if deciding what to tell her. “Neither of us has had any real relationships with women since you. We’ve both dated, but neither seriously. You’re a hard act to follow, my dear.” He said it with humor, but she understood the truth to his words.

“Oh, please, get a grip. I may be the object of your desire but I’m not life-altering.”

“Your decisions are, to me and Nathan.” His tone left no doubt in her mind that he believed she’d control his destiny. Maris was thankful when the waiter interrupted them with food.

Their meals were served, and she found she had a ravenous appetite. Blake ate, but reluctantly, she felt. He refilled her wine glass and his, neither sipping the amber liquid.

“I have to walk Shin later. Would you like to join me?” She felt it was a peace offering. She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to offer it, but she didn’t want to walk outside alone, even if all their “crews” were supposed to be on their best behavior.

“Blake, you and Nathan and your men, will they all answer to either of you?”

“I suppose so, but with time we’ve both found men we trust and are confident will follow our orders.”

“So both crews technically work for both of you.”

“Yes.”

“You’re uncomfortable with these questions. Why?”

“Because I’m holding back, and I don’t like lying to you. But it’s clear Nathan has chosen to be careful with you. I won’t supersede his judgment.”

“Interesting. So you do have some respect for each other.”

“We both excel in different areas. Over time we’ve come to accept our strengths.”

“That’s it.” Maris folded her napkin and placed it beside her plate. “I’m done for the night. I’m not getting any more information from you than I did Nathan. Why won’t one of you just tell me about our relationship, show me photos of us together, notes we wrote, something tangible beyond just memories. Blake, please tell me what happened. I still don’t know the details of the accident. Mother refused, said the doctors told her it would come back naturally, not to push. She’s dead, and details still haven’t come back.” She let out an exasperated breath. “I’m in charge of my future, and I will find out the details one way or another. I suppose it will be another because you and Nathan seem loathe to tell me the truth.”

She reached for her purse. “Until I came here, it didn’t seem important. I’d built a life, nothing was missing. Since I’ve come here, everything seems like a sham, like I’ve been going through somebody else’s motions and life.”

“Come, I’ll walk with you while you take Shin out one last time.” She nodded to the waiter, who was beside her instantly.

“Coffee and dessert?”

“No, thank you, just the check.”

“It’s taken care of, Miss. I hope you enjoyed your meal.” He left them alone with a glance from Blake.

“I asked you to supper, I planned on paying.”

“I’m old-fashioned, Maris, the man pays. Don’t argue on this, it will just be wasted breath.”

“Fine, thank you for supper. I’m going to get Shin.”

Maris left him in the restaurant. In her room, she freshened up and snapped Shin’s leash on. Blake was waiting in the lobby for her, taking her arm as they left the building.

“I’d like to walk the lake path, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“You’re safe with me, Maris. I won’t cross any lines Nathan hasn’t yet.”

“What does that mean?” They followed the dog’s lead, taking a path behind the hotel and around the lake path.

“It means Nathan has only kissed you, and that’s all I’ll do, too.”

She paused to look at him, and he brought her swiftly against his chest, his arms to her shoulders, gently directing her. His kiss started lightly. When she relaxed and leaned against the wall of his chest, he deepened it. Maris knew the kiss, had felt it before. She’d kissed this man at one time, had let him make love to her, had made love to him. Pulling back, she shook off the strange feelings. In the semi-darkness, she saw his eyes gleam. He was happy.

“I should get back. I have work tomorrow.”

“Of course.”

One side of her wanted him to push her further, but the other side was thankful he hadn’t. He walked her back to her room, kissed her forehead and said, “Sleep well, my sweet. You’re safe for the night.”

“Safe from what?”

“Just safe. Rest easy, you’ll have no disturbing dreams tonight.” He left her with the distinct feeling that she’d gotten no further with him tonight than she did with Nathan last night.

“Damn them both,” she said to Shin, who settled before the hall door.

* * * *

Tonight she’d made her decision. She would go back to
New York
and drag herself into the imposing bank, which held the keys to her past in their safe. She would open the ominous folders with all the papers relating to the accident. She’d read them for herself and make her decisions accordingly.

What didn’t sit right within her was why her mother had kept both men away.
Was she afraid I’d remember them and my past, or did they have a part in the accident?
Maris wondered.

Chapter Nine

The next few days went smoothly—too smoothly. She didn’t see Nathan or Blake. She occasionally would pass a workman on the site. They were polite, usually smiled, and continued on their way. Not one of them tried to engage her in conversation. Each day at
twelve thirty
, Aminta would find her, no matter where she was on the property. He carried a picnic basket and blanket, choosing a nearby shaded area for her to eat.

“Thank you,” she said, taking his hand as she lowered her body to the blanketed ground. “Why not join me?”

“Thank you, but no. You should enjoy your lunch and relax. Just use your cell phone if you need anything.”

“I will. I’ll drop the basket up at the house on my way out tonight.” He nodded and walked away. “Damn, I wish he would have stayed,” she said to the dog, who anxiously awaited her treat from the basket. Each day, a bone had been included for Shin. Today was no exception.

With her belly full, she stretched out, using the tree to brace her back. In the shaded afternoon sunshine, she let her mind go free. Maris decided that it wouldn’t hurt if she dozed for a few minutes.

She opened her eyes when she felt a featherlite touch to her hand. Glancing up, she saw Nathan and Blake standing side by side, both nude. Their erections were impressive, each man using his left hand to stroke his own cock. Where Nathan was fair, Blake was dark. They both wore the same smile, one that told her of their anticipation.

She knelt forward, running a hand along each of their bellies, watching their cocks jump at her attention. When she licked her lips, both men groaned. Maris continued to fondle each man, learning the texture of his skin and what made each man surge. She took Blake’s cock to her lips first, licking only the head. Then she took Nathan’s and did the same. All the while she went back and forth between them, she kept her hand on them. As she relaxed into the action, her movements became emboldened. Soon she was licking and sucking each man, taking their cocks deep down her throat. She could feel their bodies tense as she swallowed them to the base, her teeth lightly teasing them on each outward motion.

“I’m going to come,” Nathan said.

“So am I,” Blake added.

“Then come, isn’t that what this is about?” She focused on Nathan first, still pumping Blake with her hand. She lavished his cock with her tongue and teeth. Nathan came when she lightly grasped his balls. She swallowed his release and licked him clean. His groan was her reward, relaxing his stance, watching her intently as she sucked the other man. Focusing on Blake, she used the same method, and he, too, came with little prompting.

Maris sat back on her heels, licking her lips, a satisfied smile on them. She stretched and reached forward but she found only air. Opening her eyes, she saw she was alone. Completely alone. There was no one in view. “What the hell?” she said to Shin, who was watching her movements. “We need to get out of here, girl. I’m going crazy.” She stood abruptly and started to fold the blanket, trying to dismiss the situation to a dream. She could almost taste their essences on her lips. Grabbing a bottle of water from the basket, she drank it down, hoping to clear her palate. It didn’t matter. In some unknown way, she knew deep inside in her lost past, she’d sucked both men to orgasm while they stood side by side, outdoors.

“That’s enough for today, Shin, let’s go.” She gathered the blanket, basket, and her computer and headed to her parked truck, a short distance away. Stopping at the side door to the Chateau, she dropped off her lunch supplies and left quickly. Today was not the day to see either man, not after the dream she’d just had. It had to be a dream, except her pussy was hot and needy, wanting exploration. Her breasts were full and heavy, her nipples erect and aching.

Back at the hotel, she skipped her swim and wandered around the town, no feelings of unease following her. It was a beautiful town with all the shopping she could want. While she didn’t buy anything, at every place she went, she was met with smiles and good wishes.

There’s nothing wrong with that, she decided. They were all friendly, trying to sell her their wares. But deep down, she felt something else was going on. Back in her room, she lay on the bed, thinking about the dream. It had been so real. She could feel the texture of each man’s skin against her fingers. Could feel the coarseness of the hairs covering their chests and bases of their cocks. Even their tastes were embedded in her mind. The fact that she’d even considered the act of sucking their cocks surprised her. In the past she could recall, she’d never considered touching any man the way she had in her dream. Even stranger, she enjoyed the process. Knowing she held the power to release them or stall their climaxes was emboldening. Never before would she have considered sucking any man’s cock. Today she decided she needed two.

She slept for an hour and awoke to the phone ringing. “Yes, hello.”

“Hello, Maris. This is Blake. Nathan and I would like you to join us for supper tomorrow night.”

“Both of you?”

“Yes, we’ve decided on a truce. We understand we’re only confusing you, trying to make you choose between us.”

“So you’re both going to be cordial now?”