Her Heart's Desire (3 page)

Sara sighed. “That's just it. I don't really know. I want to be with both of them, but for more than a day.” Her cheeks flushed and she covered her face with her hands. “My aunt would kill me if she found out. She wasn't happy at all when I didn't listen to her advice and married Cade. She said I'd become his and Reese's plaything before the year was out and then they'd go sniffing for someone else because it was in their nature. She was that way with any boy who came around the house while I was growing up. It's almost as if she didn't want me to be happy. Dad never approved of any of the guys I dated, but what father believes any man is perfect for his little girl?”

Melanie grabbed Sara's hands and pulled them away from her face. “Stop it. Now, you listen to me. Your aunt may have different beliefs than you, but that doesn't mean you have to follow her rule. I didn't know your dad so I can't comment on whether he was being too overprotective or not, but if you're asking for my honest opinion, your aunt seems to be very controlling toward you. She calls here a lot to see if you're at work. The girls also told me that if you're not behind the counter when she comes in she insists that they tell her where you are.”

Sara's eyes widened with shock. “I didn't realize that. They should have mentioned something. I'm so sorry, Mel.”

Mel waved away the apology. “That's okay. We're all like family here. If she gets too annoying I'll have to tell her only to call if there's an emergency. But that's not the issue right now. Your happiness is. Life's too short to be afraid to go after what you want. Believe me, I know. I allowed Mike to keep me down by crawling into a shell. He constantly told me that it was my fault I had depression and I believed it. I refuse to go back to who I was years ago. My life is with Jack and my son, but Jack convinced me that I'm strong enough to take care of myself if anything happened to him.” Mel closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again Sara saw the fierce determination blazing there. “You're not hurting anyone but yourself if you don't talk to Cade and tell him how you feel.”

Sara still wasn't as confident as Mel seemed to be. She felt she needed to explain how good her aunt had been to her. “If it hadn't been for my aunt, I don't know how I could have managed. She'd stop by before I went to school. She'd meet me at the bus stop after classes. She helped me with the cleaning and the cooking. I owe her.”

Melanie huffed. “You owe her your thanks, for God's sake, not your firstborn or your entire life. If you want to be with two men then that's something you need to discuss with your husband. Do what makes you happy. You don't need her permission, Sara.”

“You don't think I'm a freak?”

Melanie waggled her brows. “Hey, if you can have two hot guys like the Dalton brothers by your side for the rest of your life, I say go for it.” She picked up the stack of lottery tickets. “Now, enough of this self-doubt. Help me out here. Would you please add these tickets and see what amount you come up with?”

Thankful to have something else to think about, Sara took the tickets and flipped on the switch to the calculator. After two attempts the lottery was straightened out and both women left the office. They walked side by side up the aisle.

“Hey, Sara, how's that sexy brother-in-law of yours doin'?” Stacy asked, grinning impishly. “Has he found a girlfriend yet?”

Sara blinked, caught off guard at the surge of jealousy that stabbed her in the belly. Mel was right. Stacy did have the hots for Reese even though he had to be at least ten years older than her. “He's fine, Stacy.”

The bell jingled above the door, signaling a customer. Sara's aunt stepped inside and regarded her niece with a look of disdain. Sara muffled a groan. “Hi, Aunt Helen.”

“Sara, you should have told me that Cade injured his wrist. It's not proper for Reese to be at your house at all hours of the night.”

Sara wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. “Reese is not at the house all hours of the night, and he is my brother-in-law, Aunt Helen.”

The older woman narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. She straightened and sniffed loudly. “The reputation those two have is way beyond disgusting. Sara, they shared women. Everyone knows it.”

“That's right, Aunt Helen, they shared, but not anymore.”

“Do you really think the neighbors care whether or not they've stopped? The fact they had the impudence to act out such disgusting behavior in the first place is what will keep them wondering. They'll spread gossip and ruin my good name simply because I put my life on hold to see that you had a proper upbringing. I would have thought you'd have more respect for me.”

Sara felt the burn of her temper clear to her toes. Guilt trip time. “I don't care what other people think and it's about time you didn't either.”

“Now wait just a minute, young lady.”

“Excuse me.” Both Helen and Sara turned at the sound of Melanie's voice. “Sara, why don't you get that cereal you came for while I speak to your aunt for a minute.”

Temper stewing, Sara stomped down the breakfast aisle and grabbed a box of cereal. Then she made her way to the coolers and grabbed a gallon of milk. She turned and saw Mel coming toward her. “Is she gone?”

Mel nodded. “She knows not to call unless it's an emergency and family issues are not to be discussed at work.”

“That probably went over like a lead balloon.” Sara plopped the items on the counter and pulled some cash from her purse. Perhaps Cade had been right all along. Maybe her aunt did intend to run her life. “Sorry about the drama, Mel.” She pocketed the change and grabbed the plastic bag with the milk and cereal. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

The knowing gleam in Mel's eyes stayed with her as she headed home. Did she have the courage to go for what she really wanted and to hell with everyone else?

 

 

Reese Dalton held up his guest pass to the guard and entered the gated community known as The Lake. Nice place to visit, but he wouldn't want to live there. Living there would mean being closer to Sara, and that was something he was desperately trying to avoid. He hadn't been overly thrilled when Cade called and asked him to stop by, but his brother had said it was urgent. Reese only hoped that Sara wasn't around.

He snorted. Not that it mattered. Lately when he'd come over for a visit or to work on some cases with Cade she'd excuse herself and leave the room. That behavior was strictly out of the norm. She used to sprawl on the couch and pip in with a comment or crack a joke. It was as if he had suddenly become a stranger. He hadn't a clue as to why her behavior had suddenly changed, but maybe it was for the best. He was thirty-four fucking years old and for the past six months his mind and dick were constantly on Sara. He wanted a life with Sara.

Okay, he was in love with his brother's wife. Maybe he was being too transparent and it was making her uncomfortable. That was something he didn't want to do. She knew that in the past he and Cade had shared women, but that came to a complete stop when she and Cade hooked up. Reese was happy for the both of them, but longing for a woman he could never have was wearing him down. Eating away at his very soul. He was constantly comparing her to other women and that wasn't fair.

He needed to move on. Whatever Cade had to say he'd suck it up. He'd miss his brother, but when things were straightened out at the Dalton Law Firm, he was selling his half to Cade, packing his gear, and heading back to California.

Reese pulled into the tree lined driveway. Sara's red BMW was nowhere in sight. He felt a stab of disappointment.
Shit.
The woman was driving him nuts.

He turned off the car and stepped out of the vehicle. He shook his head in dismay when he saw Cade standing on the porch, decked out in black dress slacks and a black t-shirt. His demeanor was just as dark.

“Why do you look so pissed off? You're married to the most beautiful woman in the world. Life should be grand.” He pointed to Cade's attire. “Don't you ever relax?” Reese sprinted up the two cement steps leading to the door. “You're off work for at least a few more days. Lounging around in a pair of sweats isn't against the law, you know. You're too tense.” He opened the door with one hand and smacked Cade on the shoulder with the large manila envelope he held in the other. “Loosen up, older brother.”

Cade arched a brow and followed Reese into the house. “I can't help it if I'm the one who inherited dad's fear-provoking features. Actually, I feel pretty good, but you look like hell. Out fucking all night?”

“I wish I was fucking all night. I haven't been home yet.” Reese rolled his shoulders. “Corrine and I were deciphering dad's chicken scratch. We got all of the files up to date and in the computer.” He dropped the envelope on the kitchen table. “Here's the file on Caroline Martin.” He caught the beer Cade tossed him and popped the top. “I thought Sara didn't give a rat's ass about her mother.” He swallowed down nearly half the can.

“She claims she doesn't, but I don't buy it. You know Sara has a soft heart. This crap with her mother has to be gnawing at her. We've discussed it several times. Just when I think I've convinced her to at least let me locate her so she can hear her mom's side of the story she changes her mind.” He lifted one shoulder. “So I thought it'd be a good idea to have a chat with Caroline Martin myself.”

“Hmm, knowing Sara's temper I wouldn't want to be in your shoes when she finds out you've been digging in her past. By the way, our secretary deserves a raise.”

Reese went into the living room and flopped down on a leather recliner. He had always felt relaxed in this house. Now he was on pins and needles. Setting his beer on the end table, he slid to the edge of the chair and clasped his hands together. Most days he was a patient man, but today was not one of those days.

Cade sauntered over to the fireplace and propped himself against the mantle. “Everything is filed you say?”

Reese nodded.

“Wow, Corrine does deserve a raise. Thank God she agreed to stay on for a while.”

Reese had tried to find out Corrine's plans now that the old man was dead, but casual conversation last night had turned up zilch. He even mentioned the idea of moving back to California but that hadn't worked either. If he left, Cade would need her help. He'd just have to make sure there was another secretary hired before he left. “Look, bro, enough with the fucking chit-chat. I know you called me here for another reason besides this file, but before you say anything I want you to know that I've decided to move back to California. I'll sell you my half of the business at a fair price.”

Cade's jaw visibly tightened. “It's because of Sara, isn't it? Don't bother denying it. I know damn well how you feel about her.”

Reese slammed back against the cushions in defeat. “Yeah, I love her, but I get the feeling that she doesn't want me around. I don't know what I did or said, but I'm going to be the first one to act.”

Cade raised his hand. “No, hold on a minute. I haven't had a chance to talk with Sara, and even if I had I doubt she'd tell me the truth. I'm positive she wants a threesome.”

Reese shook his head in defeat. “It's not going to work. If she's just curious about how it feels to be fucked by two men at the same time I'm not doing it. This will not be a one-time thing for me, Cade. I love that woman. If she agrees and we go through with it, I want more than just a fuck. I want to be a part of her life in every way.” Talk about a bald-faced lie. If Sara wanted to be double-fucked then there was no way he'd let Cade bring in one of his buddies. It may tear him apart to leave but at least he'd have the memory of her hot body to carry with him until the day he died. Christ, he was all messed up.

Cade went into the kitchen and came back with the file in his hands. “Trust me. I won't go into further detail, but my gut instinct tells me she has feelings for you and this will not be a one-time thing. All I need you to do is follow my lead when she gets home.” He emptied the contents of the envelope onto the couch. “This is all the info I collected on Caroline Martin before Dad died. Sara's mother lives in Arizona. I want to talk to her and find out why she hasn't bothered to check on her daughter.” He finished off his beer. “And if Sara's aunt had anything to do with it, God help her.”

 

 

Sara spotted Reese's car as soon as she turned onto Hickory Drive. Crap. The talk with Cade had to be put on hold.

She eased up on the gas pedal and pulled alongside the small, comfortable ranch house she and Cade called home. Her palms were sweaty and the beat of her heart pounded in her ears. As far as she knew Reese still had feelings for her. Was this the way her mother had felt when she ran off with two men? The gossip that had flown around the neighborhood about her mother had been embarrassing and painful to hear. She cringed thinking about the names her mother had been called. But this situation was different. Sara wasn't leaving her husband and she didn't have a child.

Why did life have to be so complicated? Better yet, why was she making life so complicated?

She reached for the plastic bag with the cereal and milk and hurried into the house. Hearing the low rumble of voices coming from the living room she put the milk in the refrigerator and threw the cereal into the cupboard. She ran her sweaty hands down the sides of her shorts, took a deep breath, and joined the two men.

Cade looked up when she entered the room. He was leaning against the fireplace looking hot in a pair of black dress slacks and a matching cotton t-shirt. His short cropped hair was slightly damp from a shower. Sara frowned. As far as she knew he wasn't going into the office today and the only other time he'd dress this way was when he intended to dish out a punishment spanking.

Drat. She had been so preoccupied with her feelings for Reese that she'd totally forgotten how angry he had been this morning. Those darn pain pills.

She swallowed past the lump in her throat and squeezed her thighs together. The thought of a spanking made her tremble with desire. She had to be a freak. She pulled her gaze away from her husband and looked at Reese. He was sitting on the couch with his long, denim clad legs stretched out in front of him. His hair was loose, his blue eyes were sparkling, and his muscular arms were folded across his chest. He nodded in her direction and gave her a subtle wink.

Sara's breath hitched and the beat of her heart turned up a notch. Yep, something was up.

“Er, hi, Reese.” She went over to her husband and kissed him on his cleanly shaven cheek. She eyed him up and down, hoping she appeared indifferent. “You're not planning on going into the office today, are you?”

Cade brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “No, darlin', but I'm glad you're home.” He straightened to his full height, clasped his hands behind his back, and rocked on the balls of his feet. “There's something we need to discuss.”

Sara sucked on her bottom lip. She was eye level with his chest. His presence and massive build made her feel all feminine and tiny. She wasn't a short woman, but at six foot four, Cade easily overshadowed her.

She took a deep breath, which was a big mistake. He smelled of mint and all male. Desire stirred in her belly and zipped lower to tease her clit. He gestured toward the couch and she licked her lips at the way his biceps strained the short sleeves of his shirt. “Sit down and let's get on with this, shall we?”

Sara resisted the urge to nip at the bunched muscles of his arm and went over to the recliner instead of where he had indicated. She sat down, her mind racing frantically.
Why is Reese here?

Cade's deep voice pulled her out of her musings. “We are addressing the little incident you pulled this morning. You have two choices—you can accept your spanking now or wait until my hand is completely healed.”

Sara's mouth dropped open in shock only to snap it shut again when Cade held up his hand.

“But be aware, if you decide to wait until later I will use my belt on your bare bottom.”

Sara's cheeks grew hot and her temper soared. She jabbed her thumb in Reese's direction. “Why are we discussing something this personal in front of company? Besides, you can't spank me now because your wrist isn't healed properly, so this discussion is moot.” The fierce intensity in his gaze gave her goosebumps. Oh boy, that observation did not go over well.

“Excuse me. I thought I was more than just company.”

Sara shot Reese a scowl. He arched an innocent brow.

“That's the catch,” Cade replied. “If you decide to take your punishment now, Reese will do the spanking, but keep up with the sassy attitude and I'll make the decision for you.”

Holy hell, seriously? She chanced a glance in Reese's direction. The handsome blond rat wore a huge lascivious grin. A flush of heat warmed her toes, shot straight up her body, and singed her ears. She hadn't expected this, but really, how bad could it be? Reese wore a constant grin and she had yet to see him lose his temper. His whacks wouldn't be as hard as Cade's. She'd be getting the better end of this deal.

She cleared her throat. “What's the other alternative again?”

Cade blew out a breath, and she could tell he was getting agitated. “Accept your punishment now and receive ten spanks from Reese. If you wait until I can deliver the punishment the count will double to twenty and I'll use my belt.”

Sara fumed inwardly. Blasted man knew darn well she hated when he used an object instead of his hand. An object was too impersonal. She swallowed hard. Her panties were already wet at the thought of a spanking. There had to be something wrong with her.
Stop analyzing. You want this. Just do it.

Trembling with a touch of apprehension and a whole lot of anticipation, Sara stood up. Best get it over with before she changed her mind. Even though her belly clenched with arousal her feet felt as if they were glued to the floor. She was really going through with it. Reese was going to give her a spanking and boy did he look ready, willing, and able. She scowled. Perhaps too ready.

Reese straightened upright and patted his knee several times. “Come on over, darlin', and lay yourself right here.”

Sara gritted her teeth. “You don't have to act so darn eager.” She eyed the hand clasped around his knee. It was a big hand with long, thick fingers. Lightning pierced that spot between her legs.

“Hold on a minute.” Cade crossed the living room and stopped directly in front of her. “Do you understand why you're being punished?”

Sara's pulse jumped. She was on the verge of becoming unglued. The testosterone in the room was suffocating. Cade's strong hands lightly caressed her arms. She met his gaze and nodded. “Yes, sir.”

His eyes darkened, and his grip tightened. “You agree to allow Reese to deliver this punishment?”

Good Lord yes
, Sara wanted to shout.

“This will not be pleasant, Sara.”

Sara felt a moment of panic, but brushed it aside.

She knew Cade wouldn't continue with the punishment until she verbally agreed so she cleared her throat and replied in a strong voice. “Yes, I agree.”

Cade gave her a gentle push toward the couch. “Good. Then let's get on with it. Ten smacks.”

Reese cracked his knuckles. “Jeans on or off?”

“Now wait a minute.” Sara planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Don't I have a say in this?” There was that grin again. She narrowed her eyes. “Piss poor joke, Reese Dalton. Aren't you ever serious?”

“You'll find out just how serious I am once you get over here.” Just that quick his demeanor had changed from happy-go-lucky to don't-fuck-with-me serious. Sara's belly quivered. Reese wiggled his finger. “Come here, Sara.”

Sara darted a nervous glance in her husband's direction. No sign of sympathy on his finely chiseled face and why should there be? She had agreed to a HOH marriage. It was what she wanted. She'd take what Reese dished out.

On leaden feet Sara closed the distance between her and Reese. She stood for a few seconds by his side then crawled onto his lap, facedown. She wiggled to find a more comfortable position and was stabbed in the belly by something hard. Sure wasn't his belt buckle. She smiled knowingly and rubbed herself against his erection. Evidently her lying ass up across his thighs turned him on as much as she craved the feel of his hand applied to her backside.

Reese hissed. “Stop wiggling around and lift up a sec.” He shoved a pillow alongside his hard thigh. “Rest your head here, sugar.”

With a small sigh Sara laid her cheek on the pillow. Ten smacks couldn't be that bad.

“Comfy?” Reese asked.

“Yes.”

“Sure?”

“Will you just get on with it?” Sara snapped. This bantering back and forth had gone on long enough.

Reese wagged his head in mock remorse. “Tsk-tsk, such an impatient young lady.”

“Yeah, I haven't cured her of that yet.”

Sara growled and punched the pillow in frustration. “Will you two knock it off?”

The first whack came without warning.

She arched her back. “Ouch.” She twisted at the waist and glared at him. Another whack landed then another. Soon her ass felt as if it was on fire.

“One more, kitten.”

Sara closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. The last one was much harder than the others. Tears sprang in her eyes. Her ass stung, but the touch on the side of her face was tender. Cade. She knew the feel of his hands. She slowly opened her eyes. He stood directly in front of her.

“Lesson learned?”

Sara swallowed back her tears and lifted her gaze to his handsome face. The sting had already faded. All she felt now was a tingle spreading along her bottom. She smiled weakly.

“Good girl.” He took hold of her chin, grazing her bottom lip with his thumb.

She was faintly aware of another hand caressing her bottom. Once in a while that hand would slip between her thighs and skim across her clit ever so lightly. She arched upward as the caresses became harder and pressed the thick seam of her jeans against her sweet spot.

Staring straight ahead she noticed that the swell in Cade's slacks grew more prominent. Evidently the sight of her draped over Reese's lap was arousing the hell out of him. She wasn't minding it either. She licked his thumb as it passed across her bottom lip.

His hand stilled. “Hungry?”

Sara pressed herself against the hand that was rubbing her pussy and moaned.

Cade inserted his thumb into her mouth and she suckled it greedily. “I take it that's a yes.”

He unzipped his fly and pulled out his cock. He stroked the rigid length. Cade fisted his hand in her hair and traced her lips with his cockhead. Sara licked at the weeping tip and groaned. She loved the taste of her husband. Turning her head to one side, she rested her cheek on the pillow Reese had provided and opened her mouth. Cade fed her his cock inch by inch.

“Jesus, that's hot.” Reese's garbled voice reached Sara's ears. She was doing her best to listen to Cade's coarse commands but Reese's hand had slipped up her shorts. He caressed her bare buttocks then slid his fingers between her legs. He inserted one finger then another inside her pussy and pumped. Sara moaned.

Cade kept one hand fisted in her hair and the other locked on her jaw as he pumped her mouth. Both men worked her body in a slow, steady rhythm. Long fingers filled her pussy while a hard cock pulled out of her mouth. Fingers in, cock out. Sara was a trembling package of dynamite ready to explode. She thrashed over Reese's lap, sucking wildly on the hard cock fucking her mouth and pushing her ass back against the fingers invading her pussy. Not able to hold anything back, she screamed her release.