Screwdriver (8 page)

“Fuck, Jordan. I can’t, fuck—”

Casey came as well, his body going stiff above her. She
forced her eyes open, desperate to see his face. She wasn’t disappointed. He
was gorgeous.

Gabriel broke the spell first. “Jesus. I didn’t know how
fucking hot it would be to watch. That was awesome.”

Casey’s chuckle turned into a groan as he pulled out and
fell to her side.

Gabriel lay facing them with his head propped on his hand.
He made no move to join the fun.

“Gabriel?”

He ran his hand through her hair. “Thought I’d give you a
little while to recover, catch your second wind.”

She looked at his painfully erect cock. It was a generous
offer. He had to be in agony.

“Get the condom.” She wasn’t sure where she found the nerve
to be so demanding, but Gabriel reacted like he’d been fired out of a cannon.
He had the condom on in less than thirty seconds. Impressive.

Before he could move, Jordan shoved lightly on his shoulder
until he fell to his back. Rising, she straddled his hips and took exactly what
she wanted.

For the first time since she’d known him, Gabriel was
speechless. The knowledge she could shock
and
arouse him prompted her to
notch up the play. She slid down his cock, leisurely enjoying the way he filled
her pussy. Neither man was hurting in the penis department. A girl could get
used to this.

Once she was seated to the hilt, she reached behind her and
cupped his balls. Gabriel jerked roughly but still didn’t speak. He didn’t need
to. His face told her everything she needed to know.

She rode him, thrilled when his hands cupped her hips,
helping to drive her motions. His fingers tightened every time she hit a hot
spot, letting her know what he liked.

The bed sank behind her and a slight frown crossed Gabriel’s
features. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed Casey had also straddled
Gabriel’s legs, his chest pressed against her back.

Gabriel’s uncertainty was short-lived when Casey reached
around her waist and lifted her breasts in his palms. She loved the extra
sensations of his coarse calluses on her sensitive flesh.

“Since you like watching so much, I thought I’d make the
show even better,” Casey explained.

He pinched her nipples between his fingers. The delicious
tightness sent shivers through her body.

Gabriel groaned. “Jesus. Her pussy just clenched like a vise
on my cock. Do that again.”

Casey continued to play with her breasts, his touches
alternating between gentle and rough. Soon, Jordan and Gabriel’s thrusting
became wilder, less restrained as they strove for the pinnacle.

Gabriel reached it first, his body jerking as a stream of
curses and praises flowed from his lips.

Jordan was too mindless, too close to acknowledge anything
except what she needed. Casey answered the call.

Releasing her breasts, his magic fingers moved to her clit.
Three hard rubs and she soared from the cliff as well.

When she opened her eyes, she was lying on Gabriel’s chest,
his soft cock still tucked inside her. Lifting her head, she realized Casey
wasn’t on the bed.

“He’s in the bathroom.” Gabriel’s voice was husky, sexy as
hell.

She tried to move to the center of the bed but her arms felt
like jelly. Gabriel gently twisted them both until they lay side by side,
facing each other. She gasped lightly during transport when his cock fell out.

“Sore?” he asked.

“I haven’t had sex in a very long time.”

“I gotta say, when you get back on the horse, you get the
fuck back on.”

She laughed quietly before reality intruded. “This is okay,
right?”

He cupped her face. “Jordy, it’s fine. Honest.”

“But this isn’t really something we can do forever. I mean
it’s a nice fantasy, but it’s not exactly normal.”

Gabriel looked at her for a long time. When he did speak,
she was surprised by the seriousness of his tone. “I’ve spent my whole life
doing what was expected of me. I got good grades in school, majored in finance
in college so I could take over the family business. For a while there, I was
even engaged to the so-called perfect woman.”

“You were engaged?”

He nodded. “It ended shortly before I met you.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

“I don’t know. I think maybe the wound was too fresh. It was
too hard to talk about.”

Jordan didn’t like that answer. “We’ve been friends for
years.”

Gabriel grinned but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “She
made a fool of me. Cheated on me with a friend.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shrugged. “I went crazy after that, changing women the
way most people change underwear.”

“I noticed.”

“I went against character and became a guy I didn’t like
very much. When I was with you, I didn’t have to be the jackass. I could just
be me. I didn’t want Paula’s name floating out there between us, because you
were my safe haven away from that.”

She nodded. That was a reason she could accept.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is, I tried to do what
everyone thought was normal and got kicked in the balls and almost lost myself.
You and Casey found me. Brought me back. So if it’s okay with you, I think I’d
rather start living my life based on what makes
me
happy rather than
what’s acceptable to
others
.”

“Finally,” a deep voice said.

Jordan looked toward the doorway to the bathroom. Casey
leaned against the frame, smiling.

Gabriel looked over his shoulder. “Shit. I was making that
heartfelt, entirely too-chicklike confession to Jordan, not you.”

“Too late, bro. I heard it and now I get to make fun of you
for all that mushy-gushy shit you said.”

They were in the midst of something entirely bizarre but
wholly wonderful. Gabriel was right. She was happy. Genuinely happy for the
first time in her life.

“So we’ll just go with it?”

Gabriel and Casey nodded in unison.

Go with it.

Gabriel walked into the ritzy restaurant with Jordan. Casey
had claimed her other side. They were a month into their unusual relationship.
Gabriel tried to remember if there was ever a moment in his life when he’d been
happier. His memory couldn’t land on a single time.

The morning after their first date, they’d decided to take
things slow, agreeing they should ease into the relationship. Casey had
suggested they try to keep it within the realm of normal dating—phone calls,
maybe an occasional lunch, a proper date on the weekend.

That idea lasted about five minutes.

The three of them had become inseparable, only parting
during work hours. Even then Gabriel and Jordan burned up the IM lines,
chatting constantly. Casey had decided to renovate her office last week,
finding a way to spend even the work hours with her.

In the beginning, they’d taken turns staying at each other’s
places, but that too had fallen to the wayside. Jordan’s bed was far too small,
so the nights they’d spent at her place usually found them all on the floor
together. Casey’s studio apartment was simply too messy for Jordan’s and
Gabriel’s neat streaks. The fine layer of dust from his sculpting covered
everything and one night they’d ended up drawing on each other with the chalky
film, laughing themselves to sleep.

As a result, they’d set up their love nest at Gabriel’s
house. His king-size bed more than supported them and their sexual adventures,
plus the housekeeper came once a week, which kept Casey in check. It was
win-win for all of them.

Jordan chatted with Casey about the changes he was making in
her office as the hostess seated them. They were debating what color to paint
the walls. Jordan insisted white was fine, while Casey fought valiantly for a
deep green or burgundy.

“It’s an office, Casey, not a living room.”

“Who says you can’t have color at work? This is the problem
with the world. Everyone settles for boring, for the accepted norm.”

“Not everyone,” Gabriel said, reminding them of their
far-from-boring lifestyle.

Jordan blushed.

Unable to resist, Gabriel stroked the back of his finger
along her cheek. “After all this time, Jordy? Still blushing?”

She didn’t apologize, didn’t pretend to be embarrassed. They
were beyond that stage. “I was remembering last night and thinking that was as
far from normal as possible.”

Casey laughed. “I’m not sure, but I think what we did might
be illegal in several states.”

Gabriel shook his head at the joke and then subtly
readjusted his pants. His cock should have been exhausted from their endless
nights of exploration and fucking. Instead the damn thing had an obnoxious
habit of popping up whenever and wherever it wanted to.

“I’d risk jail to try that again. Maybe tonight Casey and I
could switch positions.”

“Gabe?” a female voice said beside him.

Gabriel’s heart stuttered. His mind must be playing tricks
on him.

“Gabriel.”

He looked up, trying to convince himself he wasn’t about to
face
her
, wasn’t about to see the one woman he’d hoped to never see
again in his life.

His luck didn’t hold.

Paula stood next to his table. Shit.

Glancing back, he saw Jordan’s curiosity and Casey’s scowl.

Taking a deep breath, he faced his ex once more. “Hello,
Paula.”

His gaze flew to Jordan when he heard her soft gasp. Her
eyes widened as she looked first at him and then at the woman standing beside
them.

Gabriel tried to force a casual politeness to his voice. “I
didn’t know you were in town.”

Paula hadn’t changed a bit in two years. He had found her
youthful beauty charming when they’d dated. Now she looked far too plastic, too
fake. Though her makeup was done tastefully, it was definitely a bit thicker
than she used to wear it. Gabriel glanced at Jordan’s clear complexion. He’d
once marveled over how she could be ready—shower to door—and look totally hot
in less than twenty minutes.

“I’m visiting friends.” Paula looked at the other people at
his table. “Hello, Casey. It’s nice to see you again.”

Gabriel had to give his friend props for having his back.
Casey didn’t even feign politeness. Instead he simply nodded and said, “Paula,”
in a tone that suggested her name left a bad taste in his mouth.

Gabriel fought not to grin and high-five his mate when Paula
briefly narrowed her eyes, seemingly hurt by the insult.

“I don’t believe you and I have met,” Paula said to Jordan,
and then looked at Gabriel for introductions.

“Paula Robinson, this is Jordan Lance. Jordan,” he sighed.
“This is Paula.”

“Nice to meet you.” Paula’s smile seemed to belie her polite
tone and Gabriel was surprised to see what looked like jealousy in her eyes.

Paula returned her attention to him. “Actually, I was going
to call you tomorrow, Gabriel.”

“Why?”

If she was taken aback by his brusque question, she
recovered quickly. “I was hoping we could get together. Maybe for lunch. I
wanted to talk to you.”

Gabriel felt the stifling silence at the table and knew Jordan
and Casey were holding their breath as they waited for his reply. “We don’t
have anything left to say to each other.”

It was true. He’d fought for years to forget her and he had.
Jordan and Casey had helped him move on.

Paula shuffled a bit, clearly uncomfortable with the
audience. “Maybe
you
don’t have anything to say, but I do.”

“Then say it now.”

“Could we step outside?”

He shook his head. “Now or never, Paula.” He was being an
ass. He didn’t care.

“Gabe.” Jordan touched his hand. “Maybe you should hear what
she has to say.”

Paula smiled at Jordan appreciatively.

“Jordy—”

Jordan rubbed his knuckles, the light touch surprisingly
comforting. “We’ll be here when you get back.”

Casey crossed his arms and scowled. Gabriel suspected his
friend wanted to dispute Jordan’s suggestion, but he remained silent.

Gabriel shook his head. “No. If you have something to say,
Paula, say it here. I have no secrets from my friends.”

She didn’t hesitate. “Fine. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry for
everything that happened. I know you’ll probably never forgive me. I’m not even
sure you should, but I wanted to say that to you.”

Gabriel would have given his last penny to hear those words
a year ago. His wounded pride would have considered it his due, loved seeing
her eat crow. Now it didn’t matter. There wasn’t any anger left to soothe.

“It’s okay, Paula. I do forgive you.”

Her face softened. “You do?”

“Yeah. It’s all in the past.” He smiled at Casey and Jordan.
“I’ve moved on.”

Paula tilted her head as if confused by the group dynamics
at the table. He didn’t bother to enlighten her. Though Jordan’s friends and
his parents knew of their unusual relationship, they hadn’t come out to the
world at large. Not that they were hiding it. The three of them had hit at
least half a dozen restaurants in the past month, but to the casual observer,
he suspected they simply appeared to be friends going out for a meal.

“I see.” Her tone proved she really didn’t. “Well, it was
lovely seeing you again.” Paula pointed to a table in the corner. “I suppose
I’ll go back and rejoin my friends.”

“Goodbye, Paula.”

He hoped the finality in his tone rang through, if not for
Paula, at least for the couple sharing the table with him.

Paula walked away.

“I’m sorry about that.”

Jordan rolled her eyes. “Are you kidding? I don’t blame you
for not wanting to see her, Gabe.”

Gabriel pointed toward Jordan as he spoke to Casey. “This
from the woman who tried to convince me to go outside with my ex-fiancée.” He
wasn’t upset or mad. In fact, he felt the same way now as he had when he’d
walked into the restaurant.

Jordan blew out an exasperated breath. “I wasn’t sure which
way that was going. I thought you might want to avoid a scene.”

Gabriel shook his head. “No. I’m tired of not making
scenes.” He realized he was tired of hiding his feelings in public. “In fact, I
feel like making one right now.”

He leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. To anyone
observing, Gabriel Lawson had just made a very public announcement. He wasn’t
merely hanging out with friends. He was dating Jordan Lance.

He pulled away and tried not to notice the unease in her
eyes. “Gabe,” she whispered.

Casey didn’t hear the undertone in her voice, didn’t catch
the fear in her eyes. If he had, Gabriel knew he wouldn’t have made the next
fatal move. Casey turned her face toward him with his finger under her chin and
kissed her too. It wasn’t a friendly peck. Gabriel let his eyes drift around
the restaurant. It was crowded. Only a handful of people had seen the exchange,
but their gazes were glued to the table. Some of the faces were shocked;
others, curious.

Only one looked disapproving, angry. Paula’s.

“Jordan? Are you okay?” Casey’s question told Gabriel he’d
noticed her sudden discomfort.

She nodded, but her stiff posture betrayed the truth. “I
thought we were going to lie low for a while.”

They had discussed at length how to “come out” as a
threesome, but the right answer never presented itself. As a result, Jordan
requested they keep the appearance of “just friends” in public.

Gabriel hadn’t realized how deep her desire to hide was.
“Whether the world knows it or not, Jordy, the fact remains we’re all here
together. We’re dating, sleeping together, in a relationship.”

“I’m not sure we’ve fully explored what the repercussions of
this will be.” Her face was pale as her gaze roamed the room. She was truly
afraid.

“Repercussions?” Casey asked.

Unfortunately, Paula answered the question for them all. She
passed the table with her friends, heading for the exit. Her body was rigid
with fury. When she was within earshot, she hissed the word, “Slut,” at Jordan
and continued walking.

Gabriel started to rise, but Jordan’s hand on his arm and
her firm voice stopped him.

“No. Don’t.”

“If you think I’m going to let her speak to you that way,
then—”

“Forget it. I mean it. She won’t be the last to make that
judgment.”

“The fuck she won’t,” Casey said angrily. “I dare anybody to
use that word about you again.”

“Listen. I think maybe we should call it a night.”

“Jordan, no, I’m sorry we—” Gabriel began, but she cut his
apology short.

“I have a headache anyway. I might just go back to my own
apartment tonight. I’m not sure I’d be much fun.”

“Don’t do this, baby,” Casey pleaded.

“Can you guys take me home? Please.” Her voice broke
slightly and the sound ripped Gabriel to shreds. She looked as if she was on
the verge of tears. He knew Jordan. Knew how much she’d hate to fall apart in
public.

“Sure, Jordy. Why don’t you let Casey take you to the car
and I’ll settle up the bill?”

She nodded gratefully.

It was a quiet trip. After dropping Jordan and Casey off at
their apartments, he headed home, on his own for the first time in weeks.

As he crawled into bed, one thing was abundantly clear. He
didn’t like sleeping alone.

* * * * *

She’d blown it last night. The words kept rambling around in
her head until Jordan thought it would explode. Everything had been going
great. For once, her life felt perfect. Then, in the blink of an eye, the old
Jordan returned to the surface and fucked it all up.

Jordan picked up Elias’ glass of scotch from the end of the
bar and delivered it to his table. Elias was a regular at Books and Brew every
Thursday and Saturday evening. Sophie liked to joke they could set their
watches by his appearances. He was a college professor and lately he’d become a
dear friend. He was considerably older and wiser than them. As a result, they’d
all sought him out for advice at one point or another.

“That was a heavy sigh from someone who’s been bouncing
around here for weeks. I was afraid your friends were going to have to start
strapping you down to keep your happy feet on the ground.”

“Yeah. I know.”

Elias gestured to the empty chair next to him. “Want to talk
about it?”

She plopped down in the chair. “Yeah. I do.”

“What’s up?” he asked.

“I feel like I’m living on borrowed time.”

“How so?”

Jordan took a deep breath and said the words she’d found
impossible to say to anyone except her closest girlfriends. Not that telling
Stephanie, Jayne and Sophie about her venture into a committed threesome had
been easy. The only difference was she knew their love was unconditional and
they wouldn’t judge her or look at her as if she were a slut. Not like Paula
Robinson had last night when she’d realized Jordan was with Gabe
and
Casey.

“I guess you’ve been wondering why I’ve been so happy lately.”

Elias shrugged. “I don’t think it’s too hard to figure out
you’ve fallen in love.”

Jordan winced. She had fallen completely in love, though she
hadn’t told her guys yet. It had been on the tip of her tongue so many times,
but something always held her back.

“I have.”

“Did the man break up with you?”

Jordan shook her head. “Oh no. Nothing like that. We’re
still together and very happy.”

“Then I’m confused.”

“I haven’t fallen in love with just one man. I’ve fallen for
two.”

“Ah.” Elias nodded slowly. “Well, that is a predicament. And
now you’re faced with choosing one over the other. I don’t envy you that
decision.”

“No. Actually, the choice has already been made in that
regard.”

Elias tilted his head, his eyes asking the question.

“I chose both of them.”

She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry over Elias’ shocked
expression. “Both?”