Idiot. They don’t mean anything by that.
Boy, she wished they did.
She started on the living room, which only needed dusting and tidying. She always saved the floors for last, doing all the tile at once. Only the bedrooms were carpeted. Her boys weren’t messy, and more than once she wondered why they even bothered paying her. Not that she’d complain. Hell, she’d clean their house for free just to spend time with them.
She went to the backyard before it got too hot. Somehow, little bits of paper always managed to blow into the fenced yard. Even though it wasn’t part of what they paid her to do she policed the area when she swept the lanai and patio because the scraps of paper bugged her.
Of course—little bits scattered through the back flowerbed. She sighed and grabbed a bucket from the gardening shed and bent over to pick up the first piece.
* * * *
“Oh, Jesus!” Thomas jammed his knuckle in his mouth and grabbed Tyler’s shoulder. “Did I ever tell you you’re a goddamned evil genius?” The front of his shorts were once again tented at the sight of Nevvie’s backside facing them. Bent over in the garden with her back to them, picking up the little bits of paper Tyler salted out there the evening before.
Tyler leaned against the cook top island and smiled, crossed his arms, watching her. “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?” He held up his hands and traced the contours of her hips and thighs in the air. “Perfection, my dear Thomas. Absolute perfection. Rubenesque in the best possible sense of the term.”
“I’d love to put my hands on that sweet ass and fuck her till she screams my name.”
Tyler raised an eyebrow at him. “What’s wrong with my arse?”
“Nothing. Your ass is fine. But it’s not…” Thomas turned back to the window. “You’re lucky I met you before I met her.”
“That makes two of us.” He stared as Nevvie picked up another piece of paper. “What did I ever see in One and Two?” Those were the nicest post-divorce pet names he had for his ex-wives. “Skinny little toothpicks with nothing to them, including their personalities. Her boyfriend’s an unholy arse, doesn’t know how blessed he is.”
“She’s not happy with him, is she?”
Tyler shook his head. “Watch. Around three o’clock she’ll start on a project that will undoubtedly make her late. Or, barring that, right before she’s supposed to leave, she’ll remember some trifle she ‘forgot’ that will make her at least thirty minutes late.”
Thomas stared at him, his jaw agape. “Shoot! You’re right. Every time. I teased her about it a few weeks ago.”
Tyler nodded and turned back to the window. “She doesn’t want to leave.”
“Hell, I don’t want her to leave.” He put his arm around Tyler’s shoulders as they watched her. She was almost halfway through the flowerbed. Thomas sensed the wheels turning in Tyler’s head and left the silence unbroken until his lover spoke five minutes later.
“Maybe she doesn’t have to leave,” Tyler said.
“What,” he snorted, “hold her hostage?”
Tyler rolled his eyes. “No, dumb fuck, of course not. We seduce her into wanting to stay.”
“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing the past six months?”
“Not with purpose. Just in fun and wishful thinking.”
They loved women, but they loved each other more. Without trying, this woman had worked her way into their hearts. It delighted them to see her take such obvious pleasure in their small acts of kindness. They wanted to make her happy like that all the time and imagined her life outside of Thursdays must be fairly bleak if they were the highlight of her week. Tyler leaned forward and watched her, his arms on the counter. He smiled as Thomas moved behind him, grinding his hips and rock hard bulge against his backside.
“You’ve given me an idea, Thomas.”
Chapter Two
“What kind of idea?” Thomas asked.
Tyler turned and wrapped his arms around Thomas. His Georgia boy stood over him at six-foot. “What if we seduce her into wanting to stay with us?”
“Our full-time housekeeper?” He glanced over Tyler’s shoulder. Nevvie finished with the paper and set to work sweeping. “She wouldn’t buy it. We’re not that messy. Plus she’s got a boyfriend.”
“I was thinking more of grooming her.”
“Doing her hair?”
Disgusted, Tyler released Thomas and turned to the window. “No wonder the South lost. My darling, I mean get her to move in with us. Turn her into our own personal love slave.”
Thomas’ eyes darkened. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“I don’t mean abuse her, duh. Study her personality—she’s submissive. She’s been mistreated in her life, that much is obvious. She flinches at loud noises, sudden movements. If we earn her trust and break down her resistance we could easily win her heart. She already drools over us.”
Thomas puffed up. “She does?”
“Us, love. Not just you.” Tyler watched Nevvie through the window while he idly twisted the band on his left hand, a match to the one Thomas wore. “I’ve seen how she looks at you. You’ve seen how she looks at me. I’d be willing to bet if we got a hand down her pants we’d find one deliciously wet, tight pussy waiting for us.”
Thomas groaned. “Do you have to do that? I’m fricking hard enough as it is.”
“Sorry. As I was saying it wouldn’t be a stretch, once we got her to agree to move in, to break down her reserves to let us do whatever we want.”
They watched Nevvie sweep the patio. “She’s a sweetheart,” Thomas said.
“Yes, she is.”
“She’s a cutie.”
“There’s that,” Tyler agreed.
Thomas watched her. “She’s got a great sense of humor.”
“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
“I’m sold. Are you?”
“Since you and I are apparently on the same wavelength about her bountiful natural assets, I don’t see a problem. We could have the best of both worlds, Thomas. Have our cake and eat her, too.”
“Geez I hate writers. Remind me why I hooked up with you?”
“Because I make you see stars when I give you a blow job, and you love the way I fuck you.”
“Ah. That’s right. Plus you’re such a witty conversationalist,” Thomas teased.
In all seriousness, Thomas knew he wasn’t as cultured as Tyler. Thomas was a developer and ran an architectural engineering firm, damned good at what he did. He also enjoyed working on his antique truck.
Tyler was no wuss by any stretch of the imagination, but Tyler was Brain to his Pinky. Tyler quickly grasped the finer subtleties of human nature more so than him. At thirty-nine, Tyler was only four years older than him, and a successful novelist. He made his living due in no small part to that magnificent brain and ability to turn abstracts into words so others could enjoy them.
Thomas draped his arm around Tyler’s shoulders. “You really think we’ve got a chance with her?”
“Of course we do.” Tyler slipped his arm around Thomas’ waist. “Just don’t let her know we’re bi or we’ll lose her trust. It works to our advantage for her to assume we’re gay.”
“When do we break that news to her?”
Tyler grinned. “If we’re lucky, the night she finally lets us fuck her.”
* * * *
Nevvie finished the backyard. She’d felt the boys’ eyes on her and every so often glanced at the kitchen window and caught them watching.
She reached up and touched her shirt where the pendant lay cool against her skin. She’d slipped it inside her collar, afraid it would get damaged if she left it out. How would she explain it to Alex? He’d throw a tantrum for damn sure. Then he’d try to con her into hocking it.
She’d kill his lazy ass first. Why was she still with him? Right, because it beat living on the streets.
Didn’t it?
Alex worked under the table two or three days a week for one of hi
s buddies. Most of his money went to beer or anything but bills. Nearly every last cent she earned went to keeping the rent paid and the lights on. He always had money to buy beer or video games, but if she asked for money to buy groceries it was like she’d asked him to donate a kidney.
Tyler had a cold glass of water waiting for her when she returned to the kitchen. She gratefully took it. “Thanks, Ty.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
She glanced around. “Where’s Thomas?”
“He’ll be back momentarily.” Tyler wouldn’t admit Thomas, unable to stand having a brick between his legs, had retreated to their bathroom and was stroking his way to a Nevvie-inspired orgasm as they spoke. “Listen, I know this is short notice, but are you available this Sunday?”
“Sunday?”
“We’re having some friends over for dinner and a poker game Saturday night. Frankly, I’m too lazy to think about cleaning up. Of course, we’d pay you for a full day, and still want you on Thursday as well.”
Extra money and an extra day with her boys? She damn sure wouldn’t say no to that. Usually the only thing Alex wanted to do on Sundays was sleep late and whine that she wouldn’t fuck him. Thank God he was too stupid to figure out the calendar. She used her period as an excuse at least twice a month.
“When did you want me to come?”
Tyler fought a losing battle against his smile. “Ah, the puns I could make from that innocent statement.” She blushed but returned his smile. “Ten would be splendid, Nevvie. It’s not an imposition?”
“I didn’t have any plans. To be honest, I could use the money.”
Tyler gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “Then we’re glad we can help.” She didn’t flinch or pull away from his touch. That was a good sign—a really good sign.
“Oh, drat. Alex might want the car since he’s not working. I might need a ride home.”
Tyler’s smile widened. This was too perfect. “No problem, dear. Do you want me to pick you up?”
Jesus, his smile was so sweet. Why do the nice ones always have to be gay? Maybe it was for the best because Thomas was equally delicious. She’d never be able to choose between them if they were available. She certainly wouldn’t mind being alone in a car with Tyler.
“Sure. I’ll give you directions before I leave. It’s not far.”
* * * *
“Aces.” He watched her hips sway as she walked away, then closed his eyes and imagined her without clothes. Thomas startled Tyler when he tapped him on the shoulder. “Jesus, you scared me.”
Thomas was all smiles. “Sorry.” He leaned in and kissed him. “Well?”
“Sunday it is. I’m picking her up and taking her home.”
“How come you get the honors?”
“Because it would appear odd if both of us do it. I want a look at the Neanderthal we’re in competition with, size him up.”
“Ah. Good point.” He put his arms around Tyler and hugged him. “I saved some energy for you,” he whispered.
Tyler swatted him on the ass. “I bloody well hope so, my little southern fried stud muffin. I’ve progressed well past blue balls.”
Thomas retrieved a can of soda from the fridge and popped the top. “Now all we have to do is invite the gang over for a party on Saturday night.”
“Be a dear and make the calls, please.”
Thomas grinned and held up the can in a mock toast. “To the evil genius.”
* * * *
Around one o’clock, the men dressed in shorts and T-shirts and called Nevvie into the kitchen. “Ready for lunch?” Tyler asked.
“I sure am.”
“Excellent, darling.” He held out his hand. “Come with us. Thomas and I are abducting you. I hope you don’t mind.”
She grinned and took his hand. “No, I don’t mind at all.” Heck no she didn’t mind. If they were her captors she would fight them if they tried to turn her loose. “You can kidnap me any time you want.”
Both men grinned, sending her heart racing. They were clueless. They had no idea what they did to her, how it nearly ripped her heart out leaving them every week. She chided herself for her stupidity. If she wasn’t with a jerk…
They piled into Thomas’ restored 1958 Ford truck and drove to Hillsborough River State Park, where the plan became clear. Nevvie daydreamed of a riverside ravishing, but Tyler had prepared a wonderful picnic. They found a great spot in the shade and, checkered blanket and all, spread out for a huge meal.
She stretched on her stomach, propped on her elbows. “This was sweet, guys. You don’t know what this means to me.” She fingered the pendant, now hanging outside her shirt.
Tyler leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Nothing is too good for our girl, Nevvie,” he said. “We’ve already told you that. I wish you’d believe it.”
She blushed, looking away from his blue eyes. She could easily get lost in them.
“You look like a girl who needs a back rub,” Thomas said.
“Are you offering?” She met his sweet brown eyes and felt heat race through her.
“I surely am, sugar. Are you accepting?”
Next to him, Tyler’s eyes twinkled. If she didn’t know any better she’d think he had something up his sleeve.
“I’d be an idiot to refuse.” She stretched flat on her tummy and tried to quell her anxious stomach. Thomas straddled her and started working on her back.
It felt fantastic! As his strong fingers kneaded her muscles, it wasn’t difficult to imagine lying naked with him in bed instead of on a picnic blanket.
“How’s that feel?” Thomas asked.
“Ohhhh. That’s…wonderful.” No one had ever touched her like that, with such heat and yet in such an innocent way.
“Our dear Thomas is very talented, sweetheart.”
“Uh huh,” she mumbled. Both men laughed.
“Am I putting you to sleep, sugar?” Thomas asked.
“Mm hmm.” For several long, luscious minutes she indulged a delicious fantasy of the two men taking her right there on the blanket. Then Thomas gently patted her backside.
“All done.”
“Aww.”
Tyler laughed. “Isn’t he amazing? Plenty of nights he’s put me to sleep like that.” She felt the blanket move, his voice closer. She looked to find Tyler’s blue eyes inches away, boring into hers. “I don’t mind sharing him with you, darling, but only with you.”
She gulped.
Eventually they packed their picnic supplies and returned to the house. She hated finishing the day and had to pull over on her way home to dry her tears. The necklace was beautiful. And Jesus, that back rub! Not to mention Tyler’s comment, innocent but full of double meaning and so close to the fantasy she’d been working on.
At least she had an extra day with them. Sunday couldn’t come too soon.
* * * *
They watched her leave. Tyler closed the front door and Thomas kissed him, hungry and eager.
“My, you certainly are anxious,” Tyler gasped.
Thomas grabbed Tyler’s hand and dragged him to their bedroom. “You have no idea, Ty. Jesus, that was agony.” He fell to the bed, pulling Tyler with him.
“What was agony?” He smiled, knowing damn well.
“You are a fucking evil genius.” He ran his hands under Ty’s shirt and pulled it off him. “A back rub? It was all I could do not to grind my cock against that sweet ass of hers. Then—” Thomas pulled him down, kissing him again. “You said you’d share me with her? Jesus, I nearly came in my pants.”
“From the look in her eyes, I believe she wouldn’t have been far behind you.”
Thomas rolled Tyler onto his back and kissed him again. “Why did we take the Ford?”
“What are the seating configurations in the Ridgeline and the Lexus, Thomas?” Tyler worked Tom’s shirt off him.
Thomas closed his eyes and shook his head. “Fucking evil genius. Only two can sit up front, and in the Ford all three—”
/> “We had a wonderful, sweet Nevvie sandwich.” He ran his hands up Thomas’ chest, pulling him down to suck his nipples. Tom’s cock ground against his hips, as hard as he was. “Just think, Thomas. One day, hopefully, if the heavens smile upon us, we will have that sweet angel between us, moaning our names.”
Thomas moaned and kissed him again. “Jesus, I loved having my hands on her.”
“Tell me how she felt,” Tyler whispered in his ear, nibbling his neck.
“She felt great, she was wearing a sports bra—”
“Damn, we could have tried coaxing her out of her shirt had I known that.”
“Oh, no. I would have come in my pants for sure.” He worked his way down Tyler’s chest, kissing and licking him. Then he pulled Tyler’s shorts off and ran his tongue around his cock. “Damn, I love you, Tyler,” he whispered. He wrapped his mouth around Tyler’s cock and slowly worked his way down his lover’s shaft, exploring every inch of its smooth flesh with his lips and tongue.
Tyler closed his eyes and smiled, tangling his fingers in Tom’s hair, gently thrusting his hips in time with Tom’s mouth and hands. “I love you too. You have no idea.”
Chapter Three
Thomas didn’t have any trouble playing the role of a hung-over party host on Sunday morning. He was a hung-over party host. He staggered into the kitchen at eight-thirty and glared at Tyler.
“I’m going to kill you. You and your freaking evil plans.”
Tyler leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee and reading the paper. He was already showered, shaved, and dressed—slacks, button-up chambray shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and loafers.
“Not my fault you decided to play quarters with Eddie and got pissed. You of all people should know better. He drinks like an Irish fish.”
Thomas groaned and held his head. “How am I going to enjoy Nevvie today, feeling like this?”
“You should have thought about that earlier.” Tyler surveyed the patio and house. Not quite comparable to the bombing of Dresden, but a good start in the right direction. “I guess I’ll have her all to myself.” He smiled.