What He Left Behind(53)

Michael glances back and forth between us. “So I guess this means I’m good with other guys. Not that Ian’s a stranger, but…”

“I know what you mean,” Ian says. “I’m new to you. In this sense, anyway.”

Michael nods. To me, he says, “You were right. This was a good idea.”

Ian arches an eyebrow. “Oh, so this was your idea?”

“Are you surprised?” I ask.

“Hmm. Well. Now that you mention it…”

“That’s what I thought.” I smooth Michael’s hair. “You did still get nervous. Maybe this is something we should keep doing. Just until those nerves settle.”

“So, all three of us?” Ian asks.

I nod. “Or the two of you. Whichever works.”

Michael runs his fingers along Ian’s arm. “Well, I’m definitely not opposed to one-on-one with either of you. But both together?” He grins. “I’m not going to say no to that either.”

Ian laughs. “Yeah. What he said.”

They both turn to me. I show my palms. “Hey, don’t look at me for the voice of reason. I’ve been fantasizing about the two of you at once for ten years.”

“Oh, have you now?” Ian asks.

“Are you really surprised?”

His lips quirk. “Actually, no. And I may have thought about it once or twice myself.”

“Uh-huh.” Michael raises an eyebrow. “Is this why you guys kept inviting me over to hang out in the hot tub?”

Ian and I both laugh and shake our heads.

“No, of course not.” I shrug. “But, I mean, it didn’t hurt…”

Michael snorts, rolling his eyes. “Guess I should’ve brought over some stronger wine.”

Ian wrinkles his nose. “Assuming it didn’t taste like the horse piss you brought last time.”

Shaking a finger at him, Michael says, “Shiraz. Christmas. Your argument is invalid.”

We all laugh again, and they nudge each other playfully.

As the moment passes, Ian turns to Michael again. “In all seriousness, this arrangement”—he gestures at all three of us—“obviously works. And if this helps exorcise some of that jerkoff’s demons, then I’m definitely in.”

“Thank you,” Michael whispers, caressing Ian’s face.

Ian kisses his wrist. “You’re welcome to stay here tonight if you want.” He meets my eyes and his eyebrows flick up. Right?

I nod. “Definitely.”

Michael smiles but shakes his head. “I can’t leave Cody for the night, or I definitely would.”

“Completely understandable.” Ian turns Michael’s head toward him and gives him a tender kiss. “Why don’t you bring him next time? Ariel wouldn’t mind some company.”

Michael laughs. “Well, Cody hasn’t had a playdate in a while.”

I chuckle. “Guess that means he gets one, and so do you.”

“Perfect.”

“Yes, it is.” Ian kisses Michael again. “The dogs will be entertained, and we can have you all night.”

Michael just shivers.

So do I.





Chapter Sixteen


Michael isn’t just comfortable with Ian as well as with me—the three of us can’t get enough of each other. I can’t even say for sure if it’s in the name of helping Michael anymore, or if we’ve just turned something loose that doesn’t want to be contained again. Our hot tub nights take on a whole new dimension. And Michael’s at our house—and in our bed—more evenings than not. I don’t think Ian’s ever been so insatiable, not even back when we were both bathhouse sluts, and Michael’s in heaven.

We aren’t even having sex all the time. Dinner. Movies. Trips to the dog park with Ariel and Cody. But even when we’re clothed and out in public, that undercurrent remains. Subtle touches. Less than subtle looks. We’ve spent time with Michael for years, and we’re doing a lot of the things we’ve done all that time, but it’s never been quite like this. As if there’s always an unspoken Just wait until we get home.

The evenings when we don’t go out are almost comically routine. Ian gets home first. Michael usually shows up around seven. I get there shortly after that. There’s small talk in the kitchen, maybe a bottle of wine if anyone wants it, and someone finally makes a move. A flirtatious comment here. A playful ass grab there. Then we’re off and running until Michael has to drag himself out to his car and head home. Unless, of course, he stays over—I love those nights. Falling asleep naked between Michael and Ian is becoming such a comfortable, sexy part of our routine, it’s starting to feel strange when he’s not here. Rosie’s even getting used to the idea of an extra dog hanging around.

So when I get home from work this evening, my whole body gets warmer at the sight of Michael’s car in the driveway and Cody playing in the backyard with Ariel. As I pull into the garage beside Ian’s car, my pulse shoots skyward as if this is the first time. The novelty definitely hasn’t worn off.

I can’t help grinning as I get out of the car.

I step into the foyer, and—

Stop dead.

Oh my God.

I’ve seen a lot of incredibly hot things in my life, especially recently, but all that pales in comparison to what’s playing out right now—my husband kneeling in front of the couch, head bobbing over my best friend’s lap.