Gordon, Solara - Jet Lag Blues (Siren Publishing PolyAmour) (6 page)

Val met him part way and pressed her lips tight to his. Her hand lightly gripped his shoulder to steady him. His eyes took on a glow and intent look about them as though he wanted to tell her something but wouldn’t voice it aloud. Or was he trying to read her mind? Either way the glow vanished as she blinked.

Pulling back, she inhaled and withdrew her hand. Sparks and tingles kept rushing up and down her arm. Her nipples tightened, and she grew warm. If a kiss on the lips did this, what would Frenching do? She sure as hell wanted to find out. Darryl’s cough shattered her further thoughts.

“Mason you’re next.”

* * * *

Mason spun the bottle and moved back to his original space. It pointed to Darryl.

“I’ll take a question,” Darryl ventured. Several moments passed without anyone speaking. “How about either of you coming up with one?”

“I’ve got one,” Val offered.

“Go ahead.”

“How do you feel about Mason’s and my kiss?”

Darryl licked his lips and caught his bottom one between his teeth. He worried it back and forth a few times and sat forward. Mason reminded himself to breathe and remember Darryl was not like his prior friends. Yet a certain amount of trepidation bubbled through his stomach.

“Honest reaction, right?” Darryl looked at Val and glanced to Mason.

“Yes,” Val answered.

“No biggie. I’ve seen you two hug and kiss before.”

“But on the lips?” Mason grabbed his glass and downed the last of his wine. God, how drunk was he? Voicing his curiosity aloud like that. Shit, he hoped he hadn’t blown it.

“So what? Val chose to kiss you, and you responded. It’s not like I own her. We’re all friends.” Mason watched Darryl’s face as he spoke. Some of his uneasiness came through the way his eyes darted back and forth from Val to him. Maybe more needed to be said? Discussed?

“Okay, my turn now.” Darryl reached for the bottle and spun it. “Last spin this round. Shall we up the ante next round and two pieces of clothing or two questions if you don’t kiss?”

Mason’s hand shook as he sat his glass back down. What was Darryl doing? Did he really think the two of them were going to start smooching? Or fondling each other?

Chapter Nine

“What do you mean up the ante?” Val blurted out. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself.

“Relax, okay?” Darryl chuckled and stretched his legs out in front of him. He kicked the bottle, sending it rolling toward Mason.

“Hey, that voids the turn,” Mason countered, picking up the bottle.

“Fine by me,” Darryl responded. His smile grew as he caught Val squirming out of the corner of his eye. “Val?”

“Yeah.” Her glum look and dull tone cut him to the quick.

“Why the look?” he asked, kissing her cheek.

“Are you making changes so you can win or…?” Val stopped speaking.

“Or what?” Darryl prompted. Had she figured out his plan? Val could be a sore loser. She didn’t mind not winning. It was his competitive streak. She compared it to stacking the deck or cheating. The outcome of the game was determined before play began. Where was the fun or the challenge then?

Val sighed and nodded at Mason. “Sorry, Mason. Are you tossing me at him?”

Darryl watched their faces for a few moments before he spoke. Mason’s bug-eyed look and the frantic shaking of his head drew Val’s attention. “No, I’m not tossing you off. We’re all good friends. I don’t see anything wrong with some sensual play.”

“Sensual?” Mason rasped.

“A few kisses and hugs amongst friends. What’s wrong with that?” Darryl shrugged and moved his legs to the edge of the blankets.

“How far do you plan on this going?” Val shot him a scowl.

“As far as we’re all comfortable. No more. I’m tired of us being at odds with each other.”

Darryl turned to Mason. “How do you feel?”

“I–I’m—” Mason looked away as he finished. “Unsure.”

“See,” Val started, “that’s what I’m talking about.”

“Hold on.” Darryl held up his hand. “Are you saying you’re uncomfortable around Mason?”

“No, but—”

“No buts,” Darryl interrupted her. “What about you, Mason? Do you feel uncomfortable around either of us?”

“As a couple, yes.”

* * * *

Val’s gaze snapped to Mason. “You what?”

“Since you began dating, things have changed.” Mason shrugged. “One-on-one, I’m fine. We’re friends.”

“I don’t get how things changed.” Val wanted to fold her arms and tuck her hands under her arms, but then Darryl would know she was fussing and smoldering.

“Once you and Darryl switched over to a couple, things became twoish. No longer three. I feel like a third wheel sometimes.” Mason leaned back on his hands. Val angled herself to see his face better.

“Go on,” Darryl picked up the bottle. Val glanced at him to be sure she caught his body language along with his tone and words.

“Being the odd man out hangs like an anchor around my neck. I want to be free to touch Val and be like we’ve always been. Then I stop because I don’t want to piss you off, Darryl.” Mason nodded as Val shifted again.

“I don’t want to ruin our friendship or lose my best friend. But, you’re a hottie, Val. What guy wouldn’t want to kiss you?”

Darryl set the bottle between them and spun it. “Let’s change tactics. If the bottle lands on a guy, they have to answer a question or strip. If we choose to strip, two pieces of clothing get forfeited. If it lands on Val, she kisses us both the same or she strips two pieces.”

“Trying to level things?” Val glanced at him and turned to Mason. “What do you think?”

Darryl picked up the bottle, getting their attention. Before Mason could reply, Darryl spoke. “Yes, I’m leveling things. We never agreed to exclusivity. If you were to see someone else, I’d prefer Mason because I trust him.”

* * * *

“Thanks.” Mason leaned over and kissed Val’s cheek. He slid his arm around her waist and squeezed.

“You’re welcome.” Darryl’s soft smile reached his eyes. Mason’s anxiety cooled a few degrees.

His head spun from the wine he’d hastily gulped. Darryl’s last statement blew him away. He hoped he didn’t violate that trust. Now if he could hold his tongue until the effects of the wine wore off, he’d be in good shape.

Val took the bottle from Darryl. “So you’re fine with me kissing Mason like I do you? My choice?”

Mason’s stomach flopped twice with each erratic heartbeat. What the hell was Val doing? Playing with fire? Plucking Darryl’s nerve? His gaze froze on Darryl.

Darryl nodded and grinned. He pointed at the bottle. “Sure. Spin.”

Val turned the bottle so it pointed at Mason. She cocked her wrist and spun the bottle hard in a counterclockwise direction.

Her quick wink and small grin did nothing to quiet his queasy stomach or slow his rapid heart rate. Who was tossing whom at whom? Was Val admitting her interest? Or Darryl tossing him to her? Christ, how had this turned into a game of one-upmanship? And, Darryl’s statement he was fine with Val smooching him the same way she did Darryl…

Mason swallowed hard and reminded himself to take deep breaths. Actions spoke louder than words. He hoped no one bore grudges come game’s end or in the morning.

The bottle’s blur started to slow. As it spun by him again, he looked from Val to Darryl, wondering what their thoughts were.

“Ah ha!” Val’s growing smile and amused look sent his innards racing into overdrive. His gaze dropped to where she pointed.

“Darryl,” she began, drawing out his name. “Question or strip?”

Mason swallowed twice, hoping to avert a hiccup. Instead, a low toned burp pushed past his taut lips. “Excuse me.”

Val’s scrunched forehead and determined stare almost made him laugh. He knew that look all too well. But damn, did he have to be fodder for their two-edged competitive streaks? Oh well, if he had any choices, his was to kiss Val and cop a feel or two. Might as well enjoy himself.

“Well, Darryl?” Val asked.

“Strip.” Darryl shrugged out of his uniform shirt and pulled off a sock. “My turn.”

His spin landed on Mason. “I still ain’t kissing you,” he quipped and stuck out his tongue. “Your choice.”

Mason handed over two more socks. His spin landed on Val. He wet his lips, hoping she’d choose kiss. His curiosity refused to be placated any longer. Time had come for him to enjoy the game.

Val stifled another yawn. He wasn’t too far behind her. The effects of the wine began reaching the rest of him. A sense of relaxed wooziness ebbed and flowed the sleepier he felt. His eyes felt gritty, and he wanted to close them.

“So kiss or strip,” Darryl prompted and snickered. “I think Mason’s already decided for you.”

“Huh?” Mason jumped, and his eyes flew open. Damn, he’d shut them and practically dozed off.

“Hmm–m–m–m–m.” Val twittered. “I think I’ll kiss both of you.”

“Think you’re up to it?” Darryl winked and leaned forward.

Darryl’s leer sent a shiver down Mason’s back. Val’s making a face in response didn’t help either. He’d swear these two had a private challenge going on. How the hell had he ended up in the middle?

“Yes I am, and Mason gets the first kiss.” Val held out her hand and faced him.

Mason leaned toward her and offered his cheek.

“No. Face me, please.”

His throat and mouth went dry. He could feel every beat of his heart. Val inched closer.

“Put your legs out in front of you. I’m gonna sit on your lap.” She scooted tight to him and rose on her knees.

“You sure you’re okay with this?” he asked, eyeing Darryl.

Darryl’s silent nod sent ripples through his jittery stomach, and a new hiccup rattling up his throat. He tried taking a deep breath, hoping to thwart the ensuing result. No such luck. “Hic! Hic!”

Val giggled and cupped his cheek as she moved closer. “Poor Mason. It’s all right. Val’s gonna kiss you and make it all better.”

Make it all better? His cock leapt out of deep slumber and stood at attention, wanting to get in on the action. Swell, now he had a boner to explain. Leave it to his quirky sense of humor to kick in. His ego chided, “Yeah, Val, wanna kiss that and make it better, too?” Sometimes Mason wondered if he had a huge masochistic streak or a sadistic one, either way he bore the brunt of both.

“How about a glass of water first?” He grinned and stretched his legs out in front of him. “Make yourself comfortable, madam, while Darryl gets my water.”

He flashed Darryl a cheesy grin and winked before helping Val onto his lap.

Darryl rose, sauntering into the kitchenette. He chuckled, shaking his head. A quick glanced back at Val and Mason widened his growing smile.

Val sat on the edge of Mason’s lap with her arms around his neck. They were nose-to-nose. Darryl could see part of Mason’s face. A half smile softened his face. Good, at least maybe Mason had begun to lighten up and enjoy the sensual play.

Filling a glass with water, Darryl returned to the blanketed area, offering it to Mason. “Here ya go. And is there anything else I can get while I’m up?”

“Thanks, Darryl. I’d like some water, too. Why not fill up one of the empty half-liter soda bottles and grab a couple more glasses?” Val took the glass from Mason and sat it on the floor next to her. “I’ll wait till you’re settled to kiss Mason.”

Turning back to Mason, she asked, “Are you all right now?”

* * * *

“Yes. Could you move over a bit more? My leg is cramping up in this position.” Mason tried to shift Val from the edge of one leg to fully on his lap. He hoped his cock decided to behave. All bets were on that not happening.

Val moved across his legs, rubbing her hot tight buns over and against his horny cock. He hoped her two layers between them buffered some of the poking and prodding his bad boy was intent on trying.

She ducked her head to avoid hitting his chin. He caught Darryl’s amused look over the top of her head. His slight nod and thumb-up motion told Mason his earlier worst thoughts weren’t necessary.

Darryl sat next to them and grinned. Mason shrugged, drawing Val’s attention.

“Is something wrong?” She withdrew her arms from around his neck.

“No, you’re fine. Did you want water now or after we kiss?” He nodded at Darryl. Val turned her head.

* * * *

“Now please.” She smiled at Darryl, returning his smile. Sitting on Mason’s lap felt right. Yet, there was part of her that kept shaking a finger at herself. It didn’t worry her. She knew Darryl’s trust in Mason ran high and didn’t come lightly. So why not relax and enjoy the kiss?

Darryl handed her a half-full glass. She drank several swallows before handing it back. “Thank you.”

Licking her lips, she tilted her head, turning to Mason. “Put your arms around me,” she huskily whispered and put hers back around his neck.

Mason obliged and pulled her closer, nestling her against his chest. At this angle, she was tight to him. Something nudged her buttocks as she squirmed.