~ ~ Alex ~ ~

The woman I'd been trying to not so subtly look at for the last hour looked my way, again.

Shit. I looked down, rubbing my sweaty palms on my freshly dry-cleaned trousers. Christ, I would need to get them cleaned again.

Loser!  said the voice in my head.

But I had to agree. A sexy, spank worthy hot woman kept looking my way and all I could do was blush like a virgin and glance down at my half drank warm beer.

Could I be any more lame?

Here's a thought, Loser. Go talk to her!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Easier said than done.

Yeah, you're right, you'll stutter like a fucking idiot.

Christ, I hated that voice, and tonight it was so fucking loud—like surround sound loud.

I'm sure a therapist would have a whale of a time with my daily self-deprecating conversations.

But there was something about this woman. I first noticed her cloud of gorgeous of black curly hair, as well as her mouthwatering arse that could easily give that singer... whatshername... Lopez?  A run for her money. It also caught the man's downstairs attention—not so subtly pressing against my zipper.

Then, when she turned around. Holy-shit! My eyes tripped over the rest of her body in profile. The dress she had on scooped low over the swells of her perky tits and just like it hugged her arse, it moulded itself to all those sweet curves, hitting her at mid-thigh. I wondered what knickers she had on—or perhaps she wore a g-string? I didn't even try to tame the images of me holding both her wrists in one hand and putting them above her head and swallowing her mouth... sucking on her tongue and biting that smooth neck.

Fuck. If I kept up those thoughts, I'd have a permanent zipper mark imprinted on my dick.

And her body may have been a knockout, but her face was nothing short of stunning. And I'd sucked in a breath and still didn't feel like I had enough air in my lungs. Delicate features inside a heart shape with golden—brown skin. High cheekbones and cheesy as it sounds, bee-stung lips that I would sell my soul to see slide up my dick.

However, it was her eyes that stole the show, even from where I sat they were like dark pools of chocolate but when the light hit them it gave her expression an intensity that grabbed me by the balls. Hell, she was a walking fantasy and then some.

But who was I kidding here? She'd most likely never let me near her. Women like her didn't go for guys like me. She was so out of my league she might as well be in outer-space.

That's even if she was single—which was very fucking doubtful.

Then why did she keep looking my way?

She's looking at Josh. Not you, loser.

Maybe—yeah, most likely. But you realise you're calling yourself a loser?

I felt a gentle nudge. "Are you okay staying a bit longer?" Josh dragged me from my inner turmoil. "I'm good if you are."

That surprised me. He'd said he wanted to check out a new place in town.  I cocked my head, studying him. "Thought you wanted to hit up a new bar?"

"Nah, not tonight." Shrugging. "Maybe at the weekend if you're up for it?"

I was Josh's wingman. I didn't mind although bars and clubs weren't my thing—too crowded. And I wasn't a hook up kinda guy as when I tried to talk to someone, my stutter usually fucked it up and they either tried to finish my sentence or rub my arm sympathetically. I hated both.

"I'm good here for a bit longer," I said.

Josh's eyebrows pulled together and threw me a questioning look. "Yeah—you're good?"

I'd originally told him I didn't want to be here long. An hour tops.

Lifting my beer, my eyes drifted back to her. She was talking to Trix, Finn and Cam and the way they interacted, the friendly touches and laughter. It was safe to think they were friends?

Hell, for I knew they might be more than that. Was she with them... together?

It was a possibility because my new employers lived together—like in a threesome. Or a triad or a throuple... I wasn't sure what you called it.

Josh had said that the official term was a 'poly' relationship. And I still hadn't got my head around it and how it worked. But hey, if I found someone as hot as Trix and I had to share. Trust me, I would suck it up.

And from what I'd seen and Josh had said the same, Cam and Finn had something going on between them. Although they didn't flaunt it, I'd seen the looks they shared every so often.

"So how do you think she knows them?" I followed his eyes. He was watching our new bosses' and my soon to be number one on the spank bank. "Friends, or do you think there's more to it?"

He'd asked what I'd been thinking.

Wait up.  Was he interested?

I shrugged.

"Do you think we should head over?" He paused. "You know, say hello?"

Fucking brilliant idea. Why didn't I think of that? "Hmm, sure." I did my best to sound casual. And it beat being a creeper and sat here covertly staring and slurping back drool.

What about your sweaty hands, pal?

Fuck. Nothing worse than shaking hands with someone with clammy hands. "Just let me nip the bathroom." I pushed up from my chair. "Wait for me, yeah?"

"Sure," he lifted his beer and took a drink. "Don't be all night."

He gave me a look to which I rolled my eyes and headed off and as I passed closer I heard her laugh. Like the rest of her, it was sexy as fuck. Deep and a little naughty. I liked it... more than liked it.

Ten minutes later, I was still in the bathroom, talking to myself. "You can do this. Go over. Act normal. Say hello to your bosses' and then introduce yourself."

Simple right?

For fuck's sake, Alex. Grow a pair, would ya!

"Shut the hell up! Not like you would do any better!" I said to my reflection.

Shit. From the corner of my eyes. I saw the door open to the stall behind me. In the mirror a man's face appeared, giving me a weird look.

Duh! Obviously, because I'm standing here talking to myself.

Loser!

The voice was a thorn in my arse.

Cursing, I couldn't stand here talking to myself all night. I had to take the chance and hope to Christ I didn't stutter my way through a simple hello.  And it couldn't be any worse than finding out I was boring in bed.

But then again, if any of the women I'd slept with—a grand total of three found out what actually floats my boat. I was sure they'd tell me I was sick and run in the opposite direction.

I knew my desires weren't normal. I'd told no one... in person. Not even Josh, just in case he thought I was fucked up. Or even more fucked up in the head. But the quilt twisted my insides hiding something from him. It felt like I couldn't be my real self—even with my best friend.

I dragged a hand over my mouth and tipped my head back to look up at the water-stained drop ceiling. My phone buzzed, and I dropped my head down and reached inside my jacket.

"Have you died in there?" I grinned, cheeky bastard. "Get your fucking arse out here!"

Full out chuckling, I shoved my phone back in my pocket without replying.

"Time to man up or go home, sunshine." Heading back out. I glanced toward my bosses' expecting her to be standing with them.

She wasn't. Ah, shit. Casting an eye around the room, they stopped when they landed on her.

What the?

She sat with Josh. Correction. She was sitting on Josh. On his freakin' lap! I held back the dozen or so responses firing off in my brain...

but... what the fuck?

I go to the bathroom and he hits on the woman I'd had my eye on?

Or did she hit on him?

She got bored waiting for you! That's what you get for being a fuckin' pussy. Now your best friend has his hands all over her.

Yeah, thanks for that.

I felt a prickle of irritation under my skin. But could I have a problem with it? Wasn't like I'd told him I was interested.

My shoulder sagged a little. Great. I'd missed out... again.

Loser.

Yeah, I couldn't argue with that and I tried to shake off the huge fucking chip that now sat on my shoulder.

But did I have any rights to be pissed at Josh? He was a good guy and the best fucking friend I could wish for. He'd moved in with me right after my mum died. It was only supposed to be for a couple of weeks, but he'd never left. That was two years ago.

And I was good with that, grateful in fact with how my mum died.

But this was a first. We'd never been interested in the same woman before, well technically, there was one, but that's another story.  I couldn't actually remember the last time he showed an interest in any woman. Josh was openly bisexual and generally seemed to hook up with men rather than women. Saying it was easier as guys were less maintenance.

And after Gemma... I couldn't really argue with that either.

Although I'd seen the way he watched Trix when he thought no one was looking. Hell, I was guilty too and she'd been number one in the spank bank for the last week or so. Until tonight. She'd lost top spot, replaced by the hottie perched on my best friend's lap.

Inwardly sighing, I couldn't stand here like a muppet all night.

Yeah, man up, pussy!

But what was I supposed to do?

Thankfully, Josh looked up and with his eyes lit up, smiled. The guy looked like he was born smiling and hadn't stopped since. Yeah, there's no way I could stay pissed at him for long.

Dragging some fresh air in my lungs and plastering on a smile, I started toward them.

"Ah, here he is," Josh flicked his chin up. "Thought you'd got lost, mate." His grin widened and he looked like that fricken cat that ate all the cream.

Could have been you, loser.

My eyes connected with hers and my stomach flipped, or rather bolted. Up close, she was even more stunning, beautiful, gorgeous.

Fuck me, there wasn't an adjective worthy of her and then I caught a burst of citrus and I'd be lying through my teeth if I told you it didn't make my dick twitch.

"Dayuuuum," she said, smiling up at me from Josh's lap. "And I thought Finn and Cam were the hottest guys in suits!" she said, and without even trying to be subtle, her eyes roamed over me—twice! "But check you out, big guy."

Wow, was she American? Or Canadian? Whichever, her accent was added to the list of things I already liked. My throat felt like it was going to swell shut as I awkwardly pulled at my shirt collar. At least it made wearing my wedding/funeral suit more bearable. "Th-th-thanks," cursing my stutter, but she never batted an eyelid.

She cocked her head, letting her tongue poke her top lip. "I'm Ivy."

Ivy. It suited her. I liked it.

No point in liking it loser, Josh is gonna be balls deep inside her by the end of night.

"A-A-Alex."

"Alex. As in Alexander?"

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

"Well big guy." She paused and tapped those sexy lips. "I prefer Alexander." She made a cute humming noise that went straight to my dick. "It's just sexier."

Sexier? Was she saying I was sexy?

And I couldn't stop the cheesy grin and matching blush. She could call me anything she liked—as long as she called me.

"I bet you're wondering why I'm sat here?"

I was, not that I'd ask and she went on to explain.

"Being crazy late. Totally forgot to eat and then my girl."  She pointed over at Trix. "Well, she lined up my favourite." Wiggling her eyebrows. "A Pornstar Martini." She gave her head a little wobble. "Went straight to my head and then I decided it was time I made my way over here and tripped in my stupid-hot new shoes?" She lifted her feet so I could see. "Like them?"

I nodded, but they just looked like shoes to me...attached to very sexy feet...and ankles...and oh yes, those smooth brown legs.

Fuck, I realised I was staring and dragged my eyes back up to her face. Thankfully she hadn't noticed and carried on.

"Anyway your boy here." Patting his chest. "Swooped in and caught me before I face-planted and made a fool of myself."

Ah, that explained it.

"So tell me about yourself. Josh tells me you're friends and live together. Oh and work together." Her eyes flicked between us. "Are you together, together?"

Josh pulled his head back a little. "What? You think he's my boyfriend?" It was Josh's turn to blush, shaking his head."Nah, just best friends."

"Hmmm," she soaked up what he'd said.

And if I had to describe the look that fleetingly crossed her face, it would be disappointment. But then it was gone.

"Aren't you two adorable? I wasn't sure how I was going to choose between you."

What?

She looked between mine and Josh's startled faces, dragging her lip between her teeth.  "Hmmm, but seeing the way you're both reacting to me." Her eyes snagged my crotch. "I don't think I'll have to."

Fuck, yeah. My dick was already sporting a semi and watching her wriggle on Josh's lap, his eyes rolled back a little, letting out a gargled moan.

Yep, looked like he had the same problem.

But what was she talking about—not having to choose?

"Sit yo sexy ass down, Alexander." My full name from her lips had me rocking a full on throbbing stiffy and I sat down quickly in the hopes of hiding it.

"Come closer. I won't eat you." Those eyebrows of hers wiggled again. "Although I love a good nibble."

Christ, did her voice just get sexier?  I picked up my beer tying to look casual—it didn't fucking work.

"I wanted to talk to you both." Josh glanced at me, his right eyebrow climbing a fraction of an inch. "You've both been checking me out...And I'd even go out on a limb and say you've thought about me naked."

I almost choked on my tongue, quickly setting my glass down. I'd never met anyone as up front as Ivy.

"So I thought it fair that you know I'm interested too."

Interested? What in us both, or just one of us?

Won't be you, loser.

Fuck off.

Josh's eyes were wide, and his jaw skimmed the floor.

I wanted to ask her which one but knew my stutter would be at its worst. Thank fuck for Josh for finally getting his head in the game.

"What, you're interested in one or both of us?"

Ivy looked right at me and said. "You look at me like I'm some kind of dessert you desperately want, but would give to your best friend."

She wasn't wrong.

"I don't pick up any jealousy between you."

She was right there too. I would always step away and let Josh take his shot, no matter how much I wanted something.

"Can I sit on your lap, Alexander?"

I swallowed, and my eyes drifted to Josh, who shrugged. "S-s-sure."

She was up off his lap and then on mine. But instead of sitting sidewards, she sat with her back against my chest and I had to bite back a satisfied sigh but shit, there was no hiding my erection pressed up against her delicious arse.

But she didn't flinch. "I like this," she said, pressing back a little more. The little guy happily showed his appreciation.

And I tried to think about anything apart from her arse rubbing against my dick. If I came in my pants, there was no way I could send them back to the dry cleaners.

Ivy lifted her legs and sat them onto Josh's lap. "Have you two every shared?"

Josh slowly moved his hand to rest on her foot. And I dared move my hands to sit on either side of her hips.

But sharing—was she talking about women?

"Partners," she clarified.

Josh lips formed into an O, as if he'd just connected the dots.

She turned her head, leaning into me more, angling her head up.

Me and Josh were back to catching flies, with our mouths wide open.

"I can see I've shocked you both." She dropped her feet from Josh's lap and was up off my lap, turning to stand between us. "Here's what we're gonna do."

Josh and I waited like excited puppies, wagging our tails.

"You're both gonna give me your phones and I'm gonna input my number. Yes?"

We nodded again.

"Then I'm gonna message you both. It's an easier way to get to know one another."

Okay, made sense and I couldn't stutter over text's.

"Then if you are interested in sharing and everything that means."  She checked we were both following. "Then I want you both to come to Risk on Saturday. I'm performing."

Wow!

She held out her hand expectantly and Josh handed over his phone as I fumbled in my pocket, couldn't get it out quick enough.

She entered her number and handed them back.

And without a word, she stepped closer to Josh, running her fingers through his hair, tilting back his head, she fisted his hair and he looked up at her in wonder. She lowered her face and pressed her lips to his.

Fucking hell. I didn't understand why but my brain fired off in all directions and they all said the same thing.

They looked fucking hot together!

Then it was over and she stepped to me. I peered up. She didn't run her finger through my hair, instead those intense eyes stared into mine like I'm some kind of brain-teaser. "I see something different in you, Alexander."

What? Was that a bad thing? But before I could process her lips brushed across mine. Quick. Sweet. Not enough.

And then she stood upright.  "I'll be seeing you, boys." And off she trotted back to join Trix, Cam and Finn.

Me and Josh just stared after her. With Josh cracking first. "Did that just happen?"

I needed to make sure we were on the same page. "She seems to want us both. D-d-did you pick that up?"

He nodded.  "Fuck."

Fuck indeed.