Friends With Benefits (2 page)

Connor’s right brow shot up as he sipped his drink and then lowered the bottle. “I’d prefer you call me by my first name. I ditched the stupid nickname after graduation.”

“Excuse me,
Connor
.”

“Is that why you found me a rental in your neighborhood?”

“Let’s focus on you getting it on with my wife.”

“I can’t believe you’re asking me to do this.” Connor shook his head and downed the remainder of his beer in one long swallow.

“Believe it. She’s pretty, and she’s hot. You’ll love her.” His gorgeous wife filled his every dream. He loved the way she looked, smelled, and moved. He lived to see her smile—would do anything to put one on her beautiful face.

“I’m sure she is.”

“I wouldn’t even consider suggesting this with anyone other than you.”

“I can’t believe you want to go down that path again.” Connor set the empty bottle on the table, shaking his head.

“Connor. I know you, and I trust you. So trust me. This isn’t a whimsical decision on my part. The timing’s right. And really, do you have anything better to do until you start the new project?” He knew Connor had no other friends in the area.

“You know I don’t. We don’t break ground for another three weeks. But that’s beside the point. You’re asking me to have sex with your wife, Ty.”

“Yes. I am. Initially, I want to fulfill her stranger fantasy. But I’m also asking you to participate in a threesome with us.”

The memory of how wet Angela had been the last time they talked about it entered Tyler’s mind. Fuck, she’d been so turned on by the conversation, foreplay wasn’t necessary. Afterward, she’d blushed, embarrassed at her body’s eagerness. He wanted her to understand he’d do anything to make her feel good. It wouldn’t change how much he loved her. If things worked out as he hoped, their bond would be stronger.

“Fantasy and reality are two different things. Are you sure this won’t freak her out?”

“Will she be nervous? Hell yeah. But she’ll be excited, too. And don’t worry. I’ll talk to her. I don’t want it to appear too pre-arranged, but I don’t want to scare her either. Personally, I can’t wait to see her with you. It’ll be fucking hot.” Tyler watched as Connor rolled his head on his shoulders and began rubbing the back of his neck, a habit he had when working something through in his mind. “Cindy left what…ten months ago?”

“Twelve. Why bring
her
up?”

“I thought part of the reason you took this job was to get away from all that drama, to start over.” Tyler had never had the displeasure of meeting Connor’s ex, but from everything he’d been told, the woman didn’t deserve a man like the one sitting across the table from him.

Connor snorted. “Drama. That’s one word for it.”

“Forget Cindy. And you can’t work all the time. This will keep you occupied when you’re away from the job site.” Tyler raised his voice to be heard over a rowdy group of executives a few tables over. “Are you settled into the house yet?” When a small bungalow had become available down their street, Tyler had hooked his friend up, figuring he’d prefer his own space rather than a hotel. If he’d believed in fate, he’d have said the stars were aligned.

Connor closed his eyes. When he opened them, his pupils had dilated until not a hint of color showed. Tyler smiled. His friend had made his decision. He just wouldn’t confess to it yet.

“I’ve got the basics covered,” Connor said. “Thanks for scoping the place out. But I’m not staying long, so no sense in getting comfortable.”

“No problem. Besides, it serves my selfish purposes too.” Tyler grinned.

“I like the area. Unfortunately, the project I’m working on is a quick build—eighteen months, tops.”

“You’re a great project manager, Connor. You know your stuff. I’m sure if you contacted the local construction firms, one of them would hire you in an instant. It would be great to have you living in the area.” Tyler cleared his throat, turning to acknowledge their young server as she bounced to a stop at the end of their table.

“Do you need another round of drinks, or would you like to order some food?” She snapped her bubblegum, sounding and behaving far younger than she looked.

“I’ll finish the drink I have, thank you,” Tyler said. Although the end-of-day rush hour would be over soon, the drive home ran close to forty-minutes.

“Same here, thanks.” Connor nodded his agreement.

“OK, then. Here’s your bill. You can pay at the table. Let me know if you need change, or if you’re paying by debit or credit card.” The waitress blew a small pink bubble, letting it expand until it popped, and flounced off across the room, her blonde ponytail swishing from side-to-side, the uniform short shorts and cropped top more conducive to a car wash than a bar.

In this crowd, they’d have to send smoke signals to attract her attention again. Tyler turned back to Connor. “You got cash?”

“You want me to fuck your wife, cross some item off your honey-do list,
and
pay for your beer?” From his wallet, Connor pulled a twenty-dollar bill and dropped it on the table. “Let’s get out of here. We can finish this conversation in the parking lot.”

Tyler followed his friend as they made their way to the exit and out the front door, pushing through a crowd of at least a dozen waiting for tables to open up. Silently agreeing to wait before they continued their discussion, they crossed the street, maneuvering among the throngs of people window shopping or patio hopping in an attempt to postpone heading home.

The high-rise backing the cramped parking lot cast a partial shadow over Connor’s black F-150 truck. Coming to a stop next to it, Connor glanced around. With his head cocked to the left, and a concerned expression on his face, he met Tyler square on. “You’re sure about this?”

“About you crossing some items off my list of chores? Oh, yeah, definitely.” Connor rolled his eyes. “OK, I’ll be serious. Yes, Connor, I am. This is something I’ve been thinking about for some time.”

Tyler’s gaze swept the sidewalk, the patio still in his line of vision, noting all the individuals searching out companionship for the evening. A drink, simple conversation, or something more? How many of them lived normal, accepted lifestyles? How many of them were happy in those relationships? How many of them dreamed of something unconventional?

Tyler loved his wife more than his own life. She was an open-minded and open person, but he sensed she held back when it came to sex. She had no issues telling him how hard or how fast she wanted him to go, but his gut told him she wanted more edge to their sex life. He couldn’t wait to open the floodgates and let her loose.

“I think she’s holding back, and the kinky side of her is itching to fly. I’ll talk to her about it tonight. I’m not going to tell her who you are though. I want the first time she actually meets you to appear spontaneous, the stranger fantasy thing. I’ll make sure she’s aware something might happen, and that I’m okay with it, but she won’t know when. I’ll call you in a couple of days to confirm.”

“And then I’ll just stroll over, flirt with your wife, do an odd job or two, and have sex with her?”

“I’m sure it won’t be quite that simple, but essentially, yes. I’ll talk with both of you while I’m away and see how things are progressing.” Tyler hoped this would work. He wanted to set her inner sex kitten free, and he believed fulfilling her fantasies might just do the trick. But, he also wanted to fulfill some of his own. “I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my wife, Connor. You know that, don’t you? This isn’t a guy thing or me trying to force my wife, or you, into an undesirable situation.”

“You’re lucky she hasn’t met me before. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Tyler studied Connor for a long moment. From the day they’d met at university fourteen years ago, they’d clicked. Back then, they couldn’t have been closer if they were brothers. Unfortunately, their respective career choices took them in opposite directions after graduation. They’d come to rely on email, texting, and the occasional telephone call to stay in touch. Tyler looked forward to spending more face-to-face time with his friend.

Connor stood with his back to the streetlight, shadows playing across his angular face. The last year had been tough on him, and Tyler knew he needed the diversion a healthy and committed relationship provided, even if that relationship involved three people.

At three inches taller than his own six-two, Angie would drool over Conner’s build, particularly his pecs and biceps; she loved a great upper body.

“I do, my friend,” Tyler said, at last. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”

“OK then. I’ll wait for your call.” Connor climbed into his truck and started the engine.

Tyler stepped back as the truck shifted into gear. With a short nod, Connor tapped this finger to his forehead and pulled out of the parking space. Tyler waited until the truck turned a corner down the street and moved out of sight.

Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, he returned to the main street, hung a left and walked to the next block. He ducked inside the underground garage. Car doors slammed. Two older women bitched about the cost of parking and a child screamed from one of the levels above him.

Climbing into his Camaro, Tyler settled behind the wheel and relaxed back into the plush leather seat. He stared out into the evening light. Traffic buzzed by on the street facing him. A young couple got into the car beside him, taking a moment to make out before the guy started the engine and pulled away.

This would work. It had to. Connor needed a woman in his life he could trust. Angie needed to experience a few of her secret fantasies, explore her sexuality. And—if everything worked out—Tyler would finally have the guts to be totally honest with his wife, and maybe see
his
wish become reality, too.

Chapter Two

Angela dragged her attention away from her novel when she heard her husband’s car pull into the driveway. She remained perched in the chair, but kept an eye on the front entrance, waiting for him to walk through the door. After that last chapter, she was squirming, ready to jump his bones.

“I can’t believe how horny I am,” she muttered. She palmed her face and giggled. At times, certain hot scenes in her books replaced the need for physical foreplay altogether.

The front door opened. “Hey, baby. I’m home.”

His warm baritone flowed through her, the low rumble similar to his Camaro when it idled at a stoplight. The car oozed power, as did her handsome man. She pictured herself spread out over the hood, chest down, Tyler taking her from behind. She shivered and jumped up to meet him halfway.

“Hey, sexy. I expected you earlier. Did you have to work late?”

When she reached him, she grasped his blue silk tie—her favorite—around the knot and slid her hand down the length, wrapping the end around her fist. She tugged, bringing his dirty-blond head down to meet her upturned face, and puckered up for his kiss. The palm of her other hand smoothed up his business coat, then tunneled under the lapel to run along his sculpted chest. She loved a strong, muscular chest, and her husband’s surpassed her wildest dreams.

Tyler didn’t disappoint. He pecked the tip of her nose before moving lower to capture her lips in a kiss that curled her toes. “Nah, just met an old friend for a couple of drinks.”

“Anybody I know?”

“By name only.” Tyler removed his suit jacket and hung it over the banister. “Jonesy’s in town. He’s starting a new project in a few weeks. I’m hoping it turns into something permanent.”

“Wow. Does this mean I’ll finally get to meet him?” After more than eight years together, there were still missing pieces to her husband’s puzzle. She knew he and Jonesy had been close back in school, and still kept in touch, although remotely. His work had always kept her from meeting the man her husband referred to as his best friend. She remembered Tyler’s disappointment when Jonesy had missed their wedding.

Another puzzle was Tyler’s family. Angela got along fine with them, but she always sensed something different about them. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she felt certain her husband and his family were holding something back from her.

“Soon. And depends on how long he’s in town, and his schedule of course. But I definitely want to introduce you to him.” Tyler’s dark-brown eyes strayed to the book in her hand. “So, what are you reading tonight?”

“A book.”

He gave her that look. “Smarty pants. What’s this one called?”

“
All Tied Up
.”

Tyler’s brows peaked with interest. He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck. “Sounds fun. Would you like to be tied up, baby?” he whispered in her ear, before his teeth tugged on her sensitive lobe.

“Oh, I don’t know. Never been before.” She tipped her head to give him better access.

“There’s always a first time.”

She felt the wet touch of his tongue as he licked a path up the side of her neck. His husky voice fueled the fire burning in the pit of her stomach. Moisture leaked into her already damp panties. His hands roamed to the bottom of her blouse. One by one, he pushed the tiny buttons through each hole, working by touch alone, all the way to the top. Then he swept the flimsy cotton apart. The front clasp on her bra didn’t offer him any obstacle, as it too gave way to his deft fingers only to be pushed aside to free her to his scorching gaze.

His fingertips, soft against her belly, slid from her waist over her tummy to the underside of her breasts. He held them in the palms of his hands. She tipped her head the other way. He chuckled and granted her wish, placing love bites on that side, too.

“Tyler?”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s go up to bed.”

“What’s wrong with right here?”

Angela’s eyes drifted closed, and she trembled as he sucked on a particularly responsive spot. She gulped. “The…ah…curtains are open. Somebody could see in.”

“Sweetheart, it’s almost eight o’clock. It’ll be dark soon. Besides, you won’t be standing.”

He walked her backward until her legs made contact with the sofa. He placed his hand against her chest and with a devilish grin, gave her a gentle shove. Caught unawares and unbalanced, she toppled back, landing on her ass with a tiny bounce. What was with him tonight?