Prelude of Lies (20 page)

Daisy couldn’t seem to find that balance. Of course, Marshal and Jace weren’t circling each other like pro wrestlers either. That just pissed her off. She sat in a chair by the fire, putting her back to the lone couple on the makeshift dance floor. Most of Tucker’s crew had left, leaving the full-time residents the only guests. And Kay and Ed. Jace spoke with them by their car, goodbyes already said.

Ron and Eric had snuck off shortly after dinner, as was their routine. They’d become more open about their relationship over the past few days, but still couldn’t seem to allow anyone else to view the depth of their emotions for each other. Daisy could see and hear Ron’s true feelings when he talked about Eric. Despite that she told him how truly happy she was for him, he didn’t seem to believe her.

She figured both of their families resisting their relationship had something to do with that. Maybe time would make them see this group didn’t judge them and only wanted them to be happy and secure.

Daisy sighed, her thoughts heavy and morose. A hand tapped her shoulder and she looked up to find Tucker’s smiling face. His smile faded and she figured her irritation with his behavior must have shown a little too much. What was she supposed to think when he acted all sweet one minute and then did the ‘I’m so confused’ stuff the next?

He sat down in the chair beside her and put his hand on the arm of her seat. “I’m sorry for acting like a caveman.”

She turned to him. “While it’s flattering that you’re willing to fight for me, I’m not impressed. You and Graham are acting like children and I will not be the meaty bone between you. If you two can’t play nice, I’m not talking to either one of you. I can’t change who I am, or what I want, because you want me to.”

Graham sat on her other side and she stood to leave, not wanting her description about being the meaty bone between them to come true.

“Don’t leave. I wanted to apologize, too. Tucker and I talked about how awful we’ve been acting. And we’re really sorry. I’m sorry. We’re going to try our best to be nice, to each other and to you.” Graham placed his hand exactly as Tucker had done on his side of her chair.

She felt trapped.

“The thing is, I don’t know where I want to be. Who I want to be with or where my life is going right now. I like you both, but you know what? Neither of you has given me the chance to really get to know you. Tucker and I have a past, but it’s one colored with lies, hurt, and now expectation. Graham, you and I don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things. There are issues to be resolved and I simply cannot talk to either of you if you both act like I’m your personal property. I don’t want to have to choose and I’m not sure either of you even care what I think.” She leaned back in her seat, not sure if her words had come out the way she intended.

“Fair enough.” Tucker grabbed her hand. “Then, let’s just be friends. If something develops again, we’ll take it a day at a time.”

Graham grabbed her other hand, as she figured he would. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

They both seemed sincere. The way their colognes merged to create a seductive smell didn’t help her frame of mind. They were both very attractive and for a minute she closed her eyes and imagined them as one perfect man.

That thinking was dangerous. Soon her one perfect man daydream turned into a full-blown fantasy of two perfect men and one her. Soon she had to move or end up suggesting something she wasn’t sure she was comfortable with. Or maybe she was too comfortable with the idea and figured that would be a quick way to lose them both.

With a sigh, she stood. The band started an upbeat chord and she grabbed both of their hands. “Let’s dance.”

She headed down a path that either lead to despair or the best night she’d ever had. Tucker smiled, gripping her hand tightly. Graham hesitated, and then shrugged, joining them with a broad smile.

Soon, Daisy lost herself in the beat of the music. She’d forgotten how good it felt to dance her troubles away. She grew bolder as her body hummed with exertion and the fantasy that took on a life of its own. When they sandwiched her between them, she thought she might have an orgasm right there on the dance floor, fully clothed and in full view of anyone who happened to be paying attention.

The sensation was amazing and she loved the feel of their hands on her. At first, Graham was timid, barely touching her, but soon grew brave, each pass of his hands more bold. Graham and Tucker seemed to find some kind of common ground, each satisfied to share what she offered. She turned, staying within the circle they’d created around her.

After a while, she forgot who was who, giving them both equal attention with her dancing body. Sweat mixed with their clean-shaven odors and turned into the most sensual scent she’d ever smelled. Graham lost all of his apparent reservations about group dancing and his hands brushed her breasts and stomach while Tucker copied his movements on her back.

The music slowed and both men moved in, her body gloriously crushed, Graham’s arousal pressed into her stomach while Tucker’s pressed against her back. The whole scene was surreal.

Each seemed to have their side, either by agreement or default, their heads moved to her neck and she almost forgot to breathe as each kissed her flushed skin.

“We could take this somewhere private.” Graham licked the sensitive spot under her ear.

“We could. We definitely could.” Tucker kissed her neck and moved his hips against her back.

Daisy melted, unable to speak, she could only nod. She briefly glanced around for Sydney, wondering what her sister would say if she realized what was about to happen. Daisy decided she didn’t care. Sydney might be offended, but she’d be better off if she encouraged the same type of treatment from the two sniffing around her.

At least they’d be without secrets. Daisy made no promises to either man, and they’d made to promises to her either. Could this be one of those situations where she could have the best of both worlds?

Of course, she might hate herself in the morning.

Somehow she highly doubted that as a shudder worked its way through her overheated and highly aroused body. A hand slipped under the hem of her shirt and unhooked her bra. Excitement and energy surged through her as she went with Graham and Tucker to Graham’s cabin.

CHAPTER 19

Sydney blinked, not sure she’d just seen that. Had Daisy actually left the dance floor with
both
Tucker and Graham feeling her up? How much had her sister had to drink anyway?

She noticed the beer bottles floating in the barrel by the fire. By her quick count, Daisy had no more than the few beers Sydney had so she definitely wasn’t as trashed as Sydney feared.

Unsure if she should break up the little ménage or create one of her own, she struggled with conflicting emotions. Sure, the fantasy was one of great erotic possibilities. Two guys, one girl. The whole thing would revolve around her pleasure.

Only she didn’t think things would be that easy in the real world. As much as the idea of having two men at her sexual beck and call made her hot, she didn’t believe she’d ever be able to go that far.

Would Daisy?

Sydney shook her head. Daisy would if she wanted to and that’s all there was to it. That was Daisy’s decision to make, and Sydney would stay out of it, even though she knew she’d have to pick up the pieces when the whole affair came crashing around her. Eventually, the great sex would end and Daisy’s self-respect might go with it.

The dancing part looked like fun. Too bad she didn’t have the guts to suggest even that. Didn’t matter anyway since the band was loading the gear into their van. She hadn’t even danced with Jace and that upset her. For Sydney, the night was over. She might as well go back to her cabin, feed her cats, and get used to the idea that all her nights would end this way.

Marshal was busy setting up equipment near the pond. He hadn’t asked her to join him tonight and that bugged her a little. From the looks of things, he’d end up solo since Ron and Eric hadn’t reappeared and Dave had a family emergency half way through the evening.

Jace hadn’t come back after seeing Kay and Ed off. She’d heard a cell phone ring and watched as he disappeared into his camper. The lights still burned, but no movement shadowed through the windows. With a sigh, she climbed the steps to the cabin, tired, disappointed and worried for Daisy’s mental well-being. Sure, and a little jealous, too.

Trying not to think about it, she opened the door to the meows of her future.

After feeding the cats, she sat at the table, going through the mail that had arrived during their trip into town. Some personal banking information, a postcard from their parents’ cruise. Too bad they’d arrived home yesterday and had already relayed the information written on the back of the card. Since nothing seemed important, she tossed the envelopes in the basket with the rest of the unread mail. Eventually, she and Daisy would have to go through the stack, mostly advertisements and stuff related to the campground.

She tried to concentrate on tomorrow’s plans, but that didn’t take her mind off worrying about Daisy and wondering what kind of mental backlash came from sleeping with two men at once. Not that they’d do much sleeping. Sydney snorted, covering her mouth even though the cats didn’t seem to mind her outburst.

The same cold sensation wrapped around her legs. She moved her sore feet to the chair closest to her. Still the chill seemed to continue over the backs of her legs. She looked down, knowing she’d see nothing and was correct.

What was the deal? Did they have ghost cats as well as an infestation of real cats? She’d been glad to see their numbers hadn’t further multiplied while they’d been at the party. Two cats were more than enough.

A soft knock sounded at the door. Sydney paused, not sure who would be visiting this late. She peered through the window and saw Jace.

She opened the door, trying to act unsurprised and casual and knowing she came off as a bundle of nerves. Jace stepped inside, his attention on the new houseguests.

“So these are your new friends?” He reached out and scratched each cat in turn.

“Lazy beggars.” She tried to sound stern, but her tone definitely wasn’t.

“Names?” The calico seemed especially interested and Sydney couldn’t help the sting of jealousy. Jealous of a cat?

She was going mental.

“Prince and we haven’t gotten around to naming the female yet. She only just arrived.”

“And she seems completely at home. I think you should call her Princess.” The cat meowed and Sydney refused to think it was for any other reason than his vigorous scratching.

“Sure. That was my thought, too.”

He stopped scratching and faced her at her sarcastic tone. “You don’t like cats?”

“I do. I’m just . . .” Was she really going to tell him that she was afraid she’d end up as a pathetic cat collector?

“Just what?” He stood only inches from her now. His heat and scent filling her senses.

“Nothing. I like cats. Okay?” She swayed toward him.

He caught a section of her hair in his fingers. The next thing she knew she was closer to him than she’d ever been and didn’t want to move away.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to dance with you. There was a problem at the office I had to diffuse.” His words were soft, his breath caressing her cheek.

“You’re on vacation.” She tried to remember what he’d said.

“Yeah. That’s the problem with being the boss. You get to take care of everything and everyone.” His lips were now inches from hers, and she swallowed.

“Doesn’t it make you crazy?”

“Doesn’t it make
you
crazy?” He barely brushed her mouth and she swayed closer. “You make me crazy. I’ve been watching you all evening. Wanting you.”

Sydney lost her train of thought. She lost her ability to think. The only thing she wanted was to feel him, as close to her as possible.

He groaned. Or was that her? She had a brief moment of relief that she’d turned the main lights off before he knocked on her door. After that, she doubted she even knew her own name.

His kiss was tender, hot, and perfect, and she melted against him, loving the feel of his hands on her. He moved against her and it took several seconds until she realized they danced.

Moving his hands down her sides, Jace cupped her bottom, bringing her even closer. They moved in a circle, meshing as if they’d done this dance a thousand times.

Her back now against the wall, the seductive movement of the dance slowed as their hands took up the rhythm. Jace seemed to touch her everywhere, not lingering too long in the places she wanted him the most.

Sydney was drowning and didn’t care. Her reservations vanished as soon as Jace took her into his arms. If they could move like this, dance like this, without music she could only imagine what making love would be like.

Was she about to find out?

She stopped. As much as she wanted to, her heart was torn. Being in Jace’s arms felt right, but then she’d felt the same way when Marshal held her. Jace rested his forehead against hers. She reached up and touched his face, feeling the slight stubble on his cheek.

“It’s not you.” That hadn’t come out right.

“I see.” Jace released her waist.

Before he stepped away, she grabbed the front of his shirt. “That didn’t come out right. I’m not ready for this. There’s so much going on right now. I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore.”

He stayed, his expression unreadable and guilt filled her.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t come here with the intention of seducing you. I just wanted to talk since I ended up missing most of the party.”

“Don’t be sorry. I’m the one who’s sorry. I had this whole thought . . . Never mind. Believe me when I say this isn’t about you. It’s about me and my stupid morals. I just can’t, not like this, not without more. I’m not a one-night stand kind of girl.” She rested her head on his chest.

“Don’t tell me you’re still a virgin?” There was no humor or shock in his voice.

“I’m not, but I don’t have a lot of experience either.” She met his eyes, wishing he understood what she tried to say.

“What makes you think we would be just having sex? You don’t see a future between us?” He backed away and that stung.

“I don’t know what I see in the future, except a lot of work and stress with this campground. I don’t know what I want and I don’t want to have to decide.” She watched him rub Prince’s chin. How bad had she screwed this up?

“You’re talking about Marshal?” He didn’t turn away from the cat.

“Not necessarily.” She laughed, a hoarse, sarcastic sound. “I don’t know what to do, how to feel, what to think.”

He turned, understanding and compassion softening his words. “You’re saying is you feel pressure from both of us.”

“I’ve never had so much attention before. But, yeah. I am. My main focus has to be the campground and making the grand opening without letting your grandmother win.”

“Where does that leave us?” She hated the sad finality of his words.

“The same place we’ve been. If you’re still willing to help us then working toward the same goal. If you’re not, then I don’t know.” She tried to smile but was sure the action failed.

“Hey, I’m not going anywhere. I promised you I’d help make up for what Grandmother is trying to do. Besides, I haven’t had this much fun in ages. And before you ask, that ghost thing you do doesn’t scare me one bit. Gramps could do it, too. I don’t think he knew I saw him.” This time his smile was genuine.

Sydney nodded, relieved. And sad. “I really am sorry, Jace. You had me. My inner voice just wouldn’t be quiet.” She touched his arm expecting him to shake her off.

He surprised her by leaning over and kissing her tenderly. “No apologies. If it’s meant to be, those voices will let you know. Now isn’t the time. Doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying to convince you of what a great guy I am.”

He kissed her again, patted both cats and went to the door. “Thanks for the party. The food was great, everything was.”

“You’re welcome. Our pleasure.” Worry over Daisy popped in and must have shown on her face.

“What?” He leaned against the doorframe and she had to remind herself that she’d made the right decision.

“Daisy. She went off with Graham and Tucker.” She looked out the window, wondering again if she should intervene.

“What do you mean?”

She figured he must not have witnessed their little sexy dance party. “Well, they were dancing . . .” She explained the scenario, letting him fill in the blanks on his own.

“Oh. She’s an adult, Sydney. Capable of making her own decisions. You said yourself she wasn’t drunk, so she went with them of her own free will.” He didn’t sound appalled by the concept and Sydney didn’t know what to think of that.

“I know. I just worry that she’s going to beat herself up in the morning. Or get hurt, or too far into something she doesn’t want to be in.” And she was the slightest bit jealous of the freedom Daisy seemed to have. And because, after tonight, Daisy’s decision would probably be an easy one.

Jace raised his eyebrows but, thankfully, didn’t twist her words into sexual innuendo. “All you can do is be here for her if it all comes crashing down on her. Maybe she is making a mistake, but it’s her mistake to make.”

“You’re right. I know you are, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying.”

“I know. It’s your job to worry. Just remember you don’t have to take on everyone’s problems. I see you doing that and it’s not healthy.” He reached over and grabbed her hand.

“I can’t seem to help it.” She had to admit, talking to him like this seemed to put things into perspective. It was nice to kind of share her load.

“That’s what makes you so darned cute.” He kissed her nose. “It’s useless, I know, but don’t worry about her. She’s a smart gal and knows what she’s doing. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She leaned in, giving him a hug that hopefully conveyed some of the things she hadn’t been able to explain. Being with him like this had only confused her more. He actually listened to her and respected her opinion.

The problem was, so did Marshal. Both were equal, and Sydney had no idea how to make a decision. Her head hurt and so did her heart. How could she have managed to put herself in this position? Trapped between two attractive, nice, romantic, and perfect men?

As tired as she felt, she knew she wouldn’t be able to settle in any time soon. For one, there was Daisy to worry about. She might not even come back tonight. Sydney had no idea how long something like Daisy’s little ménage would take. She would hope at least hours.

Shaking her head, she stepped over a cat, wondering again where they came from. Tomorrow she’d call the local shelter to see if anyone had reported missing pets.

She’d never had a cat. But she wasn’t sure she wanted to give them up now. The pair made the cabin feel like a home. With every chore she could think of done. She went to bed. Maybe she’d wake up with a brand new perspective.

As if.

She locked the door and went to her room. If Daisy wasn’t back by now she wouldn’t return tonight. The guys would keep her safe, no matter what happened.