Taletha's Salsa Sweethearts

Studio Seductions 1

Taletha’s Salsa Sweethearts Taletha Hendricks, champion salsa dancer and owner of Rhythm and Motion Dance Studio, has always put her career before love. She’s had secret feelings for dance partner Morris Vetter for five years, but won’t risk their professional relationship by confessing her love. When a popular teacher is fired in the wake of a scandal, she tries to withdraw even more in order to keep business booming. That all changes when sexy new employee Adam Prachett shows up. He’s completely irresistible, and the stoic Taletha’s resolve starts to break down. But she quickly realizes she doesn’t want just one man: she wants two of them. Soon, she’s learning to loosen up and enjoy having it all. When a jealous stalker makes threats on both the studio and Adam, Taletha has to negotiate her body’s and heart’s desires while keeping her lovers safe and her business afloat. Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre Length: 35,545 words

TALETHA’S SALSA SWEETHEARTS Studio Seductions 1

Olivia Jordan

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

TALETHA’S SALSA SWEETHEARTS Copyright © 2011 by Olivia Jordan E-book ISBN: 1-61034-768-4 First E-book Publication: September 2011 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Taletha’s Salsa Sweethearts by Olivia Jordan from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Olivia Jordan’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Jordan’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION For Helena, Edith, and Ellen.

TALETHA’S SALSA SWEETHEARTS Studio Seductions 1 OLIVIA JORDAN Copyright © 2011

Chapter One “How many students have we officially lost to Matt’s so-called resignation?” Morris Vetter asked, looking over Taletha Hendricks’s shoulder to the spreadsheet she was staring at. Taletha tried to ignore the sensation of his breath on her neck, the way it always gave her goose bumps. “More people quit than I’d have liked. But it’s not like we didn’t anticipate taking an enrollment hit when I got rid of him. It was a necessary loss. You know we couldn’t keep him around” “Yeah, I just hate that we lost anyone at all. You’ve worked so hard to keep this place running.” “And it’s going to stay running, no matter what. Besides, it could be worse. We actually managed to retain a few of his more promising pupils when they found out that we were hiring Adam Prachett.” “I’m so relieved that you managed to snag him. I can’t believe he was willing to come all the way out from California to work here.” “Sometimes, people just need a change.” The intercom buzzed. “Ms. Hendricks?” a staticky voice asked. “Yes?” “Mr. Prachett is here.”

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“Thanks, Lynne. I’ll be right out.” She turned off the intercom and looked at Morris. “Want to go meet the new guy?” Morris glanced at the clock. “I’d love to, but I have to teach a lesson in five minutes. I’m sure you’ll introduce me later.” “Have a good one.” Taletha hurried out of her office toward the front desk. She almost lost her balance when she saw the elegant, sexy dancer standing there, chatting with her administrative assistant. His black hair was accentuated with red and blond highlights, coordinating perfectly with his jade-green eyes. He wore black pants and a green silk shirt, both cut and tailored to show off his slim, well-muscled figure. After taking a few deep breaths to compose herself, Taletha approached the front desk. “Hi, you must be Adam. I’m Taletha Hendricks.” Adam shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. You’re even lovelier in person than you sound on the phone.” Taletha knew she couldn’t hide the fact that she was blushing, so she let the redness happen, hoping that if she played it cool, he wouldn’t really notice. “You’re too kind. Now, I know you want to get started teaching, and I already have several students who are clamoring to work with you. So let’s head over to my office and get your paperwork taken care of.” “Who is this?” a high-pitched voice called from across the hall. “I thought I knew everybody who worked here!” Taletha tried not to roll her eyes. Despite her petite, refined appearance, Emily Hines was brash, loud, and frequently obnoxious. Taletha tried to shrug her personality quirks off as a general lust for life that was difficult to control. Plus, Emily was one of her most popular instructors. Taletha could overlook a few annoying habits if Emily could keep bringing in the money. But sometimes, her exuberance was just a little too much to handle. Especially when she was feigning ignorance over a new instructor with an already-established reputation, whose impending

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arrival Taletha had mentioned to the staff several times over the course of the past few weeks. “Emily, this is Adam Prachett. You know, the dancer I hired to be our newest salsa instructor.” “Pleased to meet you,” Adam said, offering his hand. “The pleasure is all mine,” Emily cooed, bypassing the handshake and tracing her fingers up Adam’s arm. He blushed with such intensity that Taletha started turning red as well. “Emily, may I see you in my office for a moment?” “Oh, okay, sure.” “Adam, I’ll have Lynne send you in when Emily and I are done talking.” “Cool.” Adam flashed a smile that made Taletha’s knees tremble, and for a moment, she was worried she wouldn’t make it into her office without tripping. Once they were safely enclosed in her office, Taletha took a deep breath and faced her employee. “Emily, in light of recent personnel changes we’ve had at the studio, I’d like to take a minute to remind you about proper behavior in the workplace.” “What do you mean?” “I mean that it’s not appropriate for you to run your hand suggestively up the new instructor’s arm. Or any instructor’s arm, for that matter.” “It wasn’t suggestive! I was just flirting.” “That’s the very definition of ‘suggestive.’ And flirting is never acceptable on the job. Outside of the studio, you can do whatever you want with whomever you want, but when you are at work, you will be professional at all times.” “I don’t see the big deal with a little flirting.” “Try to understand my perspective. I just had to let one of my best instructors go over a similar issue. And he really should have known better.” “This is totally different. I was just flirting.”

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“That was what he said, too. But most of his students didn’t actually appreciate his advances. Now, I don’t know if Adam did or not, but from the way he was blushing, you might want to make sure you didn’t make him uncomfortable.” “Who would be uncomfortable with a little flirting?” “Come on, Emily. Don’t tell me you’ve never gone out and been disturbed by some men’s advances.” Emily’s gaze dropped to the ground. “I guess that’s true, yeah.” “You’re smart. You know better than Matt did. And you’re a great instructor. I’m happy to have you as a teacher. So in the interest of being able to keep you on staff, consider this a warning. Keep all flirting out of the studio.” Emily nodded. “I understand.” “Good. You can go now.” Emily left and Taletha hit the intercom. “Lynne, send Adam back, please.” “You got it.” When Adam came through the office door, Taletha felt herself flush again. But the heat didn’t settle in her face. Instead, it spread all the way through her body, making her heart pound and her pussy twitch. Taletha, however, refused to be anything less than a complete professional. “Have a seat. I’m sorry about Emily. She’s a great teacher. She just sometimes goes overboard.” “It’s fine, really.” The office fell uncomfortably silent as Adam started filling out the stack of paperwork that Taletha placed in front of him. After a few minutes, Taletha realized she was staring at his hands, focusing on the way his fingers gripped the pen, the way his wrist moved as he wrote. She started imagining what it might feel like to have those hands on her body, tracing her curves, massaging her breasts, teasing her clit. Taletha’s pussy gave a sharp twitch. The intense throb brought her back to reality. Intent on getting herself back under control, she turned

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to her computer and finished balancing her spreadsheets while Adam finished filling out the contract and tax forms. She was relieved when the phone rang, glad to have a voice to pull her away from the sexy dancer sitting across her desk. “Rhythm and Motion Dance Studio. This is Taletha. How may I help you?” “So you’ve hired my replacement?” Taletha shivered as Matt Fairbanks’s voice filled her ear. “That tends to happen. When an employee leaves a place of business, the management does prefer to hire someone to fill the vacant slot.” “You got yourselves quite a catch.” “And how exactly are you privy to my hiring decisions?” “The announcement is on the front page of your website.” “Of course it is. I just didn’t expect that you’d be checking out the website of your former employer.” Matt’s chuckle sent a small shiver down Taletha’s spine. “It never hurts to stay informed.” “Matt, why exactly are you calling?” “I just wanted to let you know that I’m packing off and heading out for Europe.” “And why would I care?” “I figured you might want one last chance to change your mind and take me back. Maybe you’re regretting your decision? Maybe you realized that talent like mine is irreplaceable? Maybe you regret all the nasty things you said to me in your office?” “I wasn’t nasty to you, I don’t regret a single thing I said, and I am definitely not going to bring you back. You’re a liability. Take your irreplaceable talent over to Europe. I hope they enjoy it.” Taletha slammed down the phone. Her hands started shaking, and she pulled them under her desk to hide the evidence of her fear. Adam looked up. “I take it Matt Fairbanks didn’t actually resign, like you said he did.” “No, he didn’t.”

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“Mind if I ask why?” “Matt is an excellent dancer who needs to learn not to make romantic advances on students. Need I say more?” “Why didn’t you just fire him? Why the illusion of allowing him to resign?” “It was going to be quieter that way. The students who had been complaining just wanted him out. He was going to make a huge stink if he was fired. The resignation was a compromise. We both got what we wanted.” Taletha smirked. “Just as long as he doesn’t expect me to give him a good reference when he starts looking for new jobs. I never agreed to that one.” Adam chuckled. “I should hope not.” “Anyway, it’s time for Morris and me to practice. I’ll leave you with Lynne, and she’ll show you how to set up your calendar. Then you can start booking lessons.” “Sounds great.” “Would you be willing to work with some of Matt’s former students? I know more than a few of them are clamoring to work with you.” “They didn’t all defect when he left?” “Most of them did, but we managed to keep a decent number of them enrolled. Most of the people who stayed chose to keep their business here because I hired you.” “Well, I’d hate to disappoint on my first day at the new job. I’d be happy to work with them.” “Great. Just head over to the desk and ask Lynne to show you around the scheduling system. Morris and I will be done at noon if you have any more questions.” **** Adam tried to pay attention to Lynne’s instructions about the computer system, but Taletha and Morris were practicing in the main

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studio, which was separated from the front desk by nothing but a pane of glass. He had a clear view of every step, turn, mistake, and perfect moment. He also had a perfect view of Taletha’s long legs twisting and flicking in a short practice skirt. Although he’d been surrounded by elegant, sexy dancers since he learned salsa at sixteen, he had never been so captivated by any particular pair of legs. But there was something about the particular tautness of Taletha’s thighs, the curve of her calves, the glow of the slightly bronzed skin that immediately made his cock start fluttering. Dental work. Paying the bills. Gas stations. Adam tried to think of the least sexy things imaginable to keep his libido down long enough to get through the work day. Or at least until he could sneak off somewhere private to masturbate. “Adam? Adam?” Lynne snapped her fingers in front of his eyes. “Are you paying attention?” “Of course I am,” Adam said, shaking his head to bring himself back to reality. Lynne smiled. “I’m not so sure you were. But don’t worry. I know that it’s easy to get distracted when Taletha and Morris are practicing. There have been several mornings when I’ve lost more than an hour of my day because I was paying more attention to what they were doing than my own work.” “I don’t know how you get any work done at all. I don’t know how I can pay attention to anything else. That’s how you know a world-class dancer—when you can’t keep your eyes off of her at any point, even when she’s practicing.” “Sometimes, I just sit here and wish I could be Taletha.” “I’m a champion, and I’m not as good a dancer as she is.” Adam laughed. But I bet with enough lessons and hard work, you’d have it in you to be great.” Lynne laughed. “Doubtful. I might work at a dance studio, but that doesn’t mean I have any sense of rhythm or grace. Now come on,

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you really do need to learn to focus on learning the system so you can start booking lessons and making money.” Adam turned his eyes to the computer and struggled to concentrate. Finally, he had a rudimentary knowledge of how the system worked and put a few appointments into the system. “Okay, I’ll call the students to confirm the appointment times,” Lynne said. “You go and let Taletha and Morris distract you.” Adam settled himself on a chair near the back of the studio, hoping to stay out of sight. He didn’t know if Taletha and Morris were willing to be watched during rehearsal, and he didn’t want to make them self-conscious. But the allure of Taletha’s endless, slender legs compelled him to watch as the two of them worked out choreography and repeated difficult steps. The longer he focused on her body, not just her legs but also the movements of her hips and shoulders as she added accents to her movements, the more the arousal he’d tamped down began to rise back up. His cock fluttered to life, and he tried to turn his mind to unsexy thoughts. But the sight of Taletha turning and shimmying around the floor overrode every boring or unpleasant image he conjured up in his mind. It wasn’t long before his cock was throbbing beneath the fabric of his tight pants. I have to get out of here, he thought. Just for a minute, until I can figure out what to do about this hard-on. He stood up out of his chair, but in his haste, he stumbled, knocking both the seat and himself to the ground. Nor was the clatter he made unnoticeable. Taletha and Morris both stopped what they were doing and looked across the room at him. Fortunately, the sudden fall and pain caused Adam’s erection to settle down, so he didn’t need to think of a way to conceal it when they came rushing over to make sure that he was okay. “What happened?” Taletha asked. “Nothing serious. I just tripped over the leg of this chair. I’m fine, really.”

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She grinned. “Good, because I don’t want to have to deal with my new employee being injured on the first day.” “Are you sure you’re fine?” Morris asked. “I could run and get the first aid kid.” “I’ll probably have a bruise or two tomorrow, but I don’t even need a Band-Aid. My ass absorbed most of the fall.” “In that case, we should get back to work,” Taletha said. “You can keep watching if you want. We try to keep our practices closed, but since you were already watching, I don’t see the harm.” “Let’s take a five-minute break, okay?” Morris asked. “I really need to take a piss.” “Do you need to be so vulgar about it?” Taletha asked, rolling her eyes. Morris leaned in so close that Adam found himself inexplicably jealous. “I could be a lot more vulgar if I wanted to. But I know you’re hell-bent on professionalism.” He turned and walked toward the bathroom. Taletha turned to Adam and shrugged. “Sorry about him.” “You don’t need to be sorry. He wasn’t being obscene. I found Emily’s behavior to be far more offensive.” A look of panic flashed on Taletha’s face. “Oh my god, I didn’t realize you were that upset. I’m so sorry. I’ll have another talk with Emily.” Adam laughed. “Don’t worry about it, really. You already spoke with her once. If she didn’t learn anything from it, it’s her fault, not yours. I know how to handle things.” “Still, I’m responsible for my employees.” “Your employees are responsible for themselves. Now, can I interest you in a dance while Morris is taking his bathroom break?” “Sure, why not?” Taletha went over to the stereo and put on some music. Adam took his place on the dance floor, and as Taletha approached, he held out his hand. After waiting a few measures to get the rhythm of the

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song coursing through his blood, he started to move. He began with the basics to get warmed up, but after about thirty seconds, he was leading complex combinations that he knew would give even the most accomplished follower a challenge. Each time she twirled past him, he could breathe in her scent, light yet slightly musky, feminine and strong. His erection started to perk up again, but he focused on his technique, refusing to let it overwhelm him and interfere with his ability to lead. But as she shimmied and turned, he found once again that his body could not resist the allure of hers. Still, he kept his focus on the music, trying to keep his arousal at bay. As the song came to an end, Adam threw Taletha into a deep dip, stopping when her head was only three inches from the floor. As her breasts threatened to spill out of her tank top, his erection reached full force, threatening to burst through the fabric of his pants. “Now I’m really glad I hired you,” Taletha said as he pulled her up. “Not that I didn’t already know you were an amazing dancer. But now I have firsthand experience.” “Likewise,” Adam gasped, hoping she wouldn’t cast her eyes in the direction of his crotch. “Planning to steal my partner away?” Morris asked as he walked back into the studio.

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Chapter Two Taletha and Adam jumped away. Taletha couldn’t explain why she suddenly felt guilty for dancing with him, but she couldn’t bring herself to meet Morris’s eye. She shoved her hands behind her back to hide the fact that they’d suddenly started shaking. She felt her face flush and cursed the fact that she didn’t have a way to hide the color in her cheeks. Adam, on the other hand, was completely suave. “I was just keeping her warm for you,” he said with a wink before walking off the dance floor and heading toward the staff lounge. “Thanks, man,” Morris called out. “I always appreciate a dancer who can take good care of my followers.” “Anytime.” Adam gave Morris a thumbs-up as he disappeared down the hall. Morris turned back to Taletha. “I like this guy. I think he’s going to fit in well around here.” “Well, that’s why I hired him.” Taletha hoped Morris couldn’t hear her voice shaking. “Okay, we should get back to work. Do you want to take it from the top or review the section we just made up?” Taletha was surprised by Morris’s calm demeanor. “You’re not mad?” Morris narrowed his eyes. “What on earth would I be mad about? You dancing with a colleague while I was in the bathroom? Oh, the horror.” “I was just checking.”

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“What’s to check? We dance with other people all the time. That’s part of the job description, to dance with as many people as possible. If I had a problem with you dancing with other people, I’d convince you to marry me, and then convince us to find completely new jobs that didn’t require us to touch other people. Though if I were that uptight, I’d probably belong to one of those churches that forbade dancing, so it would be a moot point.” Taletha couldn’t help but giggle as she continued to stare down the hallway, catching the last images of Adam’s taut ass. “I guess I am being a little ridiculous. I don’t know what got into me.” The door to the staff lounge closed, but she continued to stare. She couldn’t help it. Morris frowned. “You’re into him, aren’t you?” “He’s a very good dancer.” “Cut the bullshit, Taletha. We’ve known each other long enough that we can’t hide a thing from each other. I can see it in your eyes, I can hear it in your voice, and most of all, I can see it in the way you’re blushing.” “He’s cute, but come on, most of the people in our profession are pretty attractive.” “Yeah, but you’ve never asked my permission to dance with any other guy before.” Taletha sighed. “Look, I’m sorry, I’m just being ridiculous. It’s been a long day already. I got a call from Matt.” Morris’s gaze narrowed. “What happened? Is he trying to make trouble?” “Nothing. I took care of it. He’s leaving town and just wanted one last chance to be an ass before we never had to deal with him again. But even though it wasn’t that big a deal, the conversation rattled me.” “Maybe you should call your attorney, just in case. And if you need me to, I can go talk to him.”

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“Look, we can discuss this at a time when we’re not supposed to be rehearsing. Let’s just get back to dancing.” “Are you sure that’s all that’s bothering you?” “Yes, I’m sure. Now hurry up. If I stand here too long, I’ll have to warm up all over again.” “You’d tell me if there was something going on between you and Adam, right?” “You know I would. But what can be going on between us when I’ve only known him for a few hours? Now you’re the one who’s starting to sound crazy.” Morris turned the music back on, and Taletha jiggled her hands, working the nervous tremors out. They started their routine from the top. But Taletha knew he was upset, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. His dancing suddenly became mechanical. Their steps were correct. In fact, this was the first time they’d run through the choreography without any mistakes. Their rhythm was perfect, and they hit every accent and break without hesitation. But Morris had lost the soul of the music, the essence of the dance. He led her through the movements like a robot. Taletha hated when this happened. It turned rehearsal from fun into work. Between teaching students and keeping up with the administrative tasks of the studio, Taletha had enough work in her life. Rehearsal was her respite from all of that. But for the last half hour, it suddenly became just another chore that needed to be completed. “I think we can call it a day,” Taletha said when there were ten minutes left. “We’re making good progress.” “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. See you later.” Morris turned around and hurried off to the staff lounge. Taletha didn’t want to follow Morris into the lounge when he was already upset. After shutting off the sound system, she went back to her office to deal with the never-ending stream of e-mails. At the top of her inbox was a message from Matt.

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You had your chance, but you blew it. You’ll regret it sooner rather than later. The terse message didn’t even bear a salutation or signature. The sparseness combined with the tone made Taletha shudder. Deciding to take Morris’s advice, she forwarded it on to her attorney with a note that she wanted to have a paper trail just in case. Then, she archived it, so she wouldn’t have to find it each time she opened her inbox. But she refused to respond. She refused to play Matt’s manipulative games. If she wrote back, she’d just be digging herself deeper into whatever mess he was trying to create. She was not going to let him intimidate her, and she was not going to let him drag her studio down. Deciding to cheer herself up, she got on the phone with her costume designer so they could start discussing outfit ideas for the new choreography. **** “What’s with you and Taletha?” Morris asked, closing the door to the lounge behind him. Adam woke up with a start from the couch where he had been napping. “Huh?” “What’s going on between you and Taletha?” “What, I’m not allowed to dance with a colleague? Sorry, I didn’t know there were rules against that here. Let me know if you have any other dance partners I need to leave alone.” “You know damn well it’s not about the dancing.” “Then why don’t you tell me what you mean.” “She was totally off after dancing with you.” “That doesn’t have anything to do with me. We just danced.” “I also saw the way you were staring at her when we were practicing.”

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“I didn’t realize there was something wrong with watching, either. Unless—you have feelings for her, don’t you?” Morris nodded, his face switching from a look of anger to a look of frustration. “I’ve been attracted to her from the moment I met her, and since then, what I felt has grown into love. But she has yet to reciprocate. Anytime I hint at my feelings for her, she suddenly gets skittish, and it takes two weeks for us to recover our equilibrium.” “Then you don’t have to worry, man. If that’s the way she feels about you, I don’t see why she’d feel any differently about me.” “So you are attracted to her.” Adam sighed. “Yes, I am. But there’s clearly no point in me pursuing her if I’m just going to be rejected. I’m better off looking elsewhere.” “Hey, boys, what are you talking about?” Emily burst into the room, breaking the tension between the two men, but putting them up on their guard. They both knew that she was nothing but trouble. “Just chatting about the studio,” Adam said. “Morris is giving me some of the ins and outs of the place.” “I could help you with some ins and out,” Emily cooed, sitting down on the sofa next to Adam. Morris rolled his eyes. “Come on, Emily. Grow up.” “Oh, it was just a little joke. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there? Adam has a good sense of humor, anyway, right?” She stroked her hand up and down his arm and looked shocked when he shrugged it off. But something about her touch made his skin crawl. The manner with which she approached him reeked of desperation, and desperation made Adam nervous. “I have a sense of humor, but Taletha gave me the details on Matt Fairbanks and his resignation. And some jokes just aren’t that great to make in the workplace.” “Aw, you’re not any fun.” “And I don’t see how you running your hand up and down my arm actually counts as joking. I don’t see anything funny about that.”

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“Maybe it’s not funny, but it’s certainly fun.” She began touching him again, as though he hadn’t rebuffed her advances moments before. Again, Adam’s skin began to crawl as she invaded his personal space. This time, to make sure she got the point, he picked up her hand and set it in her lap, then glared at her, making sure his angry eyes looked directly into hers. “It’s not fun, actually. I’d rather keep things completely professional between us, both at the studio and outside of it. You’re my colleague, not my girlfriend. Got it?” “Geez,” Emily said, rolling her eyes. “What the hell does everyone around here have against flirting? You people all need to loosen up. We’re dancers. We’re not supposed to be uptight.” “I’m sure some ballerinas would beg to differ,” Morris said. “Besides, I don’t think it would hurt for you to tighten your reigns a little bit. After all, we’re dancers. We’re supposed to be disciplined.” Adam couldn’t help but chuckle. Emily glared at both of them. “Fine, whatever. Be boring. I don’t give a shit. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lesson to teach.” She got up off the couch and stomped out of the lounge, slamming the door behind her. Morris shook his head. “We need less drama at this studio. Otherwise, that door is going to fall off its hinges in a week.” “Something tells me none of this drama started until I arrived here today.” “Well, it looks like you’re the direct cause of Emily’s angst. But don’t worry about Taletha and me. She’s been my main source of sexual frustration for the last five years. You didn’t do anything new by showing up and capturing her attention.” “That’s a relief, I guess. Especially because I know she won’t reciprocate my feelings, either. We’re in this together, I guess. Mutually lusting after Taletha from afar, doomed to be constantly rejected.” “At least misery loves company.” “Yeah. Hey, when do you have to teach again?”

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“Pretty soon, but I have a little time to hang out and chat if you have any questions about the studio.” “There’s this bar right around the corner that looks really cool. Want to go get a beer and commiserate? Or do you not want to drink before teaching?” Morris glanced at the clock. “I could have one beer. I just can’t get trashed.” “Cool, let’s go.” “What’s up, guys?” Taletha asked, walking into the studio. “We were just going to get a drink,” Adam said. “Want to join us?” “At three o’clock in the afternoon on a Monday?” “Why not? We need to, uh…” Morris trailed off, and Adam could see him struggling to come up with an excuse. “Celebrate Adam’s first day on the job.” “I figured we would celebrate on Friday night, at the staff outing to The Copa.” “Why not both?” Adam asked. “Man, I didn’t realize I’d hired a total party animal. I was actually thinking that since you don’t have any students scheduled until tomorrow, you could give Morris and me a lesson, pretending we’re first-time students. You have a great reputation, but I always like to do a mock lesson with first-time teachers to get a feel for how they work with clients.” “Sounds great,” Adam said. “I’m game,” Morris said with a smile. “We could probably stand to get some pointers from a dancer who has been known to kick our butts in competition from time to time.” Adam didn’t know what made him more nervous as the three of them walked out to the main studio, the fact that he was going to have to give his new boss and competitive peer a lesson, or the fact that he was going to have the opportunity to touch Taletha a second time. He hoped his knees would stay stable enough to keep him upright, and he

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hoped his hands would stay tremor-free as he guided the couple around the floor. “So, what did you want to work on?” he asked. Taletha smiled. “Relax. Just pretend we’re brand-new dancers. Act like we don’t know anything about dancing. Start as though you’re meeting us for the first time on day one.” Adam swallowed. “Okay, um, sure.” He shook his body out to release the tension, took a deep breath, and tried to focus on what he was doing. “Welcome to the studio. I understand you both want to learn salsa.” Taletha gave an impish grin. “Yep!” Adam tried not to laugh at her fake attempt at beginner’s enthusiasm. “How much dance experience do the two of you have?” “None! We’ve never danced before!” Morris also hammed it up, his eyes sparkling with all the fun he was having. “Okay, then. Let’s get started with the basic step. I’m going to start with Taletha. Morris, I’ll be with you in a second.” Adam taught Taletha the basic step, then showed Morris the beginner foot work as well. “Now that the two of you know the first pattern, let me put on some music and have you try it together.” Adam hit the stereo for the remote control, and a cheerful salsa beat filled the studio. Morris and Taletha grinned at each other. Adam knew that they were plotting something. They danced the first few steps fine, but then intentionally started making mistakes. Adam couldn’t help it. He burst out laughing. “A word of advice,” Taletha said, though she was obviously on the verge of giggles herself. “I suggest that you avoid laughing at your students when they make mistakes!” “That’s not why I’m laughing, and you know it. I’m laughing because it’s hilarious to see the two of you attempting to be beginners.”

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“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. But some of your students will screw up.” “I know that. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to teach anybody. It’s just funny the way you do it.” “Fair enough. “But come on, get back to teaching us. Correct our mistakes.” Adam swallowed his laughed. “Okay, the two of you got off to a good start, but we need to review the basics a little more, and I think one of the reasons you both got confused was because we haven’t really discussed dance frame yet. Morris, may I cut in?” Morris nodded. Adam took Taletha in dance frame in order to demonstrate proper posture. The second his right hand held hers and his left hand cupped her shoulder blade, his whole body burned with the desire to run his fingers up and down her curves, under the short skirt she wore, past the panties she had on underneath, so he could finger her clit and find her throbbing G-spot. Adam pulled himself to attention before his cock had a chance to get hard, though the buzz of arousal refused to leave his body. His cock refused to settle down completely, and still gave the occasional twitch and jump, no matter how focused he stayed on the lesson at hand. Despite his body’s refusal to cooperate, he pushed on, discussing proper form and leading Taletha into the proper footwork, then back-leading Morris. “Okay, I want the two of you to try it together again, now that you seem to have gotten the hang of things.” He turned on the music, and he started to worry when Taletha and Morris grinned at each other again. This time, though, they didn’t intentionally mess up. Instead, Morris started leading Taletha into advanced footwork involving tight spins and fast drops. Entranced by Taletha’s long legs and precise arms, Adam let the song run until the very end, struggling to keep his cock in line, but unwilling to make her stop dancing. He loved the way her hips wiggled along to the beat, the way she managed to roll her head to hit the legato accents, the way she smiled and really

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performed the dance, even though she was just fooling around. He especially the way her breasts jiggled slightly, the way they always bounced when Morris pulled her up out of a dip. When they finished, Adam burst into applause, and they took sheepish bows. “Well, I see that I am a genius teacher, able to impart advanced dance wisdom upon you via osmosis. I think we’re done here. Since I’ve managed to teach you so much so fast, you can have a $50 discount on my regular rate.” Taletha laughed. “You’re going to fit in well here.” Morris glanced at the clock. “Sorry to cut this short, but my next lesson starts in a few minutes. I need to take off.” “Thanks for helping out,” Taletha said. She turned back to Adam. “Want me to stick around and give you some more pointers?” Adam nodded. “Great.” Morris leaned in close to Adam as he walked out of the studio. “If you’re going to get that aroused by every student you have,” he whispered, “you might want to buy some looser pants.” Adam felt his face light up. “What was that about?” Taletha asked. “Oh, nothing. Really.” She raised an eyebrow. “Okay. If you’re sure…” “I’m sure,” he said, a little too quickly. “If you insist. Let’s keep going, then. Why don’t we switch gears, though? This time, just level with me as a pro. I’m interested in hearing your perspective on the way I dance.” Adam’s stomach knotted up as Taletha rushed over to put on some music. Despite knowing that he was a great dancer, he feared having to give his new boss any criticism. Especially when his new boss was so sexy. Adam didn’t know how he was going to control himself the second he touched her warm skin. His hands felt like they were going

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to burst into flames, and his cock began fluttering to life as she settled in his arms. But he wasn’t about to lose control. Not on his first day. Keeping his eyes focused on hers, he led her through quick spins and twists, looking for any flaws in her technique. He knew he wouldn’t find much. There was a reason she was one of the most celebrated salsa dancers in the country. He struggled to find something wrong as he threw out more complicated patterns, sending her into backbends and splits. As she followed with ease and precision, he became more and more enthralled in her movements. When the music ended and she stepped away, he felt a little sad that the dance was over. “So what did you think?” she asked. Adam opened his mouth, but he was completely tongue-tied. “That good, huh?” she said with a giggle. “I have to say, I’ve never rendered anyone speechless before.” After swallowing, Adam managed to find his voice again. “You’re a beautiful dancer.” She grinned. “You don’t have to flatter me just because I’m your boss.” “It’s not that you’re my boss. I mean it. That dance was practically perfect.” “The key word there is ‘practically.’ If it really had been perfect, you would have just said so.” “Well—I—uh—” “Hey,” she said, taking his hand. A jolt of electricity ran through his skin, but he took a deep breath and focused on what she had to say. “Don’t worry about it. You won’t hurt my feelings. I respect you as a dancer, and I want your feedback. I treat all of my instructors as equals, and I want them to tell me when they think I could improve. So please, don’t freak out. Just be honest.” Adam gave her a small smile. “Well, on that triple spin, your balance was a little off. I think you were locking your knees out, because you pitched forward.” Taletha laughed. “Thank you. That’s so good to hear.”

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Adam raised an eyebrow. “It is?” “Locking my knees out on spins has been my biggest downfall as a dancer. I’ve spent my life mastering it. But sometimes, it creeps back in. I need people to point it out, because I don’t really notice it. So see? You helped me.” “I guess I did.” “Now was that really so hard?” Now it was Adam’s turn to laugh. “No, I guess not.” “Good.” Her grin grew wider. “I’m glad. I want us to have a good working relationship. I want you to feel comfortable coming to me about anything.” Too bad “anything” doesn’t refer to sex, he thought. But he quickly banished the idea from his mind. There was no point in dwelling on something that wasn’t a possibility. Instead, he returned her smile. “I will.” Lynne poked her head in the studio. “Hey, we have a walk-in client interested in getting an introductory lesson. I was wondering if Adam was interested in taking her on.” “What do you think?” Taletha asked. “Ready to have your first student a little early?” “Definitely.” “Knock ’em dead,” she said as Adam followed Lynne toward the front desk. He turned back to wave at her, and thought he noticed her eyes lingering on his ass. But he dismissed it as a fantasy, and went to meet his newest client.

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Chapter Three On Friday night, the studio closed early for its monthly staff outing. Taletha was fastidious about her belief in team bonding. On the second Friday of each month she took all of the teachers and support staff out to one of the many local dance clubs. She always picked a different dance genre to ensure that all the teachers felt included, no matter what their specialty. That month, she took them to the salsa club. Taletha relished the salsa outings not just because salsa was her favorite dance, but because it was one that almost everybody knew, and as a result, it seemed as though everyone got the most out of such excursions. The staff all carpooled over to The Copa, splitting the high cost of downtown parking lots. Once inside, Taletha handed the company credit card over to the bartender. “Start a tab for everyone who came in with me. I’ll kick the evening off with my usual.” “You got it.” The bartender pulled down a martini glass and the top-shelf gin. Taletha sat back against the bar and watched her staff members relax and mingle after a hectic week. One of the first things that caught her eye was Emily standing next to Adam and stroking his arm. She felt jealousy flare up inside her. Calm down, she thought. They’re outside of the studio. They’re free to do what they please. Besides, it’s not like Adam is your boyfriend or anything. You don’t get involved with your employees. And he’s not interested in you, anyway.

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Still, she couldn’t help but keep the two of them in her peripheral vision as she gazed around the club. Since Emily had such a loud voice, bits and pieces of their conversation started to seep over toward Taletha. “So I was thinking, there’s this gallery opening tomorrow night. We should go.” Taletha couldn’t hear what Adam said, but she could tell from the look on Emily’s face that she didn’t like his answer. “Well, maybe we could meet up for a drink beforehand. I mean, I know this bar that’s pretty central to downtown, and you could go on to your thing, and I could go on to mine.” Taletha studied their faces, wondering what Adam was saying, curious as to what sorts of plans he had for Saturday night. “Well, maybe we could do Sunday brunch instead.” Realizing that Emily was not going to take a subtle rejection, Taletha downed the rest of her drink and walked over to where they were standing. “Want to dance?” she asked, extending her hand toward Adam “Of course.” He gave Emily a polite nod, and then wrapped his hand around Taletha’s. Taletha ignored the frown that settled on Emily’s features as she watched the two of them make their way toward the dance floor. The electricity that sparked through Taletha’s body when flesh met flesh made her knees tremble, and for the second time that week, she had to fight to maintain her balance in Adam’s presence. But she made her way onto the dance floor with confidence, striking an elegant pose as the band began to play its first few notes and Adam got the music into his muscles. “Thank you,” he said, leading her through some simple moves so they could chat and dance at the same time. “She just doesn’t know how to take a hint.” Normally, Taletha hated it when men were boring social dancers. She didn’t go out for small talk. She went out to move her body,

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enjoy the music, and toss back a few drinks. But when it came to Adam, she found herself willing to put aside her usual pet peeve in order to give him attention. She allowed herself to lean in closer to him, ostensibly to hear the conversation better, but mostly so she could feel his hot breath on her ear. “Emily is the kind of person who needs people to be obvious. You’re a sweet guy, but as a result, you’re way too subtle. You’re just going to have to be a little more aggressive with brushing her off. I can talk to her again if you need me to. I don’t want any drama between my instructors.” Adam flushed a little. “You think I’m sweet?” Now it was Taletha’s turn to blush. “Maybe.” “There’s a big difference between maybe and yes.” Taletha knew when she had been bested. She tried to keep her voice from shaking. He might have cornered her, but she didn’t want him to know she was nervous. “Yes, I think you’re sweet.” “And I think you’re single and deserve a sweet guy like me.” Taletha almost stopped dancing when she heard his confession, but she merely pulled back a little, so she wasn’t in danger of losing control and kissing him. “And I think it’s a bad idea to get romantically involved with one of my employees.” “So you like me?” Taletha wanted to say yes, but she couldn’t find the courage to speak. To her frustration, she just stood there, letting the awkwardness build between them. “Maybe I should resign, then.” Taletha actually did stop dancing when she heard his words. “Please don’t. This studio needs you. You’ve been here only four days, and already I have students raving about how wonderful you are.” Adam laughed, grabbed her hand, and started dancing again. This time, he started putting her through more complex patterns, and it was all Taletha could do to follow the conversation and the dance while

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keeping her raging hormones in check. “I promise, I won’t leave. For one thing, I don’t want to move back to California. For another thing, I enjoy teaching here.” “I’m glad.” “But I know I’d also enjoy you.” Taletha couldn’t help but blush. She searched for words, but nothing came out. Adam leaned in close again. She could feel his lips brush against her ear. “I also don’t think teaching and fucking have to be mutually exclusive.” As he spoke, the band started playing the closing notes of the song, and Adam threw her into a deep backbend. Bringing her up to standing, he placed a deep kiss on her lips. Taletha was already so horny that she thought she was going to come just from the sensation of his tongue exploring hers. But he pulled away too quickly. “More,” she found herself gasping. Adam laughed. “I knew you wanted me.” “I said I wasn’t going to get involved with employees.” Adam leaned forward, so that his breath rushed against her ear as she spoke. “No, you said you thought it was a bad idea. You never said anything about not wanting it.” Taletha felt her cunt start to throb with desire. “It’s a bad idea.” “When was the last time someone bought you a drink?” Taletha didn’t answer. Instead, she turned and started to walk off the dance floor, searching the room for Morris. Adam grabbed her hand. “You didn’t answer my question.” “It’s none of your business.” “It’s been too long, hasn’t it?” “Running a dance studio and competing take up all of my time. I’m too busy for a boyfriend. My career comes before my love life.” “And you’re really satisfied?” “A career doesn’t break your heart. I’m happy this way.”

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“I don’t know who hurt you, but whatever he did, I’m not like that. I promise.” Adam leaned in and kissed her again. Taletha had to actively resist the urge to moan as his teeth nibbled at her lower lip, sending sparks out all over her skin. “More,” she whispered involuntarily when he pulled away. Adam grinned. “That’s what I thought.” Taletha’s stomach clenched as she realized what she had done. She didn’t want to encourage Adam, didn’t want to be so tempted by her newest employee. But two kisses in, she knew there was no hope for her. Adam led her over to a dark corner of the bar, near the emergency exit. He shoved her against the wall with such heated desire that made her whole body quiver with excitement, grabbed her head in his hands, and pressed his mouth to hers with even more force than before. Her pussy started pounding even harder, desperate for a hand to brush against her clit, or even better, for a cock to fill her. Finally, she let herself give in to the pleasure and started to reciprocate, letting her hands explore his body. She snaked her fingers down his arms, feeling the trim, sinewy muscles that flexed beneath his skin. From there, she moved on to his back, then down to his ass, which she gripped with all the force she had in her. She felt his cock harden with each lick of her tongue, each nibble of her teeth, until it pressed full force into her pelvis, and she couldn’t bear to only imagine how it would feel to have him inside of her. When he raked his own hands down her arms, she began pondering leaving her credit card at the bar overnight so they could make an escape back to her bed. “What is going on here?” Morris’s irritated voice interrupted her reverie. Taletha and Adam jumped apart. “This…this…” Taletha tried in vain to tell Morris that the situation wasn’t what it looked like, but she couldn’t lie. She’d been kissing Adam, and she’d enjoyed every single second of it.

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“I can’t believe it. After all the years I spent waiting for you, getting rejected over and over, I find you making out with this guy four days after he arrives in town.” Taletha stared at Morris, willing herself to meet his angry glare. Her mind raced with excuses. Finally, she decided to just tell him the truth. “I never said you couldn’t kiss me. And you never asked.” “You’re telling me Adam got your permission?” “You never even tried.” “Then I’m going to make up for lost time.” Morris dove toward her and scooped her up in a kiss. The sexual tension that Taletha had been repressing for years finally bubbled back to the surface, and her body burst into a sheen of sweat as she finally tasted her dance partner, as she finally let her hands explore his lean muscles, as she finally let his hands grope her ass. As she squeezed his firm glutes, she felt her pussy clench in time with her hands. After several seconds, Morris pulled away. “What, do you enjoy watching?” he asked Adam. “I’ve seen the way the two of you look at each other. It was fun to watch the two of you finally give in to what you wanted. More than fun. It was hot.” Taletha raised an eyebrow. “You’re not jealous?” “Depends. Do you plan on kissing me again?” Taletha turned toward Adam and gripped her lips on his, enjoying the way his taste mingled with Morris’s. “Wait a second,” Morris snapped, grabbing Taletha’s shoulder and pulling her away. “Are you seriously just going to kiss us both?” Taletha had never pictured herself as the kind of woman who kissed two men on the same night, especially not right in front of each other. But she couldn’t deny that she wanted both of them. While she maintained strong feelings for Morris, Adam made her just as horny. “I want both of you. Why shouldn’t I kiss both of you?” Morris glanced up at Adam, and then back to Taletha. “Oh, why the hell not?” He grabbed her and kissed her again, letting his hands

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grip and tug at her hair, before releasing her into Adam’s arms. Her pussy was screaming for attention, but she was too wrapped up in the kisses to think of a way for the three of them to leave discreetly, especially after Adam kissed her and his hands began to snake around her thighs, brushing against the seam of her jeans, making her cunt twitch with desire. As she moaned, he increased the pace and the friction, sending her close to the edge, but not letting her fall off completely. Then she was back with Morris, and his hands caressed her breasts, teased at her nipples, as his tongue slid in and out of her mouth and his lips toyed with hers. She ground her aching pussy against his leg, trying to find some semblance of relief, but only getting hotter and hotter with each thrust. Taletha had just allowed herself to experience Adam’s next kiss when they were interrupted yet again. “What the fuck are you doing?” They all stopped and turned toward the voice. Emily was standing in front of them, hands on her hips, a glare set on her face. “Emily, I can explain,” Taletha said as she adjusted her shirt. “No. There’s nothing to explain. I can see exactly what’s going on. You’re a selfish bitch.” “That’s not really necessary,” Adam said. “Yes, it is, because she’s a selfish bitch. She gives all this talk about professionalism, and then the next thing you know, she’s making out with two men at once.” “Emily, I told you to be professional in the studio. I said that anything that happens outside of work is fair game, and that I didn’t care what you did when you weren’t at work.” “You’re still a selfish bitch. What, one man isn’t enough for you? You can’t be content with just one? You have to take all of the good ones out of the dating pool? You had to steal my man right out from under my nose?” “Emily, I am not your man,” Adam snapped. “You’re very nice, and you’re a great dancer, but you’re not my type. I’m sorry. I tried

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being subtle, but I guess you didn’t take the hint. I should have been clearer with you. I didn’t mean to lead you on. I apologize.” “It’s not your fault, sweetie.” Emily’s voice turned sickeningly sweet. “I realize how you might fall under the charms of another woman. She’s the one who should have backed off. She should have known you were mine.” “I don’t belong to anybody. I’m not Taletha’s, and I’m definitely not yours. And any chance you ever had with me has officially been shot by your jealous attitude.” Emily’s face formed a pout. “I saw you first.” “Technically, Lynne saw me first. But that doesn’t mean she has any more claim on me than you do.” “This is bullshit,” Emily snapped. “I quit. I’m not going to work for a bitch like you.” She threw her drink in Taletha’s face. Taletha gasped as vodka left streaks in her makeup and pooled in the cups of her bra. Emily turned on her heel and stormed out of the club. “Fuck,” Taletha gasped, trying not to cry. “Are you referring to the booze bath, or that you seem to have just lost another employee?” “Both.” To her surprise, both men hurried to embrace her. “It will be okay,” Adam murmured. “She was a pain in the ass, anyway,” Morris whispered. “You can always hire another teacher.” They immediately started stroking her again, placing kisses up and down her arms, around her shoulders, along her neck. Taletha rolled her head back and closed her eyes, allowing herself the comfort of their touch, the warmth of their kisses. But after a few minutes, the professional side of her brain kicked in, and she struggled to be free of their touch. “What’s wrong, baby?” Adam asked. “This isn’t right.”

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“But it feels so good. I know you’re concerned about dating your employees, but we can make it work.” “I can make it work, too,” Morris said. “I won’t let sex come between our partnership, I promise.” “It’s not about making it work. Emily’s right, I am a hypocrite. And as annoying as she is, she’s a great dance teacher. I can’t just let her get away. I will not let my indiscretions ruin my studio.” “Baby, what are you saying?” Morris’s voice trembled. “I’m saying that this was a mistake, and that I need to leave and find Emily so I can smooth things over and make sure she comes in to work tomorrow. I am not in any position to conduct a second job search right now.” “But—” “No buts. The studio comes first. I’m sorry. Actually, I’m not sorry. I’ll never apologize for putting work first.” “Don’t go,” Adam pleaded. “We’ve been having such a great time here,” Morris said. “I want to see where this goes. Even if it doesn’t work out the way I want, I can’t just shy away in fear. I need to pursue this, no matter what the outcome.” “That’s not an option, for a number of reasons, all of which you should already know.” “Please,” Morris said. “Please,” Adam repeated. Taletha shook her head. “I’ve already given my answer. Morris, please sign the credit card receipt for me at the end of the night and bring it with you to the studio tomorrow. This was a mistake, and it will not be happening again. Is that clear?” She pulled away from their pleading hands and headed for the exit, searching for Emily. She thought she heard them calling her name as she hurried out into the night, but she wasn’t sure if it was really them or if it was just some echo in the music that followed her out of the club.

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Chapter Four Taletha hurried through the crowded downtown streets, hoping to find Emily in the drunken throng that spilled off the sidewalk. When she realized the crowd was too thick to identify an individual, she headed for the nearest bus stop, hoping that Emily would be waiting there. Taletha’s panic grew with each empty stop that she passed, but once she hit the fifth bench, she found her employee, sitting there looking pathetic, not even bothering to hide the histrionic tears sliding down her face. For a moment, Taletha felt annoyed enough to consider turning back around. She wasn’t sure if she wanted such an immature and volatile person working at her studio. But I can’t lose another teacher right now, she thought. Especially not one as popular as Emily. That would mean the loss of two high-profile instructors in less than a month, and I’m not sure we could survive the enrollment hit. She swallowed her pride and sat down next to Emily. “Go away.” “Can I at least call you a cab? I’d feel much better if you had someone drive you directly to your door, rather than you having to walk from a bus stop at night. I know lots of people do it all the time, but I’d rather ensure that you’re safe.” “No thank you. Now go away.” “Look, I’m sorry we shocked you. Quite frankly, I’m a little shocked, too, and I’m not sure what it means that I kissed both Adam and Morris. But whatever is going on, I promise we won’t bring it into the studio. There won’t be any flirting, kissing, or drama at work. Is that fair?”

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“No, it’s not fair, because I want Adam!” “Then that’s something you’re going to have to work out with him, okay?” “You still shouldn’t swoop in and steal a man you know someone else wants.” “I didn’t steal him. Adam isn’t property that can be taken away. He made the choice to kiss me. He didn’t have to, but he wanted to. I didn’t manipulate him or cajole him. It just happened. So don’t treat me like I’m some sort of criminal, understand?” Emily sighed and wiped some of the tears away from her face. “It just hurt me so much.” “I am sorry you got hurt. But I promise that it won’t be paraded around at work. You know how I feel about that sort of thing. I’m not going to break my own rules.” “So you’re not going to fire me?” “Why would I fire you?” “I kind of ruined the whole night.” “You definitely didn’t. These things happen. I’m sure most people didn’t notice, and anyone who did has probably forgotten about it. They’re all too busy drinking and dancing to care.” “So I can come in to work tomorrow?” “If I didn’t care whether or not you came in tomorrow, I wouldn’t have chased after you. I went to find you and smooth things over because I want you to teach tomorrow.” Finally, Emily smiled. “Okay.” “Now, can I call you a cab?” “Actually, I think I might want to go back to the club. Do you think that would be okay?” “Of course! The night is still young! Let’s go live it up!” Taletha didn’t expect for her legs to start trembling when they got back to the club, but to her shock, she was suddenly a nervous wreck. She didn’t know what the kisses had meant or what either man wanted. She didn’t even really know what she wanted.

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Fortunately, Lynne pulled her away from the crowd the second she walked in the door. “That was so hot! Holy cow! What was that?” “So you saw?” “Everyone saw. We might have been pretending not to notice, but when you started making out with them, nobody could look away.” Taletha felt herself starting to turn red. “Everyone must think I’m such a slut.” Lynne shrugged. “Emily is the only person who seems to have had a problem about it. Honestly, it’s cool to see you loosening up.” “Well, I hope they got their fill of the show, because I don’t think it’s going to happen again.” Lynne gasped. “Why not?” “Because kissing them was a mistake. I wasn’t thinking.” “Sometimes, not thinking is the best way to get what you want.” Taletha shrugged. “I know what I want, but I’m conflicted about it. I can’t let romantic entanglements screw things up. What if throwing sex into the mix screws things up? What if it blows up, and one of them takes off?” “I don’t think that will happen. He seems to really like you.” “Yeah, but so do all the other guys I’ve been attracted to throughout the course of my life. And none of those have worked out.” Lynne shrugged. “What about Morris? I know you’ve been into him for years. And I know he’s into you.” “He’s not into me.” “You’re going to say that after the way he kissed you?” Taletha sighed. “Fine, you’re right. We’re into each other. But that doesn’t mean I should have let him kiss me.” “Why not?” “Do you know how many professional dance partners have gotten romantically involved and ended up nearly destroying their careers as a result?”

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“It doesn’t happen to all of them, though.” “But it happens to most of them. I don’t want to run the risk of ruining a fantastic dance partnership over my libido.” “You know it’s not just about sex with Morris, though. You love him.” “To have things fall apart over sex is one thing. To lose my partnership and get my heart broken at the same time would be even worse.” “I think you and Morris could overcome the odds. I have complete faith in the two of you.” “Thanks, but it’s just not a risk I’m willing to take” “You’d better explain that to them, then,” Lynne said, nodding in their direction. Adam and Morris had finally noticed that Taletha was back and were making a beeline in her direction. “Good luck. I’ll see you in the morning.” Lynne gave Taletha a quick hug and then disappeared into the crowd. “Everything okay with Emily?” Morris asked. “Yeah, I think so.” “What’s wrong?” Adam asked. “You still look upset.” “When one of your employees storms off, well—to say it’s distressing is an understatement.” “Emily was being completely irrational,” Morris said. “Irrational or not, she was feeling hurt, and I don’t want my employees getting hurt. That goes for the two of you as well.” Adam looked confused. “How could we get hurt?” “Sex sometimes makes things complicated,” Taletha said. “All of our hearts are on the line. I don’t even want to think about all the ways our working relationships could get screwed up if things go wrong.” “I won’t let that happen,” Adam said. “You’re too important to me.” “Me, too,” Morris insisted.

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“Look, nobody intends for relationships to go bad. But I’d be willing to bet that at any given time, there are more broken hearts than happy couples.” “But we could be different.” Taletha sighed. “Let’s just—let’s just go home and think things over, okay?” Morris nodded. “Okay. If that’s what you want.” “I do. Thank you both for an”—she gave a shy smile—“for an exciting evening. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need some sleep.” Taletha turned and slipped out the door. She hailed a cab and went back to her apartment, where she passed a restless night in confused solitude. **** “Did that just happen?” Morris asked as he watched the bar door swing shut behind Taletha’s deliciously round ass. “Yeah, that just happened. I have to say, that didn’t exactly go as I expected.” “Me neither. So, now what?” Adam shrugged. “Only one thing left for us to do—drink. How about I buy us some tequila shots?” Morris just shrugged. He was too hurt by Taletha’s sudden aboutface that even the thought of drinking away his troubles didn’t cheer him up. “Come on, man. A few drinks will lift our spirits, and it’s not like either of us needs to drive home.” The more Adam talked and tried to cheer him up, the more depressed Morris felt. I waited for years to kiss her. I was so patient, never wanting to push her. And then, the second she let me in, she freaked out and pushed me away. “I got exactly what I wanted—for fifteen minutes. I’m all the way back at square one.”

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“Come on, it was just a few kisses.” “Not to me, it wasn’t. It was the culmination of years of hope and unrequited love. Just when I thought it was safe to let my guard down, it turns out I was wrong. Now, I don’t know how I’ll even face Taletha when we have to practice tomorrow” “You care too much about her, and about the studio, to let yourself bring drama into things. You’re going to have a drink with me, and tomorrow you’re going to go rehearse and teach lessons, and it will be like none of this ever happened.” “It meant everything to me. This was a mistake. Now I understand why Taletha resisted for so long. If only tonight had gone differently.” “Would you really have had the evening be different? Would you rather it been yet another night of the same unrequited love that you’d been dealing with for half a decade?” Morris swallowed. “Yes, I would. Because Taletha not loving me was less painful than what I’m feeling right now. Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t feel like trying to party away my misery.” He shoved away the hand that Adam had placed on his shoulder and pushed through the doors, looking around for a cab. He heard Adam shout after him, but didn’t care. He didn’t want a buddy right now, and even if he did, it wasn’t going to be Adam. After several frustrating minutes pacing the crowded city streets, Morris quit seeking out an empty cab. Walking, pushing through the crowd in the brisk night air, felt good and helped his nerves settle down. However, the more he pondered the evening’s events, the more confused he became. The longer Morris spent walking and thinking, the more he obsessed about those perfect moments when he and Taletha had kissed, when she had moaned as he’d passed her back to Adam, and then a few minutes later kissed her again. His cock suddenly began demanding attention, began demanding relief from the tension that the kiss had created, a tension that had not completely gone away despite the unpleasant turn of events.

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Desperate to get home, Morris finally did hail a cab. As the driver moved through the crowded streets, Morris couldn’t completely leave his body alone. Unwilling to be a total exhibitionist, he contented himself to stroking the hard line of his cock pressed against his fly, using just his fingertip. But rather than provide any semblance of relief, the teasing sensation spurred him on more. When the cab finally pulled up at his apartment complex, Morris overpaid the driver, too horny to worry about getting change back. He dashed into his apartment, slammed the door, and started pulling his clothes off. Morris was too horny to move to the couch or the bed. Instead, he braced himself against the door and started pounding his aching, needy cock. Memories of Taletha’s lips on his filled his mind. Then he turned his thoughts to the sounds she made as his hands had caressed her while she was in Adam’s embrace. As the arousal raced through his body, he began to realize that he’d enjoyed sharing Taletha because it had allowed them to give her more pleasure than she could experience with just one man. Suddenly, his mind switched from memories of the evening to projections of the future, Taletha sandwiched naked between their bodies, his cock deep inside her cunt, Adam’s inside her ass, both of them thrusting harder and harder until she was screaming with orgasm. The thought of both of them getting Taletha off at the same time sent Morris’s own body into overload. An electric sensation surged through him and his cock released, splattering cum up onto his chest and down onto the floor. Finally sated, Morris stumbled to the shower. The warm water revived him, and soon his brain was buzzing with more thoughts about what happened at the club. He settled down on the couch to watch a little TV in order to settle his nerves. The soft glow of Friday night syndication had an instant sedative effect, and before he knew it, he passed out and slept until morning. ****

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Adam knew he looked dumbfounded, but he couldn’t help it. He’d just been blown off twice within the last hour, first by the woman he wanted, and then by the man who he’d thought would help him drink away the frustration. Instead, he was left standing in the club, surrounded by people he barely knew, in a city with which he wasn’t at all familiar. He decided to try and salvage what was left of the night, starting by going to the bar and ordering a shot of tequila. He’d barely had time for the burn in his throat to dissolve when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and found himself facing Emily. “Can I buy you another one?” she asked. “Thanks, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” “Why not?” “I don’t want to get shitfaced and do something stupid.” Emily hopped up on the barstool and crossed her legs. She eased up against the bar and stuck out her chest, showing off her breasts, pushed up by a bra and peeking out of her tight shirt. Once again, he shuddered, and scooched away as much as the barstool would allow. “Oh, come on. Why do you have to be so mean?” she asked, her lips forming a pout. “You’re attracted to me, and I’m not attracted to you. So I don’t want there to be any flirting or teasing between us. I don’t want there to be any confusion. We are not lovers, and I don’t think we ever will be. I’m sorry. You’re lovely. It’s just not going to happen.” “You’re just saying that because you’re into Taletha, and you’re reeling because she broke your heart.” “Taletha didn’t break my heart. These things happen” “Everything would be as good as new right now if you danced with me.” “I don’t think that’s a good idea. We’ve both been drinking, and I’m not convinced you won’t try to make another move on me. Which, for the record, I don’t want you to do.”

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“You’re just saying that because you don’t know what you want.” Emily leaned over and placed her head on Adam’s shoulder. “I could prove that you want me, if you’d just give me a chance.” Adam hurried to stand up. As he rushed from her touch, Emily lost her balance and slipped from her barstool. Although he didn’t want to keep encouraging her, he couldn’t find it within himself to let her crash to the floor, so he grabbed her arm and pulled her back into a sitting position. Emily took the opportunity to grab his wrist and pull his face toward hers. Adam realized what was going on, and managed to miss the kiss by a few inches. Her lips pressed against the air. “You’re such a tease,” Emily whined. “Excuse me from trying to keep you from falling. Though really, you probably deserve it, given the way you’ve been acting. But it’s against my principles to allow a fellow dancer to get hurt.” Emily narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean, I probably deserve to fall?” “I mean you won’t leave me alone even though I’ve told you repeatedly that I’m not interested in you. You keep flirting even though I say I don’t want any of that between us. You acted like a total brat tonight in front of everybody. I try not to be judgmental, and I certainly try not to wish physical harm on people, but quite frankly, my patience is wearing thin. I wouldn’t exactly feel sorry for you if you’d taken a tumble to the floor.” “Damn, you’re an asshole.” “Would me being an asshole make you leave me alone? Because if that’s the case, I’ll be a jerk all the time.” “Doesn’t change the fact that you’re hot, and I want you. Come on, we’re going to dance.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him off of his barstool, heading toward the dance floor. Adam let his body go heavy, so that she couldn’t drag him along. “No. I don’t want to dance with you.”

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“And you have bad manners. You’re only supposed to refuse a dance if you’re tired, or if you really don’t like the song.” “I am tired. I’m tired of your shenanigans.” “That doesn’t count.” Moving as quick as a whip, Emily reached out and grabbed Adam’s crotch. His cock started to spring to life at the unwanted attention, but Adam’s mind was disgusted at her touch, and the brief moment of arousal quickly fizzled out. Adam grabbed Emily’s wrist and pulled it away. “Ouch! You’re hurting me!” “Don’t grab my junk, okay? Don’t keep bothering me, and don’t you dare try to use alcohol as an excuse tomorrow, understand? Leave me alone!” “Let go!” “Do you understand that you’ve officially crossed the line into sexual harassment? Do you? Do you realize you could get fired for what you just did?” Emily stopped struggling, and looked at Adam with tears in her eyes. “I don’t want to lose my job.” Adam didn’t feel even the slightest hint of pity for her tears. He didn’t even believe they were real. “Then quit hitting on me. Do you understand? If you bother me one more time, I will report you, and you will be out of work. Got it?” Emily nodded. “Got it.” “Good. Have a good night. I’m going home.” Adam hurried out of the club and grabbed a cab. Only when he was safe inside did he start to breathe normally.

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Chapter Five Unable to get much sleep the night before, Taletha roused herself out of bed at seven o’clock, far earlier than her normal time on a Saturday. After a quick shower and breakfast, she was at the studio at eight, two hours before they were open, and ninety minutes before she typically arrived for the day. But too confused and high-strung to relax, she decided to go in and throw herself into work. Bookkeeping always demanded a great deal of her attention, so she opened up her spreadsheets and started balancing the checking and savings accounts, reviewing the studio budgets, and figuring out what sorts of planned expenses she wanted to incur in the coming year. Lynne knocked on her door at nine-thirty. “Hey, are you feeling okay? I noticed you rushed off last night.” Taletha shook her head. “I was such an idiot. I know I was completely immature. I just couldn’t face them. I mean, getting involved with my dance partner? My employees? Two guys at once? Am I going crazy?” “No, you’re loosening up and learning how to relax.” Taletha raised an eyebrow. “You seem completely chill about all of this.” “People get involved with dance partners and employees all the time. This isn’t anything new in the dance world.” “People also typically don’t get involved with two partners at once.” “So what? Did you enjoy kissing them both?” Taletha could not force away the smile that burst onto her face as she remembered the previous night. “Hell yes, I enjoyed it. I had two

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guys making out with me at the same time. Four lips, four hands—it was amazing. I’d never felt anything like that before.” “Then what are you so worried about?” Taletha shrugged. “I don’t really know. Jealousy, I guess?” “Neither of those guys seemed all that jealous. Morris definitely looked pissed at first, but he changed his tune the second you kissed him. Maybe you should figure out what’s running through both of their heads before you start getting too paranoid about things not working out.” Taletha chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Still, I backed out before things had much of a chance to get carried away. I think I made the right decision about that.” Lynne shrugged. “If you say so.” “You don’t agree?” “No, but I’m not like you. I couldn’t spend my entire life putting romance on the backburner for the sake of my career. You’re one of the most disciplined people I know. If I wanted a guy and he wanted me back, nothing could stand in my way. And if there were two guys, I’d be doubly motivated. I wouldn’t stop to think. I’d just dive right in.” “You wouldn’t be afraid of getting hurt?” “Fear is what holds you back. If you let it control you, you’ll never be happy. Anyway, I really should get over to my desk and make sure I’m ready for the start of the day. See you later.” “Later,” Taletha said. She tried to turn her focus back to her work, but she couldn’t focus. Both her body and her heart were clamoring, and they overrode her brain. Her lips wanted to be kissed again. Her pussy wanted to be touched, and then filled. And when she allowed herself a chance to think about it, she yearned for a connection that transcended both work and sex. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to go after her desires.

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Maybe Lynne has a point, she thought, shaking her head at the columns of her spreadsheets. Maybe I’m not disciplined at all. Maybe I’m controlled by fear. Maybe I’m a coward. **** Morris was as unobtrusive as possible when he arrived at the studio for practice. He was glad that Lynne was on the phone with a student when he walked through the main doors. A quick nod was the only greeting he needed to give. There would be no need for him to bring up the events that the entire staff had witnessed the night before. Taletha’s office door was ajar, but he didn’t dare peek inside. Instead, he hurried to the staff lounge, where he put on his dance shoes and started stretching. But when four o’clock rolled around, he couldn’t bring himself to leave the quiet safety of the staff lounge to face Taletha for rehearsal. “I can’t believe it. I’ve become a total chicken,” he said, grateful that nobody else was there to hear him talking to himself. He paced around the floor a few times, trying to decide what to do. Five minutes later, Taletha poked her head in. “Doesn’t anybody knock around here?” Morris asked. “Um, in case you’ve forgotten, this is not a private room. The door doesn’t even have a lock on it.” Morris blushed, suddenly realizing how idiotic he’d sounded a moment before. “You’re right. I’m being ridiculous. I just–I mean–I feel a little awkward after what happened last night.” Taletha lowered her gaze to the ground a moment before lifting her head and looking him square in the eye. “Don’t worry about it. Trust me, I don’t exactly feel confident myself. I’m nervous, and still a little confused about what I want. I’m willing to bet that Adam feels about the same way we already do. But we can’t let any of that come between our partnership, okay? That’s the last thing I want, and the reason I got skittish last night. Come on, let’s practice.”

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“Okay,” Morris said, trying to keep a straight face. Although he knew better, part of him had insisted on hoping that Taletha would have suddenly become confident after a good night’s sleep and that she would have suddenly decided that a relationship between the three of them was worth the risks. But she was as reserved as ever. As they went through their warm-up exercises, Morris tried to banish all painful thoughts from his mind. You’re not here to be pushy. You’re not here to be aggressive. You’re not here to fuck your boss and dance partner, at least not right this second. You’re not here to fall in love. You’re here to dance, and you’re here to be the best. As they finished their drills, Morris found that he finally felt normal for the first time all day. “Do you want to run through what we have so far with music, or do you want to start choreographing the new section?” Taletha asked. “Let’s run it from the top. I was feeling good about how we finished things yesterday, and I want to go through it all again before moving on.” Taletha turned the music on. As soon as Morris’s hand touched hers, he wished he could stop the rehearsal, take her into her office, and finish what they’d started the night before. These hands caressed me last night, he thought. And those lips kissed me. Still, he was determined to make it through their practice session without feeling sorry for himself. As the musical introduction passed, he launched himself into the dance, putting forth as much energy as he could muster. He threw every bit of strength into each step, each turn, each dip. The sweat was streaming off of his body before they were even thirty seconds into the song. His endorphins kicked in not long after, and Morris finally allowed himself to get lost in the dance, the one thing that never failed to lift his spirits, no matter how much trouble he was facing in the rest of his life. When the music ended, he stepped away from Taletha, breathless, smiling for the first time all day. But his expression faded when he saw the angry look on her face. “What the hell was that?”

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“What do you mean?” “What do I mean? You were so rough you hurt me! I’ve never been dragged around the floor like that by anyone, ever. Not even the least experienced leader I ever danced with was that rough.” “I’m sorry, I didn’t─” Taletha didn’t give him time to finish. “Look! Just look at this!” She waved her left hand in his face. It was red from the wrist to the knuckles. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry, Taletha. I didn’t realize I was being so aggressive with you. I was just trying to lose myself in the dance, to really feel the music. I swear, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” “Somehow, I don’t believe you. You’re still pissed about last night, aren’t you? You’re mad that I haven’t magically made up my mind, and now you’re trying to hurt me!” Morris was not about to let Taletha make unfounded accusations. “Yes, I’m still frustrated about last night, but damn it, Taletha, I would never hurt you. You’re my dance partner. If you’re hurt, I don’t dance. My whole career revolves around keeping you safe.” “Nice to know that I’m just a moneymaking asset for you.” “Oh, come on. You know what I mean, and you also know how much I care about you. So why don’t you tell me exactly what’s going on to make you so upset?” “I’m not upset.” “Yes, you are.” “Only because you were so aggressive that you hurt me while we were dancing.” “And I apologized. I’ll calm down, and I’ll be gentle. What more can I honestly say or do?” Taletha sighed. “Nothing, I guess. Let’s just start choreographing the new section.” ****

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The afternoon dragged on. Even after she let the painful first dance go, knowing that he had not meant to hurt her, things were not getting easier between them. They were both obsessing about the night before, and they were both letting it interfere with their dancing. As he had been earlier in the week, Morris was wooden and boring. His technique was precise and his focus was sharp, but his dancing didn’t have any passion or soul. Taletha regretted yelling at him for being so aggressive earlier. As difficult as it had been to dance with him then, at least he had more enthusiasm than she’d seen in the entire past week. Now, he was completely devoid of emotion. Taletha, on the other hand, was struggling to keep her attention on the dance. The more time she spent touching Morris, the less able she was to deny the connection they’d shared the night before. Even the most casual, distant touch sparked memories of the kisses and caresses she’d had with Adam. Her mind kept filling with images of the two of them naked in her bed. Sometimes, when she got really distracted, she could even picture her waking up sandwiched between them, feeling happy and cared for. Things became even more difficult when Adam walked in to teach his five o’clock lesson. The second he and his student walked to the other side of the ballroom, Taletha couldn’t resist keeping watch out of the corner of her eye. She noted the way he avoided eye contact with either of them, the way he made exaggerated hand gestures and joked with his student a bit too loudly. She was drawn to the way his face tried to hide his emotions, but she was even more focused on his body and the memories of being pressed up against it. “Now who’s having the problem?” Morris snapped. Taletha shook her head, coming back to earth after several moments of clandestinely staring at Adam’s ass. “Sorry, I just got a little distracted.” “You’ve been a little distracted all day. You’ve been completely distracted ever since Adam walked in.”

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“I’m sorry. Let’s just take it from the top. I’ll do better, I promise.” “No. I’m sick of this. You can’t insist you want professionalism, yell at me for having a bad day, and then spend half our rehearsal lusting after his junk. I’m done. You can call me when you want to stop being a hypocrite.” He turned and stormed off the dance floor. Taletha gave a quick look over her shoulder. Adam and his student seemed oblivious to what had just happened. She hurried to her office, slammed the door, and locked it shut before anyone had a chance to notice that something was wrong. After twenty minutes of trying to focus on mundane administrative work, Taletha gave up on trying to focus. Her mind was reeling, her body was tired, and her heart was aching. The day is shot, and the studio closes in five minutes. I might as well go home. She packed up her things, unlocked the door, and nearly smacked Adam in the face as she opened it. “We need to talk,” he said. Not having an excuse not to, nor any escape route, she shrugged. “Come on in.” “Hold on. I think Morris will want to join us.” “I don’t think he wants to talk to me anymore than he actually has to.” “I’ll go ask him. Just wait here for us, okay? Please don’t disappear like you did last night.” The accusation made Taletha want to cry, but she kept her face rigid, unwilling to show any weakness. She sat back down in her desk chair and closed her eyes until she heard two sets of footsteps coming down the hall. Adam gave a courtesy knock on the doorframe. “Mind if we come in?” Taletha gestured to the small couch. “Sit down. Can I get either of you anything?” “I’m fine,” Morris said, not making eye contact with either of them.

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“Adam, what did you want to talk about?” “Do you even need to ask?” Taletha shrugged. “What do you want from me? I had to get the conversation started somehow.” A knock on the doorframe made all three of them jump. Lynne poked her head in. “Taletha, I’m headed out for the night. I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Thanks! Have a good night.” “Likewise.” Lynne cast an obvious wink in her direction. “So, where were we?” Taletha asked, trying to recover her equilibrium. “I wanted to talk about last night,” Adam said. “That is, if anyone will let me get a word in edgewise.” Taletha felt her cunt pounding with desire. She found she didn’t care about the awkwardness they were all feeling or the consequences that might arise from fucking them. Her mouth spoke before her brain had a chance to filter out the words. “We can’t possibly have a rational discussion when I want the both of you so badly. Why don’t we pick up this train of thought out in the main studio? Everyone else is gone for the night. We have the entire place to ourselves.” “What about talking?” Taletha started to lean in toward Adam, but then stopped herself. She couldn’t deny that he had a point. But her body had taken a backseat to her brain for far too long, and at the moment, she didn’t think she was capable of any serious sort of discussion. She pressed her finger to Adam’s lips. “We’ll talk later, I promise. For now, let’s just enjoy the fact that the three of us are all alone, we’re horny, we’re pretty, and we have a bunch of mirrors so we can watch ourselves fuck.” Adam looked pensive for a moment, and then opened his mouth just enough to slide her finger between his lips. He sucked it in and

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out, moaning as he did so, little waves of energy shooting out of her hand and all the way through her body. Finally dragging herself away from the pleasurable sensation, Taletha pulled both men to their feet and guided them into the main studio. She turned on the stereo and put on a slow song and began to strip for them. She twirled around the floor, making sure they both got a look at her body, allowing them to savor the last moments of anticipation before she finally let them see her naked. Turning her back to them, she slid her cardigan down her arms, making sure they got a good look at her toned shoulders. Then she loosened one tank top strap, but stopped there, letting herself enjoy dancing for the first time all day. Finally, she loosened the other strap, and then soon after that, she pulled the tank top over her head. Taletha had chosen to go braless that day, and Morris and Adam both gasped as her breasts came into view. She made sure to shimmy a bit so they could see the way her curves bounced along to the music. Both men started pressing their hands against the erections that were becoming more and more prominent against their jeans. Morris went so far as to loosen his belt. Taletha walked up, put her hand on his to stop him, and then rebuckled the leather. “No. You only undress when I say you can. Is that clear?” “Yes,” he gasped. Taletha looked over at Adam. “Do you understand that as well?” Adam didn’t speak, only smiled hard and nodded. “I asked you a question,” Taletha said, raising her eyebrows to let him know she meant business. “Do you understand that you don’t remove any of your clothes until I say so?” “Yes,” Adam whispered, his voice hoarse, as though he was thirsty. “Good. I’m glad we all understand each other.” Taletha returned to her dance, shimmying around a little while longer before she unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans. But she didn’t slide the denim down her legs immediately. She kept spinning and

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stepping, letting the jeans slide down on their own during the course of her movement, inching lower and lower until they had fallen around her ankles, and she had no choice but to kick them off. She was a little nervous about trying the maneuver with her shoes still on, afraid that she’d trip, but utilizing her dancer’s coordination, she stepped out of the faded denim without a single stumble. Taletha turned her back on her men and gyrated her hips in big, slow circles, making sure they got a good view of her still-hidden ass. Looking over her shoulder, Taletha saw that the men were both becoming more desperate with each passing second, and that they were rubbing their palms up and down the rigid lines of their cocks. Shaking her head, Taletha walked back over to them, and took their wrists in her hands. “I don’t think so. You don’t undress until I say so, and you also don’t touch yourselves until I say so. Do I make myself clear?” They both nodded. “Neither of you answered my question. I said, did I make myself clear?” “Yes,” they groaned in unison. Taletha smiled and shimmied away She hooked her thumb around the elastic of her panties, pulled it away from her hip, and then let go, snapping it back into place. She giggled as Adam and Morris both winced as it settled back on her skin. Taletha repeated the tease five more times before she finally allowed her panties to fall down around her ankles. Stepping away from the fabric, she walked toward her men. She placed a deep kiss on Adam’s lips, allowing herself all the pleasures she’d indulged in the night before. Then, she gave Morris a turn, allowing her tongue to mingle with his, using her teeth gently on his bottom lip. “Take off your belts.” They didn’t hesitate to obey, the metal buckles clattering to the floor. “Now your shoes.”

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She smiled at the frustration as they hurried and then stood at attention, desperate for her next instruction. “You’re both doing such a good job of obeying the rules. But I think even I’m starting to get a little impatient now. I want you both to remove the rest of your clothes, as fast as you possibly can.” Fabric flew as shirts were shrugged off, jeans were kicked away, and boxers were shoved away. Taletha couldn’t stop grinning as she stared at the two sexy, naked men standing in front of her. They were both lean and well muscled, both perfectly proportioned, though they were both completely unique. Morris had olive skin that was accentuated by the studio lights, but Adam was pale, and the dark hair that curled around his cock stood out in contrast. His cock was longer than Morris’s, but Morris’s was thicker. For a moment, Taletha got lost in her indecision, unsure of which one she wanted first, and what to do with the other while one of her men was pounding her into ecstasy. “On your knees, both of you.” Taletha gathered up some of the clothes that had been scattered around the floor, creating makeshift cushions for their joints. She positioned them both in profile to the mirror. Then she settled herself down between them, taking Morris’s cock in her mouth. “Oh fuck, yes,” he gasped. Taletha pulled her mouth away from his cock and slowly spiraled her tongue around the smooth head before diving her mouth back down along his shaft. Balancing on one hand, she used the other to caress his balls as she began to slide her lips up and down. After a few thrusts, she felt Adam grip her hips. “You want my cock in your pussy?” “Mmmhmm,” she murmured, making sure to slow her thrusting so that Morris felt every vibration. In response, Morris gasped again, and buried his hands in her hair. Taletha stopped moving for a moment in order to give Adam a chance to enter her. She sucked her breath in as she felt the tip of his

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cock slide between her pussy lips and then pause for a moment before plunging in. She groaned as her cunt tightened up around him, and Morris tugged on her hair as the pulsations from her voice overwhelmed his cock. Adam waited until Taletha started moving again, allowing her to set the pace for both of them. Once she found the rhythm she liked, she peered out the corner of her eye to see the three of them in the mirror, all on their knees, a chain of pulsating sex that was only going to be broken by orgasm. She saw Adam and Morris both staring into the glass, completely entranced by the vision as well. To her surprise, Morris started taking control, using the hands still tangled in her hair to speed up the thrusts. Adam responded immediately, matching the new speed, and then exceeding it. It wasn’t long before Taletha found herself overwhelmed by the frenzy, losing all sense of space and time as her lovers surged in and out of her body. When Adam reached up and scratched his nails down her back, she lost her last thread of control. Her cunt clenched even tighter and the release rocketed through her body, sending all of her limbs shaking with electricity. The muffled scream she let loose on Morris’s cock set him off, and as he gave one sharp yell, she found herself drinking him down, savoring the taste she had been yearning to try for years. “Yes, Taletha, yes,” Adam groaned, and she felt his cock give its own surge of pleasure before he stiffened as the orgasm raced through his body. His fingers clamped down on her skin so hard she knew she’d have bruises in the morning, but she didn’t care. “Okay, now we can have that discussion,” Taletha said once the three of them had flopped to the floor and caught their breath. “Talk? You expect us to talk now? Sorry, but the blood hasn’t made its way back to my brain yet.” Adam made a show of wiping the sweat from his brow with his shirt.

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“Besides, I’m not sure there’s much to talk about anymore,” Morris said. He glanced at Taletha. “That is, unless you’re going to change your mind and run out on us again.” Taletha shook her head. “I never thought I’d find myself mixing work and pleasure like this. And I never thought I’d attempt to be with two men at the same time. But when I have both of you in my body, when you’re both kissing me, the prospect of being with only one person is less exciting.” “No more shenanigans like last night?” “That will never happen again. You have my word. I’m hooked.” “Good,” Adam said, kissing her. “So we’re in agreement?” Morris nodded. “I never exactly saw myself sharing a girlfriend, either, but it makes all three of us really happy.” “Girlfriend,” Taletha said with a giggle. “I like the sound of that.” “Should we all go home together?” Adam asked. Taletha almost said yes without hesitation, but she stopped before she could open her mouth. She was concerned about how deep her feelings were for both of these men, especially for Adam, whom she hadn’t even known for a full week yet. She was afraid that if they actually shared a bed, she’d end up in over her head. “Let’s try not to rush things too much,” she finally said. “Maybe next time.” She gave each man a deep kiss before getting dressed. Taletha shivered as she locked the studio doors. “You’re cold?” Morris asked, sliding his arm around her shoulders. “It’s pretty warm out.” “I don’t know. Just a shudder, I guess. Something feels off, but I just can’t place it.” “You probably just need some sleep.” “Probably.” Taletha intended to just give two kisses before getting in her car, but they slipped into another brief bout of making out before she managed to pull away and drive off.

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Chapter Six Taletha spent the next week waking up with smiles on her face. She’d seen Adam and Morris four more times since their night in the studio. Twice at Adam’s apartment, and twice at Morris’s place. But although she’d let down some of her barriers, she had yet to invite them to her place or actually stay the night. But waking up alone after a night of great sex was starting to get old. She always woke up happier, but knew she’d feel even more joy if she got to fall asleep in their arms, and if she got to wake up sandwiched between them. Next time, they’re coming to my place, she thought. Or, rather, they’re coming in my place. And we’re having breakfast together the next day. Each time she showered, Taletha regretted having to wash their scents off of her skin. She loved the way Morris smelled spicy and Adam smelled savory. The two of them complemented each other, and she loved the musk that had lingered on her flesh for hours after they had parted ways. But she couldn’t go to work with the smell of lust and sex wafting off of her. Especially not when her relationship with Emily was still strained. Even a week later, they hadn’t quite regained the friendly equilibrium they’d once shared. The last thing she needed was a jealous employee. She’d had enough drama on her staff list to last her five years. As the hot water ran in rivulets down her smooth skin, Taletha’s mind flooded with memories of fucking Adam and Morris—the way it felt to have their cocks inside of her, the way it felt to feel their naked bodies pressed against hers, how beautiful they all looked when they were fucking in full view of the floor-length studio mirrors, the

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way it felt to be passed between one and then the other, or to go down on one man while the other fucked her pussy. Her whole body started to heat up, and her cunt began pulsing. Knowing she didn’t have long before she needed to leave for the studio, Taletha turned the cold water on full blast in order to squelch the passion building in her body. But even as she started to shiver, her clit throbbed, greedy for attention. As she rinsed the shampoo out of her hair, Taletha realized that her body was simply not going to give in and settle down. Turning the hot water back on, she relaxed under the steady, warm stream. Reaching between her legs, she toyed with her clit, just brushing and flicking it with her fingernail. Her knees and thighs twitched at the slight stimulation, reflecting just how much more her body was craving. Finally, she’d had enough of teasing, and decided to allow herself some more direct pleasure. Pressing two fingers down on her clit, she felt it throb. Only when she could no longer stand the frustrated pulses did she start to move in slow, counterclockwise circles. She took her free hand up to her breasts, toying with both of her nipples, which had softened when she’d switched from cold water to hot. But after a few pinches, they were stiff again, soaking in as much touch as they could. Taletha increased the frequency of her strokes until she was on the verge of orgasm. Just before she came, she pulled her hand away, not wanting to give herself complete satisfaction just yet. Once her body pulled away from the edge, she eased her two fingers up inside her cunt, reaching for her G-spot, swollen and ready for touch. The first stroke sent shivers running up and down her spine. Her cunt muscles drew tighter around her fingers, glad to be filled. She began to massage it as slowly as she had with her clit, and then took the shower head down and held the stream of hot water against her clit, enjoying the sensation that came from stimulating both spots. As the pulsing water pushed her back toward the edge, she increased the thrusts against her G-spot until her body seized up. The orgasm shot through

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her body at a furious pace, and she had to brace herself against the slick shower wall to keep from collapsing. She cried out, unable to keep her voice contained as the pleasure kept hitting her in waves. Eventually, though, the sensations receded, and Taletha managed to regain her composure. But she nonetheless struggled to finish her shower. Her thighs and hands were trembling so much that she could barely keep her balance or clean herself off. After drying off, dressing, and getting breakfast, Taletha decided to skip applying makeup. She didn’t trust her still-shaky hands, and couldn’t believe her body was still reeling from the orgasm. Plus, she was running late already, thanks to her dalliance in the shower. Glancing in the mirror, she decided it really didn’t matter if she went without makeup for one day. Taletha drove to the studio with a smile on her face. She couldn’t help but feel optimistic after the amazing week she’d had. But as she pulled up and parked, her joy flew away. She couldn’t believe what she saw. The exterior of the studio was covered in spray paint. The windows were completely black. Whoever had vandalized the place had applied the paint so carefully that not even a sliver of light could get through. On the exterior of the studio, the words “bitch” and “whore” had been applied in neon yellow and green, making them stand out from the red brick walls. Trying to maintain her composure, Taletha pulled out her cell phone and dialed 911. Then, she called Lynne. “The studio is closed today,” Taletha said, trying to keep her voice steady. “What? What’s wrong?” “The studio’s been–the studio’s been vandalized.” “I’m coming right over.” “No, stay at home for now, at least until the police arrive. But I do have some important jobs for you. Send an e-mail to our newsletter subscribers saying that group classes are canceled tonight, call the instructors and tell them they have the day off, and then contact

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everyone who had a private lesson today and reschedule them, starting tomorrow.” “Will–will we be open tomorrow?” “You’re damn sure we will be. I’m not going to let us stay closed for more than one day.” “Got it. Are you sure you’re okay?” “Definitely. I know what I’m doing. And I appreciate your help.” “Just doing my job.” Taletha snapped her phone shut, amazed she’d been able to maintain her composure for the entire conversation. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could stay strong, though. She thought about calling Morris and Adam, but she knew that the second she heard their voices, she’d fall apart. So she steeled herself against the wall of her damaged building and waited for the police. A squad car arrived in record time, and two officers hopped out. One started taking photographs of the damage, and the other started asking her questions. “Have you looked inside the building?” Taletha realized that she hadn’t. “No. Let’s go have a look.” Her stomach sank, anticipating the horrors she might find inside, but she knew she couldn’t remain in ignorance. At first, Taletha breathed easy. The computer was still there and working, as was the sound system. Everything seemed to be neat and orderly. But then she turned around and saw the mirrors. They had also been spray-painted completely black. The floor and the side walls had been marred by splatterings of paint. Every few feet, there were marks where a ladder had been, so whoever had ruined the mirrors could make sure they got every single inch of the glass. “There doesn’t appear to have been forced entry. Do you know anyone on your staff who might have done this?” Taletha shook her head. “My former employee, Matt Fairbanks, was very angry when his employment ended, but I made sure he returned his key before he took off, so he has no way to access the

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studio. Plus, he moved to Europe, so I think that rules him out as a suspect.” “That means it was probably one of your employees that did this.” Taletha shook her head. “You’re right, that makes total sense. I just–I just can’t believe that one of my own ─” Taletha struggled to finish her sentence as tears started welling up in her eyes. “What the hell happened here?” Morris asked, storming into the studio. “Taletha, are you okay? And why didn’t you call us the second that it happened?” Adam rushed in on Morris’s heels. “I just can’t believe it. Who would do something like this?” They both rushed up to Taletha and put their arms around her. The moment she felt their hands on her body, she lost all sense of composure, sobs racking her body so deeply that she had to lean against both men for support. “I’m–I’m–I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she gasped. “I know this isn’t making the report process go any faster.” The officer pulled a tissue out of his pocket. “Take your time. You’re going through quite a shock, and this is perfectly normal. Officer Parker and I can stay here as long as you need us to. That’s part of our job.” “I really appreciate it.” Taletha blew her nose. “I just can’t think of a single employee who would do such a thing. The only obvious suspect is someone who doesn’t live in the country anymore.” “What about Emily?” Adam asked. “She’s not exactly the most scrupulous person at the studio.” “Come on, Adam, be fair. This studio means a lot to her, and I don’t think she’d want to attack the place where she earns her livelihood. Plus, you’re great and all, but I’m not sure you’re worth vandalizing a building for.” “Sure, shatter my ego,” Adam said, but then he smiled, ensuring that Taletha knew he was joking. “You’re right. I’m just still pissed off at her. But I should give her a chance to redeem herself before I go accusing her of crimes.”

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“But this Emily person has had issues with people at the studio lately?” the officer asked. “Yes,” Taletha said. “But I really don’t think—like I said, she and I worked our issues out two days ago.” The officer nodded. “Still, I’m going to follow up with her. I’m going to follow up with all of your employees, actually. Since we don’t have a definitive suspect, we have to consider everyone as the potential vandal.” “Even us?” Morris asked. The officer nodded. “But I’m Taletha’s dance partner! We’ve worked together for five years!” “Sorry, sir, but that’s the policy. Now, since you’re here, would you like to give a statement?” “They already have alibis,” Taletha said. “They were with me most of the night.” “But not all of it?” “No. As I said earlier, we were, uh, working here until about one o’clock.” “But you haven’t seen them since then?” “No, we went our separate ways afterwards.” “And the studio had not been vandalized when you left?” “No. But I did have a funny feeling as I was walking to my car. Like the three of us were being watched, or something like that.” “Unfortunately, funny feelings aren’t hard evidence, and since these two were out of your sight during the period at which the studio was vandalized, we’re going to have to get reports from them to make sure their alibis check out. Taletha shrugged. “Sorry, guys.” “Not your fault,” Adam said. “We’ll be happy to give our statements now, officer.”

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“I’ll be in my office if you need me,” Taletha said. “I want to get on the phone with the insurance company so I can get repairs going as soon as possible.” Taletha shut the door to her office and curled up in her computer chair. She picked up the phone intending to call the insurance company, but suddenly, the phone felt as though it weighed one hundred pounds. She dropped it back into its cradle, curled up in her chair, and sobbed. **** “We’ll be checking out the security feeds and inquiring with the managers at both of your apartment complexes,” the officer said once Morris and Adam had given their statements. “But your alibis are pretty sound. Still, please don’t leave town for the duration of this investigation. You may be required to come in for additional questioning.” “We understand,” Morris said, shaking the officer’s hand. He looked up at Adam, smiling at the relief in his new friend’s eyes. “We appreciate your help.” He and Adam showed the officer to the door, and then walked to Taletha’s office. Adam knocked on the door, but there was no response. Pressing his ear to the door, he heard muffled sobs. Without a second thought, he opened the door and rushed in. “Taletha, it’s okay, it’s okay,” he murmured, scooping her out of her chair and into his arms. Morris was right behind him, and immediately began stroking her hair. “I’ve worked so hard. I do everything right. I run a good business. Who would do this to me?” “I don’t know,” Adam said. “But when I find out, they’ll be sorry.” “Have you called the insurance company?” Morris asked. Taletha started crying harder. “I meant to. But I suddenly just got so overwhelmed. I don’t know what’s come over me. I’ve never let

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myself act like this before. Even when the shit hit the fan with Matt, I took it in stride.” “You’ve been under a lot of stress lately,” Morris said. “When was the last time you had a day off?” “I think last month, the day we spent flying back from that competition in Toronto.” “A day spent making layovers and dealing with airport security is not a day off. When was the last time you had an entire day to yourself, where you didn’t spend at least part of it working?” Taletha shrugged. “It’s been a while, I guess.” “Why don’t you let me handle this? I’ll call Lynne over. Between the two of us, she and I can deal with the insurance company and get to work on setting up studio repairs.” “I couldn’t ask you to do that.” “You need a day off. Lynne has worked with you since the day you opened this studio, and I’ve been your partner for most of that time. She and I know what we’re doing.” “Why don’t you let me take you out and spoil you for a bit?” Adam asked. “I really can’t leave my business in a time of crisis.” “If Lynne and I combine our powers, we’re just as capable as you are. Go, relax.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, he’s sure,” Adam said, tugging on her arm. “Now come on, let’s get out of here.” As they stepped out into the morning sun, Adam scooped Taletha up into another hug. “It’ll be okay, I promise. Morris and Lynne know exactly what they’re doing.” “You’re right. I just feel so guilty leaving my studio behind.” “There’s nothing to feel guilty about. You need a break from all the stress. And I intend to give you one. So, what would you like to do?”

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“I don’t know. I’m not used to having time off in the middle of a weekday morning.” “Anything you want. It’s up to you.” “Honestly? I think I just kind of want to take a nap. I was up a little too late last night.” A slight grin appeared on her face. “A nap it is, then. Your place or mine?” “Let’s go to mine. It’s not far. Just get in your car and follow me.” “You got it.” Once inside her cool apartment, the weight of Taletha’s worries began to melt away. She hurried into her room and collapsed on the bed, fully clothed. “You don’t want to undress?” “I’m too tired to undress.” “Well if you don’t mind, I prefer to wear a little less clothing when I sleep.” Taletha grinned. “Go right ahead. I certainly won’t complain.” Adam stripped down to just his boxers, then settled himself on the other side of Taletha’s bed. The second his body settled on the mattress, she curled up around him, placing her head on his chest. “I like listening to your heartbeat,” she murmured. Her fingertips began to trace his defined pecs and abs. Adam started to nod off, enjoying her light touch. But his eyes jolted back open when Taletha’s hand slipped into his boxers and brushed against his cock. “I thought you were too tired to undress.” “I am.” “Then how are you awake enough to fool around?” “Well, you could undress me, you know.” Adam didn’t need any more prodding. He unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans, easing two fingers into her open fly. He was shocked to feel how wet she already was without much in the way of foreplay at all. Sitting up and setting her down on the bed, he pulled off her jeans, taking her panties along with them.

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As much as he couldn’t wait to see her gorgeous breasts again, he decided to delay that particular pleasure a little longer. Instead, he eased her thighs open, spread her pussy lips, and brought his tongue to her clit. Taletha’s legs jerked. “Fuck, that already feels amazing.” Adam laughed. “I haven’t really done anything yet.” “Then I can’t wait to see how it feels when you actually start eating me out.” “I think I’m going to tease you a little bit, first.” “I don’t think you are.” “Yes, I am.” “I thought you said I could have anything I wanted in order to help me relax. Getting off will help me relax.” “If you insist.” Admittedly, Adam didn’t particularly care that Taletha didn’t want to be teased. He was just as eager to taste her as she was to be tasted. He pressed his tongue hard into her clit, feeling it pulse. Then, he started to lick. Though he’d promised not to tease, he couldn’t help but start slow. This was his first time to taste Taletha, and he wanted to savor every moment of it. She was fresh, savory, and musky all at once. After working her clit for a few minutes, Adam started running his tongue up and down her tender slit, occasionally nipping her pulsing flesh with his teeth. “Fuck, you’re good,” Taletha gasped, as her legs continued to twitch. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” “I didn’t tell you to stop and talk, did I?” Adam buried his face back between her legs, driving his tongue into her clit with such intensity that her whole body began to writhe. When he sensed she was getting close, he slid two fingers up into her hot, wet cunt, going straight for her G-spot. He hooked his fingers up around the throbbing button, pressing down in time with the licks he continued delivering to her clit.

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“God fucking damn,” Taletha screamed. Adam felt her entire body lock up with orgasm, then release onto the mattress. “So I’m good?” he asked, sliding back up next to her. “Don’t be coy.” “I’m fucking fantastic?” “You know it.” “I’ve helped you relax?” “You’re even better than a massage.” Taletha seemed to drift off. Adam’s cock was so hard that it ached, but he didn’t want to wake her for his own pleasure, not after the day she’d been having. Sliding his cock through the slit in his boxers, Adam started fondling the head of his cock, then quickly moving to stroke the shaft. Like Taletha, he was too wound up for much teasing. “What do you think you’re doing?” Taletha asked, opening her eyes. “What does it look like I’m doing?” “Jerking off.” “Did I give you permission to jerk off?” “That’s not allowed?” “Not if I want you to fuck me instead.” “I didn’t know you wanted me to. I thought you were tired and wanted to sleep.” “You really need to learn how to ask questions. Now fuck me.” Sliding out of his boxers, Adam settled himself on top of Taletha, pressing the head of his cock against her waiting cunt. “I said no teasing.” “I’m the one on top here.” “Do you want to go back to masturbating? I can make that happen.” Adam wasn’t about to toy with Taletha. He hadn’t yet figured out when she was being serious and when she was joking. He plunged inside of her cunt, feeling her muscles envelope him. Hooking his

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arms around her shoulders, he pulled her up so they were both in a sitting position. He loved the way her smooth legs wrapped around his waist. Wrapping his own hands around her back, he started to bounce her up and down, enjoying the way it felt to control her thrusts, even though she was the one on top of him. “Oh, fuck, you’re right on my G-spot.” “And that’s exactly where I want to be.” Adam took off in a fury, slamming her up and down. She was just at the right angle for him to lean up and bite the flesh of her neck. He couldn’t decide which made him hornier, the salty taste of her flesh or the way she screamed when his teeth pressed into her skin. He moved faster and faster, until the cum in his balls began to boil. “Oh, god, Taletha, yes!” he shouted as his cock gave a final throb and sent an electric orgasm shooting through his body. As he felt her pussy squeeze him even tighter and her nails dig into his shoulders, he knew his release had spurred hers on. They collapsed sideways on the bed, and he slipped out of her. Taletha curled back up against him and finally fell asleep. Adam stayed awake awhile longer, watching her. Something stirred in his heart, which worried him. I can’t be falling in love with her, he thought. Not this soon. But as he watched her rest, he couldn’t deny the power of the feelings building up inside him. Eventually, he realized sleep would never come. Not when he had a beautiful woman to watch and a number of emotions to work out.

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Chapter Seven By the end of the business day, Morris hung up the phone and grinned at Lynne. They had contacted the insurance company, placed rush orders for new mirrors and floors, and set up an appointment for new window installation. “We’ve done it.” She smiled back. “Was there ever any doubt?” “I think Taletha was worried that it wouldn’t all come together without her running the show.” “Hopefully, she’ll never doubt our abilities again.” “After this, I don’t think she will. Are you sure you’re okay with staying to wait for the window installation?” “It’s not like I have anything else to do. I mean, it’s a work day, so my only plans were to come here. I’m usually here until at least eight o’clock anyway.” “Okay, if you insist. Thanks so much for your hard work today. I know that Taletha will appreciate it.” He turned to go. “Can I ask what’s going on between the three of you?” Morris jumped. “Excuse me?” “Something is going on between the three of you. I mean, everyone on staff saw the three of you making out at The Copa. I asked Taletha about it when she came back to the club, but you know she’s not really the type to give details.” Morris chuckled. “No, she’s really not.” “I know it’s not necessarily any of my business, but you’re my friend as much as she is, and I just wanted to see how everything was going.”

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Morris hesitated for a moment. But he and Lynne had developed a friendship from the moment he’d started teaching at the studio. He could trust her to be discreet and give him good advice. “So far, this has been both the most surprising and amazing experience of my life. It’s completely changed my outlook on love. I’d never really pictured myself sharing a woman. I mean, I guess I fantasized about casual threesomes from time to time, but I never envisioned that kind of scenario with someone I loved.” “I know how long you’ve wanted Taletha.” “I more than enjoyed it. Sharing Taletha showed me that I don’t need to have her all to myself to be happy. Today is a perfect example of that. She had two men to take care of her when she needed help. I mean, you were great too, but─” Lynne nodded and smiled. “I understand. Go on.” “Having a threesome with Taletha and Adam just felt so right. It was the most perfect sexual encounter of my life. I don’t want to fight with Adam over Taletha. I want us to date her together. If you’d asked me even a week ago if I’d ever feel that way, I would have said you were crazy, but now that I’ve had a taste of it, I can’t imagine going back.” “So what happens now?” Morris shrugged. “I don’t exactly know.” “What do you want to have happen?” “I want more. I want to keep sharing Taletha with Adam. I want us to move in together. I still want all the things I wanted with Taletha before. I just also want Adam to be a part of the picture.” “In that case, I think you should really go home and spend some time with them. Seriously, go. You’ve done enough today, and you deserve a break.” “I just—I just can’t shake the feeling that this could all fall apart. Maybe Taletha doesn’t want those same things.”

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“Well, you’ll never know the answer if you hide out at the studio. Go to her. Talk to her. Talk to Adam, too. And if she doesn’t want the same things that you do, you’ll recover. I know you will.” Morris nodded. “You’re right. Thanks, Lynne.” “That’s what I’m here for. Answering phones and providing relationship advice.” “Don’t work too late. Call my cell if you have any problems.” “You got it.” Morris called Taletha on his way out the door. “How are you feeling?” “Great. Adam and I have just been hanging out, mostly napping. You want to come over and join us?” “That sounds great. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” As he drove through the neighborhood to Taletha’s apartment complex, Morris tried to let the hurt and frustration he was feeling slip away. Lynne is right. I need to give Taletha the benefit of the doubt until I’ve actually talked to her. He repeated those lines to himself until he pulled up in the parking lot and opened the door to her apartment. “We’re in bed,” Taletha called, her voice still drowsy with sleep. Morris made his way into the bedroom. Although he wanted to feel joy at the sight of the two of them curled up around each other, he was still worried that Taletha didn’t feel the same way about him that he did about her. He wasn’t going to feel secure until he had more proof that Taletha didn’t think this was just a fling. “Everything at the studio has been taken care of. The new windows will be installed tonight, and the main studio will have new floors before the start of group classes tomorrow night.” Taletha grinned. “That’s amazing. I can’t believe how much the two of you accomplished. What about the installation, though? That’s going to mess with logistics for private lessons and rehearsals.

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“We can put the private lessons in the secondary studio while they’re being installed. The mirrors will be delivered no later than Thursday, and we can take care of the installation over the weekend.” “You’re fantastic,” Taletha said. “I shouldn’t have doubted you.” Morris tried to smile, but it didn’t come out right as he pondered all of the other doubts in her mind. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was looking for, but he also knew he hadn’t found it yet. “Anyway,” Adam said, as he extricated himself from their tangle of arms and legs, “since we’re all hungry, why don’t I run out and get us some food?” “No, don’t go,” Taletha said. Adam grinned. “I got you all to myself this afternoon. It’s only fair that Morris gets some quality time with you, too. And we do need to eat. Any food requests?” “Surprise us.” “You got it.” Adam gave Taletha a deep kiss and hurried into his clothes. “Is he acting odd to you?” Morris asked, settling down on the bed. “Hunger does strange things to a man.” “I suppose that’s true.” “Don’t you want to undress?” Taletha asked, easing her hands under his shirt. “Look, Adam never even got around to taking off my tank top. We need to be naked. Unless, of course, you’re into fucking with your clothes on” “I don’t really want to have sex, actually.” He removed her hands and settled them down on the bed. “Long day?” “You could say that, yeah.” “Okay, cut the crap. Tell me what’s wrong.” “Nothing is wrong.” “Something is wrong, and we’re going to talk about it, or I’m going to send you home without any dinner.”

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As much as it frustrated him when Taletha made jokes when he was trying to be serious, Morris couldn’t help but admit that her grin wore him down. “I was talking to Lynne today. She asked what was going on between the three of us. As happy as it made me to be able to tell someone about the great time we’ve had, it made me worried, too.” Taletha raised an eyebrow. “Why are you nervous?” Morris started to stand up and began pacing around the room. “I’m—I’m just scared you don’t feel about me the way I feel about you.” “I guess there’s no way to find out until you tell me how you feel about me.” “This isn’t a fling for me, Taletha. That is, I don’t want it to be. I want this to be the start of something amazing. I want Adam and I to share you. I want the three of us to make a home together. I want us to be happy together, and if I had my way, this would last forever.” Taletha smiled. “I’ve spent years rejecting your advances. I know I’ve been skittish for the last couple of days. But even though I’ve been keeping you both at an arm’s length, I never really wanted that. I was just doing what I thought was best. Last night changed my mind, though. That was amazing, and I can’t wait to do it again. And I hope we keep it up for a long time.” Morris felt a smile tugging at his lips. “Really?” “Really.” He sat back down on the bed, taking her into his arms. “I love you, Taletha.” Morris’s heart skipped a beat as he realized what he had said. He hadn’t anticipated making such a confession. He’d held back his feelings for so many years, he’d been certain he could wait a little longer, until he was sure that Taletha loved him back. But there the words were, hanging in the air. Taletha snuggled herself deeper into his chest. “I love you too, Morris.”

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His heart stopped again. He never imagined he’d hear her say those words to him. He never believed that she’d return the feelings he’d been harboring for her for half a decade. Morris reached down and dotted her neck with kisses, enjoying the soft moans she made as his lips pressed into her smooth skin. He reached under her tank top to cup her breasts, enjoying the weight of them in his palms. Taletha pulled back and pulled off her tank top, giving him a view of their perfect, pert roundness. Reaching his head down, he brought his teeth to her nipple, feeling it stiffen as he nibbled. “Goddamn, baby, that feels so good,” Taletha moaned. She reached out and stroked his cock, which was already threatening to burst out from his pants. She unzipped him to relieve some of the pressure, and slid her hand into his fly, teasing the shaft with her fingertips. As a reward, he bit the other nipple, and felt how she shuddered with pleasure. Taletha unbuttoned his shirt, placing kisses across his chest as she pulled it off of him. “Play with my cock again, please.” Taletha shook her head. “I want you to fuck me.” “No teasing?” “The two of you can tease me together later. Right now I just want you inside me.” Taletha rolled over on her back, pulling Morris down on top of her. He struggled to get completely free of his pants, then slid himself into her, groaning as her cunt enveloped his aching cock. She hooked her legs up around his waist, driving him even deeper into her. Before he could even move, she started working her legs back and forth, thrusting him in and out of her. She squeezed her legs even tighter, ramming him harder into her slick pussy. Morris had no choice but to follow the rhythm she set, gliding in and out of her cunt slowly, then gradually faster and harder, as she squeezed him even tighter and thrust with all of her strength. He cupped her face in his hands, loving the way her hair felt in his

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fingers, the way she smiled and kissed each of his palms, never once ceasing her frantic movement. Morris felt the orgasm building in his body and knew he wasn’t going to be able to last much longer. “You about to come?” Taletha asked. “Y–Yeah.” “Not until I say so.” Morris gasped. “What?” “Not until I say so.” “I can’t–I can’t hold off much longer. I’m losing control.” “You can come on the count of ten.” “I’m ready now.” “On the count of ten, or else. One.” Morris fought the impending orgasm back into his body. “Two.” He tried to slow down, to stave off the climax, but Taletha refused to let him. He realized she wouldn’t stop at any challenge. As she leaned forward and sank her teeth into the soft flesh of his neck, he knew she wasn’t going to make this easy on him. “Three.” Taletha reached up and raked her nails down Morris’s back. He tossed his head back and groaned, struggling to maintain control over his body. His cock threatened to surge out of control, but he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and his body calmed down just a little. The lack of visual stimulation helped. The sight of her wild, sultry eyes only made it harder for him to hold back. In darkness, his body became more compliant. “Open your eyes. I want you to look at me.” “I can’t hold back,” he gasped. “You’re just going to have to figure out how to manage both. Now open your eyes, or you don’t get to come at all.” Morris snapped his eyes open and had to suck in another deep breath as he gazed at her perfect face.

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“Four. Five.” She reached down and grabbed his ass, digging her nails into his flesh. Morris almost lost control, but clenched his muscles together even tighter, refusing to allow himself the possibility of release. He wasn’t sure how he managed to obey Taletha’s instructions, but he wasn’t about to give in. She’d challenged him, and he was going to prove his stamina and control, no matter what it took. “Six. Seven. Eight.” Morris’s heart started racing even faster as he realized she was slowing down her counts as the numbers got higher. “Faster. Please.” Taletha only grinned. “Ni—nice ass.” She dug her nails into his flesh again. “Fuck,” he gasped. “Nine.” To keep the orgasm at bay just a little longer, Morris counted the seconds between that number and the last. Taletha made him wait fifteen seconds before giving the final command. “Ten.” Morris threw his head back and howled as he finally allowed his body the relief it had been craving. He felt her cunt muscles squeeze him even tighter. “Yes, Morris, yes,” she gasped, gripping her nails even deeper into his flesh. She kept rocking them together until their orgasms finally died down. They both trembled with aftershocks as he slipped out of her.. “Now I need a nap.” “Get your rest while you can. Adam should be here with the food soon.” “Yeah. I wonder what’s taking him so long.” “Are you really complaining?” “No,” Morris said, before he dozed off.

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**** Adam had been sitting in front of a pizza place for over an hour, just thinking, trying not to panic and make a spontaneous road trip back to California. When his phone rang and Taletha’s name popped up on the display, he hesitated to answer, but knew he owed her an explanation for why he wasn’t back yet. “Hello?” “Where are you? Is everything okay? You didn’t get in an accident, did you?” “I, uh, I wanted to make sure the two of you had enough, uh, quality time.” Taletha laughed. “We’re good, at least for now. Hurry back!” “Okay, okay. I’m on my way.” “Morris is right. You’re acting weird.” Damn, she noticed. “I’m not acting weird, I swear.” “If you insist,” Taletha said. Adam could tell that she didn’t believe him. Adam sighed as he snapped his phone shut. He was terrified of the feelings that refused to settle down, that he couldn’t drive away with rational thought. It’s too soon, he told himself. We barely know each other. You have no clue whether or not she feels the same way. She probably doesn’t feel the same way. There’s no possible reason for her to feel the same way. But no matter how steadily he repeated these words in his head, the love he felt for Taletha kept bubbling up. But once Taletha called, he knew he couldn’t hide any longer. He went into the restaurant and grabbed two pies to go, and drove back to her apartment, struggling to maintain control of the wheel with his shaking hands. “I’m back,” he called, fumbling his way through the door with the unwieldy pizza boxes in his hands.

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“Remind me to get you a key so you can lock the door next time,” Taletha said. Adam could feel the color drain from his face at the thought of something as significant as a key. “Okay, ’fess up. You really are acting weird.” “I told you,” Morris said. Adam set the pizzas on the bed, and Taletha started wolfing down a slice as Adam struggled to find words. “A key—I mean, I’m honored, but a key—a key means something. Doesn’t it?” Taletha shrugged. “Sure it does. I mean, Morris has had a key to my place for years. It means I trust him.” “So–so you trust me.” “Yeah, I trust you.” Adam started to relax, and grabbed his own slice of pizza. “And that’s all there is to it?” Taletha suddenly averted her eyes, and seemed intent in rubbing a hole in the sheet. “Well, I suppose there’s a little more to it than just that.” Adam furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?” “I mean—” She paused, took a deep breath, and looked back up at him. “I mean, I do love you, after all.” “What did you say?” “I said that I love you.” Adam dropped his pizza back into the box and reached across the bed for Taletha’s hand. “I love you, too. And that’s why I’ve been acting weird all evening. Because I realized I was in love with you, but was freaked out about how fast it happened, and worried you didn’t feel the same way.” “Well, now you don’t have to worry.” Taletha scooched closer to Morris, making room on her other side for Adam. She patted the empty space next to her. “Come cuddle up with us. It’s a lot more fun that way.”

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Adam slid up next to her, moving the pizza boxes closer to everyone’s reach. They ate in silence, enjoying each other’s company and the tranquility that had finally arrived after a stressful day. **** After they’d polished off the first pizza, Taletha reluctantly removed herself from between her lovers and went to put the second one in the fridge for later. When she walked back into the bedroom, she would have laughed, had the sight not been so sexy. Adam and Morris were both completely naked, their cocks completely hard. Each man was stroking his shaft at a snail’s pace, and Taletha felt her cunt get a little hotter with each thrust they made. “Are you just going to stand there and watch, or are you going to join us?” Morris asked. “I’m trying to decide what to do with each of you before I come over there.” “What’s there to decide?” “Well, I think Adam needs to be punished for acting so weird this afternoon. I mean, he had us worried for a little while there. And also, he took forever bringing us the pizza because he was so scared to tell me he loved me.” Morris grinned. “I think you’re right.” Taletha reached into one of her dresser drawers and pulled out two pairs of brown leather cuffs. “Morris, if you would be so kind as to step off the bed, I’d really appreciate it.” He nodded and did as she asked. “See, Adam?” Taletha cooed. “That’s how you make me happy. Now, spread your arms out over your head.” “And what if I don’t want to?” Adam tried to sound menacing, but his grin belied every ounce of enjoyment he was feeling.

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“Then I suppose I’ll just have to come up with another way to play with you.” Taletha smiled back, glad to have two lovers who were willing to play her games. “Do you want to go with the punishment I’ve already had in mind, or try your luck with one of my other ideas?” Rather than answer, Adam simply lifted his arms up over his head, and Taletha wrapped a cuff around each wrist before securing them both to the bedposts. She stood back to admire her handiwork. “Perfect. This is exactly what I wanted.” She turned to Morris “And now, of course, it’s time for a little something for you.” “For me?” Morris tried to look innocent. “What do I get?” Taletha reached into her drawer and pulled out a bottle of lube and a small silver butt plug. She held them up and grinned. “Come here and then bend over the bed.” To her surprise, Morris did exactly as she said, walking around to her side of the bed. She got behind him, poured a generous drop of lube on her fingers and started to rub them slowly around his asshole, warming up the muscles. “Are you okay?” she asked when he gasped. “Yeah. I’m even better than okay. This feels completely amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it.” “I bet you’ve never experienced anything like this, either,” she said as she slid the thin plug inside of him. “Fuck!” he yelled. “That’s incredible!” Taletha climbed onto the bed and gave Adam’s cock a few hard, quick strokes. “You ready for me, baby?” she asked. “God, yes,” Adam groaned. Taletha positioned herself above her lover and slid herself down on his rigid length. But she didn’t start moving right away. “Why are you so still?” Adam gasped, thrusting his hips. Taletha pressed down on his chest. “Just wait.”

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She leaned lower, so her nipples brushed Adam’s chest. “Morris, please grab that bottle of lube. I need you to get my ass ready.” “Ready for what?” “Ready for you.” She winced a bit as she felt the cool lube hit her skin. Her pussy contracted with the sensation. She sighed as Morris massaged her tight hole. She loved the feeling of those muscles relaxing. “Now slide a finger inside me.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” Morris pressed his fingertip against her ass, barely giving enough pressure. “Harder, baby. You’re not going to hurt me, I promise.” This time, Morris slid his finger in, gasping as her muscles squeezed around it. He started to move it slowly, and Taletha’s whole body gave a convulsion as she allowed herself to be overcome with pleasure. “Now another finger.” Morris finally lost his fear and slid a second finger into his ass, working his fingers harder and faster than before. “That’s perfect. Now I’m ready for your cock.” “My cock?” “I want your cock in my ass right now.” Taletha trembled at the slick sound of Morris rubbing lube on his thick cock. After what felt like an eternity, he knelt behind her on the bed and positioned the head of his cock against her asshole. “Are you ready for me, baby?” “You know it.” Taletha almost came from the sensation of Morris’s cock gliding into her ass, almost exploded from being filled by two men at once. She smiled at Adam. “Now it’s time for me to move.” She started to thrust, first down on Adam’s cock, then back up into Morris’s. She grinned as Adam strained against his restraints.

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“I want to touch you,” he whined. “No, I need to touch you. I need to touch you right now.” “You’re just going to have to wait until I get off,” Taletha said with a wicked grin. Then she closed her eyes and gasped as Morris reached up with one hand and started teasing a nipple. Taletha used it as an impetus to start playing with Adam’s chest and arms, scratching at the skin and making him squirm. “Neither of you gets to come until I’ve gone first,” she gasped, not sure how long she’d actually be able to hold on as she pounded both men in and out of her. “Not fair,” Adam moaned. “I don’t–I don’t know if I can hold back.” Taletha was about to tease him in his bound condition when she suddenly felt Morris’s teeth nip at her shoulder. “No cheating,” she gasped as her body started to burn with electricity. “I’m not cheating. I’m just having fun.” This time, Morris sunk his teeth even deeper into her flesh. Taletha’s body exploded in a burst of heat. She sped up her thrusting even faster, trying to keep up with the pace of the pleasure that surged through every nerve. As her speed increased, she knew both Adam and Morris were goners. There was no way their bodies could resist. Just as she finished peaking, they both groaned at the same time, thrusting their hips even harder against her. Taletha struggled not to collapse as Morris carefully pulled away. Once she slid off of Adam and unbound his wrists and slid the butt plug out of Morris’s trembling body, she flopped between them and gulped air, trying to control her frenetic heart rate. “I love you both,” she murmured. “I love you, too,” Adam said. Morris smiled. “No doubt about it.” “I’m hungry again.” “After the workout we just had? I think we’re all hungry.”

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“Someone else has to get the pizza in the fridge. My legs are shaking too hard.” “I’ll go,” Morris offered. “Hurry back,” Taletha said, a mock sternness in her voice. Then, her expression softened. “It’s not the same without you.”

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Chapter Eight They woke to the sound of breaking glass. The first thing Adam thought when he heard the smash and the sound of tinkling shards hitting the pavement was, Whatever’s going on, it’s way too early. “What the hell?” Taletha murmured, trying to wake up. Adam continued to struggle with his senses in the wake of the disorientation. Taletha’s bed was big, though not quite designed for three people. Still, while the three of them together made for a cozy fit, none of them could deny how comfortable it was to all be curled up together after a night of passion. But for Adam, something was really wrong. He fought with all of his might to fight the lethargy and warmth that surrounded his still-exhausted body and mind. “Shhh, just go back to sleep,” Morris whispered. “It’s probably nothing.” “No, no it isn’t,” Adam said, jumping out of bed and stumbling to the window. He’d suddenly realized what had been poking at the edges of his consciousness from the moment that the sound had ripped through his dreams. Throwing back the curtain, Adam’s face fell as his worst fears were confirmed. His car’s windshield had been smashed in, and both of the side view mirrors were completely gone. “That’s my car alarm, and—” He started getting dressed before he even finished the sentence “Are you sure it’s yours?” Morris asked with a yawn. “Those are my plates. Surrounded by a lot of broken glass, I might add.” The other two were out of bed in a flash, pulling on clothes and following Adam outside. The cold morning air was an unpleasant

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sensation after the warmth of blankets and skin, and they all shivered as they inspected the damage. Looking around, he found the lot devoid of other people. His heart sank when he realized the perpetrator was probably already too far away to track down. “Shit. What the hell happened?” “I’ll call a tow truck,” Taletha said, and turned to run back inside. “Who would do this?” Morris asked. “I hope it was some freak accident,” Adam said, knowing full well that it wasn’t. “I’d hate to have to make an enemy first thing in the morning. “Excuse me, gentlemen, but do you happen to know this woman?” A security guard walked up, dragging Emily behind him. Another security guard trailed a few feet back, holding a crowbar. “As a matter of fact, we do,” Adam said. “And she’s not exactly a friendly face.” “We think she might have something to do with this smashed-up car here. We have the police on their way, and we’re going to hold her until they come. You boys probably want to stay until they arrive.” “Not like I’m going to attempt to drive with a smashed windshield, anyway,” Adam said. “Pardon me, sir, but I have to ask…are you a guest of Miss Hendricks? We’re familiar with Mr. Vetter’s presence at this complex, but we’ve never seen you before.” “Yes, we’re both her guests,” Adam said. “My name is Adam Prachett.” “Pleasure to meet you.” “Likewise. I just wish it were under better circumstances.” “May I ask what the two of you are doing here at this hour of the morning?” Adam cast a glance at Morris, unsure of what to say. He didn’t want to reveal their romance to people in Taletha’s life before she was ready.

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Fortunately, Morris was able to keep his cool. “The three of us were up late working on budgeting issues for the studio. I don’t know if you heard, but the place was vandalized yesterday, and while the insurance company will cover many of the repairs, it won’t cover all of the costs. It got late, we’d been drinking, and Taletha felt it best if we stayed the night with her rather than endangering ourselves and others.” Adam held his breath, hoping that the security guard would buy the story or was at least discreet enough to pretend. “Wait, would this be the same studio vandalism that was on the local news yesterday?” “Unless there’s a studio vandalism spree going on in town, then yes, that would be the same one.” Morris turned his gaze on Emily. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that little disaster, would you?” Emily turned her eyes toward the ground. “I want a lawyer.” “Emily? What the hell is going on?” Taletha cried as she came out the door carrying a broom and a trash bag. “Did you smash Adam’s car?” “We did catch her trying to hop the fence with this crowbar. We have a feeling that was how she managed to get in, too, but we’ll need to double-check the security cameras to be sure.” “Emily, what is wrong with you? Did you vandalize the studio yesterday, too?” “I want a lawyer.” “Consider yourself fired.” The sound of police sirens filing the air prevented Emily from retorting. Adam started to shake as two officers got out of the car and took out notepads. “What seems to be the problem, folks?” Adam’s head swam as they relayed the story to the police. Despite the adrenaline rushing through his system, the lack of sleep left him feeling drained. All he wanted to do was go back to bed.

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Just as the police were finishing up with their questioning, Adam’s cell phone rang. He looked at the display and saw that it was the number of his building manager. “Excuse me, I think this is important.” He stepped away, allowing the police to talk to everyone else. “Hello?” “Adam, this is Jamie Barrett.” “What’s up? You’re not usually at the office so early.” “No, I’m usually not, but a visit from the police woke me up. Your next-door neighbor walked by your apartment on her way to work this morning and saw broken glass everywhere. You’d better get over here. The police need to ask you a few questions.” Adam was suddenly back on high alert. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Snapping his phone shut, he turned to Taletha before remembering that his car had been destroyed. “Shit!” “What’s wrong?” Taletha asked. “Someone broke into my apartment. I have to get over there to assess the damage and talk to the police...” “A break-in?” one of the officers asked. “So you’re saying your car and apartment were targeted on the same day?” “Sounds like it.” “Are we all settled here?” Taletha asked. “I want to give Adam a lift back to his place.” ”We’ll follow you,” the other officer said. “I think we might want to fill our colleagues in on what happened this morning.” “I’ll come, too,” Morris said. “It looks like you could use the support.” Adam and Taletha hurried into her car. As she drove through the city, Adam rubbed his temples, trying to stave off the headache that was threatening to emerge. “It’ll be okay,” Taletha said, rubbing her hand on his thigh.

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“What if it won’t?” “Just trust me. This will all work out somehow.” Taletha barely had time to park the car when they arrived at his complex. He barreled out as fast as he could, and ran towards where Jamie and the police were standing. “What’s the damage?” he asked. “I think you’d better see for yourself,” Jamie said. “I’m so sorry this happened to you.” “Just be careful,” the officer said. “It’s pretty bad in there.” The chemical smell was the first thing that hit him, and he had to cover his nose before walking through the door. At first glance, nothing had been stolen, but the place had been destroyed. The walls were coated with thick stripes of spray paint, and the carpets were covered with bleach stains. The once-clear windows had also been the victim of spray paint and had been rendered completely opaque. “Goddamn,” Taletha said with a muffled voice. Adam turned to find her and Morris standing behind him, both of them covering their noses. “Let’s get out of here before someone passes out,” Morris said. They returned to the parking lot, where the four police officers were all conferring with each other. Emily remained in the squad car. She had a terrified expression on her face. “So I’m beginning to think that someone has it in for me,” Adam said. “I suppose these two crimes could be a coincidence, but I’m really not sure.” “Multiple acts of vandalism usually aren’t coincidences,” one of the officers replied. “What do you want to bet that Emily here had something to do with it?” “What are you saying about me?” Emily demanded. “I can hear you, you know.” Her voice was muffled through the window, but nonetheless aggressive.

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One of the officers opened the squad car and helped her out. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about Mr. Prachett’s apartment being destroyed would you?” Emily’s face went white. “No, I swear, I don’t.” “So you just climbed over the apartment complex fence and then vandalized the car, without any prior knowledge of what was happening over in my apartment?” Adam didn’t try to hide the sneer that was forming on his face. “I didn’t vandalize your damn apartment.” “You didn’t answer my question. I asked if you had any knowledge about what was going on over at my apartment.” “I want a lawyer.” Emily’s lips trembled and her eyes started to well up, but she maintained her composure. “I’m not saying another thing until I have a lawyer.” Taletha jumped in. “Officer, I don’t want to jump to hasty conclusions, but my studio was vandalized yesterday in a manner similar to Adam’s apartment. The carpets weren’t bleached, but the mirrors and windows were all completely coated with spray paint.” “Did they have any clear suspects yesterday?” “The police officers who came by and took the report said that since there was no forced entry, the crime was perpetrated by someone who already had access. I hate that I have to suspect my own employees, but they do all have keys. Adam actually mentioned Emily here, but I didn’t want to believe it. I do know they were going to interview and check the alibis of all of my employees, but I don’t know where they are in the investigation yet.” “That’s good for us to know, thank you. We’ll follow up on that as we do more work on this case.” “I had nothing to do with that!” Emily cried. “I want a goddamn lawyer, and I want one right now!” The officer took out a set of handcuffs and snapped them around Emily’s wrists. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in the court of law. You

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have the right to speak to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?” “Yes,” Emily sighed, the tears starting to flow down her face. She kept her head down as the officer closed the door on the squad car. “We’ll add the information about Mr. Prachett’s apartment and the studio to our case file, but it would help if both of you could come down to the station sometime today and give more detailed statements about the ways in which these incidents might be connected.” “We will, officer,” Taletha said. “Thank you for your help.” “We’re just doing our jobs. Good luck today, folks. Don’t hesitate to call us if you need anything.” He gave a nod of his head, got in the car, and drove away. “Don’t worry,” Adam said, wrapping his arms around Taletha and pulling her close to him. “We won’t need to call them again. Emily has been caught. The legal process is going to be a pain in the ass, but it will all get worked out in the end.” “You think she’s the one responsible for vandalizing the studio as well?” Taletha asked, her voice shaking. “I mean, there’s no doubt in my mind that she trashed Adam’s car. And I can definitely see her destroying his apartment, too. She’s clearly unbalanced when it comes to controlling her romantic impulses. But I still just can’t believe she’d have it in her to ruin the place where she works. I can’t picture her destroying a place she’s always claimed to love.” “I wouldn’t be surprised if she was the perpetrator in all of the crimes.” Adam grabbed the broom and began sweeping up the mess. “Spray-painting the windows completely opaque at my place and at the studio? Sounds like she’s a criminal who doesn’t have a whole lot of imagination. And it makes sense to me that she’d lash out at your studio. You stole me away, after all.” “I didn’t steal you.” “I know. I’m just kidding. Or is it too soon to joke about the situation?”

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“I’ll call a contractor about the apartment,” Jamie said. “Obviously, you can’t stay here, but I’ll deduct your hotel expenses from your rent. I’m so sorry this happened. I should get back to the office now, but stop by or call to work out the details.” “Thanks, Jamie. I really appreciate this.” “Anytime,” Jamie said as she hurried away. “You could also stay with me, if you wanted,” Taletha said, taking his hand. “Speaking of which, I should get back and shower. The studio is supposed to reopen today. God, this is such a disaster.” “How can we help?” Morris asked. “There’s so much that still needs to be taken care of, and now I need to reschedule all of Emily’s clients. Not just reschedule, I need to assign them to new teachers.” “Adam and I can pick up the slack, as can all the other teachers who still work at the studio. Spread them out against the entire instructor population, and you’re not going to add more than one or two students to each person’s teaching schedule.” “Besides, I think we’d all agree that none of the instructors would say no to a few more hours and a bit more income,” Adam added. “Shit, I really didn’t want to lose two instructors within a month of each other. Even if we make our best effort to place all of Emily’s students with new teachers that they’ll like, there’s going to be some attrition.” “There will always be new students.” “But I like to keep the ones who are already giving us their money. Plus, we just took a hit after Matt left. I don’t want another group of students to jump ship so soon. It’s not good for cash flow, and it’s not good for teacher morale.” “We’ll make it through,” Adam said. “Morris and I are here to help you, and Lynne is the best administrative assistant in the business. We’ll get through this. And I know another country-western dance specialist who might be looking for a new job.” “Is your friend any good?”

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“One of the best. He’s going through a rough patch right now.” “And this is why I was resistant to jumping into bed with the two of you, and Morris in particular.” “We’re different,” Morris said, taking her hand. “I’m sure every dance couple says that, but at this point, I’m willing to believe you. Adam, have your friend give me a call next week, once the repairs from the studio vandalism have been completed.” “Will do.” “God damn it, I’m already so tense, and the sun has just come up. There’s so much to do, and I don’t know where any of us is going to find the time to take care of everything. I feel exhausted already. I just want to go back to bed.” “We probably shouldn’t sleep, but I have an idea for how you can relax a little bit,” Morris said. “Oh yeah? What do you have in mind?” “Let’s go back to your place and clean up. I think a nice, hot shower will let you relax.” “I think that would help me chill out as well.” “I’m pretty sure it would be good for all of us.” **** Taletha wasn’t sure why she was bringing both men back to her apartment and following them into the shower. I have places I need to be. I have things I need to do. I have people I need to do. Fooling around in the shower is not even remotely productive. And yet she couldn’t deny that her body was already humming with the thought of their soap-slick bodies surrounding her, their wet hands caressing her breasts and sliding up into her hot folds. As soon as the image crossed her mind, her thoughts turned from the stress in her life to relief that her apartment had come with a large Jacuzzi tub and shower.

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When she heard Morris turn the water on, she couldn’t get undressed fast enough. As she stepped into the bathroom and felt the steam attach itself to her skin, her nipples started to harden and her pussy started to throb with anticipation of what was in store. “If I keep this up, I’m not going to be able to shower without getting turned on,” she mused as the warm droplets slammed into her body. “What do you mean?” Morris asked as he rubbed shampoo into his hands and began washing her hair. “Well, yesterday, when I woke up, I was really horny, wishing I’d invited you back to my place after we had sex in the dance studio. I got in the shower, and even though I wanted to hurry and get out the door, I just had to stop and masturbate. I couldn’t help it. It’s like my body was possessed or something.” “You masturbated in here yesterday while thinking of us?” Adam asked, running his hands up and down her curvy hips. She shivered as pleasurable goose bumps scattered across her flesh and her nipples perked up at the hint of attention. “Yes.” “Show us.” Both men stepped back, their cocks hardening a little more with each second. Taletha reached out to brush her fingertips against the emerging stiffness, but they both backed up even further. “No,” Adam said, playfully swatting at her hand. “As much as I enjoy having my cock stroked, that’s not what I want right now.” “Me neither,” Morris said. “It’s hard to say no to your hands, but I’ve been fantasizing about something else.” “What is it that you want, then?” Taletha didn’t try to hide the coy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “How about you to put on a little show for us?” Adam suggested. “I was going to suggest a blow job,” Morris said. “But I think Adam has a great idea. A repeat performance of what you did while you were thinking about us yesterday would be fantastic.”

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“You want me to show you how I touch myself?” “Exactly.” Taletha blushed for a moment, but then remembered that she was a trained performer. If her men wanted to watch her masturbate, they were going to get a good show. She started at the top, rinsing the remains of the shampoo out of her hair, letting the suds slide down around her skin, getting every inch of her completely slick. Once her hair was done, she began tracing her hands up and down her body, massaging her own neck, fondling her own breasts. As her fingertips moved down to her violin-shaped waist and hips, Adam and Morris both grabbed their erect cocks and started to stroke themselves. The sight of her two men playing with the heads of their dicks and sliding tight fists down their shafts made Taletha even hornier, and she dove for her clit. As the sensation of fingertips on the sensitive flesh sent sparks through her body, she leaned against the shower wall for support. “Want us to hold you up?” Morris gasped as he began to increase the pace of his thrusts. “No, I want to watch you play with yourselves, just like you’re watching me.” Taletha traced her finger up her pulsing pussy lips, and brought her free hand up to tease her nipples into complete hardness. “Fuck, you’re beautiful,” Adam murmured. She grinned. “I know.” “And so humble, too.” Sliding a finger deep into her slick cunt, Taletha closed her eyes and rolled her head around on the cool tile, overwhelmed by the sensation. “Come for us, baby,” Morris gasped. Taletha didn’t need any more prodding. As she hit her G-spot over and over, her pussy muscles locked with orgasm, and she had to clench her thighs to keep from sliding down the wall. But as the pulsing subsided, Taletha didn’t stop. She wasn’t about to stop

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showing off before they were done. Focusing attention back on her clit, Taletha started to rub in slow, exaggerated circles. As she saw her men’s faces getting more and more desperate, she brought her hand up to her mouth and slid each finger between her lips, sucking, tasting herself. As she slid her smallest finger between her lips, she saw both men’s eyes widen, and then snap shut. “Oh, fuck yes,” Morris groaned. He threw his head back as the orgasm hit. “Goddamn.” Adam was close behind, his cock giving a final throb before the climax overtook his body. Taletha felt the jets of cum hit her body, mingling with the hot water that still coursed down her skin. The sight of both of her men ejaculating pushed her over the edge as well, the energy bursting from her clit and running down her legs to the point where the wall could no longer support her, and she slumped onto the floor of the tub. In an instant, Morris and Adam were helping her to her feet, soaping her up, rubbing her clean. “Now I really want to go back to bed,” she murmured, as they turned off the water and wrapped her in soft towels. “Unfortunately, we have a big day ahead of us. But look on the bright side. There’s no way it can possibly get worse,” Morris said. “Don’t say that.” Taletha surprised herself with her harsh tone. “It’s just—I’m afraid you’ll jinx it. I can think of about a dozen ways in which the day could, in fact, get worse.” “Well, stop thinking about them. Emily is in jail, she’s going to court, and the evidence is already stacked against her. The studio is safe now.” “I hope you’re right.” She glanced at the clock. “Are you sure there isn’t some time left for a quick nap? Even just twenty minutes?” Adam laughed. “You know the second we get back into bed, we’re just going to have sex again, and then nothing will ever get accomplished. “I suppose you’re right.”

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Morris pinched Taletha’s nipple through her thin shirt, laughing as she sucked in her breath. “Just get through the day, and we’ll give you a nice reward tonight.” “What kind of reward?” Adam reached out and slid his fingers along the seam of her jeans. “We’ll let you decide.” Taletha giggled. “Fair enough. Adam, why don’t you ride with me? We can swing by the police station and give our extra statements. Morris, can you and Lynne hold down the fort again?” Morris gave a goofy salute. “Aye, aye, captain.” Taletha took a deep breath as she started the car, smiling as Adam placed his warm hand on her thigh. “It’s going to be okay,” he said. “I know. There are times when I worry it won’t actually be fine, but I have a great team, and I’m grateful that you and Morris are a part of it. “It’ll be smooth sailing from here on out.” Taletha shook her head as she pulled out of the parking lot. “It will never be smooth sailing forever. But we’ve got each other, and that will always help us ride out the storm.”

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Chapter Nine Taletha shoved her chair away from her desk and rubbed her eyes. A week had passed since the vandalisms had occurred, and it seemed as though things were settling down. But she was worried about paying for all of the repairs to the windows, mirrors, and floors. Her insurance policy covered a substantial portion, but she was still on the hook for several thousand dollars. She was in the process of suing Emily to recoup all expenses, but her attorney had warned her that even a clear-cut case could last up to eighteen months, and she needed the money sooner than that. “How’s it going?” Morris asked. He stepped into the office and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’m worried about cash flow over the next couple of months until we get these repairs paid off. Especially because I want to hire another instructor to replace Emily, but I’m not sure how we’d actually go about paying that person.” “You’ll figure it out. You always do. And you have a bunch of people willing to help you out if you need it,” he said, kneading her shoulders with his fingers. “Mmm. If you keep that up, I’m not going to get any work done at all, and I’ll be too relaxed to focus during practice.” “So you want me to stop?” “Actually, no, I don’t.” “That’s what I thought.” The intercom buzzed. Taletha pouted as Morris pulled his hands away. “Yes?”

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“Adam hasn’t shown up yet, and he has to teach the beginner group class that starts in five minutes.” “Maybe he’s stuck in traffic. Have you tried his cell phone?” “Yeah, I’ve called twice so far. He’s not answering.” “Weird. And he definitely didn’t call in sick?” “Nope.” “Shit.” She turned to Morris. “Can you substitute for him today? I don’t want to cancel on our students at the last minute, not when we have to keep our enrollment numbers up.” “No problem.” “Did you get that, Lynne?” “Yep!” Morris bent down and kissed Taletha again, but deeper this time. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he’s fine.” “I’m not so sure. I mean, he’d call if something had come up.” “I’m sure that there’s a perfectly rational explanation for everything.” “Maybe we should have woken him up and dragged him to the studio with us instead of letting him sleep in. Then we’d know he was safe.” “Maybe he got held up at the auto shop when he went to pick up his car.” “He would have called.” “He might have forgotten to charge his cell phone battery.” “He could have borrowed the shop phone.” “Taletha, you need to stop worrying. Everything will be fine. Just trust me.” Okay.” She sighed, trying to release the new tension that was accumulating in her body. She knew Morris was usually right when it came to knowing when to panic and when to let things go. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a group of awkward thirtysomethings looking to spice up their weekend routines with a little salsa dancing. I’ll see you for practice in an hour.”

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“I love you.” “I love you, too.” **** Adam had woken up that morning and had been slightly confused when he realized he was alone. He’d already gotten accustomed to sleeping in Taletha’s bed over the course of the week, and had already planned to look into finding someone to sublet for the remainder of his lease once all the repairs were done. While the vandalism had initially been an excuse for sleeping in her bed, he quickly realized that he didn’t want to sleep anywhere else. But while he’d already become accustomed to waking up with her at his side and Morris snoring softly from the other end of the bed, he had not woken up alone over a week. He was surprised that day to discover how quickly the disorientation had set in. But as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he remembered that they’d both had to teach private lessons at ten o’clock. He had vague recollections of the alarm clock going off, but had drifted off as Taletha and Morris had rolled out from under the covers and began preparing for their days. Glancing at the clock, Adam realized he didn’t have much time if he was going to make it to the beginner class he taught on Sunday afternoons, especially if he was going to pick up his car from the auto shop first. He called for a cab to give him a lift, and then hopped in the shower, pulled on some clothes, and wolfed down some fruit. He was just putting on his shoes when he heard the cab driver honk from the parking lot below. Taking the stairs two at a time, he hopped into the cab in under a minute. “Where to?” the driver asked, glancing back into the rearview mirror. “Luke’s Auto Body on East Thirty-Fifth Street. Thanks.” As he settled into the back of the cab, Adam tried to figure out why his driver looked so familiar, but after a few minutes of

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wondering, he shook the feeling off. This wasn’t the first cab he’d taken since moving to town, and it wasn’t impossible that he’d have the same driver twice. But the odd feeling that came over him when he’d first sat down returned when the driver suddenly pulled onto the freeway. “Hey, man, this isn’t my usual route. Do you know a shortcut or something?” “Yeah, you could say that.” Adam tried to settle back and relax again, but there was something in the driver’s tone that set him off. He tried to tell himself that, having only lived in town for two weeks, he still wasn’t familiar with all of the roadways, and it was entirely possible that the driver knew exactly what he was doing. But he also couldn’t deny that something about the situation just didn’t feel right. The feeling only intensified when they left the city limits. “Hey, what gives?” Adam snapped. “Did you forget my instructions?” “Oh, I didn’t forget. But I decided we were going to take a little detour.” Adam’s blood ran cold as the driver’s voice turned menacing. “Stop the car, now. I don’t know who you are or what you want, but just let me go. I have fifty bucks in cash in my wallet. I know it’s not a lot, but I’m sure it will─” “I don’t want your money,” the driver snarled. “I want you out of the picture.” “Out of what picture?” The driver jerked the car across two lanes of highway, and as Adam braced himself for a crash into the shoulder, he felt relieved that there wasn’t much traffic that day. The car slammed to a halt, and despite the presence of his seatbelt, Adam’s head slammed into the back of the driver’s seat. His vision blurred for a second, and he felt blood start to trickle out of his nose and drip down on his shirt. He pinched his nostrils closed and tried to regain his focus.

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The driver turned around and removed the baseball cap that had obscured much of his face. Despite the seriousness of the moment, Adam couldn’t keep himself from raising his eyebrows. The man was no less familiar, but Adam wasn’t any closer to identifying the face that scowled in front of him. His captor, however, was not amused. “You don’t even recognize me. You have no clue who the fuck I am?” “Sorry to ruin your moment. You do look really familiar, I just can’t place you.” “I can’t believe I was replaced by someone who doesn’t even know who I am.” “Replaced? What? Oh!” Images of seeing the man on a crowded dance floor suddenly flooded Adam’s memory. “Matt Fairbanks. I thought you moved to Europe.” Matt turned back toward the steering wheel and began driving again. “Everyone else thought that, too. But the day before I was supposed to start over, I got a call from the studio that had hired me. They’d put in a call to Taletha, and she didn’t exactly give me a glowing reference. So they revoked my employment.” Adam braced himself as Matt banked a sharp turn. “What does this have to do with me?” “You’re the one who took my job.” “I didn’t take your job. You lost it because you were harassing your students. I just picked up the slack.” “And once you’re out of the picture, Taletha will need to hire someone to fill the space you’ve left open, especially now that Emily is gone.” “How did you know about that?” The car screeched to a halt as Matt barely managed to avoid rearending a car in front of them. As soon as the next lane was clear, he swerved, and accelerated so hard that Adam was thrown backwards.

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“Emily remained one of my few allies at the studio after Taletha fired me. She and I kept in contact after I left.” Suddenly, things began to make sense. “I take it the two of you decided to form a partnership.” “Having an ally made my plan much easier. It’s how your car and apartment were destroyed in the same morning. And Emily being sent to jail left me free to keep pursuing revenge.” “You just get classier and classier.” “I’d refrain from the sarcasm, if I were in your position.” Matt swerved the car again, barely missing a truck. Adam felt as though he was doing it just to prove a point. “I figure that if you’re going to kill me, I might as well have some fun with you before I die.” Adam was trying hard to play calm and cool, but his insides were twisting with every word that came out of his mouth. Horns honked as Matt cut people off and ran red lights, leaving Adam wondering whether he’d survive long enough for Matt to complete whatever he had planned. “It would still be in your best interest to maintain a more deferential attitude. I still haven’t decided whether I’m going to make your death quick and painless, or slow and agonizing.” Matt’s menacing words were interrupted by the sound of a police siren blaring up behind them. “Shit, they’re on to me,” he snapped, and hit the accelerator. “I thought I had longer before they’d notice the cab was stolen.” “World-class dancer and a car thief. A man of many talents.” “Would you shut up?” Matt snapped as two more cars appeared behind them, picking up speed. “You’re caught, man. Give it up. You’re not going to kill me. The police are going to haul your ass to prison, and if you’re lucky, maybe you can set up some conjugal visits with Emily. But we’re done here. I’m going to live.”

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“We’ll see about that!” Matt screamed. He hit the accelerator, made a hard right, and drove through the guardrails, toward the traffic two hundred feet below. **** “Okay, I know you’re worried about Adam, but we have to concentrate,” Morris snapped. “Our next competition is only a month away, and quite frankly, we need to win. The prize money would definitely help with the extra expenses we’ve incurred this week.” “I know, I know, but something is wrong. I can feel it in my gut. There’s no reason he’d still be at the auto shop, and no reason why he wouldn’t have figured out a way to contact one of us if his cell phone was dead. We need to figure out what’s wrong and go help him.” Morris sighed. “You’re going to be a wreck the rest of the afternoon, aren’t you?” “What if something happened to him?” “Taletha, I’m sure he’s fine. People get distracted. They forget to call. Their cell phone batteries go dead. Have you gotten this worried about me every time I was a little late to practice?” “Maybe.” Morris raised his eyebrows. “Maybe?” Taletha sighed. “I’m usually more level-headed than this.” “Don’t worry about it,” Morris said. “Let’s just get back to practicing this time.” Just as Morris was about to turn on the music, a commotion of voices burst out in the staff lounge. Glancing at each other in confusion, Taletha and Morris went running toward the noise. “What’s wrong?” they asked in unison as they came through the door. Nobody answered. Everyone was clustered around the tiny television set in the corner. They had the news on, and the screen was

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showing images of a shattered taxicab that had driven through the interstate guardrails and crashed to the traffic below. “At present, the police have not released the identities of the victims, and they have also not given a statement as to their conditions,” the news anchor said, concluding her report. Taletha shuddered. “How terrible. I hope everyone is okay.” “So do I,” Morris said. “Can you imagine? You think you’re going somewhere, you think you’re going to have a nice, relaxing cab ride, and then all of a sudden, you’re flying off the freeway.” “Hey, Adam hasn’t called anyone’s cell phone, has he?” Lynne asked as she walked into the room. Her hands were shaking. Taletha frowned. “No, why?” “The shop just called. Adam was supposed to pick up his car three hours ago, and, as you can probably guess, he never showed up. They’ve been trying to reach his cell all afternoon, but he hasn’t picked up. The last time they tried, it went straight to voice mail.” Taletha felt the blood drain from her face. “Do you think…” She trailed off for a moment, unwilling to complete the thought. “Do you think there might be a connection to him not showing up in the shop and this accident here?” Lynne opened her mouth to reply, but before she had a chance to answer, the studio phone rang, and she rushed off to answer it. Taletha turned to Adam, trying to keep her composure. “What do you think?” “I think that worrying isn’t going to do any good.” Just then, Lynne ran back in. “St. Vincent’s Hospital is on the phone.” Taletha saw Morris’s face go white. She took a deep breath. “What did they have to say?” “That Adam has been admitted. And that the cab he was riding in crashed.”

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Taletha ran into her office, grabbed her car keys, and tossed them to Morris. “You drive. I don’t trust myself to stay in control right now.” They were silent on the way to the hospital. Taletha was too nervous to be angry at Morris for not listening, and her mind was consumed with all of the possible things that might have happened. Morris sped the entire way there, and they arrived in record time, but Taletha was practically in tears when they parked ten minutes later. She barreled out of the door the second Morris turned off the ignition, and she raced toward the doors so quickly that Morris had to chase her. “Slow down, love,” he said, grabbing her by the wrist. “Running won’t save him.” “Walking won’t get us to him any faster. Come on.” She sped up again, pulling him through the ER doors. “Hi,” she said to the receptionist, trying to catch her breath. “My name is Taletha Hendricks. I received a call a few minutes ago informing me that Adam Prachett has been admitted.” “Yes, the doctors are with him right now.” “How long until I can see him?” “Are you family?” “I’m his girlfriend.” “Sorry, immediate family only.” “His immediate family is out in California. I don’t think they’ll be able to make the 1,500 mile trip this afternoon.” “And you’re definitely his girlfriend?” “Yes. My name is Taletha.” The nurse turned to Morris. “And what about you?” “Coworker.” “Both of you, have a seat. I’ll see what I can do once the doctors are finished taking care of him.” “Can you tell us how bad it is?”

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“I’m afraid I can’t, I’m sorry. You’ll just have to wait until the doctors are done.” Taletha and Morris settled themselves onto an uncomfortable couch and descended into silence. Morris snaked his fingers through hers, and she squeezed his hand, willing Adam to live. She didn’t want to admit how scared she was, and she didn’t want to hear how scared Morris was, so she simply started at the television mounted to the wall, which was still covering the accident, but not saying anything new. After nearly an hour, the nurse approached them. “You can go see him now. He’s in room seventeen.” They both stood up, but the nurse stopped Morris. “Girlfriend only, I’m sorry.” “I understand.” He sat back down and picked up an outdated magazine. “He’s not quite awake yet,” the nurse said as she escorted Taletha through the triage area. “But he should come to in short order. Of course, the impact was pretty severe. You might want to prepare yourself. He’s in pretty bad shape.” “How bad?” “He broke his nose, his tailbone, his left wrist, and several ribs. He also had to have stitches for a number of wounds.” “But he’ll be able to dance again?” “Yes. He’s going to hurt for a while, but he’ll heal.” “And the driver?” “Due to confidentiality laws, I can’t give you the specifics of Mr. Fairbanks’s condition, but his injuries are comparable.” Taletha stopped in her tracks. “Fairbanks? As in Matt Fairbanks?” “You know him?” “I fired him. I thought he moved to Europe.” The nurse shrugged. “I guess not. Well, here we are.” She gestured inside the room, where Adam was hooked up to a number of needles and tubes. “Don’t worry, those are all IV painkillers and fluids.”

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“Thank you,” she said. “The police will probably be coming by soon. Once Mr. Prachett wakes up, they’ll have some questions for him.” “Good. I’ll have plenty to tell them as well.” **** As Adam returned to consciousness, the first thing he noticed was Taletha’s hand on his. Every muscle in his body ached, but he managed to roll over enough to see her teary smile. “I’m so glad you’re alive,” she whispered as the tears started falling. He saw the cast covering his arm, but rather than ask about the obvious injury, his mind turned to a terrifying hypothetical. “I’m not paralyzed, am I?” Not waiting for her to answer the question, he tried to move them, and was relieved to find that his ankles rolled and his knees bent. But he wasn’t anticipating the pain that shot through his lower back as he fidgeted. “Fuck!” he cried, trying to hold back his own tears. “Be gentle with yourself. Your body is going to need a lot of time to rest and recover.” “You mean the wrist that Matt Fairbanks broke.” “And he’s going to pay.” “He’s also going to pay for my apartment and your studio.” Taletha looked shocked. “That wasn’t Emily?” “She was his coconspirator, but he was definitely the mastermind.” “What a mess. I’m so sorry.” “Don’t apologize. None of this was your fault. And let’s look on the bright side. I’m not in good shape, but I’m going to dance again.” “That you are. I’m so grateful for that.” “Yeah, you didn’t want to have to hire two new teachers.”

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A small giggle escaped from Taletha’s lips. “It’s nice to see that your sense of humor is still intact.” The nurse stepped back in. “Mr. Prachett, I’m glad to see that you’re awake. Do you need anything?” “I’m fine for now, thanks.” “In that case, the police would like to ask you some questions about the cab theft and the crash. Do you think you’d be up for that right now?” “Of course. I don’t quite remember what happened after we went over the guardrail, but I can speak to everything that happened beforehand.” The nurse turned to Taletha. “You can stay a little while longer. But after that I’m going to have to ask you to go home and let Mr. Prachett rest. If everything goes well tonight, you can come pick him up tomorrow.” “Understood. I appreciate you letting me see him at all.” As the police entered the room, Taletha noticed Matt being wheeled past. “Excuse me,” she said, and dashed out. Taletha lingered in the hallway as the orderlies set Matt up in his bed. She slipped in as soon as they had walked back down the hall. Pausing in the doorway, she took inventory. Both of his legs were in casts, as was his right arm, and there was a line of stitches across his forehead. Matt was awake, and he froze when he noticed her staring at him. “What are you doing here?” “I’m here for Adam, mostly, but I thought I’d pay you a little visit as well. I just wanted to congratulate you on being so crafty for so long. You really had me fooled. But justice has prevailed. You’ll be lucky if you dance again, and I’m not talking about those two broken legs.” Without giving Matt a chance to respond, she turned and left, hurrying back to Adam.

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Chapter Ten Three months later, Taletha and Morris accompanied Adam to the hospital for his cast removal. He was surprised when they both said they were coming. Between Emily being fired and Adam needing time off to recover, the two of them had picked up the bulk of the teaching responsibilities. Even hiring a new instructor had only decreased their workload a little bit. They always found more to do, especially as they struggled to pay for the repairs the insurance wouldn’t cover. Adam had tried to come back as soon as he could walk, but the exertion required proved too intense. He had to learn to relax, slow down, and build his body back up carefully. “I really appreciate the gesture, but the two of you didn’t both need to show up. Who’s minding the studio?” “You’re starting to sound like me,” Taletha said with a laugh. “Trust me, Lynne can handle it. Besides, we all have the afternoon off. I’ve had that on the calendar ever since you told us when your last appointment would be.” “You actually scheduled some time off? I’m shocked.” “This is a special day. It’s a milestone in your recovery. I wanted to make sure we celebrated in style.” “Oh? What do you have planned?” “You’ll see.” Taletha’s eyes betrayed a mischief that Adam wasn’t used to seeing. “Do you have any clue what she’s talking about?” he asked Morris.

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“I wish I did. You’d think that after five years, I’d have figured her out by now, but I don’t feel any closer to understanding her than I did the day we met.” “Nice to know I don’t have to rush to catch up to you.” Taletha considered this a momentous occasion in his recovery, but Adam was frustrated at how much time he’d had to take off and how long he’d had to spend building strength back up in his arm and back. It didn’t help that in some ways, he’d never be the same as he was before. The scars on his arms, chest, and chin would serve as permanent reminders of what he’d survived. But he tried to think of them as badges of honor to wear with pride. It helped that Taletha considered the scars sexy. As soon as the stitches had come out and the pain had faded, she’d taken to running her fingers along them. The way she appreciated the slivers that textured his skin made their presence less painful for him. Taletha was practically bouncing with excitement over whatever it was that she had planned. “So, do we want to go get a late lunch, or do you two want to see your surprise?” “I thought this was my surprise,” Adam said, laughing and slowly rotating his wrist, adjusting to having range of motion again. “I decided today would be the best day to present it, to commemorate your cast removal, but it’s definitely for both of you guys. I hope you’re not too disappointed that you have to share, but I really think you’ll enjoy it.” “I don’t think sharing will be an issue,” Morris said with a grin. “I mean, it’s not like we’re not used to sharing other wonderful things.” **** Taletha started to get nervous as she turned down the block. Buying a house for the three of them was a huge gamble. She’d been looking into buying her own place, anyway, and her apartment was way too small for the three of them. Nor did she want to cram her life

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into one of their tiny spaces. They’d already started making preparations to formally move in together, but the assumption had been that they would rent a bigger place. Buying a house was a real commitment. They couldn’t just buy out their lease if things went south. Buying a house required faith. And as much faith as Taletha had had when she was signing the mortgage papers, she was suddenly a little nervous about the strength of her belief. Still, she was ready to commit to her men, and she wanted to have a place that was all theirs. She pulled into the driveway of their new ranch-style home. Her hands shook slightly as she turned off the ignition. “Here we are.” “This is the surprise?” Adam sounded confused. “Yep.” “What is it?” Morris asked. “It’s a house, silly.” “Well, yeah, it’s a house, but…how is this house a surprise?” Adam turned to Taletha. “You bought this house, didn’t you? You bought this house for the three of us to share.” “Yeah, I did. Do you like it?” “You should probably take us on a tour first, before we decide one way or the other.” Taletha grabbed the keys and opened the door, her hands steadier now that they hadn’t completely freaked out. “Here’s the main entryway. It’s a little boring, but we can always fix that up later.” “I like the tile floor. It will be nice and cool in the summer,” Morris said. “Now we’re going through the living room. It’s a little bare right now, but I think that Morris’s couch will go very well with the wallpaper that already exists.” She led them through the hallway, made a left, and opened a door. “Here’s the room that will be our private studio space. The Marley floors will be delivered next Sunday, and I’ll order mirrors once everything is installed.”

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“How did you manage to pay for this?” Morris asked. “I mean, just a few weeks ago, you were freaking out about how we were going to repair the studio after all the damage that Matt did.” “This is all paid for out of my own savings. I didn’t spend years being frugal without intending to enjoy it later on. I’m still worried about the studio, but I think our newest teacher will be quite a draw, and I have an idea for a fundraiser that should bring in the cash we need to complete the repairs. And of course, I can’t assume that the lawsuits against Emily and Matt will turn out in a certain way, but my attorney thinks that it’s likely that I’ll be able to put a good chunk of that toward the mortgage.” “We’ll help, of course,” Adam said. “This is our place, too.” “Yeah, I was going to get annoyed if we didn’t split the payments.” Taletha smiled. “Now, do you want to go on to the kitchen, or do you want to see the master bedroom?” “Bedroom,” both men said in unison. Taletha took their hands and escorted them around the corner. Pushing open the door, she revealed a room that was almost completely bare, except for the four-poster king bed pushed against one wall. “I didn’t have time to decorate much,” she said. “But I made sure we had the necessities.” Adam raced over and bounced on the mattress. “So far, so good. But I think we need to take it on a test ride before we can be certain it’s perfect.” He started stripping off his clothes. Morris joined him on the bed, shedding his own outfit as he crossed the room. “The two of you are in quite the hurry, I see. Should I be concerned about how fast you’re going to go once I actually get in the bed with you? Do I need to be worried about stamina here?” “Never,” Morris said. “But if you keep us waiting, we might just get impatient and jerk off without you.”

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“Not that watching the two of you stroking yourselves would be much of a punishment. I think you know I like to watch my men masturbate.” “Yeah, but I know you like being filled even more. And I was thinking that today, you could be filled three ways at once.” Taletha laughed. “I doubt it. I only see two cocks in this room. Unless you’ve decided to invite a fourth person over?” “Not quite.” Morris got up and grabbed his jeans, pulling a black stone butt plug out of one pocket, and a bottle of lube out of the other. “You’re not the only one who likes planning surprises,” he said when Taletha raised an eyebrow. Her curiosity overwhelmed her, and rather than take her time with a striptease like she’d originally planned, Taletha pulled off her clothes as quickly as her men had moments before. As she launched herself between them on the bed, her breasts bounced, and before she had time to even settle in one spot, both of their mouths were on her nipples, licking and biting the points until they were completely hard. Morris slid two fingers into her cunt, going straight for the G-spot that had started throbbing the second she’d unlocked the door to the house. Adam placed a finger on her clit, which was just as needy, and they started stroking her in tandem, making big, slow circles that sent shallow ripples of pleasure up and down her body. After a few minutes, however, Adam increased his pace and continued speeding up even though Morris didn’t follow along. Taletha found that the difference between the two speeds was even more exhilarating than when their hands moved in perfect synchronicity. The orgasm exploded from beneath his finger, sending shocks of heat through every muscle and sinew. She shut her eyes and tossed her head around as each new pulse of energy overwhelmed her body. As the tremors finally subsided, she opened her eyes and smiled up at her men. “I think she likes the way we work,” Adam said.

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“Don’t be coy,” Taletha snapped, though she grinned through her false irritation. “You know I hate it when you’re coy.” “You don’t like it? Really?” Adam asked, tracing his fingertip across her thigh and up her pussy lips before pulling it away. “I hate it.” “You don’t like it when we tease you, either?” Morris asked. He nibbled her earlobe and let one hand brush against her still-hard nipple. “Despise it,” Taletha said, though she was starting to lose her control. “You really don’t like either of those things?” Adam massaged her thighs a little more firmly this time, and Taletha could feel the energy pounding in her cunt. “Hate them all.” But she couldn’t hide the way her breath was hitching with each press of his fingers, or with each small bite of Morris’s teeth. “If you don’t like what we’re doing, then why do you let us keep doing it?” Morris asked, before blowing against her ear. Taletha couldn’t answer. She slammed her eyes shut and groaned as pleasure started to overwhelm her senses again. “I asked you a question,” Morris whispered, pinching both nipples this time. But Taletha’s verbal abilities were diminishing with each second. “I don’t think she really dislikes what we’re doing,” Adam said. “You’re right. She seems to be enjoying it. I think we’re just going to have to keep teasing her.” “Forever.” “Nothing but teasing.” “I–I need to come,” Taletha whispered as her body started to shake with arousal. “What’s that, love?” Morris asked. “You need to speak up. We can’t hear you.”

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“I need to come.” Taletha could barely hear herself, but the pleasure was so intense that it required more concentration than usual to get the words out. “I’m not sure what she’s asking, but I’m pretty sure she wants us to just tease her for the rest of the afternoon.” “No!” Taletha managed to cry. “I want to come. Let me come, dammit. Please.” Morris looked at Adam. “Think we should let her come?” “I wouldn’t mind seeing her writhe around again.” They adjusted themselves on the bed, and Morris lowered his head between her legs. His tongue approached her clit with ravenous hunger, and the second he began to lick between her pounding slit, Taletha could feel the orgasm getting ready to release. But it wasn’t until Adam pinched her nipples and began twisting that the intensity started to build. As the combination of pain and pleasure doubled up in her body, the climax coursed through her veins, leaving her gasping for breath. “Are you feeling all warmed up?” Adam whispered into her ear. “Because I was thinking it might be time to try something a little more athletic.” “I’m ready, yeah.” “Roll over,” Morris said. As soon as she was settled, she felt the chill of lube swirling around her asshole, and a slicked-up finger not long after. “Fuck,” she gasped. “That always feels so good.” “It will feel even better in just a second.” The finger slid out, and her muscles had only a moment to relax before they were tightening around the little plug. They contracted so hard that her pussy started throbbing again. “You’re right, that does feel even better.” “On your knees,” Adam said, stretching himself out on the bed and giving her a full view of his ready cock. “You think you can just order me around in bed?”

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“Are you saying you don’t want to suck my cock?” Taletha tried to maintain her aloof nature, but she couldn’t deny that she’d been thinking about going down on him all afternoon. Rather than answer the question, she brought the tip of her tongue to the head of his dick and moved it in slow, light circles. “Now who’s the tease?” he gasped. “I never said I wasn’t.” She went back to the gentle yet torturous tongue strokes, moving up and down his shaft with the same featherlight touch. It wasn’t until she felt Morris grip her hips that she actually took Adam’s cock in her mouth. And even then, she didn’t start moving right away. She waited until she felt Morris slide deep into her pussy, feeling the way the plug in her ass made her cunt muscles grip him even harder, enjoying the way she felt being filled from all angles. She made sure to moan, enjoying the way Adam gasped as the vibrations of her voice reverberated up and down his desperate shaft. When Morris started to move inside her, she finally started to give Adam the blow job he’d been craving. One hand was wrapped around the base of his cock, occasionally squeezing and releasing, making him groan even louder. Morris delivered a tap to her ass, and she groaned again, making sure he knew she’d enjoyed it. Upon hearing her groan, he spanked her harder, each slap increasing the pitch and length of her moans. “Fuck, I’m coming,” Adam gasped. After one last surge, he went rigid on the bed as his cock released inside of her. Taletha drank down every drop, and managed to lick him clean, even though Morris was pounding into her even faster than he had before. Her pussy was clenching tighter and tighter with each slam of his cock into her cunt, the pressure magnified by the way her ass clenched around the stone plug. Unwilling to sit out, Adam started playing with her nipples, pinching them as hard as he had before, giving her body the final push it needed to reach the height of pleasure. Her cunt gave one final throb around Morris’s cock, and she

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stopped moving, paralyzed with the electricity streaming through her body. She felt Morris respond to the sudden increase in pressure and heard his groan as he emptied out inside her. “Leave the plug in,” Taletha said as Morris pulled away. “I want to feel it for a little while longer.” She collapsed in the center of the bed and felt the warmth of her lovers surround either side of her. They remained silent for a while, enjoying the quiet company in their new home. “So when do we go furniture shopping?” Adam finally asked. “You mean we need more than just the dance studio and a bed?” Taletha smiled, wondering if they could make do with so little. “We need to eat somewhere.” “What’s wrong with the furniture we already own?” Morris asked. “I like the stuff I already have.” “I don’t know,” Adam said. “I mean, most of my stuff got ruined in the vandalism, anyway. Besides, we’re starting a fresh chapter in our lives. We should get all new stuff that’s ours, not an amalgamation of all of our old stuff from our time apart.” “You can be incredibly persuasive,” Morris said. “I propose a nap, then dinner, then furniture shopping.” “We’ll probably want a shower in there somewhere,” Taletha said. “You two had me working up quite a sweat.” “In that case, I suggest we just put the furniture shopping off until tomorrow. Because the second I see you all wet and naked, I’m going to need to fuck you again.” “I already want to fuck you both again,” she said. “I’ve been ready to go again ever since you both finished.” “I think we need another thirty minutes or so to recover.” “In that case, maybe I should just shower by myself. Or maybe I’ll go take a dip in the Jacuzzi. I did mention the master bathroom has a Jacuzzi, didn’t I? It was expensive, but I decided I didn’t want to spare any expense for my men.”

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Taletha hopped out of bed and winked at her men before strutting off to the bathroom. She couldn’t help but grin at their shocked faces. Her mind was already reeling as she planned out new surprises for the next day, and the next week, and the rest of their lives.

THE END OLIVIAJORDANAUTHOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Olivia Jordan was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Her librarian mother made sure Olivia had regular access to a wide range of books, which instilled a love of good stories at a young age. With an attorney for a father, Olivia learned early on about the ways that language can be used to entertain, enlighten, and manipulate. Although Olivia initially dreamed of being a ballerina, she realized in her teen years that her talent was for the written word, and her path to the writing life began before she even had a driver’s license. After finishing her formal education, Olivia decided that it was time to get away from any and all states that got more than an inch of snow a year. She now makes her home in Austin, Texas, with her husband and a small menagerie. Although a city girl at heart, she also loves taking her convertible out to the country. Nothing inspires her more than the wind in her hair, the sun on her face, and the open road in front of her.

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