Dual Desire (Siren Publishing Menage Amour) Read online

  The blue in Reed’s eyes and the brightness of his smile became more vivid as the ATV drew closer. He slowed to a stop, the engine idling between them.

  “How about a lift?” Reed asked, his voice hoarse in the chilled air.

  Ivy glanced down at her skirt.

  “Ah”—she paused—“I’m not really dressed to straddle a seat, but thanks.” She laughed. Reed shrugged. Despite the cold she could feel the heat bleeding from her skin. She hated it. Her bashfulness was a battle she’d had to fight since she was a young girl.

  “Who cares, hike it up. I won’t look…I won’t be able to see.” He smiled. “Someone’s gotta drive this thing. Come on.” He waved her on, patting the seat behind him.

  “Oh, what the hell,” Ivy said, fighting her reserve.

  Chapter Three

  He felt her settle in behind him. He glanced up at the green canopy of trees and chuckled to himself. Joel was going to kick his ass if Reed told him that he drove Ivy up to her bungalow. Should he gloat, or keep it to himself? They really didn’t compete. Reed enjoyed getting Joel all fired up, and it appeared that Ivy already had him halfway there.

  Joel liked his women. Reed did, too, but they each had their own dating style, Joel’s being more assertive. Reed felt that Joel might be too much for Ivy. She seemed reserved, a bit shy and withdrawn, though she certainly knew how to handle the public. Aunt June had made a good decision hiring her.

  Reed couldn’t deny that he was interested. Ivy was beautiful. She had an exotic look, her features dark and alluring. Reed wasn’t sure how he’d channel his interest. He would watch to see what Joel did first.

  The idea of Joel pursuing Ivy sent a wave of concern through him. Joel’s approach had the potential of sending Ivy running for cover. Reed didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable at her new job. Ivy didn’t seem like the type of woman who would be interested in both of them, so Reed pushed the next thought away that came rushing into his mind. Not that he and Joel had to share every woman, but sharing did have its added benefits. Reed was confident that if something was to go wrong, he’d be able to nurse Ivy’s wounds.

  He’d been so lost in thought he hadn’t spoken to her. Feeling rude, he turned, meeting her gorgeous face in his periphery.

  “You okay back there?” He grinned.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Reed thought she may have wrapped her arms around his waist, but she chose to hang onto the edge of the seat instead. She is timid. This one could be a lot of work. Somehow, underneath all that reserve, Reed knew that Ivy Tanner would be worth the investment of his time.

  “Do you know where our place is?” Reed asked, glancing over his shoulder. The earth’s wooded dampness blew around them.

  “No.” He watched her shake her head in the side mirror. Inky strands of hair blew around her chiseled face. She was stunning. The sharp line of her jaw and sensual neck had Reed traveling down the same path that Joel was most likely wandering already. Pouty lips that were glossed with a soft pink curved into a faint smile. Her eyes caught his in the side mirror before looking away.

  “Wanna see it?” The engine hummed between them as he waited for her to answer, her reply delayed. “If you’re—”

  “No,” her voice rushed. “I’d like to see it.” He felt her petite body shift on the seat behind him. Reed gunned the throttle slightly as they passed the turnoff on the rutted path that would’ve taken them to her bungalow.

  The lake came into view. The water rippled in the gentle breeze, the surface blackened in the dusk. Reed switched on his headlight as they rounded the end of the lake. His and Joel’s villa came into view. Joel was still manning the bar. Reed thought it better if it was just him giving Ivy the tour. I’m definitely gonna get my ass kicked.

  * * * *

  “This is beautiful.” Ivy’s head tipped back, taking in the bi-level structure. It was contemporary, but cozy. Ivy noted that some renovations had probably been made over the years to the A-frame structure. Large windows dominated the front, the trim a light-peachy color. Window boxes sat beneath, vacant for the season.

  Reed cut the engine and held out his hand, helping her dismount. His cool fingers threaded through hers. Ivy tried to get off the bike as graciously as possible. She noticed Reed divert his gaze before she quickly turned to adjust her skirt. His hand on her elbow had their eyes meeting. He smiled sheepishly and steered her toward the door.

  “I’ll give you a quick tour. You’re probably tired after your first day.”

  “It wasn’t bad, actually. I just inputted a lot of Marion’s files into the system.”

  “Yeah, I know Marion really didn’t like to use the computer,” Reed admitted.

  “Generational thing.” Ivy shrugged. “Change is tough for some.”

  “Is it for you?” Reed asked as he led her to the front door, his eyes seizing hers.

  “Sometimes, yes,” Ivy admitted.

  “Seems like you’re doing well so far,” Reed said. He stepped aside to let her pass through first. He closed the door, his face awash in the shadows.

  “Thanks.” Ivy bit down on her lip.

  When Reed flicked on the light, she was in awe. The rooms were all small, but open and connecting. The living room was artfully decorated, the walls a slate gray, accented with black leather pieces. Bookshelves lined either side of a fireplace, housing a stereo system and speakers. A large flat screen was mounted in the corner. A glass-topped coffee table lined the front of the leather couch. Reed’s voice broke through the silence that Ivy hadn’t noticed, being so enamored with the villa.

  “You like?” Reed’s hand grazed the small of her back. Ivy shifted her weight. She didn’t want to be rude, but she could feel him. The heat of his body wafted against her like a campfire.

  “This is great. I mean, I love my place, too, it’s just…”

  “Come on.” Reed’s hand was still on her back as he guided her into a large, modern kitchen. “I want to show you the rest so I can get you home before it gets too late.”

  “Did you have a professional come in to design this?” Ivy’s gaze moved across the contemporary kitchen done in beige and cocoa brown, accented with a bold, red tiling that covered the backsplash. A large range sat at the end of the counter, its hood a glaring copper.

  “Marion’s daughter is an interior designer.” Reed waved a hand. “She did the entire house.”

  “Wow.” Ivy laughed. The winding out of an engine sounded from outside. Reed darted to the window, leaning into the glass. Ivy took him in from behind. It was much safer.

  He must ditch his uniform as soon as he clocks out. A tattered pair of Levi’s hung from his hips, sagging slightly but not in a sloppy way. A blue pullover pulled across his broad back. Reed ran his fingers through his hair, spinning on his heel. Ivy noted his eyes, how they’d become clouded with concern.

  “Looks like Joel’s home.”

  Chapter Four

  When Joel opened the door, he could smell her. He contained his rabid behavior as he strolled into the kitchen. The track lighting glared off the sleek strands of her hair, giving it a bluish tint. When her eyes reluctantly met his, he felt instantly sucked in. I am so fucked.

  “Well, well, well.” Joel chuckled, tossing his wallet and keys on the granite island.

  “Thought I’d give Ivy the tour,” Reed said, his admission hurried. Joel could tell that Reed’s smile was forced, his face pained from the intrusion. Reed shoved his hands deep into his pockets. Joel also knew that this was his brother’s apprehensive behavior talking. Joel went to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer. He held one out for Ivy and Reed. They waved the beverage away. Joel settled on the stool closest to Ivy. Her shapely legs filled his line of vision. Her pink-and-white sneakers were a cute addition to her otherwise professional attire.

  “How’d your first day go?” Joel tipped his beer back, trying to hold her darting gaze over the neck of the bottle.

  “Fine.” She folded her hands, resting the
m in front of her. “Things went very well.”

  “Good.” Joel set his beer down. “So, any costume ideas for the party?” The options that fit her ran through his head like a slide show. She’d make a great Roaring Twenties girl or maybe Cleopatra. A belly dancer! His dick danced inside his trousers.

  “I’m still working on that.” She smiled, her cheeks flushing a delicious pink. Her skin was a rich, syrupy brown he wanted to lick. “What about you guys?” She faced Reed, her hair grazing her cheek as she moved. She was so sexy, her face a series of smooth, sharp lines. Joel’s eyes dipped down to her breasts. The shirt she wore hid it all. His motto was if it was kept hidden, then it was worth seeing. He shook off his thoughts.

  “We never tell,” Reed said, smiling. A knowing look passed between them.

  “Well, are you ready, Ivy? I should take you home.” Reed reached into his pocket and fingered the keys to the ATV.

  “Sure.” Ivy rose from her stool. “See you tomorrow, Joel.”

  “You can count on it.” Joel lifted the bottle to his lips. He sucked the frothy foam from the neck of the bottle as his eyes absorbed one last glimpse of Ivy Tanner’s cute ass as it exited the kitchen.

  * * * *

  After her shower Ivy sat down in front of her laptop and sent her father a quick e-mail. He was in Greece visiting some old friends. Her father always missed his homeland while she was growing up. Now that he was retired, he was free to roam. After clicking on send, she shut down. Ivy went into the small, cozy kitchen and fixed a cup of tea. As the kettle warmed on the stove, she reclaimed her seat at the tiny, round table.

  She was settled in and getting used to her new surroundings. June had let her make some minor changes after moving in, such as removing the cabinet facing and painting the interior of the cabinets a light blue. It opened up the tiny space. Unlike the twins’ villa that was done in dark, masculine shades, Ivy’s bungalow was bright and open, the walls a whitewash accented with furniture and throw pillows in all the primary colors. Marion’s daughter had a sharp eye.

  The bathroom was her favorite, a deep porcelain tub and vanity done in soft whites and yellows. Her thoughts moved on to the Halloween party and her costume, but then quickly changed tracks when Joel’s questioning eyes burned through her memory. Before one thought was complete, another pushed through. The way Reed had reached for her hand after helping her off the ATV, escorting her to the front door of the bungalow. Reed was sweet, polite, and somewhat chivalrous. Joel was mysterious and darker, his personality brash. There seemed to be a secret agenda behind his pressing stares. Ivy shrugged off her concerns.

  She was here to do a job. It would probably be best if she keep her distance from the twins. Ivy could only wander so far onto middle ground. Ivy didn’t want to be rude to them, but she needed to be professional as well. She had a good thing going here at Hidden Hills. There was one thing she couldn’t deny, and meeting the twins just magnified what she tried to bury. A part of her ached. Ivy was a normal woman, a woman who craved a man’s touch. The only problem was she couldn’t seem to find a man whom she felt safe with, safe enough to let go.

  * * * *

  Over the next few weeks, Ivy fell into a routine. Things in the lobby were running like a well-oiled machine, and she hoped June was pleased. The twins were around, greeting her every day. The draw that she began to feel toward them was becoming harder to ignore. Though the current was different with each one, both were equally engaging.

  Reed was always pleasant, eager to lend his assistance. He often picked her up on his way up the hill on the ATV, dropping her off at the bungalow. With Joel it was different. He lurked, like a predator ready to pounce. Their conversations were limited and short. Joel spoke to her through his eyes and his acts of service. One consisted of providing her with fresh coffee every day after lunch.

  The party was drawing near, and she and June were having their final meeting. “I think it’s a great idea.” June beamed. She and Ivy were sitting in the dining room, the party itinerary strewn over the table. Ivy had come up with the idea to have a raffle at the Halloween party. The winner would have their pick of accommodations for a future visit of two nights, and the proceeds would go to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

  “You’re doing a great job.” June smiled. She patted Ivy’s hand. “Now remember, you’ll have off the night of the party. I want you to relax and enjoy yourself, mingle,” June said, giving her a knowing smile. “Is everything going all right, any questions or concerns?” June asked, her warm, brown eyes settling on hers.

  “I’m fine. Everything’s going well,” Ivy informed her, scooping up her papers and putting them back into the party folder.

  “The bungalow suits you then?” June stood, smoothing out her navy slacks. Ivy rose to her feet and pushed her chair in.

  “Like I said, I’m very happy here.”

  “Wonderful. That’s what I like to hear. Now let me get down to the laundry because I heard there’s an issue there.” She frowned. “Do you have your costume ready?”

  “Yes, I do.” Ivy returned June’s smile.

  “Well, we’re all set to go then.”

  June patted her shoulder and left Ivy to her duties. Ivy had decided to be a nurse for the party. It was an easy costume to put together, and conservative. She wanted to make a good impression. This was her first party of hopefully many to come. She would not show up in some skimpy outfit, whether she had the nerve or not.

  Ivy spent the rest of the day at the desk managing all the check-ins. At four o’clock she packed her tote bag and handed the office keys to her relief. As she was exiting the building, Reed caught her at the door. Ivy beat him to the punch.

  “Offering me another ride?” She felt her lips pull into a grin. Reed jerked waves of hair out of his eyes.

  “You up for it?” Reed asked. A row of neat, white teeth caught his lower lip, his eyes dancing with amusement.

  Chapter Five

  “So what’s your mission, Brother?” Joel sat at the island. He bit into his hamburger, eyeing the meat between the bun. Ketchup dripped down his fingers. Joel grabbed a napkin before it reached his plate.

  “You want to expand on that question?” Reed asked, sitting on the other stool across the island. Joel’s dark brows rose.

  “You making your move or what?” Joel wiped his mouth, his stare pressing.

  “Are you asking me if I’m interested in Ivy?” Reed stared him down.

  “Out with it!” Joel demanded, his tone sharp.

  “I don’t know.” Reed looked away, needing a moment. “There’s something in there. Finding it is one thing, pulling it out is another.”

  “That’s an intelligent statement.” Joel’s words dripped with sarcasm.

  “Easy, huh?” Reed started to eat. The kitchen grew quiet.

  “Sorry, man,” Joel said softly. He tossed his napkin down in his plate.

  “I think she’s repressed. Something’s off,” Reed said, sharing his recent observances.

  “So, what’re you saying? You think the girl’s a virgin?” Joel asked, his eyes taking on a new shine.

  “No, I doubt it.” His reply stalled. Reed leaned on the granite island. “She just seems so nervous all the time. Whenever I think of suggesting something, her face goes red and she starts wringing her hands together. I can’t take it,” Reed sighed. “I feel like I scare the shit out of her.” The conversation lost steam for a minute. Joel pushed his plate away.

  “It’s a shame, really. She seems like a nice girl, but I see what you’re saying. Maybe something happened, a bad experience, a childhood trauma. We know all about those.” Joel rolled his eyes. Reed checked his brother’s expression, noting a bit of empathy below Joel’s sarcasm, which was unusual.

  “Listen to you going all philosophical on me.” Reed laughed.

  “Hey, these things have to be handled delicately.”

  “That’s interesting coming from you,” Reed said, chuckling.

>   “Shit,” Joel grumbled. “Am I that bad?” Joel’s face now pinched with frustration.

  “Nah, I’m just surprised, that’s all.” Reed got up and cleared the plates. He loaded the dishwasher and started the cycle. When he turned around, Joel was staring into space, deep in thought. Reed walked up to him, shaking his shoulder. Joel faced him.

  “Well, most women we come across are all access, right?” Joel asked, his tired eyes probing him for acknowledgment. “Ivy’s different. She requires a different approach, that’s all. Now the question is…who’s the man for the job?” Joel’s eyes flashed, suddenly revived by the debate.

  “How many beers have you had tonight?” Reed asked, amused.

  “Only one, Brother, only one.”

  * * * *

  So far it was a perfect evening for the party. June had anchored a huge jack-o’-lantern out on the dock in the center of the lake. Its illuminated face glared off the dark surface of the water.

  Ivy stood in front of her mirror, pinning on her nurse’s cap. She then removed the navy-blue cape off the hanger and wrapped it around her shoulders. Once downstairs, she grabbed her keys and stepped out onto the front porch, locking up. Ivy stashed her keys underneath the mat, not wanting to be bothered carrying a purse.

  The air was crisp, holding an autumn chill. As she made her way down the soft path, the lights of the lobby and main dining room came into view. Glowing decorations and strings of orange lights led the way. The thumping of music reached her ears as she descended the hill.