Hotter Horizons Read online

  Holy fuck!

  Levi returned her smile, opening the door, his stomach flipping instantly with excitement. Her low, smoky voice filled the air between them, sounding unsure.

  “My name is Fern Carone. I’m here to apply for the housekeeping position.” Her fingers clenched the strap of a rather large purse.

  “Yes,” Levi breathed, stepping back. “I’m Levi Peridi. My roommate, Alec, is at work. Please come in. Fern, what an usual name.” His words were a bit rushed. This girl had him as nervous as a juvenile.

  “My real name is Frances,” she said her cheeks flushing. “It’s just that everyone calls me Fern, though it makes me feel frumpy,” she said, laughing as her eyes changed shape with her smile.

  “Let me guess.” Levi laughed. “Charlotte’s Web?”

  “Yeah, it’s a tough analogy to escape.” Fern chuckled.

  Levi waved her in, closing the door behind her. His eyes quickly slid down the curvy profile of her body. Jesus, help me!

  “I like both,” Levi told her, wanting to ease her reservations. He directed her into the kitchen. “Can I get you coffee?”

  “I’d like that, very much.” She nodded. Her eyes darkened once inside the confines of the house.

  I’m liking you … very much!

  Levi got her settled in behind the narrow island and turned to retrieve their mugs, struggling to conceal his elation.

  ****

  The house was small, yet inviting, holding a charm that could catapult one back into a different time. Fern guessed it was about a hundred years old, the outside a weathered red brick.

  The inside had been cleverly designed with a mid-western feel. Soft, neutral tones were the backdrop to accents done in bold reds and oranges, with a vibrant teal green that tied it all together like the knitted threads of a Mexican blanket.

  “Sit … please.” Levi pulled out a stool.

  Fern took in the cabinetry in a light honey, the walls a maize-yellow, as Levi fixed their coffee. The island was small, only meant to accommodate two for a quick meal. The Pergo floor gleamed with a high sheen. They had an extensive collection of Fiestaware in a variety of bold colors that accented the kitchen perfectly. Soft classical music was being piped in from somewhere.

  Fern’s eyes wandered over to Levi as he worked at the counter. He was tall, his shoulders broad. Long legs encased in faded denim took her gaze right down to his bare feet. A white button-down shirt, its tails untucked, added to his casualness. The Keurig machine hummed, filling the silence that stretched.

  Fern set her satchel on the floor. Levi turned, holding two steaming mugs, sliding one toward her. His eyes were a rich brown, mirroring everything around them. He smiled, his angled jaw dusted with a dark growth that wasn’t unkempt, but classy.

  “Thank you,” Fern said, lifting the bright-pink mug to her lips. His gaze joined hers over the rim of his mug. Fern shifted in her seat. A wave of uneasiness moved through her. She shrugged it off. The thought of not getting this job had Johnny’s irate face haunting her mind’s eye. Fern sat up, setting her mug down. Levi placed his mug next to hers.

  “So.” He lifted a shoulder. “Let me tell you what we’re looking for. I’ve never done this before, so please bear with me,” he said. He dug a few fingers into the short, dark strands of his hair, smiling. His teeth caught his lower lip, which had Fern mentally running for cover. This guy could stoke a fire without a match.

  Levi explained that between him and his roommate, they needed a hand with some basic housekeeping and laundry, and that Alec needed his uniforms ironed. Levi informed her that he worked from home, but Alec had crazy hours, working at the area’s most notable restaurant.

  Fern listened, taking in all the duties that would be expected of her.

  “Do you have any questions?” he asked, his head tilted.

  Fern smiled, reaching for her mug, needing a diversion.

  “I don’t cook very well.” Fern tried to assess his reactive expression.

  Levi shrugged. “We’re not concerned with that. Alec brings home a lot of stuff from the restaurant. Does the live-in part of the job bother you?” Levi asked.

  “No, actually. It’s sort of what I need right now,” Fern said.

  “Great.” He grinned. “What d’ya think? I mean, we’re easy, really. You look like you can handle it.” He laughed. “It’ll be a flat rate of five hundred a week.”

  Fern almost choked on her coffee.

  “Not enough?” Levi’s brow lifted.

  Fern shook her head, swallowing the hot beverage. It settled in her gut like a fireball.

  “No, it’s perfect.” She pulled her hands into her lap, rubbing them down the front of her jeans. This is too perfect!

  “Should I show you your room then?” Levi asked, joining her on the other side of the island.

  Chapter Five

  Alec parked Levi’s Audi with care and killed the engine. His body ached, but his mind was wired. That’s often how it was when he got home. After running all night long, his legs felt like rotting wood. It always took him time to mentally settle down so he could crash.

  When Alec let himself in, Levi was sipping a glass of white wine, leaning against the counter in a pair of faded jeans and no shirt. Levi’s bare chest only made Alec’s mind race faster, despite his physical exhaustion.

  “This is a welcome sight,” Alec said, smiling. He tossed his bow tie on the counter and clawed at the buttons of his dress shirt. Levi’s eyes glittered in the low lighting. Alec felt Levi drinking him in as well as his wine.

  “What are you smirking about?” Alec laughed.

  “Didn’t you get the text I sent you earlier?” Levi asked, setting his glass on the island as he slinked toward him.

  “Ah, no, I guess not.” Alec dug into his pocket for his phone.

  Levi grabbed his hand, his grip searing. “Don’t bother now. I’d rather tell you the good news in person,” Levi whispered. Levi reached for him, tugging on his belt loop. Levi’s fingers gripped his chin. Alec fell into his dark brown eyes, disappearing into their intensity.

  Levi’s lips touched his, prompting Alec to release a deep, needful groan. Levi’s tongue pushed into his mouth, spreading the dry tartness of the wine. He washed Alec’s mouth with it, soaking his tongue, tickling the roof of his mouth.

  Levi pulled back, his brows knitted with a seriousness that Alec knew would put him right to sleep following whatever Levi had in mind.

  “I hired our housekeeper today,” Levi said. Levi’s sensual lips curved into a naughty grin.

  “Really?” Alec stepped back. Levi nodded slowly. “And?” Alec laughed.

  “She’s gorgeous, Alec,” Levi breathed. “She’s absolutely perfect.” His lids lowered, his gaze simmering with heat.

  “Well.” Alec swallowed. His heart tripped a bit. He knew this look that hazed Levi’s eyes. He knew it well. He trusted Levi with his life. Levi had been asking for a woman, but Alec’s encounters seemed to have run dry. That their request had been met through a job applicant had him off balance.

  The dramatic effect that this girl had had on his lover was more evident than winning the lottery. Levi’s words rushed at him, just as they often did while having sex.

  Levi loved to talk when they fooled around, always asking Alec how he felt and what he planned to do to reciprocate, teasing them both to the climactic heights of what was always hot and passionate play.

  “She’s a bit short, average height for a woman I guess, around five four, and curvy. Everything is in proportion, and her eyes…” Levi sighed. “Her hair, it’s so dark and alluring…”

  “Whoa,” Alec laughed. “Slow down, soldier. Do I get a name?”

  “I’m sorry. Her real name is Frances, but she goes by Fern. She’s beautiful.” Levi’s gaze was heavy.

  “Fern.” Alec paused. “I like it, sounds very earthy. But don’t get ahead of yourself. These things need to be handled delicately,” Alec said.

  Levi reached fo
r his wine, downing the rest quickly. “Will you help me? You know, try to read her? I mean, think of what this could mean,” Levi told him, his voice rising.

  Alec took his hand. “Is this something you’d want?” Alec asked. Levi’s gaze sharpened, now alert and needing Alec to agree. “She’d be here all the time. You’ve got to think about that.”

  “Sure, babe, you know I want it. It’s been too long.” Levi’s brow rose. Amusement filled his eyes.

  “We just don’t want to scare the girl,” Alec said softly. “Not many girls want to play with two bi-guys.” Silence filled the space for a moment. Alec let his statement sink in. “So, she’s hot, huh?” Alec’s free hand rested on Levi’s chest, feeling his heart race into his palm.

  “Oh yeah, but so are you, baby. Let me show you,” Levi said, groaning around his words.

  Levi lowered to his knees. His fingers fumbled with Alec’s button and fly. Alec tipped his hips toward Levi’s mouth, knowing his dirty talk was coming, craving it after a grueling night at work.

  “Yeah, baby, feed me your cock. Let me lick you clean and taste you,” Levi said hoarsely. His night-black eyes flitted up at Alec, making his balls pucker into tight beaded sacs.

  Levi’s hands smoothed down his legs as he freed Alec from his pants, yanking his shoes off in the process. Cooler air bathed his dick, making it twitch against his abdomen. Levi nuzzled into his balls, causing Alec’s bones to disintegrate.

  “Oh man,” Alec called out to him, his mouth drying at all the sensations Levi could provide. Wet heat coated his cock as Levi’s tongue slowly edged up his stretched flesh. Alec tipped his head back. His eyes roamed across the ceiling, feeling Levi’s tongue pleasure him. Fingers wandered behind his sac, prodding for his hole. They both liked it all. With Levi there was no top or bottom.

  The fire raged, engulfing his body. Alec ripped off his shirt, tossing it on the floor. The buttons hit the linoleum with a faint clink. Alec loved being naked, especially while Levi went down on him. Alec spread his legs. His hips began to thrust, fucking Levi’s mouth. Alec’s fingers gripped the edge of the counter as his body soared with pleasure.

  He felt his cock swell, filling with the molten rush of blood. Levi’s finger stroked his hole. Not having the lube on hand had Levi playing nice.

  “Fuck!” Alec cried. “I love you. So fucking good, I’m ready to unload.”

  This admission had Levi’s mouth working faster, his lips tighter now, sheathing him in a glove of wet heat that brought tears to Alec’s eyes.

  “I’m feeding you, you sexy fucker,” Alec growled. His dick shot, pulsating, rearing its head as it spilled into Levi’s mouth. Alec dropped his gaze, stroking Levi’s cheek as he watched his lover drink him down.

  Chapter Six

  “Good luck with the new job,” Jada said, her voice snowy on the other end of the line.

  “Thanks.” Fern clutched the phone between her jaw and shoulder.

  Jada asked her a few questions, which Fern tried to answer.

  “I won’t know more until I get there,” Fern said, giving the room a last once-over.

  Fern had explained to Levi that she’d booked the room for the week, not knowing she’d land a job so quickly. Levi agreed to reimburse her for half of the hotel stay in her first paycheck, saying that the Fields Grove Motor Inn was atrocious and that he’d much rather get her settled in at the house as soon as possible. Fern was a little anxious, not having met Alec. She assumed Alec knew all the details by now. Their relationship was a mystery that Fern knew she’d learn about soon enough.

  Fern was looking forward to inhabiting her new room. It was light and airy with the help of natural sunlight. It was furnished with white, lacquered furniture. The walls were a soft white accented with country blues in the curtains and bedspread. It also had a small widow’s walk, which Fern loved. It had just enough space to put a chair outside and stargaze on hot, summer nights.

  She ended her call with Jada and went to check out. The woman who’d checked her in the previous evening reminded her that there was no refund. Fern told her that that wouldn’t be a problem. Her face creased with disapproval, obviously thinking she’d found a permanent guest.

  Fern slung her satchel and knapsack over her shoulder and started walking. Levi never noticed or didn’t ask her about a car. The sun was already warm, tingling the skin of her shoulders as she made her way back to East Mill Road.

  Fern passed the points of interest she’d seen the day before. The small town was buzzing with business as she noticed a group of locals congregated outside the small café, sharing in the local gossip, she supposed. She turned the corner and set her sights on the small brick house, seeing her widow’s walk above the brightly painted, red front door.

  A young guy was out front on the stoop, holding a pea-green coffee mug, the same style as the one she’d held yesterday. He must’ve just gotten up, as he was wearing a pair of gray sleep pants and a black sleeveless shirt. He tipped his head to greet the sun’s rays. His hair was short, neatly clipped over his ears. It was color of autumn leaves with a few gold strands highlighted through. He lowered his gaze. His eyes narrowed, escorting her down the sidewalk.

  Fern stopped outside the wrought-iron gate. He set his mug down and stood, smiling as he closed the distance between them on the other side. He raked threads of hair out of his eyes, eyes that were a silvery blue.

  “Hi, you must be Fern.” He opened the gate for her.

  “Yes, how are you?” She lifted her gaze to meet his height, his stature willowy for a young guy.

  “Great. I’m Alec. It’s good to meet you. Levi’s so happy to have you,” he said, laughing. “Come on in.” He waved her ahead, following her up the narrow brick walk.

  He bent down to retrieve his mug and then reached around her to open the screen door. Fern’s eyes darkened for a moment before focusing on the vivid colors of the living room.

  Levi’s voice rang through the room. “Is Fern here?”

  Fern felt Alec’s stare slither over her. She turned to him briefly. He grinned, his eyes like the color of an overcast sky. Warmth rose through her skin. They were both very good-looking, in their own unique ways.

  “Fern has arrived,” Alec called back, his reply playful.

  Levi was dark, his skin, eyes, and hair, Alec a bit lighter in complexion and features. Alec definitely looked younger. Is Levi his sugar daddy? Are they gay? Fern found herself secretly mourning over this possible discovery.

  Alec directed her into the bright and cheery kitchen.

  “How about some coffee?” Levi asked, holding up the same pink mug she’d used the day before.

  “Sure.” Fern claimed the stool that Alec pulled out for her.

  Alec sat down next to her, shoving his mug across the counter in Levi’s direction. His smell drifted into her space, the residual scent of pricy cologne mixed with a bit of aromatic man.

  Levi got busy filling their mugs as the Keurig machine droned. He turned and leaned against the counter, sipping her in with his eyes as he blew on his coffee.

  Levi had on a camel-colored t-shirt that intensified all his rich, dark features. He crossed his ankles, his eyes holding hers. Fern looked down into her mug, feeling her insides contort. She took a cautious sip and set her mug on the counter. Alec’s soft voice edged through the thick silence.

  “So, are you new in town, or a local we seem to have overlooked?” he asked, his eyes brightening.

  Fern’s mind spun. She hadn’t really rehearsed any type of story. She didn’t like lying. She hastily went with the truth. Lying would only hurt her later, and it appeared that being here would be a safe place for her.

  She lifted her eyes, glancing back and forth between the men.

  “I sort of had to leave town.” She paused, not wanting her life to sound like some reality TV show. “I’m originally from Easton, Pennsylvania. I needed to end a bad relationship, and leaving was the only way to sever the ties for good.” Fern wanted to b
e honest while leaving out the dysfunctional details of a life with Johnny.

  Her shoulders felt a bit lighter. Alec was shaking his head, and Levi looked annoyed. Levi’s gruff words cut through a silence that was stretching, making the tension return to her body.

  “You’ve found the perfect place to make a new start,” Levi told her. His shadowed face softened as a smile broke out across his mouth. He dug at his morning growth. His rich, bottomless gaze darted to Alec. Alec swiveled on his stool to face her.

  “Welcome, Fern.” He smiled, catching his lower lip between his teeth. “We hope you’re very happy here.” Alec extended his hand, endorsing his welcome.

  Alec’s hand was warm and soft, holding hers gently.

  “Thank you, thank you both.” She swallowed down a rise of emotions that’d caught her off guard. Levi redirected the conversation, navigating them back to casual ground.

  “Do you work tonight?” Levi asked Alec. Alec rested his head in his hands for a minute before lifting his gaze to meet Levi’s inquiry. He raked honey-colored strands of hair away from his brows.

  “Nope, and if that freaking phone rings, don’t answer it,” Alec told him, his tone sharp. “I’m not taking any overtime. I’m beat.”

  “Good, stay home, baby.” Levi smiled. “You can show Fern the ropes. I have some work to do. Feel free to take the car. She should know where the market is and a few other hotspots,” Levi said sarcastically.

  “Sure, I’d be happy to.” Alec faced her again, his smile laced with something Fern couldn’t decipher.

  Baby! Fern fussed with her mug. Heat bled through her cheeks. She buried her nose back into her coffee mug. They’re gay. Oh well. She felt her shoulders slump.

  Alec’s soft words jarred through her musings.

  “Let me get showered, and we’ll go for a ride. Sound okay?” His head tilted in question.