Four Kicks

Landon looks like he spends a lot of time outdoors, with sunkissed blond hair and a healthy tan. His friendly smile goes a long way toward making me comfortable in what is starting to feel like a surreal situation.

Derek is built like a wall, with a chest so broad it’s got me wondering how far I would be able to wrap my arms around him. His thick dark brown hair is also begging to be touched.

“Lacy, nice to meet you. Sorry I wasn’t here when you arrived. We had an emergency this morning.”

“That’s okay. Nice to meet you, too. I hope everything’s okay?”

“Actually, Landon and I need to get back onsite. Nathan, are you okay interviewing her? I trust whatever decision you make.”

“Same,” Landon says, already halfway back out the door. “Nice to meet you, Lacy.” He treats me to another smile, dimples and all.

Derek and Nathan have a quick discussion about contractor issues and then Derek takes his leave.

When we’re alone, I turn on Nathan. “You told them about our night at Rusty’s, didn’t you?”

“You can’t be mad about that. How was I supposed to know you’d apply for a job with us? Besides, the four of us share a lot. Just like Ash and I did with you.”

He gives me a meaningful look as his words sink in. The four of them share. The four of them. Share.

I feel my face flame and desperately wish his words didn’t excite me as much as they do. I’ve just started dating David, and I’m looking for my forever, not my right now. But, oh my god, the four of them.

I can’t help but imagine what that would be like.

I stand abruptly. “I don’t think this is a good idea. I’m going to go.”

Nathan’s hand is on my arm before I even start to turn. “Wait. Are you working somewhere now?”

I glare at his grip on me and don’t answer until he withdraws his hand. “I work at my parents’ store.”

“Part-time?”

“No, full time now, but business is slow. They’re in financial trouble, actually. That’s why I’m here.” I don’t know why I’m telling him my family’s business. Maybe I’m giving him my motivations for being here so he has no lingering doubts that I tracked him down.

“How much are you making there?”

As soon as the figure is out of my mouth, Nathan says, “We’ll double it.”

My jaw drops open but I quickly close it and narrow my eyes at him. “Why would you do that? You haven’t even asked me to fill out an application or looked at my references.”

He shrugs. “I told you, we really need someone here to help out.” The look he’s giving me, from head to toe and back, says that he has different motives.

“We shared a random night at a bar. If you think I’ll be your little sex toy if I work here, you’re wrong.”

“My job offer has nothing to do with our past meeting. I hope you’re not implying that I would pay you for sex.” He leans across the desk, his broad shoulders straining against his shirt, his eyes determined. “When we have sex again, it will be because you want to.”

Oh god. We can’t do that again. He can’t think we’re doing that again. “I’m seeing someone,” I blurt out, as if the words can stop the waves of desire running through me.

He straightens. “Were you seeing someone when we got together at Rusty’s?”

I shake my head.

“So you’ve started seeing someone in the – what was it? – eight days since we were together?”

I lift my chin. “Yes. I’ve just started dating my old high school boyfriend.” What is it about this man that makes me tell him things he doesn’t need to know?

“But you’re not engaged, or anything?” His sexy smirk makes my hand ache to slap him while my lips ache to kiss him.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve just started dating him. But I’m done with random hookups. The night with you and Ash was the end of it. I’m looking to find someone who wants to settle down.”

“Ah, I see.” The cocky smirk remains even as his eyes soften and his voice lowers. “That’s a shame. I know you had fun with me and Ash. Just imagine what a good time you’d have with all four of us.”

8

They have reputations

Against my better judgment, I take the job. Because how could I pass up that kind of money?

I can be strong. I can resist hot men – yes, even four of them – do my work, get paid, and help my family get out of debt quicker than I thought possible.

Between my car and the front door of Diamond Construction, I give my body a little pep talk. Nipples: no going hard and pointy unless the air-conditioning is blasting. Lady parts: just take a nap for the next eight hours. Don’t pay any attention to any sexy male bodies we may see today or any smooth-talking voices that may make you want to get all wet and excited. We are here to work, and that’s all!