Nicolas

I'm a terrible man. One who should know better than to cave the moment temptation rears its head. I'm only so strong.

The moment she's leaning in for a kiss, I take it like the greedy man I am.

There's something about the way Eloise sighs against my mouth that does me in. Like she's relieved by the familiarity of our mouths fitting together like two puzzle pieces.

We've taken more than enough steps backward to make her bump into a small stand. There's the clink of her keys dropping from her grasp before I feel her hands against my chest. She's plucking and pulling, trying to keep a strong grasp on my shirt.

When she moans against my tongue, I lose all sense of right and wrong. Stripping me of what little strength I have, she lifts one hand and buries her hand in my hair.

It feels good to have her in my arms again. Feels right.

Even if this is nothing but something impulsive on her part, I'm glad I'm the one right here.

"Nicolas." Moaning my name, she leans against the stand as my mouth moves to her throat. Enjoying the trail of kisses, she tilts her chin toward the ceiling to give me more room to work with.

"Tell me what you want, Eloise. I'll make it happen." There's a new sharpness to my voice, a hint of a growl as I demand for the order.

My cock throbs at the thought of this woman wanting anything from me. If it's pleasure she's seeking, I'll be damned if I disappoint her.

Her hands drift to my shoulders and I feel the force behind her push. Without speaking a word, her message is clear.

Sinking to my knees, I'm wrinkling her poor dress by bunching it up her pale thighs. Struggling to focus on one thing, I grab her hand and pass off the fabric.

"Hold this." Words thick, I hardly recognize my voice. Once my hands are free, I'm taking in the black lace of her underwear. Cursing, I lift my gaze. "All this time, you were wearing these and I didn't have a clue."

She's breathless, her chest swelling quickly. "You couldn't have."

Leaning in, I inhale sharply. Her scent makes my mouth water and I haven't even had a taste of her yet. "If I had, you would have driven me crazy from the very beginning. I wouldn't have been able to have a proper conversation with you. Rather, I'd be too busy thinking about ways to get them off of you."

Goosebumps prickle up against her thighs as I run my thumb along her slit. The lace feels lovely against my touch, especially when I discover how damp it is.

"How long have you been like this?" Needing to know, I reach down and palm my erection. "Was it before or after the coffee shop?"

She squirms when I don't immediately give her what she wants. With the need to hear her answer, the truth comes out shakingly. "Before."

Jealousy nips at the pit of my stomach. Terrible timing too as it makes me want to make her mine even more. I kiss her inner thigh, purposely leaving a mark.

"Was it another man?" Leaning forward, my mouth brushes the damp spot and I hardly get but a taste of her sweetness.

Her skin flushes as she parts her legs further apart. With a groan forming in the back of her throat, she tugs at my hair. "I thought about you, okay? You did this."

The jealousy sizzles up in my chest and I can't help but feel satisfaction.

"Then I suppose it's only fair that I take care of it as well." Pulling back much to her dismay, I take my sweet time pulling the lace from her body. Once she's stepped out of them, I clutch the fabric between my fingers. "I'm taking these."

Solely as a memento of this unbelievable moment. Accepting that I won't be lucky enough to fuck her, I'll at least be able to wrap the lace around my cock and think about her when I'm getting myself off later.

"I like that pair," she murmurs as her toes curl against the carpet.

"I'll buy you another." Shoving them in my pocket, I return my full attention toward her pussy. For a brief passing, I feel bad for making her suffer so much.

Then again, if she wasn't feeling so wound up in the first place, I wouldn't be on my knees in her apartment risking rug burn.

A moan slips past her lips as I part her folds and take a much enjoyed lap of her juices. As delicious as I remember, a groan falls from my lips.

"I need you, Eloise." At this point, I don't care any more. She has to know that I'm down deep for her.

I don't care about any competitions. As long as I can make her happy licking her cunt while enjoying her breathy moans, then that's all I need.

Her body arches against the stand as I try to lick deeper. When I lift her leg, she reaches back to hold her balance. With one leg propped over my shoulder and the other struggling to hold up her weight, I get a front-row seat when it comes to watching her fall apart.

"Nicolas!" Croaking out my name, there's no denying the desire coating my jaw and her inner thighs.

Pulling away, I nip at her thigh. Watching her chest swell with each forced breath, I soak in all the fine details I couldn't when I was sitting across from her.

As her nipples harden against her sundress, the hunger behind her gaze grows more apparent by the second. While one hand continues to pull at my hair, the other squeezes her breasts.

Another thing that hasn't changed about this woman is that she's so needy. So demanding. While she might like to act flustered and shy, she knows what she wants.

Eloise isn't so vocal about what she wants, she's grown quiet over the years. Once I can get her to open up, to start making the demands, that'll be when the real fun begins.

For now, I'm happy to coax her toward her orgasm. As my cock throbs with every moan that is pulled from her lips, I palm the front of my jeans. Aching to get inside, I wait until she's nearing the edge.

A whimper leaves her lips when I pull away and gently set her leg down. She doesn't complain when I plant her on top of the small stand.

Enjoying one last taste of her juices drenching my chin, I lean in and nip at her throat. She's always sensitive behind her ear.

"Will you let me inside?" Pressing forward, I let her feel how wound up I am. Even behind my jeans, the hardened curve is impossible to ignore.

Eloise reaches forward, desperation coating her actions as she yanks my button undone. Chasing the high we've both created, she pulls out my cock and wraps her fingers around me. One squeeze is enough to steal my next breath away.

"Hurry," she pleads. "I need you."

Plucking her hand away before she accidentally makes me come with each delicious stroke of her palm, I bring her fingers up to my mouth for a brief kiss. Keeping my eyes on hers, I step forward so there's nothing but a sliver of space separating us.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted this." Murmuring the truth, I snake her arm around my neck before releasing her.

Nodding her head, she pulls me down for another kiss as I push my way inside. So wet from my tongue, I slide in with ease. Filling her with one solid thrust, her moan vibrates against my lips. Even after I push her knees up to gain better access, she tries to wiggle for some friction.

Fuck. After getting this wound up, there's no way in hell I'm going to last long. Not when I'm being sucked into absolute bliss.

Crossing her ankles at my back, she beckons me to move. Desperate, her words grow incoherent when I give in to her demands.

Sliding in and out, our breaths mingle together. Her poor stand thumps against the wall, possibly disturbing whoever is on the other side.

Right now, I can't care about anyone else but her. If her neighbors complain, I'll take responsibility. They can blame me for the constant moans that leave her lips. If they can hear her begging me to move faster, then I'll take responsibility for her pleas as well.

"Nic." Whining my name, she tugs my hips closer with her ankles, urging for my thrusts to grow deeper. Pulling me closer, her teeth sink into my shoulder to silence herself.

There's no silencing the wet sound of her taking my cock. Drenched, she sucks me in with each jerk. Like her pussy missed me as much as I missed her, nothing is stopping me from making her mine.

She is mine. Always has been. Even if she never knew any better, we always remained tied together. Fate separated us only to be rejoined after some time apart.

I'm going to make up for every second missed. Show her how much I missed her, how much I missed this.

"That's it, don't hold back. Let everyone on this floor know what you want." Encouraging her, I force myself to slow down. Aching to last as long as I can, the sweet suction of her slick walls is beginning to become a bit too much.

With each jerk, I watch the pleasure ripple through her body.

Growing closer and closer to her limit, her walls constrict around my cock. Each squeeze makes it harder to fight the inevitable.

Knowing damn well I'm going to come, I tuck a hand between our bodies. Finding her clit, she jerks and groans. Rubbing her until she's a whimpering mess, my thrusts grow shallow.

Grunting, I thrust deep. As deep as this position can allow. Between my touch and the hot sensation of my release flooding her core, Eloise hits her peak.

Clamping down around me, her body grows taunt as a wave of pleasure rolls through her body. Whimpering my name, she fights for each breath.

Pressing my forehead against hers, I'm in no better condition. I never want to leave the warmth of her walls. Hell, it feels like pure torture pulling out.

I don't know her apartment, so it takes a little exploring to find her bathroom. Needing a wet towel to help clean her up, I find myself in a room full of seashells and sand. If my mind weren't currently a foggy mess, I'd tease her for the beach theme. That can be saved for a later time.

For now, my only concern is snagging a rag and dousing it in hot water.

When I return, Eloise hasn't budged. She's in a daze, staring ahead aimlessly. There's something about the small curve of her lips that does me in.

I'm still in love with her. Sure, this isn't some big news or anything. However, I forgot how this warm sensation feels in my chest. Forgot how it takes over all my senses.

"Doing alright?" Using the rag to clean her up, she sucks in a breath when I brush against her sensitive nerves.

Nodding her head, she meets my gaze. Chewing nervously on her lip, she grazes my wrist with her fingers.

"Would you like to stay the night? It's getting late."

The sun hasn't even gone past the horizon. For all I care, it could be high in the sky. No matter the time, only a fool would turn down such an offer. Even if she wants to do nothing but sit around and breathe in the same air, a man couldn't possibly ask for more.

"Of course."

While I work on cleaning her up, I decide that I can no longer stay silent when it comes to the other two men. I need to address this sooner than later.

I've let her slip out of my grasp once. I won't allow the same mistake to happen twice.

After shooting Rhett and Jake a last-minute message to meet up, I'm left waiting in this lounge by my lonesome.

It's time to clear the air.

Someone swings by and offers a drink. I accept without a second thought. Something tells me I'm going to need every drop in this glass.

Ice clinks against the glass as I take in a mouthful of the burning liquid.

Rhett is the first to show up, earlier than planned. He claims the recliner at my left and denies the offer for a drink. All business as usual. Taking me in, his eyes narrow on my throat.

Eloise and I spent plenty of time catching up in her apartment. She may have bit me a time or two and left a few marks. Nothing a collared shirt and a thin layer of foundation can't cover up.

"Please, do not talk to me about work," I groan before the words come out. Important meetings can be discussed later. He can scold me all he wants after this conversation.

Rhett opens his mouth to speak but is interrupted by the shocked gasp that comes behind us.

"Look at this. All three of us can meet up outside of work." Jake appears and claims the seat across from us. Planted in a circle around a table, he signals for his own glass when spotting mine. "Please, Nic, what is the special occasion?"

Even Jake's early. I mentioned Eloise to him because I figured it would encourage him to come.

I did not give Rhett the same treatment to get the same result.

"We need to talk about Eloise." Clearing my throat, I listen to Rhett sigh heavily.

"I am not needed for this." Scowling ahead, he changes his mind on the drink. He's the definition of denial.

Jake grins behind his glass, watching the both of us. Instead of assisting, he busies himself with his drink.

Ignoring Rhett, I continue. "Jake's already had some fun and I spent a night with her."

Putting it out there, Jake hardly looks upset. He even chuckles against his glass. "And here I assumed you got attacked by some loose animal. She did quite the damage." He hums as he looks to his right. "How long until Rhett gets a craving for our sweet baker?"

Before he can insult Jake, I nod my head. "Exactly. This conversation is necessary before it gets to this point. I don't want us to fight. Not in general, or over her. Instead of focusing on who gets the girl, I want us to put Eloise first. Let her pick properly."

"You were serious about not making this a competition?" Jake sighs and sets his glass down. "Here I thought I stood a pretty good chance at snagging her up. Well, I suppose I got a bit ahead of myself. Eloise doesn't have an issue making it clear if she wants you."

No, no she does not.

Rhett's scowl deepens as he cradles his glass. He's not going to be much help in this conversation. Even if he doesn't want to include himself, he should know what he's getting himself into.

"I am willing to play fair," Jake promises before he glances at Rhett. "As long as our buddy doesn't start breathing down her throat once he realizes how much he's missing out on. Oh, and no more trying to scare her away. If you can't tell by now, she's not going anywhere."

"You're delusional." He grunts and looks at me. "You won't have to worry about me."

I suppose that's reassuring. At least the words have been said.

"Nic, tell me about this night of yours." Jake leans in looking like a young girl hunting for juicy gossip. "If I can't keep her to myself, then humor me. I find this far more interesting. Don't spare any details. Make this visit worth the traffic."

If Jake wants to hear about her pleasure, then I'm all for it. Rather than to make him jealous, it feels more like sharing details on a topic we both enjoy.

Starting with our coffee date, I pause. If she hadn't eaten the cookies, I'm not entirely sure my night would've ended the same.

"I didn't play fair," I admit, "she ate something she wasn't meant to."

Both men look at me with confusion.

"Did you slip something in her food?" Jake's smile slips away. "Tell me you're not that crazy."

"What?" Realizing my words may sound suspicious, I scoff. "No. Fuck, no. She just ate some cookies."

My explanation doesn't lift their confusion in the slightest. Right, they don't know Eloise's weakness. She'd kill me if I revealed her secret.

If I want this to be a fair fight, then I should tell them the truth. A greedier man would want to keep the upper hand. While I can admit I'm greedy for Eloise, I'd never put myself before her.

"She's got this thing with sweets," I explain with a half-shrug. "Get her to eat sugar and she melts like a puddle. Like an aphrodisiac on steroids. Puts her in heat."

Jake beams like the sun at the information. "That's why she doesn't eat them? Hell, that's hot."

Amusement dances around his eyes and I can see the plans already forming in his head. He's going to be the one who makes me regret spilling her secret.

Rhett squints at me, unbelieving. "You're full of shit."

Throwing my hands up, I shrug. "Doesn't matter if you believe me or not. It's the truth. You both know now, so we're on even footing."

While the eldest of us wraps his mind around this information, Jake snorts.

"She continues to get more and more interesting." He's grinning, hardly upset about my progress with the woman. "I'm jealous. How was she? I haven't been able to get her out of my head."

I'm not the type to kiss and tell, but Jake seems genuinely curious.

Rhett stands, already checking his watch. "I'm leaving."

"Yes, old man. It is near your bedtime, isn't it?" Jake scoffs with an eye roll. "What, don't want to listen in about everything you're missing out on?"

They glare at each other and I sigh under my breath. Looking at Rhett, he soon sends that cool gaze in my direction.

"We have work tomorrow. Early, mind you." Reminding us of the fact, he scoffs at Jake. "You two are far more engrossed in this woman than I am. I just want her gone."

I've known Rhett for a long time. Long enough to know when he's putting up a front.

"That's a shame. She'll be disappointed if she learns that much." Sitting back, I don't know why I feel the need to pull him back. I should be happy to have less competition. So, why in the hell am I encouraging him?

Jake nods as he mimics my posture. "Such a shame. To think I found a woman who'd be willing to put up with your foul mood."

He looks between us, his brows lowering. Rather than making a brisk exit, he lingers. "You speak like she's interested."

She is. While she might not have said the words herself, I'm confident. All those times I caught Rhett lingering in the lobby, there have been plenty of times when I've watched their staring competitions take place.

"Won't matter if you give up now," Jake offers up with a shrug. His nose wrinkles as he doesn't bother holding back the roll of his eyes. "Have a wonderful night."

Does he want the same thing as I do? I can't ever tell what he's thinking. If he wanted to win Eloise for himself, he shouldn't be acting so friendly.

Is he seeking entertainment before he swoops in and tries to steal her away?

Jake might come off as a goofish guy, but he's smarter than he plays himself off to be. Hell, take his relationship with Rhett for example. To an outsider, their friendship doesn't make sense. Not with the way they always fight.

The truth is, Jake knows how to play Rhett like a damn fiddle. Knows how to push his buttons to get exactly what he wants.

So, when Rhett returns to his seat, I'm hardly surprised.

Jake's smile returns instantly as he turns to face me. "Now that that's settled, where were we?"

His smile is contagious. Even though a sigh leaves my lips, I'm chuckling right after.

"We were talking about my incredible night," I remind as I glance toward Rhett.

He's pulled out his phone. Probably addressing work emails if I have to guess. An attempt to come off as uninterested. No wonder Jake didn't have a clue. He's one hell of a good actor.

Once Rhett accepts that he is interested, he's going to be one hell of a force to be reckoned with.

I know it, Jake knows it.

Will I regret making this fair? The answer is impossible to deny.

I want my friends to make Eloise happy. Competition aside, she will always come first.

Until she picks one of us, I want all three of us to give her what she needs.

Call me crazy, but deep down, I'm not disturbed by the notion of sharing her.

That's an idea to digest on a different day. Not right now. Especially with Jake wanting every detail he can squeeze out of me.