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container so I can wash the pan.
You don t have to leave, Brian said.
No, I don t, but I think the two of you are doing good in here without me. Joe
disappeared back into the kitchen.
Brian took a bite of his ice cream, giving Beth time to think about what he d said.
I ve only known Joe for a few days, and as much as I genuienly like him, I think the
two of you owe it to each other to see this through without a third wheel getting in the way.
Normally, I might agree with you, but I know Joe, and he honestly cares for you.
Brian couldn t believe he was about to turn Beth s offer down, but he knew in his heart it was
the right thing to do. Why don t we play it by ear, both date him, maybe work up to some
group dates. Hell, he sounded crazy.
Okay, I guess we re all grown-ups, right? She gathered a big spoonful of ice cream
and carmel sauce and stuck it in her mouth, a big smile on her pretty face.
Calling Brian a grown-up might be pushing it, but at least he s over the age of
consent. Joe carried his bowl of ice cream into the room and sat between Brian and Beth on
the sofa. Is it my turn now?
Brian glanced at Beth. Should we let him speak?
Why not, Beth said. He did the dishes.
Yeah, you re right. Brian waved his spoon at Joe. Go ahead.
I can already tell the two of you are too damn much alike. Joe cleared his throat. We
don t have to come up with a five-year plan or anything. Let s just get comfortable with each
other. Date, kiss& Joe waggled his eyebrows up and down. And other stuff.
Although Brian was ready to jump Joe the second he gave the okay, he wasn t ready to
hop into bed with Beth. Unfortunately, Joe needed to stay with Beth until Brian could catch
Billy. Which meant, Brian wouldn t be alone with Joe until Billy was behind bars.
Now that we ve had our talk and our dessert, why don t we get Beth out of here and
over to my place. Feeling anxious, Joe finished his ice cream in two bites and stood. He held
his hand out and accepted Beth and Brian s empty bowls as well. You re all packed, right?
Beth nodded. I m only taking enough for two days.
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Should be fine. Joe glanced at Brian. He needed to know what was in his friend s
head. Help me wash these up?
Sure. Brian rose and followed Joe into the kitchen. Are you sure it s a good idea to
take her to your place?
Joe set the bowls in the sink before wrapping his arms around Brian s waist. It s either
my place or the shelter, and Beth would never agree to put the other women in danger. He
lowered his hands to rest on Brian s ass, pulling him even closer. I ve got the alarm and the
privacy fence.
Brian returned the gesture, cupping and squeezing Joe s ass. And a really big bed.
I just need to make sure you know what you re getting into. I know it s complicated.
Joe prayed the answer was yes.
What I know is that I can t get you into bed soon enough. Taller by several inches,
Brian buried his fingers in Joe s long hair and pulled his head back.
Joe closed the distance between their lips. The kiss turned explosive in a matter of
seconds and before he knew it, he had Brian pressed against the counter, grinding against
him. Need to be inside you, he growled, breaking the kiss.
Brian nodded. Yeah.
Are you staying at the house with us? Joe asked, taking a step back.
Sounds good, but no. I can t share a bed with you and Beth, at least not yet, Brian
explained.
How many bedrooms do you have? Beth asked, her overnight bag slung over her
shoulder.
Three, Joe answered. But one s an excercise room.
Then there s a spare room for me, and you and Brian can spend your first night
together in yours, she suggested.
Joe shook his head. He couldn t imagine putting her in that position. I can t do that to
you.
And I won t let you put off what you ve waited years to have because of me, she
answered. Besides, I need to know how it feels to know you re making love to Brian before I
go any further with you and I.
Joe stared at Beth s aura. A pale grey colour surrounded her with bolder, darker swirls
of red circling. Although he was still figuring out the colours and meanings behind them, he
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felt fairly certain she wasn t angry. It was a good sign. He glanced at Brian. What do you
think?
I think it would be easier to protect Beth with two of us in the house. Brian stuck his
hands in his pockets, drawing attention to his big cock. And if she decided to come in and
watch, I m good with that.
Joe was shocked by Brian s offer. Really?
Brian nodded, but said nothing more.
Then let s go.
* * * *
Brian stepped outside the ground-floor apartment first, gun drawn, ready to shoot. He
scanned the area three times before he nodded, giving the all-clear for Joe to hustle Beth to
his truck.
Keep your eyes open, Joe said, sticking close to Beth as they closed the door behind
them. He hit the key fob and unlocked the truck before stepping onto the sidewalk.
With Joe in front, Brian stuck close to Beth s back. Once you get to the truck, get the
hell out of here, and I ll follow as soon as I can.
They were two feet from the passenger door when the glass in front of them blew out in
an explosion of tiny shards. Fuck! Brian pushed Beth lower before turning around. Get
her outta here, he yelled at Joe.
After years of working together, Joe knew better than to argue. He helped Beth inside
and handed her the keys. Drive, he instructed, putting her as far from Billy as he could.
Brian, get in!
Just go. Brian caught sight of a shadow, and raced towards it, gun at the ready. Stop!
Police!
As he rounded the corner of the building, he heard the tires on Joe s truck squeal as
Beth sped away. Relief flooded him, but before he could examine his feeling too closely, Billy
disappeared into a wooded area behind the apartments. Shit!
The moment he ran into the woods, Brian came to an abrupt halt. Unable to see his
hand in front of his face, it would be pointless to search for Billy within the timber depths. He
hated to just give up, so he backed out and phoned the station.
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After making arrangements for back-up, Brian called Joe. Before Joe had a chance to
speak, Brian blurted, Tell me you re both okay.
We re fine. We were worried about you. Did you get him? Joe asked.
No, last time I saw him he was running into the woods, but I ve got back-up on the
way to help me search em.
Be careful.
Careful s my middle name, Brian replied.
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