Kemp grunted and rolled onto his back. “I wish she would stop telling people about that.”
“Why? You’re her hero. You’re my hero for doing it, too. That nasty jerk had it coming to him. You’re just shy and don’t like it when you’re in the spotlight.” She laid her hand on his taut, bare abdomen. “I like that you’re on my side.”
Kemp caressed her cheek with gentle fingertips and said, “I like being on your side.”
“Kemp, have you and Ace ever done anything like this before? Together? He told me he had but didn’t say if you were the other man involved.”
Kemp shook his head. “No. I’ve never been part of a ménage. I think we came close once, but it didn’t work out.”
“What was her name?” she asked as she stroked his warm skin.
Kemp hesitated, then said, “Kathleen. She was a friend of
Grace’s.”
Summer thought that over, and it seemed like she’d heard Grace mention someone by that name a time or two.
“It didn’t work out?”
“No. I’m not sure we would’ve gone through with it, either, I’m…”
“You’re what?”
Kemp appeared to mull his words over. “I would never have felt like more than the third wheel because they’d already been dating for a while before the subject ever came up. But I also worried about hurting her. I’m a big man, darlin’.”
She glanced at his groin and saw the growing evidence for herself. “Um, yes you are.”
“I don’t want to hurt you, either.”
“Is that something you’re worried about?”
“Of course.”
“If we ever make love all together, it’ll be amazing. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could handle it. I know you’ll take good care of me and make sure I’m ready.”
Kemp nodded, and she saw the truth in his eyes. He would take good care of her. She was truly losing her heart to him.
“You are incredible, darlin’.”
“Not really, Kemp. This just feels right to me. But there is one thing I want you to know.”
“What’s that?”
As succinctly as possible, Summer told him about Gary and Paulina and their repeated invitations to get her to join their open marriage. Kemp’s opinion of their offer showed clearly on his face, but he didn’t say anything.
“Even though it’s embarrassing that I find myself in these awkward positions, I wanted you to know that happened so I can make something else clear to you.”
“Tell me.”
“I felt like Gary cheated on me because he was dishonest about his marriage until he was ready to make an offer for me to join them. I don’t have a problem with anyone who forms a poly relationship of any size or gender. What I would have a definite problem with is being a part of an arrangement with more than one woman in it. If we move forward with this we need to all be in agreement about that. It’s the three of us, and if you ever try to introduce another woman into our little group, I’ll be gone so fast your head will spin.” Her heart was racing by the time she was finished with what she had to say. The thought of having to share them with another woman was making her feel a little sick.
Kemp’s smile was reassuring as he said, “You never have to worry about that with us, Summer. We’d never do anything that would hurt you.”
“I know it might seem hypocritical because the two of you would be sharing me.”
“That’s all we want, Summer. We weren’t actively seeking a poly arrangement in and of itself. We just happened to both be attracted to you and open to the idea of sharing you. That’s the extent of it.”
“I’m relieved.”
“Then I’m glad you said something.”
Summer scooted closer and smoothed her hand up to his firm pecs. His flesh was warm under her palm. “You had your way with me on that countertop downstairs, and I haven’t done more than kiss you.”
Her core suddenly felt superheated, and the lavender satin slid sumptuously across her skin with her movements. She savored the barrage of sensations as she gazed into his moss-green eyes and smiled. She leaned down to his chest and kissed one brown nipple.
Kemp gave a hiss, and Summer noticed the small flex of his hips in response to the touch of her lips. “You don’t have to remedy that tonight, Summer. I meant it when I told you that neither of us wants you to feel obligated. What’s growing between us doesn’t have to be rushed.”
His cock was hardening as he spoke, telling a different story. She watched in disbelief as it swelled to enormous proportions.