“Sorry I’m late,” she murmured, ducking her head sheepishly as Jillian popped the cork on the bottle of champagne and filled all the flutes.
“There’s nothing wrong with starting your birthday celebration a bit early,” Kendall said knowingly as all the women picked up a glass, then raised it in a toast to their friend. “Happy birthday, Steph.”
Everyone else chimed in, and after a few sips of the bubbly wine, Raina touched a noticeable red mark on the side of Stephanie’s neck while raising an inquisitive brow.
“One of Mac’s presents, I assume?” she teased of the blatant love bite.
Stephanie cast a playfully accusing look over her shoulder at her fiancé, who looked completely unrepentant for his wicked behavior. “I tried to stop him, but you all can guess how well that went.”
“Our men are such cavemen and feel the need to mark their territory whenever the opportunity arises,” Paige said with a laugh, and the other women agreed.
Except for Summer, who craved that dominance but had yet to experience a sexually assertive lover. The thought of being marked, claimed, and owned made her shiver in delight. There was no denying the envy she felt toward her friends, who were with men who possessed those confident, take-charge traits.
While the girls chatted, Summer kept an eye on Rick and the guy he was with, watching as the two of them approached Mac, who was talking to his best friend and business partner, Dean Noble. After a couple minutes of conversation, more inquisitive glances were sent her way. She bit her lower lip, wishing she was privy to their conversation that was clearly about her.
“It’s time for cake,” Paige announced, and left their table to get the dessert, then returned. After she lit the few candles on top, Stephanie blew them out, and Kendall cut the red velvet cake and served each of them a slice.
“Looks like the boys are starting to get restless,” Paige commented a short while later, her tone amused as she glanced in the direction where her husband was with his co-workers—all of whom were waiting for Stephanie’s birthday celebration to be done so they could take their significant others to more pleasurable parts of the club.
“They need to learn patience, which isn’t a strong suit with any of those alpha men,” Raina said before taking a bite of her cake.
“I think they’re doing pretty damn good considering all the obscene grinding going on between the couples out in the dance area, which is like watching soft porn,” Kendall said, laughing.
It was the truth. Summer couldn’t ever remember being at a regular nightclub or bar and seeing the kind of dirty, filthy, pre-fucking dancing that was happening here at The Players Club. It was definitely arousing to watch just how uninhibited couples could be in front of an audience.
“I don’t know about you ladies, but I’m way past ready to get tied up in Sawyer’s ropes,” Paige said, her voice infused with excitement. “I’ll see everyone later.”
As Paige strolled across the lounge toward her husband, Raina and Kendall followed suit, which left Stephanie, Jillian, and Summer still at the table. Both of the other women appeared reluctant to leave Summer by herself.
“Do you want us to stick around a while longer until you’re more comfortable?” Jillian asked her, slight concern in her tone.
Summer shook her head, shivering as her long, wavy blonde hair shifted across her bare shoulders. “Actually, I think I’m good,” she murmured, her eyes automatically flicking to the two men still standing with Mac and Dean, both of whom were still watching her, their stares lingering with purpose.
Stephanie followed the direction of her gaze, her own eyes widening in shock when she realized that Rick and the guy he was with were clearly interested in Summer. “Have you ever been in a threesome?” she asked, because that was the vibe the two men were giving off.
“Ummm . . . no,” she admitted, feeling her face flush. “But it’s a super-hot fantasy, and there’s a first time for everything, right? Considering I’m in a safe, controlled environment here at the club, I figure why not go for it if the opportunity presents itself.”
Her friend laughed. “You have a good point, and if the way the two of them are eating you up with their gazes is any indication, I do believe the opportunity is going to present itself, so get ready to double your pleasure.”
Summer lifted her chin a few inches. “I am ready.” And she really was.
“Wow,” Jillian said, blinking at Summer in complete surprise. “Look at you, being all bold and fearless.”
She shrugged, though she couldn’t stop the smile of anticipation that curved her lips. “What’s the saying . . . no guts, no glory?”
Stephanie looked impressed by Summer’s fortitude and gave a nod of approval. “Well, whatever you decide to do, have fun, and we’re all definitely meeting up for breakfast on Monday before work because I’m already dying to know how this evening plays out for you.”
“Oh, me, too,” Jillian chimed in.
Stephanie picked up her plate with her half-eaten birthday cake and carried it with her as she and Jillian made their way toward their husbands. Now that Summer was by herself, Rick and the stranger made their move. As she watched the two of them approach—so gorgeous, hot, and self-assured in their stride—her pulse quickened, and everything below her waist turned to liquid.
Without a doubt, she craved them both, but could she handle all the heat and testosterone heading her way?
God, she hoped she was about to find out.
Chapter Two
As they neared, Summer couldn’t take her gaze off the dark-blond-haired guy. Her attraction to Rick had always simmered beneath the surface, a flirtation they’d both indulged in but he’d never pursued up to this point. But her awareness of the other man was immediate and incendiary, and she knew that intense connection had to do with his sharp, laser-focused gaze that slid down the length of her body with unapologetic lust, along with the seductive smile touching his full lips that promised a night of sinful pleasure.
Her dress molded to her curves, and by the time he was done devouring every dip and swell of her fuller figure, she felt as though he’d stripped away the nude-colored fabric and she was already standing naked in front of him. Her nipples beaded almost painfully, her belly fluttered, and she had to clench her thighs together to appease the throbbing ache in between.
She shifted on her heels, suddenly nervous as the duo stopped in front of her—but more than willing to see where this meet and greet led.
“Hi, Rick,” she said, her voice breathless as she acknowledged the man she already knew.
“Summer,” he replied, the corner of his mouth curling into a sexy, inviting grin before he indicated the man next to him. “I’d like you to meet my stepbrother, Declan Burke.”
His stepbrother? She blinked in surprise as she met the other man’s mesmerizing hazel eyes, now glimmering with amusement over her shocked reaction. “So, you two are related?” she asked, still trying to process that bit of information.
“Sort of,” Declan said, a touch of humor vibrating in his deep voice, despite his more guarded and reserved personality. “My mother married Rick’s father, and we got stuck with each other as siblings. Of course, I’m the better-looking of the two.”