Chapter Four. #2
“Same again. Nobody is forced to sleep with another. Maybe we could discuss those date nights as the couples-only sex night, too. Have a spare bedroom for the person not joining them that night. That can be worked out.”
“But you and Rain have been together a while. You’ve got ideas already. I’d be new and could cause waves,” I admitted, unsure.
“Yeah, you could. But Rain and I are committed. We love each other and know it. We’re secure in our feelings for each other. You aren’t, which might mean you need extra attention and reassurance until you settle down.”
“Why me? It’s difficult to imagine you having this discussion with other women.”
“That night, I saw something in you. And even when you knew I was bisexual, you weren’t judgmental. You were attracted and curious.”
“And if this isn’t for me?”
“Then walk away.” Shotgun said.
“What if I can only love one of you?”
“That won’t work. As heartbreaking as it might be, neither Rain nor I would consent to that,” he replied. Shotgun placed his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. “It’s all or nothing. We can’t accept anything else. If you can’t love us both, then don’t love just one of us.”
“And what if you both can’t love me?”
“What do you mean?” Shotgun asked with a frown.
“You’re going on about me loving you both. What if the shoe’s on the other foot? You draw me in, make me care for you both, and then you or Rain decide you don’t want me. How is that fair?”
“That’s not,” Shotgun said, chewing the words over. I guessed I’d thrown a curveball because it was obvious he’d never considered it from my side.
“Because you and Rain are solid and have been together longer, I’d get kicked to the curb and my heart broken.”
“You’ve a valid point.”
“Yeah, I do. Shotgun, I want the white picket fence. I need the dream house with a fence, a huge backyard, kids running about, and a couple of dogs. I’d want to know I could travel for a few weeks on my job and know the children would be loved and safe.
That they’re being left with parents who don’t care who the sperm donor is.
Hell, I wouldn’t even have a DNA test done because it wouldn’t matter. ”
Shotgun stretched his long legs out and crossed his ankles. He leaned back against the bench we were sitting on and stared at nothing. I couldn’t tell what because his sunglasses hid his eyes.
“You’d still travel.”
“Yes. And I’d expect your support. My job is important. Hell, there’d even be times I’d want you all along. Would you be able to cope? And what about my family? My cousins are half-insane and half-normal. A couple have unusual careers, to say the least. Would you judge them?”
“Babe, you say unusual careers and my mind can go plenty of places. What are you talking about here?”
I winced. Time to out the Spalding crazy. “Have you heard of the Valentinos?”
Shotgun sat up and looked at me. “The male strippers?”
“Yeah. Stafford is one of them, and he’s a burlesque dancer.”
Shotgun blinked at me. “Okay.”
“Prescott, who’s just been made the CFO of the company, was a naked butler. And Braford is a huge cosplayer and famous on social media. He’s got over five million followers.”
“Anything else?” Shotgun asked, and I was uncertain if he was amused or what.
“Thatcher was a butt model, and don’t forget Aubrey.”
“Madam Mischief.”
“Yup.”
Shotgun turned towards me, eyes still covered by sunglasses. “Anything else?”
“No. Well, Lowell did try to star in a porn film once. But couldn’t get it up because the woman was fishy.”
“Was fishy,” Shotgun repeated slowly.
“Yeah. Lowell said she smelled like seven-day-old fish. Rank and rancid.”
“Damn,” Shotgun fell silent again.
“Too much insanity?” I asked finally.
“Nope. Well, your relatives are batshit crazy, no doubt about that. I’m just wondering what it must feel like to be yourself and fuck everyone else.”
“You do know that to some degree.”
“Yeah. But holy crap. I’ve seen and heard some shit, but your family is loco,” Shotgun said.
I bristled. He’d no right to make fun of them, and it wouldn’t work if he did. I’d never give them up for anyone.
“But I like batshit crazy,” he continued. “I’m glad they’re able to be themselves, although I empathise with Lowell. That had to be nasty.” Shotgun began to laugh. “No wonder they wouldn’t bat an eyelid if we got involved.”
“Are you making fun?” I asked, unsure whether to get angry.
Shotgun sobered at once and removed his glasses. “Never. I respect all folks who are true to themselves, and it sounds like your cousins are. Fuck what society or anyone else says. Don’t allow assholes to beat you down and make you miserable. Although I’ve never heard of a male burlesque dancer.”
“Yeah, they’re rare, which makes Stafford a hot commodity. Stafford is in demand. He’s got a damn busy schedule between strip shows and the burlesque.”
“I bet he has. Your brother is a butt model?”
“Thatch has the perfect butt. You know that new jeans ad? The one where you can see a sliver of waist, and the guy holds his hat by his leg. That’s Thatch. His ass has been plastered all over the country, even internationally.”
“Okay,” Shotgun nodded. “Nice.”
“You’re having second thoughts about this.”
“No, not me. Rain is a little conservative. It’s the scientist in him.
Ain’t saying he’ll judge them; he won’t, and he’ll probably love them because they’re your family.
But you won’t get Rain hiring a naked butler or starring in a porn film.
In fact, Rain might question them relentlessly.
” Shotgun groaned. “Who am I kidding? Rain will pin them down and subject them to an inquisition. He likes to know the ins and outs of shit. It’s why Rain’s brilliant at his job; he has to ask and know everything. ”
“We’re a package deal.”
“Same as Rain and his sisters and me and my brothers. If we can accept your craziness, you have to accept ours.”
“Then shall we arrange a date?” I asked. “When is Rain going to be here?”
“He’s already here. He’s house hunting and starts the new job in three weeks.”
“Oh damn, I offered to help,” I muttered, slapping my head.
“He’s fine. However, Rain hates such matters. If it has a bed, bathroom, and food, he doesn’t feel the need to fill a place with crap. He’s got what’s needed,” Shotgun said with approval.
“Neither of you knows how to build a home, do you?”
“No,” Shotgun stated, and I rolled my eyes.
“Good job! I love shit like that.”
“All yours, babe,” Shotgun replied. His phone beeped, and he looked down and frowned. “Sorry, I’ve gotta go. The ethical leather delivery is coming early.”
I laughed at the wording as he stood. Shotgun hesitated and then reached down to haul me to my feet. His mouth touched mine, and my breath hitched. Shotgun claimed my mouth like a thirsty man who’d just been given an oasis.
My arms wrapped around his waist, and I pulled his tee out to slide my fingers over warm skin. He tasted of mint and coffee, and I wanted more. He slanted his head to go deeper. My hand slid down and cupped his ass. Jesus, it was as firm as I’d imagined.
Shotgun’s hand slid around my neck and held me in place as he ravaged my mouth. Desperately, I pressed closer, and his cock dug into my stomach.
“Do you mind!” a woman exclaimed, and I nearly jumped out of my skin in shock. I tried pulling away, but Shotgun wrapped an arm tightly around my waist.
“No, I fuckin’ don’t,” he retorted. “Nosy biddy.”
The older lady gasped and gazed at us in disgust. “Children play within this area.”
“Lady, if kids are playing in this park right now, you’d best call the school officers, as they’re clearly skipping school,” he snapped.
She growled and then walked on. Shotgun snickered and ducked his forehead to mine.
I smiled.
“Tonight, got plans?”
“No,” I said.
“Rain and I will pick you up and take you out,” he said.
“You don’t have my address.”
“Text me it, it’s the easy answer.”
I laughed because it really was. That kiss had messed with my head. Smiling, I sent Shotgun a message, and his phone pinged.
“Be ready for half-past six. We’re going to make an evening of it,” Shotgun ordered.
I nodded, but if it had been anyone else, I’d have bucked against an order.
“See you soon.” Shotgun kissed me briefly, and then I watched his fine ass walk away. Yup. Thatch had nothing on him!