12. Lex
As I pull up to the house the guys of Solum Technologies share, one week after my night with Linc, I can’t help but think it’s not what I expected. After touring their facilities and spending what limited time I had with them, I envisioned something modern and sleek. The stunning Mediterranean-style cottage before me is the exact opposite, stately and dripping with old-world charm.
Shane emerges from the front door as I park, barefoot in a fitted white henley with worn jeans sitting low on his hips. Fucking hell, he has no right to look that edible. He’s tall, lean, and cut–I can see the definition of his abs through the clingy material. A soft smile plays on his lips as he raises a hand in greeting and jogs down the steps to meet me.
“Welcome.” He saunters up and tucks both hands into his pockets. “You find it okay?”
“Sure did.”
“Lucky us. Come on, the guys are inside.”
I follow as he turns toward the door. “Thanks for accommodating the late meeting this week.”
He glances over his shoulder, those piercing blue eyes searing my soul. “It’s our pleasure, really. Dec will take any opportunity to show this place off.”
I look up to appreciate the ivy-covered stucco. “It’s gorgeous.”
“Yeah, he’d agree with you.” He follows my gaze. “The compliments are wasted on me.”
“Not a real estate person?”
He pauses as we reach the door, treating me to the full force of his gaze. “Real estate is fine, but home is about people. I’d happily live in a double-wide if I was with those I loved.”
My lips part in surprise at his candor, and his eyes track the movement. There’s a fierce glint in his gaze when it returns to mine.
“How about you? Real estate your thing?”
I blink, distracted by the heat I thought I saw, then give myself a shake. “Not so much real estate as architecture and design. I’m an art lover, so I appreciate good lines.”
“Plenty of those here.” He smirks and opens the front door.
As I step over the threshold, I’m struck by the cozy feel of the place. It’s warm and intimate, as though I’ve stepped into their lives, not just their home. Linc grins as he spots me from the kitchen, hurrying over as I remove my heels. He glances down at them and smirks, no doubt recognizing them from the week prior.
“Hey, beautiful,” he murmurs, wrapping his arms around me.
My chest warms at the nickname, and I melt into him. His brief embraces, stolen before and after our runs, were quickly becoming highlights of my week. There’s something about being in Lincoln’s arms that both comforts and strengthens me.
I smile up at him as he releases me, squeezing his arm gently as we put more space between us. Shane doesn’t react to the friendly greeting, and I raise an eyebrow at Linc. His sheepish grin is telling. So, they all know. Fan-fucking-tastic.
“Declan’s in a great mood, then?”
“He’s in a mood alright,” Linc mutters, rolling his eyes. “Come on, we cleared the dining table for our meeting.”
I follow him over to the large round table and plush chairs. Glancing down, I admire what I assume is the original red tile floor.
“When was this place built?” I muse aloud.
“In the twenties,” a firm voice replies.
Declan stalks up to the other side of the table, pulling out a chair and settling in it like a throne, his eyes never leaving mine.
“It’s stunning.”
He’s silent for a beat, then he inclines his head. “Thank you.”
I smirk, noting how his jaw muscles ticked before he spoke. “That looked painful. You struggling to hold back an insult?”
“Maybe we should–” Linc starts.
“I’m trying a different approach,” Declan interrupts. “Maybe if I keep my mouth shut, you’ll dig the hole yourself.”
I can’t help it; I laugh. Keep holding your breath, buddy. “Well, on that charming note, we have a lot to cover. My team came back with the preliminary analysis of your data, and they agree with most of your findings. They have a few suggestions, though, which I sent over via email.”
“Thank you. I saw that this morning.” Linc glances over at Shane as I take a seat. “There were some good questions in there, and a few angles we haven’t fully explored.”
Declan frowns but stays silent. I’ll take that as a win.
“Anyway,” I go on, “our main topic for this week is the Summit. We have a lot to do in preparation, and it’ll require all of you to be entirely committed.”
“Do you have a plan?” Shane asks.
“We do.” I pull my laptop out of my bag and flip it open. “The team sent an overview my way just before I got here. What’s the wifi?”
Shane reaches out a hand for my laptop, and I pass it over.
“Thanks. Tonight we need to discuss press milestones and launch activities. The team has documented everything, and, if you’re aligned, we’ll get things in motion.”
“Do we get a say in any of this?” Declan looks more worried than hostile. For once.
Mouthing thanks at Shane, I accept my laptop back from him and pull up the presentation. “Of course. Solum is your company, and you in particular are its face. None of it works without your full support.”
“So, you’re saying you’ll partner with us every step of the way?” Linc gives me a little grin.
“Exactly.” I smile back, entertained by the lay up.
“And you don’t feel the need to be in the limelight?” Declan presses.
“God, no. I hate the limelight, if I’m honest.”
“You do plenty of interviews and big events for someone who hates the limelight,” Declan mutters.
I study him for a moment as I turn my laptop around so they can see the screen.
“Declan, have you ever had to put your personal preferences aside for the betterment of your business, or the people who work for you?”
He frowns. “Of course.”
“I assumed so. It’s what we do, as business owners.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “My visibility and press is positive for my business, which means I can take better care of my team and invest more in my clients and community. I might not choose the limelight, but my personal preferences are ultimately immaterial.”
Some of the fight goes out of Declan’s posture as I speak, and I glimpse Shane’s amused expression out of the corner of my eye.
“Anyway, feel free to tab through the overview while I hit the main points.” I push my laptop toward them, and they all lean forward to see it. “The press campaign will start in two weeks and will feature three marquee events–a live interview, the launch at the Summit, and the Brightest in the Bay award ceremony when we return.”
“Say more about the interview.”
There’s a frisson of electricity along my spine at the command in Shane’s tone. My night with Linc, and the stolen moments with him since, turned on a part of my brain I didn’t know existed. I’ve noticed more dominant behaviors from the men in my life, but none affect me the way Linc and Shane–even Declan–do. They leave me yearning for more.
“You’re familiar with Cass Thompson?”
“Hell, yeah. She’s dope.” Linc’s dimple winks at me, and my core aches. I still want to lick him.
“She is,” I beam back at him, keeping it professional. “She’s also a personal friend. I’m working with her to set up an exclusive interview with you, Declan.”
His eyes flash to mine.
“She knows the startup community well, the Bulletin has the highest reach in the Bay, and she’s experienced in green tech. Even without our friendship, she’s the best choice.”
“I agree,” he admits, sounding mildly surprised. “It would be a huge win to have that kind of attention for Solum.”
“It would. You have six weeks to prepare so you can make the most of it.”
Declan clears his throat, glancing at his partners. “Will you or your team provide any coaching?”
It’s a struggle to keep the smile from my face, but I have a feeling he’d interpret it as mocking, so I lock it up and incline my head solemnly. “Of course.”
He jerks his chin in acknowledgement and turns back to the slides on my laptop.
“Interview in six weeks, Summit in ten?” Shane asks.
“That’s right. You all have current passports, yes?” At their murmurs of ascent, I sigh in relief. “Good. That’s one less thing to worry about. We’ll all be going. It’ll be impossible to launch Solum without acknowledging the elephant in the room that is Greenstar Labs and Anne-Marie, and I anticipate technical questions Shane and Linc will be best suited to answer.”
They nod thoughtfully, and a feeling of accomplishment fills me. We have a short amount of time to make magic happen for their business, and I worried it would be an uphill battle. Declan’s attitude and the tension between the three of them is concerning, and I expected the news of Lincoln and I sleeping together to cause more waves. I might make it through this in one piece, after all.
“Christ, that was a lot,” Linc sighs a couple of hours later. He reaches his arms up and laces his fingers behind his head, muscles rippling under his white tee as he leans into the stretch.
I chuckle as I stand, rolling my shoulders and stretching out my arms. “It was. Productive session, gentlemen. Thank you.”
“No, thank you,” Shane chimes in.
He rises from his seat and walks into the kitchen, moving with almost feline grace. The strength in his lithe form is obvious, especially in that tee.
“Whoa, it’s almost nine.” Linc frowns, looking at his phone. “Lex, did you eat before you came over?”
“Oh, I’m fine.” I wave him off as I pack up my laptop and notebook.
He squints at me. “Lex.”
I look up at him with my most innocent expression. “Linc.”
“What did you have for lunch?”
It could be a casual question, but from him it’s loaded. He’s heard too many mentions of missed dinners and snack meals this week during our runs.
My shoulder twitches up. “Cami brought me a quinoa bowl.”
“Did you eat it?” Shane calls from the kitchen, picking up on my careful language.
I frown at them both, wondering when Shane joined the conversation. “Not exactly…”
Shane’s blue eyes meet mine. “Are you vegetarian? Any allergies?”
Blinking, I shake my head. “No, and no. Why?”
“I’m making dinner. Should be fifteen minutes or so.” He looks up at Linc. “Want to head into the living room with some wine?”
“Yeah, sounds great.”
Linc jumps up and goes to the kitchen while I look helplessly between the three men. Declan just scrubs a hand over his face.
“What’s happening?”
He sighs heavily, rising to his feet. “You’re staying for dinner, apparently.”
Casting him a sideways glance, I set my bag back on the table. “Does this happen often?”
His green eyes meet mine. “Does what happen often?”
I gesture at Shane and Linc in the kitchen. Declan chuckles, the sound low and rasping. It reverberates through me, and I resist the urge to step closer.
“If you’re asking if they make dinner for random people, the answer is no.” He turns away, then pauses and looks over his shoulder. “Then again, you’re the first random person we’ve had in this house in the last four years.”
“That’s either an insult or a compliment. Maybe both.”
Something like amusement flashes in his eyes. “I’ll leave that interpretation up to you, boss.”
My laugh breaks free at the nickname, and his gaze lights up again. There’s a pause in the noise from the kitchen, and I look over to find Linc and Shane’s eyes on me. When I turn back to Declan, his expression is thoughtful.
“I don’t know what I”ve done to earn that title, but if you’re willing to give me a nickname…” I grin, “I’ll take it.”
Linc whoops his support while Shane smiles before turning back to whatever he’s making. Declan’s lips twitch, teasing me with the possibility of a smile. He clears his throat, green eyes locked on mine.
“I know I’m not the easiest client,” he says quietly, catching me off guard. “I’m still wary after what Anne-Marie put us through. But I…I want you to know I appreciate your team. And you.” He looks away, that low, rough sound rumbling through him once more. “To be honest, Lex, I respect the hell out of you. I have for years. I’ve been shit at showing it, but it’s the truth.”
My lips part as I blink at him, stunned by the confession. “Declan, I…”
He holds up a hand. “No, please. Let me slink away with some shred of dignity intact, yeah?”
Swallowing, I nod. The moment stretches between us, and I smirk.
“Don’t go soft on me now, Wilde. It’s not every day I meet a man willing to challenge me at every turn.”
Amusement flashes in his eyes as he dips his chin, then steps back.
“Come on, Lex. I’ve got wine and snacks.” Linc lifts a tray laden with chips, veggies, and hummus and tips his head toward the living room.
Glancing at Declan, I smile and tilt my head, inviting him to follow me after his brother. With the slightest motion of his head, he denies my offer, glances at his brother and friend, then turns to walk down the hall.
“Don’t mind him. He’s going to work out his tension in the basement,” Linc explains.
I can’t tell if he heard Declan’s confession or not, so I respect his brother’s ask for dignity and try to recenter myself.
“Do you have a gym down there?” I manage, glancing at the hall one last time.
He chuckles. “No, that would be far too normal for my brother. The basement was a mess when we moved in, so he’s remodeling it.”
“Oh, wow. Basements are rare around here. Is it a walkout?”
He beams and nods, dropping onto the couch and patting the cushion beside him. “Ridiculous view, too. It’s going to be incredible when he’s done with it.”
“I’d love to see it.”
“Next time.” His arm settles around me as I sit, tugging me against his body.
I peer over the top of the couch at Shane, then look up at Linc, brow raised.
“Shane’s cool,” he murmurs, squeezing me gently as he searches my face. “When can I see you again?”
I snuggle into him, tucking my feet under me. “You running with me tomorrow?”
“Of course. But allow me to rephrase…”
He ducks his head to capture my lips with his, reaching up to cup my cheek. I open for him instantly, savoring the taste and feel of him. He slides his fingers into my hair with a claiming touch.
“When can I see you naked and spread out for me again?” he breathes against my lips.
A soft moan escapes me as goosebumps rise on my skin, anticipation filling me. “Tomorrow night?”
He rumbles a pleased sound in the back of his throat, and my clit throbs. “Can’t wait.”
Shane steps into the living room, three bowls in hand, his icy gaze lingering everywhere we touch. “Dinner is served.”
Straightening, I tuck my hair behind my ears. “Oh, wow, that looks amazing.”
“Kale caesar with salmon, pretty simple. May I join you?” Shane juts his chin toward the spot on my other side.
“Please.”
I glance at Linc to see his reaction, but he just smiles as he grabs two of the bowls and hands one to me. Shane smoothly folds himself next to me as I accept the salad, and I swallow roughly as his firm thigh presses against mine. Being sandwiched between them is an intoxicating experience. They’re both athletic and toned, though Linc carries more bulk. I find myself wondering how different they are in other places, and I feel my cheeks heat. Get yourself under control, Lex. One client situationship at a time.
Linc flicks on the TV. “Okay, Lex. I have a super important question for you. Do you like Bake Off?”
“Um, who doesn’t?!”
“Thank goodness,” Shane mutters, his tone indulgent.
As Linc pulls up the show, I snuggle into the couch. I’m absently aware of how normal it feels, how comfortable. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as settled in my own home as I do here, in a house I’ve barely spent three hours in. Being around Linc and Shane is natural, if I ignore the visceral way my body reacts to theirs. Both of theirs.
Fifteen minutes and one stellar signature bake later, I’m the last to finish my salad. I gather up their bowls and take them to the kitchen despite their protests. Shane picks up the appetizer tray and follows.
“I’m glad you stayed,” he says softly, standing next to me as we load the sink.
“Well, you didn’t give me much of a choice,” I tease, “but I’m glad, too. Thank you for the delicious meal.”
My hand brushes his as we both reach for the sponge, and electricity crackles between us. His eyes catch mine, those icy blue depths sucking me in, and I stop breathing for a moment.
“It was my pleasure.”
I shiver at the low rasp of his voice, and his eyes flare. He swallows, watching me watch his Adam’s apple bob. Standing this close to him is the ultimate temptation, and I fleetingly wonder if I’m supposed to feel guilty for eye-fucking this man while the one I submitted to a week ago is in the next room. All I feel is turned the hell on.
“I’ve got this,” he says, so calmly I wonder if the lust is one-sided. “Go snuggle with Linc. He needs it.”
And then Shane Kelly winks at me. I’ve never gone weak in the knees from a wink, but I do then. Shane smirks when he sees me sway. Get it together, Lex.
Who am I to disobey his order? I pad back to the couch and slip under Linc’s arm, cuddling close to finish the episode currently playing. Shane joins us moments later.
As he gets comfortable, he reaches over and grasps my ankle, pulling my foot into his lap. I blink at him owlishly, then look up to find Linc’s dimple on show as he watches us.
“Those heels look like they wreak havoc on your feet,” Shane explains, before digging his thumbs into my arch and making me moan.
“Careful, beautiful.” Linc’s voice is low and teasing. “Make that sound too many times, and I”ll have no choice but to ravish you, audience and all.”
I squeeze my eyes shut and try to hold back the whimper his words elicit as my mind conjures an image of me, naked and under Linc while Shane watches. My foot jerks in Shane’s hands as he hits a particularly tender spot, and the whimper escapes. Surrounded by their throaty chuckles, I can’t stop my imagination from taking that image and running wild. Through the surprise and incredulity at my presumptuousness, all I can think is yes fucking please.