And One Makes Three (Carnal Coeds) by Suzanne Rock Page A

Becca said.
    “Yeah, but I had a feeling.”
    “You did what you thought was right. Don’t blame yourself for their poor lack of judgment,” Gabe said.
    For the first time in his life, Lane saw the truth to Gabe’s words. He sat down in a nearby chair and put his face in his hands. “I just wish I could have done more.”
    Becca moved over and ran her hand across his back. “You’re a good lifeguard, Lane. Don’t ever forget that.”
    “She’s right, you know.” Gabe crouched down so that he was eye-level. “You were great yesterday with Becca. She wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for you.”
    Becca tilted her head and studied him for a moment. “That was why you moved up here, wasn’t it? You were running from the memories.”
    Lane lowered his hands and nodded. “That was part of it. Once the accident happened, I started withdrawing from everything and everyone around me. My studies, my relationships…I think that’s why the other two in our threesome became so close. I had practically pushed them together.” He took in a shaky breath. “After a few months, they decided that they were better off on their own.”
    “That would never happen with us,” Gabe said. “You have to believe that.”
    “It’s only a matter of time,” Lane said.
    “No.” Becca shook her head. “It will never happen. While it’s true that Gabe and I were close before you came along, we also had problems.”
    “Lots of problems,” Gabe agreed. “You’ve made me see how much I’ve missed being with a man in the bedroom.” Gabe trailed his fingers over Lane’s arm. “How much I missed feeling that strength and power.” He dragged his fingers up and cupped Lane’s cheek. “You’re a great partner outside of the bedroom as well. You’ve helped me grow my business and make it more profitable. You’ve stabilized my emotional outbursts and tempered my jealousy where Becca is concerned.” He ran his finger over Lane’s lips, causing him to shudder. “I need you, Lane.”
    “I need you too.” Becca laced her fingers with his. “And it’s not just about saving my life. I didn’t realize how jealous I was of Hannah and her boyfriends. After having a taste of you and Gabe together, I know I’ll never be able to go back. It’s more than that though.” She raised his hand and kissed his palm. “You bring out the good in both Gabe and me. You help cool our tempers and make us see reason. You’re so kind and caring. Nurturing.” She lowered his hand until it covered her breast. “I need you, Lane.”
    Desire shot through his center and spread out through his system.  God she was so fucking hot. Just looking at her made him hard all over.
    “We need you.” Gabe took his other hand and kissed his palm. “Don’t go back to Virginia. Stay with us.”
    “And do what?”
    “I don’t know,” Gabe said. “We’ll figure it out.”
    Lane shook his head. “You and Becca have a life here. I don’t.”
    “You don’t?” Gabe lowered their joined hands and placed them on his swollen erection.
    Lane bit back a groan. “You know what I mean.”
    “No, we don’t.” Becca kissed his palm.
    “Stay and help me run my business.” Gabe inched closer. “It’s growing faster than I expected. I was hoping to hire someone anyway. You’d be perfect.”
    Fuck. They were trying to seduce him—and it was working. “My lease is up in September,” Lane murmured.
    “You can stay with me.” Becca laced her fingers with his and dragged his hand down her curves.
    Lane’s breath quickened as he watched their joined hands travel over her body. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
    Gabe slid his finger under Lane’s chin and turned his head until their gazes met. “Stop running away, Lane. Stay and give us a chance.”
    Before Lane could speak, Gabe leaned in and captured his lips in a hot, searing kiss.
    “Wow, that’s hot,” Becca said.
    Lane pulled away from Gabe’s mouth and focused on her.