“I’m a sex fiend now,” Christy added. “Paul corrupted me. It’s all I think about. Sex, sex, sex.”
“You are so strange,” Brooke said.
“Yeah,” I said, “but it’s why we love her.”
“You can say that again,” Brooke laughed. Then she sobered and looked at me. “Are you sure? I don’t want to get in the way…”
“I’m sure,” I said. “We’re sure.”
Christy nodded.
“In fact,” I added with a sideways grin, “I think we’ll prove it.”
“Right here?” Brooke wondered nervously. “In the car?”
“No,” I chuckled, “it’s a little cramped for a threesome.” I slowed and turned onto the camp road. “But shortly.”
“I told you,” Christy said, “you’re going to love it here. Penis and pussy and sex, oh my!”
Chapter 38
We hadn’t counted on Trip and Wren. They weren’t a problem, per se, but we couldn’t simply waltz across the patio and ignore them on the way to the bungalow and a threesome.
They were relaxing by the pool, artfully casual. I suppressed a snort. I knew Wren, and she was anything but relaxed. As far as she was concerned, she was about to meet her rival. She’d even done her hair and makeup. She didn’t look like she was going to a gala, even a nudist one, but she clearly wanted to look her best.
A cynical part of me wondered if Brooke had chosen her outfit for the same reason. Her body language was edgy and tense, and she was ready for a confrontation. I had an uncharitable thought about cats hissing and clawing each other. I suppressed it harder than usual—it was sexist and completely unfair. I’d done the same thing when I’d met Christy’s family, hadn’t I?
Wren stood and removed her sunglasses. She smiled as we approached. She even managed to look dignified, which was hard to do without clothes.
“You must be Brooke,” she said. “Welcome to the Pines.”
She’d been greeting new guests for weeks, and it showed. She was calm and self-assured, which put Brooke off her guard. That was probably what she’d intended in the first place. Hissing and claws came to mind again.
Stop it! I told myself. They aren’t going to fight. They aren’t cats, either. I shot a glance at the little head. Not a single word from you, either, especially that one. You’ll ruin it for both of us.
What? I didn’t say anything.
But you were thinking it.
He sighed. You really don’t get it, do you? I’m you, dumbass!
Christy caught the edge of our conversation and shot me a glare.
Yes, dear, I replied, and the little head echoed it.
Her eyes widened, and she struggled not to laugh. “Behave,” she said under her breath. “Both of you.”
I grinned and returned my attention to Wren and Brooke. They were sizing each other up. Brooke was taller, prettier, and more exotic, although a redhead with fair skin and freckles wasn’t really that exotic. Wren had the edge in confidence, though, as well as home-field advantage.
“You all know each other,” I said, “but only secondhand. So let’s do this right and get everything out in the open. Brooke, this is Wren, Christy’s Knoxville girlfriend. Wren, meet Brooke, her San Diego girlfriend.”
Christy herself held her breath.
“Pleased to meet you,” Wren said smoothly.
“You too,” Brooke agreed.
“And this is Trip,” I added, “Wren’s fiancé.”
He and Brooke shook hands. To his credit, he didn’t glance at her chest, even though her suspenders framed it perfectly. He kept his eyes on hers instead.
“Nice to meet you,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“All good, I hope.”
She grinned and lied, deliberately unconvincing, “Of course.”
“I probably deserved whatever she said about me,” he chuckled. “But I’m getting better.”
“I’m kidding. Chris never complains.”
Wren snorted.
“I know, right?” Brooke said, and they shared a tentative grin, the first crack in the ice.
Still, Wren fell back on routine. “You probably want to get settled. I made up the bed in number three. There are fresh towels—”
Christy cleared her throat softly.
“Yes?” Wren’s jaw tightened as she forced a smile.
Christy looked to me, so I said, “Brooke can stay with us.”
“No,” Brooke said all of a sudden, “I’ll stay by myself.”
“Nonsense,” Wren said. “You can stay where you like.”
Christy spoke up, “I’m sorry, Wren. I should’ve told you.”
“It’s okay,” Wren lied.
“This was a mistake. I shouldn’t’ve come,” Brooke said.
“Nonsense,” Wren said again. “You’re here now. We’ll make it work.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Let me take Brooke’s things to the bungalow,” I suggested. “Christy can help her unpack. Have you started dinner, Wren?”
“No. Why?”
“I can be your sous.”
She smiled, grateful and a little mischievous. “My Sue?”
“I can hear the difference, you know,” I said dryly.
“Good.”
“Come on,” I said to Brooke and Christy. “Let’s get you situated first. Then I’ll come help Wren.”
Christy started to protest, but Brooke had the good grace to stop her with a little flick of her fingers. Wren noticed, and the ice cracked a little more. They weren’t going to be best friends, but at least they weren’t going to fight.
* * *
“Better you than me,” Trip said as I passed him on the way to the clubhouse.
I’d taken off my country club attire and left Christy and Brooke in the bungalow. They weren’t exactly hiding, but they were definitely taking their time as they unpacked Brooke’s overnight bag and the things she wanted from her suitcase.
I spared a quick thought for the engagement ring in its hiding place, the inside pocket of my sports coat. I’d surreptitiously hung it in the back of the closet after my trip to San Diego. Christy wasn’t nosy by nature, but she might discover it by accident.
I couldn’t do anything about it, so I turned my attention to something I could. Wren looked like she was banging around the kitchen, which wasn’t normal for her.
“Good luck,” Trip added helpfully.
“Chicken.”
He clucked with undisguised mirth.
“You owe me,” I flung over my shoulder.
“Big time.”
I paused at the door to gather my courage before I flew into the storm. Wren glared when I did, so I gave her a moment before I deliberately closed the door behind me.
“Are you okay?”
“No! Why didn’t you tell me she was so pretty? I can’t compete with that!”
“You don’t have to.”
“What? Of course I do!”
“No, you don’t. It isn’t a competition.”
“How would you know?” she shot back. “You’re the only guy she wants. You don’t have to worry!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I crossed to her quickly. “It isn’t like that, and you know it.”
“Isn’t like what?” she snarled. “You think I won’t lose her to Copper Top Barbie?”
“You didn’t lose her to me.”
“That’s different. You’re a guy. Besides, I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”
“Hold on,” I said reasonably. “I understand Christy, and I know she loves you.”
“Then why’d she bring her here?”
“She wasn’t thinking.”
“She never does!”
I nodded and gave Wren’s temper a moment to cool.
“Why do you even care?” she said. “This is perfect for you. You can have your cake and eat it too!”
I gave her a flat look.
“Yeah, all right,” she admitted, “that wasn’t fair.”
“No. Besides, you know how I feel about you.”
“And how do you feel about Barbie? Or whatever her name is,” she added in a bitter tone.