Foundation for Three (31 page)

“W
e’re here!” Pete said.

His enthusiasm sounded forced, but Zoey was pleased he’d stopped fretting about her safety. After spending part of the day packing her things, and then moving into Pete and Thad’s guest room, Zoey wanted to forget about gang members and killers.

Pete had driven the three of them about thirty minutes out of town into the National Forest. After taking a long winding road uphill, he pulled off to the side. She was a bit confused what “here” actually was, but it sure was pretty. “Don’t tell me this is where you take your women to make out.” The sun had set about half an hour ago and darkness was quickly inking in the sky. In the far distance, the lights of the city glowed.

Thad laughed. “That’s not a bad idea.” His upbeat chuckle almost sounded sincere.

“Before you even think it, it’s too cold to have sex outside. I might be up for kissing, but that’s all.”

“Damn. Not even sex in the backseat?” Pete asked.

“Definitely not back there. It’s too cramped.”

Pete snapped his fingers. “Then we’ll have to go to plan B.”

Thad pushed open his door and guided her out. “You going to be warm enough in that coat?” He moved behind and wrapped his arms around her.

“I’ll be fine.” The truck’s tailgate squeaked open. “What’s he doing?” she asked Thad.

Thad nibbled her ear and all concerns disappeared. “Don’t you worry about a thing. Pete has a surprise for you.”

Zoey twisted around and wrapped her arms around Thad’s neck, pressing her jacketed body against him. She kissed him hard and deep. Thad’s demanding touch set her skin on fire and heated her to the core. She loved his passion and decisiveness.

Thad’s callused hands cupped her cheeks, and when they kissed again, they seemed to draw life from each other. Time stood still. He emitted a throaty groan, and she had to break the kiss. “We shouldn’t get started. It’ll only frustrate me more.”

Pete smacked his palm on his thigh. “Enough of that, you two. Come on. I have a surprise.”

“Spoil sport. Just so you know, I like it when you guys kiss, nibble, and suck on my naked body, but I also like to stay warm. Next summer, I might agree to even suggest an outdoor adventure.”

Damn. As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her comment had been presumptuous. For being a psychologist, she kind of sucked at guessing their intentions. At times, the three of them were so close that she believed they’d never be apart. At other moments, she wondered if she was just the woman of the moment. It didn’t help that the three of them had been thrown together by circumstances instead of by their mutual interests.

“Deal,” Thad answered.

Pete carried a telescope and set it down on a flat surface about fifteen feet away. He extended the legs then cleared his throat. “Ready to see the magic of the sky?” Using his teeth to hold the flashlight, he moved some knobs and rotated some dials. The light clicked off. “Give me a sec to find something of interest.”

As Zoey watched what he was doing, excitement sped through her. “I haven’t been stargazing since high school, but I’ve always been fascinated by the universe. Pete, you never mentioned you were into astronomy.”

Thad wrapped his arms around her waist again and leaned his cheek against her face. His closeness altered something inside her, and Zoey’s insecurities regarding her place with these men melted.

“Pete is quite the superstar,” he said. “He just likes to pretend to be low key, but he’s not.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. All right, professor Banks. Show me what you got.” A cool breeze kicked up and she shivered. Thad hugged her tighter.

The sweet scent of pine and sage rose on the wind in waves and she inhaled deeply. The clean scent helped clear her head.

“Step over here, sugar, and see our wonderful quarter moon.” Pete guided her to the telescope, and then placed her hand on the focusing knob.

Zoey leaned over. “That’s incredible. I didn’t realize how bright it is.”

“Actually it isn’t much brighter than an asphalt road on a sunny day, but compared to the black sky it appears quite light.” Pete leaned close and his presence made her lose focus for a minute. “Can you see both the light and the dark in the viewfinder?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“That’s called the terminator. If you watch closely, you’ll see shadows move as the sun rises.”

Thad stepped next to her and placed his hands on her waist again as if to steady her. She had a hard time not thinking about what those hands could do to her if she were underneath him right now.
Concentrate
. “Yes. Oh, wait. Something just changed.”

“Let me replace the eye piece. Hold on.” Without turning on the flashlight, he quickly made the exchange. “Try it now. What do you see?” Pete asked.

She looked and adjusted the knob. “This is incredible. I see mountains, craters, plains.” Zoey stepped back. “Thad, take a look.” Why hadn’t she done this sooner? She faced Pete. “Have you always had this interest in astronomy?” He hadn’t commented before when she’d mentioned his talent.

“Not until prep school. I had an amazing physics teacher who was into this stuff. A couple of times a quarter, when the weather permitted, he’d have these demonstrations where he’d invite the class to check out the constellations and our moon. His love of astronomy got me excited.” His voice trailed off as if the memory was a good one, but one that could never be captured again.

“I’m glad you had the chance to meet such a man.”

“Me, too. You ever have anyone profoundly influenced you?”

There were so many teachers she could honor. “The ones who left a lasting impression were the ones who challenged me. A few told me I didn’t work hard enough and that I’d never succeed if I didn’t change my ways. I had an advisor who wanted me to take this advanced writing class my senior year. It wasn’t required, but he said it would make me a better person.”

“What did you do?” Pete leaned closer, and Thad was no longer hunched over the telescope, as if he wanted to hear what she had to say, too. Their determination to learn about her boggled her mind.

“I took the class. Remember, I like to please.”

Thad tugged her to his chest. “That’s one of the many reasons why we like you. You’re a good girl.” His tone implied anything but.

“I am, which means I intend to have Pete show me some constellations, like he said he would.”

Pete chuckled then pointed them out to her. But after a few sightings, his enthusiasm seemed to wane. She didn’t want him to stay when he wasn’t into it. Besides, the temperature had dropped significantly, and snuggling in front of the fire appealed to her.

“I’m getting a little cold. Would you all mind if we call it quits for tonight?”

“Sure, sugar.” Pete folded the telescope and carried it back to the truck.

When he was out of earshot, she leaned close to Thad. “Is something wrong with Pete?”

Thad shrugged. “Seems like it. Not sure what his problem is. Don’t worry. Once we’re locked in the house, he’ll be good. I think the aborted assault has him worried.”

Pete’s sudden strange mood was a downer, but hopefully with a nice glass of wine in front of a roaring fire, all would be well. She could picture the three of them engaging in a very steamy and passionate lovemaking experience.

*     *     *

Pete climbed in the front seat of the truck and started the engine to get it warm for Zoey. He’d never experienced this combination of angst and joy before. When Zoey had called and said someone had tried to get in her house, he’d lost it. What if that person had succeeded in harming her? Nothing had happened, thank God, but what if it had? What if another gang member came back and succeeded the next time? Pete would never be able to handle it.

Thad pulled open the passenger door. Zoey climbed in, clicked on her seatbelt, and then Thad jumped in after her.

She placed a hand on Pete’s thigh and squeezed. “Thank you, again.”

Her touch almost burned him. Pete wanted her so bad he could taste it, but he needed time to think.

“All set?” he asked in as cheery a voice as he could muster.

“Yup,” she answered. “The stars were amazing.”

“I agree.” He loved her enthusiasm. Pete had done quite well keeping people at arm’s length his whole life. The one time he’d actually opened his soul to a person, look what happened. He fell in love.
There
. He’d said it. He, Pete Banks, loved Zoey Donovan. Only he wasn’t ready to tell her. He feared it might ruin things between them.

Every time they’d been together, their interactions had been intense. When he first met her, she’d bared her soul about being held captive. Then at his dad’s place, when he’d let her see what his life was like, she seemed to understand. Too bad he’d end up disappointing her just like he’d disappointed his dad. Her rejection, though, would be worse.

“—movie?” Thad asked.

Fuck. He had no idea what Thad just suggested. “Whatever.” That seemed to be an appropriate answer.

The roads were dark and deserted, which required Pete to pay attention driving and not on Zoey’s delicious scent or how her leg was pressed against his.

“Eager to see the movie?” Thad said. Pete let up on the accelerator.

Thad was crazy for Zoey, too. Maybe Pete should just lay low for a while, figure out what he wanted, and let Thad and Zoey bond. Then if she were still willing, Pete could step back into her life.

As he neared the entrance to their street, he took the turn a little too fast and half the contents in the back shifted. She clenched his thigh and he slowed. When the house came into view, he decided what had to be done.

Once Pete parked, he looked over at Thad. “Why don’t you take Zoey inside and start the fire? I want to make sure the telescope survived the drive.”

Thad let out an audible breath. “Drive slower next time.”

Fuck you. Pete waited until the door to the kitchen closed before he removed the telescope. He hadn’t looked at the stars in forever. Showing Zoey one of his passions and hearing her squeal was almost too much to bear. He’d actually felt the deep connection in his gut. While he yearned to go to her, he was scared to death.

After Pete stayed in the garage for as long as he could without causing Thad to become suspicious, he walked in, acting like he was ready to delve into her hot body. The thought had his blood boiling, but if he touched her, he’d be lost for good.

“Anyone need some wine?” he asked.

“Yes, please,” Zoey answered, sounding so content. Pete could get used to having her here—and that was the problem.

Thad knelt in front of the den fireplace, crumpled the newspaper, and stuffed the wad under the grate. “Hey Pete, grab the matches in the top drawer, will ya?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll get them,” Zoey said. She came toward Pete with a determined look, and his heart nearly cracked for wanting her so much.

Pete located the matches. “Here ya go.”

She smiled and pranced back to Thad. Pete’s cock turned rigid. Not good.

It’s time
.

He poured the three glasses and carried them over to Thad and Zoey. He set his drink on the coffee table behind them. “I’ll be right back.”

Pete trotted into the bedroom, waited a minute, and then returned with his phone to his ear, praying this ruse would work. He didn’t want to hurt Zoey, but it was for the best.

Chapter Twenty-Six