Second Chance Summer: Menage Romance Novel (Midnight Cove Menage Book 1) (17 page)

Blake thrust up into her and Devin pressed down. Perfect rhythm. Perfect harmony. Their cocks stroked each other through her body. Blake’s tongue swirled around hers. Everything she wanted—Blake and Devin and the chance at forever—it was all around her. Fucking her senseless and ruining her for anyone else.

An orgasm built again. Fast and unexpected. She reached for something—anything to hold—and Blake was there, taking her hands and lacing his fingers through hers.

Devin groaned and pumped again, burying himself to the hilt as his cock throbbed inside her ass. He groaned through his orgasm, pumping his seed over and over into her depths. The force of his release sent her over.

Summer cried out, breaking her kiss with Blake as she screamed her release. Her body clamped down in a wet and swollen vise and Blake came with her, grunting through his orgasm. Her muscles milked him, drawing every last drop out of his body until he fell back onto the mattress in a heap.

Devin slumped over her and his hands found hers and Blake’s. He slipped his fingers over theirs and the three of them came down, hands clasped, bodies heaving.

After a moment, Devin pulled back and tugged Summer off Blake. They all three curled up together on the bed.

Summer waited until her breath slowed before giving Devin’s hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry I ran again. I should have stayed and thought it through.”

Blake pushed a sweaty clump of hair off her face. “You were angry. Scared. I don’t blame you.”

Devin kissed the spot behind her ear. “Thank you for giving us another chance.”

Summer smiled. “Thanks for not giving up on me.”

Blake kissed her forehead. “You’re welcome.”

Summer snuggled in closer to her two men and closed her eyes. A vibrant world of blues and greens and reds and purples opened up inside her mind and she sighed in satisfaction.

“Since you’re not rushing off to New York, what do you want to do today?” Blake’s fingers trailed down her arm.

“I’d love to try that new studio out upstairs.”

“Feeling inspired?”

“No.” Summer smiled wider. “Loved.”

S
ummer edged
her upper lash in black eyeliner. The last six months had whooshed by in a whirlwind of paint and love and enough orgasms to short-circuit more than her brain.

Knuckles banged on the door and she smiled as she capped the pen. “Come in!”

The door swung open and Mandy hustled in with an oversized bag and a harried expression. “I am so sorry I’m late. I told Richard we needed to leave by two o’clock in order to beat rush hour out of Seattle, but sometimes the man just doesn’t listen!”

She dumped her things at the empty stool and opened her arms. “I need a best friend hug.”

Summer set down her makeup and turned to Mandy. It’d been hard to get back to best friends. At first Mandy’d been in Tahiti and Summer’d been…occupied. Then Richard had to practically move to Seattle to open the restaurant and Mandy’d gone with him.

But they’d found a way. Between phone calls and visits and enough texts to send them both into account overages, they’d healed. Moved on. Started a new chapter.

Mandy let Summer go at last and slid onto the stool. “So are you excited? You’re so excited, right?”

Summer laughed. “I am, yeah. Nervous too. Is my eyeliner straight? I can barely hold the pen.” Summer closed her eyes and Mandy assessed.

“Totally straight. You’d never know your fingers were shaking like leaves.” Mandy unzipped her bag and pulled out a makeup kit. “It’s still okay that I’m getting ready here, isn’t it? I know you’re busy with the opening, but—”

Summer waved her off. “It’s fine. It’s great, actually. Devin’s working the door. Blake’s up in the space greeting everyone. I think it’s all under control.” She winced. “I hope it is.”

Mandy swooshed on some blush. “I’m sure they’ve got a handle on it.”

“You’re right.” Summer applied her eyeshadow and picked up her mascara.

“So you’re happy you moved here?”

“To Midnight Cove?”

Mandy nudged her. “That, and Blake and Devin’s place. Shacking up together, that’s a big step.”

Summer nudged Mandy back. “I seem to remember you rushing into that yourself.”

“Hey! It was that or Richard was going to kidnap me and elope. At least moving in gave me control of the wedding!”

Summer smiled. “You had a beautiful wedding.”

“Thanks. I only wish it hadn’t been such an awful day for you.”

Summer shrugged. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Yes, it was.” Mandy put down her tools and turned to Summer. “I know I’ve apologized a million times. But, really, Summer. I’m sorry. I never should have gone there with Blake and Devin. And I should have told you what happened from the start.”

Summer exhaled. Mandy was right. She had apologized a million times. “I overreacted. I should have listened to you. Not freaked out on your wedding day. I was a terrible maid of honor.”

Mandy reached out and squeezed her hand. “You were the best maid of honor. I only hope someday I can do as good a job as you.”

Summer shook her head. “I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.”

“Why? I thought you wanted to get married.” Mandy grabbed her mascara and swiped it on her lashes.

Summer did the same. At last, she answered. “I do. But it’s not like we’re in a conventional relationship. It wouldn’t even be legal—marrying Blake and Devin.”

“Who cares if it’s legal? If you want to get married and celebrate the three of you, do it. You know Richard and Ian would love to host another wedding at the Inn.”

Summer bit her lip. She did want that. The white dress. The cascading flowers. A ceremony. It didn’t need to be big or ostentatious or filled with hundreds of guests. But a small affair with her closest friends? She’d love that.

She stuffed all her makeup back in her bag. “How is Ian these days? I haven’t seen him in months.”

Mandy shrugged. “He’s lonely. After the whole Ivy thing, I think he’s a bit relationship shy.”

“Who wouldn’t be?”

“You have a point.” Mandy uncapped her lipstick and swiped the pink stain across her lips. “I just wish he’d find someone. I guess I just need to be patient, though.”

“Maybe he should take a vacation. Go somewhere new.”

“He’s got some friend coming in town. Some business partner in shipping. I guess he needs to get away from everything. Just had a nasty break up too. I think they’re retreating to Ian’s man cave on the beach and doing a guys’ thing.”

“I’m jealous. I’d love to spend a week at Ian’s place. Right there on the water with a private stretch of beach? Heaven.” Summer could see it now. Her and Blake and Devin. All skinny dipping in the pool. Sunbathing naked all afternoon. That’d be the life.

Mandy stood up with a smirk. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you were thinking dirty thoughts, Ms. Crenshaw.”

Summer blushed. “Was not.”

“Uh-huh. Sure.” Mandy pulled out two dresses and held them up. “Okay. Which one?”

Summer looked first at one and then the other. “I’d say the blue one. The red one’s a little date night at the disco, don’t you think?”

Mandy winced. “Yeah. Not the vibe you’re going for, is it? Blue like the ocean it is!” She reached out and wrapped Summer up in a fabric-filled hug. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Summer beamed. “Same here.”

Blake adjusted a painting for the ninety-seventh time. He might not know anything about gallery grand openings or art exhibits, but he knew how to run a business and set up a display. He glanced around the room.

They’d stripped the heart pine floors and stained them blonde. Painted the walls light gray. Installed lights at every angle. Light and airy and the complete opposite of the shop downstairs. So Summer.

He glanced over at the studio space at the other end. Even through the frosted glass wall he could see the mess of paint and color and canvas. That was Summer, too.

The last few months had flown by, but there they were. Together. Happy.

“She’s gonna love it.” Devin gave him a pat on the back.

“Shouldn’t you be down at the door?”

“I’ve got a minute. Just wanted to check it out before everyone showed up. You ready?”

Blake nodded.

“You still think it’s the right time?” Devin smoothed down his hair and glanced at the entrance.

“It’s the perfect time.”

Devin nodded. “I hope so. I’m ready.”

“Me too, man. Me too.” Blake gave his best friend a hug. They weren’t the traditional set-up, but neither was Midnight Cove. Half surf-town and hippie hangout, half celebrity haven and billionaire playground. Seemed only right that the three of them fit in so well.

“See you in a few.” Devin hustled down the stairs, dress shoes clacking on each one.

Blake looked around one last time. They’d waited a long time for this. The door opened again and Blake turned to give Devin a hard time, only it wasn’t him.

“Ms. Crenshaw, hello.”

Summer’s mother smiled and it lacked the usual bitter edge. She walked up to Blake and held out her hand. “Call me Jane.”

Blake blinked. That was new. “Okay. Jane. It’s good to see you. We weren’t sure if you’d come.”

She let his hand go and nodded. “I wasn’t either. Not at first.” She took a moment and glanced around, taking in Summer’s new paintings and the gallery space. “I like what you’ve done with the space. It’s lovely.”

“Thank you. The opening doesn’t start for a few more minutes. If you’d like to relax, I’m sure Summer would—”

She cut him off with an apologetic smile. “I came early hoping I could talk with you for a moment, if you don’t mind.”

Blake swallowed. The last time they’d spoken had been at Mandy’s wedding. One of the worst days of his life. “Okay.”

She turned toward the closest painting and walked up to it. A beach scene with sandcastles and blue waves. Bright sun and glittering rocks. “I’ve never seen Summer so happy.”

“I thought that didn’t matter much to you.”

She glanced down at her white leather sandals. “I thought you and Devin were a mistake. Something she’d regret for the rest of her life. After that summer she spent here—I knew she shouldn’t come back.”

“Look, Ms. Crenshaw—”

“Jane. And please, hear me out.” She turned to him and Blake stilled. He’d never noticed how Summer had her mother’s eyes.

He nodded and she continued. “I see now that I was wrong. Instead of tearing her apart, you’ve built her up. Given her confidence and let her shine. I look at my daughter now and see the woman I knew she had the potential to become. You and Devin are responsible for that.”

Holy shit.
He’d expected another lecture. Another attempt to change his mind and poison him. Not… an apology. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s long overdue. I should have trusted her more to make her own choices. She might not be following the path I’d envisioned, but she’s happy. That’s more important.”

Blake was dumbstruck. “Why now? Why the change?”

Jane smiled and her whole face lit up. Gone was the stern, graying woman with ice in her veins. In her place was a woman Blake would be happy to know. “Let’s just say I had some encouragement. It’s been lovely speaking with you, Blake. I hope to see you again. Soon.”

Summer’s mother turned toward the stairs without another word. Blake watched her walk away and the last weight he’d carried—the last corner of guilt over his relationship with Summer—crumbled away. If her mother approved, there was no stopping them.

He glanced at his watch. Ten minutes until opening. He had just enough time.

Summer took one last look in the mirror. Makeup done. Shoes picked out. Dress chosen. All she had to do now was not have a panic attack. Remember to breathe.

The door opened and she glanced up. “Mom?”

“Hi, honey.”

“What are you doing here?” Summer stood up as her mom walked into the room. She was dressed in a breezy silk dress in the colors of the sunset—lush reds and yellows and burnt orange. Sandals on her feet. So…carefree. Loose. Nothing like her mother.

“I came for you, dear. I wouldn’t miss your grand opening.”

Summer blinked. “Really?”

“Mm-hmm.” Her mom walked in and pointed at the couch. “Can we sit for a minute? Have a chat?”

Summer glanced at her watch. “Sure. I’ve got a minute.”

She sat down on the white cushion and her mom sat next to her. As Summer got comfortable, her mom set her purse down and turned to her.

“Summer, I need to apologize to you.”

“You what?”

The corners of her mouth turned up. “I’m sorry, honey. I’m sorry that I pushed you into a life you didn’t want.”

Summer swallowed. “You are?”

Her mother nodded. “I see now that you’re meant to be right here in Midnight Cove. Blake and Devin—they love you. The way they look at you across the room. The way Blake can’t stop checking on your paintings upstairs like they’re his children. They’re head over heels for you and I’ve been telling you for years to stay away. I was wrong.” She reached out and squeezed Summer’s hand. “I’m sorry I’ve caused you pain.”

Summer choked on a sob. “Oh, Mom. I don’t—I can’t—”

“Shh. It’s okay. Don’t go crying now. You’ll ruin your makeup.” Her mother fished a tissue out of her clutch and Summer tried to laugh.

She took the tissue and blotted at her eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”

Her mother clicked her bag shut and stood up. “Come. You have a gallery to open.”

Summer stood up and let her mom lead her from the room. She’d been on cloud nine before—excited and ready for opening night—but now? Now she floated. On happiness and joy and possibility.

They walked into the gallery and Summer turned to her mother. “What do you think?”

“The gallery?” Her mother glanced around. “It’s a beautiful space.”

Summer pressed her lips together. “My art. What do you think about the exhibit?”

“Oh!” Her mother turned and her eyes shimmered. “Your art is spectacular, Summer. It’s like a whole room of windows into your soul. You couldn’t ask for a better opening show.”

Summer nodded but couldn’t speak. She didn’t trust her voice not to crack. She soaked up the water in her eyes with the tissue and smiled. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too. Summer.”

“Hey! So this is a public opening, right? I didn’t get an invite by mistake, did I?”

Summer turned toward the door and smiled. “Hi, Richard. Of course you’re invited.”

“Good thing. Devin tells me Ian’s new joint catered. I’ve been dying to try their food.”

“Oh, Richard. Leave the restaurant stuff alone for one night.” Mandy popped out from behind her husband and scampered over to Summer.

“The place looks great!” She wrapped Summer up in a whopping hug and the pair teetered in their heels.

“No knocking over the star of the show!” Blake walked up and Mandy let Summer go.

“Sorry!”

Summer laughed as more and more people filtered in. Richard’s brother, Donny. Ian. New friends and old faces. A shock of pink hair stood out in the crowd and Summer grinned.

She eased her way through the bodies and found Felicia standing in front of a small abstract. “I’m so glad you could come.”

The nail tech turned to her with a smile. “I wouldn’t miss it! You outdid yourself. Everything’s beautiful.”

“You should be thanking Blake and Devin. They did all the work. I just got in their way and splashed paint everywhere.”

Felicia laughed. “So that’s going well? You’re happy?”

Summer nodded. “Really happy.”

“I can tell. You’re so radiant, I bet if we turned the lights off, you’d glow.” Felicia turned back to the painting and groaned. “God. Why can’t I find two surfers who want to make me glow like that?”

“Maybe you can? A whole bunch should be here tonight. Blake and Devin made them promise.”

Felicia clapped her hands. “Goody. That calls for champagne.” She excused herself and headed toward the bar.

It was more than Summer could have ever hoped for. Her friends. Her mom. Blake and Devin. All there to celebrate with her. It was the exact opposite of her life in New York. Gone were the lonely nights and cold days. Her life was rich and full. She couldn’t want anything more.