Three to Play (4 page)

He smiled broadly, hoping it might be contagious. “It’s like we’ve been working together for years. We sound great, and I’m having a blast.”

But the tension he felt between Clint and Beth told him they weren’t. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t get them to lighten up. Only when the mics went hot did they show any spark. And then fireworks boomed.

He needed to think of something, or one of them would soon explode on air and slaughter their chemistry.

Dustin looked up just as Candi walked into the studio from the hallway.

Attractive? On the outside, maybe. But on the inside? He knew the type. Candi’s career ruled everything. Not that ambition was a bad thing, but clearly she wasn’t climbing the ladder through mere hard work and talent. He imagined that the woman would walk over the bodies of dead friends, though he doubted she had any, to get what she wanted.

She sat in the guest chair closest to the door. “Though it’s early, corporate decided to run a phone survey last night. If the numbers are anywhere close to correct, in the next rating cycle you guys will dominate this time slot in all the key demographics in the entire market. We might even get a five to ten point gain with the twenty to thirty-five year olds.”

“In just two weeks?” Beth’s jaw dropped.

“Yes,” the boss lady answered. “Congratulations, guys.”

Beth looked up with a smile, but he didn’t miss the flash of disappointment in her eyes. “I guess you were right about the innuendos
,
Dustin. Congratulations, boys.”

He turned to Clint. His friend’s face showed satisfaction and something else.
Regret?

That look worried Dustin. What the hell had Clint done?

Then he turned back to Beth. “And congratulations to you. You’re as much a part of the success as Clint and I.”
 

He meant it. Though he and Clint had always made great radio together, Beth being in the mix produced something that far exceeded anything they’d ever fashioned before. She kept them both hopping with her stinging questions, quick wit, and sexy voice. With her, they’d created not just something good, but spectacular.

Now, Dustin craved something beyond the professional from Beth. An image of her naked and waiting on his bed had been flashing neon in his mind for the past two weeks. After several glances at Clint, Dustin knew his friend shared the same desire. A night with Clint and Beth would be unparalleled. And might be just what they needed to cut the rising tension and get his co-announcers talking to each other.

“Thanks, Candi. We’re thrilled, of course,” Clint added, but his tone belied something else. Something hidden. What?

Dread sliced at Dustin. The entire two weeks whenever the microphones went live, Clint’s delivery blazed, sharp, masterful, always directed at Beth as if he couldn’t wait to get her naked and begging. The second the broadcast stopped, Clint’s demeanor dropped to twenty below zero. Yes, he leaned to the serious side, but he’d hit an icy chill since arriving at the station. And today his cold shoulder had grown even worse. The North Pole would be balmy next to him.

“You’re welcome,” Candi answered. “And since we have two birthdays to celebrate today, I thought I’d take all of you to lunch.”

“Two?” Beth asked.

Candi stood up. “Yes, yours and Dustin’s.”

He and Beth shared a birthday?
He’d never given his birthday much of a thought, but now Dustin couldn’t help but smile at the idea it gave him.

Maybe he could use their shared birthday to spur Beth and Clint to better moods. Beth wouldn’t dare deny him his birthday celebration—and hers. All the three of them needed some time away from the station to really get to know each other, one step in bringing Clint and Beth together.

He decided to go for it. “Happy birthday, Beth. I’ve got an idea.”

“Happy birthday to you, too. But your ideas scare me.” Beth unplugged her headphones.
 
“Thanks, but no thanks.”

“We have to celebrate,” Dustin informed. “This is a decade birthday for me. Goodbye twenties.”

“Big deal. It’s a decade birthday for me, too. I’m leaving the decade you’re entering and the last thing I want to do is celebrate,” Beth said, then turned back to Candi. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m beat. I just want to go home, have a bath, and put this day behind me. I hate birthdays.”

He just couldn’t let Beth not commemorate the day. She needed her spirits lifted, and he would gladly accommodate.

“I love birthdays. It means you’re still alive.” He turned to Clint for agreement. “Right, buddy?”

Clint glared, saying nothing.

“Beth, you might as well give in.” Dustin insisted. “I won’t let you off the hook.”

Just then, Candi’s cell rang and she stepped out in the hall. “Important meeting, gang. Sorry. Another time.”

When the door closed, Dustin commented. “She is always so…”

“Corporate.” Beth offered, brow arched.

“Exactly,” Dustin agreed.

Clint glared at them both. “Candi is the boss. And she hired us, Dustin. Or did you forget?”

“That doesn’t mean she’s someone I’d like to socialize with, especially after she half-heartedly offered to take us all to lunch to celebrate for Beth’s and my joint birthday. I bet she thought of some hamburger dive to fill the bill. Candi should be taking us to dinner to some swanky restaurant for lobster or steaks. Hell, and for drinks, dancing. We’re on top of the ratings, which makes her look good, and it’s our double decade birthday.”

“Do you always get your way?” Beth sounded exasperated, but he saw her smile lurking.

Dustin smiled back. He’d never tire of that sight. She seemed almost relaxed. Definitely sexy.

A fresh wave of craving moved through his cock. “Today, at least. Besides, forty or not, you’re one hot woman.”

She smiled. “You’re such a liar, Dustin Lake.”

He must push for more. For victory. For conquest.

“Forget Candi,” Dustin said. “The three of us are going out on the town. Don’t even try to say
no
. Your words tell me that you don’t have any plans. And a decade birthday is a big deal. We’ll have a blast, I promise.”

Beth rolled her eyes then turned to Clint. “Does he have an off button?”

“No. I’ve known him since college. The good thing is Dustin never breaks a promise. So, as he put it, you should have a blast.” Clint scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to Beth.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“My cell number,” Clint answered. “I’d give you Dustin’s, but since he always forgets to charge his, mine is a better choice. Text your address. I’ll put it in the GPS for him.”

“For him?” Beth frowned. “Unless you join us, I won’t go. You know what a player he is.”

Clint’s eyes darkened. “Not a good idea.”

“What do you think will happen if he comes over alone?” Beth put her hands on her hips.

Oh, he’d have her naked and satisfied in an hour.

By the way Clint gritted his teeth, he knew it. “Fine. I’ll come, too.”

Dustin couldn’t help but smile. “Good. It’s settled. We’ll pick you up at seven.”

A night out together would do the trick. These two
would
fall in line with his ultimate want. Dustin couldn’t wait for the dessert.

“Okay.” Beth raised her arms to the ceiling with her hands clasped.

Her breasts rose, and heat rolled through Dustin. Then Beth let out a long yawn. Even that seemed sexy. His dick hardened.

“We’re going to have an incredible time,” he vowed.

Beth hands fell to her sides. “It’s got to be an early night. I’m beat.”

“I agree.” Clint cast Dustin a glance, as if willing him to silence.

Not likely, buddy.

Beth continued, “But I don’t want steak. I want Chinese. And I don’t want to go out. I want to watch a movie. Something funny.”

Dinner at her place? Even better. Dustin grinned. “Great idea.”

He’d make sure that Clint’s sour mood and Beth’s birthday blues would get swept away tonight. They needed a good dose of fun. It might take some coaxing on Dustin’s part to sweeten these two grouches. Birthday cake and sex ought to do the trick.

The best birthday present for him would be unwrapping Beth out of her clothes. Dustin let his imagination run as he pictured her naked and willing between him and Clint.

That would be the best birthday present ever
.

Chapter Four

Standing outside Beth’s apartment building, Clint glared at him. “Dustin, it’s not going to happen.”

Clint had been arguing with him all day. And he refused to believe it.

“Why not?”

“Not with Beth. You know the rules.”

“Your rules, not mine.”

“What do you think will happen if, by some miracle, she lets us take her to bed tonight?”

“Amazing sex.”

“Maybe, but if she doesn’t agree to it, then what?”

Argue all you want, buddy.
“She’ll agree. I’m good at persuasion.”

“And what about after? It’s going to be awkward. Even if we fuck her, I won’t concede to keeping her on the show. Period. If that’s what you’re hoping for, drop it now.”

“With the numbers we’re getting, I don’t believe Candi will remove her from mornings. Let’s sideline that topic for later.”

Dustin wanted Beth and had no doubt that Clint did, too, regardless of his protests.

Sharing women wasn’t new to them, but Beth wasn’t like any woman he’d ever known, with or without Clint. Dustin believed Clint would grab the opportunity to fuck her, should it arise. And if he didn’t, well, a night alone with Beth would be an incredible runner-up.

Dustin took the single flight of stairs up to Beth’s door. “Let’s just see where the night takes us.”

Clint stepped behind him and grabbed his arm. “Dammit, you aren’t listening. I know you want her. But I am not going there. Got it?”

“Settle down. I’ll take the reins tonight. You just sit back and relax.”

Before Clint could respond, Dustin broke free and knocked on Beth’s door.

Every day at the station, Beth wore a baseball cap with her hair in a ponytail. But when the door opened, her long, dark locks hung loosely to her shoulders and her eyes sparkled. His hunger multiplied, refusing to be curbed.

Dustin looked over at Clint. His friend’s eyes were locked on Beth like handcuffs.

Deny all you want, pal. You want her as much as I do.

He turned back to Beth and winked. “We’re going to make this the best birthday of your life.”

* * * *

Beth half expected to start drooling over Clint and Dustin standing outside her door. They held some DVDs, two bottles of wine, Chinese takeout, and a birthday cake. Clint wore a dark blue, long-sleeved dress shirt with black pants, and for the first time since she’d met him, Dustin wore something besides shorts. Instead, he’d donned jeans that clung to the right places and a knit, short-sleeved collared shirt.