Two if by Sea (19 page)

“Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Manhattan Paws, I’d like to thank you for attending tonight. Through your generosity, we’ve surpassed all of our goals tonight and raised enough money to permanently fund the shelter. So my heart goes out to you. And I’d like to especially thank Mr. Waters and Mr. Stone of WaterStone Investments for contributing the lion’s share of donations tonight.”

Dawn searched the crowd, looking for Miranda’s winning suitors when James slid up next to her. He wrapped his arm around her as Dawn spotted the three of them.

She gave them a nod and grinned at Miranda.
Great
. She knew her best friend, and a smile like that meant she’d demand every last detail about the night, pestering her until she spilled the truth. All the more reason to end the auction on a civilized note.

As Dawn stepped off the stage, Miranda turned to her two dates. “So, gentlemen, it’s been an amazing night. But I’m going to have to say goodbye for now. I promised Dawn I’d help her clean up.”

Winston stepped forward. “We could have someone here to do that in ten. You don’t need to stay if you don’t want to.”

A wave of lust washed over her, but she fought it back. “I’m sure you can, but no thanks. I do, however, owe you a date. So when would you like to go?”

James spoke up next. “Saturday afternoon. Are you free?”

“I am.”

“Excellent. Then wear something casual.” He glanced at her high heels and back up at her face. “With comfortable shoes. We’ll pick you up around four.”

“Okay. Where are we going?”

“You’ll find out Saturday. But don’t worry, you’ll love it.” James leaned in and Miranda tensed, but he only kissed her cheek. “Until then.”

Miranda nodded and turned to Winston. “You’re coming too, right?”

“I wouldn’t miss it. See you then, beautiful.” He leaned in and kissed her other cheek and Miranda fought back a laugh. In one night, her life had gone from as boring and flat as the cardboard she used in her job, to crazier than her most outrageous fantasy. And she couldn’t wait to see where it would go.

“
T
hey said casual
. Does this dress say casual?”

“You look great. What can’t you do in an A-line and wedge heels? I bet you could even bowl.”

Miranda rolled her eyes and took a sip of coffee. “They are not taking me bowling, Dawn.”

“I don’t know. Doesn’t casual mean the same to a billionaire as it does to us common folk?”

Miranda groaned. She loved Dawn, but the woman always had a way of bringing up what Miranda wanted to forget. “You’re sure they’re billionaires?”

Dawn’s eyes went wide. “You mean you haven’t Googled them yet? What’s wrong with you?”

She looked down at her plate and nudged the uneaten chocolate cake around with her fork. Ordinarily she’d be all over it, but that afternoon she couldn’t eat it. All she saw were the other women at the date auction and how their silk dresses skimmed their hips. Nothing ever skimmed Miranda’s hips.

Glancing up, she gave her friend a shrug. “I’m afraid to look. I’m sure it’s just pic after pic of beautiful women draped all over them.” She grabbed the fork and stabbed the cake. “It is, isn’t it?”

“There’s a few. But, really.” Dawn reached out and patted her arm. “You should look them up. I mostly found stuff about their hedge fund. Did you know they built it from scratch? And now it’s a top fund in New York? They manage some crazy amount of money—like a hundred billion dollars or something. Quite impressive.”

Miranda shoved a bite of cake in her mouth. No way was she finding out exactly how much money her dates touched every day. At least not until they’d dropped her off back home. “No thanks. I’ve got enough pressure already.”

With a sigh, Dawn shook her head. “What pressure? It’s a date. That’s all.”

She knew Dawn saw it that way—she’s the one who came up with the auction idea. But to Miranda, it seemed full of unspoken promises. No one paid a quarter of a million dollars for dinner and a movie. “You don’t think they expect me to, you know…” She trailed off and looked up to see Dawn giving her the oh-come-on stare.

“It was a charity auction, not an escort service, babe. They’ve got enough money to pay for the best hooker in New York City. If that’s all they’d been after, they wouldn’t have bid on you.”

Miranda raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I should take that as a compliment.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Honestly, Dawn, I don’t know why they bid on me at all. You saw all the women in the audience and you handpicked all the other dates. They were miles better looking than me.”

“You are nuts.”

“No, I’m not. James’s ex came up to us during the party. She has to have a personal trainer. And her boobs were so perky they looked like two softballs glued to her chest.”

Dawn wrinkled her nose. “Sounds gross.”

Miranda sighed. Her insecurities were falling on deaf ears. “I’m just so ordinary.”

“Stop it.” Dawn slapped the table and the dishes rattled. “This is ridiculous. You’re the funniest, sweetest, best looking friend I have. I can’t believe you’re still single.”

“Believe it.”

Dawn speared the last of her danish and pointed her fork at Miranda. “Maybe you haven’t found the right one because what you really need is two!” She popped the flaky pastry into her mouth and grinned.

“You’re just trying to butter me up for this date.” Miranda knew all of her best friend’s tactics and this was right up her alley.

“No. I’m serious. They’re good looking, sexy as sin, and both into you.”

“You’re seriously suggesting I date both of them? For more than one night?”

“Why not? I would if I were you. And don’t forget, I do have a charity to fund. They don’t have to wire the money until you go through with it.”

“Don’t remind me.” Miranda huffed and looked out the window. For all that Dawn said it wasn’t a pay-for-play type thing, she still wondered. Would they demand more than a date? What if she wanted them to? She shifted in her seat as images of both men popped in her mind. James with his shining blue eyes and thick stubble. Winston with his smooth charm and predator stare.

Miranda turned back to Dawn and her friend gave her a small smile. “Look, I know it makes you uncomfortable. But I mean it. Why not date them both?”

“I am dating them. In exactly…” She glanced down at her watch. “Ten minutes!”

“Well, then just relax and let it play out. And who knows, maybe you’ll want to…you know.”

Miranda dropped her voice. “Stop it. I will not. Threesomes are for porn stars.”

Dawn shrugged. “Last time I checked, we’re grown women. We can do whatever the hell we want.”

“
Y
ou sure
she’ll like this?”

James glanced around and nodded. “She said it was her idea of a perfect date. Why wouldn’t she?”

“I don’t know. Because we’re loaded? Won’t she be expecting caviar and a G6? I can call the crew and see if they’re free.” Winston pulled out his phone and James rolled his eyes. His partner never did anything small anymore.

It didn’t help that they’d already thrown her for a loop spending a fortune for most people at the auction. He knew she’d be uncomfortable and out of her element. So he’d set up everything she said she wanted. The last thing he needed was Winston swooping in and ruining it. “Put that thing away. She’ll love this. Trust me.”

“Fine. But if she doesn’t, I reserve the right to call in reinforcements. We could use hole nine as a helipad.”

James turned away and ran his hand through his hair. He’d been so sure in the bright morning sun. Negotiating the deal, making it happen. Taking charge. He thrived on the details—working out the kinks of their computer models, studying the market. It’s what made him invaluable at WaterStone. Unfortunately, Winston made the sales. The man could reel in the biggest whale with a flash of his fancy watch and a smile. Did they learn how to sell in boarding school? Or was he just born with it?

“I’m telling you, she’s not like our clients. Or the women you usually date.”

“You’re right. She’s way sexier. Mmm. Those tits and that ass. Fuck, James. If I could bury my cock inside that sweet little pussy of hers, I’d die a happy man.”

James rolled his eyes. “You know that’s not part of the deal.”

Winston glared. “Of course I know that. But there’s no harm in trying, is there? Once she gets a taste, she’ll never want to give me up.”

He sounded like a pompous ass. “A joint date was a bad idea.”

“No. Having a date at a mini-golf place is a bad idea. Going on a date together and seeing if the hottest woman we’ve stumbled onto in ages would be into a threesome is a fucking fantastic idea.”

James couldn’t believe it. Miranda was way better than some one night stand. Not that the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. It had. In every way imaginable. Her lush lips wrapped around his cock while Winston fucked her from behind. Her body pressed against him while they both claimed her. His dick twitched and he ground his teeth together. “So it’s all about the sex for you?”

“No. But don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”

He closed his eyes and swallowed a groan. “No. I haven’t.” How could he forget that night? Something about sharing a woman with Winston—it turned mediocre into fucking magic.

“Then you know why I’m so eager.”

“We don’t even know if she’d be into it.”

“There’s one way to find out.”

As James opened his mouth to argue, the limo pulled up.
Shit
. He had to get ahold of himself and drag his mind out of the gutter. If he kept fantasizing about her naked body and all the things he could do to it, he’d have one painful afternoon.

He took a deep breath and held it as the driver climbed out. Miranda’s door opened and his partner let out a low whistle beside him. She’d been a knockout in black velvet, but in a simple blue dress and sandals, she was stunning. Carefree and sexy. Innocent and seductive.
Fuck
. He should have worn briefs.

She walked toward them both with a nervous smile on her lips. “Gentlemen, hello.”

“Hi. You’re even more beautiful than last night.” Winston leaned in and grazed his lips across her cheek. “Thank you for coming.”

“You’re welcome.” She stepped back and looked past James before scrunching her eyebrows. “Why are we at Randall’s?”

James shrugged. “You said it was the perfect date, remember? Burgers and mini-golf or pizza and bowling. It’s a beautiful day, so I opted for golf.”

“Oh, that’s so…sweet. What a shame.” She gave him a conciliatory smile and James frowned. He couldn’t figure out why having a whole golf course to themselves would be tragic.

“Are you disappointed that it’s just the three of us?”

“No. It’s just—the entrance, it’s all shuttered. Are they closed for renovations or something?”

“No. It’s closed for us.”

“What? I don’t understand.”

Winston laughed and stepped forward, slipping his arm through hers. “I told you we should have opted for caviar, James.” He turned to Miranda. “They’re closed for us, darling. We’ve got the whole place to ourselves.”

After a beat, Miranda’s mouth fell open and she covered it with her hand. “You mean…you rented Randall’s Island? It’s got three mini-golf courses and a driving range and a beer garden…this place is usually mobbed!”

James rolled forward on his toes as Winston tugged Miranda closer. He should be the one to tell her, but Winston had reeled her in. Just like usual. Clenching his jaw, he waited for her reaction.

“No.” His partner reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I mean we bought it.”

Her face paled and her gaze ping-ponged between them. “You bought it? You
bought
the whole thing for a single date?”

“That was all James. He insisted you’d love it.”

She turned to James. “He’s serious, isn’t he?”

“Winston? Personally I wouldn’t believe a word the scoundrel says. This time, however, he’s right. But we didn’t buy it for only today.” He stepped up and took her hand, tugging gently until she slipped out of Winston’s embrace and stepped toward him. “I’m hoping for a hell of a lot more than a single date. Owning it makes that easy.”

Her mouth fell open and James fought back the urge to kiss it shut. Instead, he tucked her arm in his and turned her toward the entrance. “Shall we? We’ve got three courses to play before dinner.”

“Sounds perfect.” Miranda smiled and leaned into him and the pair walked ahead, leaving Winston to fall in behind.

He knew his partner hated to be cut out, but he didn’t care. Winston might be better at wooing snotty socialites and their filthy rich husbands, but James still knew how to seduce a woman. It took more than a flashy grin and a witty comeback. It took heat. Passion. Lust.

Thank god he had all three.

“
Y
es
!” Miranda raised her arms in the air as her ball rolled into another hole. “I am kicking both of your butts!”

They’d spent the last two hours playing on every course and were down to the last one. In between holes, they’d chatted, ribbed each other, fallen into a comfortable rhythm. Stripping away the pomp and circumstance of the auction, her two dates were just men. Not billionaires flaunting their fortunes in her face.

Well, maybe a little. Buying a whole golf attraction wasn’t your typical guy move. But hitting tiny balls through tunnels and around obstacles had them relaxed and easy. Sexy as hell. She grinned and glanced over at Winston. The man seriously hated to lose, but even his frown was hot. James too. The way he flexed and rolled his shoulders before taking aim. The way he’d run his tongue across his lower lip before putting.
Mmm
. He made mini-golf sinful.

James stepped up to the start of the next hole and set his ball on the tee when Winston piped up. “Since you’re doing so well, let’s make a wager.”

Miranda raised an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t gamble.”

He grinned. “First time for everything. Whoever wins the next hole gets a kiss.”

“From whom?”

“Their pick.”

Miranda bit her lip and glanced at James. She remembered the crush of his lips against hers. How he took control and bent her to his will with just his kiss. But Winston? What about him? The thrill of a bet brought his swagger roaring back and she wanted to know. “Deal.”

“James, you’re first.”

He nodded and hit the ball. It rolled around the curve and down the straightaway, stopping a few inches from the hole. “Damn! So close.” He walked over and putted it in. “Done in two. Your turn, Miranda.”

She set her ball down and glanced at the course. A simple L-shape with a curve and a few obstacles in the way. Easy peasy. She hit the ball and it followed James’s path, angling around the curve and rolling past the hole. She hit it in on the next stroke. “You’re up Winston.”

Winston smiled and dropped his ball. Shoulders squared, knees bent, he let out his breath and swung. All three of them watched as it rolled through the curve, looped around the hole and dropped in. “Sweet! A hole in one. Looks like I won.”

He glanced up at Miranda and her cheeks flushed hot. “Guess who I pick?” Dropping his putter to the ground, he closed the distance between them before she could blink. “I’ve been waiting all afternoon for this.”

No hesitation. No pause. Just fingers slipping behind her head and a gleam in his eyes that stole her breath. Her mouth fell open, her eyes fluttered shut and he kissed her.
Ohhhh. Did he ever
. Soft and slow at first as he slid his other hand around her waist and nudged her body closer. Then hard and rough as he thrust his tongue inside to taste her.

With just a kiss, he’d obliterated her doubts and replaced them with hunger. Need. A burning lust she knew he’d satisfy.
Damn
. So different from James, but every bit as powerful. As he raked his tongue across hers, Winston cupped her ass, rubbing her body against him until the throbbing in her core brought reality screaming back.
You’re on a golf course!
She pushed against his chest until he relented and let her go. “I thought the winner got a kiss?”

“He does.”

“Then I think we should move to the next hole, don’t you?”