Gordon, Solara - Jet Lag Blues (Siren Publishing PolyAmour) by Solara Gordon Read Free Book Online

his uneasiness came through the way his eyes darted back and forth from Val to him. Maybe more needed to be said? Discussed?
    “Okay, my turn now.” Darryl reached for the bottle and spun it. “Last spin this round. Shall we up the ante next round and two pieces of clothing or two questions if you don’t kiss?”
    Mason’s hand shook as he sat his glass back down. What was Darryl doing? Did he really think the two of them were going to start smooching? Or fondling each other?

Chapter Nine

    “What do you mean up the ante?” Val blurted out. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself.
    “Relax, okay?” Darryl chuckled and stretched his legs out in front of him. He kicked the bottle, sending it rolling toward Mason.
    “Hey, that voids the turn,” Mason countered, picking up the bottle.
    “Fine by me,” Darryl responded. His smile grew as he caught Val squirming out of the corner of his eye. “Val?”
    “Yeah.” Her glum look and dull tone cut him to the quick.
    “Why the look?” he asked, kissing her cheek.
    “Are you making changes so you can win or…?” Val stopped speaking.
    “Or what?” Darryl prompted. Had she figured out his plan? Val could be a sore loser. She didn’t mind not winning. It was his competitive streak. She compared it to stacking the deck or cheating. The outcome of the game was determined before play began. Where was the fun or the challenge then?
    Val sighed and nodded at Mason. “Sorry, Mason. Are you tossing me at him?”
    Darryl watched their faces for a few moments before he spoke. Mason’s bug-eyed look and the frantic shaking of his head drew Val’s attention. “No, I’m not tossing you off. We’re all good friends. I don’t see anything wrong with some sensual play.”
    “Sensual?” Mason rasped.
    “A few kisses and hugs amongst friends. What’s wrong with that?” Darryl shrugged and moved his legs to the edge of the blankets.
    “How far do you plan on this going?” Val shot him a scowl.
    “As far as we’re all comfortable. No more. I’m tired of us being at odds with each other.”
    Darryl turned to Mason. “How do you feel?”
    “I–I’m—” Mason looked away as he finished. “Unsure.”
    “See,” Val started, “that’s what I’m talking about.”
    “Hold on.” Darryl held up his hand. “Are you saying you’re uncomfortable around Mason?”
    “No, but—”
    “No buts,” Darryl interrupted her. “What about you, Mason? Do you feel uncomfortable around either of us?”
    “As a couple, yes.”

    * * * *

    Val’s gaze snapped to Mason. “You what?”
    “Since you began dating, things have changed.” Mason shrugged. “One-on-one, I’m fine. We’re friends.”
    “I don’t get how things changed.” Val wanted to fold her arms and tuck her hands under her arms, but then Darryl would know she was fussing and smoldering.
    “Once you and Darryl switched over to a couple, things became twoish. No longer three. I feel like a third wheel sometimes.” Mason leaned back on his hands. Val angled herself to see his face better.
    “Go on,” Darryl picked up the bottle. Val glanced at him to be sure she caught his body language along with his tone and words.
    “Being the odd man out hangs like an anchor around my neck. I want to be free to touch Val and be like we’ve always been. Then I stop because I don’t want to piss you off, Darryl.” Mason nodded as Val shifted again.
    “I don’t want to ruin our friendship or lose my best friend. But, you’re a hottie, Val. What guy wouldn’t want to kiss you?”
    Darryl set the bottle between them and spun it. “Let’s change tactics. If the bottle lands on a guy, they have to answer a question or strip. If we choose to strip, two pieces of clothing get forfeited. If it lands on Val, she kisses us both the same or she strips two pieces.”
    “Trying to level things?” Val glanced at him and turned to Mason. “What do you think?”
    Darryl picked up the bottle, getting their attention.