Red Hot Party by Cheryl Dragon Read Free Book Online Page B

minute, and Lolly felt a little better.
    “You’re right about Bruce and Shane. They have something strong, and I think Ham got pulled in and now me. But I don’t want to leave people out, and I can’t tell my mother I’m dating three men.”
    “People sort of know you’re seeing Ham.”
    “They do?” Lolly swallowed hard.
    “Alex isn’t quiet when something annoys him. Plus Ham has been at your place more than the address where his mail arrives. We know that. Don’t get too wrapped up in the Lucky Springs chat. If it works out, talk to the guys. They’re not clueless. Okay, wait. They are men so maybe you need to tell them how it needs to look.”
    “What can I do?”
    “Well, as far as anyone knows I’m strictly with Dom and we’re engaged. Our neighbors don’t need to know I sleep with Alex and Monty, too. They think Monty and Alex are an item, and we all happen to share a big old house.” Cassie made it sound so easy.
    Lolly didn’t dwell on Cassie sleeping with her brother or that she’d slept with Ham. They were all adults, and Cassie seemed at ease. “It’s only been a few days. I’m not sure I can handle big decisions or telling people I’m dating Ham yet.”
    “You need to be sure first and talk it out. I know, the sex is so amazing you don’t talk a lot at first. It’s okay, enjoy. But when you’re ready, you need to pin the guys down and talk it out. Men sometimes think things just work out, and it might not bother Bruce and Shane to be the gay couple. It’s more socially acceptable than a four-way lifestyle. Once you tell them, they’ll get it.”
    “I’m moving too fast.” Lolly wanted it all settled or to run. She was on an edge that had her freaked out.
    “No. The more people, the more complicated and pressured it can feel. Juggling all of it is hard. Don’t take it all on yourself. Yes, you’ve known them for a long time so even if it’s only a few days of sex, those feelings are deep and real. Trust the feelings and go with them but don’t rush a decision.”
    “I feel like everyone knows.” Lolly looked around.
    Cassie smiled. “Some people know you know about the parties and are worried you’ll spill the truth of their sex lives. General gossip in Lucky Springs is you are Ham’s girl and, finally, he found the right one.”
    “There’s nothing I need to know about him, right?” Lolly had a woman here who’d seen Ham in sex parties. “No other girls or kinks?”
    “I hope he’s shared his need to paddle things.” Cassie finished off her eggs and wiped her mouth with a napkin.
    Lolly nodded. “Maybe that’s how he got with the guys. Shane likes it, too.”
    “Other than that, there’s nothing to tell. He’s made it clear to me he won’t be back to a party. There will be some sad women, but he’s yours now. The man isn’t quite as traditional as Dom or some of the others around here, but he’s a good guy. If Alex really didn’t trust Ham, he’d be raising real hell not just grumbling and posturing.”
    “You know them so well. Alex is my brother, and I had no clue he was into girls or anything.” Lolly wondered if she was just a bad judge.
    “It’s hard when you’re so close to people. I’ve known Alex and you since grade school, but we don’t have that family pressure. He wants you to see him a certain way, and he wants to view you in a way that works for him. I’m really glad I don’t have brothers. But if you get serious with Ham, I think Alex will come around. You’re the one who has to be sure it’s right. Then that confidence comes through and sends the message.”
    “Thanks, Cassie. I’m not sure how it’ll work out.” Lolly pushed a square of pancake around her plate.
    “I have full faith in Ham’s determination and feelings. In fact, I really need another bridesmaid. I know it sucks, and I wasn’t going to do a big wedding, but there are so many guys standing up on Dom’s side… I completely understand if you say no, but