and sat up on the bed, the icy-cold gust from the air conditioner buffeting his hot skin. Why did he find the ultimate pleasure by watching? Why did he want to see his lover taken by another?
What would Mia think if he agreed to the swapping? She had once confessed that she liked to be tied up because too much sexual freedom made her go out of control. Would she act like Lacey? Would she think his voyeurism meant she had carte blanche to take any man anytime? He didnât want that.
What he wanted was to watch Mia find pleasure any way she could find it, as long as she included him. He wanted to set the boundaries for her, knowing she would follow his rules. If she sought his permission, he would grant it.
It was as simple and as complicated as that, Aidan decided as he got up from the bed and stretched. He staggered into the kitchen and saw Caleb at the table drinking coffee.
âHey,â Caleb said by way of greeting. The guy looked as exhausted and out of sorts as Aidan felt. Caleb wore a wrinkled T-shirt and pale worn jeans. His hair was uncombed, and the whiskers on his long, narrow jaw gave him a scruffy look.
Aidan grunted in response and shuffled to the refrigerator. He opened the door and grabbed the milk jug, giving Caleb a sidelong look. Did Caleb know about the idea to swap? Aidan wondered what his reaction had been.
He had gotten to know Caleb during the past year, since he was often around the house. Mia was under the impression that Caleb was deep and dark. Aidan rolled his eyes at the idea, shut the door, and grabbed a bowl from the kitchen cabinet. Just because the guy chose not to talk about himself didnât mean he was deep or dark. Just private.
Jamie enjoyed the fact that her lover was a rule breaker and every exotic fantasy rolled into one man. Caleb wasnât exotic, Aidan decided as he found a spoon and walked to the kitchen table. He simply knew how to play Jamie.
Aidan knew what Caleb was like. He had learned about Jamieâs on-and-off lover over the year, and one thing he knew was that the guy wasnât impetuous. Caleb was watchful, and he hung back before he entered a situation. The guy didnât talk much about himself, but when he had something to say, everyone knew his was the voice of experience.
He sat down at the table and shook some cereal into the bowl, giving Caleb another look. Caleb had probably swapped women before. Aidan bet it wasnât a novelty, and if that was the case, what would make him agree to do it again? He wouldnât decline the offer, but he would have an end game of his own.
Aidan needed to know what everyone was planning to get out of this scenario. He couldnât bring it up with Mia or Jamie. Caleb was the best person to approach.
Aidan decided now was as good a time as any to ask, âIs Jamie still planning to swap sex partners?â
Caleb choked on his coffee. âYou know about that, huh?â he spluttered.
Aidan shrugged his shoulders and poured the milk. He tried to mask his annoyance. Why had they informed Caleb and not him? âMiaâs not going to go for it.â
One corner of Calebâs mouth tilted in a smile. âWanna bet?â
âYeah.â He spooned some cereal in his mouth and chomped down hard. He didnât taste a thing, too busy wondering why Mia was hiding this information from him.
Caleb paused for a moment and then shook his head. âAw, this is too easy.â
Aidan glanced up. âWhat are you talking about?â
Caleb slowly set his coffee mug onto the table. âMia agreed to it this morning.â
Aidanâs spoon slipped from his hand and fell into the bowl. Milk splashed over the rim and moistened him on his hand. âShe did?â Aidan asked very quietly as he reached for the spoon and held it tight.
Why had she changed her mind? It was because of last night. Aidan was sure of it. He had been too dominant. Damn. Aidan gripped the spoon harder and felt the