Friends and Lovers Read online

  Friends and Lovers

  A Friends with Benefits Novella

  Vristen Pierce

  New York Boston

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  One

  Note to self: Never allow anyone to drag me out for a night on the town while I’m still suffering from jet lag—even if that someone is my best friend. After enjoying a nice, calm “welcome back” dinner with my family, I’d been planning nothing more than getting into bed and staying there for a ridiculously long time. Thanks to Nina, however, I was headed away from my bed.

  I groaned as we made our way to the waiting cab. “Can’t we do this another night?”

  Nina scoffed. “Please. I get my best friend back after six months and she’d rather stay in and watch reruns?” She pulled me toward her for a side hug. “You’re here,” she said, beaming, “and that calls for a celebration!”

  I gave her a reluctant smile. My intended three months away had morphed into six, but I wasn’t complaining. It had given me plenty of time to put some things—and certain people—behind me. “I guess, but I’m pretty sure we could have had a good time minus the going out part.”

  She gave me a playful shove toward the cab. “Quit your whining, girl. We’re gonna party and that’s that.”

  I got inside the cab and slid over so Nina could get in. “As long as it’s not at Blaze,” I muttered. The hip nightclub had a lively atmosphere, but it was one of the last places I wanted to be. Too many memories… And, Lord have mercy, what if Evan was there? I’d made some serious progress in the last six months, but just seeing him would take me back to square one. Well, seeing him or Justin. “And not The Biker Alley either,” I added under my breath. It was doubtful Justin would be around, but the memories would be strong there, too.

  Laughing, Nina shook her head. “Gee, I wonder why.”

  I slid my gaze toward her. “Don’t start.”

  She put her hands up in surrender. “Fine. So you’re really over those two, huh?” She nodded as she seemed to consider what she’d just said. “Impressive.”

  I rolled my eyes, but made no further comment.

  “Take us to Bricktown,” she told the driver, referring to the small entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City.

  I sat back with a small sigh. What could I say? I was the idiot who’d dared to take a ride on the wild side by seeing two men at once, indulging in a threesome I’d never forget, and, saddest of all, falling in love with both guys. Smart, Stacy. I wasn’t completely stupid, however. I knew there was no future for me and Evan or me and Justin. And definitely not one for me and Evan and Justin. Time away had given me a distraction, thanks to work and distance, thanks to London. I didn’t feel as if I were on the verge of coming apart at the seams anymore. Now that was progress. As secure as I felt, though, I wasn’t trying to test my luck. No way was I seeking Evan or Justin out. Honestly, it was best that I never even see them again.

  The thought of that always made my heart constrict, but I knew it was nothing more than a cold, painful truth. The best breaks were clean ones—and things with Evan and Justin could get extremely dirty. I closed my eyes against the temptation to allow the memories of that night to come back. I hadn’t let myself think about it since it happened. Better that way. Simple thoughts would lead to fantasies. Those fantasies would surely lead to my hunting the two men down and insisting on a repeat.

  It was bad enough that I let thoughts of them, individually, creep into my mind at night. When all my work for the day had been done, when there was nothing to divert my attention, I’d remember. Every single touch seemed to play out in my head, over and over again.

  So, yeah, it was bad enough that that happened. How about the fact that those thoughts always made my body ache in ways I couldn’t begin to explain even if I wanted to? Separately, Evan and Justin had rocked my entire world.

  Then I’d dismantled it by dumping them and setting off for Europe. But that had been the plan. I’d picked up the pieces and put my life back together. I couldn’t afford to be an emotional wreck by pining away for something that could never be. I’d been forced to get it together. And so I had. I’d even been on a few dates during my time out of the country. Brutally awful, boring dates. Oh, there was nothing wrong with the men, per se. They just hadn’t been the ones I’d wanted.

  God, I was a mess.

  “So were the dudes in London hot?” Nina asked, nudging me with her elbow.

  “You asked that every time we talked on the phone,” I said with a smile.

  “I know, but humor me. I want to live vicariously through you.”

  “They were pretty hot.”

  “And those accents, yummy.”

  “Yeah,” I said absentmindedly as I stared out of the window of the cab.

  “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to be home?”

  “Yes,” I said, gathering my thoughts. I gave her a weak smile. “Just tired. I told you I wanted to stay in.”

  She lifted an eyebrow. “That all?” she asked warily.

  Not even close. “Yeah, now enough with the third degree.”

  She sat back and folded her arms. “Has Nathan called you again?”

  My most recent ex-boyfriend, if I didn’t count whatever the hell it was I’d had with Evan and Justin, had given me a lot to think about over the last several months. He swore he loved me and was ready to settle down, something I wanted more than anything. Well, almost.

  Suddenly, the thought of being pinned, naked and sweaty, between Evan and Justin popped into my mind. I immediately pushed the image away and cleared my throat. “He’s been in touch,” I said casually. I’d only told Nina about the first two calls he’d made to me while I’d been away. She really didn’t need to know that they’d come at least twice a week. She’d surely bitch. The last thing she wanted was a reunion between me and the ex who’d dumped me.

  “You’re holding out on me, Stacy.” She turned in her seat to give me her best glare. “And that means you’ve either done something incredibly stupid or you’re considering it.” She leaned in and dropped her voice to a menacing level. “Don’t.”

  I waved her off. “I haven’t and I don’t plan to.”

  “God,” she said and groaned. “You’re back together with him, aren’t you?” She rubbed her temples. “Just say it.”

  I laughed. “I’m not.”

  Nina narrowed her eyes. “You’re not?”

  I shook my head.

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. It would be insane to get with him while you’re in lo—” She must have seen the way my expression changed because she suddenly feigned interest in her small clutch purse. “I hope I remembered to put my license in here.”

  “Subtle.” We laughed, but I knew I couldn’t hide my feelings from my best friend forever. I needed to get at least part of this out of the way. Then I hoped to never speak of it again. “I’m not in love with Nathan, true… but I can’t be with Justin or Evan so they aren’t even an option. Who knows? Maybe in time I’ll fall in love with Nath—”

  Nina huffed. “Why do you keep saying that? How do you know Justin and Evan aren’t an option? You never even asked.”

&n
bsp; “Right here’s fine,” I said to the driver. He pulled out of traffic, next to a sidewalk. I glanced at Nina as she handed him some money. “I know because I ended things kind of horribly with them before I left here, okay? Even if they wanted me once, they sure as hell don’t anymore.”

  I’d been as cruel as I could bear, hoping it would be enough to push them away and keep them there. I was fairly sure I’d succeeded, which sort of sucked, but, hey, it was what I’d wanted. “Thanks, by the way, for ratting me out in the first place. I hadn’t intended to see them at all before I left.”

  “Coward,” she said, smiling.

  I’d planned to leave home without having to face Justin and Evan, without ever telling them I was headed for London. Nina had trashed that brilliant plan by letting them know, and just like that, I’d had to look them in the eye as I ended our unconventional arrangement.

  We got out of the cab and I looked around. People strolled down the sidewalks, some milled around in front of the many bars and restaurants that lined the street. “Where are we headed?”

  Nina shrugged. “Hell if I know. I haven’t been down here in forever.”

  I shot her a disbelieving look. “You expect me to think you sat around pining away for me the whole time I was gone?”

  “Ha, you wish.”

  I laughed.

  “I just rarely come here when I go out. It’s usually Blaze or—”

  I said it with her. “The Biker Alley.” We began walking at a leisurely pace as I took in the surroundings. Six months, but it seemed as if I hadn’t been here in forever—and as if I had been here only yesterday. Emotional upheavals aside, I was glad to be home. “Oh well, we’ll try a new place as long as there’s available seating. My feet are killing me already.”

  I thought going with a four-inch heel rather than a six would prove to be smart when, really, I should have gone with flats. Flats and the most comfy thing I could get away with wearing while still passing a dress code. I considered that. Hmm… sweatpants were undoubtedly out. Yoga pants? Nah. Even if I batted my lashes at a bouncer hard enough for him to let that slide, there was no way Nina would.

  I drew my eyebrows together as I realized we were taking the very path I had walked with Evan months ago. In a rush to avoid an unwanted trip down memory lane, I hurriedly pointed across the street. “That place seems cool.”

  “I bet—look at that line.”

  The club had dozens of people waiting to get in and the bouncers didn’t look like they were in much of a rush to keep the line moving. “So? You were the one who wanted to come out tonight. Let’s go.” I stepped off the sidewalk and looked both ways, fully intending to jaywalk.

  “No, wait,” Nina whined.

  I glanced back. “What?”

  “I have to pee.”

  I gave her a blank look as I turned to face her. “Congratulations?”

  “Shut up,” she said, looking around. “It’ll take forever to get into that place.”

  “Well, who told you to enjoy a couple cocktails before we left my apartment?” I asked dryly.

  She ignored me. “Ooh, here.” She nodded her head toward what looked to be a bar.

  The door was open, but there were no people going in or out, no music blaring from within. “I don’t even think it’s open for business yet.”

  “Like I care? I just want to use the restroom.” She turned and disappeared into the building.

  I sighed and followed. “Nina…” I came up short when I almost walked into her back. “What’s wrong?” I asked as my eyes adjusted to the dimness of the bar.

  She turned, eyes wide. “I just wanted to pee, I swear,” she whispered.

  Totally confused now, I frowned. “What the hell are you even talking about?”

  Nina gave me a sheepish look and stepped aside.

  My frown evaporated as my gaze settled on the bar—or on the two men at the bar, rather. Both unbelievably gorgeous, both starting a powerful longing in me just from the mere sight of them.

  They stopped talking and turned their heads in my direction. Their gazes locked in on me and I ceased breathing. Their smiles fell away just as my heart skipped a few beats before pounding an erratic rhythm in my chest. Holy shit.

  Two

  Evan and Justin.

  I wanted to disappear. I wanted to run. I wanted to kick Nina’s ass for dragging me out tonight, dragging me here, of all places. So many things I wanted to do. Instead, I broke eye contact by staring at the floor. Breathe, Stacy, breathe. I wished like hell I was unaffected by seeing them. So the next best thing was to at least pretend I was. I dared a glance up at them. God, they were even hotter than they’d been six months ago. This unaffected ruse was going to be difficult.

  I tried to ignore Evan’s steady hazel gaze, tried to ignore how my fingers itched to run through his dark brown hair. I wanted him to flash that wicked smile of his, but knew it would be dangerous. One sight would be all it took to bring me to my knees. Maybe even literally.

  Justin’s light blue eyes regarded me with disinterest. They’d always been a gorgeous contrast to his dark blond hair. Some of the tattoos along his arm were visible beneath the short-sleeved shirt he wore. His body was still lean and hard.

  I glanced at Evan again.

  Yeah, his body was, too.

  I cleared my throat and gave them a nod. “Evan, Justin.” There. That sounded unaffected enough. Dignified even. Never mind that they’d seen me in the throes of many an orgasm, the biggest one of which had come when they’d both been deep inside me.

  I really needed a strong drink right now.

  “Stacy,” Evan said quietly from behind the bar, his tone not quite matching mine. His was a little cooler.

  Justin, on the other hand, didn’t even bother saying that much. He pointedly looked away from me. “Nina,” he said, looking her way. “What’s up?”

  Ouch. I didn’t even get an acknowledgment? That asshole.

  Smiling, she lifted her hand. “Hi, y’all. Long time, no see.”

  “Hey, Nina,” Evan said, his focus never leaving me.

  “Is there a restroom here I could use? Pre-night-on-the-town drinks are catching up with me.”

  Justin gestured toward the back of the bar. “Back there.”

  “Thanks,” she said, hurrying off.

  No way was I staying out here with these two. I started following Nina.

  Justin chuckled.

  I stopped walking and turned to face him. The easy way he’d ignored me earlier still pissed me off. I knew I should’ve kept going and caught up with Nina, but I couldn’t help it. “Something funny?”

  He didn’t look at me as he took a seat on one of the barstools. “You.”

  “Yeah?” I took a few steps toward the bar and crossed my arms. “How’s that?”

  “You waltz in here with this”—he mimicked her nod and tone from before—“ ‘Evan, Justin’ bullshit.” He laughed softly to himself as he shook his head. “Classic.”

  “It’s only polite to acknowledge people you know when you see them. But maybe manners are lost on some folks.”

  “People you know.” Justin cocked his head as he finally looked at me again. His light blue eyes narrowed. “Do you know us? Because I don’t think we know you. I thought we did once, but that was a while back. Oh, about… six months or so.”

  Heat crept up my neck.

  “Enough, Justin,” Evan said with a sigh. He came from around the bar. “Welcome home, Stacy,” he said softly. “I’m… happy to see you again.” In stilted movements, he opened his arms to me, as if debating whether it was a smart move or not.

  I didn’t hesitate. I practically ran in my four-inch heels to get to him. Way to give off the unaffected vibe, loser! His arms closed around me and I knew, stupid or not, it had been the right choice. “I—I’m happy to see you again too,” I said, my voice thick with emotion I really didn’t want them knowing anything about.

  I’d left them thinking that our time toge
ther hadn’t meant all that much to me, that it had only been a fling. Crying over sheer happiness at seeing them again would definitely give my secret away.

  We pulled back and searched each other’s faces. Evan’s hazel eyes were still as beautiful as ever. I wanted to run my fingers through his dark brown hair, and when he treated me to one of those killer smiles of his, I knew I was in trouble. I had to look away and fast. Unfortunately, my gaze landed on Justin. Even though he’d been less than enthused to see me, I’d still missed him, right along with Evan, every single day we’d been apart.

  I turned to face him. “I’m happy to see you as well, Justin.” I swallowed hard. “Even if you don’t feel the same way.”

  He stared at me for several moments. “Have you gotten back with Nathan yet?” he asked quietly.

  I frowned. “What?” Then I remembered that during our last time together, I’d let them believe that I thought Nathan was the one for me. He’d been a convenient excuse for why I couldn’t keep our strange little three-way fling going. “No, not yet. We—”

  Justin gave me a mirthless smile. “Not yet, huh? So it’s still happening. Are you seeing anyone right now?”

  “Stop,” Evan said. He was no longer touching me, but his presence behind me was as strong as ever. I could practically feel his body heat against my back.

  “No,” I said, answering Justin’s question. With eyes still flashing fire, he looked too damn tempting, sitting there all pissed and gorgeous in front of me. I bit down on my lip. The close proximity of these two made my pussy throb.

  “Then I’m happy to see you, Stacy.”

  There were a few flutters in my stomach as I dared to take a few steps his way. “Thank you,” I said, trying hard not to focus on how hot his tattoos were. I slowly opened my arms to him, not quite sure he’d want to hug me. He still looked a little angry.

  He smirked. “Fuck that.” In one swift movement, he hauled me against his chest and kissed me.

  I needed no prodding to open my mouth to him. His tongue slid over mine and I moaned. His cock stirred and it was all I could do not to grind against it. Wanting him closer still, I buried my fingers in his dark blond hair.