Free Appassionato by Erin M. Leaf Page A

their minds threading together in a crescendo that left them all panting when Emma finally wrenched her face away.
    “Emma. Oh, my God,” Jake croaked. Duncan looked flushed under his tan, gorgeous and trembling. Jake couldn’t think clearly, his thoughts muddy and slow with the burning heat that their three-way kiss ignited. Emma quivered, and the two men held her up, cupping her shoulders and around her waist until she could stand on her own again. Duncan pressed his erection into Jake’s side, and Emma shuddered then stepped back when someone coughed behind the trio. Jake looked up to see a stage hand adjusting something on the lift. To his relief, he didn’t think the man saw them.
    “Shit,” Duncan rubbed his face, glancing back at the oblivious technician. “What time is it?”
    Jake shook his head, but Emma looked down at her hand where she still held her cell phone. It’s a miracle she hasn’t dropped it , Jake thought.
    “It’s nine forty-five,” she said, her voice shaky but clear.
    “Oh, sweetheart, I’ve gotta go,” Duncan said reluctantly. Emma nodded, and Jake took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. The burning arousal hadn’t faded in the least, even with the little bit of distance they’d put between themselves.
    “I’ve got two backstage passes for you.” Jake pulled the plastic tags from his jeans pocket, trying not to wince as his hand pressed against his cock. He’d never been so aroused so quickly before. It was absurd. Emma’s eyes widened as she watched him, and Jake grinned as he felt her desire spike in the back of his head. Duncan snickered, and suddenly Jake didn’t feel so shaky. Emma grinned and took the tags, shaking her head. Jake laughed. It was that or cry.
    “Thank you, Jake.” She stepped back further. “I’m looking forward to the concert.”
    “Oh, baby, so am I,” Duncan said, his voice low and sexy. Jake shivered at the tone then watched him try to adjust himself, wincing in sympathy.
    “This is so not the way I imagined we’d meet,” Emma said, chuckling now. “I was so nervous—”
    “Oh, honey, me too.” Jake pulled off his cap and ran his fingers through his hair. He felt Duncan’s eyes on him and turned his head to see his friend watching him, his need no longer unspoken. Jake acknowledged it, smiling at Duncan, then turned back to Emma. “I was nervous as hell, but Duncan was cool as can be.”
    Duncan grinned. “I totally was not, as you both know. And now I really do have to go. I’ll be looking for you, Emma.” Duncan stepped back reluctantly then turned and walked away. Jake looked at Emma. She was watching Duncan go, a look of frustration on her face.
    “I know, I feel it too,” Jake said, the heat in his body turning into something both hotter and more urgent the farther away Duncan got.
    “I feel like I’m burning up,” Emma whispered, lifting a hand to her forehead.
    “Like with every step he takes I need him more desperately.” Jake sighed and took a careful step back, frowning as the heat increased again.
    “He must be going crazy. He’s the one walking away,” Emma said, her face worried. “I was afraid of what might happen.”
    Jake nodded. “We have to get together after the concert to talk about what to do.” His radio beeped, and Emma flinched. “Shit. I have to go. I’m so sorry.” He reached out a hand to Emma, but she danced back out of reach.
    “I don’t know what will happen if we touch again. I can feel that Duncan is barely holding it together.” Emma sighed. “This is insane.”
    Jake squared his shoulders and put his cap back on. “Yeah, I know. I’ll see you soon, right after the show. Right after.”
    Emma nodded and stepped back through the barricade. Jake watched her disappear into the crowd.

* * * *

    After Emma found her seat, she sat down, fanning herself with the complimentary program that came with the VIP tickets Julie won. She could still feel both men in the back of her