Free Dead Man Living by Carol Lynne Page A

she’s sorry about your suit.”
    Beth looked up and wiped at her tears. “I don’t care about the suit.”
    “I know.” He kissed her closed eyelids, tasting the salt of her tears.
    “Take me home,” she whispered.
    “Absolutely.”

Chapter Ten
     
     
     
    Two Months Later
     
    Beth studied her reflection as she dabbed perfume between her breasts. The low-cut red dress was a very daring choice for her, but one she hoped Joe and Brian would approve of.
    Her life had changed so drastically since Lavette’s death. Although being the target for a homicidal madman was the last thing she would wish to repeat, she was thankful Billy’s lunacy had brought her Joe and Brian. Her love for Joe had come quickly and easily, but her relationship with Brian was on a slow, but steady course. Brian had taken her out without Joe on several occasions, and each time they’d grown closer.
    It had taken almost a month of seeing Brian before a night of drinking and dancing had led to their first declarations of love, along with their first sexual encounter, but it had felt right, better than that, it had expanded her heart even more.
    She’d talked to Joe about quitting her job as director for the centre, but he and Brian had talked her out of it. Telling her even though they hated that she had to deal with scummy ex-husbands occasionally, they would always be there to protect her.
    Beth grinned. She had no doubt they would always be there. She hugged herself. She was loved by two wonderful men who were more than capable of handling anyone who tried to hurt her. Joe had taken a position working as a consultant for the Kansas City Police Department. His gifts had saved more than one person’s life that day, and the city was dutifully impressed.
    The doorbell rang, and Beth took one last look at herself in the mirror before turning off the bedroom light and rushing to the door. Two incredibly handsome men stood on the other side of the threshold.
    “Wow,” Brian said, his gaze roaming Beth’s body in her tight dress.
    “What Brian meant was, you look incredible,” Joe clarified. He stepped forward and gave Beth a deep kiss before moving back to allow Brian to kiss her.
    “I’m ready,” she announced after Brian released her.
    Joe took over and armed the new security system that he’d had installed. As quickly as their relationship was progressing, they had already discussed moving in together, but the three of them had yet to sleep together as a group, and it was important to Beth that Brian be included in any change of address.
    “All set,” Joe said, after taking the keys from Beth to lock the front door.
    Brian was right beside her as they made their way down the sidewalk. When she felt the hunky cop’s hand on her ass, Beth glanced up.
    “I can’t wait to push my hand up under that dress to see if you’re wearing panties,” Brian said.
    “Shotgun,” Beth called.
     
    * * * *
     
    Joe tipped his bottle back and took a long draw of his beer. He enjoyed Social , one of the newer gay bars in the city—the people were friendly, atmosphere better than most, and if he wanted, he could dance with Brian and Beth at the same time. Not that he did that often. He was one of the unlucky mass of people who had been born without a sense of rhythm. So, he may step in on a slow song once in a while, but he left everything else to the salsa twins as he liked to call Beth and Brian.
    “Wanna dance?”
    Joe looked up to see a handsome man staring down at him. The club was dark enough that auras faded into the interior, which was one of the main reasons he felt comfortable. “No thank you.” He gestured to the gyrating couple on the dance floor. “I have my hands full with those two.”
    The guy followed Joe’s line of sight. “I’ve been watching them dance. You’re a lucky man.”
    “That I am.”
    Before the man gave up and moved on, Brian pushed his way through the crowd and towered over him. “Is there a