Free Three Men and a Woman: Evangeline (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Rachel Billings Page B

taking in her appreciation of his home. When he reached her, he took her hand.
    “It’s lovely, Chase. Perfect for you.”
    He raised his brow at that. She knew his roots were here, among the mansions. He’d often been uncomfortable about it when he was young, but it seemed he was contented, easy with it now. With his upscale home, his pricey car. She was glad that he’d found a place for himself.
    He looked up at it, like he was seeing it again for the first time. Or in new light. “Yes,” he said. “I’m happy here.”
    He took her up steps attractively adorned with container plantings and flowering baskets. He opened the door with a key from a ring in his pocket and gestured her in.
    The décor was spot on. Some old pieces meshed with the architecture—oval tables with cabriole legs, formal, upholstered wingback chairs. But there were modern elements that blended well and made the space livable—heavy leather couch and chairs, man-sized for comfort, clean surfaces, simply framed artwork. Mostly local artists, to judge by the settings.
    He kept his hand on the small of her back as she took it in. “Were you serious about breakfast? You don’t have to, but if you wouldn’t mind, you could get started. In there—” He gestured. “I’d like to shower before I join you.”
    She looked up at him. “Of course I was serious.” She started toward the kitchen, a great space with lots of window, light wood, glass, and granite. The large island accommodated a cooktop and a good-sized eating space fit with high padded stools. “It’s lovely. Go ahead. I’ll manage fine.”
    He touched her face, a slow caress with the backs of his fingers against her cheek, before he nodded. “Thanks.”
    Evangeline investigated the provisions and decided on eggs benedict with smoked salmon and asparagus. She was just settling the poached eggs in place when Chase came back.
    She had to suppress a sigh as he walked toward her. At six feet he was just a bit shorter than Briggs and Giovanni, but leanly muscled in the same way. His hair was still damp from his shower, the dark-blond ringlets shaded to brown now. Those curls had embarrassed him as a kid, but Evangeline had always loved them. She still did. He hadn’t shaved, and the darker tone of his whiskers gave him a rakish look.
    He wore only silk pajama bottoms, the drawstring keeping them casually low at his waist. He looked at her like he was hungry for more than breakfast, his light-brown eyes glittering. Walking up to her, he lifted her face and gave her a quick, soft kiss. “Looks good.”
    Just like this was normal for them, their usual, she there in his kitchen making a meal. That was settling in her heart even as he got out glasses and orange juice. He set bamboo placemats out and furnished them with silverware and bright cloth napkins. When she centered their plates on the mats, they sat. Close together, so his knee touched hers as they ate.
    And then it was more than his knee. They’d both taken a few bites when he leaned in to kiss her again. Just another touch that time, but then it was more, after a couple more minutes. He tangled his fingers in her hair and held her when he took her mouth. Longer but still soft, almost casual. As though they’d sat in those same places and shared meals many times before. As though it was entirely ordinary.
    She’d hardly finished chewing her last bite when he got to his feet and took her dishes away. When he came back, he stood at her side. He cupped her face, turning her toward him. He pressed against her thigh, and she could feel his cock, not erect yet, but full, prodding. He brushed her lips again.
    “Come to bed with me, Evvie.”
    “Yes, Chase.” There was no doubt for her, no hesitation. Somehow, this made it all right.
    Heat in his eyes told her he liked her quick, acquiescent response, and he didn’t seem to want to give her a chance to change her mind. He pulled her to her feet and tugged her along behind