Free Riptide [Kismet Cove] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Susan Hayes Page B

ever heard of. If you don’t go for it, I will fly down there and kick you in the butt until you do, or I’ll see if they want to trade in a blonde for a redhead.”
    “They’re smoking hot and amazingly nice guys, can you blame me for questioning my sanity?”
    “Of course I’m questioning your sanity, because I know what you’re not saying. What you’re thinking is that they are smoking hot guys and you think you’re an overweight cream puff. You’re a bestselling author, a beautiful woman, and have so much to offer, but you keep forgetting all of that and fixate on the fact you are not a size two. They kissed you, remember? Which means they are already attracted to you. Get over it, girl, and get onto the good stuff already!”
    “What would I do without you?” Jess asked, laughing past the lump in her throat at her friend’s honest assessment.
    “Well, for one thing, you’d probably be considering cancelling dinner tonight and locking yourself in that log cabin until I got there and dragged you out into the world again.” Vivian’s voice softened. “You deserve to be happy. If they make you smile, then I think you should go for it.”
    “But, Viv…two? How does that even work!”
    Vivian cackled and then said, “If you’re lucky, you’ll be finding out for yourself really soon. In the meantime I’ll send you a few book titles you need to go buy from Amazon. Call it research.”
    “Oh god.”
    “You had lunch with them yesterday, didn’t you guys talk?”
    “We did, but it was more getting to know each other stuff. Where did we grow up, school, interests, you know, the safe stuff.”
    “Did you tell them what you do for a living, Jess?”
    Jess wrinkled her nose and glowered at the phone before answering. “I said I’m a freelance writer.”
    “So you lied.”
    “I panicked.”
    “What is the point of being a bestselling author if you never tell anyone?”
    “It’s…complicated.”
    “I know, but only because you let it be. No one is going to be disappointed to discover you’re not one of characters in your books, Jess.”
    “I know. And you’re right, I’ll tell them tonight.”
    “So you are still making them dinner? Good! By the time they’ve tasted your cooking they’ll be more than halfway in love with you. What are you making?”
    “I can’t decide between chicken or a casserole.”
    “You have got to do your beer chicken thing. It is delicious, and what man can resist a girl who knows how to cook with beer?”
    Both of them laughed at that and Jess felt some of her worry and doubt fading away.
    “Okay, chicken it is. Which means I need to head into town and grab some beer and a few other things for tonight.”
    “Do yourself a favor, buy whipped cream.” Viv snickered. “And some condoms. Just in case.”
    “I cannot believe you even suggested that!”
    “Trust me, once they realize you’re a hottie who can cook, you’re going to need them.”
    Jess felt her cheeks heat and realized she was grinning at the idea. “You know, I hope you’re right. Okay, I’ll do it.”
    Vivian crowed victoriously, “That’s my girl! And tomorrow morning I want details. Graphic—no. I want pornographic details.”
    “Maybe.”
    “No maybes, I think this is kismet. It’s time for some good things to come your way.”
    “Kismet, huh?” Jess smiled. “That’s the name of their home. Kismet Cove.”
    “You see! I’m brilliant. Have fun tonight, and remember, if in doubt, do it!”
    “I love you, Viv. I can’t wait for you to come and visit.”
    “Love you, too, and when I get out there I expect you to have organized up at least a few guys for me.”
    “It’s a deal.”
    “Toodles, Gator.”
    “Later, Poodle.”
    They exchanged their traditional good-byes and Jess hung up the phone, feeling far more confidant. She grabbed a piece of scrap paper and started making a list of things she was going to need at the store. The first thing she wrote down was whipped