Arctic Adventure (Men of Alaska Book 3) Read online

  “What do we need to talk about?” She set her phone aside.

  “I know this is going to be weird. Starting a group relationship in a small town we all grew up in. Phil is the newbie, and he’ll be under more scrutiny. He’s ready for your brothers or whomever.”

  “Good for him.” She shrugged. “We don’t need to broadcast anything. Going to Arctic Man means we’ll have some privacy first. I got the time off.”

  Relief shot through him. “Great. That’ll be good, but it's weeks away yet. We’re not going to play just friends for that long. If you make a big deal about it, others will too. There is nothing to be guilty about. Other people’s opinions don’t matter.”

  “I don’t feel guilty. I’m not some virgin. I’ve learned to work around the brothers, and Dad has mellowed some. I hit thirty, and I think my parents decided I should be getting married at some point.” She sat back when the waitress brought their soup.

  “Then what is it?” Mick asked. He ignored the jealousy and curiosity about what other men there had been. She was almost thirty-four. They all had a past.

  “I know people will be happy for me. But if it doesn’t work out. I’ve dealt with that sort of sympathy all my life. The overprotective men in my life. I got teased by the girls for not being girly enough at times. It’s one thing not having been close to anything serious. But if we are known to be a group and it goes for a while…then it flops.” She shook her head and dug into her food.

  “If it doesn’t work out, we’ll be friends,” Mick replied.

  She sighed. “Sure. That’s not it. You, Sean, and Phil will move on and find the right woman. My prospects will sink. Sympathy will turn to pity. Like it’s been proven I’m not relationship material.”

  “You’re overthinking it.” Mick hated that she’d been so labeled, but he knew what a weird family dynamic could do.

  “Tell me that’s not what will happen?” she asked.

  Mick couldn’t lie to her. “Maybe temporarily, but people are more interested in their own lives than yours. I know, things are slow in the winter. Gossip in a small town, I understand. But don’t dwell on the negative. I wanted you when we were in high school. I wasn’t raised in a ménage family, so I wasn’t sure if I’d fit. Sean and I took it slow. We both were crazy about you.”

  “See, right there. It sounds like you guys were planning a group thing once we were adults. Sean taking me to dances and such, it all almost fits. But no one talked to me about it. Then you both left town right after we graduated. I’m not saying we all had to move in together, but I’d hoped when I turned eighteen things might be different.”

  “I did too. My dad and I didn’t get along really great. My mom insisted I graduate high school, and I needed that to be a Trooper,” Mick said.

  “You can’t even enter the Trooper Academy until you’re twenty-one, so you didn’t have to run off. You could’ve stayed here. Did your dad kick you out?” she asked.

  “It was pretty mutual. I graduated and was eighteen. I went to my friend’s parties, and my bags were all packed when I got home. I had a junk truck and drove to Anchorage. I had a few hundred bucks left from what I’d earned in after-school jobs when I bought the truck. Covered gas. I had to get away from Sterling. I stayed with a cousin of Sean’s because he went with me. We slept in a spare room and did some college classes and got jobs. School wasn’t for Sean. He went off and did some skiing and explored further north. I ended up with an associate’s degree in criminal justice and went right in the Academy at twenty-one. It was the right thing.”

  She pushed her soup aside. “I get that. Why didn’t you call me? Ask me to come with you? I was in Anchorage for paramedic training. I could’ve gotten a job there.”

  “Hell, I do love you,” he said. In all his life, the one thing he regretted was hurting her about that damn dance. He thought the crush was on his side, and her being so bold and brave had thrown him completely. She might’ve come to Anchorage, but he’d had to heal his own crap before he’d be any good to her.

  Her eyes grew and her cheeks blazed red. “You don’t have to say that.”

  “It’s true. I love you, and I loved your family. I know I was there too much, but I loved the reliability. Food on the table, rules, and whatever you needed—your dad made sure you had. I know you didn’t have the girl stuff or the mom time you wanted, but my mom wasn’t a saint either. I wanted a life more like yours. Not as strict but stable. I needed what the academy gave me. The training and the sense of worth. And troopers move posts for a bit. You’ve got to do some village time and all of it. Phil had to as well. Sean hunted and trekked over every inch of the Arctic Circle.” Mick shook his head. “We all did some time alone. You stayed where you had friends.”

  “You and Sean knew, though. You knew you had each other to come back to. I just thought you two didn’t want me. I thought it was all in my head.”

  “No, it wasn’t. If we made the wrong move in school, your family might’ve ruined our chances. We came back for you. It took longer than we thought, and I’m sorry, but I couldn’t be here with my dad. We met Phil, and that delayed some things. Sean’s leg needed high-tech surgery and rehab, so we stuck it out in Anchorage.” Mick reached across the table and took her hand.

  “Phil doesn’t have to move around anymore?” she asked.

  “No, he did a lot in his first year and a half. When we figured out the relationship, we worked it out so we’d move together for a bit and then settle. They made a special case because we’re together. We’re not going anywhere. I liked the town, and my family is gone. No reason not to be here. Sean’s family is good. Phil is great with boats, so he’ll be wonderful at fishing patrol.” Mick smiled. “Give the four of us a chance.”

  She nodded. “I will. But if it doesn’t work out, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “You can blame us. Now eat.” He winked at her.

  “You’re such a brat. No one would believe it. Three seriously hot, nice, and employed guys. What’s not to love? They’ll think it’s me.” Tiff focused on her crackers.

  “Let us spoil and adore you. See how good it can be. There will be problems to resolve, but I don’t intend to fail. We can work it out. You’ll be the envy of every woman in town.” Mick smirked.

  “Don’t let your ego get that big. Gretchen is with the mayor, my partner, and a hot bush pilot. She’s getting married this summer. Everyone will be envying her.” Tiffany smiled.

  “And I promise to dance with you at the wedding. You’ll be a busy dancer,” Mick said.

  “Just don’t spread it around too much too fast.” She looked around.

  Mick sat back and shook his head. “You know how this town works. Don’t stress over it. We moved back here for you but didn’t want to scare you or step on toes. That’ll keep people impressed for now.”

  The corners of her lips lifted like she was fighting a smile. They’d let her down years ago, but no one could predict the future. Mick didn’t regret it, but they could definitely make it up to her now and for the rest of their lives.

  Chapter Six

  Word of her relationship had spread like wildfire in the last couple of weeks. Most people were happy for her. Some thought she’d been dating both Mick and Sean in high school but kept it quiet because of her brothers. The spin was good. Everyone liked Phil, and she’d been spending time with all the guys.

  Now it was just a week before Arctic Man, and she needed to tell her friends and start figuring out what to bring. She’d invited the girls over for pizza, ice cream, and movies. Basically, she was going to numb her stress about Sean with food. He walked fine, and she’d enjoyed his strong muscles personally, but in a race things could go wrong. The girls would distract her. They were into the ice cream and enjoying wine when the questions started.

  “So, how’s it going?” Gretchen asked.

  “Fine.” Tiffany smiled.

  The women were scattered in her living room on the big leather sectional. Dana h
ad the recliner, and Tiff was sprawled on the loveseat.

  “Fine. How’s the sex?” Bethany asked.

  “Amazing,” Tiff admitted.

  “Good.” Bethany nodded with a grin.

  Dana chuckled. “Mom adores them. All the heavy lifting and manual labor at the shelter is done in no time with those three following you around.”

  “You should get a trio,” Bethany teased.

  “The right one will turn up for Dana,” Gretchen said.

  “Wedding fever is in full swing. How are the dresses?” Tiff asked.

  “Good. I’ve got the material so I can start on them soon.” Melody nodded.

  “Well, I’ll be out of town next week if you need to do a fitting, it’ll have to wait.” Tiffany dropped in the information.

  “Where are you going?” Bethany asked.

  “Romantic getaway?” Dana asked.

  Tiff wasn’t sure how to answer that one. “Arctic Man.”

  “Who?” Melody, Gretchen, and Bethany asked in unison.

  “It’s not a who. It’s a race up in the middle of freaking nowhere. Like spring break with a pop-up town of fifteen thousand people. A week of drinking and racing. Crazy.” Dana shook her head.

  “Sean wants to race in it despite his past injury. Busted his ankle and knee but no, Mick will drive the snow machine for him. Idiots. On the plus side, we can try out the togetherness intensely for a week. None of my family around. It’ll be fun. I’ve only gone as a paramedic, and I’ve got the vacation time.”

  “No need to explain. Go and enjoy,” Gretchen said.

  “Be careful,” Dana said.

  “She’ll be with three hot guys. Two troopers. What’s to worry about? Really enjoy it!” Bethany filled up her wineglass.

  “What sort of race is it?” Melody asked.

  “A skier or snowboarder goes down one hill and picks up a tow rope from their snow machine driver who is in motion. They get the skier up to a good speed and sort of slingshot them up the next hill, and they go down and through the finish line.” Tiffany didn’t want to think about her guys doing that.

  Mel sighed. “I’m glad my guys aren’t interested in racing.”

  Gretchen giggled. “If they were, you wouldn’t let them do it.”

  “Damn right,” Mel agreed. “I want them alive and able-bodied. They build enough crazy stuff.”

  “It’s not a bad vacation. Watching the race is one thing, but risking your neck by entering is very Alaskan. I know you don’t want them to, but men are men around here.” Dana frowned.

  “Sean has always been into sports like that. Not new. Phil has never been, so might as well. You get to know people so much better on a road trip and vacation.” Tiffany didn’t doubt Sean’s skill.

  “You better go and cheer your men on. Celebrate.” Bethany grinned. “How far is this thing? I might want to go.”

  “About a ten-hour drive from here,” Dana replied.

  “And I have to pack light but enough. The RV Sean’s cousin is driving in for us from Anchorage has food and supplies. Enough gas to get there and back, apparently. Clothes have to be warm enough but sexy.” Tiff scrunched her nose.

  “We’ll go through your closet.” Bethany nodded.

  “You’re going to have fun!” Gretchen said.

  “Yes. I could use a little time off, and it’ll be fun. Not having everyone in Sterling paying attention to see if things are still going okay.” Tiff contemplated opening another bottle of wine, but she hadn’t been drinking much. The guys didn’t indulge, even when they went to the bar. If the other women wanted to open a bottle, fine, but she didn’t need it.

  “Those guys are hooked,” Bethany said with confidence.

  “I am too, but I don’t want to rush or assume anything. It’s good to do a trip. Sort out any issues early, if possible. I don’t want to get too serious too fast,” Tiff said.

  “You’re serious already. But you don’t need to move in or do any ceremonies until you’re absolutely ready.” Dana nodded.

  “Sometimes you know fast.” Gretchen beamed the glow of a bride-to-be.

  “So who are you marrying legally? The mayor?” Tiff asked.

  “Yes, it seemed the most logical move. We talked about it over and over. I see why Mel went with not-legal stuff, but I want the party, the dress, and the fuss.” Gretchen smiled blissfully.

  Mel cackled. “I can have a party, a dress, and a lot of fuss without legalities or vows. My main business is wedding dresses, so I don’t need the drama of my own.”

  “Fair enough. Alaska is about living your life your own way. I finally feel like my life is getting interesting.” Tiff grinned. Part of her still felt there were pieces of info from their teen years that the men were holding back. Eventually she’d find out, and hopefully it’d be nothing. If they were both interested in her back then, why had they acted the way they did?

  She hoped.

  “Screw interesting! With three men, I hope it’s megaorgasmic and leaving you exhausted.” Bethany grabbed her glass and finished off her wine.

  “Some days, very much so. Who needs more ice cream? Wine?” Tiff offered. Great sex and ice cream… No guilt over any of it? That was exactly what she wanted!

  * * * *

  Phil and Tiff were in the backseat of the SUV on their way to Arctic Man. It was a long drive, and Mick took the wheel. Sean was navigating along with the GPS. Phil liked Sterling, but he’d been feeling like the odd one out. Everyone had history but him. He had history with the two men, but building it with Tiff was tricky in a group setting.

  “Am I in the way?” Phil asked out of the blue.

  Tiff shook her head. “What? Please. I gave you my number at that car crash. I never do that. I was interested in you from a quick chat at a work meeting. It’s just I know the other guys better. That gives you an advantage,” she said.

  “Right.” Phil didn’t really buy that. The town seemed thrilled to have Tiff with Mick and Sean. Phil was the new guy. No one objected to him because he’d been with the two men for a while. And he had a badge. But would Tiff’s family be okay with it?

  Sean turned around. “It’s true. You’re new and mysterious. Sexy and without the baggage. Plus Tiff loves watching us fuck you.”

  “That’s just the sex. If this is going to be more, I have to win in the feelings department too. Sean’s family seems okay with me but…” he trailed off.

  Tiff leaned over and kissed his cheek. “My family is a harder customer. I know. That’s why I’m not subjecting you to the scrutiny yet. If my brothers aren’t harassing you, it’s a good sign. They’ll get intel from the town first. All the men you work with. Hell, guys you’ve arrested. Yes, you’ll be judged, but they don’t get a vote. I decide what’s right for me. I’m sick of my dad and brothers running men off. They kept Mick and Sean at a certain distance in high school. I never had any fun until I got a part-time job.”

  “What was that?” Mick asked.

  “Never you mind, I had to be clever to have any male attention at all. I still wanted you two back then. If Phil had been around, he’d have been in the mix. Maybe he’d have had the balls to stand up and fight for me?” Tiff kissed his mouth.

  Phil hoped he would. When she broke the kiss, he realized he probably wouldn’t. “I didn’t have the guts to tell my dad I liked boys. He found out from a neighbor.”

  “But you liked girls too. It’s not like that was a lie,” Sean added.

  “Bi is confusing. You aren’t lying to anyone when you’re sorting it out,” Mick said.

  “See. So you fit right in here. I hope your family will come to visit and see we’re not freaks.” Tiff held his hand.

  Phil tensed. His family was a sore subject, but there was no changing them. Phil had tried a few times over the years.

  “I think we need a break.” Mick pulled off to the side of the road.

  “What are you doing?” Phil asked.

  The two men in the front seat got out, Mick lef
t the car running, but they joined the other two in the backseat. Sean opened his fly with one hand as he tugged Tiff’s jeans down. She helped him and fumbled in her purse for condoms.

  “Hell, this is tight quarters.” Phil tried to get his own jeans down.

  There wasn’t much room—even in a huge SUV—for a foursome in the backseat. Mick pulled Phil out and pushed him around the other side. Opening the rear passenger door, Phil found himself facing Tiff as she took Sean’s cock reverse cowgirl. Sean’s back was to the door facing the road, and she was on his lap. She leaned to try to see the other action. Now they were joining in.

  “Get in as much as you can.” Mick pushed Phil’s face into Tiff’s wet pussy, and his knees braced on the sideboard as he bent at the waist, feet still firmly on the ground. Mick yanked Phil’s jeans down and grabbed protection and lube from Tiff’s purse.

  Phil licked her folds and Sean’s balls as his ass froze. Mick put on the protection and lubed Phil’s ass quickly. Finally that hot dick was where it belonged.

  “I want to watch,” Tiff moaned.

  “When we get to camp we’ll have a huge camper. I promise.” Sean groped under her shirt.

  Phil grabbed her hips and ate her pussy until she screamed and shook. Mick pounded Phil’s ass the way he loved it. One man was never enough. One woman wouldn’t be either, but sharing the right woman with the men he’d fallen for seemed like the perfect balance. He was bi, and he belonged in a group like this. Mick jerked on Phil’s cock, and he moaned, moving his mouth lower to suck on Sean’s balls.

  “If we get caught,” Tiff gasped.

  “Three men aren’t enough? You want more troopers?” Mick joked.

  Tiff’s face burned red. “Shut up. I don’t want anyone else but you guys. I don’t want to be seen.”

  Phil understood her worry, but the idea also turned him on. Being caught in a public sex act. He pushed back, and Mick twisted his fist around Phil’s cock just right until he came all over the floor of the SUV.

  “Shit,” Mick said as he shoved his cock deep in Phil and held it there.

  Mick’s shudders were a sweet victory. Then Tiff’s sweet moans and shrieks started again. She came on Sean, and he followed so close after her that Phil knew this was more than sex. It was getting off on getting each other off. An intimacy he’d never had with anyone else. Now he had it with three people.