Seeing the book Lanie was reading today had not only surprised him but nudged his mind in a risky direction. If she read about high-flying sex, was she also interested in participating in it? He’d had to work to conceal the instant hard-on the thought had given him.

He knew what he’d just done was a dangerous thing. What if she didn’t-or couldn’t-think of him in the same way? What if his lifestyle was too much for her? And worse than that, for the first time in his life, the thought of sharing a woman with someone else lit an unfamiliar fire of possession inside him.

Shit, Hawkins. You’ve got your dick in a wringer now.

He sighed, mentally kicking himself, yet feeling anticipation build as he set out the equipment for the evening-bowls of condoms, tubes of lubricant and baskets of brand new toys. He had high hopes for tonight, and he hoped he wasn’t riding for a fall.

Face it. He didn’t even know if she’d show up. But if she did, he was determined to see what she could handle, how far he could push her, and if there was the possibility of a relationship beyond party night. The unfortunate thing was, if it all turned to shit, which one of them was going to move?

He meant it. He didn’t mean it. He was teasing. He was serious.

Lanie stroked the brush vigorously through her hair while she continued to argue with herself. Not in this lifetime did she ever think she’d have a chance at a relationship with Cody. And she couldn’t read him well enough to know if she was about to make a fool of herself or step into something wonderful.

She’d taken great pains to prepare for the evening. First a long shower then meticulous shaving of her legs, under her arms and around her pussy. She trimmed her public hair much closer to the lips than usual, but she decided to leave only the barest hint of it. Then a long bubble bath with scented beads, accompanied by two glasses of chilled wine to steady her nerves.

At least a dozen times as she rubbed lotion into every area of her body, she told herself what a stupid mistake she was making. She hadn’t actually told Cody she’d be there for sure and thought about just not showing up, sure he’d understand. Maybe, just in case he was sort of looking for her, she could think of a logical excuse and back out gracefully. But through all her hours of preparation, her mind was filled with a jumble of images of Cody naked, Cody and her naked, Cody and her and others naked, and non-stop arguments with herself that she was getting in over her head. She still remembered the day she’d marched across the street like Righteous Ruby and chewed his ass out. What on earth must he have thought? Since then, they’d gotten to know each other a little better. Cody had been scrupulous about informing her when he was expecting company, and she’d unbent enough to realise she couldn’t dictate other people’s lifestyles.

Not to mention the fact that the more she got to know him, the greater role Cody played in her erotic dreams. Even with all the other people around, just thinking of what might happen with him tonight made her crotch wet and her nipples stiff and hard.

“He’s just a man like any other man,” she said out loud.

Yeah, right.

“And I can get up and leave any time I want to.”

But she knew that wasn’t going to happen. She’d accepted his invitation-challenge-and her curiosity was almost at the same level as her anticipation. No way would she let him see her chicken out.

And if they managed to be alone together…

She took a deep breath and centred herself. She had a rough idea what to expect. In addition to everything Michele had told her, she’d certainly read enough about people who were ‘swingers’-swapping in groups-in the books she reviewed. The idea both aroused her and frightened her. If not for the fact she’d developed such an unexpected case of lust for Cody, she’d be hiding behind her window blinds again tonight or at the nearest movie theatre.

Pulling on red shorts and a red and white halter, she sprayed herself liberally with the jasmine scent she loved and took a last look at herself in the mirror.

Okay, kiddo. Here goes nothing.

Chapter Two

Lanie could hear laughter coming from the pool area and music playing from the outside speakers when her trembling hand pushed Cody’s doorbell. When he didn’t answer right away, she turned, ready to scamper back to the safety of her house.

And what? Hide under the covers, little girl?

Before she could take a step, the door was yanked open and the deep voice that sent shivers skittering down her spine asked, “Going somewhere?”

A warm hand closed over her arm and gently tugged her inside.

She finally looked up to see lights dancing in those sapphire eyes and a grin teasing at his mouth.

“H…hi!” she managed to stammer.

“Hi yourself.”

He closed the door, leaned her against it and before she could take another breath or even peer into the house, his lips touched hers in the briefest of contacts. The tip of his tongue traced the edges of her lips and the seam where they met. Even if his hands had not been holding her shoulders firmly, Lanie couldn’t have moved. The touch of his mouth was like a magic brush, sending spirals of pleasure straight through to her nipples and her cunt.

He played with her mouth, tasting the surface of her lips, nibbling at the edges, licking the corners. He brushed his lips back and forth, never increasing the pressure, just taking little sips and tastes.

“I knew you’d be delicious,” he murmured when he lifted his head. “I can’t wait to find out what you taste like everywhere.”

She had no idea how to respond to that. She was barely able to breathe.

”Come on,” he chuckled, taking her hand. “Let me introduce you to everyone. We’ve just been drinking and talking before the festivities start.” He lifted her hand and brushed his tongue across her knuckles. “Just remember. No matter what happens, you’re mine.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“Some people here are couples, believe it or not. Others are just a part of the group. We’re a bunch of people who’ve come together because we have a common interest in this kind of sex. But for those who are couples, everyone knows despite what goes on, they’re taken. Just like they will with us.”

Her heart was trip-hammering. “B…but we’ve never even been together.”

His heated eyes blazed at her. “That doesn’t mean I haven’t wanted to. And not just for the sex. You have a quality about you that makes other women pale in comparison.”

“M…me?” She was stunned. “Are you sure you haven’t had too much to drink?”

He laughed, a warm deep sound. “Not even a drop yet. I’m just hoping tonight I can convince you that me and my lifestyle are something you might think about on a long-term basis.”

Lanie was so shocked she couldn’t find anything to say. She just hoped it wasn’t all one big line. Or one big lie. But she was willing to take the chance, just this once. A chance she might never get again.

The house seemed to be laid out much the same as hers, only bigger. From the foyer, they stepped down into a living room filled with large, comfortable pieces of furniture. Lanie tried to shut down the images of what took place on those pieces. The sliding door was open to the pool, but no one was using it yet. Everyone was lounging casually on the couches or, in a couple of cases, on the floor on huge, thick pillows.

Cody cleared his throat. “Guys, this is Lanie. She lives across the street, and she’s my special guest tonight. You all know what that means.”

From the look on everyone’s face, Lanie guessed they all understood. Just as he’d promised, tonight she was under his guardianship. If anyone wanted to approach her, they had to get Cody’s okay. And hers.