Cora blew a raspberry. “No, it’s not. It’s fun. Come on, we were all children at one time, and they have a hell of a lot more fun than we do. Can’t beat them, join them.”
Rolling his eyes, he walked up toward her. “You asked for it.”
Stacey counted to three, and they both went on their hands. Closing his eyes, James focused on keeping his body straight up. He worked out every other day to keep his body in shape.
“Come on, Cora, keep it together,” Stacey said.
Opening his eyes, he saw Cora was wobbling. The moment she collapsed, James lowered himself back down. Banding his arm around her waist, he pulled her up against him.
“You’ve been holding out on me,” she said.
“Not really.” He kissed her hard, and deep. “Now that is much better than being a kid.” James nipped her lips playfully.
Chapter Seven
“You’ve known James and the club all of your life?” Cora asked, placing the large tray filled with dips onto the table. Teri, Stacey, and Kitty Cat were back at her place. Lucy couldn’t get a babysitter, and none of the other women wanted to come.
“Well, not all of it. We ended up in foster care together. I was the youngest. I’m a little younger than Caleb, in my late twenties.” Kitty took a chip, dipping it into the salsa before eating it.
“What’s Leo and Paul’s deal?” Stacey asked.
Her closest friend was draped across the chair, drinking beer. None of them were drunk, not even close to being merry. The day spent at Lucy’s had been a lot of fun. Cora enjoyed being around the club, even though James seemed to spend a lot of time watching everyone rather than joining in.
“You’ve made an impression on them. They’ve never had to chase after a woman before. It’s novel to them,” Kitty said.
“Tell me about it, it can drive you crazy with their egos,” Teri said.
“So what’s your deal?” Cora asked. “You’re the chef at the diner, know the club. What’s your deal?”
“Are you going to beat me up for having a past with the club?” Teri asked.
“Not at all. I’m not interested in who James was fucking, only who he is now.” Cora took a chip for herself, keeping her gaze on Teri.
She knew Teri and James were close. She just didn’t have a clue how close they actually were.
“They cost me my job in the city. When James came to Greater Falls, he opened the diner, offered me a job, and the chance for me to run the diner how I liked. I agreed, and we’re here now. I’ve fucked James, and we’re friends.”
“What about the rest of the brothers?” Stacey asked.
“Yes, I’ve been with Leo and Paul. To be honest, they’ve surprised me. I’ve never known them to get to close to a woman before. They tend to keep women at arms’ length. You must have a pussy made out of gold.”
All of the women burst out laughing.
“Not of gold, believe me. I’d sell it to stop working.”
“You love your job.”
“I know I do, but history can get so damned depressing. I mean some of the kids love it, and I love their enthusiasm, but others can’t grasp it. It’s already happened. What’s not to grasp? Sorry, loose mouth syndrome. My students are the best, even the difficult ones.”
“The students who are struggling to grasp it may be trying to get more out of you. You’re a hot teacher,” Kitty said.
“That I am.” Stacey winked at each of them. “So do all of the guys share a woman or is it just Leo and Paul?”
Cora looked toward Teri and Kitty as they shared a look.
“What?” Cora asked. “What is it?”
“It depends on the brothers. I’ve known them all to share at some point,” Kitty said.