Men of Alaska 2: Sterling Sunshine (5 page)

“Thanks. I feel fine.” She nodded.

“The right pilot.” He squeezed her hand. “And calm winds. So am I still invited to dinner?”

“Of course. You could do a great business here with tours like this. Pointing out more things. You were kind of quiet,” she said.

“Alaska speaks for itself. Tourists need the commentary, but if you’re going to live here, then you need to listen to what the land and sea say to you.” He flipped a bunch of levers and all the noise was gone.

Pretty deep for a bush pilot. She waited until he was out and opened her door. She wasn’t going to fall or break something if her balance was a little off. He offered her a hand. The touch of his skin definitely sparked her interest.

“Thanks.” She stepped out carefully and sighed as she was back on solid ground.

“Still not a frequent flyer,” he said.

“No, but once was a good idea.” She nodded. “Better go get ready for tonight. Thanks for the tour.”

Chapter Four

“He really got you up in that little plane?” Tony sat next to Gretchen at the restaurant. He knew something was different when Matt kissed her cheek when they picked her up.

Matt always had more confidence with women. Ross, the charmer, made it look easy too. Tony tried and his job didn’t hurt. Women trusted him more but usually when they needed help. The uniform appealed to some, but he was one of the good guys. Not powerful like a mayor or a rogue bush pilot. At work, he was focused, but when it wasn’t an emergency, he frequently got tongue-tied and nervous.

“Well that patch thing helped. The weather was calm. I wanted to see the area if I’m trying to lure more tourists here. The inn was almost receptive but they want firm plans.” She rolled her eyes at Ross.

“The Andrews are like that. Very self-sufficient, even for a big operation,” Tony said.

She shrugged. “I think being new in town didn’t help me.”

“Definitely. Lots of people think Alaska is great and never last. The odds are you won’t stay through the winter, as far as they’re concerned. So don’t rush to offer a big package or show them any plans. If we’re going to do something, we should do it right. Focus on boosting tourism next summer. Do some ads to build it up now,” Ross said.

Matt nodded. “I’m sure Mel will get plenty of work from that bridal show. Anchorage is a quick drive. Her dresses are great.”

Tony threw Matt a look. He’d jumped back into their lives like no time had passed. It was encouraging but also irritating.

“I can’t believe you just arrived last night. You’re already catching up with people and giving me a tour. Traveling always takes so much out of me. But I stress over packing and settling in when I arrive. I need to have my stuff organized. My college roommate said it was like I had to set up camp. I could never travel much.” She shook her head.

“You and me both. Anchorage is far enough for me. I went to Seattle for a wedding once. That’s a far as I’ve gone south.” Tony smiled.

“Really? I’ve been to California,” Ross said.

She looked at Matt. “And you?”

“Never left Alaska. Plenty of places to fly here. I’ve been into Canada a few times.” He sipped his drink.

“Wow, my parents dragged me and my brothers to Florida one summer.” She sighed.

“Dragged? Did you go to Disneyworld?” Tony asked.

“We did, and I should be grateful. My brothers don’t get carsick or seasick. I threw up on Goofy. I was the lame kid.” She frowned.

“No, your parents didn’t know how to handle it. They just dragged you along to give you the experience and your brothers had more fun.” Tony slid an arm behind her shoulders in the booth.

“I’m still glad I went. Some of my friends never did. The cool kids thought my dad was rich so that didn’t hurt in the realm of the schoolyard. I just wish we’d have flown instead of driven. A few hours in a plane is different than days on the road.” She sipped her wine.

“None of us have ever been, so you’re way cooler than we are,” Matt said.

She smiled. “My dad was a great salesman. Anything for a deal. Sometimes he worked holidays and birthdays. He went everywhere so he thought I should travel like he did. Iron stomach and well, like Matt. Ten minutes after the plane lands, he hits the ground running. Even without being sick. I’d still have jet lag after a long flight.”

“When you’re doing the flying, it’s different.” Matt winked.

“If you drive for a long time, you can still be tired after that,” Ross said.

“Some people travel better than others. It works in our favor. Gretchen is more likely to stay put,” Tony teased.

“I’ve never been one to move around. I’m trying to learn as much as I can about the town. If I’m going to promote a few businesses, I need to know the people. What’ll work and what won’t. Boat repairs are a necessity, so it’s driving the business here. Rich guys come in to hunt and fish so the custom boat design work has picked up with my ad push. The dresses are trickier.” She sighed

“Women still want to look great on their wedding day. Just not a ton of weddings around here. But Anchorage isn’t that far. Homer and Seward are close so invite them to a local show.” Ross shrugged.

“You mean do a local bridal show?” Gretchen frowned.

“Too much work for you?” Matt asked.

“She’s already doing a lot in a bunch of directions,” Tony argued her side.

“I’m not sure this year it’d work. We’d need to advertise it in the spring and really draw in the brides early. I like having it as an event in Sterling, though. Show off the town for a wedding site. Come to the coast for a dreamy wedding. Or just get your dresses. Win-win. But it’d take planning. I’m not afraid of work but you have to time it right as well as set it up for the sell. What’s going on with you guys?” she asked.

Ross shook his head. “Getting back in the swing of being together. Always a little adjustment when Matt drops in. It works itself out.”

“That’s good to know. Traveling for work isn’t that weird. I have to go to Homer for the wine link-up. Make a trip to Seward to see their tourism efforts,” she said.

Matt chuckled. “Those are day trips. Maybe an overnighter. At least your work is fun stuff. Parties, dresses, and advertising. Better than Tony’s job.”

Tony tensed and looked Matt in the eye. Last night had been fun but sex was never the issue. “You have a problem with my job now?”

“No, not a problem. I just don’t think Gretchen is a blood-and-guts type. We need your work. Gretchen gets the pretty side of things. Which, let’s be honest, isn’t always stable work in Alaska. When it’s a big wedding or prom, sure. But if the money isn’t there, it’s not going to happen. Hell, bartering for food and supplies is huge around here.” Matt looked at Gretchen. “You might put out a lot of effort and, if it’s a rough year, get very little work for your friend.”

“True and only necessary repairs at the boat place. The weather and animal life around here dictates a lot. So don’t take it as a defeat if it takes time. You and Mel are both new as well,” Ross said.

“Definitely discovered the wary-of-strangers feeling. All I can do is try. The more things I experience the better.” She looked at Tony. “Could I go on a ride along?”

“In the ambulance? That’s not something that happens.” He shook his head.

“How will that help your business?” Matt asked.

She sipped her water. “If I’m pushing tourism as a package, being able to assure people that we have top-notch emergency responders in town is a huge selling point. With all of the wildlife, hiking, and unique terrain in Alaska—knowing that if they’re hurt, we can take care of them wherever they are—get to them and keep them safe—that is important.”

“You don’t need to go along and see it to know that,” Tony said.

“But it’ll help me understand the town better. Meet people and see how they live. I can’t just go knock on doors, I think I’ll be met with guns. If you want me to stay, I need to be accepted fully by the locals. The more I try and do, the more I’m involved in, the better it’ll look. I want to feel like I’m part of this town too. A day riding along won’t hurt anything. I’ll stay out of the way. Can’t you ask, at least?” She leaned in and gave Tony a kiss on the cheek.

The sparks made her argument so much more appealing. Having her with him all day. “I can ask.”

“So is this crossing lines of business and pleasure?” Ross asked.

She frowned. “You don’t pay me. We’re doing a joint promotional campaign, if it works. I’m still not sure I can get everyone on board. But I don’t see any reason we can’t date and enjoy each other’s company. Is Matt sticking around for a bit?”

Tony and the other two looked at Matt.

“That seems to be the big question,” Tony said.

“You want to tie me down? I don’t live anywhere else. I take jobs. You don’t seem to understand the difference.” Matt shook his head.

Gretchen cut the tension. “I don’t want anyone to be pressured because of me. But it seems to change the dynamic. I think everyone being in or out would alter the group relationship. I don’t mean to sound so serious. It’s early. We’re just learning about one another and having fun. Still, it’s a fair question. Are you in or out of the relationship exploration?”

Matt smiled at her. “In. But I travel sometimes for my work. I don’t always know when an opportunity will pop up. We’re all adults.”

“I’ve heard it all before. I understand, but I doubt anyone likes it when you go. My dad traveled for work. I guess we all have some patterns in our lives that repeat,” she said.

“Hopefully you’ll join us for dessert. It’s waiting at home. I made cupcakes. See, I have my uses,” Matt said.

“Devil’s food?” Gretchen asked.

“Of course,” Matt replied.

“Sounds good to me.” She smiled.

Tony felt the chemistry solidify in the foursome. Gretchen had a way of smoothing things out and seeing the good in all of them. Maybe she just brought it out in them? Either way, he wanted to keep her close. Matt seemed fixated on Gretchen as well. Hope started to build in Tony as he dug into his dinner.

* * * *

The pilot could bake! Gretchen wanted to lick the fudge icing off of them all. Food wouldn’t scratch the real itch she had. Three hot men all into her and one another. Individually she’d gotten to know them but the core of what they were was a group.

“Have another,” Matt said.

“No, that’s enough of a sugar rush.” They sat around the big wooden kitchen table that looked more like it was for outdoor picnics, yet seemed so them.

She reached for a napkin and Ross grabbed her hand from across the table and licked her fingers.

Before she could react, Tony leaned over and kissed her lips. On her other side, Matt kissed her neck as his hands caressed her curves. That’s what she’d been longing for, but it seemed awkward every time she’d imagined it. There was nothing uneasy about this. Ross licked her fingers, then ran his tongue up her arm.

When he came close, he kissed Matt and she had to pause to watch.

“Like watching us together?” Tony whispered.

She nodded. “You’re all… I mean, I don’t care but…”

Tony pulled Ross away from Matt. She watched the men start out softly but soon they were French kissing while groping each other’s cocks. “Isn’t it confusing? Liking men and women?” she asked Matt.

He shook his head and gestured for her to stand up. In one swift move, he had her dress over her head. The other two men stopped to watch. Matt rubbed his hands over her breasts before tugging the cups down.

Ross moaned. “Take it off.”

Gretchen felt exposed, but they weren’t judging, they were admiring. She pushed her panties off her hips as Matt unhooked her bra. He pulled the frilly black things away. Standing up, she wasn’t sure where to go. The men solved that by guiding her up onto the table.

With any hesitation gone, she pulled up Tony’s shirt. He got the hint and stripped off all of his clothing. The show was amazing. He had muscle definition she’d never seen on a man up close and in person. Fingering his six-pack, she tried to subtly take in the growing length lower.

Lips and a tongue teasing her thighs made her look over. Matt was naked as well and his leaner but taller body seemed to fit his personality. A lone wolf who needed to settle down and come home. She licked his chest and boldly stroked his cock. He was hard and thrust into her palm.

Ross nudged her legs open again and nuzzled her inner thighs. Exposed and already wet, she reached down. He still had his shirt on. “I think you have too many clothes on,” she said.

Lying back on the sturdy wood table, she grabbed Tony’s cock with her other hand and worked Matt’s as well. The men knelt on either side of her. Staring up at all that muscle and two erections all for her nearly made her lightheaded. When she looked over and saw Ross naked and hard, she wanted it all.

She guided Tony’s cock to her lips and sucked him slowly. Soft kisses landed on her pussy and she tensed for a second. Ross’s tongue had her relaxed in seconds while Matt gently pinched her nipples. Moaning on Tony’s erection, she tightened her grip on Matt’s. All for her? The very idea sent her arousal into overdrive.

When her other breast got the same treatment from Tony, she groaned and released him from her lips. Sucking Matt’s long cock, she looked up at him. Tony slid from her grasp, but she didn’t fight it. These men weren’t pressuring, only pleasing. Ross slid a finger inside of her and she lifted her hips.

“Nice and wet?” Matt asked.

She moaned over his balls. “Fuck me. I’ve never had foreplay like this.”

Tony walked back to the table with condoms and a bottle of lube in hand. “Don’t rush it.”

He leaned over and licked her clit, then slid his tongue up her body and sucked one breast, then the other. Arching her back, she kissed the tip of Matt’s dick. Tony kissed her lips and Matt’s erection, licking around the head of that dick with skill.

“Oh God. That’s hot,” she said.

Tony deep throated Matt’s cock as she just stared at the men. Tony’s dick brushed her body and she grabbed it. There were plenty of erections to share but knowing men were bi and seeing it, feeling it—the rush was better than she’d imagined.