Page 5 of The Third Wheel
"Alright, alright," Nori conceded, still chuckling. "But you have to admit, it would be one way to solve their issues."
"Sure, because what could go wrong with suggesting my husband should hook up with another man to ease their sexual tension?" I rolled my eyes, the warmth of a blush creeping upmy cheeks as my thoughts lingered on the forbidden fantasy. "Anyway, I hope they can work things out without driving us all insane."
"Alright, alright," Nori conceded, sensing my frustration. "We'll hope they solve their problems the old-fashioned way. With a brawl. If possible, as them to do it shirtless and capture it on video. Some of us are still single."
"Oh my god," I laughed. "I'm ending this call before you get too horny for my men. Man and best friend, I mean."
"Little slip-up there, huh?" There was mischief in Nori's voice. "Remember, you've got me on your side, even if I'm miles away."
"Thanks, Nori. I appreciate it." I was touched by her unwavering support. "I hope you can get some days off and come visit soon."
"Fuck, I hope so. Chef Max is such an asshole."
"When are you going to quit that job and move to Hazy Cove?"
Nori snorted. "As soon as you find me a sous chef job at a five-star restaurant, I'm there!"
"Doesn't have to be five stars, though, does it?" I bit my lip, trying to think of the local restaurants I knew, wondering if anyone could be talked into hiring my best friend.
"I suppose not. But I want some creative freedom, not a crab shack. And last time I looked, the Oregon Coast was all crab shacks and clam chowder joints. That's why I'm still in Portland."
"We could use something new in town. Portland has better food by a long shot, but the drive is a bitch."
"One day, I'd love to open a place up there," she said dreamily. "Love you, bestie. Wish you weren't so stressed."
"You too, sis. On both counts."
"Don't think I didn't hear that," Nori said. "Bye!"
As I hung up, Gunnar stalked into my office, running a hand through his long, light brown hair. "Done bickering?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He leaned against the door frame, sighing heavily as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I just don't understand it. Why can't I get through to Colby? Everything I say irritates him, and I'm not the asshole he thinks I am."
Hearing the vulnerability in Gunnar's voice tugged at my heartstrings. I stood up from my desk and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head on his chest. He unfolded his arms and pulled me close. "I know you're not," I reassured him. "You're caring, protective, and so much more than what Colby sees when he's all fired up. He'll realize that, eventually."
"I think he needs time to understand that." Gunnar hugged me close. His large, warm hands stroked my back, offering comfort. "See how we fit. Metaphorically, not sexually." He grabbed my ass and pulled me closer, his dick already hardening against my stomach.
I glared at him. "Gunnar, we are not having sex when you're fired up from a fight with Colby!"
"Aww, baby, you know arguing makes me horny." He leaned down and kissed my neck, making me giggle.
"Arguing with Colby makes you horny?" I blinked, thinking back over the past few weeks.
"It's not about him. It happens when my blood's boiling, passions are high," Gunnar said, but I wasn't sure I believed him. "Babe, I swear I want to get along with him. I know he's a good guy, and he's important to you. He just says the most obnoxious things."
"Hey," I said, moving away from Gunnar and looking into his eyes. "What do you think about inviting Colby on our camping trip? Just the three of us? Give you two a chance to talk things through."Or fuck. No. Nope, not that. I was not picturing it, either.
"The camping trip where you're determined to get fucked on the beach?" Gunnar frowned, tilting his head. He lifted me, wrapping my legs around his waist.
"Oh my god. One track mind. That was not what I said! I'm pretty sure sex on the beach is illegal or something. I wanted to kiss you with the waves crashing all around. Romance style."
"Sure, my kinky little slut," he said. "Make out with me with my dick buried deep inside you, hoping no one comes along and catches us fucking." He pressed me into the wall, grinding against the juncture of my thighs hard enough to pull a moan from my lips.
"Focus, husband," I said. "The camping trip."
Gunnar ran his lips down the side of my throat. "Colby can come. It's worth a try," he conceded. "I'd do anything to make things easier for you."
"Thank you." I pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Colby means a lot to me."
