The Gift of Shayla Read online

  The Gift of Shayla

  By N.J. Walters

  One night to indulge their wildest desires…

  Adam Lancaster has been in love with Rob McKeith—and attracted to Rob’s wife, Shayla—for years, but he fears their friendship would be over if they knew the truth. So he’s thrilled when his secret fantasy becomes reality and the couple offers him a very special gift: a sensual Christmas Eve in their bedroom…

  19,000 words

  Dear Reader,

  What do you get when you cross summer with lots of beach time, and long hours of traveling? An executive editor who’s too busy to write the Dear Reader letter, but has time for reading. I find both the beach and the plane are excellent places to read, and thanks to plenty of time spent on both this summer (I went to Australia! And New Zealand!) I’m able to tell you with confidence: our fall lineup of books is outstanding.

  We kick off the fall season with seven romantic suspense titles, during our Romantic Suspense celebration the first week of September. We’re pleased to offer novella Fatal Destiny by Marie Force as a free download to get you started with the romantic suspense offerings. Also in September, fans of Eleri Stone’s sexy, hot paranormal romance debut novel, Mercy, can look forward to her follow-up story, Redemption, set in the same world of the Lost City Shifters.

  Looking to dive into a new erotic romance? We have a sizzling trilogy for you. In October, look for Christine D’Abo’s Long Shot trilogy featuring three siblings who share ownership of a coffee shop, and each of whom discover steamy passion within the walls of a local sex club. Christine’s trilogy kicks off with Double Shot.

  In addition to a variety of frontlist titles in historical, paranormal, contemporary, steampunk and erotic romance, we’re also pleased to present two authors releasing backlist titles with us. In October, we’ll re-release four science fiction romance titles from the backlist of CJ Barry, and in November four Western romance titles from the backlist of Susan Edwards.

  Also in November, we’re thrilled to offer our first two chick lit titles from three debut authors, Liar’s Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen and Unscripted by Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz. I hope you’ll check out these fun, sometimes laugh-out-loud novels.

  Whether you’re on the beach, on a plane, or sitting in your favorite recliner at home, Carina Press can offer you a diverting read to take you away on your next great adventure this fall!

  We love to hear from readers, and you can email us your thoughts, comments and questions to [email protected]. You can also interact with Carina Press staff and authors on our blog, Twitter stream and Facebook fan page.

  Happy reading!

  ~Angela James

  Executive Editor, Carina Press

  www.carinapress.com

  www.twitter.com/carinapress

  www.facebook.com/carinapress

  Dedication

  This one is for everyone who believes in the magic of Christmas and the power of love.

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you to my husband for being my biggest fan and for encouraging me to stretch myself as a writer. I wouldn’t be on this amazing journey if it weren’t for you.

  Thank you to all my readers who continue to allow me to do what I love to do—write stories.

  And thank you to Deborah for your suggestions and insights.

  Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter One

  “How long have we been friends?”

  Adam Lancaster studied the half-inch scar just below his left thumb. It was faint, but it was there. His best buddy, Rob McKeith, had a matching one. They’d cut themselves with Rob’s pocketknife when they were only eight years old and pledged to be friends forever. “A long time.”

  He didn’t look at Rob, who was kicked back in one of the two comfortable brown leather club chairs flanking the natural stone fireplace. The flames, which had been crackling loudly when he’d arrived a half hour ago, were now a low flicker. Adam was seated in the matching chair.

  He knew Rob would be studying him with his vivid indigo eyes, the worried frown on his face creating several deep lines between his brows. His shoulder-length silky black hair was pulled back and contained by a leather tie, which only served to emphasize his features. Rob could have been a model, if he’d chosen, instead of an architect. His face was all angles and planes, harsh in some light. His lips could thin when he was angry. They smiled just as easily.

  Rob was also patient and would wait indefinitely until Adam looked at him. Adam wasn’t ready for this conversation. Instead, he studied the Christmas tree in the corner. It was a huge Douglas fir, covered in hundreds of colored lights. He liked them better than the white lights many people favored now. They reminded him of his childhood. Of happy times when he wasn’t so conflicted about his life.

  That was part of the price one paid for becoming an adult, he supposed. Self-awareness could be a bitch sometimes.

  Adam picked up the heavy crystal glass and took a sip. The fine scotch burned slightly as it slid down his throat to his belly. Rob always had impeccable taste in liquor. The ice clinked on the side of the glass as he set it back down on the coffee table.

  The entire room was festive without being overdone. Fresh boughs lined the fireplace mantle, scenting the air. Red and white candles sat in tall clear holders, strategically placed, flickering and adding their light to that from the tree. An antique Santa sat on the edge of the hearth. He knew it was all Shayla’s doing.

  Shayla and Rob had married a few months ago. He loved them both but being around them was more difficult than he’d anticipated. They were so happy and he was so…alone.

  It was worse because he lived in the house next door. He and Rob had bought the several acres of land years ago, always planning on building their homes here, raising their families. Rob had designed both homes, tailoring them to each man’s individual wants and needs, and Adam’s construction company had built them. They were on a wooded lot on a quiet country road, close to town, but giving them the privacy they’d both wanted.

  Now that privacy was making his life a living hell.

  A small pile of presents was stacked under the tree. The ones he’d brought over were sitting in front of the rest—a bottle of scotch for Adam and imported chocolates for Shayla. Not much of a gift for his best friend and his wife, but Adam hadn’t known what else to buy. Anything else he’d thought of was too personal.

  Adam continued to study the Christmas tree, ignoring his friend. He knew Rob was leading up to something and was very afraid he knew what it was about.

  His heart was racing and he was starting to sweat even though he was wearing a cotton shirt and not a sweater. He’d put on the red shirt his sister had given him last Christmas because he’d figured it was festive.

  The wind brushed against the house and it made a lonely hollow sound that matched how he was feeling. It was cold outside with about six inches of snow on the ground and the wind blowing it around. Inside it was warm and cozy.

  Not tonight, he thought. It was Christmas Eve. The last thing he wanted was to be booted out of his best friend’s life because Rob had finally noticed how Adam looked at him.

  Bottom line—he wanted Rob. Had always been attracted to him. When they were kids, it had been strictly as a friend. He liked Rob. Admired his athletic ability, his loyalty. The two had been inseparable as kids and that hadn’t changed as they’d gotten older. The problems started when puberty hit. Adam had found himself watching not only girls, but Rob as well.

  Adam felt adrift. He was different. Had never been quite like the o
ther guys. He was bisexual. It had taken him years to finally admit that to himself. He’d hidden his attraction to Rob from his friend and himself for most of his life.

  It had become more difficult when Rob started dating Shayla. Beautiful, kind, quiet Shayla. She wasn’t society’s idea of a classic beauty. She wasn’t tall or blonde or skinny. No, Shayla was a throwback to a time when men enjoyed women with curves.

  About five foot four, she had long black hair that fell all the way to her waist. He’d spent many nights with his hands wrapped around his dick while he daydreamed about her. He could easily picture her on her hands and knees in front of him, sucking his cock. Her hair would be fisted in his fingers and he’d guide her movements while he admired her full lips as they slid over his length.

  Her eyes were warm brown. Inviting. Sometimes shy. Her face was heart-shaped and her nose turned up slightly at the tip. Her breasts were full and firm, her hips rounded.

  And not only was she beautiful—that might have caught Rob’s attention but wouldn’t have held it—but she was super intelligent. She made her living as a freelance writer and her work was regularly published in major magazines. Nothing sexier than a smart woman.

  Fuck, he felt like an idiot for lusting after not only his friend, but also his friend’s wife. Not that he’d ever do anything about his fantasies. Not only no, but hell no. He treated Shayla with the utmost respect and kept his distance. She was Rob’s wife and no way would he ever do anything to hurt Rob.

  Yet the feelings still lingered. There was something wrong with him. Had to be. He plowed his fingers through his hair. He was a fucking mess.

  “Adam.” There was an edge to Rob’s voice now. Adam knew his friend too well to think he was going to drop whatever was on his mind.

  “Where’s Shayla?” He desperately tried to divert the conversation. It was strange he hadn’t seen her. She must be out somewhere, but he couldn’t imagine where she’d be. Not at eight o’clock in the evening on Christmas Eve.

  When Rob didn’t answer, Adam finally turned his face toward him. His friend’s expression was more serious than he’d ever seen it. Shit. He picked up his glass and gulped down the rest. A waste of good scotch, for sure, but he needed the hit. Not that one drink would have much affect on him, but it was better than nothing. He needed something to dull the coming pain.

  “I’ve seen how you look at me,” Rob began.

  Adam closed his eyes and swallowed hard. The liquor he’d just drunk burned in his gut. He could still salvage this. He had to. The alternative didn’t bear considering.

  He opened his eyes and chuckled. “Of course I look at you. I see you all the time.” There, that sounded casual enough.

  “I’ve also seen how you look at Shayla.”

  Adam’s heart stuttered before taking off at a gallop. He was totally fucked. He didn’t know what to say. “She’s a beautiful woman, man. That’s it. I would never…” Damn, he was only making thing worse. He shut his mouth.

  Rob shook his head and sat forward in his chair. The leather creaked and the fire crackled, creating a homey atmosphere. Yet it was about to be a scene of carnage when Rob ripped out his heart. “You never could lie worth a damn, Lancaster. At least not to me.”

  Adam felt as though he’d taken a shot to the gut. He was going to lose Rob. His best friend, the person he’d loved and wanted forever. And he was going to lose Shayla too. In the time she and Rob had been together, she’d become a good friend, always welcoming him to join them, never shutting him out or complaining because he lived next door and was always underfoot.

  He’d have to sell the house and move. There was no way he could stay here now. He stood, his legs shaky. Rob stood as well. They both topped out at six feet, but Rob was the leaner of the two of them. Years of heavy construction work had given Adam thick muscles. Right now it didn’t matter who was physically stronger. Rob could destroy him with nothing more than a few words.

  “I should be going.” He had to get out of here before Rob said anything else. “You’ve obviously been hitting the juice too hard, my friend.” His attempt at a joke fell flat. Rob wasn’t laughing.

  Adam fisted his hands at his sides and squared his shoulders. He needed to get out of here with his dignity still intact. If he could do that, there was still the slight possibility that he might be able to salvage his friendship with Rob. The tension between them was palpable and his heart clenched. He didn’t want to lose either of them.

  Adam moved toward the door, but Rob stepped in front of him and put his hand on Adam’s chest. He came to a halt and tried not to notice how the heat from Rob’s palm seeped into his skin.

  “I want to give you your Christmas present before you leave.”

  Sheer relief had Adam breaking out in a cold sweat. Rob wasn’t going to push the conversation any further. Adam was going to take his friend’s words as a warning and back off for a while. Maybe he’d go to his folks’ place for the holidays. Or not. He’d probably pack up and head to a hotel and hole up for a few days. He’d do whatever it took to keep Rob and Shayla in his life.

  “Sure, man.”

  “Come with me.” Rob let his hand slide down Adam’s chest.

  Was it accidental or intentional? Great, now he was imagining things. Rob was married to Shayla and quite happy. He wasn’t attracted to guys. Adam would have certainly noticed if Rob had shown any inclination toward other men. He’d have been first in line offering himself.

  Rob turned and headed up the stairs. Adam followed, but stopped at the base of the staircase. “Why don’t I just wait here?”

  His friend looked over his shoulder and his lips twitched. “That won’t work. You have to come up if you want your gift.”

  Resigned, Adam sucked in a deep breath and took the steps two at a time. Rob had already disappeared down the hallway into the master bedroom. Adam’s steps slowed. He hadn’t been in this room since the house was built. He wasn’t sure he wanted to see the bed where Rob and Shayla made love, where they slept every night.

  “Shit,” he whispered under his breath. He could do this. Anything to salvage his friendship. He’d get the gift, say thanks and hightail it out of here before Shayla got home.

  “I’m waiting, Adam.” There was an edge of impatience in his voice that unstuck Adam’s feet.

  “Hold your horses. I’m coming.” He rounded the doorway. “What’s the—” He’d meant to ask what the hurry was, but he’d momentarily lost the ability to speak.

  He blinked, not quite certain he could believe what he was seeing. Shayla stood before him. Naked as the day she was born. Red velvet cuffs encircled each wrist and ankle. Her hands were suspended above her head and her legs were spread, creating an X-shape. Hooks in the floor and ceiling were attached to the cuffs. A red ribbon was wrapped around her neck and tied in a bow.

  Adam’s cock immediately stood at attention. He’d imagined Shayla naked many times, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined anything like this. She was gorgeous. Her long hair had been pulled back in a tight braid that fell down her back. Her brown eyes were filled with sensual promise.

  Her breasts were round and firm and tipped with pinkish-brown nipples that were pulled into tight nubs.

  His eyes drifted lower over her narrow ribcage, tucked-in waist and flared hips. Her mound was covered with a neat triangle of black curls, illuminated by the light, which was placed to shine directly on her body.

  The implications hit him like a cement truck. Shayla must have been tied here all the while he and Rob had been talking in the living room. He didn’t think there was any way she’d be able to do this to herself. Maybe he was wrong. He hoped so. While she looked incredibly hot, naked and spread for his viewing pleasure, he didn’t want her to be hurt in any way.

  “Merry Christmas, Adam.”

  He tore his gaze away from Shayla and met Rob’s eyes. He swallowed hard at the lust he saw shining in his friend’s eyes. It made his heartbeat pick up speed. Blood pumped t
o all his muscles, making them swell, especially the thick erection between his legs.

  “I don’t understand.” He was shocked. So surprised he could barely manage to speak.

  Rob stood behind his wife. His arms came around her and he rested his hands on her flat stomach. The contrast of the hard male hands on the paler feminine flesh sent Adam’s libido through the roof. He wanted to fuck both of them.

  “It’s your present.” Rob slid his hands up until they cupped Shayla’s breasts. She released a low moan when he tweaked her nipples.

  Jesus, but she was sexy. Adam couldn’t take his eyes off Rob’s hands as he continued to fondle his wife.

  “Shayla and I have a unique relationship. Don’t we, my love?” Rob nipped at the side of her neck.

  “Yes.”

  He pinched her nipples harder, making her gasp aloud. “Yes, what?”

  “Yes, my love.” Her reply was breathy. Her hips swayed slightly, pushing back against Rob.

  He laughed and moved away, swatting her on the ass. The sound of flesh against flesh made Adam jump. His head was spinning and he had to remind himself to take a breath. He’d never been this turned on in his entire life.

  Adam stood like a statue in the doorway, aware of nothing but the couple in front of him. Was he even really here or was he at home, stretched out on his leather sofa in front of the television, fast asleep? This had to be a dream.

  Rob slipped off his shirt and tossed it over the arm of a chair in the corner. He tugged the leather thong from his hair and dropped it on the dresser, letting his hair fall free. Adam admired his lean muscled torso and the way Rob’s hair brushed his shoulders. It was getting harder by the second for Adam to breathe.

  “Outside the bedroom, Shayla and I are equals in all ways.” Rob cupped her jaw and turned her head until their lips were barely touching. “But inside the bedroom, I’m the boss.” He lowered his mouth and kissed his wife.