Too bad he couldn't bring himself to care.

At this point, he only wanted to spend some time with both of them, something that didn't involve work. Even if it meant they would all have their clothes on the entire time.

After another session with his hand last night, when he had fought the urge to go to Tarik's condo, to indulge in him the way he'd fantasized about more often than not over the course of the last month, Phoenix had been left still aching for something more, but he knew that they would both be so worth the wait. He had to believe that, because he'd finally resigned himself to seeing where things went ... with both of them. Together.

That was, if Mia agreed.

He'd felt her passion in the way she had kissed him, how pliant she'd become, how easily she'd given herself completely to him, and he wondered what she'd be like pressed between him and Tarik, naked and writhing...

The blood once again rushed from his brain to his dick, and Phoenix wished like hell there was a way to alleviate the throb, but in the same sense, he wanted it there as a reminder of what was to come. Pun intended.

Phoenix followed Tarik out of the workout room without either of them saying a word. They got to the elevator, and Phoenix managed to push the button, still completely silent. He wondered if Tarik was thinking the same things he was.

When he stepped into the elevator, Phoenix prayed that his mother wasn't upstairs waiting for him.

"I'm gonna take a shower," Tarik imparted, stabbing the button for his floor before entering the code for the penthouse.

"Me, too."

The way Tarik's eyes darkened told Phoenix he had indeed been thinking the same thing. As tempted as he was to pull Tarik into his shower and lose himself for a little while, he knew they didn't have time. He would not keep Mia waiting.

"What are your plans for today? I take it you want me to clear your entire schedule." Tarik leaned against the elevator wall and crossed his arms over his chest, staring back at Phoenix.

"Clear it completely. I'll be done in a few." Unsure how long he'd be able to resist Tarik, Phoenix knew he needed to get away from him.

"Don't touch yourself while you're in there," Tarik said, his eyes focused on Phoenix's face, his voice low, commanding.

An insistent throb started in Phoenix's cock, causing it to thicken. "And if I do?" he countered.

"Don't. It's not an option." Tarik's no-nonsense tone did something strange to Phoenix, leaving him feeling a little more desperate than he had been five minutes ago. And he didn't know what the hell to do about that.

"Meet me upstairs when you're done," he told Tarik when the elevator stopped on the thirty-third floor, needing to maintain some semblance of control.

As always, once Phoenix reached his condo, his routine only took him twenty minutes - and he had managed to keep from jacking off, although he had wanted to do it merely to defy Tarik - and when he emerged from his bedroom wearing jeans and a T-shirt, Tarik was already there, looking at him with that same heat flaring in his eyes.

"Get me a list of things to do indoors," Phoenix told him, ignoring the urge to slam Tarik against the wall and have his wicked way with the man. It was getting so much harder to resist. Ever since he'd given in to the desire and done to Tarik what he'd never done to another man, Phoenix had wanted more. But he wanted Mia, and since he didn't think it would sit well with her that he was spending his time fucking someone else - man or woman - he'd had to refrain.

"Things? Like what? Active things? Or are you wanting movies and shit?"

"Yes. Physically active stuff," Phoenix replied, noticing Tarik had put Phoenix's coffee mug on the bar behind him. "And movies for later tonight, just in case. At that place in the Domain." Phoenix retrieved the cup and headed for the living room, taking a minute to stare out the window. The Austin skyline was layered with dark clouds, and rain was coming down in sheets, making it difficult to make out the cars passing on the street far below.

The sound of Tarik's fingers flying over the keyboard and the gentle hum of the heater were the only sounds in the room, but the noise in Phoenix's head managed to drown them both out. He'd slept like shit for the past few weeks with all of the jumbled thoughts he was having. First, there was the stupid fucking lawsuit, which, after he'd clearly told Damien Landry to drop it, he wasn't giving up. Phoenix had received an update on the situation from his lawyers yesterday, but there was nothing really to tell. They were riding it out, waiting for Landry to make the next move.

And of course, there was the emotional whirlwind he was on. It wasn't normal for him to get involved with anyone for longer than a one-night stand, so this thing with Tarik was weighing on his mind heavily. On top of that, he couldn't get Mia out of his head, which only doubled the confusion.

He hoped like hell that today he could get some clarity on the direction he was supposed to go from here, because he was beginning to get irritated with the complications. It didn't matter that he was the one making things exceedingly difficult.

"Hellooo?"

"Shit," Phoenix mumbled under his breath as he sipped his coffee and turned to face his mother. "Good morning."

"Why are you here?"

Phoenix smiled. "Because I live here?"

"You know what I mean," she said, her green eyes pinning him in place.

"I'm taking the day off," he told her. He knew his lack of explanation was only going to invite more questions, but he left it at that.

Ellen glanced over at the kitchen table and looked at Tarik, who merely shrugged his shoulders without looking up from the computer. Sometimes Phoenix wondered if the guy had eyes in the back of his head, because he rarely looked up but always knew where everyone was and what they were doing.

"Where are you going?"

"Out," Phoenix said, walking across the room toward the kitchen for more coffee.

"What are you going to be doing?" Ellen asked.

Phoenix sighed. "I've got a date, Mother. Nothing serious. No reason for you to run out and buy a copy of Wedding Bliss or whatever the hell those magazines are. It's just a date." It was more than a date, but he definitely wasn't going to tell his mother that. As it was, she was going to jump all over this. Phoenix didn't hide the fact that he had an active social life, and sex was usually intermixed in there, but he rarely ever went out on an official date. He would extend an invitation to a woman for something business-related, or a charity event, but he didn't usually go out with a woman for the sake of going out with her.

"Who is she?" Ellen asked. Phoenix could tell she was trying to hide her excitement.

"No one you know. But I promise, if things ever get to the point you need to know her, I'll introduce you." Phoenix downed half of his coffee and then dumped the rest in the sink before making his way over to Tarik. "I need that stuff now."

"I'll bring it with me when I meet you at the car," Tarik stated flatly, his eyes still locked on the computer screen.

"You really don't have to go with us," Phoenix mentioned, although he secretly prayed Tarik didn't change his mind.

Tarik peered up at him, and what Phoenix saw in his hard, glistening gold gaze had him closing his mouth instantly, although the alpha, always-in-control side of him wanted to tell him to take a flying fucking leap. No matter what Tarik thought, Phoenix did hold the reins.

"I'm going with you," Tarik informed him. "I'll meet you in the garage. How much time do we have?"

"We're supposed to pick her up in" - Phoenix looked at his watch - "eight minutes. Fuck."

"See you downstairs."

Realizing he was going to be late, something he refused to do, Phoenix snatched his cell phone from the bar and headed out, hollering a quick good-bye to his mother as he passed through the entryway.

The elevator moved like molasses in winter, which left Phoenix knocking on Mia's door with one minute to spare.

He heard the deadbolt disengage before she pulled the door open.

"Hey," he greeted, letting his eyes trail over her approvingly. She was wearing another pair of those sexy-as-fuck blue jeans, sneakers, and a fitted turquoise-and-black long-sleeve shirt that hugged her beautiful breasts as well as set off her eyes. He was used to seeing her in oversized sweatshirts these days - not counting the workout clothes that had damn near stopped his heart - so the formfitting top had his blood taking an immediate detour to his dick.

"I'll only be a minute. Come in," she said, taking a step back.

Phoenix kept his eyes on hers, noticing the slight uncertainty in her expression.

"Where's Tarik?"

"He's coming." Phoenix hid his smile. He liked the fact that she wanted Tarik there. As much as he wanted her all to himself, he couldn't deny the fact that sharing her with Tarik was probably the single hottest thing he'd ever thought about. And he couldn't fucking wait to make that happen.

He thrust his hands into his pockets to keep from reaching for her. She looked so damn cute and far too innocent at that moment. Not to mention, she made his dick harder with each passing second.

After the front door closed, Mia disappeared across the room and around the corner, leaving Phoenix standing in the small entry alone. Unable to help himself, he walked until he could see the spacious living room in front of him and a section of the kitchen off to the right.

Her home resembled her in ways he hadn't expected. The beige sofa and oversized chair, which sat facing the wall of windows overlooking downtown Austin, appeared soft and comfortable. There were a couple of brightly colored throw pillows set perfectly on each end and a throw blanket hanging over the back. Phoenix realized there wasn't a television in the room, but he noticed an impressive sound system on one of the two floor-to-ceiling, dark wood bookshelves that flanked the fireplace. On the mantle were a couple of pictures and a vase of white flowers. He immediately moved toward the pictures, trying to get a glimpse into Mia's life through the images.

"That's me and my dad when I was eight," she said as she approached.

Phoenix picked up the silver frame and held it closer as he studied the pair in the picture. It was an older man and a young girl, both laughing as they threw red and gold leaves from a huge pile at one another. Placing the picture back where he'd found it, Phoenix picked up the other one. "And this? This must be you and your mother."

Mia looked so much like her mother, Phoenix was sure they were mistaken for sisters from time to time. They both had long blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and porcelain skin.

"Yes," Mia agreed.

Turning to Mia after setting the second photo back in place, Phoenix smiled. "You have a nice place."

"Thank you. I'm still working on the decorations, taking things slow."

"You've got more in your place than I have in mine," he told her.

Mia didn't respond to that, but she did ask if he was ready to go.

Two minutes later, after he'd assisted her with her coat, they were making their way to the elevator. Phoenix couldn't resist any longer, taking her hand in his and pulling her closer when they stepped inside. An older couple was watching them carefully as they joined them. Never one to miss an opportunity, Phoenix stepped behind Mia and pulled her flush against him, her back to his chest as the elevator began to make its slow descent to the first floor.

When the doors opened, Phoenix gave a polite smile to the other couple as they stepped off. He then held on to Mia to keep her close. Bending down so that his mouth was to her ear, he whispered that they were going down to the parking garage. The tremor that shook her small body made Phoenix's cock harden instantly. He was grateful that the elevator didn't take too long, because he found his control slipping with every minute he was with Mia.

And to think, the day was just beginning.

Chapter Eighteen.

"WHERE ARE WE going?" Mia asked, trying to mask the tremor in her voice after she and Phoenix had climbed into the backseat of the Escalade.

From the moment Phoenix had taken her hand, she'd been completely overwhelmed by him. His touch was like an electric charge that warmed her, brought to life things inside of her she hadn't realized had gone into hibernation.

And he smelled...

God, she was pretty sure it was a sin for a man to smell that good. She had no idea what it was - cologne, body wash, aftershave, or his own natural scent - but whatever it was, if a retailer hadn't bottled it and started making money on it, they were definitely missing out.

"I thought we'd begin by..." Phoenix paused as he glanced down at his phone.

Mia followed his gaze and noticed he was reading something. She saw the word skydiving and decided to look closer. "Is that a list of...?" She leaned in closer to see that it was indeed a list of what appeared to be things to do, sent from ... Tarik.

Looking up, Mia caught Tarik's golden gaze in the rearview mirror. "You looked these up for him?" she asked directly, smiling.

She couldn't see his mouth, but his eyes crinkled just enough for her to know he was smiling back at her. "I did."

"Is this the sort of thing you usually do? Doesn't seem quite fitting for a bodyguard."

Tarik's gruff chuckle was enough of an answer, so Mia turned her head and met Phoenix's liquid green eyes. "You couldn't figure out where to go on your own?" As she watched the embarrassed expression flitter over his features, she fought the urge to laugh.

"That's what I pay him for," Phoenix said, a guilty glint in his eyes.

"Well, Tarik," Mia said, pulling her eyes away from Phoenix, "where do you suggest we go?"

"I provide facts; Phoenix makes the decisions," Tarik said, the growl in his voice lending a hint of danger to the guy.

"Not today he doesn't," Mia replied, looking at Phoenix again. "But since you seem so interested in the list, where have you decided to take us?" she asked, smiling.

"I thought we'd start out slow," he answered as Tarik pulled out of the parking garage and onto the street. The rain immediately started pounding on the roof of the SUV, making it difficult to hear.

"And what does that mean?"

"Have you been to an indoor skydiving place?"

Mia choked. "Indoor what?"

"Skydiving."

"No, I can't say that I have," she replied, wondering if he was serious. She hadn't even heard of such a thing.

"It's simple. They put you in a wind tunnel. The air is blowing from beneath you, which lifts you off the ground. Essentially, it allows you to see what it's like to be suspended in midair. Not quite the same thing, but still quite a rush."

"Oh," Mia smirked. "Is that all?"

"Do you think you can handle it?" Phoenix inquired, the dare in his tone like a blinding light.

"I can handle whatever you can dish out," she said confidently, swallowing hard and hoping he didn't notice.

"Then that's where we'll go first."

"First? Where else are we going?"

"I've got a list," Phoenix said as he held up his phone. "It'll be a full day."

"When do I get to pick where we go?"

"Why don't we take turns?" Tarik stated, more a command although he had phrased it as a question, his eyes peering back at her in the mirror.

"We can do that," Mia said, looking over at Phoenix again. "You think you can handle that?"