Triple Stud by Tawny Taylor Page A

leather pants and black cashmere sweater walked by, flashing a stunning smile.
    Then again, maybe she wouldn’t laugh at herself.
    She sent him a smile right back, and to her surprise, he halted mid-stride, turned a one-eighty, and headed straight toward her.
    Oh God, he was amazing.
    Hoping she didn’t look as dazed as she felt, she stared for a few seconds, letting herself just take him in. Broad shoulders. Narrow waist and hips. A face that looked both powerfully angelic and erotically wicked at the same time. And shaggy dark hair that skimmed his collar and flopped flirtatiously over one eyebrow.
    That was... ohmygod ...the one and only Hayden Ross.
    Oh wow, she couldn’t believe she was standing here, in Hayden Ross’ house. Inside, she was hopping up and down like a rabbit that had overdosed on caffeine-laced carrots. Outside, she was no doubt grinning like a dork.
    His eyes glittering, Hayden offered a hand. “You’re new. I’ve never seen you at one of Bastet’s gatherings before.”
    “ Yes, that’s right. This is my first time.”
    “ Welcome.” While his dark eyes delved deeply into hers, his fingers slid around her hand, his thumb brushing over the back. “I’m Hayden Ross. It’s very good to meet you.”
    “ I know. I mean, I’ve seen pictures of you in the papers.” She fought a quiver. Who would have ever thought a handshake could be so sensual. “I’m Jan--I mean Jecelyn. It’s good to meet you, too.”
    One corner of his mouth quirked up, a pair of scrumptious lips curling into a lopsided grin. “Jecelyn. That’s a very unique name. Memorable.”
    Exactly why she’d chosen it. “Thank you.” Her gaze dropped to their joined hands. His skin was deeply tanned compared to hers, his fingers long and tapered, his nails neatly trimmed. They were strong hands. Strong but gentle. A wave of sensual heat radiated through her body as she imagined what he might do with them.
    Slowly his fingers unfurled, one at a time, until her hand was free of his grip. She let it fall to her side. Slightly self-conscious, she slid her palm over her latex-covered thigh.
    “ What game are you here to play tonight, Jecelyn?” he asked, stepping closer and tipping his head to the side.
    “ Triple Stud,” she managed to mutter.
    “ Very good.” His expression didn’t give away his thoughts. He merely nodded and motioned toward the hallway leading deeper into the house. His hand parked itself at the small of her back, and a ripple of heat drifted up her spine. “There’s a room for each game. Can I show you the way?”
    “ Absolutely. Thank you.” Concentrating on every step, every sway of her hip, she slowly walked past the staircase and down the corridor, doing her best to stay in character. Her footsteps sounded on the polished stone floor, a soft tap, tap, tap that didn’t come close to echoing the erratic hammering of her heartbeat in her chest.
    Several closed doors lined both sides of the corridor. At the end, she found a lush living room. Perched on couches and chairs were men and women, chattering in soft voices. None of them were wearing latex.
    The instant she entered the room, all eyes turned to her. Her stomach dropped to her toes, and she leaned back, wanting to turn around and make a hasty getaway. Hayden’s hand, pressing at the small of her back, kept her frozen in place.
    Well, she supposed she could look at the bright side. She wasn’t invisible now. Pasting on a smile, she moved deeper into the room, steered by the gentle pressure on her back. A pair of attractive men glanced at her host behind her then stood as she came closer.
    “ Jeceyln, these are two very good friends of mine, Sergio and Troy.” Sergio stepped around her side, standing next to Hayden. “Serge, Troy, this is Jecelyn. She’s new.”
    “ It’s good to meet you,” Sergio said, taking her hand.
    Oooh, gush. Sergio spoke with an accent. Italian, maybe?
    “ Thank you.” Nervous, and feeling like the kid who