Merging Assets (2 page)

She headed to the coffee station and poured herself a cup. The office area was fairly small, but through a set of double doors, a bit concrete space with inventory stretched out and there were huge truck bays with loaders. Crystal had inspected and toured it all a few times. Lucky Springs didn’t have a ton of warehouse space and buying this was cheaper than building from scratch.

She spotted the men wandering out. They waved and smiled at her, but all had work to do. So did she, but Lance wasn’t due for training for half an hour. She was habitually early.

Andy walked up and smiled at her. “Morning. Everything in order?”

“Always. Ready for a little computer training this week? I hope you have enough staff to cover for the imposition,” she said.

“Hey, we’ve got to use the system so we need to learn it. We’ve got coverage. I just don’t want any bitching about the added payroll.” He sighed.

She understood that. The company wasn’t as harsh or cutthroat as some she’d worked for in the past, but a small business in a small town had to be conscious of costs if they hoped to survive. “I’d forward the HR training approval to Payroll just in case. I don’t control either of those departments. The new HR department head doesn’t really like me.”

“How is that possible?” Roman slid up behind her and grabbed sugar packet.

Crystal smiled at the second hunk. “Some women love to keep other women down. Like there’s only so much room in management for females. They want to be the queen and can’t let any other woman be right. I really prefer working with men.”

“Well, we love having you around. You can have that office whenever you want.” Roman smiled.

Fred came up for another cup of coffee. “Are you moving in?”

She shook her head. “I wish I could. My department isn’t here. It’s not that far, but I love the small office feel you guys have.”

“Maybe big corporate games aren’t your thing?” Andy asked.

Her smile disappeared. If she wasn’t great at her job and handling all of that, she didn’t know what defined her. “I don’t think anything in Lucky Springs is really ‘big corporation’. Smaller companies mean fewer opportunities. I had to work hard for my promotion so maybe I look a little competitive to some. That’s not always an attractive feminine quality.”

“You go after what you want. That’s an excellent attribute,” Fred replied.

“Thanks.”

He was so sweet and literal. Fred was clear, and Roman was obviously interested in her as well. At least, she hoped so.

“Work relationships get complicated. Co-workers, friends and so on.” Andy nodded. “Well, no worries. The office is yours, and Lance is yours all morning. If you need more time, let me know.”

“Thanks.” She could tell Andy had doubts about crossing any lines, but he was a manager. That job came with responsibility. She hadn’t told anyone at the company that the men were in a relationship. Andy supervising the others might not sit well with HR. Simmons hadn’t cared but HR would if they followed the company policies to the letter.

Adding her into the mix would only make it a bigger problem. She still wanted them. Working with them day in and day out during the buyout, she’d seen them at their best and worst. Andy was steady if cautious. Fred was logical while Roman and Lance were more easygoing and flexible. Lance even leaned toward daring while Roman was happy to hang back and watch.

“Are you feeling okay?” Fred asked.

She realized she’d gone silent. Lost in thought. At least, they weren’t naked in her daydream just then, or she’d be blushing. “Sorry. I need my caffeine buzz. I should be on my second cup by now.”

As she took a big drink of her favorite excuse, Lance walked up with his laptop, a notepad and pen. “Ready when you are, Ms. Capewell.”

She laughed. “When did I stop being Crystal?”

Lance pouted. “It’s a teacher fantasy. Don’t ruin it.”

“Lance,” Andy scolded.

Crystal’s cheeks felt a bit hot, but she liked the attention and couldn’t pretend not to. “It’s okay, Andy. If he gets out of line, I’ll smack him with a ruler.”

“Where exactly would I get smacked?” Lance kept the play going.

“Stop it before someone hears you,” Andy warned.

She had to put Andy out of his misery. “In the office,” she told Lance. “I’ll get some more coffee. Is there ice in the freezer?”

Fred nodded. “Of course. You want to cool off your coffee?”

“No, but I may need to cool off Lance later.” Crystal added some cream to her coffee then headed back to the office. It was nice that one of the guys was so bold.

Chapter Two

Training was dull as hell, except for being with Crystal. Lance picked up the information fine, but she wasn’t one to be easily distracted. Until he got the hang of it, she resisted all chitchat and flirtation like a pro.

“I think the book is pretty clear.” He followed along with the directions as she sat back.

Once he’d gotten through the entire entry, she nodded approvingly. “Excellent.”

“So did you miss us?” he asked.

“Of course, you guys are so nice. The auditors were a pain. The amount of red tape and waiting for the legal stuff to go through was annoying. Finally, we can get your place up and running. I just need to find some cost savings, as well.” She frowned at the stack of files she’d had pulled for review.

“Work is work. It’s never fun. I meant did you miss
us
?” He gave her a slow smile.

Her cheeks burned red. “I looked forward to coming back here again. Even if it’s just for a little bit.”

“We could see each other outside of work. I know the other guys like you as much as I do.” Lance hated wasting time and loved to take a chance.

She shifted in her chair and leaned closer. “I’ve seen you, Andy, Fred and Roman are all closer than friends. Nothing inappropriate at work but a touch or a kiss. So you four are in a relationship?”

“Yep, a nice stable one. Andy is a bit nervous because of the new owners.”

She frowned. “I just wouldn’t announce it to HR or the higher ups. That’s potentially a problem for them.”

“Well, if it becomes an issue, we’ll handle it. I don’t worry about what I can’t control—like flirting with you. Can’t help it even if Andy wants us to be professional. He’s worried about sexual harassment stuff.” Lance rolled his eyes.

Crystal folded her arms. “Just me or flirting with female employees, in general? Or male ones?”

He loved that she wasn’t turned off by any of it. “Just you. We’ve got all the men we want. Groups happen naturally around here, and we know all we need now is the right woman.”

“Some of the groups could be all male. You never know.” She shrugged.

“Could be, but we’re not one of those. Finding the right woman has been a challenge. We’re a lot to put up with,” he said.

“Really? You could just hire a housekeeper and a cook, if that’s what you need,” she teased.

“That’s not what I meant or what we need. Roman is a great cook. Fred is good with the cleaning schedule so we all do our share. The balance just isn’t right. We’ll live with it until the right woman shows up, but it’s a challenge.” Lance studied her curves.

The foursome preferred a woman of substance instead of a skinny one. They’d kept their eyes open, but it wasn’t as easy as some in Lucky Springs made it look.

“Dating as a group, I can only imagine. My friends sort of fell into it, but I’m not quite that fortunate.” She sighed.

“What if you were?” he asked.

She smiled. “It’s hard to believe three or four men would all want me. Love me. I see it’s real for my friends, but I’m not exactly built for average tastes.”

“Above average, certainly. Don’t underestimate all men. Some of us might be worthy.” Women were sensitive about their weight, but Lance had never understood it. Life made everyone different. They all had strengths and issues. “Part of a group relationship is accepting people as they are. There are too many involved to try and change them. You have to nudge them in the right direction at times, but we’re oddly functional.”

“I believe you four must be.” She glanced at her watch. “Want to go over this procedure again. We’ve still have some time.”

“More time with you, absolutely. How about we have some non-work time, too?” He didn’t want to push too hard too fast.

“Meaning?” she asked.

“Lunch. Me and the guys?” he offered.

“Like a group date?” she asked.

He slid his arm along the back of her chair. “Why not? See how it feels. Andy might not go. He worries about going out now that the new powers are in charge. He’ll be the one who needs the most convincing.”

“Convincing? I don’t know. If not everyone is on board with a date…” Her smile disappeared.

Damn! “No, that’s not what I meant. He’s worried about the business angle. We all work for the same place, and he’s got the responsibly. He thinks we don’t get it, but worrying won’t change it.”

“That’s true. I wish I could be that relaxed. Going out with four men. It might seem normal here, for some, but it’s a little overwhelming.” She licked her lips.

Lance resisted kissing her. “Don’t be shy. Ask whatever you want. Say whatever you want. Honesty is the best way to work it. If you’re unsure, say so. We’re a good team.”

Her smile grew bigger. “All of you are bisexual?”

“Oh yeah. Don’t worry, we share nicely.” Lance stood up. “Okay, I’m going to give the guys a heads up about lunch. You don’t freak out or runaway on me.”

“You think I’d run away from four attractive and very nice men who want to share me in bed? Maybe, you don’t know me as well as you think?” she replied.

“Maybe but I’m liking you more the longer I’m around you.” He winked at her as he left the room.

* * * *

At this end of town, there weren’t a ton of food choices so she’d let them pick. A Cajun and barbeque place turned out to be perfect. She enjoyed spicy chicken and dirty rice as they sat at a picnic table outside where there was just enough privacy to be able to talk.

“I feel bad that Andy didn’t come along,” she said.

“We do too. It’s the business. Not you,” Roman assured her.

She nodded. “I understand, but if it’s a problem, maybe we shouldn’t start anything?”

Fred shook his head. “I disagree. First of all, this is just a lunch like any friends could do. Plus, the way things might go with us is a normal situation for Lucky Springs. I realize that a bigger company makes more policies to follow, but the company is owned by men from Lucky Springs. Do you know how many groups work together or meet on the job?”

“I do, but if he’s reluctant… Just trying to be honest here.” She wanted the experience. Hell yes, she did, and if it didn’t end happily, she could be a grown up about it when they worked together. But if one of them wasn’t truly into giving it a try, it was doomed.

“Honest is great. I think you deserve to see how Andy feels about it when he knows you’re interested. You’re both cautious types. Why don’t you come over for dinner?” Lance suggested.

“Right. That would be the best way to feel this out. He won’t fully let his guard down here.” Roman grinned.

“Sounds good. How did all of you get together?” she asked.

“Andy and I met in high school. Lots of experimenting there. Nothing really serious until we graduated.” Lance looked over at Fred. “We went to college and met Fred and his girlfriend at the time.”

Fred smiled. “Yes. She was good with things at college, but when she came back to Lucky Springs, it didn’t fit her. She wanted more. Went south to NOLA and got her hooks in some rich guy.”

“But you stayed?” she asked.

Fred blushed. “Damn right. Relationships take work, and without these guys, I might not have seen her true colors.”

They’d shared a woman—at least three of them had anyway. It hadn’t worked, and they were still together. At least, she wouldn’t cause trouble. She nodded and looked at Roman. “You’re the newest addition?”

“So far. I moved here after Katrina. Got a job and met these guys. No complaints except for the lack of the right woman.” Roman looked at her as if she were dessert.

“I see. So a group date tonight?” She knew this was already a group date but without everyone, but it felt off. Andy had to be in on it, or nothing would be right.

“Are you interested in this? That’s a critical piece,” Fred said.

She couldn’t say no. Her attraction to all of the men had been undeniable since the day she’d met them. Word that they were a group wasn’t hard to come by. Now she knew how long they’d been together and how stable of a group they were. “Obviously, Andy has to be in on it as well. If I weren’t interested, I wouldn’t be here, but it would be a new experience for me.”

“You’re handling a lunch date just fine.” Roman seemed reassured. “Andy isn’t the problem. He wants it, but everyone fears rejection a little.”

She could relate to that. “Rejection is part of life. We have to risk a little pain for happiness.”

“If you don’t like the idea, don’t say yes just because you don’t want to hurt our feelings. There’s no pressure really,” Fred said.

The fact that three of them had tried a relationship with a woman and it failed made her a bit nervous. “I don’t feel pressure. It’s new, but if I said I hadn’t thought about you four, I’d be lying. It’s tempting, but if it doesn’t work out…we have to be grownups and work together afterward.”

“That’s Andy’s hang up,” Lance said.

“He’s right, but as long as we know that and remember it, I’d rather try and know than not try and wonder.” She couldn’t pass up the chance of sleeping with four men. Watching them together was another sexy perk.

“That’s the only way to live life.” Roman sighed.

“I do have on logistical question.” She couldn’t help her curiosity or detail-oriented nature. Accounting habits die hard.

“What? There aren’t any secrets in this group,” Fred said.

“I’m assuming it’s all together as far as the intimacy. Not paired off. That sounds so weird. I don’t know how to describe it.” She wanted to cover her face. Not that she was ashamed of wanting it, but it was outside her norm.