Three Under the Christmas Tree: A Gay Menage Romance Read online

  Contents

  Title

  Blurb

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Thank You

  Author Bio

  Titles by Silvia Violet

  Ace and Gavin haven't had a threesome in far too long. When Ace meets the perfect guy to join them, he can't think of a better way to kick off the holiday season.

  Jonathan is charmed by the sexy couple, and he quickly realizes that what started as a fling has the potential to be a whole lot more.

  Gavin feels their connection just as strongly, but even after weeks of the three of them hanging out, he's afraid to suggest they turn their friends-with-benefits arrangement into a serious relationship.

  The joy and shared experiences of the season have a way of making magic happen, if only all three men could find the courage to ask for what they want.

  Three Under the Christmas Tree by Silvia Violet

  Copyright © 2017 by Silvia Violet

  Cover art by LC Chase

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this eBook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Published in the United States of America.

  Three Under the Christmas Tree is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are fictionalized. Any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Is it too early to give you a Christmas present?” Ace asked.

  Gavin looked up from the article he’d been reading—or rather from dozing off while trying to read. He must have heard wrong. “What?”

  “A Christmas present. I want to give you an early one.”

  Was he kidding? “You know my thoughts on anything Christmassy before Thanksgiving.”

  “But I think I found the perfect thing, and it can’t wait.”

  “A house on a tropical island and a three-month sabbatical?” Work had been especially grueling for the last month, and Gavin was desperate for some time off.

  Ace wrinkled his nose. “Okay, it’s not that perfect. Or…well…maybe.” Ace looked back at his phone and started typing.

  “What are you doing?”

  Ace grinned at his screen. “Looking for someone who’ll appreciate me since you don’t want my gifts.”

  Gavin snorted. “Get off Grindr and get over here.”

  Ace stuck out his lower lip. “But I just found a hot twink who desperately needs my dick.”

  Gavin rolled his eyes as Ace slipped into bed, phone still in his hands.

  When Ace didn’t say anything, Gavin’s curiosity got the best of him. “So what is this present?”

  “I thought it was too early to talk about Christmas presents.”

  “It’s too early to exchange them, not necessarily to talk about them.”

  Ace shook his head. “Nope. You had your chance.”

  Gavin groaned. “I don’t need any more stress right now.”

  “Presents aren’t supposed to be stressful.”

  Gavin loved Christmas—in its proper season. But he hated big surprises, and Ace had that look, like he was planning something huge. “Wondering what you’re up to is stressful.”

  “Now why would that be?”

  “Says the man who decided to put in an offer for a new house on a whim.”

  “That was—”

  “The man who surprised me last year with a pool table.”

  Ace huffed. “You love it.”

  “It takes up a whole room.”

  “I said we should get a bigger house.”

  “And I said—”

  “Shh.” Ace put a finger over his lips. “I haven’t pushed, have I?”

  Gavin studied Ace’s too-innocent face as he considered that. “Not out loud.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Those looks all the time when I complain about the house. I know what they mean.”

  Ace chuckled. “I tend to forget just how well you can read me.”

  “Yes, you do. So. The present?”

  Ace grinned as he passed Gavin his phone. “Here. Check him out.”

  Gavin took the phone, but he continued watching Ace. “What are you up to?”

  “A few weeks ago, you said it had been too long since we had a threesome. I found the perfect guy.”

  “Ace, I…” Gavin’s words trailed off as he started reading the texts Ace and this man had exchanged. “Oh, wow.”

  “He’s gorgeous, isn’t he? And so your type.”

  Gavin frowned. “You’re my type.”

  “You love me, but you know you go for those curly-haired, innocent-looking boys.”

  Gavin studied the picture on Ace’s phone again. “Wait. How old is he?”

  “Twenty-five.”

  “Or so he told you.” Gavin would need to see some ID.

  “I actually know him, or rather know of him.”

  “From where?”

  “He works for Robert Carrington.”

  Gavin raised his brows. “So what? You asked Robert if he was legal?”

  “That would’ve been an interesting conversation. Carrington’s so uptight, I couldn’t get my pinkie up his ass. But Jonathan’s one of the new architects Carrington hired when he expanded a few months ago.”

  “He could be a child prodigy,” Gavin suggested.

  Ace rolled his eyes.

  “Fine. That’s unlikely. But how did you end up talking to him on here?” Gavin tapped the phone.

  “I was looking, hoping I might find someone who seemed like a good match for us. I saw his profile, we started talking, exchanged photos, and I realized who he was.”

  “So it was a total coincidence.”

  “Yeah. I knew Jonathan was hot, but I had no idea he—”

  “Was everything we want?”

  Ace grinned. “Exactly. A gorgeous boy who’s a switch, one who wants to trap you between us.”

  “Fuck.” Gavin reached under the covers and rubbed his cock. That did sound like the best Christmas present ever.

  “Merry Christmas?”

  Gavin laughed. “Did you plan to wrap him up in a bow?”

  Ace snorted. “I’ll ask him, if that would turn you on.”

  Gavin considered for a moment. “No, not especially.”

  “All right. No bows. Should I see if he can meet us on Friday?”

  “How about Saturday? I’ll have to work late on Friday.”

  Ace groaned. “Again?”

  “Yes, things won’t go back to normal until we settle this new investment deal.”

  “Normal still means working too much.”

  Ace had been telling Gavin to find a new job for years. But investment banking generally meant stress and long hours, and he did enjoy closing deals and helping local businesses. Not to mention, at his current salary he could retire early. “I—”

  Ace held up a hand. “Never mind about work. I just want to be clear that you’re accepting my early gift.”

  Gavin glanced at Jonathan’s picture and thought about the things he and Ace had discussed. How could he say no? “Just this once.”

  “Who knows what I might come up with next year.”

  “Ace.”

  “Where should we meet
him?”

  “Someplace quiet so we can talk.”

  Ace grinned. “We don’t really need to talk much, do we?”

  Gavin rolled his eyes.

  “Fine. You and your rules.”

  “I’m not fucking someone I wouldn’t enjoy having a conversation with. If I can’t imagine them staying the night and chatting over coffee while you make your famous chocolate waffles, then it’s no good for me. I need the whole package, not just a convenient place to stick my dick.”

  “Or a convenient dick to stick down your throat.”

  Gavin scowled at him, but Ace just laughed as he took his phone back.

  “How about Downtown Books and Java?” The coffee there was excellent, and they had plenty of tables at the back of the store.

  “That’s perfect.”

  After Ace typed out a message, he set his phone on the nightstand. Then he reached under the covers and wrapped a hand around Gavin’s semi-hard cock. “Why don’t we stop talking and do something about this?”

  Gavin arched up, pushing into his hand. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Ace ushered Gavin into Downtown Books and Java. The independent bookstore/café was one of their favorite places, and it was an unintimidating place for a chat with a potential partner.

  He was more nervous than he ought to be. This wasn’t new territory, so why were butterflies swooping around his stomach?

  “You nervous too?” Gavin asked.

  Ace sighed. He hadn’t meant to give himself away, but Gavin had that uncanny ability to know what he was feeling even when no one else could.

  “Hell yes, but I don’t know why.”

  Gavin squeezed his arm. “Maybe it’s because he seems so perfect. You want your gift to work out.”

  “You said this couldn’t be a gift.”

  “It’s…a Thanksgiving gift. How about that?”

  Ace smirked. “I sure hope I’m in for some thanks after we get him in our bed.” He glanced around the store as they approached the coffee counter. “I don’t see him.”

  “Well, we are really early.”

  “I like to get here first.”

  Gavin snorted. “You like to get everywhere first.”

  “I sure do.”

  Gavin lingered by a display of historical romances.

  “Do you really need more of those? Don’t you have hundreds at home?”

  “One of these days, I’m going to find one you like, and then you’ll see.”

  Ace raised his brows. “Not going to happen.”

  “Come on.” Gavin took his arm and steered him toward the counter. “Let’s order something.”

  “You order for me. I’ll get us a table and watch for him.”

  “All right, but if he gets here, try not to be too…”

  “Obnoxious?”

  Gavin shook his head. “No, overbearing.”

  “What? Me?”

  “Go.”

  Ace grinned as he made his way through the book stacks at the front of the store. There were some tables as well as sofas scattered throughout, but he wanted to sit at one of the more private tables near the back.

  Fortunately, only one of those tables was occupied. It wasn’t time yet for the place to be flooded with students preparing for exams. Most of the people in the store seemed to be trying to get Christmas shopping out of the way rather than relaxing with a coffee.

  Ace sat facing the door—which he could just see past the shelves and displays—and tried to ignore how his body buzzed with anticipation. It had been far too long since he and Gavin shared their bed with another man. And after chatting with Jonathan and discussing what each of them liked, he couldn’t stop thinking about watching Jonathan fuck Gavin.

  Settle down. You’ve got a while to wait.

  He wasn’t certain they’d take Jonathan home that night. This was supposed to be just a chance to make sure they were comfortable with each other.

  He and Gavin had had an open relationship ever since they’d gotten together eight years ago, and they’d each had other relationships along the way. Gavin tended to make long-term connections, while Ace usually had one night or a few weeks of fun with a guy and moved on. But occasionally they’d meet someone they both wanted, or they’d seek out a third. Ace had never told Gavin this, but he’d often wondered what it would be like to have a three-way relationship on a more permanent basis. But even if they never did have something more permanent, he was almost certain they were going to have a very fine time with Jonathan.

  Gavin headed his way, carrying two coffee cups. When he reached the table, he set one down in front of Ace.

  “Black with absolutely no flavor for you.”

  Ace snorted. “I don’t see why people need to ruin the taste by putting all that shit in their coffee.”

  “And a pumpkin-spice latte for me,” Gavin said, very deliberately ignoring him.

  Ace rolled his eyes.

  “It’s delicious. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  “I know what I’m not missing.” Ace inclined his head toward the door.

  “Is that him?”

  “It certainly is.”

  Gavin smiled. “Damn, he’s hot.”

  “Told you he was your type.”

  Ace waved to Jonathan, who waved back and gestured to communicate he was going to grab a coffee before he joined them.

  “Is he stalling?” Gavin asked.

  Ace laughed. “You’re so damn impatient. He probably knows he won’t be able to leave once he joins us.”

  “Optimist.”

  Ace patted his shoulder. “Relax. It’s going to go great.”

  “You don’t—”

  “Hush and enjoy your present.”

  Gavin sighed. “All right.”

  ***

  Jonathan waited impatiently in the coffee line. Ace looked exactly like his photo. Big, ginger-haired, and like he could lift a guy with one hand. No false advertising there. And his partner, Gavin, was just as hot with that buttoned-up businessman look that Ace said he shucked the second you got him in bed. And he was submissive too. Just the thought of holding him down made Jonathan’s cock swell. Wow.

  Jonathan wished he could calm his nerves. He’d done this before and fucking loved it, but when it was over, he’d wanted more, and the guys he’d been with only wanted a one-night fling.

  He had to assume the same would happen with Gavin and Ace, but he was determined to be fine with that. One night of OMG-amazing pleasure would be worth it. It had been before. Of course two nights—or more—would be even better.

  So ask them if they’re interested in more.

  I won’t know for sure if they’re interested in anything until we talk.

  Ask for what you want, or you’ll never get it.

  He could do that when it came to kink and safety, but he struggled when it had to do with the more romantic side of things. He just wished he was better at casual. Maybe practice made perfect?

  He glanced toward the back of the store, trying to see Gavin and Ace through the maze of shelves. They were gazing at each other, both smiling. They looked so happy, absolutely swoon-worthy.

  Maybe this was a bad idea. Should he tell them he’d changed his mind?

  No. A night of hot sex with them had to be worth whatever lingering feelings it might leave with him.

  Finally, it was his turn to order. He chose a regular coffee because he didn’t want to wait for the barista to make a fancy drink. He quickly added a pack of sugar and a splash of cream and then made his way toward the back of the store. His heart pounded much too fast, but he wasn’t about to turn away, not with the way Ace and Gavin were looking at him.

  “Hi,” he said when he was close.

  Ace gave him a gorgeous smile. “I’m so glad you wanted to meet us.”

  “You’re certainly everything you promised.” He wasn’t usually that bold. But their obvious interest and Ace’s relaxed posture made him feel co
mfortable. There was definitely chemistry there.

  The blond man held out his hand. “I’m Gavin.”

  “Jonathan, though you can call me J.” He set his cup down so he could shake Gavin’s hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.” Gavin’s grip was firm, and he held Jonathan’s hand longer than necessary.

  Jonathan sat down then, but he wasn’t sure what to say. Wow, y’all are gorgeous. I’m in didn’t quite seem right. He glanced around the store for a moment. “I love this place. I started coming here when I was in college.”

  “Did you go to NC State?” Ace asked.

  “Yeah, I was in the College of Design. I work at an architecture firm now.”

  Gavin gave Ace a meaningful look, but Ace didn’t respond. Jonathan tried not to worry about what that meant. “What about you two?”

  “Oh, I’m from Wisconsin,” Gavin said. “I ended up here when I took a job with Henson Bank.”

  “I went to State, but I’m sure I graduated long before you were there,” Ace said.

  “I’m class of 2013.”

  Gavin made a sputtering sound.

  “Um, yeah,” Ace said. “We’re bit older than that. I graduated in 2001 and Gavin in 2003.”

  Jonathan didn’t mind that at all. “I like older men.”

  Ace grinned. “Good. Do you get together with older men often?”

  “Not that often.”

  Gavin scowled at Ace. “He didn’t mean to imply…”

  “I know. And it’s usually for this.” He gestured between them.

  “A three-way?”

  Jonathan nodded. “Yeah, I’ve only done this a few times, though.”

  “Did you enjoy it?” Ace asked.

  “I did. That’s why I responded to you. I’ve been wanting to do it again.”

  Ace’s dark eyes brightened. “So have we.”

  “Do you want to go home with us?” Gavin blurted out.

  “He has no patience,” Ace said. “He couldn’t even wait to let you be a surprise.”

  “Oh. You did talk this over, though. I mean, you are both okay with this.”