The Experiment

Title: The Experiment

Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. Unfortunately. As you can see they would have a lot more fun if they did. But no, they belong to a lot of other people, including the wonderful actors who bring them to life.

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: JB/CW/GG (Not Slash) Please note, that I have nothing against Slash. I just don’t seem to be able to write it. This is a PWP-mostly. I think a little plot may have snuck in when I wasn’t looking.

Spoilers: Not really, no.

Authors Notes: This could take place anytime. Any season. But was inspired by the episode I-15 Murders. Something about the scene where the three of them are standing by the car, each of the men had an arm on the hood, behind Catherine’s back. It would not leave me alone until I had to write this. It’s the first fic that I’ve managed to finish in a long time, and I’m very excited about it. I hope it doesn’t disappoint.

Feedback: Caution! Fragile ego at play. Please be kind.

Thank you to Kelly for the Beta. It makes a lot more sense now than it did. Any mistakes are my own. Thank you Kelly!!

*********

New Years Party, at the LVPD.

Catherine felt her frustration level rise. In her desperation for an “adult” conversation, she had allowed Eckto cto corner her.

Instead of a “grown up” conversation, she got fifteen minutes of Ecklie asking her about her days as a stripper, whether that’s when she’d met Grissom, and how she had ended up studying forensics. The answer usually being “None of your damn business”.

Finally, she excused herself as politely as she could manage and went in search of Gil or Jim. Either one could at least hold up his end in an actual conversation. She hadn’t realized how much she needed the interaction until she found herself talking to Ecklie.

Looking around the party venue, she didn’t see either one of them. Rolling her eyes, she realized that she knew where Gil at least was.

As soon as she opened the door to Gil’s office she heard them. Gil Grissom, and Jim Brass, their voices low and rumbling. She had the open about six inches when the Big Mouth Billy Bass started. Their voices stopped and Grissom’s head popped around a shelf.

“Hey, Catherine, what’s up?” He asked.

“Gris, Brass. Just got tired of Ecklie,” she answered as she approached them.

“Ah,” said Brass. “Surprised it took you this long.”

“Is boring me to death, and asking about my days as a stripper-“

“Exotic dancer,’ Grissom corrected automatically.

“-Enough for Justifiable Homicide?” She continued unfazed.

“It is for us, but we’re on your side. It’s a jury you’d have to convince.”

“And they won’t have had the pleasure of meeting him.” Brass finished. “Unfortunately.”

“Yeah.” Catherine shrugged philosophically. “At least I’m safe here.”

“From Ecklie. Who knows, our conversation might bore you.” Gil said with a small smile.

“What were you talking about?”

The men exchanged a look that Catherine couldn’t decipher. Gil answered. “ Social and anthropological trends in today’s society.”

She turned to Jim, her eyebrows raised in question.

“Sports,” he replied.

“Ah. Sports are okay.”

The men just shrugged. Catherine gave them a suspicious look, not convinced that sports had, in fact been their topic. Their eyes shifted away from her. She thought. “Sex?” Gils eyes flew to hers, guilt so obvious to her familiar eyes. “Geez, Grissom, you need to get out more.”

“Don’t we all?” Brass tossed out.

“True.” Catherine allowed.

“You should talk,” Gil complained. “You could walk out there right now,” he gestured vaguely towards the door, “and find someone.”

“What are you complaining about?” Jim demanded. “You’ve got that whole mysteriouso thing going for you.”

“I don’t know what’s more pathetic,” said Catherine. Seeing the hurt look in Jim’s deep blue eyes, she lightly touched his arm. “Our lack of action, or us whining about it.”

The men grinned. “The lack,” said Gil.

“Oh yeah,” Jim seconded.

“It’s not that difficult to, um, change your status.” Catherine said firmly.

“After you,” Gil gestured.

“Don’t have to leave this room to make that change.” Her eyes widened, shocked at her own boldness.

The sound of a beer bottle landing in the trash startled her. Jim was grinning at Gil. “Life does, in fact, still hold surprises. I’m going back to the party,” and he started to walk towards the door.

Catherine’s eyes searched Gil’s. “Wait, Jim. You don’t have to leave.”

Jim stopped, his body held stiffly. “Watching doesn’t do it for me, Cath.”

“Watching is for birds, Jim.” Her eyes still held Gil’s, seeing confusion, curiosity, interest, and finally agreement in them.

“All the years I’ve known you, and you never cease to amaze me,” he said, a quirk on his lips.

“Yeah, sometimes, I amaze myself,” she responded dryly.

“Just what exactly are we talking about here?” Jim demanded his voice a little harsher than he may have intended.

Catherine understood; Jim Brass was a pretty straightforward guy, and he wanted a clear understanding of was was expected of him. She turned to face him, her eyes holding his. “Nothing that you’re not comfortable with, Jim. I promise.”

His eyes darted between her and Gil. “I don’t-“, he stopped and gestured toward Gil. “He’s not really my type.”

“Gil’s as straight as you are,”

“Yeah, but a lot more curious. Far too curious for his own good.”

“I also find it interesting that you assumed that I meant Gil when I, she she gestured vaguely.

He grinned at her, relaxing a little. “Do you really?” He stressed the word ‘really’.

Her cheeks colored a little, and she shot Gil a look over her shoulder.

Jim followed her gaze. Gil had been surprisingly quiet during this. “And what about you, Gil?” Jim’s voice was blunt, although not unfriendly. “How do you feel about Catherine’s,” he paused searching for an appiateiate word, “suggestion?”

Gil’s eyes flickered between his companions. “Like you, Jim, men aren’t really my, ah, cup of tea. But I think it could be an interesting … experiment.”

“Experiment?” Jim taste tested the word. “We could see how crazy we can make her.” The men exchanged a knowing grin.

Catherine’s eyes widened. “Now wait just a-“

Jim interrupted her. “You knew that Gil and I weren’t going to be swapping fluids, Cath. You knew you were going to be the f poi point. So be very sure of what you want before you decide to open this particular can of worms.”

Gil smirked a little watching his two best friends. Catherine had underestimated Jim, and was even now re-evaluating him. Unless he missed his guess, this would only make her want Jim more.

She licked her lips, as Jim’s eyes held hers, unflinching, and not nearly as hesitant as he’d been scant minutes ago. “We need ground rules,” she finally conceded.

“Agreed.” They both turned to Gil.

“Agreed.”

“Okay, you two start on those, while I go grab my kit.” Jim was referring to his overnight kit. They all had one for double shifts and the like.

“Why?” Gil asked, curious.

“Hope springs eternal, my friend.”

“Condoms,” Catherine supplied to a still puzzled Gil.

“Right. I’ll be back in a few.”

Catherine and Gil stared awkwardly at each other for a few minutes. “Do you still have that sleeping bag in the back of your Tahoe?” Catherine asked abruptly. He nodded. “You should go and get it.”

He looked around his office, registering that lack of a. “Y. “Yeah, that’s a good idea.” He moved to the door.

Once he left, Catherine decided to discreetly grab her own kit. She looked at the embryo dubbed “Miss Piggy” by the “kids”, and smiled fondly at the thought of her best friend. Then her thoughts turned to Jim Brass.

She considered him as she stealthily entered the locker room. She wasn’t sure if she was more surprised by his agreement or his hesitation. She realized that he’d been a little hurt, feeling like a tag-a-long. Jim was not unattractive, although not as traditionally good-looking as Gil. And while she’d thought he could be persuaded, if she were honest with herself, a tiny part of her had thought he’d be more eager, grateful even.

She admonished herself, Jim was a sexy man. And any lack of action in his life, was more a matter of limited time off and the effort ived ved than anything else.

She eased into Gil’s office, catching the last of Gil and Jim’s conversation, before the Bass alerted them to her presence.

Jim’s voice, “As long we’re in agreement.”

“We are. We’ll just have to wait and see what she wants.”

“We sure as hell don’t want to hurt her,” Jim said.

“Right.”

Billy Bass went off. He was still singing as Catherine carefully locked the door, and made her way to them. They had laid down the sleeping bag, and were sing ing opposite each other. She threw her kit next to Jim’s at the “head” of their makeshift bed, and then joined them.

She was a little surprised that they’d both returned and still seemed to be willing to participate. With the momentum broken for practicality’s sake, she thought that they might be back a square one.

“Well, guys, shall we sit?” She asked, her tone a little arch. They settled in the ce of of the sleeping bag, almost, but not quite touching. “So who won the coin toss?” She teased.

“Why didn’t we think of that?” Gil asked with a smirk.

“’Cause she’d have beaten the living hell out of us for suggesting it?”

“I knew there was a reason.” Both men looked at Catherine. “Jim and I talked. And while neither of us has any particular interest in the other, we do have definite interest in continuing this. So what we really need to know is what’s, um…”

“Off limits,” supplied Jim.

“Yes, right, off limits, for you.” “Yo “You’re talking positions, oral, anal and such?” She asked, wondering just when this had slipped so far out of her control. As the men nodded as one, she realized that she was still in control. These men were her friends, her best friends, they both cared greatly for her, maybe even loved her. They were teetering on the precipice of their individual comfort zones for her, because she asked them. They would never do anything that she didn’t want, and they’d sure as hell n hur hurt her. “I’ve never done this before, and I’m assuming that neither have you, so we’ll just have to pit bit by ear.”

The men shared a look. By some unspoken agreement Gil moved first, he cupped her face and leaned in to kiss her. Tentative at first, the kiss grew in confidence and passion. Then she felt a second pair of lips on the side of her neck. Gil’s arms slid around her back, Jim’s body pressing them more firmly into her. Jim’s hands moved her hair aside as he continued to nibble and kiss her neck and shoulder. Gil’s tongue teased hers into play as Jim’s mouth caressed the juncture of her shoulder and neck. She shivered.

Gil’s tongue had started to explore her mouth in earnest, her hands buried in the short curls at the back of his head. He pulled a little back, allowing Jim’s arms to overlap his, and gently caress her breasts from behind. As Gil recaptured her lips, he trapped Jim’s hands between them.

After seveminuminutes, Jim’s hand on her right breast slid away, only to be replaced by Gil’s. With the little bit of her brain still working, Catherine marveled at how two men doing essenti the the same thing could feel so different. They both caressed her nipples and fondled her breast. Gil’s touch was gentle, almost like the teasing caress of a butterfly kiss. Jim’s was firmer, maybe even rougher, although not at all painful. Both were arousing her beyond belief.

Jim’s other hand fell from her breast as Gil moved to unbutton her blouse. Jim’s hands cupped her shoulders in support as Gil carefully urged her back. Finally, she lay prone, stretched along Jim’s torso, cradled between his legs. His arousal pressed firmly against her back, as Gil finished with her buttons. He eased the blouse open, gazing warmly at her lace-covered breasts.

Jims eased her up a little so that he could pull the top off, then he unfastened the bra. After tossing them aside, he settled her back against him, a little higher up. As Gil lowered his mouth to her breasts, Jim guided her mouth to meet his.

One of her hands now rested on Jim’s thigh, the other clasped Gil’s head, holding him closer to her needy flesh.

Gil’s mouth was warm as he closed his lips around her right nipple, gently lathing it with his tongue.

She knew that the hand covering her other breast was Jim’s without having to look. She slid her hand further up his thigh to his erection. Her arm was at an awkward angle, but it was worth it for his reaction.

The normally unflappable Captain pulled away from her with a gasp, his hand on her breast tightened almost painfully and his hips thrust forward. This dislodged Gil for a second.

“Problem?”

Jim gently removed her hand, kissed the palm, and then placed it back on his thigh. “Not really. Our girl’s getting a little ahead of herself is all.”

Amusement glinted in Gil’s blue eyes as he took in Catherine’s all-too-innocent expression. “Is she? We should do something about that, don’t you think?”

As he spoke her hands had been busy removing Gil’s shirt

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Brass replied as Catherine threw Gil’s shirt in the same direction that hers had gone.

Gil was now naked to the waist. She ran her fingertips down his sternum, and then circled each of his nipples. His chest was mostly smooth, with a bit of hair encircling each nipple and trailing from his stomach to the edge of his trousers.

His eyes were half closed in pleasure as he let her go for a few long seconds. Then he lightly clasped her wrist, leaned in for a long thorough kiss and nudged her back into Jim’s waiting arms. She shifted around to face Jim as Gil started to unfasten her slacks. She stayed up on her knees to give him better access.

Meanwhile Jim cupped her head and brought her mouth to his for a series of long, passionate kisses. As he kissed her and caressed her breasts, and Gil eased her slacks off and dropped gentle kisses along her spine, Catherine started to unbutton Jim’s shirt. She ran her fingers through his abundant chest hair. When she gently scraped her nails over his nipples she got an appreciative grunt in response.

Clad only in her panties, she on the sleeping bag, a man at each shoulder. “You guys are a little overdressed,” She offered. She moistened her lips and ran a hand up and down each of their chests.

They hesitated for just a few seconds, then started to remove their shoes, socks and finally, their trousers. After a minute they were clad only in nearly identical plain blue boxer shorts.

Jim spared Gil a glance. “Somehow, I think I should be worried.”

Gil gave him his usual one-sided grin. “Probably.”

Catherine shook her head in amusement. “Yeah. But, I’m the one you should be worried about.”

The men exchanged a long look, and then spoke as one. “True.” They eased her onto her back, each man resting his elbow facing her. She cupped a hand around each of their napes and drew them down, one after another, for a kiss.

As they continued to alternate kisses, Catherine felt two hands explore her torso. Then Gil gently pulled away from her. He started a trail of kisses down her chest to her stomach. There, he paused and shot Catherine a look. At her nod, he pulled her panties down her hips. She kicked them free as Gil settled between her legs. He placed gentle kisses on the inside of her thighs, and then lightly blew across her curls. She shuddered.

Jim placed a series of wet, nibbling kisses along her neck and collarbone. He covered the breast farthest from him with his free hand, and leaned down to take the nipple closest to him in his mouth.

Gil lightly traced his tongue-tip around her clit, before gently sucking it into his mouth. Cath’s hips arched off of the floor. Gil cupped her hips and shot Jim a look across her body. She felt Jim nod, and then felt his free arm move from her breast to finally settle firmly across her hips, while Gil started tracing intricate patterns with his tongue. She squirmed and wiggled but couldn’t really move.

Jim sucked her nipple into his hot mouth, caressing it with his tongue. Between his ministrations to her breasts and Gil’s activities below, Catherine found herself on the edge very quickly. When Jim took her nipple between his teeth and tugged as Gil did the same with her clit, she tumbled hard over the edge.

Still shuddering from the force of her orgasm, she became aware that both men were gently caressing her as she came down. She looked at them fondly. “You guys make a great team,” she said still a little breathless. She looked down at her own nudity, then at each of them in turn. “Although, once more overdressed.” She could make out their erections straining against the front of their shorts. She sat up, once more between them.

The men exchanged another long look, then as one eased their boxers carefully off. Catherine stared unabashedly at them. Gil’s erection jutted proudly, long and elegantly shaped; much like his hands. Jim’s, while not quite as , wa, was thicker. Both looked painfully hard.

She took one in each hand and ran her palms over them. Gil’s eyes were again half-closed in pleasure, as he watched her hand on him. Jim’s eyes were shut completely, his jaw clenched as if in pain. She continued, but was unsure of the next move.

Jim settled the ques by by nudging her in Gil’s direction. She gave Jim a sweet kiss, before turning her attention to Gil.

As Cath knelt in front of Gil, she felt Jim slide beneath her, her intimacy hovering over his face. His hands on her hips guided her down within his reach. Catherine leaned forward onto Gil, kissing first his mouth, then down his throat and chest. She sucked each nipple in turn into her mouth. She urged him to shift so that she could reach his eager cock.

Gil’s legs were now nearly touching Jim’s broad shoulders. Although she knew that any touching between the two men was inadvertent, Cath couldn’t help the thrill that tingled up her spine at the sight.

Catherine lowered her head to take Gil’s cock into her mouth. And as Jim pleasured her; slowly thrusting a thick finger in and out of her as he sucked on and hummed against her clit; she pleasured Gil, taking him deeper into her mouth and stroking him with her hand.

They went on like this for a while, until Catherine hummed in approval of Jim’s actions, which in turn sent Gil over the edge. He gasped out a warning to Cath, but she redoubled her efforts. He gently cupped her head as his release tore through him.

He lay back, spent, after dropping a kiss on Catherine’s smiling mouth. He watched as Jim continued his ministrations to Cath, her eyes closed in pleasure, her lower lip clasped between her teeth. He thought that the expression her face as she came was awe-inspiring. Jim continued to thrust his fingers in and out of her, prolonging her orgasm.

Her head dropped to her chest as she caught her breath. Jim eased out of his position and knelt behind her. He trailed his fingertips down her bare back, followed closely by his mouth. She shuddered under his touch.

“Cath?” His baritone voice was gentle. Gil was interested to note that she shuddered again at the sound. “Is it okay?” Jim caressed her hips asking permission to enter.

She looked at him over her shoulder. “Yes. Please.” She braced herself on her hands and knees as she heard him fumble with the condom package. Then she felt the hard tip of his cock teasing her clit, and the entrance to her body. He firmly held her slender hips as he slowly and carefully pressed his way forward.

Fortunately she was well lubricated and able to accept his thickness comfortably. They both sighed once he was fully seated within her. “Oh yeah,” Jim said gruffly, “You okay, Cath?”

She made a sound somewhere between a moan and a purr, definitely affirmative in tone. Jim set a slow pace, not wanting their joining to end prematurely. Catherine’s eyes, closed in ecstasy, snapped open as she felt a tongue-tip trace the seam of her mouth.

Gil’s amused blue eyes were scant millimeters from her own. He kissed her again and again, maneuvering them so that her torso rested across his and they could continue to kiss. She made anroviroving noise at the change in angle.

She felt Jim’s hand tighten on hip as he picked up speed. And then it seemed to her that she felt hands everywhere on her body all at once. She stopped thinking altogether as she felt another orgasm rising quickly. She let herself go. As she came down, Gil was still holding her, staring intently at her. She heard Jim grunt quietly with each forward thrust and with a mischievous look at Gil; she reached carefully back, and fondled Jim’s balls.

“Jesus, Cath!” He all but shouted, both of his hands going to her hips as he reached his climax. He rested on her back for a few seconds as he caught his breath. He kissed her shoulder blade, before easing away from her and tumbling sideways to rest for a few minutes.

Catherine lay once more between the two men. They each had am arm around her waist.

She studied the contrast. Gil’s arm tan and lean with a light dusting of hair. Jim’s paler, sturdier and covered with dark hair. She caressed both of their forearms with one hand, a little amused that they seemed comfortable with their proximity.

Jim dropped moist, lazy kisses on her shoulder, while Gil seemed to be ready to go again. She dropped a hand to caress his hardening penis.

Jim rose to dispose of the used condom, tossing a new one at Gil as he passed his kit. Gil pulled Catherine on top of him, kissing and caressing her.

It wasn’t long before Catherine was rising up, wingwing Gil to slide inside. He put his hands on her hips to guide her movements atop him. Their pace was languid at first punctuated by hot kisses. The pace picked up speed slowly, until finally they were racing to the finish line. Catherine groaned out Gil’s name, then collapsed onto his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and dropped a kiss on top of head.

Once she caught her breath, she eased away and back into “her’ spot between the two men. Jim moved flush against her, his large hand caressed her; warm, gentle and undemanding. Gil’s hand rested comfortably on her stomach.

Catherine had never felt more sated or comfortable in her entire life. As the combined heat from their bodies warmed her, she dozed off, a faint smile on her lips.

She was awakened an indeterminate time later; something firm was pressed into her hip. She slowly opened her eyes and took inventory. She was half convinced it had all been a really great dream. But, that was not the case. Both Gil and Jim were each laying on their sides facing her. She was not surprised that she wasn’t cold. The amount of heat these two put off was amazing.

Jim appeared to be the one having the nice dream. Gil was sleeping soundly and very relaxed. She studied them for a few minutes, wondering if this was a one off, or if they’d ever do it again. She thought Jim might go for it. But she knew for Gil it would be difficult. Every time he’d be opening himself up a little more. Not just to her, but to Jim. But it was an ideal solution for them. None of them really had time to pursue a relationship. Not to mention that for her part, they usually ended up disappointing her one way or another. If he was good in bed, he couldn’t commit, or he was unable to hold a decent conversation outside the bedroom, or he didn’t understand her commitment to her job, all that without bringing her daughter’s need for her into the equation.

That would never be a problem with these two. Between the two of them they were the perfect man for her. And if she were truly honest with herself, she loved them both.

Deciding that she was wasting time, not to mention a perfectly good hard-on, she eased onto her side, facing Jim. She lightly stroked his face, down his neck, to his chest. She toyed with his chest hair for a couple of minutes. The large hand that had been resting lightly on her tightened as his eyes fluttered open. His first expression upon seeing her was surprise, followed quickly by a warm smile. He leaned towards her and brushed a light kiss across her lips. “Morning?”

She shrugged, not concerned. After the party, she doubted any of the “kids” would be in early. She gave him a minxish look, then looked down. He followed her gaze to his erection, trapped between them. He shot the still peacefully sleeping Gil a look over her shoulder.

She ran her fingertips lightly over the head of his erection. He rightfully took that as an invitation and leaned in once more to kiss her. He pulled her body tightly to his as he kissed and nibbled on her neck and throat. He twined the fingers of his “lower” hand in her hair. His other hand explored her torso at random; breasts, belly button, her back and her shoulder. All received a loving caress.

After several minutes of this, he gently urged her onto her back and ducked his head to capture one of her nipples in his mouth. He sucked and lathed it with his tongue. She clasped the back of his head, urging him closer still.

She felt his hand skim down her body, settling at the juncture of her thighs. One thick finger slowly pressed inside her as his thumb circled her clit. She let her legs fall open in invitation, not concerned that her leg was resting on Gil’s. Jim made use of the improved access to add a second finger; kissing her mouth and down her throat. He built her up slowly, easing off as she got close to orgasm.

He brought her to the edge three times, before bringing her off. After she recovered, she urged Jim to mount her. He grabbed a condom, fumbled it on, and settled between her thighs. He rested his weight on one elbow and forearm; the other hand guided his erection to her core. He cupped her shoulders as he slowly pushed his way home.

Catherine threw her head back, arching beneath him. He ran his mouth along the column of her neck as he slowly thrust in her. She slid her legs along the backs of his legs, enjoying the feeling of his coarse hair sliding against her own soft skin. He made an approving noise, then moved one hand to her tailbone; changing the angle. Now he slid against her clit with each thrust.

She moaned in approval. When he started to roll his hips a little with each thrust, she dug her nail into his backside to encourage him. He grunted a little in surprise and thrust a little harder.

“Oh God, Jim, yes, harder,” she moaned.

He hesitated, shifted a little, and then started to ram into her roughly. He was afraid that he was hurting her, but her expression showed only pleasure. “Yesssss,” she hissed. “Just like that.” Thus encouraged, he continued until he felt her tighten around his length.

He paused for a couple of heartbeats, as she came down. Then pulled back from her for a second. He held her eyes as he brushed her hair out of fac face. “You okay?” He asked gently.

“Mmmmm, yes.”

“Ready to go on?” He asked. She reached up to kiss him by way of reply. He eased up onto his knees, as she watched, wondering what he had in mind. He hooked her legs over his arms, her ankles near his head and leaned forward, practically bending her in half. “Still okay?” His voice was a little strained, buried deep within her as he was.

She shifted, sending him deeper still, and wrapped her ankles around his neck. “Now I am.”

His hands were on the floor next to her shoulders for leverage and support. He started slow, but picked up speed and force quickly. Soon he was pounding into her. She ran her hands up his straining arms, down his slick back, coming to rest on his bottom. She let her nails dig into the skin once more, urging him on.

He gave a few more short erratic thrust before finding his release, thrilled to feel Catherine come once more right after him.

He dropped his head forward, giving her a slow kiss before gently easing to the side.

As he turned to her, he noticed Gil resting on his elbow, watching them. The men exchanged a nod. Catherine smiled at Gil. “Good morning.” She leaned up to kiss him.

“Is it?” At her puzzled look. “Morning, I mean. I could tell it’s a good one.” He smirked.

Jim grabbed his watch. “Looks like we’re between shifts.”

“Best time to grab a shower,” Cath offered.

“Yeah,” Jim agreed. He eyed Gil. “How long have you been awake?”

“Oh God, Jim, harder, I think”

If Gil thought to embarrass Jim, he was to be disappointed. “All in all a very successful experiment, I think.”

“Not to mention satisfying,” Catherine contributed with a catlike stretch.

Gil looked closely at his two best friends. Maybe the only two people he truly trusted. They seemed relaxed, happy and not at all awkward. He took what was, for him, a huge risk. “In order to call it a successful experiment, it would have to be repeated under various conditions.”

Jim and Catherine exchanged a look, and then turned as one to look at Gil.

Catherine was surprised, pleasantly so. She gave him an approving nod and smile.

Jim was less surprised. He knew that Gil loved Catherine, just as Gil knew the same about Jim. Now that they had her, so to speak, they weren’t about to let her go back to the string of losers that she always seemed to get stuck with. As long as they could keep her satisfied; physically, emotionally and intellectually, she would stay with them. Jim figured that between the two of them they could manage. “Lot’s of different conditions?” He finally asked playfully.

“Lot’s and lot’s,” Catherine answered in kind.

Jim Gil Gil exchanged a knowing look. “Well, we wouldn’t want to half-ass such an important experiment, now would we?” Jim asked seriously.

“Of course not.” Catherine answered.

“Certainly not,” said Gil.

In perfect harmony, the three friends rose, the men each offering a hand up to Catherine, and went to throw on their clothes and shower.

The End