“Are they pressuring you to sell, you know,”—she pumps her fist—“when they’re applying pressure?”
“No.” I look up at the sky. “We don’t talk about it at all. We all agreed.”
“So what’s the issue?”
I shrug self-effacingly.
“You don’t want to fall in love?” Janine voices my answer.
“I don’t want to be left looking like a fool if I lose everything.”
“So keep your eyes open and bail at the first sign of trouble.”
“Simple as that?” I question.
“Simple as that.”
I really don’t think so.
* * *
Janine and Jack’swedding went off without a hitch. They looked beyond happy. And I was beyond happy for them. This day was a long time coming. But even with all the joyous festivities around me, it was all still a little empty. Or maybe it was just that I felt empty. Maybe it was Pops’ condition getting me down. Everything seems bleak knowing how little time he has left.
I carried that hollow feeling around with me all night as I danced and toasted and ate. As I watched two of my best friends start their life as one. Maybe marriage isn’t a death sentence, after all. I mean, not if it makes two people smile like that.
Close to midnight, I drag myself into Chase and Shane’s condo. They gave me a key and demanded I come home after the reception. They actually used the wordhome.
I didn’t protest, even though my pride told me I should. My independence, my mistrust.
Quietly, I sneak into their darkened bedroom. I pulled my rhinestone heels off ages ago, so my bare feet don’t make a sound. I stand on one side of the mattress watching them sleep under the small bedside lamp providing just enough light to show their handsome faces. Shane curled around Chase, both breathing heavily. Both peaceful and masculine and non-threatening. I’ve slept in their bed every single night since I’ve met them. They invited me in and never allowed me to leave. Truth be told, I don’t want to leave. Standing here now, I know what was missing tonight.Them.
Chase stirs first, peeking up at me with one eye. He immediately smiles, an expression so warm it could rival the tropic’s sultry climate. “Hey. You just going to stand there, or are you coming to bed?” He reaches for my hand and plays with my fingers.
“Bed.” I welcome his touch.
“You look pretty.” He drinks in my smooth blond hair, heavy makeup, and silver beaded dress.
“Thank you.” I can’t remember the last time a man told me I was pretty, and ever since I met them, they shower me with compliments every single day.
“What are you waiting for?” Chase tugs on my hand.
I don’t know where it comes from; the thought just suddenly bubbles inside. “I missed you tonight. Both of you.”
Shane perks up, lifting his face off of Chase’s bare back to look at me. “We missed you too, baby.”
“Yeah.” Chase becomes frisky. “Take your dress off and we’ll show you just how much.”
The invitation is just too enticing. I recognize that look in their eyes, and I can’t wait to see what kind of ride they take me on next.
I drop Chase’s hand and unzip the back of my dress, letting it fall lifelessly to the ground. They both growl desirously as I uncover my naked breasts and pointed nipples.
“That’s what we like.” Chase rises to his knees and pulls me flush against him. “You, in nothing at all.” He latches onto my behind with both hands and rolls his tongue into my mouth. I meet his kiss, thrust for thrust, reveling in the firm welcome. Shane quickly follows suit, delivering his own passion-filled kiss as Chase moves down my neck to suck one of my nipples into his mouth. I moan on contact as their palms roam over the peaks and valleys of my bare skin, and their lips claim what’s rightfully theirs. Chase shimmies my lacy thong down my legs before they both pull me onto the bed.
“Show me.” I let all my defenses down, sprawling out beneath their traveling tongues. “Show me how much you missed me.” Never have I allowed myself to be so vulnerable. But tonight proved one thing. I don’t want to be alone or without these two men.Ever.
“We will always show you.” Shane’s mouth meets mine for another fiery kiss before he turns to Chase and shares the same heated embrace. I run my fingers through both of their hair as their tongues tangle right in front of me. Watching them is so fucking hot. Hotter than I ever could have imagined. So raw, and carnal, and powerful. I slip my hand down between my legs wanting to get off on the virile show, but Chase brushes my fingers away.
“Not tonight. Tonight, your ass and pussy and pleasure are ours.”
