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“Oh my god, finally!” Aspen is dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, complete with a basket dangling from her arm, and she practically tackles me with a hug when I reach her. “We’ve been waiting forever.”

Callie grins and loops her arm through mine. She’s dressed up as Daphne from Scooby Doo. “Come on, let’s get you a drink and you can tell us everything.”

We weave through clusters of people as we head to the back door. Callie’s guys watch her as we pass by, each dressed up as a different Scooby Doo character. Brax is a goofy sort of cute with his Scooby ears. Callie smirks at them.

Their relationship is so perfect that I can’t help hoping mine will be the same as we pass through the open sliding door. The October air is crisp but not too cold, and someone’s strung up fairy lights that cast everything in a warm glow.

Aspen pumps the keg while Callie holds a red solo cup. “So,” Callie says, handing me the beer. “How are things going with your mountain men?”

I take a long sip and shake my head. “Frustratingly, not a lot is happening.”

“What do you mean not a lot?” Aspen’s eyes widen. “They were all over you before you left.”

“They were.” I lean against the deck railing. “But tonight they told me they want to show me,” I make air quotes with my free hand, “they want more than sex. So apparently that means keeping their hands to themselves.”

Both girls groan in unison.

“That’s terrible,” Callie says. “I mean, sweet, but terrible.”

“Right? I get it, but also . . .” I gesture vaguely with my beer. “I’m dying here.”

Aspen giggles. “You should just walk around naked. See how long their self-control lasts.”

“I actually thought of that,” I confess.

We all burst into laughter, and in that shared lightness, I’m so thankful I have the best friends in the entire world, because only they would support me exploring a relationship with three men. The party carries on around us. I quickly relax, a warm buzz settling in my belly that comes from good company and alcohol.

My phone buzzes. Sighing, I check it in case it’s a panicky email from a client.

UNKNOWN NUMBER

You look so pretty tonight.

Not today, Satan. I block the number, refusing to let Matt get under my skin. These mind games are weird and a little unhinged. I’m in too good of a mood to let him bring me down. Not when I’ve finally gotten through to the guys.

I do my best to listen to Callie and Aspen, but every time I scan the crowd, my focus pulls toward the guys like they’re my true north. Hudson’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, listening to something Knox is saying. Cole’s animated, telling some story that has Brax and Jax cracking up. Gage laughs along with them.

They’re clearly absorbed in their conversations, but whenever I look their way, they glance over, as if they can sense me too. The heat in their eyes is enough to make my body ache for them all over again.

“I need to use the bathroom,” I announce, setting my empty cup on a nearby table.

“Want us to come with you?” Callie asks.

“Nah, I’ll be right back.”

I make my way through the house, dodging couples making out in corners and groups of people playing beer pong. The main bathroom is occupied, but I remember there’s another one upstairs from previous parties.

I’m halfway up the steps when I notice a strong presence hot on my heels. I glance over my shoulder to find Hudson following me, green gaze locking on mine with a possessive heat.

“Are you following me?” I tease, continuing up the stairs.

“Just making sure you’re okay.” His voice is rough around the edges, and it sends heat pooling low in my belly.

I find the bathroom and slip inside, overly aware of Hudson waiting right outside the door as I take care of business. My hands shake slightly as I check my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed, and my lips are still slightly swollen from his earlier kiss. You can do this, Lily. You will have sex with all three of them and own it.

When I finish and open the door, he’s blocking my way out, one arm braced against the doorframe. The organ in my chest flips. I tip my head back to meet his heated stare, breath faltering. His gaze is hungry and hooded, full of barely restrained desire. It’s clear he has no intention of waiting until we get home.

“Hudson,” I warn.