Quadruple Duty

There was dead silence on the other end of the phone. I took advantage of it.

“I have to go now Dawn,” I said. “Something’s come up.”

“A—Alright. But—”

“Goodbye.”

The word was cold and crisp, and ended with me tossing the phone so far to the other side of the bed it slid off and hit the floor. I was really pissed now. My partner had never once inquired about how I was, or how my vacation was going, or anything like that. Other than to ask when I was coming back.

Coming back…

With my week’s trial period reaching an end, I knew I had to make a decision. And in my head and heart? That decision had already been made. I wanted to stay. I wanted to continue what we’d started together, and see how it all developed. Emotionally. Physically… I wanted all three of these guys, and hopefully even Briggs if he ever showed up.

And yes, I also reveled in the idea

that once renovated, I’d get to actually decorate this amazing, incredible house I now called home.

“I want to stay,” I smiled, realizing the thought out loud. It felt good saying it. Hearing it, too.

I stretched out on the bed, shivering at the thought of Kyle’s electric touch. Grinning at the sensual recollection of Dakota’s sweet, soulful kisses.

I thought of Ryan, with his beautiful black goatee and smooth olive skin. Closing my eyes, I could feel his hands on me too. His motorcycle thrumming hot, steady, and powerful, just beneath my outstretched thighs.

“Oh yeah,”I laughed to myself, immediately in a better mood. “I definitely, definitely want to stay.”

Twenty-One

SAMMARA

It was a warm Saturday morning, and the house was relatively quiet. For once, no one was up with me. I got to watch the sun shatter the purple sky, then stream in through the kitchen’s beautiful stained glass window as I worked on draining my second cup of coffee.

Even the birds were quiet.

The whole thing filled me with a sense of peace, even though I had to go to the office. It wasn’t going to be bad, though. My list had come up with a few things I needed, but I’d waited intentionally until today so I could avoid Dawn altogether.

“So I heard you talked to our lead contractor?”

Kyle appeared behind me, settling his hands over my hips. His pelvis brushed my ass as he moved past me in the direction of the coffee maker, causing me to shudder with reminiscence.

“Yup,” I said, suddenly distracted. “Yesterday.”

“Does he suck?”

He was wearing what I’d learned was his ACU — his Army Combat Uniform. The camouflage fatigues looked sharp and crisp on him, accenting every curve of his gorgeous body.

“Actually he’s quite competent. One of the best out there for the area. I was surprised you were able to book him.”

“Yeah,” he scoffed, “well you should see what we’re paying him.”

“I did… and then I wasn’t so surprised anymore.”

He laughed as I handed him the sugar. Two spoons. A dash of cream. I’d always enjoyed fixing my boyfriend’s coffee, but now I had three of them to remember.

“So what’s the problem then?” asked Kyle.

“Nothing too big that it can’t be fixed,” I told him. “A few of the subs are bad. Cutting corners. Treating this house like it’s some standard reno job, which it most certainly is not.”

He brought his coffee to his lips and sipped. He was clean-shaven today. I had the urge to reach out and touch his face, to see how wonderfully smooth it was.