I worked so early I sometimes missed them completely, although coffee with Ryan was still a regular thing. But the one thing I promised myself — and my boys — was to come home before dark. To be there in the evenings, so that between their busy schedules and mine we’d always have some measure of time together.
Good time. Quality time.
It was still overwhelming when I thought about it, but it was starting to become less unbelievable. Yes, I had four boyfriends. Yes, they shared me between them. And yes… it worked for us. Worked for us in ways that might not possibly work for anyone else, under any other circumstances, other than ours.
And that was okay. That actually made it even more special.
Today was Dakota’s birthday. I’d already given him part of his gift when we’d woken up together that morning, sliding surreptitiously downward, beneath the sheets. The rest of his gift was in a little pink bag, on the seat next to me. His ‘request’ so to speak, which I’d model for him later, when the two of us were alone.
I had his cake on the seat next to me too. Black forest — his declared favorite. Maybe because of the little chocolate shavings on the icing, maybe because of the cherries. The truth was, I didn’t know — just one more little mystery to solve as we grew closer together.
My mind wandered to Ryan, just in from his most recent trip ‘home’. I could tell he was growing to like his father, and in time, maybe even more. They shared the same love of fishing, and planned to charter a boat together when he came out to visit. It would be interesting explaining the dynamic between the five of us. Somehow though, I knew there’d be little in the way of judgment.
As for Jason, he’d been the busiest out of everyone. Di Spatia was thriving as a mercenary force, and he’d procured contracts for his company that were both military and private. Ultimately it would put him in position where he’d soon retire from the Army altogether. The others could work with him too, and probably would. In time.
But more importantly? He’d been grounded. Centered. I slept beside him more than anyone, wrapped in his arms, but even when I wasn’t there his nightmares were becoming few and far between. We even talked about things sometimes, and leaving the past in the past. And while I didn’t think his problems were entirely solved, I liked to think he finally had an anchor: me.
Finally there was Kyle… my sexy soldier. The one who’d come up with this whole crazy idea in the first place. The one who’d brought me into their fold.
I owed him more than anyone, and I loved him too. Kyle had a lightheartedness that helped keep the others from becoming too serious. Just being around him me feel adored, and safe, and happy.
The horizon darkened as I turned my jeep into the driveway. Seeing the house always elicited a contented sigh. Especially at night, especially when it was all yellow on the inside and warm with light.
The house was perfect. Especially now that I’d fixed it.
Especially now that it had fixed me.
I was halfway up the walkway when I saw them, standing as a trio at the front entrance. Ryan and Jason stood behind Kyle, his arms folded across his big chest.
“Black forest?”
I had to laugh. “Of course.”
“You get candles?”
I frowned. “What do you think?”
“Paper plates? Streamers? Party hats?”
I smiled and leaned into them. “You guys can be overwhelming, you know that?”
They kissed me, one by one, each in turn. Slowly. Sensuously. Like a girlfriend.
A very lucky girlfriend…
It was like this at the end of every day.
Every awesome, amazing day.
“The birthday boy won’t be here for another hour,” Jason said. “Give or take.”
His hand slipped downward, over my ass. Or was that Kyle’s hand? With Ryan kissing my neck, and sending shivers up and down my body? It was hard to tell.
“It’ll only take us five minutes to set up,” I said. “Ten tops.”
A smooth palm made its way up my skirt. Two hands began rubbing my shoulders…
“What the hell are we going to do with the other fifty minutes?” Ryan asked slyly.