She shook her head against my chest.
Fuck. There was no doubt where those two were headed after a few drinks. I sighed.
“You might not be able to stop your sister from following in your parents’ footsteps, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined for the same.”
I loved having her in my arms, loved the soft, warm feel of her, but she was so strong and independent, I was torn between being thrilled she sought comfort from both of us and sad that this was making her so upset enough to accept it.
“You’re meant for more than that,” Jackson said firmly.
She pulled back again, but slowly this time. She looked between us, but wasn’t running away. “How do you know?” Genuine confusion filled her eyes as she took another step back. “I don’t get it. Why do you guys want me? For all you know I could be just like them, blasé about relationships and unable to commit and—”
I cut her off with a kiss. “You aren’t any of those things.”
“But how do you know?” she insisted. “I ran out on you in Minneapolis, just like Jackie will with that biker guy in the morning. I’ve never been in a real relationship. I wouldn’t even know how. For all I know, I’d be just like them and—”
“Are you dating anyone other than us right now?” Jackson interrupted.
She stared at him for a second before rolling her eyes. “Of course not.” Then her mouth hitched up in the start of a smile. “When would I have time? I’m either with you or sleeping off what we did together.”
Jackson grinned. “And you just said you’ve never been in a real relationship before, right?”
She nodded.
“So why wouldn’t you be able to commit?” Jackson took a step toward her and I wrapped my arms around her from behind.
I picked up where he left off. “Being able to commit isn’t a hereditary gene,” I said. “It’s a choice. You can decide whether you want to be like them or whether you want to use that experience as a guide for what you don’t want in a relationship. You could learn from them and make different choices. Better choices. Besides, it’s easy to commit when it’s with the right person.”
Jackson nodded in agreement. He stood right in front of our girl, his hands cupping her cheeks. “When Dash and I see you, we see that big heart of yours. There’s no doubt in our minds that you’d be the most loyal and loving wife and mother two men could ever hope for.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Leaning over I whispered in Avery’s ear, loudly enough for Jackson to hear. “I’d like to note for the record that it was Jackson who mentioned marriage and kids tonight. Not me.”
She giggled and I loved the sound. “Duly noted.”
Jackson pretended to scowl, but I knew he was just as happy as I was to hear her laugh again.
I felt her back expand and contract as she took a deep breath. “You really think I have what it takes to commit, huh? And you’re willing to bet on that?”
“Baby doll, we’d put our money on you any day of the week.”
She squeezed my forearm that was around her waist in thanks.
“It’s a choice, sweetheart,” Jackson added. “We’re just hoping that you choose to be with us.”
Her silence lasted so long I started to worry that we’d pushed her too hard. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she said she needed some time to herself tonight. But instead, her tone was low and sexy when she half turned so she was facing us both. “No handcuffs needed?”
All the blood in my body went straight to my cock.
“No handcuffs needed,” I confirmed. “If you’re a good girl.”
“What do I get if I’m good?” she asked.
“How about a bigger sized plug and a good fucking?” Jackson asked.
“And if I’m bad?”
She was a vixen. Instead of answering, I bent down and threw her over my shoulder. Jackson stepped out of the way so he didn’t get taken out. She laughed the whole way upstairs as Jackson pretended to chase us. I gave her a swat on her jean-clad ass and knew she’d like whatever we did to her, bad girl or not.
11