The Arrangement

It sure didn’t feel that way. I was still reeling from that kiss. My mind still spinning with the vertigo of losing myself in the authority of his embrace.

Of succumbing to the strength and power of being held in his arms…

“First, no jealousy. I know you said that already, but you guys are lifelong friends. I don’t want to feel like I’m coming between any of you.”

“There won’t be jealousy,” said Chase. The others nodded.

“Next, you’re not paying me my fee either. I’ll still shop, still cook, but I’m doing it because I’m your girlfriend now and because I love to do those things. In fact, I was born to do them. So from here on out, you’re no longer my clients. You pay only for groceries.”

Nathan raised his hand, like he was in class or something.

“What?”

“So we can pinch your ass while you cook now?”

I winked and blew him a kiss. “I’m your girlfriend, aren’t I?”

“Sure are.”

“Then yes.”

I paused to take a long, deep breath. Things were about to get crazy. Just about every aspect of my life was about to change.

But considering where I was now, things could only go up.

“Finally,” I said, “you cancel all the rest of those interviews.” I raised my glass and smiled. “You already found your girl.”

A couple of cheers and whistles went up from Chase and Nathan, and in Burke’s case, he raised his bottle. Together we toasted the whole crazy, ridiculous arrangement.

Now if only I could keep my heart from thundering out of my chest.

Ten

KAYLEEN

I didn’t move in until late Monday. Too much to do. Too much stuff to wash, pack up, and get ready — even for a just a single week.

Hey, I wanted to make a good impression.

I was busy all weekend also, making sure to get as much work as possible out of the way. I wanted to go into our little arrangement with a wide open schedule and a clean slate, even if that meant showing up with sore feet.

I thought about my three new boyfriends though.

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Shit, I thought about them a lot.

Chase and Nathan text-messaged me a bunch of times, both together and individually. Their texts were fun and flirty at first, growing bolder and more insinuating as the weekend drew to a close. That part was fine with me. I intended on “breaking the ice” as soon as possible, to keep things from being too awkward.

Burke however, remained silent.

I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. I decided it was a Burke thing, and left it at that.

Still, it was hard to imagine, having three lovers. Three different men, all with their own likes and dislikes, their own moves and flavor and style. Three hot guys… all willing to give themselves over to me, fully and completely. And hopefully, to take me as well.

You sure you want this?

Damn straight I wanted it!