“You okay, Jen?”

Jenna was sprawled out on my office floor, consuming mini candy bars en masse as I tried to get through another chapter. I hadn’t asked anything when she’d shown up saying she just wanted to hang around while I worked, hoping she’d talk to me without pressure. She seemed a little pale, tired, her usually perfected image slightly mussed.

“I’m not sleeping very well,” she admitted.

I turned from my screen, giving her my full attention. “Jen, are you pregnant?” Jenna gaped at me for a second before laughter erased some of the shadows in her eyes.

“No, Em, I’m not pregnant unless there has been divine intervention. I’ve just been stressed lately.” She tugged on her hair, rolling onto her back to stare at the ceiling. “I’m getting older, Em. I’m just not happy anymore, and I’m not sure what will make me happy. I feel like I need a fresh start.”

“So why don’t you make a fresh start?” I questioned, leaning back in my chair. “If you don’t like the inn anymore, just sell it.”

“It’s not the inn,” Jenna muttered. “Not really, at least. I like most of the people who come through it. I just feel like I’m in a rut. I don’t want to date anymore, really. I’m sick of taking every day as it comes. I never thought I’d want routine, the same structure every day.”

“Why don’t you add structure then? Change up how the inn is run. Offer a theme or a B&B style. Pick up a hobby.”

Jenna wrinkled her nose. “A hobby?”

“Yeah.” I warmed up to the idea as I considered it. “You used to bake all the time. You’d make jewelry.”

“Kid stuff,” she grumbled, grabbing another Milky Way. I threw the stress ball from my desk at her.

“It’s not kid stuff. Fine though, pick up something more active. Hiking or yoga.” I wasn’t the queen of exercise but Troy was all for it, so I figured I was safe advocating it.

“Blech.”

I sighed, leaning forward to tug lightly on her hair and get her attention. “I know how hard it is to let the hours slide to days, the days to months. It feels like you exist just to get through the day. It’s comforting in its own way, even when you hate it. You know the expectation of it. Right now your expectation is to wait for something to happen to you. Change it around. Make things happen. Even if it’s just as simple as making a cake, it’s still something active you’re doing for you.”

She considered me quietly, her eyes searching mine. “I thought I was the one who was supposed to give advice.”

I chuckled, turning back to my computer. “When it’s necessary. It doesn’t mean you won’t need advice sometimes too. Just take me up on it, okay? You push me to change, to try new things, be more spontaneous. I’m saying you need to listen to your own advice.”

“I’m plenty spontaneous, thank you.” Jenna sneered at me, mouth full of caramel, and I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, and that’s why you’re bored. Try something new. Even if it’s just for a few weeks. You may decide you were happy in the spontaneous lifestyle after all,” I pointed out, before turning my attention back to my characters.

“Thanks, Em.” She paused for a moment as she swung to her feet. “I’m still taking your candy though.” She snatched the bag and fled giggling. I just shook my head, glad to see her out of her funk. I’d make her replace the candy though.

“Will someone please tell me where we’re going?” I tried to speak in an exasperated tone, but I knew I was failing. Today was Max’s date and he had taken charge from the very beginning. I had been surprised when he and Alex had gotten away from the office for the day, though Alex admitted they had worked extra hours the past few days to make up for it.

“It’s a surprise,” Max insisted again. He had knocked on my door earlier today with strict instructions to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and something I didn’t mind getting dirty. I briefly considered some of the outfits that Jenna had provided me before discarding the idea. Unsure of our activity, I didn’t want to ruin any of the pretty clothes. I had settled on an Atlanta Braves t-shirt to make the guys groan and a pair of jean shorts. Max had rolled his eyes when he saw my choice but held up his hands in submission when I moved to tickle him again. I wondered if any of the other guys were ticklish?

“Putt-putt?” I asked as we pulled into the little parking area. It was a family entertainment park with putt-putt, bumper cars, arcade games, and other activities.

“Amongst other things.” Alex offered a smile, all of them excited for the day ahead. I giggled, following them up to pay our admission.

“What do you want to do first?” Troy asked, pulling our little group aside to make way for the families passing through. I studied the list of options and grinned.

“Batting cages,” I stated firmly. The three chuckled and we grabbed tokens for the cages before we headed over.

“Ever used a batting cage?” Troy tossed the words over his shoulder, his larger frame helping to deflect people as he strode in front of us. “With your injury rate, I’m not sure if this was the ideal choice.” He glared at Max.

“I have, actually. I’ve got kids, remember? This is a normal day for me.”

“Well, then. How about you go first and show us what you’ve got,” Troy dared, passing me a token. I tied my hair back with the band I perpetually kept on my wrist and studied my choices. The cages were simple, only a fastpitch and slowpitch option. It seemed they weren’t very popular at the moment; most families had gathered on the putting greens. I shrugged, deciding to go for fastpitch. May as well go big here.

I gathered a helmet and tested the bats to find one that fit my height and wasn’t too awkward for my grip. Troy’s eyebrows rose in surprise and Max grinned, but no one said anything, simply letting me prepare. I stepped into the cage and took a few test swings of the bat. “Elbow up,” Troy called and I stuck my tongue out at him. Surprising me, Troy gave me a sheepish grin. “Sorry, coach habit.” He really could be sweet.

Alex and Max had stepped up next to the net, framing Troy on either side to get a good look. I put in a few tokens, waiting for the machine to click on as I found my stance. I hadn’t batted in a few years, though I had occasionally done so when Brooke was in softball or when the kids and I went to a play park. I let the first ball go by me, not even attempting to swing, simply tracking the speed and angle. “Eye on the ball.” Troy’s words were a low murmur, more to himself than me this time, and I smiled.

“Ugh.” I caught the next ball, but only managed to pop it up into the air. I shook my arms out quickly, adjusting my stance slightly before the next ball popped. This one I caught the meat of, sending it sailing and enjoying the way the vibration sung up my arm. All three men cheered, their smiles wide as I sent a wink over my shoulder. I wished I could have hit most of the pitches, but I was out of practice and only managed to hit a fair percentage. The first solid hit I had was my best one by far. My hands ached a little from my grip on the bat as I walked out to let the next person have a turn.

“Here, let me.” Alex grabbed my hand, fingers massaging the discomfort away as he rubbed across my palm and wrist. “Troy’s up next, then Max. I drew the short straw.” I laughed, enjoying the way his hands felt. I watched Troy hit ball after ball, sending each one flying back at the machine and catching in the high nets.

“Show off!” Max called through the netting. From the look Troy sent his way I assumed he wanted to flip Max off, but held himself back due to the possibility of children seeing him. Troy came to join me as Max took his turn. Max’s first hit was solid, and I turned to address the men next to me.

“Are you guys in a league or something? You’re really good.” Troy and Alex chuckled as the resounding crack of Max’s bat connecting with the ball echoed.

“We don’t have time for a league. Plus, you haven’t seen me bat yet,” Alex offered.

I snorted. “Oh, please, I don’t think there’s anything you’re not good at.” Alex chuckled wryly.

“There are quite a few things I’m not good at.” His eyes heated slightly, his hand reaching out to cup my neck before he added, “There’s quite a few I am good at though.” His tongue darted out, touching his top lip before disappearing again, his sweet smile back in place.

“Tease,” I muttered, turning my attention back to Max and hearing the deep chuckles of the pair beside me.

As Alex went to take his place, Max winced slightly. “Maybe you shouldn’t have picked the fastpitch cage,” he grumbled.

“Why?” It seemed like the best place for us since we weren’t trying to practice bunting and we had all obviously done it before.

“You’ll see,” Troy muttered, rubbing at his temple as though he had a headache.

Alex took his place and I could immediately see what they meant. His stance was weak, his hips almost entirely facing the ball shoot making him an easy target to hit and preventing him from getting the torque that would allow him to really hit the ball hard. “Um, is he always like that?” I asked, unsure how to say it nicely.

“We offer lesson after lesson. Alex enjoys watching sports. You say you’re klutzy, and you are under general circumstances. Alex is a sporting klutz,” Troy admitted quietly. “I still don’t know how you manage to get through a day without needing emergency medical care. Yet you had no problem with the batting cage.”

I shrugged. “It’s kind of a thing with me. I don’t know if it’s just because I’m lost in my own head a lot or what. If the activity is dangerous, I usually do fine. I’ve broken apart radiators with a sledgehammer, put tiles on roofs, gone hunting.” Max and Troy were gawking at me now, apparently wondering if I was simply messing with them. Alex’s first ball flew by and had already connected with the net before he swung for it, making my lips twitch. “It’s true. I worked a lot when I was a teenager. Home repairs aren’t free, and I learned to hunt in Georgia. Give me something simple though, like walking to the door, and I fall on my face. I cut myself with safety scissors, and I break fingers trying to tear apart cardboard boxes.”

“Your life is very dangerous,” Max declared, eyeing me warily.

I chuckled. “Oh, you have no idea.” I proceeded to watch Alex miss every single ball that came his way, though he did accidentally drop the bat and nearly took a ball to the face when he went to retrieve it. He came out with a smile though, having enjoyed himself even without managing to hit anything.

“Good job,” I said, unsure if I should giggle or apologize for picking the batting cages.

“Thanks!” He seemed excited as he grinned at his friends. “Told you I could do it.” He turned to me to explain. “I usually get hit at least once with a ball. Today I didn’t get hit by any.” I laughed, pulling the bat and helmet from him to put it away.

“For the sake of my heart, let’s play something else, hm?”

Alex’s eyes heated as he stepped closer to me. “I’d like to play.” Max and Troy grew quiet, watching the interaction, and my breath caught in my throat. Suddenly a high pitch noise broke the tension between us and Alex groaned, grabbing his phone from his pocket and striding away quickly. I stared at his retreating back in confusion.

“Emergency line,” Max explained quietly. “Only a few clients have that number.” His voice was grim. “It’s never good when it goes off.” I frowned in concern, watching Alex pace and run his fingers through his hair. He was back a few minutes later, all the light gone from his eyes.

“I’m sorry, guys. I didn’t expect this or I would have ridden separately. You okay if we head home now and do a redo of this date another day?” His grip on his phone was tight, lines of worry carved deep into his mouth and by his eyes.

“Of course.” I jumped in immediately. “Whatever you need.” Our group was somber now as we made our way out of the park. Alex was texting furiously on his phone, Max shooting him some concerned glances as Troy drove.

“We don’t share clients.” Max shared with me in a whisper. “Not always, at least. Since he hasn’t said anything, I assume it’s not for one of mine.”

“Is it bad?” I asked, my voice as soft as his.

Max nodded slowly. “If it’s that line, it’s very bad. He can’t give you details.” He caught the look in my eye, knew I would try to offer to help. “He’ll talk in generalities if he needs to vent later.” I nodded, my mouth pressed into a thin line as I stared at Alex. He waved a goodbye at the guys and dropped an absent kiss on my lips as he jogged to his car, not even bothering to change.

I tried a smile out on Max and Troy, though I knew it wasn’t as bright as it should be. “Well, since things went topsy-turvy, does anyone feel like a movie?” They murmured their agreement, joining me in my living room. “Netflix. Hulu. There’s a huge stack of movies there in the cabinet, but they’re mostly kids flicks.” I motioned to the tv stand.

Troy grabbed the remote, flipping through the offerings as I went to grab drinks. “Lemonade all right?” I called, affirmative murmurs meeting my question. I grabbed a tray for the pitcher and glasses, somehow managing to smash my finger in the cupboard. I swore, running it under cold water to try and relieve the sting. At least none of the guys had been in on the moment to see that. They still believed that without constant supervision I was likely to end up with a life-threatening injury, especially when the kitchen was involved. I arranged a plate with cookies as well before heading back into the living room. Max grinned when he saw the cookies, reaching over to snatch one.

“I really have no idea why you weren’t taken,” Max stated as he swallowed a chunk of cookie. “You’re gorgeous, you cook like a dream, you like baseball. Any man’s dream girl.” I shook my head, my lips twisted in a wry grin. “Hey,” Max called out, reaching over to grab my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I wasn’t teasing. I meant each word.”

“He’s right,” Troy admitted. I rolled my eyes as I pulled away.

“You don’t need to try to flatter me, you’ll get cookies either way.” I tried out my grin on them again. “Did you pick a movie yet?”

“National Treasure?” Troy’s voice was hopeful as Max groaned.

“Again?” he asked, shaking his head.

“It’s funny,” Troy argued back.

“I’m good with it.” I dropped down on the couch between them, passing them both a glass as I poured out the lemonade. “Max, you can pick the next one. No horror though!” I added quickly with a small shudder.

Max grinned broadly. “Ah, finally something I can hold against you!”

“Tickling you is far easier and more effective than you trying to scare me with a horror movie,” I pointed out dryly. “I can handle most suspense, but I don’t like scary movies. I like movies that make me feel better or even ones that make me cry or think. Not ones that give me nightmares for weeks!” The guys chuckled, their attention turning to the screen. Troy’s hand massaged my leg while Max wrapped his around my shoulders, stroking my arm lightly. Both appeared to be absorbed in the movie, chuckling or making commentary, yet all I could think about were their hands on me. I tried not to squirm as Max’s strokes slid across my collarbone and Troy’s massage pressed deep into my inner thigh. “Oh my god, enough of this.” I turned into Max, pressing my mouth hard against his, leaning into his solid chest and letting him pull me closer.

“Were we distracting you?” Troy murmured, humor and heat clear in his voice as he watched me kiss his friend. A few stolen kisses at the ends of my dates weren’t enough anymore. They had fanned the spark into a flame, and now I hoped I would finally have a chance to enjoy them, movie be damned.

I pulled from Max to look at Troy, Max’s arms winding around me to keep me up against him. “I want to play if you want to.” I glanced at Max, letting him know the question included him as well.

“Oh, I want.” Max skated his lips down my neck and made me arch into him.

“Of course we want to,” Troy agreed, reaching out to stroke a hand down my back, stopping just above my butt as he shifted onto his knees behind me.

“Then more kissing, less talking.” I tossed the demand at him with a grin, turning back to Max to claim his mouth again in a hungry kiss.

Troy chuckled, surprising me as he buried his face in my neck. His hands maintained a steady grip against my hips as he rocked against me, letting me feel the full the length of him as he sucked and nipped at the tender skin of my throat. “This couch may not be the most convenient with the three of us.” His words were nearly a gasp as I mewled into Max’s mouth, distracted by the sensation of his cock rubbing against the thin, tender skin at the base of my spine.

“Bedroom’s through there.” I indicated my room with a wave of the hand, simply grateful that I didn’t need to attempt the stairs and could continue to focus my attention on the pleasure that they were providing my body. If getting them onto my bed meant they wouldn’t stop and I could finally get some of the relief that I’d been missing, that was most definitely what I was going to do. Troy tugged on my arm, pulling me off of Max despite my huff of impatience and my clutching hands.

Max chuckled, sucking my fingers into his mouth, nipping at the tips before laving them with his tongue. “We’ll take care of you, Em, don’t you worry about that. Just a few more minutes.” I was simply glad I wasn’t drunk. This fire they created in me was all them, not emphasized by substances in the slightest, though I did worry mildly that I wouldn’t be able to take the two of them. Maybe I should have asked for pointers before we started, or paid more attention to the romance novels I had poured over when I was younger… Max’s mouth on mine stopped all logical thought, and I could only focus on his sharp, sweet taste spreading through me as his tongue dueled with mine and they blindly led me to my bed.

“No lights.” I gasped the words out when Max freed my mouth and Troy struggled to find the light switch. “Please.” I took Max’s mouth again, enjoying the way he appeared consumed in me, his sole purpose in life to kiss me until I couldn’t breathe.

“Tonight, anything you want is yours.” Troy murmured the words in my ear, his hands coming up to cup and mold my breasts through my shirt. I moaned in approval, hesitating only for a moment as he pulled my top away. My shorts were high-waisted and provided a modicum of protection from their wandering fingers.

Troy rolled my nipples between his fingers, making me hiss and arch back into him, wishing it was his mouth on me rather than his fingertips. Both of them chuckled and Max pulled his mouth away, burying it at the sensitive skin near the juncture of my throat and chin.

“You’re so damn soft, Emmie.” Troy’s words were an approving murmur, and I fought back the self-deprecating comments. I squirmed slightly and they loosened their hold, allowing me to turn and face Troy.

I tugged at his t-shirt, making an approving noise when he pulled it over his head and left me with his bare chest to explore. I nipped and licked my way across the hard muscles, my hands massaging the tightly shaped ‘v’ of his abdomen, digging my fingers into his well-defined hips as I trailed my tongue down his center. Troy exhaled a sharp breath, cupping my head and pulling slightly at my hair. Surprisingly, the mild pain only increased my pleasure.

Max cupped my hips, stroking up to caress my breasts, flicking open the clasp on my bra so that my chest was completely exposed to their searching fingers. A rustle behind me was followed by the press of hot flesh against my cooling back and I groaned, my mouth more active on Troy’s abdomen as I felt Max’s bare skin against my own. It was so twisted and hedonistic, all I could do was arch into him and absorb more of his heat.

“Good girl.” Troy’s words were a hiss. “You’ve got an incredible mouth, Emmie.”

I hesitated for a moment before tugging at the button of his shorts. I had been denied the chance to enjoy him thoroughly before and I hoped to rectify that tonight. He let me tug down his shorts and boxers, springing free into my hand, hard and hot. He groaned, thrusting into my hand and Max chuckled behind me.

“You feel so damn good, Em.” His words were soft as he licked over my throat, his bare skin brushing against mine and sending sparks shattering across my tender flesh.

They felt good too, but I was past words. I just wanted to enjoy them. I licked down Troy’s abdomen, twirling my tongue across the skin at the start of his hips, and he swore loudly, thrusting against me. I felt powerful and wanted, chuckling at the rise of sensations it caused in me as I teased my mouth across him, slow and light, a bare brush of lips.

“Oh, fuck, Emmie.” He clenched a fist in my hair, as though he wanted to direct me but was holding back. I swept my tongue out, swirling it across his head and enjoying the way he and Max both groaned. In a single motion I swallowed him, sliding him into the back of my throat, sucking hard as I pressed back against Max in the same motion. Troy nearly lost it, grasping my head and neck fiercely, swearing as if his life depended on it. “God damn it, Emmie!” The words were nearly a shout. “Your mouth is amazing.”

“Maybe I should take pity on him?” Max’s voice was warmly amused and he pinched my nipples lightly, tugging and causing me to twitch under his questing hands, my body pushing back into him as I enjoyed the play of his fingers. I heard the snick of a zipper and knew he stood naked behind me. I could only hum my approval, my throat working as I continued to suck and tease a groaning Troy. A moment later, I felt Max tug at the clasp to my shorts, dragging them free from my body and leaving the three of us completely bare in the cool air.

“Fuck, Em, I’m not gonna last.” Troy pulled from my mouth, much to my disappointment. Both chuckled at the irritated growl that slipped from my throat. “I think it’s time you let us enjoy you again.” Troy’s fingers were gently insistent as he pressed me onto the bed, both men simply shadows in the dark of my bedroom as they arranged themselves around me. “Max got to taste your honey before, it’s my turn now.” Troy flicked his tongue across me and I groaned, arching against him. It had been way too long, and I was horny as hell after sucking him. His tongue felt damned good against my sensitive skin.

“Can’t let him have all the fun.” Max’s voice was laced with humor and he brushed a kiss over my lips before wrapping his tongue and lips around my nipple, sucking and nipping, soothing each brush of pain with a slide of his tongue.

I stretched, so close to the pleasure they were promising me as I pressed myself into their ministrations. Troy’s murmur of approval vibrated up my thigh, causing a chain reaction of pleasure as his tongue thrust deep, swirling and twisting before he circled and sucked at my clit. I was shaking, and knew I wouldn’t last more than a few more strokes of his tongue. “I want to fuck you. Both of you. Please!” The words were a gasp, the only sound my overwrung body could make. Both of them had brought me pleasure with their mouths; now I needed their cocks in me. I needed to fuck them, and I needed it now. Max hissed, pulling his mouth from my breast and turning his attention to Troy, apparently waiting for his decision.

Troy danced his tongue in and out of me again, holding me tightly to his mouth as I gasped and writhed before pulling away again. “Normally I like to give the orders, but in this case, I’m happy to comply. I’ve wanted to fuck this pretty pussy for weeks now.” I could feel him shift, shuffling through his clothes as he turned his attention briefly to Max, murmuring something so low I couldn’t catch it as I waited desperately for them to return their attention to my body.

I heard foil rip and knew one of them must be rolling on a condom, and all I could do was mewl my approval, arching my hips and seeking them out. Troy grasped my hips and, in a single move, flipped me over onto my stomach, causing me to gasp in shock and arousal. God damn he was strong, just throwing my body where he wanted it.

“You okay, Em?” Max’s voice was rough, though his fingers were soft as they stroked up my throat to trace my lips. I nodded emphatically. I needed them, and I needed them now.

Hard hands grasped my hips and Troy pulled me back against him. “I am so ready to fuck you, sweet Emmie. You tell me if I go too hard.” His words were an order, not a suggestion, and he thrust in hard and fast. I could only shriek my approval, digging my fingers into the covers and pushing my hips back hard against him. It hurt, the burn and stretch of him inside of me, but it felt so damn good.

“Open, Em,” Max encouraged, sliding the head of his cock against my eager lips. I didn’t even think, simply opened my mouth, needing the taste of him as much as I needed Troy’s cock inside of me. The rhythm was easy, Troy pushing into me and pushing me farther onto Max, the way Max growled deep into his throat and helped me to push back against Troy. I could feel the heat growing inside of me, my orgasm building fast and hard.

I could only groan around Max’s cock as I sucked him hard, flicking my tongue over him until he gasped. “Fuck. Em. I’m going to cum.” I wrapped a hand around his back, preventing him from pulling from my eager mouth, and he shouted his approval, his salty, musky taste spilling across my tongue. Hearing Max come, Troy pounded into me harder and I couldn’t hold off any longer. Pleasure splintered through me and I moaned my approval, my muscles tightening around Troy who growled his approval. He lasted a few more strokes, the hard press of him igniting my tender flesh even further and extending my orgasm before he tugged hard on my hair, coming with a growl of his own.

The three of us flopped breathless across my bed, both men recovering enough to brush soft kisses over my tender flesh. “Damn, Emmie. I can’t wait to do that again.”

“Bet Alex is sorry he missed out now.” Max’s voice was laced with exhaustion and humor as he tangled his fingers with mine. I felt a pang of sorrow for my missing lover, but the pleasure and exhaustion overtook me. I couldn’t wait to do this again either. These guys really knew how to play my body, and I was already looking forward to the next time.