BRENNA

“I want to thank everyone for being patient. I know these last couple of months since my move have been hard, but things are starting to come together. I’ll talk to you all next Friday.”

I wait while each member of my team says their goodbyes and signs off. Everyone but Liv.

As soon as we are alone on the video chat, she leans in and asks, “What’s wrong?”

Oh, where to start. I pick up my pen and chew on the cap, trying to decide what to tell her. “Nothing’s wrong. Why do you think something’s wrong?” I say, trying to feign innocence.

“You’re distracted, and you kept straying off topic during the meeting,” she says. “And you’re chewing on your pen like you haven’t eaten in a week. We’ve been friends for six years. I know your tells.”

“It’s just a bad habit.” I drop the pen and fold my hands over it. “That doesn’t mean there's something wrong.”

“Fine. If you don’t want to tell me…” Liv lets out a dramatic sigh and flops back in her chair. “So begins the slow death of our friendship. I knew this day would come. I just didn’t think it would happen so soon.”

“You’re being a drama queen. Just because I don’t want to talk about it—”

“Ha! I knew there was something wrong,” Liv says, pumping her fist in the air. “Tell me. You know you’ll feel better.”

Maybe I should tell her. It’s not like I have anyone else to talk to. And at least I know Liv won’t judge me. I can really use an outside opinion.

Mind made up, I tell Liv everything, starting with the kiss.

“Wow. You go from not dating to having two men. Why didn’t you call me earlier? I know this must be overwhelming for you.”

“I didn’t know what to say. This isn’t a normal dating problem. Is it?”

“No, sweetie, this is a unique situation, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help. You’re my best friend. I’ll always be there for you,” she says with so much sincerity I want to cry. I miss her so much. “Besides, how dare you keep this from me? Two hot men want to share you. Holy crap. I can’t even. Please tell me you said yes.”

And there’s the Liv I know and love.

“I didn’t say anything. I don’t know what to do,” I say, carrying my laptop over to my bed. “After being with Dean, I thought I was finally over Tyler. But then he kissed me, and all those feelings came rushing back. I thought if I confessed, it would make things simpler, but it just complicated things.”

“No, you didn’t think it would be simpler. You were hoping Dean would make the choice for you.”

“No, I didn’t. Okay, maybe. I mean, if he broke up with me, I wouldn’t have to decide. And if he forgave me, well…” I shrug and bite my lower lip. “He did forgive me, but then he was all have us both. What am I supposed to do with that?”

“Uhm, have them both?” Liv says in her most sarcastic voice. “Unless you just want Tyler. You’ve been pining over that man for as long as I’ve known you. Don’t feel bad about breaking up with Dean if that’s what you really want.”

“But that’s just it. I don’t want to break up with Dean. I’m falling in love with him. Real love that could lead to something, but you’re right, I’m still in love with Tyler. I’ve dreamt about reuniting with him since I left. But both... I’m not sure how I feel about wanting them both—together.”

“I see your dilemma,” Liv says, nodding her head. “But don’t worry, I swear there’s never been a case of someone dying from too many orgasms.”

“You’re such a perv,” I say, laughing, but her joke is enough to lighten the mood. I’m so glad Liv is my friend. I’m not sure what I’d do without her.

“You know, it doesn’t have to be double penetration every time you're together, does it?”

My cheeks burn hot as I imagine being fucked by both of them at the same time. Is that what I really want? The better question is, will I ever stop thinking about it. “You’re not helping. I’m more worried about the non-bedroom stuff. How would we even make this work? Would Tyler just be there for sex or are the three of us going to try to patch together some kind of franken-relationship? Will I be able to show affection to one of them without the other getting jealous?”

“Sounds like you have a lot of things to figure out, but if anyone can do it, it’s you,” Liv says. “I like Dean. He makes you happy, and the bond you share with Tyler is deep. You’re the most thoughtful and caring person I know. Your heart’s big enough for both of them if that’s what you want. And I’ll be here for you, no matter what you decide.”

“So you think I should do it? Date both of them? Have sex with both of them?” An image of both men touching me, naked and ready to please, flashing in my brain and I blush again. I hope Liv is right about the not dying from orgasm overdose.

“I would. You can’t tell me you’re not a little curious?” Liv asks. “At least talk to them about how you’re feeling. See what they have to say, and then decide.”

“You’re right. I’ve been avoiding them for the last couple of days, trying to figure out what to do on my own, but I’ve been driving myself crazy. I can’t avoid this any longer.”

“That’s my girl. But you have to promise me that I get a call with all the deets.” Liv smiles wide and rubs her hands together. “This so great. So much better than the Game of Thrones fanfiction I’ve been reading.”

“I’m hanging up now.”

“You can do this! Love your face.”

“Love you back.”

The screen goes dark, and I flop back onto my pillow. I still don’t know what I’m going to decide, but at least I’m not on the verge of a panic attack. I have a plan. I send Dean a text and ask to meet with them both on Friday at seven. Landon already has plans, so I’ll have the night free regardless of how it ends.

* * *

I check the clock on my phone for the millionth time. Six fifty-eight. It’s now or never.

I take a deep breath and try to settle the butterflies rioting in my belly. This is it. One way or another, everything changes after this.

I knock but don’t wait for an answer. I’m too nervous, and somehow it feels weird. If I’m seriously considering sleeping with both men, I should be comfortable enough to walk into their house. Right? Maybe I’m over thinking this.

Both the guys are waiting for me in the living room, enjoying a drink. Something dark, most likely whiskey. Dean stands as I get closer and takes my hand.

“I missed you,” he says and pulls me into a hug, kissing the top of my head.

I sink into his embrace, letting his woodsy scent surround me. God, I missed this. The warmth and safety of his arms. Some of the tension leaves me, and I pull away, finally sure about what I’m going to do.

And at this point, there’s no use dragging it out any longer than necessary. I get right to the matter at hand. “If we do this, how exactly would it work?”

“So you are considering it?” Tyler says, sitting up straighter in his chair.

“How do you want it to work?” Dean asks and tips up my chin, so I’m looking at him. “This is all up to you. We’ll do whatever you want.”

“That doesn’t help,” I say, frustrated. I know he’s trying to be supportive, but I need some clarification. Some boundaries. I need to know where they guys stand. “You’re the one who suggested this. What were you thinking? Did you want me to date Tyler? Alternating nights out with him? Or did you want…” A hot blush creeps up my neck, but I keep going. “Or all three of us, together. At the same time.”

My mouth goes dry, and I have to fight the urge to fan myself. I can’t believe I’m having this conversation. But I can’t deny the way I feel as both their gazes turn dark and hungry. Oh, yeah. All three of us it is.

Tyler finishes his drink and sets down the empty glass. “Dean and I talked about it. We both want you. Separate. Together. It doesn’t matter. But I can tell you this, the other night, watching the two of you kiss the other day was hot.”

“I’m open to whatever you’re comfortable with, but no matter what happens next, it’s just the three of us,” Dean says, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. “No one else.”

Tyler stands and heads our direction, eyes focused on me. “That’s not a problem for me. The only woman I want is Brenna.” He touches my shoulder and traces the line of my collarbone.

Something flashes in Dean’s eyes. I recognize it immediately. It’s the same look he gets when he orders me around in bed. “Then kiss her. Show her how much you want her.”

I’m pinned between the two of them. My heart starts racing as Tyler cups my chin and lowers his lips to mine. He’s a few inches taller than Dean, and the angle is awkward at first, but his kiss is slow and intense; demanding. I ease into it. The eight years that stand between us fall away, and I’m taken back. Dean presses against my back and brushes the hair out of my face. He wraps the long strands in his fist, angling my head back as Tyler sucks on my lip, nipping at the sensitive skin. Dean’s hard cock pressing impatiently against into my back as he watches us just inches away.

God, this is really happening.

“Do you want to take this back to the bedroom?” Tyler asks Dean.

“What do you think?” Dean says, kissing the back of my neck.

Am I ready for this?

A few weeks ago, I’d only ever slept with one man, and now here I am agreeing to a threesome. I feel like a walking That Escalated Quickly meme.

Tyler steps back and watches us, hunger and need burning in his eyes. An electric bolt races down my spine, straight to my pussy. Every concern I had earlier seems trivial compared to the burning desire coursing through my veins. They did this to me. Not just Dean. Not just Tyler. Both of them. So yeah, this is really happening.

I can do this. I want to do this.

“Yes.” I swallow and let out a shaky breath.

As if sensing my apprehension, Dean whispers against my ear, “Don’t be nervous. We’ve got you.”

Tyler trails a finger down my arm and takes my hand. “We’ll make sure it’s good for you.”

Honestly, I’m not sure how I managed to make it all the way back to Tyler’s room without collapsing into a puddle of want. Dean peels off his shirt and pants and then crawls onto the bed. He leans back against the headboard and makes himself comfortable. All the while, his eyes never leave us.

“Take off her clothes,” he says, and my heart picks up the pace.