“Come on in.” I stand to the side and let the guys in the house.

“This is for you.” Desi hands me a bottle of red wine. My fingers touch his hand as he passes it to me and that electric buzz explodes over my skin again.

“Thank you,” I breathe. Somehow, I manage to force myself to stop staring at his bright blue eyes, but it’s not easy. “Welcome to my home.” I lead them inside.

Well, it’s not quite a home yet. It’s all still too new. I’m still trying to get my shop set up and slowly unpacking the rooms as I go. It’s a big job and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by how much I need to get done. I’ve been tirelessly working at it, but there’s still so much to do.

Tonight isn’t about that, though. Right now, I’m going to open this wine and start enjoying some company. It’s felt pretty lonely over here by myself. Since my family and I aren’t close, it’s not like we call each other for support or anything. Being the new girl in a new place is exhilarating and it’s scary.

On the one hand, I can be my true self here. In this town, I’m not some drunk’s daughter. I’m not the little girl everyone pitied when her mama passed. Here I’m whoever I want to be. It’s a fresh start with my art and a fresh start with my life. On the other hand, I’m still figuring out who I am. There are some things I know for certain, like that I want to have a family of my own. And then there are some things I’m only just discovering, like how these guys seem to be awakening a desire deep inside me I never even knew existed.

“Thanks for inviting us over.” Desi smiles. “It smells amazing. I can’t wait to eat.”

“And you look amazing,” Zach chimes in. His green eyes scan me from head to toe and make the butterflies in my tummy come alive.

“Thank you.” I tuck a strand of the hair I worked so hard to give some volume to behind my ear and smile. I can see it in their eyes, at least I think I can, that they’re interested.

I’ve never been the popular girl before. In high school, I was so shy I was practically invisible to guys. I didn’t really date until my senior year and the boys I went out with were not even a shadow of these men. I’d like to say that once I graduated I really got more confident and came into my own, but that would be a lie. This is the first time in my life I’m really owning my path and feeling comfortable in my own skin. It’s the first time I’ve started to realize there isn’t some kind of choice between being either plus-sized or sexy. I can be both.

I am both.

And from the way Zach and Desi are both staring at me, like they’re hungry for a hell of a lot more than just a meal, it’s impossible to feel like I’m anything less than stunning.

“You really do. I mean, you always look pretty, but… wow,” Desi agrees.

“You guys clean up pretty good too,” I answer. Not that they look bad in their uniforms. Not at all.

“Can one of you open this? The wine opener is on the counter there. I’ve got to check on the food.” I hold the bottle in front of me and Zach grabs it.

“I’ll do it.” His green eyes twinkle mischievously and he follows me into the kitchen.

“I’m the one who brought it,” Desi complains, hot on his heels.

“Yeah, man, we know. And now I’m the one opening it. So, it’s basically like we both brought something to the dinner. For you, it was the booze. For me, the brawn.” He twists the corkscrew into the top and pulls it open with a loud pop. Zach flexes his arm like a powerlifter setting a new high record at the gym.

I can’t help but laugh. These guys crack me up. Suddenly my giggles dry up as I remember the food. I don’t want to burn it. I’ve been working hard on making everything perfect all afternoon. Opening the oven a crack, the delicious scent of a perfectly cooked roast assaults my senses.

“Damn, that smells awesome.” Desi practically drools as he peeks in over my shoulder.

“I hope you guys enjoy it.” I bend over at the waist, pushing out my bubble butt, hoping I can do more than just get their stomachs hungry. I pull out the perfectly cooked roast. From another rack, I pull out the Yorkshire puddings and double stuffed potatoes too. I spread the food out on the counter and take the lid off the carrots I steamed on the stovetop.

“Dinner is ready. Let me get your plates for you.” I start to reach for the stack I have waiting by the stove, but the guys jump in.

“No way. You made the meal. Let us serve you,” Desi jumps in.

“Yeah, sit down, have a glass of wine. We’ll bring this all out.” Zach shoos me away into the dining room. He fills my wine glass and goes back in the kitchen. I ease back in my chair and take a sip. This is nice. A girl could definitely get used to this kind of treatment.

Moments later, the guys are bringing in beautiful plates of food. One of them did a fantastic job of thinly slicing the roast. Desi gently places my plate in front of me and both men sit beside each other on the opposite side of the table from me. It’s like being on a date. With both of them. At the same time. And I’m strangely fine with that.

“Thank you.” My gaze dances back and forth between them. I’m lost in Zach’s green eyes for a moment and then find myself imagining my fingers threading through Desi’s hair. My fantasy gets the better of me and my nipples grow taut as I find my thoughts leading down a path where none of us are wearing any clothes and we’re all tangled up in each other.

I focus on the food, trying to push the naughty thoughts away. I cut into the meat and take a bite.

“Mmm,” Zach moans, “this is so good. I think she cooks even better than you.” He nods at Desi and I raise an eyebrow.

The two of them exchange a glance. It’s like they both understand each other without saying anything, but the look is lost on me.

“Oh, do you cook?” I tilt my head and look at Desi.

“Can he ever,” Zach chimes in. “Not like this, though.”

“I do what I can.” Desi eats his meal. “He’s right, I’m not this good.” He waves his fork at his plate of diminishing food.

“What about you? Are you a good cook too?”

“Me? Nah. I’d burn water if it was possible.” Zach laughs.

“He’s not much for cooking, but if you ever want to go dancing, he’s your guy,” Desi answers. “I’ve got two left feet, but this guy brings the moves.”

There’s that look again. They exchange a conversation wordlessly. It’s easy to see that they’re close, the way they prop each other up. They clearly care about one another. It would be a real shame to separate them, wouldn’t it?

A sultry smile kisses my lips as I find myself imagining them doing everything together. Showering with me, reading with me, making pottery, taking me to bed. In every single case, it’s always better with both.

“I’ll have to keep that in mind. I’ll let you cook the meals”—I point at Desi—“and let you take me dancing.” I point at Zach. “Sounds like a good deal to me.”

“Me too,” Zach agrees. “So, what’s for dessert?” He leans back in his chair and looks down at his already empty plate.

I’m surprised by how quickly he devoured his meal. But then, I realize we’ve all pretty much finished. It’s funny how the idea of being naked with two of the sexiest men to walk the planet can distract you like that.

“Well”—I choose my words carefully, thinking over what I’m about to say—“I made some chocolate mousse, if you’re interested.”

“It sounds great.” Desi’s eyes smolder as he stares across the table at me. “But I’m starting to think what I’m interested in isn’t on the menu.”

I swallow hard. Does he mean what I think he means? Am I willing to offer them both more? Am I ready to make my dream a reality? I realize I want this. I’m ready to see where this can go, if they are.

“No, there is one other dish.” I twist my hair around my finger nervously and bite my lip.

“What’s that?” Zach eyes me closely.

“Me.” The word comes out as barely more than a whisper.

“So who’s the lucky guy who gets a taste of your sweet pie?” Desi locks eyes with me.

“You both can”—my heart is beating fast as I manage to stay confident and make the crazy offer—“at the same time.”