Chapter 37

Krista

“Can you fucking believe we’ve come this far?” I’m practically shrieking with unstoppable and triumphant joy.

Over the last several months, the guys and I have put blood, sweat, and tears into the research to urge it to the success we’ve hit today. The tests and experiments are phenomenal, and coal mines with cleaner coal usage are trailing the horizon. The trials we worked so hard to produce are panning out in epically wondrous ways.

“I can believe it, because, baby, you…” King pauses and trails off to hit the punchline, “are a fucking rock star.”

I blush, because I’m still getting used to all the compliments the guys shower me with left and right.

“I think we all deserve a following of groupies,” I laugh as we walk into a local factory in Long Island.

This is our third stop on a ten-school-and-business-wide tour that we’re embarking on to test out our product with demonstrations. We need sponsors by the dozens, because let’s face it…with sponsors, comes money.

And with money comes the ability to produce more of our clean coal product. The clean coal initiative had been King’s idea—his baby that he nursed and trained until we were ready to hit the streets with confidence and pride.

“Let’s go knock em’ dead,” Dylan winks at me and gives King a high five while I check out his amazingly tight ass as he struts along in front of me, ready to enter the building.

I couldn’t be where I am today without these three men, and they are the sun, the stars, and the moon to me. I love all three of them in unique and individual ways—regardless of how society would slam us for being together as a foursome unit. My feelings for them grow deeper by the day, and the fact that they are all cute, sexy, and ultimate studs really is the icing on the cake for me.

We walk into the factory together, our goals aiming higher by the day as we hit our standards.

A couple of hours later when we pack everything up in the car, I’m ecstatic.

“You guys, we are securing profound amounts of cash in these negotiations. People are agreeing to sponsor and donate to the cause left and right.” I’m so thrilled that I jump up and down in the parking lot.

“You do know why we’re getting such high praises and positive feedback for this, right?” Simon smiles at me as if he’s got a kicker up his sleeve.

“I guess because we worked so hard,” I shrug and help them by placing a few boxes in the back seat.

“Well, yes, there’s that…” he grins. “It’s mostly because your research will actually help save the environment and people’s lives.”

“That was my goal all along,” I admit with a feeling of elation.

When we get back to the university a couple of hours later, we unpack everything in our brand-new research facility, ready for us to put it into good use. Everything is falling into place perfectly, and I have to practically pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming all this shit up.

Yep, this is totally my real life, and I couldn’t be happier with my career and with my wonderful boyfriends.

We are getting ready to leave for the night when there’s a knock on the research room door. I exchange a look with the guys, who appear just as confused as me.

“It’s really late,” I check my watch. “Who do you think wants to talk to us at this hour?”

“I don’t know,” King says and slowly approaches the entrance door. “It must be really important, though.”

“Dean Jackson,” King pushes open the door and greets the man in charge. “What a nice surprise. What brings you to our neck of the woods this evening?”

I glance over at Dylan and Simon, hoping that the dean isn’t here to rain on our parade. When I focus my attention back on him, though, relief hits me like a soft cloud.

Dean Jackson is smiling, eager as if he’s ready to burst with excitement. “I have news that you all might find absolutely appealing.” He bounces on his heels.

“Really?” Simon takes a curious step forward. “What kind of news?”

“Well, for starters,” Dean Jackson grins, “your product is getting rave reviews across the board.”

I look at the guys, who seem over the moon with happiness. I’m so proud to have them by my side during these times that call for exponential celebration.

“You’re right,” Dylan chuckles. “That is great news to hear.”

“That’s not all,” Dean Jackson chimes and points a finger to the ceiling. “The university will be receiving an award and recognition that will be shared with the four of you.”

“An award?” I squeal, unable to contain my excitement.

“That’s right, young lady,” the dean nods with confirmation.

“What kind of award?” King inquires.

“Your product is phenomenal—” Dean Jackson confesses.

“Tell us something we don’t know,” Dylan teases playfully, and we all can’t help but laugh.

“—and the four of you have done a remarkably brilliant job at pulling everything together,” the dean tells us with a respectful tone.

“It wasn’t easy, and we sure had our road blocks to overcome,” I remind them. Everyone knows I’m referring to the torment that Professor Smith put us through.

“Yes, some misfortunes to conquer, but you certainly know how to prove yourselves,” the dean notes. “The award will be given to you all and the school for the research you have successfully put in place for cleaner coal. Manufacturers for the product are lining up at the door.” The dean is glowing with pride at being the one to spread this magnificent news.

“That’s fantastic,” I say, near tears because I’m so happy that after all the hardships, everything is finally falling into place. “I know my father, grandfather, and other relatives are probably smiling down at me from Heaven.”

“If they were here right now, they would be so proud of you, Krista.” King gives me a hug and a smile, which I return gratefully.

“Thank you,” I whisper into his chest.

We say goodbye to Dean Jackson and thank him for coming to recite the wonderful joy.

Walking out into the Manhattan street, the guys have naughty and playful grins on their faces.

“What?” I grin at them. “Something is up with you guys. Tell me what trick you have up your sleeves.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Dylan winks and pretends to be clueless, as do the other two guys.

“Come to dinner with us,” King says and takes my hands in his, cradling them under the warmth of his masculinity.

“I’ll gladly come to dinner with you tonight, and every night for the rest of our lives,” I joke.

We hail a cab and ride uptown. On the way up there, I can’t believe this is really my life. I feel like Cinderella, only my fantasy doesn’t come with an expiration date.

When we get to the restaurant and walk inside, it’s very romantic. Candles adorn table tops that are draped with white, expensive looking linen. The flames from the candles dance through the darkness, emitting a sexiness that draws me in.

A maître d’ bows and walks in our direction and beckons us to follow him to a booth tucked away in the back of the restaurant.

I eye the guys suspiciously, but with excitement. “What’s going on here? It’s prime dinner hours. Why is this restaurant empty aside from us?”

Before any of them have a chance to answer, a violent quartet appears seemingly from nowhere, making me jump and gasp.

Recovering quickly, my heart melts as they begin playing ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ on their string instruments.

The sound is so beautiful, it nearly moves me to tears…yet again and for the second time tonight. Briefly, I forget that we’re the only ones in the restaurant, but as I’m seated across from all three guys, I begin to wonder what all the fuss is about.

“You guys really know how to celebrate a career win,” I tease them as I watch the waiter open a bottle of what I’m certain is to be their finest red in the place.

“We rented this restaurant out for the night,” Simon states proudly.

“You…what?” I shake my head, dumbfounded and unable to believe what I’m hearing.

“That’s right,” King smiles and squeezes my hand.

“Why on earth would you do that?” I ask and look around with a chuckle, although the gesture is appealing and earns all three of them major brownie points that I’ll have to let them redeem later on in bed.

“We love you,” Dylan says, eyes gleaming with seriousness. “You deserve the world on a silver platter, and we’re prepared to prove to you that anything is possible, even renting out a restaurant just because we want to show you how much you mean to us.”

My heart pounds in my chest, my pussy drips with desire, and my mind races with my own love for them. I’m swooning in a sea of seduction.

I nod before I manage to get the words out. “I…I love you guys, too.” My voice cracks, and I know I’m beyond saving now. I dab at my wet eyes with my fancy Italian silk napkin.

“You guys are incredible,” I sniff. “You did all this…just for me?”

“You’re worth every bit of it,” King confesses.

“I have to say, this is very touching,” I smile warmly at the guys.

“We can’t imagine life without you,” Simon tells me.

I nod in agreement. “Every minute with you guys is magical.”

“That’s why…” King trails off and grins at his friends. “We have something we need to ask you.”

A cold sweat of happiness breaks out over the surface of my skin. Suddenly, I can’t breathe, and the world blurs out of focus—but in the best ways possible.

I already know what’s coming before the guys even get on bended knees.

One by one, while the violinists play their love songs in harmony in the background, the guys get on one knee and glance up at me.

Hope, love, and spirits full of lust gleam in their handsome eyes.

“Krista?” Simon is the first to whisper my name as if it’s a prayer.

“We love you.” Dylan jumps on board next, his eyes glistening with fresh tears.

“We want you to be our wife,” King says, the words perfect as they drip off his tongue.

Then, in unison, the guys chant, “Will you marry us?”