Chapter 17
Just as Kevin and I were sitting down to have breakfast, the front door finally opened. I squealed and got up from the table before I went barreling down the hallway. Kyle looked absolutely exhausted, but he had a massive smile on his face when I started running at him. I jumped into his arms, and he held me close, pressing a kiss deep into the crook of my neck.
“Everything go okay?” I asked.
“Wonderfully. Another happy mother healing just like she should,” he said.
“Good. Now come and sit. We made breakfast. Ham, bacon, cheese, and tomato omelets with coffee and buttered toast.”
“Oh, I could get used to this,” he said, grinning.
I took his hand and led him to the table before I went to grab his plate out of the microwave. The brothers were talking lowly behind me, no doubt about the conversation Kevin and I had had earlier. I grabbed a coffee mug for Kyle and set it all down in front of him, then backtracked to get him some silverware.
But he grabbed my hand before I could turn around and smiled up at me.
“Thank you for breakfast,” he said.
“Hey, I made the toast,” Kevin said.
“Thank you both for breakfast,” Kyle corrected.
“You’re welcome,” I said, and I kissed the top of his head. I went to get him some silverware and then finally sat down to eat with them. Kyle regaled us with how things went at ‘the office,’ and then Kevin started going on about wanting to scoot in on a Sunday to make sure his patient files were up to date. I listened to them talking back and forth, watching them as they talked about their work like it was nothing. They were saving lives and changing the perspective of entire families on the subject of their health, and they talked about it as if they were organizing a game of pickup basketball.
“You all right, Lexi?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah. You guys just talk about saving lives as if you’re about to run out and buy toilet paper at the gas station.”
“You buy toilet paper at the gas station?” Kevin asked.
“I buy toilet paper wherever it’s cheapest,” I said. “I’m not loaded like you guys are.”
“Yeah, but at least buy the good toilet paper,” Kevin said.
“When everything is upheaving in your life, you can always rest assured that your beautiful little ass with feel soft and clean after using that stuff,” Kyle said.
“You two are insane,” I said, giggling. “It’s just toilet paper.”
“It’s not ‘just toilet paper’ like it’s not ‘just off-white,’” Kevin said.
I feigned shock and pressed my hand to my chest. “How dare you think something is just ‘off-white.’ There’s eggshell and champagne. There’s cream and ivory. There’s Navajo white and vanilla. All of those are different shades!”
“See?” Kyle said, chuckling. “Exactly.”
“You insult me,” I said.
“Allow us to apologize,” Kevin said. I could feel his fingertips dancing up my leg, but I had to pull it back. My phone had died last night and Courtney would start getting worried if I didn’t get back to the apartment soon.
And I knew the boys wouldn’t enjoy that realization.
“As much as I would love an apology, I’ve gotta get back home,” I said.
“Are you sure?” Kyle asked.
“You know you’re more than welcome to stay here,” Kevin said.
“I know, I know. But my phone died, and while I’m on vacation, I’m still technically on call,” I said.
“I can sympathize,” Kyle said. “Why the change in status at work?”
“You remember how I was walking out of that back office just as you two were asking for me up front at the resort?” I said.
“Yeah,” Kevin said.
“Well, my general manager was informing me that Jeremy’s termination papers were being filed at work. That means the work he was supposed to do falls back onto my shoulders if something goes wrong,” I said.
“Good. I’m glad he lost his fucking job. He deserves to lose a lot more in my opinion,” Kevin said.
“Why don’t you pack a bag and stay here? You can’t possibly feel safe at your apartment,” Kyle said.
“I’d love to. Really, I would. I feel safe here with you two.”
“Then stay,” Kevin urged.
“I can’t let him chase me from my apartment. I’ve lived there ever since I moved here—with Courtney. Granted, I think she’s staying with another friend now until this all blows over, but I still can’t let Jeremy chase me out of my own space.”
“Wait, so Courtney’s not there with you anymore?” Kyle asked.
“No, no, no. If you won’t come stay here, at least let me come stay with you,” Kevin said.
“Or both of us. We can keep you company,” Kyle said.
“I’ll be all right. I swear. I’ll keep in touch and keep you guys updated on things. But I need to do this. I need to go home and I need to make myself comfortable there again,” I said.
“All right. But we’re both dropping you off,” Kyle said.
“And that’s not negotiable,” Kevin said.
We finished up breakfast and I took a shower before I slipped back into my clothes. I grabbed my purse as the three of us made our way to Kevin’s car. As we pulled up to my apartment complex, I saw a car I recognized. Liam was sitting in the front seat looking for me, and when we pulled up beside him, I saw a smile bloom across his face.
That is, until he saw who I was with.
I bent over and gave both Kevin and Kyle kisses. Then I got out of their car and watched them back out. Liam got out of his car, and I smiled at him. He quickly wrapped me in his arms as I giggled.
“What in the world are you doing here?” I asked. “It’s wonderful to see you again.”
“Logan’s still at the firehouse, but I had to come make sure you were all right. I tried calling you last night, but your phone was off.”
“Yeah. It died while I was out. I’m really sorry. Would you like to come upstairs?” I asked.
Liam followed me up the stairs, but I could tell something was on his mind. It was probably what he had just witnessed with the Jameson brothers, but I was ready to fight him on it. I could see the jealousy behind his stare as we got into my apartment and I sat down with him, so I took his hand and urged him to ask.
“Come on. Ask it,” I said.
“Are you going to choose? I mean, did we do something wrong?” Liam asked.
“Not at all. I loved my time with you two. But I enjoyed my time with the Jameson brothers as well. In fact, I’ve been keeping up with all the guys from that party who were underneath the mistletoe in the corner. I enjoy talking with all of you, and I have no plans to choose anytime soon,” I said.
“Well, I’m curious now,” he said. “Where they better than us, Logan and I?”
“They were no better or worse. They were different and just as enjoyable to be around as you and your brother. I feel no safer with them than I do with you. But what you have to understand, Liam, is that I’m not choosing. I enjoyed my time with them and I hope to see them again, just like I hope to see you and Logan again,” I said.
I wanted to be upfront and honest with him. I wanted to communicate with him, with all of them, in ways I never could with Jeremy. If they couldn’t handle it, that was on them. The last thing I wanted to do was lead these incredible men on. If they couldn’t handle what I was doing, it was their choice.
But I was silently praying he would understand.
“Let me go plug my phone in,” I said.
“I’ll be right here. I’m just so glad you’re all right.” He pulled me into a hug, and I melted into his rippling body. He smelled of smoke, meaning there was a call he’d been out on earlier. Maybe something had happened that had caused him to worry about me. Maybe he had saved someone who looked like me, or maybe the fire had been near here.
Whatever the case, I wrapped my arms around him and straddled his lap.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked.
He shook his head.
“Well, let me go plug in my phone and make sure work hasn’t contacted me, and then I’ll get us something to drink.”
“I honestly can’t stay long. I just had to make sure you were okay,” he said.
“Well, let me at least see you out. Hold on.”
I ran to my room and plugged in my phone before I ran back out. He was on his feet, his muscular stature towering in my living room. His arm muscles bulged, throbbing with adrenaline as I studied his body. He turned toward me and met me with a smile, and I couldn’t help but open my arms to him.
“Are you sure you can’t stay for a drink?” I asked.
“I’m sure. Logan’ll be happy to know you’re all right.”
“But are you all right?” I asked.
“It’s hard when things don’t always go the way you want them to on rescues, but it’s just part of the job we learn to cope with. Lexi, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call us,” he said.
“I swear to you, if I need something, I will call.”
He dipped his lips and kissed me, fierce and wanton. I could feel my lips swelling underneath the contact, and my arms snapped up around his neck. He backed me into the fridge, pinning me against the cool surface and the pulsing warmth of his body. For a split second, I just wanted to pull him into my room and sit my pussy down on his cock.
“Logan and I will check in on you later,” he said.
“I’ll look forward to it.”
I ushered him out the door and watched his ass flex as he left. I hummed, shaking my head as I watched him get into his car. Then my phone rang, and after dashing into my room, I saw it was Courtney, so I picked it up and flopped down on my bed.
“About damn time you picked up the phone,” she said.
“I take it by your empty room that you’re staying with someone else?” I asked.
“Don’t take it hard, but this shit’s freaking me out. You really should go somewhere else too. I’m sure one of those twins that are salivating over you would love to take you in,” she said.
“Well, I enjoy taking them in, so that’s a plus,” I said, grinning.
“I’ll get the dirty details later,” she said. “Right now I have a question: Are you going into work today?”
“Nope. Haven’t been called, so I don’t plan on it. But tomorrow is that picky-ass wedding with that picky-ass couple, so I’ll probably go in to make sure things go off without a hitch in the plans. Why?” I asked.
“I was just wondering. I’m settled with a friend of mine, but I was wondering if you wanted to get together sometime soon and talk. You know, out. As in, not at that damn apartment.”
“You’re really freaked out, aren’t you?” I asked, smirking.
“I’m surprised you’re not. You know, they still can’t find his ass,” she said.
“They will eventually. Jeremy’s not that smart,” I said. “And I don’t think I can meet up tomorrow. But, if you’d like, I could write you down in one of the empty slots as a guest for the wedding. We could chat at the reception and eat all the wonderful food the chef’s gonna be preparing.”
“Oh shit, you know I’m down for all that. See you tomorrow,” she said. “And I expect all the dirty details from last night.”
“Over a bottle of wine and everything,” I said. “See you then.”
No sooner had I put the phone down than a knock came at my door. I froze, thinking for a split second that Jeremy might have shown up, but then I heard two distinct voices behind the door sound out. I vaguely recognized them, though I wasn’t quite sure I could place them. But the moment I swung the door open, a massive smile crossed my face.
It was Cole and Cameron, the Oakley brothers.
“What in the world are you guys doing here!?” I exclaimed.
Cole embraced me as Cameron slid past me into my apartment. Cole picked me up and walked me back inside, and I could feel the strength in his body from his football conditioning. Cameron was a bit leaner, probably from all the running he did to train with his baseball team, but they were both outstanding specimens of the male physical form. Their curly blond hair and green eyes made them look very boyish and playful, and the sparkle they had in their eyes the moment I’d opened the door only served to forward that notion.
“I’m so glad you’re all right,” Cole said.
“Put her down so I can hug her, too,” Cameron said.
Cole set me down on my feet as Cameron threaded his arms around me. He hugged me from behind before he picked me up and swung me around, and I started laughing as his hands tickled my stomach. I laughed until tears poured down my face, and then he released me as Cole reached down to catch me before I hit the floor.
“Oh, we missed that smile,” Cole said.
“Not to mention your text messages. You’ve been pretty silent the last couple of days. What gives?” Cameron asked.
“It’s just been a doozy these past few days,” I said as I caught my breath.
“Well, tell us about it,” Cole said.
“Long story short, Jeremy’s been fired from work, so my actual vacation just shifted to me being on call for work. The police have a warrant out for his arrest, but they can’t find him, so that’s been happening, too,” I said.
“Wait. They can’t find him?” Cameron asked.
“Do you have something here you can defend yourself with?” Cole asked.
“Holy hell, all of you are relentless. Yes, I’m fine. Yes, I can defend myself. I swear. I promise.”
“Wait—all of us?” Cole asked.
“The twins from the party,” I said. “All of you seem to have this protective streak about you.”
“Well, you’re being stalked by your crazy-ass ex. Forgive us for being protective,” Cameron said.
“Wait, so it doesn’t bother you that I’m talking with all of them?” I asked.
“Why would it? We talk with them, too. Those Wolf brothers are smooth. And how do you think we got your address? We finally dug it out of Logan so we could come check in on you. Apparently you weren’t picking up your phone last night, and it made us worry, too,” Cameron said.
“I didn’t realize you guys were all talking, too,” I said.
“Yep. They’re cool guys. We don’t get out into the city much, so it’s nice to actually know some guys around here we can hang out with when we’re not training,” Cole said.
“Don’t get us wrong, hanging out with the team is nice—you know, bonding for the field and shit—but I miss my brother and we miss socializing with people we don’t get sweaty with,” Cameron said.
“I don’t know, getting sweaty with people is nice,” I said, grinning.
“When they look like you do, yes, it is,” Cole said, smiling.
I blushed underneath the gazes. It was nice to just relax and enjoy laughing and being playful with them. Their green eyes sparkled with a happiness that was just simply their own personal demeanors, and I instantly wanted to get to know them better. I wanted to go out and enjoy something with them like I had with the other twins. I wanted to get to know them in an atmosphere that put us all on neutral footing.
Because I could tell by the looks in their eyes that they were ready to take me to bed immediately.
“Question,” I said.
“Answer,” they said in unison.
“What if I told you that I’d love to get to know you guys better,” I said.
“I would say I’d like that,” Cole said.
“I would ask what you had in mind,” Cameron said.
“What about a date? The three of us going somewhere and getting some food or something?” I asked.
“Funny, I didn’t see you being the one to ask us,” Cole said.
“I like that kind of confidence in a woman,” Cameron said, grinning.
“Would you guys like something like that?” I asked.
“We’d love it,” they said together.
“Well, when are you guys free next?” I asked.
“I’m free Tuesday. Cole?”
“I’m free Tuesday as well. Lexi?” Cameron asked.
“Tuesday it is then. What would you guys like to go do?” I asked.
“Usually the one who asks for the date chooses what the parties involved do,” Cole said.
“But we could make an exception—if you went along with whatever we planned,” Cameron said.
I could see the deviousness behind his eyes, and I was wholly intrigued. Despite his playful demeanor, there was a man behind those eyes hinting at something I knew I was going to adore. I licked my lips, my mind swirling with all the things these sports professionals could do to my body, and I was instantly onboard with whatever was swirling around in his mind.
In both their minds.
“All right,” I said. “Whatever plans you two come up with for Tuesday, I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful,” Cole said. “We’ll pick you up around six.”
“Dress in something that makes you feel sexy,” Cameron said.
“Very sexy,” Cole reiterated.
I shivered as I drew in a deep breath. I suddenly couldn’t wait until Tuesday night, and I knew I’d be thinking about it all weekend. Something told me that was part of what they wanted. They wanted to know I’d be squirming in anticipation. I could feel their eyes on me as their boyish smiles crossed their cheeks, and then Cole made a move for the door.
“I’d say we could stay and keep you company—”
“As well as keep you safe,” Cole interjected.
“But I believe someone is already downstairs doing that,” Cameron said.
I furrowed my brow and went to the window to looked out over the cars. I saw Liam’s car still sitting there, his eyes looking around before he caught my gaze in the window. He waved sheepishly, like I’d caught him in the middle of doing something naughty, and my chest warmed with delight.
He was watching out for me on his lunch break before he went back to the firehouse.
“We’ll see you Tuesday, gorgeous,” Cole said, and he kissed the top of my head.
“And remember, very sexy. We want you to feel beautiful all night,” Cameron said. He kissed my cheek.
They saw themselves out, and Liam’s eyes locked onto them coming out of the apartment. I watched the three of them wave and chat with one another, and then the Oakley brothers climbed into their respective cars and drove off.
With Liam still sitting down there in his.
I went to my phone and grabbed it to open up a text message to him. I asked him if he was all right and if there was anything I could do for him while he was still down there.
The message he sent back warmed my soul so deeply, it brought tears to my eyes.
Be happy and stay safe. That’s all I want.