Paisley pounded her pillow in frustration and then lay back down again. The numbers two o’clock shone from her alarm clock.

Man! She just could not fall asleep tonight. She knew it was because of today’s excitement of being back here at the lake. Every few minutes she just had to open her eyes and gaze around to make sure she really was here.

The room was absolutely gorgeous. It was like something out of one of those rustic wilderness retreat magazines. The walls were stained logs. The ceiling white-washed wood. There were two Adirondack-style tables, set with white birch bark lamps, on each side of the queen-sized log bed she lay on. The sheets were a warm flannel red plaid print and the comforters a plain light brown, edged with a dark-brown pine cone print. There were several oval braided throw rugs set upon a black-stained plank floor. She even had a kitchenette, and a dining area toward the front of the cabin where large windows gave her a view of the nearby towering pine trees. The room smelled like the outdoors; scented pine and fresh air.

Her move had happened so fast, her head was still spinning. A few weeks ago, her psychologist had asked her to try to remember the happiest period in her life. Instantly she thought of her time here. Of course she couldn’t share her sexual trysts with two men while working here and living in a cabin with them across the lake. Just remembering her old flames had made Dr. Millie Evans grin with curiosity and ask Paisley what exactly was making her smile so brightly. She’d told Millie about this wilderness retreat and how it had freed her inner artist spirit. Millie had suggested that maybe she should start back to painting.

That night, Paisley had returned to the apartment she shared with Tatianna, Selena and her dog. Millie had reignited that inner spark Paisley had always enjoyed when she’d been younger. The need to explore her art. The craving to paint and create.

She’d hopped onto the computer and surfed the Net, researching the lodge. Instead, the Art House had popped up and it was for sale!

Selena had picked that moment to peek over Paisley’s shoulder and Paisley had explained about Mrs. Oleson and how she’d encouraged Paisley to paint. Her paintings had hung on the walls of the Art House for only a short period, as they were always Mrs. Oleson’s bestsellers.

Paisley had once told the elderly lady that one day when Mrs. Oleson wanted to retire, Paisley would buy the Art House. Paisley’s dream had been to paint all day and live off the money her sold paintings would bring in. Mrs. Oleson had smiled and nodded, patting Paisley on her hand, reassuring her that she would become famous some day, but only if she didn’t give up the craft.

“Let’s buy the place,” Tatianna had blurted. She’d come out of her bedroom and had joined the conversation. The next thing Paisley knew her friends had talked her into re-igniting her dreams.

The only things missing were Adam and Andrew.

Paisley trembled as she thought of the scorching nights she’d spent heating up the sheets with them. They had been such attentive lovers. Touching her in all the right places, bringing the woman out of her so many times in one night.

She blew out a tense breath, slipped her fingers beneath her nightgown and touched her pulsing clit. Excitement shimmered through her. She hadn’t experienced her sensual side in such a long time, she’d forgotten what it felt like to be free to do so. She’d been too busy over the past two years, and before that, she’d lost her feminine side beneath the cruel fists and verbal abuse of her husband.

But now…

Closing her eyes, Paisley smoothed her other hand over her left breast. Touching herself like this felt so foreign, yet very nice too.

She imagined Adam, standing naked at the foot of her bed, staring between her open thighs. He would trail his fingers along his shaft in a sensual way that would heat her body.

Yeah, she’d loved his cock and the naughty pleasure it had given her. Her breathing quickened as she fantasized Andrew appearing beside Adam. Andrew’s intoxicating grin made her heart pick up speed. His eyes, the color of an August sky, were lust-filled.

She increased the pressure on her clit, massaging faster as she imagined Andrew, naked. His large shaft stiff was flushed a deep, angry burgundy and angled up to his taut belly as he climbed onto the bed and lay down beside her. He reached out and brushed her mouth with a featherlight touch of his fingertips, encouraging her to part her lips.

“We’ve missed you, Sparky,” Andrew whispered.

“Missed you so much, it hurts, Sparky,” Adam growled.

Awareness buzzed through her.

While Adam continued to stroke his shaft, he watched them. Paisley remembered that he liked to watch. It turned him on. He’d said it so many times.

Andrew moved his head closer to her breast, and she arched as his mouth enveloped her left nipple. Her nerve endings zinged to life. The exquisite sensations were intoxicating and happened so quickly, they hurt, but in such a good way. She squeezed her nipple and bursts of pleasure-pain seared her. She moaned as his tongue slurped around and over her bud. His other hand moved over her belly and between her thighs to where she was touching herself.

He nudged her hand away, his callused fingers pinching and rubbing her clitoris until she was writhing and creaming. A finger dipped into her wet vagina, and collected her juices. He used her cream as lube and rubbed her nub harder and harder until her breaths came faster and faster. Her senses became dazed. Heat steamed through her.

“Look at me, Sparky.” Adam’s demand was a groaned whisper.

Paisley opened her eyes and watched Adam stroke his shaft. She whimpered at the sight of his heavy-lidded eyes. Cried out as Andrew moved away from her breast and a moment later, climbed between her legs and settled his body between her open thighs.

She ached for them. Needed for them to bring her bliss.

She held her breath as he lowered his head. Cried out as the tip of his hot tongue dabbed her engorged clit. Pleasure melted her.

Adam’s groans grew louder. His hands moved faster and he twisted his penis. His eyes closed, his expression stern and determined.

Andrew’s fingers pulled her labia apart. She tightened her inner thighs as he lowered his head. She bucked as his hot mouth fused over her clit. Paisley wiggled and gasped as he suckled her and quickly brought her to the exquisite edge of pleasure. His tongue slipped into her vagina and she clenched her pussy muscles against the welcome intrusion. He withdrew and thrust his tongue into her again.

Andrew pistoned slowly, tenderly, erotically. He licked her labia teasing the cream from her and into his mouth.

He brought her to the edge of climax. Her inner thighs trembled. Need gripped her. She wanted to explode.

She sensed Adam moving closer. Felt the mattress move. She opened her eyes and blinked.

Adam was climbing over her face. The thick length of his erection stopped about an inch from her face.

“Suck on me, Sparky. Make me come,” he whispered in a hoarse voice.

Obediently, she opened her mouth. She wet her lips and then he thrust into her. His flesh was thick and hard and hot. He groaned as she wrapped her mouth around his jerking erection.

She suckled him, making him moan. He withdrew and then slowly plunged into her, dipping deeper with every thrust, until he almost touched the back of her throat. She licked and slurped and sucked. His strokes became more powerful. His grunts grew louder.

The combination of being double-penetrated broke her. The pressure of their mouths upon her flesh had her bucking. Their hands on her body made her shudder and her self-control disintegrated.

She exploded into a ball of pleasure, undulating and panting.

She loved this. Loved how they both possessed her.

They thrust harder and harder until she was moaning and trembling. Her breasts bounced and her thighs clenched. Mind-numbing pleasure rushed through her. She kept massaging her clit and thrusting her finger in and out of her pussy, massaging her breasts and welcoming the delights ripping through her.

All too soon, the spasms ebbed, leaving her splendidly breathless.

She smiled. She loved her imagination and she was grateful that she could still satisfy herself.

But long after the pleasure disappeared, she once again punched her pillow as thoughts of Adam and Andrew drifted back into her thoughts.

Shit! This was going to be a long night.

* * *

“Maybe I should come back and help you girls with the business?” Paisley said as she stood with her cell phone tucked against her ear early the next morning. She stood in the lodge parking lot and stared at the rest of her suitcases nestled in the trunk of her car. Minutes ago, Selena had phoned with the news that she’d received a large clothing order from a high-end clothing company who wanted to run Selena’s newest fashion lines, with Selena included as a model.

Over the past year, Paisley had been doing Selena’s bookkeeping and acted as receptionist in the office/ apartment the three shared. She had also been the sounding board regarding the expansion of Selena’s fashion business into Selena modelling her own clothing.

“Paisley, seriously, I need you to stay there and take care of the Art House,” Selena said.

“But— ”

“Please, no arguments,” Selena urged. “I’ll take care of the business. You just make sure you use the money that we put into the bank account for this venture. Remember your dreams are our dreams, and our dreams are yours. You have helped us with ours and now it is our turn to help you. We all stick together and help each other out. Remember our motto. Growth in numbers.”

But Selena wouldn’t be able to keep up with this new order. Not unless they hired someone else to help and that might be too expensive. Paisley would do it for free.

Paisley was about to protest again when Tatianna broke in.

“Paisley, if you don’t want to do the Art House thing we can sell it.”

For a split second, a red haze of anger burned through Paisley.

“No,” she stated quickly. She didn’t want to let go of her dream. Not when she was so close to achieving it. When she spied Tatianna’s smile, Paisley suddenly understood.

Tatianna had duped Paisley into realizing how much Paisley really wanted to make a go with the Art House.

Selena had picked up on Tatianna’s teasing and jumped on the bandwagon.

“Listen, honey. Your emotional health is top priority. If you don’t like it there, we’ll pull you out,” Selena replied.

Okay, they had to be teasing her. Weren’t they?

“My goodness, it’s not like I’m a soldier stuck in a dire situation.” Far from it.

Now that she was here, she wasn’t going anywhere. Especially if the girls thought they could handle the business. Besides, Paisley was being silly. Selena and Tatianna had managed to start and run the company on their own, even before she’d been on the scene.

“You know, I’ve been thinking. There’s no need for extra expenses on this end. I’m going to downsize the cabin to a cheaper version and then I will move into the Art House as soon as I can. That will give us more to put into the Art House.”

“Okay, you’re the boss. Just make sure that you aren’t downsizing to the point where you are living out of the car and not eating,” Selena said with a seriousness that hit home.

After leaving Paul, that’s exactly what Paisley had done. She wasn’t eager to go down that path again. She’d make sure she took care of herself.

After a few more moments of conversation, Paisley bid them farewell and disconnected.

Suddenly, she was in the most complete and peaceful silence she’d experienced since she could remember. The quiet was short-lived as she became aware of the waves lapping against the nearby rocky shore. Wind whispered through the pine boughs and then came a loud knock-knock of a woodpecker beating its beak on a nearby tree.

Early morning sunshine streamed down on her and it was as if she were immersed in heaven. Absolute heaven.

Paisley smiled at her suitcases in the trunk of the car. Her cases could wait. She’d grab them later. Right now, she wanted breakfast and then she’d go explore her surroundings. If she was lucky, by the time she got back, the key for the Art House would have arrived from the real-estate agent.

Quietly, she closed the trunk and then turned around.

She froze.

Two familiar men stood in the parking lot. They stared at her, their mouths open with what she perceived as shock and surprise.

A fevered, untamed excitement sizzled through Paisley as she immediately recognized the tall dark-brown-haired man with the melt-her-knees green eyes and sexy five-o’clock shadow, and the blond man with boyish looks and piercing sky-blue eyes.

Oh-my-gosh.

Her old lovers. Andrew and Adam.

“Sparky?” Andrew said softly.

“Holy shit,” Adam replied under a shaky voice.

Suddenly, everything appeared to be in slow motion as they walked toward her. Both men hadn’t changed and yet they had. There were wrinkles at the edges of their eyes where there hadn’t been any before. They’d both filled out into older men’s bodies; their shoulders were wider and their chests broader.

In seconds, she became embraced in a bear hug by both of them. Her feet left the ground as she was lifted into the air.

“Shit, Sparky. I cannot believe it really is you,” Adam whispered against her ear. He smelled wonderful and she recognized the spicy scent from last night in the dining area when she’d seen him at the bar. Why hadn’t she known it was him right then and there?

Andrew held her tightly. His body heat embraced her like a furnace. His outdoorsy scent had always made her heady with excitement, now was no different. Maybe her reaction was even more powerful.

“I have missed you so much, Sparky,” Andrew said.

“Wow, you look smashing,” Adam replied as both men set her back down and let go of her.

They gazed at her with appreciation and she was glad she’d chosen to wear a fashionable pink-and-gray fleece vest over her plain gray t-shirt and matching gray track pants.

Her body tingled that they would still look at her with the same interest as in the past.

“What are you guys doing here?” she asked after she regained her bearings.

Pride flared in Andrew’s eyes as he pointed to the lodge.

“We own the place. And we’ve been waiting here all this time for you to come back.” Andrew said with what she remembered as his teasing grin.

Adam laughed.

“He’s kidding, of course. We came back to…” Adam’s laughter died and he stopped talking as the light suddenly dimmed in his eyes. Concern for him almost overwhelmed her. He was in emotional pain and she felt his emotion seep deep inside her to meld with her own pain. Something bad had happened to him. To both Adam and Andrew.

“We came back here to start over,” Andrew said in a soft voice. Her concern for Adam disintegrated as Andrew followed up his comment with a gentle wink.

Start over? Like to get back to what had happened between the three of them in the past?

Without warning, her face heated as she remembered her guttural moans as they double-penetrated her. The uncontrollable gyrations of her hips as her body eagerly accepted their large shafts, her pussy and anal muscles clenching around their rigid flesh.

She bit her bottom lip and trembled involuntarily. Oh, she hoped they hadn’t noticed her reaction.

“Actually we bought it just last year from Old Man Jones and we remodeled it,” Adam said with a huge smile.

“I can’t believe that Mr. Jones is still alive. He was already ancient way back.”

“He’s still alive and kicking. He moved out to Vancouver, into a retirement village,” Adam informed.

“Are you staying here?” Adam asked. The way he smiled at her with such interest made her forget that she’d even been away for years.

“Yes, I just booked in last night.”

“So you’re staying for a while?” Andrew asked, his voice full of hope. She didn’t miss his gaze stray to her bare ring finger. Wow! He was checking her out!

She should say no she was not staying. She should tell them it was just for the night. She should pack up right now and leave. These two men were lethal to her system. If she stayed…

Sexual tension snapped through her like a live wire and she creamed warmly. Her mouth went dry as she thought about Andrew’s thick, long cock pistoning between her lips while Adam sucked on her nipples.

Oh damn. What should I do?

“You’re going to scare her off, Andy. Come on, Sparky. Let’s go and chat about things over breakfast. We have tons to catch up on.”

She nodded numbly, but she didn’t move. Adam looked at her strangely. Did he know about how abusive Paul had been with her? No, he couldn’t. He’d maybe met Paul briefly once or twice at the lodge before she’d taken off with him.

“Me? Scare Sparky? Shit, she’s the bravest woman I know.” Andrew winked and then he nodded toward the lodge.

“Come on. We won’t bite,” Andrew said. His Adams apple bobbed as he suddenly swallowed. She swore his eyes looked…steamy.

We won’t bite.

Sexual innuendo? He knew very well she’d loved his and Adam’s sensual nibbles. On her breasts, her ass cheeks, her inner thighs…

Oh boy. Oh boy. She really should get the hell out of here.

But she also wanted to stay. Maybe even relive what they’d shared all those years ago?

Hesitantly, she followed them back into the lodge.

* * *

Andrew could not get enough of staring at Paisley as he sat across from her at a dining room table close to the window that allowed a great view of the lake. It felt like the old days again, when the three of them had meals right here in the same dining room during their breaks when they’d worked here. Sure, the place had been redecorated, but the view of her was still breathtaking.

She’d changed a little over last ten years. A couple of wrinkles here and there. Worry lines on her forehead and some around the corners of her pretty, pouty mouth. Man, he wanted to kiss those lines and take away her anxieties.

Her hair was longer, maybe even blonder. She had wavy hair now. He remembered how she used to hate her waves and would straighten her hair by furiously combing it dry. She still had that cute spattering of freckles on her cheeks. They were hardly visible, but there they were. Just like before.

And man, her blue eyes were so alert and sparked with interest. Hence her nickname, Sparky.

When she smiled at him, Andrew’s heart raced and his world seemed brighter. But there was something different about her too. Something restrained and maybe even cautious, which was weird because he remembered her as being trusting, free-spirited and adventurous. Despite the changes, he knew instinctively she was still the same girl he’d fallen hard for all those years ago.

“So you’re the one who bought the Art House?” Adam said as he shook his head.

“Well, actually my friends and I did. They thought it would be…” she stopped and she appeared to struggle with what she wanted to say.

Andrew’s protective instincts kicked in and suddenly he wanted to sweep her into his arms and tell her no one would ever hurt her again. His breath inhaled at that idea. Why would he even think she needed protecting?

“They thought I needed some cheering up and a new goal in life. I divorced my husband. Um, Paul. Do you remember him?” she smiled shyly as she looked from Adam to Andrew.

“Yeah,” Adam frowned and picked at his bacon and eggs.

A sick feeling crept through Andrew’s belly.

Who could forget that asshole? He wanted to ask her what she’d seen in the smooth-talking, son-of-a-bitch truck driver who’d vacationed here for a couple of weeks with his drinking buddies, but he kept his mouth shut.

An uncomfortable silence ensued.

“Nothing wrong with being a free woman,” Andrew finally broke in.

She smiled again, and a really cool anticipation flittered in his chest. Yeah, the old feelings for her were still alive and well.

Andrew hadn’t liked Paul, and knew Adam hadn’t approved of him either. It had come as a total shock to discover Paisley had taken off with him and left behind a Dear John note after a night of fantastic sex between the three of them. A sharp blade of hurt whipped through Andrew at the memory, but he clamped down on it. Time had passed. She must have had her reasons. It wasn’t their business anymore why she left them.

Suddenly, her smile brightened.

“I need to get into the Art House and see what needs fixing. The key should be coming sometime today. I hope I can do most of the fixing up myself and—”

“The place is rundown. You’ll need professionals to bring it up to code. We know people who can help. And we can help you too. You let us know,” Adam volunteered.

Andrew could tell by the happiness gleaming in Adam’s eyes that Paisley was exactly the healing salve Adam needed. Man, she was a miracle coming here at a time they needed her the most. A freaking miracle.

* * *

Adam knew he shouldn’t prod or push Paisley about what she’d been up to since they’d last seen each other. It was written all over her face that she didn’t want to talk about it, but he just couldn’t help being curious and concerned. There were lines around the edges of her mouth that gave him the impression she’d been in some sort of pain. Emotional or physical, he didn’t know. But marriage with Paul hadn’t been kind to her.

“How long do you plan on staying at the lodge?” Adam asked.

“Until I can move into the Art House,” she stated simply.

“You can stay here as long as you want. For free,” he insisted.

The look of surprise on her face had him laughing.

“Oh no, I can’t take advantage of you guys like that.”

“We insist,” Andrew joined in.

“Seriously, I can’t.”

“You can and you will,” Adam stated.

Suddenly, she looked a bit irritated or maybe even scared. Perhaps he was coming on too strong. He softened his voice.

“Please, we’ll be neighbors. For old time’s sake.”

Andrew nodded in agreement and Adam was glad his partner was on board with his impromptu decision.

“I was planning on moving into a less-expensive cabin or maybe even a room in the lodge if one is available. How about I take you up on your offer and move into your cheapest accommodations.”

Andrew shook his head.

“You stay right where you are…unless you don’t like it?”

A bright smile lit her face and Adam knew she loved her cabin. It was one of their newer ones. She studied her barely eaten breakfast of toast and juice for a moment and then answered.

“Well, okay, I will accept your offer, but only on one condition.”

“Name it,” Adam and Andrew said at the same time. She laughed and Adam fell in love with the cheerful crinkles around her eyes.

“You let me buy you both dinner tonight and you’ll allow me to hang your paintings in the Art House and I won’t charge you any commission when they sell,”

When neither of them replied, her brows furrowed with seriousness.

“You two are still painting, aren’t you?” she asked.

“Andrew has been,” Adam answered. “His stuff sells like hotcakes. He has a showroom adjoining the lobby. Did you see his paintings?”

Paisley shook her head. Man, she was pretty.

“I truly haven’t had a chance to even take a peek around. I think it was closed when I came yesterday evening.”

“Yes, the showroom closes at five,” Andrew said quickly. “If you like, I can give you a personal tour sometime.”

“I’d like that. Very much,” she said softly. Adam enjoyed the way she looked at Andrew. Her gaze was filled with interest, admiration and maybe she even loved him?

She turned her attention to Adam and a jolt of awareness shot through him. Her gaze was bright and full of inquisitiveness.

“And what about you?” Paisley asked. “If I remember right, you used to enjoy painting the wildlife around here. Have you continued your passion?”

Hopefulness gleamed in her gaze and Adam felt the spark of a slow burn of thinking maybe he should start painting again.

“I haven’t picked up a paintbrush since I left here, actually.”

“Oh,” she said simply. But the curiosity continued to shine bright in her gaze. She wanted him to expand on his reasons.

“But that’s a story for another day,” Adam said quickly, not wanting to get into it. He wiped his mouth with the napkin and stood.

“Let me go take care of the hotel bill and give instructions to the crew. Then we’ll get out of your hair. We have a bunch of paperwork to do too, right, Andrew? How about we swing back tonight and meet for dinner? Around six? Is that good for you?”

She clasped her hands to her chest and nodded.

“Six is fine. And thank you so much. Both of you. I am so thrilled to see you again.”

Andrew also stood but Adam could tell by his fake smile that Andrew was not amused to leave her. Adam was, however, thankful that Andrew had picked up on his hint of giving her her space.

“We’re glad you made it back to us. We’ll see you tonight then.” Andrew said.

Adam didn’t miss Paisley’s shoulders slump with relief. Yep, she was definitely too tense having them around. That was okay. They could go slow. As slow as she needed.

Deep down in his heart, he knew he wasn’t going to let the girl who got away ever get away again.

* * *

“What the hell was that about?” Andrew hissed at Adam the instant they were in their private office tucked away in a secluded room on the second floor of the lodge. Irritation snapped through Andrew like a live wire. He’d wanted to hang around with Paisley and get to know her again. He wanted her again.

Adam slumped wearily into his chair. He looked beat. Maybe even hopeless where Paisley was concerned. But why?

“Because we need to back off,” Adam stated simply.

His answer was like a bucket of ice-cold water being dumped over his head. He gasped and took the opportunity to take a few deep steadying breaths. It was as if his wheels were spinning out of control. Like he wanted to be around her. To kiss her sweet looking lips and squash the hurt he’d seen blazing in her pretty eyes.

“Why?” Andrew snapped. She needs us.

“She’s been hurt. We need to go slow or she’ll run.”

She’ll run. It was not something he wanted to hear.

Andrew sat heavily in his own office chair and speared a hand through his hair. Frustration gripped him and he stared out the nearby window. He barely saw the spirals of early morning mist drift off the nearby lake as his gut tightened painfully.

Adam was right. Paisley had always been a free spirit. She could disappear just as easily as she had in the past. A cold wave of despair made him shiver.

Was it possible that she would take off on them again? He would die this time around if that happened. He wouldn’t be able to go through losing her again.

* * *

Paisley couldn’t stop her hands from shaking as she nibbled on her strawberry-drenched toast and gazed out the window at the mist-shrouded lake. Her tummy was in upheaval at seeing her ex-lovers again. Her thoughts were in freefall knowing they owned the lodge and that they would be her neighbors.

Sweet mercy, Adam and Andrew still created a wild and wanton need for sex inside her. Just smelling their scents had always done her in. She’d climb into bed with them at the snap of their fingers.

If she stayed here, it would only be a matter of time before they picked up where they’d left off. The attraction was alive and well between them. She’d sensed it in the way they looked at her. In the tender yet desperate way they spoke to her.

They frightened her, and at the same time they freed her mind and body to be as she had once been. Free and trusting.

Paisley dropped the half-eaten toast into her plate and blew out a deep breath to steady her nerves. What in the world was she going to do now? Should she call her friends and tell them she could not go through with this? She smiled at that thought. They would think she’d totally flipped her lid. One minute she was telling them she wanted to stay, and the next she was calling them and saying she couldn’t do it. They would think her nuts.

No! She couldn’t rely on her friends anymore. She’d been doing it since leaving Paul. She had to stand on her own two feet now. They had their lives to live and she had to follow her heart.

That bubble of wanting to paint burst forth, and the most wonderful happiness spread through her. Buying the Art House was fate. Andrew and Adam being here was destiny.

This is where she needed to be to draw out her inner girl. Painting was her passion and she wasn’t going to live another day without being happy. She’d already wasted too much of her life doing the bidding of others. First, as a kid, under her overly strict parents’ rules, and then with Paul. She wouldn’t waste one more second. She knew exactly what she was going to do next.