Plenty to Learn

Plenty, FL 2

Plenty to Learn Jillian Miller’s taking it slow with Ryan and Jackson Parks, and it’s driving her libido crazy. She knows these hunky brothers like to be dominant in the bedroom, but she’s not sure she can play the submissive. She’s never been in love before either, but she can see these men are special. She’d be a fool not to give them a chance. Or two. Older brother Ryan is ready for his happily ever after. He’s in love with Jillian and wants it all—marriage, kids, and a white picket fence. Younger brother Jack wants those things, too. Someday. He’s just not in a hurry. But, first they have to teach the pretty schoolteacher what trust really means. When the men hurt Jillian’s feelings and damage that trust, they know they better start groveling if they want a future with her. They’ve got the perfect plan to win her heart. Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre Length: 55,917 words

PLENTY TO LEARN Plenty, FL 2

Lara Valentine

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

PLENTY TO LEARN Copyright © 2012 by Lara Valentine E-book ISBN: 978-1-61926-895-1 First E-book Publication: July 2012 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Plenty to Learn by Lara Valentine from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Lara Valentine’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Valentine’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION For my mother.

PLENTY TO LEARN Plenty, FL 2 LARA VALENTINE Copyright © 2012

Chapter 1 Jillian Miller sipped her caramel macchiato and gazed out the front window of Josh’s Java. The coffeehouse was the newest addition to Plenty, Florida, and already one of her favorite places to waste time. It was conveniently nestled around the corner from the sheriff’s office and within walking distance to the park. Inside, the decor was a fun retro look from the sixties. It reminded her of her favorite television show Mad Men. She favored the tables in the front that let her look out the window and people watch. Her heart sped up as a tall, uniformed man turned the corner from Main Street onto Maple Avenue. Sunlight glinted off his light-brown hair, and his shoulders were so wide they seemed to take up the entire sidewalk. His confident stride ate up the distance quickly. Sheriff Ryan Parks could easily turn heads. Damn, he is fine. Every day after school, she would meet Jackson and Ryan Parks for coffee and conversation. She was getting to know them slowly, leisurely, in an unpressured fashion. So slowly, in fact, it was starting to drive her crazy. When were they going to take her on a real date? When was she going to get a real kiss? All kisses to date had been tender and breathtaking, but lacked a certain, well, um, tongue. She

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was ready to move their relationship to the next level, but her boys seemed to be stuck in neutral. It was ironic as she was the one who had requested that they take it slow in the first place. She had moved from Chicago to the little town of Plenty during the summer with her best friend, Cassie Ames. They had left behind their prior careers to start their new lives as teachers in this charming and picturesque town. She and Cassie hadn’t even completed their unpacking before they each met men unlike any they had ever known. Cassie was now engaged, but Jillian had fought her attraction to Ryan and Jack Parks. Trust didn’t come as easily to her as it did Cassie. It was now the week after Thanksgiving, and Ryan and Jack had patiently pursued her since their first meeting in the park at the Labor Day picnic. They were sneaking past her defenses until she couldn’t imagine what it would be like without them in her life. She was tired of fighting her fear and them. It was exhausting and she wasn’t going to win anyway. It was probably smarter to accept the inevitable— Jack, Ryan, and herself—in a relationship. Ryan pushed open the door and gave the owner, Josh Kent, a wave and headed for her table. She licked her lips in anticipation of his kiss hello, which was quickly becoming one of the two highlights of her day. He didn’t disappoint when he leaned over with a grin and gave her a tender, if maddeningly chaste, kiss. “Sorry I’m a little late, honey. I got stuck lecturing Tom about parking in a fire lane again. Damn, you look gorgeous.” Tom Johnson was the local rebel. He liked to break small laws then argue with Ryan or the judge. According to Ryan, he did it when the missus was mad and giving him the silent treatment. “Did you call his wife?” Usually, a call to his wife and a plea to start speaking to him cleared up Tom’s crime spree. “Yeah, but she says she’s not speaking to him for the rest of his life. Apparently, he told her to lay off the Christmas fudge as she is starting to get fat, just like her mother.” Ryan swore. “That man has no instinct for self-preservation. What the fuck was he thinking? I’m

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not married, but even I know you don’t say the word fat and you don’t insult her mother.” Ryan shook his head in disgust. “I’m not sure that never speaking to him again is such a terrible punishment.” Tom’s wife was known for her scorching dialogue. She could flay the skin off her victim before they realized what had happened. “True. The silence might be a welcomed change.” Jillian chuckled. Ryan slid his hand over hers and leaned in close. She could smell his tantalizing scent, spicy and manly, and feel the heat from his body. She responded as she always did, her pussy creaming and her nipples tightening. Ryan was all male and her rock. She wondered if he had been born hero material. He was steady, levelheaded, and mature. The kind of man who took care of things and made things happen. Ryan was the older brother by two years, and from what she had seen so far, took his big brother responsibilities toward Jack and their younger sister Becca, very seriously. Becca was one of Jillian’s best friends and had heard stories about Ryan giving her dates the third degree. “I think I told you how gorgeous you are, but words don’t do you justice. I’ve been thinking about you all day. I wanted to kick Tom’s ass for keeping me even five minutes from you.” Jillian giggled at his mock angry expression. Ryan was the epitome of cool control. He would never kick anyone’s ass out of frustration. “You weren’t even five minutes late, Sheriff. I may be a history teacher, but I can do math.” Ryan gave her a wolfish grin and threw his arm around her pulling her close to his side. “But I planned to be early today, honey.” Ryan turned at the sound of the door opening, and Jillian felt a zing of awareness as Jack walked through the door. Where Ryan was all cool control, Jackson was heat and passion. He could almost make her come with just a look. He was also the peacemaker, often playing referee when she and Ryan got into one of their heated debates. Jack was as handsome as his brother, Ryan, but in a different way. Where

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Ryan had rugged good looks, Jack was almost beautifully handsome. His hair was clipped short like Ryan’s, but was blond where Ryan’s was a light brown with blond streaks. Ryan had a dimple in his chin while Jack had a dimple in his right cheek. Both had square jaws, mesmerizing hazel eyes, and bodies that made her drool and forget her name. “Hey, bro. ‘Bout time you got here. You’re even later than I am.” Jack grabbed a chair and sat on the other side of Jillian, draping his arm around her shoulders. Then she received the other of the two highlights of her day, his hello kiss. She was dizzy when he lifted his head and grinned. “Missed you today, honey. Sorry I’m late. Forgive me?” Jack whispered in her ear, his smile confident that she would, indeed, forgive him. Jillian caught her breath and licked her lips. His taste lingered there. “I guess I could forgive you… if I get another kiss?” Light flared in Jack’s eyes. “I can’t have my girl mad at me now can I?” He leaned back down and gave her another amazing kiss that heated her blood and curled her toes. When he lifted his head, he had a sexy grin. Jack Parks knew he was sex on a stick, and damn if he didn’t revel in it. Josh walked up to their table with Ryan and Jack’s usual order. Jack drank a medium roast with cream and sugar. Ryan drank a latte, which Jack loved to rib him about to no end. Ryan would just smirk and say he was secure in his manhood. “Sorry you had to wait for these. We’re pretty slammed this afternoon and Jennie is doing the best she can.” Josh nodded his head at the pretty brunette waitress on the far side of the coffeehouse. She was carrying a large tray of drinks for a group huddled on the back couches. Ryan waved off the apology. “No need to apologize, Josh. We just sat down. I’d say this was pretty efficient.”

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Jennie rushed over, breathless and apologetic. “I’m so sorry, Jack. I didn’t see you until just now. Is there anything else I can get you?” Jillian controlled her eye roll, but barely. Jennie appeared to have a little crush on Jack. Not that Jillian blamed her, but the girl was a tad obvious. If they had been friends, Jillian would have told her to play it cooler. Ryan hid his smirk behind his coffee cup. “I just brought them their coffee, Jennie. No worries. Why don’t you take these espressos over to that table over there?” Josh appeared completely unaware of the undercurrent of displeasure as Jennie stomped off, slamming the espressos on the table in frustration. The startled customers at the table backed away from her slightly as if she might blow her temper any second. Jack leaned back in his chair in relief and gave Josh a thankful look. “Thanks, Josh. Jennie’s sweet, but it’s getting a little embarrassing. She doesn’t take hints well. Why don’t you ask her out on a date? I’ll even pay for it.” Josh shook his head. “Jennie is my employee and that’s sexual harassment, my friend. Besides, she only has eyes for you. She probably has a Jack Parks shrine in her apartment. How could a humble barista compete with a hero firefighter?” Josh laughed and walked behind the counter and back to work. Jillian shook her head at Jennie’s foolishness. She didn’t blame the woman for having a crush on Jack. Any sane girl would. But the fact that she completely ignored Ryan was unfathomable. Ryan was just as yummy and just as heroic, but as far as Jennie was concerned, it was as if he didn’t exist. That girl was one dumb bunny. Jillian’s sixth sense said there was something not quite right about Jennie. Ryan grinned and leaned back in his chair. “What’s on the agenda tonight, honey? Grading papers?” “Not tonight. Cassie is meeting me here and we’re going to do some Christmas shopping. It’s great that the local merchants are staying open extra late for holiday shopping. But I still think we will

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need to take a trip to the Tampa malls. There are a few things I can’t get here.” Jack’s eyes lit up playfully. “What are you getting me for Christmas, baby? I love presents.” Jillian gave him a mock stern look. “Coal, buster, and I’m guessing it won’t be the first time.” Jack laughed and leaned forward to brush his lips with hers, leaving behind a tingle. “That’s true, baby, but I intend to be a very good boy for you.” Before Jillian could answer, a crash on the other side of the room had their heads whipping around to see what had fallen. Jennie stood there, red-faced, with an empty tray and broken glass at her feet. Josh and a young man who had just walked in rushed over to help her. Jillian recognized the young man as one of her students, Kyle Barnes. “That was sweet of Kyle. He is one of the nicest young men I teach. Smart, too.” Jack and Ryan exchanged a quick glance. “What? What was that look for?” Ryan’s lips twisted. He looked like he was going to say something unpleasant. “I don’t know how sweet Kyle Barnes is, honey. He’s been known to raise some hell. He likes to drive his car fast, changes girlfriends like socks, and a couple of years ago, got in trouble for setting a fire out by the quarries. He claimed it was just a bonfire, but it got out of control and set fire to a car. So, I don’t know if I would call him sweet, or smart for that matter.” Jillian crossed her arms over her chest and gave him her best public defender look. She had perfected it during her time working for Cook County. “First of all, that was a few years ago. Kids do grow up, even after doing something stupid. Second, most teenage boys like to drive fast and date pretty girls. I bet you did, didn’t you? Or were you a monk?” Ryan’s ears reddened. She knew he didn’t like being questioned.

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“No, I was not a monk. Jack and I both raised our share of hell. But neither of us set fire to anything. That’s just plain dangerous around here, especially during the dry season. Someone could have been seriously hurt.” Jillian had been an attorney and could argue with Ryan all night. She was just getting warmed up. “I think—” “Are you two going at it again?” Jack groaned. “Give a guy a break. Listening to you cross-examine Ryan is no fun. Let me settle this now. You both make good points and only time will tell how Kyle Barnes turns out. Settled?” Jillian chuckled at Jack’s long-suffering attitude. Did she really like to argue that much? “Okay, I’ll let it go if Ryan will.” “Yeah, I’ll let it go. But I still think—” “Whoa, brother.” Jack held his hand up to keep Ryan from going any further. “It’s either settled or it’s not. Is it settled?” Ryan sighed in resignation. “Yes, it’s settled. We both have a point.” Jillian was just the tiniest bit disappointed that she and Ryan weren’t going to debate. She loved teaching but missed the intellectual arguing. Ryan was always willing to debate with her. Jack was so easygoing he would simply say that she had good arguments and shut up. So frustrating. “How about a topic we can hopefully all agree on? Jack and I want to take you on a real date this weekend. Are you free tomorrow afternoon? We can pick you up about lunchtime. It is supposed to be a beautiful day tomorrow.” Finally, a real damn date. Hell, yes she was free. “Um, I think so. What time? What are we doing?” Ryan smiled a mysterious smile. “About noon. We’ll have lunch. Dress casual.” “Sounds great, but I will only go on one condition.” The two brothers exchanged a worried look.

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“What is that, honey?” “Jack has to let you and I argue about something, anything.” Both brothers burst out laughing, and Jillian joined in. Jack answered, “Okay, you get one argument tomorrow.” Cassie Ames, Jillian’s longtime friend and roommate, breezed into the coffee shop with a wide grin. She seemed to glow since falling in love with her two men, Zachary and Chase Harper. “Ready to shop, Jillian? I have a Christmas list a mile long.” Cassie nodded and smiled to Ryan and Jack. “Ryan, Jack, how are you?” They both gave Cassie a smile. She was engaged to their best friends. “Fine, Cassie. Ryan and I are enjoying a cup of coffee with Jillian. Are you going to spirit her away from us?” Jack painted a beleaguered look on his face. It only made Cassie laugh. “Yes, I am. How can she buy you a Christmas present, if you won’t let her out of your sight?” Jack brightened instantly. “In that case, spirit away.” “First, a kiss.” Jillian shivered at Ryan’s deep, commanding tone. She immediately obeyed, and the kiss sent shivers through her body. Jack followed and she was practically dizzy as Cassie led her from the coffee shop. These men were lethal. **** Ryan watched Cassie and Jillian head out of the coffee shop to do some Christmas shopping. Since that first day he had seen her in the park, she had haunted his fantasies. He’d been blown away by her sparkling green eyes, long auburn hair, pillowy lips, and lush, curvy body that was just right for his hands. In these past weeks he and Jack had gotten to know her. She was terrifyingly smart. She loved to debate with him, and could do it for hours. Her background in law gave her an appreciation of his career, even if they didn’t always see

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eye to eye. It was nice to talk to someone who really understood not only what he did, but why he did it. She was sweet, with just a touch of smart-ass that made her even more interesting. She was passionate in what she believed, and he hoped she would be just as passionate about him and Jack. He had been waiting a very long time to find a woman with whom to settle down. He wanted a wife, kids, and the proverbial picket fence. He could feel it in his grasp. He just needed to convince her that they were the men for her. Sipping at his latte, Ryan sighed in frustration. He wanted to do something special for their first, real date with Jillian. He could see that Jack was stumped, too, although he was doing better at coming up with ideas. They had been pursuing Jillian for months now. Ryan couldn’t ever remember playing it this slow with any woman. But then he had never met a woman like Jillian Miller. Even Jack’s usual charm and smooth moves hadn’t worked. Normally, Jack could get any woman to drop her panties with the quirk of an eyebrow. Not Jillian. She was a woman to be reckoned with. Both he and Jack were dominant men who liked to be in charge in the bedroom. Living in a small town was not conducive to privacy, and an ex-girlfriend had told Jillian about their proclivities. She had been understandably cautious about getting involved with them. He could see it was hard for Jillian to trust, but she was opening herself up to them. He could see that she wanted and needed to trust someone. He wanted to be that someone. “We could take her to the drive-in. Max always shows Christmas movies between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Jillian seems to like Christmas.” Ryan shook his head. “I’m sure she’s been to the drive-in a dozen times, same with bingo, the diner, and the pizza parlor. I was hoping we could do something special. Something different. Sometimes it sucks to live in a small town.”

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Jack steepled his fingers as he thought of the options. “Jillian seems to like living in a small town, but you’re right—none of those options are anything new. All we told her is to dress casual, so we should have lots of options. The weather should be nice. How about a picnic?” “Yeah! A picnic sounds like a great idea. The weather has been unseasonably warm. It’s supposed to be eighty tomorrow. We can pack a lunch and take her out by the quarries for lunch. That’s a great idea, Jack.” “It would be even better if we cooked something for the picnic. You know, something a little more gourmet than sandwiches and potato chips.” “We could do that. Both of us are pretty decent cooks. It would make it more personal and hopefully impress her a little bit. Geez, look at the time. I need to get back to the station. Are you off for the week?” “I’m off until Sunday afternoon. I need to be at the firehouse by noon. Then I’m on for forty-eight hours. What about you?” “I’m off this weekend, unless one of my deputies calls in. It’s cold and flu season, even in Florida. So far we haven’t been hit by the illness bug too hard.” Ryan threw down his napkin and gave Jack a hard stare. “We’re in this together, right? She’s the one? We both think so.” Jack rolled his eyes. “Yeah, big brother. She’s the one. I’m almost positive she is.” Ryan leaned forward in his chair. “You need to get past this almost positive shit. When we agreed that we wanted to live like this, we knew the chances of finding a woman who could love us both and we could love were low. She’s here. We’ve hit the fucking lottery, Jack. We’ve both sown our wild oats. Don’t disrespect her with your commitment crap.” Jack’s shoulders tensed. “I am not pulling any commitment crap. I’m with you. We made an agreement and I’m with you all the way.

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Just slow the hell down is all I ask. I want her, too. I swear. Tomorrow’s date is going to be legendary. She’ll fall in love with us before dessert.” Ryan rose from his chair and slapped Jack on the back. “Okay, we have a plan. Can you stop at the store—” “Can I get you anything else, Jack?” Jennie interrupted his question. Ryan saw Jack give Jennie a tight smile. He knew Jack didn’t want to encourage her in any way. “No thanks, Jennie. As a matter of fact, I need to get out of here and run some errands.” Jennie insinuated herself between himself and Jack. The girl had persistence, that was for sure. She’d been angling for Jack for quite awhile. Ryan looked over Jennie’s head and gave Jack a nod toward the door. “I can help you run your errands, if you like, Jack. I get off work in twenty minutes,” Jennie offered eagerly. “Uh, that’s so sweet of you, Jennie. But I’m just running to the store and heading home. Thank you, though. That really is so thoughtful.” Jack’s tone was gentle. Ryan knew that the last thing he wanted to do was hurt Jennie’s feelings. She was a sweet girl. But they wanted a woman they could love and share. Jennie just wasn’t that person. Jennie looked crestfallen, and Jack looked like he had kicked a kitten. They really should find a guy to fix her up with. She was a nice kid. “Oh. Okay. Well, I’m available anytime if you need help. Anytime, Jack.” “Thanks again, Jennie.” Jack threw a big tip, mostly out of guilt, on the table and led Ryan to the door. When they turned the corner onto Main and neared the sheriff’s office, Jack spoke. “I feel like shit. Did you see her face?”

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Ryan rubbed his chin and sighed. “Yeah. She’s seems like a nice girl. But you can’t lead her on.” “Shit, Ryan, I’m trying not to. But I don’t want to be an asshole to her.” Ryan could hear the frustration in Jack’s voice. “Maybe we should meet at the diner for awhile, instead of the coffeehouse. Just until Jennie gets over her little crush.” Jack grinned. “That’s a great idea. Then I can eat, too.” Ryan laughed as he ducked into the door of his office. “You would think of that. Now go to the store and pick up some food. We have a lady to romance tomorrow.”

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Chapter 2 Jillian sat in front of her computer while Becca and Cassie looked over her shoulder. They had ended up at the condo she shared with Cassie after their shopping trip. They had visited Jillian’s favorite shop—the book store—and she was able to pick up gifts for Ryan, Jack, and Travis, her brother’s husband. She was surfing Amazon now trying to find an e-book for her brother Mark. Cassie and Becca were helping along with Cassie’s golden retriever puppy, Duffy. However, the only thing that seemed to be getting done was a tongue bath for the computer screen from Duffy. They were all giggling and throwing a sock for him to fetch so he would stop licking the monitor. Jillian’s phone jangled with a catchy eighties tune. Cassie laughed. “That has to be Mark.” Jillian reached for her phone and hit the speaker button. “At least it’s not my mother. Hey, Mark, what’s up?” “Hey, sweetie. Thought I would call you in between patients. Travis wants to go Christmas shopping this weekend, and he wants to know what to get you and Cassie. And don’t tell me you don’t know. Travis wants ideas or you’re both getting coal. Also, did you want to go in together on a gift for Mom?” Travis was Mark’s husband of many years. They had met in college when Travis was studying to be a lawyer and Mark a doctor. “You just want to go in together so that I have to come up with what we’re going to get her.” Mark laughed. “Wrong as usual, sis. Mom has already told me what she wants.”

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“Well, that’s a surprise. What does she want? I’m almost afraid to ask.” “She wants a day at the spa that’s near you. She said that’s all she wants, too.” “Uh, okay. I guess we can do that. Seems too easy though. There must be a catch, big brother.” There had to be more to this that Mark wasn’t telling her. Mark snorted. “I don’t judge. If that’s what she wants, that’s what she gets. Now what about you and Cassie? Is she there with you or with her husbands to be?” Just last week, on Thanksgiving Day, Cassie had accepted a marriage proposal from Zach and Chase Harper. It had been quite a surprise to discover the town believed in polyamorous relationships. But it didn’t take long to see that Plenty was a wonderful town, with open-minded residents. They both had fallen in love with their new home. “Yeah, I’m here with Cassie, Becca, and Duffy, of course.” Duffy barked at hearing his name. “We’re having a girls’ night. I just made a pitcher of cosmos and we’re going to braid each other’s hair and have a pillow fight later.” “Ha, ha. Becca’s there? What does Becca want for Christmas?” Becca’s cheeks had turned a becoming shade of pink. Jillian couldn’t help but notice that Becca turned that color whenever Mark or Travis was mentioned. “Seriously, Mark. We don’t know what we want. Just no sweaters, hats, or gloves. It’s eighty degrees today.” “Rub it in, sis. It’s thirty degrees today with wind coming off the lake. I’m getting all three of you snow shoes. Well, it’s on your own heads then. You’re leaving your gifts up to Travis. God knows what he will get you. He’s on a fishing jag lately so you may end up with rod and reels.” “Fantastic, Mark. I can let Ryan and Jack borrow them. I think they like to fish.”

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“How are Ryan and Jack, anyway? Still taking things slowly?” Cassie and Becca burst out laughing. “Now she’s complaining they’re going too slow.” Becca giggled. “But they have a real date tomorrow.” “A real date, huh? Don’t scare them off, sis. You’re not getting any younger, you know.” Jillian scowled at the phone. “I’m hanging up, Mark. And you’re way older than me. Don’t break a hip, big brother.” **** Jillian sat on a gigantic blanket between Ryan and Jack. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm with almost no humidity. It was the kind of day that brought snowbirds to Florida for the winter. The boys were unpacking the picnic basket, which appeared to be stuffed full of food. The MP3 played softly in the background. It sounded like her favorite, Chris Young. “Oh my God, is that fried chicken?” Jillian’s empty stomach growled. She had been too nervous that morning to eat. She had changed her clothes three times before she had run out of time. She had finally settled on light-blue shorts with a white, lacy T-shirt. Her long, auburn hair was loose around her shoulders. Jack gave her a grin that showed the dimple on his cheek. “Yes, ma’am. We have fried chicken, potato chips, bread rolls, coconut custard pie, and a bottle of wine. I hope you’re hungry. Your stomach sounds like it is.” “It is, and I am. Did you guys make all this yourselves?” Jillian was amazed. The chicken looked crispy and golden and smelled like heaven. Ryan nodded toward Jack. “Jack’s a pretty good cook. Of course, we know that you are an amazing cook. Your Thanksgiving meal was nothing short of a masterpiece. Maybe if we beg and plead you’ll take pity on a couple of bachelors and cook for us sometime.”

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Jack filled a plate and handed it to her. “I second that. We have a pretty limited repertoire of what we can cook. What can we do to convince you?” “I’m sure we can work something out.” Jillian bit in to the tender fried chicken. It was moist and lightly spiced. Jack was full of hidden talents. She would have to get his recipe. She loved to eat, and unfortunately it showed. Her pant size was a double digit to accommodate her curvy hips and ass, and her shirts were a size large to fit her ample breasts. They ate while listening to the soft music, the birds chirping, and the slight rustle of the wind through the trees. The quiet was comfortable, and not awkward as it should have been. Or would have been with any other man she had dated. She was used to rushing to fill in the empty spaces and pauses. Jillian didn’t feel the need today. She could simply relax and enjoy her time with them. “Ready for dessert?” Jack reached for her empty plate. Jillian patted her stomach with a groan. “I think I need to wait a little while before I have room for dessert. That fried chicken was killer. I’m going to need that recipe, Jack.” “It’s all yours. I’m glad you liked it. Ryan, pour this girl some more wine. She looks thirsty.” “Not too much. I don’t want to get drunk,” Jillian protested. “We won’t let you get drunk, honey.” Ryan’s voice was quiet and reassuring. “In fact, if you don’t want any more wine, we have a big bottle of water in the cooler.” “No, the wine is okay, but just a little all right?” Ryan poured a small amount in her glass. “Is that okay?” “Perfect. And the day is perfect, too. It’s freezing cold in Chicago right now. I talked to my brother, Mark, last night, and he said they’re looking at a record cold winter. I’m freezing just thinking about it.” Jillian shuddered a little. Jack threw his arm over her shoulder and brushed her lips softly with his. “We won’t let you get cold.”

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Jillian looked up into Jack’s soft, hazel eyes and breathed in his masculine scent. It was something woodsy, and she inhaled again to fill her lungs with his delicious scent. Her nipples peaked inside her bra in reaction to all this maleness up close and personal. Although he hadn’t said a word, she could feel Ryan’s presence on her other side. She turned to look in to his eyes that were so like Jack’s but different, too. Ryan’s eyes had extra flecks of gold, making them appear warm, but intense. His gaze never faltered from hers as he lowered his head and kissed her softly on the lips. Something inside of her crossed a line. She’d had enough of slow. She wanted his lips taking hers. Right now, dammit. She reached up and pulled his head back down to hers, fusing her lips with his. He didn’t move at first, but then his tongue ran along the seam of her lips. She opened, and his tongue rubbed hers before leisurely exploring her mouth. Her panties had gone damp, and her fingers gripped his muscled shoulders. It felt like holding on to solid rock. Warm lips explored the nape of her neck just under her hair. She groaned under Ryan’s lips as Jack nipped at the spot where her shoulder met her neck. Her legs moved restlessly as her arousal inched higher. Ryan lifted his head and pulled her arms from around his neck. His eyes were almost completely gold now with desire. “I think we better have that talk now. What do you think, Jack?” Jillian was close enough that she could feel Ryan’s voice rumble in his chest and breathe in his scent. It was more citrus than Jack’s but just as potent. Her pussy was creaming in response, and her body screamed to get closer. She took a deep breath to slow her heart rate and get control of her body. “Yeah, I guess we should, big brother. Although it would be a hell of a lot more fun to keep making love to her.” Jillian turned to see a rueful expression on Jack’s face. But she knew what discussion they were talking about. And, yes, they

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probably needed to have it before things went too far. She settled herself on the blanket and waited for one of them to speak. She didn’t have to wait long before Jack started. “Ryan told me you discussed our sexual preference. It was the reason you were reluctant to get involved with us. These past weeks have been about seeing us in normal, day-to-day activities. We’re not dominant every minute of every day. We’re just normal guys who do normal things.” Jillian couldn’t help but laugh at Jack’s statement. “Only a hero firefighter and a hero cop would call themselves normal guys. You two are hardly normal. You both have dangerous jobs that protect the public. It’s kind of scary, actually.” Ryan waved off her concern. “We live in a small town with very little crime and even less fires.” Jack nodded his agreement. “Hell yeah. Most of my calls are to car accidents. You don’t need to worry about us for a second. We’re trained professionals and we’re safe as kittens.” Jillian doubted that but tucked her fear away. This discussion wasn’t about their safety. It was about their sex life. “Getting back to the original subject…” Jillian prodded. “So, as Jack was saying, we’re just normal guys. We admit to liking a little kink in the bedroom. But it is totally consensual. We don’t want to do anything that will hurt you or scare you. We just like to be in charge. It doesn’t even have to be all the time. It’s just something that we prefer.” Ryan’s deep voice sent a shiver down her spine at the mention of dark pleasures. Jack tipped her chin up so that she was staring into his handsome face. A dimple creased his cheek as he smiled. “Ryan is correct. I like to run the show in the bedroom, but if you’re not in the mood, that’s cool. Can you give us, and this, a chance, baby? We want you so much. Nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen.” A part deep inside her wanted to try. She wanted to trust someone that much. She never had before. Her crappy childhood had made sure

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of that. She knew she needed to put her childhood behind her and finally conquer her fears. Her brother, Mark, had found happiness. Couldn’t she? She wanted to love and be loved. She gathered her courage and swallowed her doubts. They had ruled her too long. “Yes, Jack. Yes, Ryan. I want to give you a chance. I want you both, too.”

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Chapter 3 Jillian licked her suddenly dry lips. She had just stepped into the great unknown with these two men. She had to learn to extend a little trust. It didn’t come naturally, though. “So, what do we do? How do we start?” Jillian couldn’t help the very slight tremble in her voice. She hoped her men didn’t notice. Ryan ran his hand soothingly down her back. “Relax, Jillian. Put all your worries away and just breathe for me. Don’t try and control this. Jack and I are in charge. We do all the worrying. Just follow along. If at any time you want us to stop, you only have to say the word ‘red.’ But it should never get to that point, honey. Jack and I will be watching you closely to see your reactions.” “Okay, red. I just say red.” Great, she was babbling like an idiot. Jack smiled and brushed her hair out of her eyes. “If you want us to stop, you say red, baby. But we are going to make sure that you don’t want to stop. Nothing outrageous for today. Just some kisses. Now lie back on the blanket and put your hands over your head. We want you to relax a little.” Jack and Ryan helped her lie back and ran their hands down her arms, sending tingles to every part of her body. When she was quiet under their touch, each man lifted an arm and placed it over her head. Ryan tapped her hands. “Lace them together and keep them there. I want you to keep them there because I asked you to. For no other reason than you want to please me. Do you understand?” Jillian swallowed hard and nodded. Ryan’s voice was deep. Deeper than she had ever heard it before. She heard the thread of steel

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running through it. She laced her fingers together and waited, wondering what they would do. **** Ryan’s cock pressed insistently against his zipper. He was rock hard and dying to bury his dick inside Jillian. He could swear he smelled her arousal. She was definitely turned on. Her creamy skin was flushed, and her ample breasts rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath. Her pink tongue flicked out to wet her full, luscious lips. How many times had he fantasized about that tongue swirling around his cock? It seemed to swell even larger, threatening to break through the zipper of his shorts. One look at Jack showed that he was in the same condition. Ryan tamped down his arousal. He would need to lead Jillian down this path slowly and carefully. Her trust was a fragile thing right now. One wrong move would send all three of them back to the beginning, possibly never to return to this point. That possibility was unacceptable to both him and Jack. “Keep your hands there, honey, while Jack and I kiss you a little bit.” Ryan was glad that his voice was controlled. He gave his brother a signal, and Jack lowered his mouth to Jillian’s, bracing himself above her, and began kissing her soft lips. Jack kept his hands off of Jillian’s gorgeous body, only his lips making contact. This would heighten the sensation for her. Nothing would dilute the pleasure of the kiss. As he had expected, her hands lowered to Jack’s shoulders. “Hands above your head, honey. Keep them there for me.” Ryan kept his voice even, but firm. Jillian’s skin flushed a little darker pink, but her hands quickly returned to their place above her head, grasping the blanket tightly. Good girl. “Good girl, honey. I’m proud of you. If you move them again, we stop kissing you, until you return them to their spot.”

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Jack continued to explore Jillian’s lips, nipping and licking at them. Jillian was moving restlessly on the blanket, trying to fight her instinct to pull Jack closer. Jack lifted his head and gave Ryan a nod. It was his turn to kiss Jillian. **** Jillian clutched the blanket tightly in her hands. It was as if the blanket represented her sanity and her fingers were holding desperately to the last shred. Jack’s kisses were long, deep, and sweet. She had been waiting so long for a real kiss from these men. Now that she had it, the reality was far beyond anything she had fantasized about. Jack knew his way around a pair of lips. She was desperate for them to touch her with their hands. Her skin tingled with the need to be stroked and caressed. She was pretty sure that demanding anything from these dominant men would get her nowhere. They both appeared calm and in control, while she was a writhing mess. Her nipples were hard, and her pussy was creaming. This dominant-submissive stuff didn’t seem quite fair. She glanced down and was relieved to see that both Ryan and Jack sported impressive bulges in their pants. They were not as unaffected as they appeared after all. She opened her mouth to make a smart-ass remark about what they were planning to do with those hard-ons when Jack placed his finger over her lips. “Hush, Jillian. Do you need to say your safe word?” She shook her head. She wasn’t scared, far from it. She was frustrated as hell. “Then you do not have permission to speak. The only thing you need to think about is whether to say your safe word. Ryan and I are in control of everything else. Do you want to continue?” Her arousal amped up at his words. She was surprised this show of control would affect her this way. But she couldn’t deny her body’s reaction, and being the straightforward person that she was, she

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wasn’t inclined to deny it. She nodded her head at Jack. If nothing else, she was curious to see if she would continue to react this positively to the role of submissive. Her research into it had more than piqued her curiosity. It had set off a series of fantasies that fueled her dreams at night. These men were the stars. “Good. Now it’s Ryan’s turn to kiss you. Open your mouth for him, Jillian.” Jillian turned as Ryan’s lips came down on hers. While Jack’s kiss had been long and languorous, as if he had all day to kiss her, Ryan’s was just as deep but commanding at the same time. He took control of the kiss, barely allowing her to catch her breath. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth as if he owned it. Her senses seemed sharper than normal with her eyes closed and her touch taken away. His kiss tasted of wine and something warm. Very much like Jack, but slightly different, too. The music playing drifted over her. She recognized the song as “Alone With You” by Jake Owen. It was beautiful, almost soothing to her overheated state. He lifted his lips much too soon, and she almost whimpered at the loss of contact. Her nipples were tight buds that begged for his attention, and her thighs were pressed together to ease the ache in her pussy. She wanted their hands on her and was on the verge of begging. Her pride kept her silent, although she was sure they could see what an aroused state she was in. They took turns kissing her, but not touching her. The time seemed to slow down as her world narrowed to only her lips and theirs. It was extremely sensual and arousing. Finally Ryan lifted his head with an encouraging smile. “You did great. You didn’t let your arms down. I’m very proud of you. But I think that is enough for today. Jack and I want to give you a slow, easy introduction into how we like to play.” Jillian blinked in confusion for a moment before his words registered.

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Jack grinned. “I love that you trusted us to play that little game. You deserve a reward. Turn over on your tummy and Ryan and I will give you a nice massage.” Jillian quickly rolled to her stomach. She really wanted to feel their hands on her skin. Ryan ran a hand down her spine. “How about you take this shirt off, honey? It’s hard to give you a massage with it on. I promise we’re not trying to get you naked.” That’s not welcome news. “Um, all right. I guess it will be okay.” She pulled her shirt over her head and placed it off to the side. She knew they could clearly see her hard nipples through the lace of her bra. She felt a little selfconscious, but the warmth in their eyes said they liked what they were seeing. She lay back down on her belly and closed her eyes. Their rough hands started to glide up and down her arms from shoulders to fingertips. Their fingers manipulated stiff muscles until they were like putty. Once done, they moved on to her back and neck. Ryan kneaded her lower back, while Jack massaged her neck and scalp. She moaned in pleasure as Ryan found a particularly tight spot near her gluteus. Their hands roamed downward to her legs, spreading her thighs apart. Their fingers were magic as the muscles in her thighs and calves were rubbed and massaged until she was sure they wouldn’t have the strength to hold her weight. The combination of their callused hands and their spicy, manly scents sent pleasure swimming through her veins. Her panties were soaked with her honey, and she could smell her own arousal. No man had ever touched her this intimately without sex being the goal. Now she had two men touching her, and they were doing it purely for her pleasure. Finally, they rubbed and kneaded her sensitive feet before finishing. She lay there for a few minutes before rolling over to see them grinning like idiots.

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“I guess you could tell I really liked that.” Jillian rolled her eyes at them. “You did seem to get pretty relaxed. Did you like your reward?” Jack asked. “Oh yeah. I really liked it. You both have great hands.” “You get one more reward. Since you laid down and trusted us to behave like gentleman when giving you a massage, you get to choose your next reward.” Ryan stroked his hand up and down her arm. “We know you’re aroused. We can tell. We can bring you to release or you can touch us a little. One or the other, honey. You earned it.” Jillian’s first instinct was an orgasm. After all they had just spent the last hour kissing and touching her. It wouldn’t take much more to send her over the edge. And yet…it didn’t seem like the right thing to do. The entire afternoon had been about her pleasure. It was only right she give some back. “I choose touching you.” Ryan and Jack both looked surprised. “Are you sure? You don’t want to come?” Jillian wasn’t surprised by Jack’s questions. She figured that most people would choose the orgasm. “I’m sure,” she said firmly. “I want to touch you. Very much.” Both men beamed at her choice and started pulling their T-shirts over their heads, revealing their tanned chests. Ryan had broad shoulders and muscled arms. His torso was tan and his chest massive. A smattering of blondish hair covered his chest and trailed down to the button fly of his shorts. Jack was just as tan. He was slightly leaner than Ryan, and his abs were so defined Jillian could count each part of his six pack. Her mouth watered as she gazed at how sexy and handsome they were. Her fingers itched to caress every inch of their masculine bodies. She reached for Jack first. Her hands started at his waist and traced those amazing abdominal muscles. His stomach tensed under her fingers, but he remained silent and motionless, allowing her to

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explore. She could see his cock was already standing at attention through his shorts. She continued to run her fingers up his chest, over his flat, male nipples, down his shoulders. She stopped at the tattoo on his left upper bicep, tracing the intricate ink pattern. “It’s our own design. Ryan has a matching one. It’s our names designed and linked together. But it’s not done yet. There’s a spot here,” Jack pointed with his other hand, “that’s waiting for the name of the woman we will love and share. This tat is meant to signify the bond that the three of us will have. Ryan and I got these when we agreed that we were going to share one woman. It was a promise to each other.” Jack’s words made her heart speed up. Could she be that woman? Could she put her childhood behind her and move forward with these men she was coming to trust? They had a better shot than any man she had ever met. “My turn now.” Jillian turned her attention to Ryan. She ran her hands across his broad, muscular chest and let her fingers trail through his silky chest hair. She longed to let her tongue and lips nibble at their biceps and bellies. Perhaps next time. She would be extra obedient and hopefully get an even better reward. The exploration was over too quickly, and she reluctantly pulled her hands away from Ryan’s yummy body. She could have explored their hard-muscled bodies for hours and never gotten bored. “Um, aren’t you guys a little, um, frustrated?” Jillian’s eyes strayed to their erections straining behind their zippers. She sure was frustrated. Didn’t they want to have sex? Yes, this was their first real date, but they had known each other for months. She and Jack had shared a room, if not a bed, when they had visited Disney World last month. Jack had been a perfect gentleman, of course. But she clearly remembered hearing his even breathing as he slept, his eyes closed and his long lashes against his tanned skin. He had looked innocent and angelic in his sleep. Jillian knew damn well that Jack wasn’t

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innocent at all. His reputation as a ladies’ man in town was legendary. Both of them gave choked laughs. “Yes, we’re frustrated. We want you very much, Jillian.” Ryan looked deeply into her eyes and swept her auburn hair away from her face. His own hazel eyes were gold with passion. “But we know you don’t trust us completely yet. We want to take this slow with you. This means something to us. It’s worth taking our time. Right, Jack?” “Right. When we all finally make love, it will be amazing. It’s tough to wait and I’m harder than a rock right now, but we don’t want you to have any regrets afterward.” Jack smiled his gorgeous smile. “Trust me, baby. We’re all going to be together soon. We can’t, and won’t, wait forever. We will hold up for today, though.” Jillian’s own libido was screaming. But one of the reasons she trusted these men was that they weren’t always thinking of themselves. She needed to do the same. She swallowed her lust and gave them a playful smile. “If we’re going to wait, then I’m going to need some of that coconut custard pie. Dish it up, boys.” Ryan gave her a mock salute and reached into the picnic basket. “Yes, ma’am. You’re the boss…outside the bedroom, anyway. Coconut pie coming right up.” Jillian gave an inward sigh. Sweets would have to take the place of sex. At least for today.

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Chapter 4 Jack leaned back and groaned at the tightness in his back muscles. After a long, hot shower, he was finally getting to kick back and relax in his favorite chair at the firehouse. His shift was turning out to be long and dirty, and he was exhausted. Someone had deliberately set fire to the playground in the city park. Arson was almost unheard of in Plenty, so this one was more than surprising. When he and the team had arrived, the old wooden equipment had been engulfed in flames. There hadn’t been much they could do at that point. They had doused the fire quickly, but it had been too late. The playground was totally destroyed. “Hey, Jack. You look wiped.” Jack turned to see his father, Mike Parks. “Hey, Dad. What brings you to the firehouse?” His father’s face was somber. “Needed to talk to Cal about the divorce from his wife that I’m handling for him. Sad. Those two seemed really happy. Heard you guys got a call to the playground today. Ending of an era, really. I remember when they opened that playground. You, Ryan, and Becca were just kids. We took you the day it opened. Zach and Chase were there, too, of course. You kids were like brothers. Hell, I guess you still are.” Jack smiled at the memory. “You and Mom packed a picnic. The ants ate most of it, if I remember correctly.” His dad looked wistful. “Yeah, they did. Your mother made fried chicken. She made the best fried chicken in the world. There really wasn’t anything your mom didn’t do well, come to think of it.”

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Jack laid his hand on his dad’s arm. Five years ago, Jack’s mother had been killed in a tragic car accident. His dad had been devastated. Only his burgeoning friendship with the emergency room doctor who had given them the bad news seemed to bring him much happiness. Fast-forward a few months, and his dad had announced that he and Dr. Steve were in love. It had been quite a shocking announcement. His dad had patiently explained that both he and Steve still liked women. After all, Steve had been married, too. But that they had fallen in love with each other. They both needed to be in a relationship, to be in love and have that commitment. “Are you headed home? Where’s Steve?” “Steve’s at the hospital. He works too many hours. We need more doctors in this town.” Jack grinned. “You say that every time I see you. You work crazy hours, too.” “I mean it every time.” Jack laughed. “I guess Ryan or I should have been a doctor.” Mike shook his head. “No, Ryan was born to be sheriff and you were born to be a firefighter. Things turned out the way they were supposed to be.” “Yeah, Ryan was born to be in charge.” His dad gave him a strange look. “Ryan likes to be in charge, that’s true. But so do you, son.” Jack shook his head. “Not as much as Ryan.” “That may be true, but you’re not a follower, just because Ryan’s a leader. This family can handle more than one man in charge.” “Do you like to be in charge, Dad?” Mike looked thoughtful. “Yes, I suppose I do. But so does Steve. We have to compromise. It can work though. You just have to be open-minded about what the other person wants.” Jack had grown up open-minded. You had to in a town like Plenty. He was just glad to see his dad smiling and happy again. His dad needed the relationship with Steve. Ryan had that in common

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with his dad. Jack grimaced as he realized that he must have missed that gene in his DNA. He didn’t feel the need to couple up like animals heading for the ark the way Ryan did. He and Ryan were so different. It was amazing, actually, that Jillian was attracted to both of them. “I try to be open-minded, Dad, you know that.” His dad nodded. “I know you do. How else could you and Ryan share that pretty girl, Jillian? You have to be open-minded about things. I can only imagine how complicated things can get when there are three in the relationship instead of two. She seems like a wonderful girl, though. You and Ryan are lucky men. She’ll make a good wife and mother.” Jack choked back a laugh. “Shit, Dad. I’m not ready to get married. Just because Ryan’s rushing to the altar like the hounds of hell are on his heels doesn’t mean we have to get married tomorrow.” Mike stood and clapped a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “Love has a way of sneaking up behind you and biting you on the ass, son. You’re just as ready as Ryan is. You just don’t give yourself enough credit. “ His dad headed to the door with a wave. “Mark my words, Jack. That woman is a keeper. Don’t screw it up.” Jack slumped into the chair. He wasn’t going to be railroaded into marriage. Nope, he had a lot more life to live before surrendering to the institution of marriage. Ryan could just slow the fuck down. **** Monday night dinner at the diner had become a tradition. Jillian sat with Cassie and Becca in a corner booth perusing the menu. Jillian sighed. “I don’t know why we bother looking at the menu. We always get the special. It’s pot roast today. I love pot roast.” Becca pursed her lips in thought. “I dunno. I might get the fried chicken with mashed potatoes.”

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Cassie took a sip of her tea and set the menu on the table. “I think I’m getting the fried chicken, too. And maybe some of that chocolate cake for dessert. I think I need sweets. The wedding plans are starting to give me a headache.” Jillian frowned. “What wedding plans? You just got engaged.” “Exactly!” Cassie agreed. “And I haven’t done a thing. We need to start making a list of all the things we need to do to plan the wedding. So far, I have dresses, cake, flowers, food, and music. What have I missed?” Jillian put her hands up in surrender. “I don’t know the first thing about planning a wedding. I am sure there are books on the subject. We can stop by the bookstore after dinner.” Becca nodded in agreement. “There’s probably a lot of stuff on the Net, too. You should Google it. I guess you guys are in a hurry to get married then?” “The boys are anxious to make it legal. Well, as legal as it can be when you’re marrying two men. I’ll marry Zach legally, but the ceremony will include Chase. He’ll say vows also. I was thinking June, right after school gets out.” Cassie’s words came out excitedly. Becca frowned. “It will be pretty hot by then. Are you sure you don’t want to get married in, maybe, April?” “I don’t think I can get a wedding together that fast. Does it really get hot by then? What am I saying, it was eighty degrees today. Of course, it gets that hot.” The waitress came up to take their order. “What will you girls have?” “The pot roast,” they all said in unison and burst out laughing. As the waitress bustled away to put in their order, Becca waggled her eyebrows at Jillian. “Speaking of two men and hot, how was your date on Saturday with Ryan and Jack? Any wedding plans of your own?” Jillian blushed. She didn’t want anyone to know how strongly those men affected her. She was thinking certain thoughts for the first

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time. She was thinking about maybe falling in love. Maybe living out some of those hot fantasies. “Of course not. It was just a date. It was nice. They took me on a picnic by the quarries. Jack made fried chicken. He’s a pretty good cook. We played Frisbee, listened to music, and talked.” Becca smiled. “Jack is the only one of us that can make fried chicken like my mom. She was the best cook. She used to say Jack and Ryan were going to eat her out of house and home. Especially, Ryan. He could put away an entire chicken for dinner. And the nights when Zach and Chase would stay for dinner? Mom usually made spaghetti because she could make a giant pot of it.” Becca shook her head and laughed. “There wouldn’t be a morsel of food left.” Jillian rolled her eyes. “It must have been fun growing up with four boys to play with.” Becca grinned. “I assume you’re being sarcastic. It was interesting. Jack and Ryan were like twins growing up. Still are. Sometimes, they don’t even have to talk to one another. They just share some sort of telepathic stare.” Jillian frowned. “Twins? They couldn’t be more different.” Becca laughed. “Jack and Ryan are completely the same and absolutely different. All at the same time.” Jillian frowned. “How can that be?” Becca fiddled with her straw. “You know exactly what I mean. Ryan is the big brother who likes to be in charge, run the show, and have everything his own way. I swear that man was born in his sheriff’s uniform. He’s dated a lot of girls trying to find the one, you know? Now Jack, he likes to be in charge, too, but he wants to have fun and games with it. It would be Jack that comforted me when I had a crush on a boy that wasn’t returned. It was Jack who was there dragging me out to have fun after Mom died. Jack dated a lot of girls, too, of course. But he never had to ask any of them out. They came to him.”

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Jillian pursed her lips. “So, that’s how they’re the same? They both dated boatloads of women?” Becca shook her head. “No, Jillian. First of all, neither of them are saints. They dated with Zach and Chase, too. Sorry, Cassie.” Becca glanced over with a grimace. “They like females and females like, no make that, love them. Let’s face it, Jack could find a female at an allmale military academy. He’s just got that quality. But they’re the same in more ways than that.” Becca’s expression turned serious. “They both take their responsibilities to the community seriously. I mean damn seriously. They both take their responsibility to me and Dad seriously. They believe in honor, truth, and ethics. All that stuff that so many people think are outdated and hokey. Well, they live it every day. They put their lives on the line for their town every day.” Becca’s eyes were bright with unshed tears. “They drove up through a terrible rainstorm from Gainesville when they were at college, to come be with me when my boyfriend dumped me. That’s who they are. And when Mom died, I don’t think either one of them left me alone for more than ten minutes for weeks. One of them was always there for me.” Jillian was silent for a moment swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat after hearing about these men she had come to care for so deeply. “I feel pretty stupid for fighting a relationship with them when I hear you say things like that. I feel something for them. Deeply, but I’m afraid.” Cassie and Becca glanced at each other. Cassie spoke first. “Afraid? Those men are trustworthy as the day is long.” Jillian sighed. They were going to rip this out of her whether she liked it or not. Besides, she really did need to confide in someone. These were her best friends. “I don’t even know what I’m afraid of I guess. On the date, we kissed. It was really hot. They’re great kissers.”

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It was Becca’s turn. “Just kissed?” “Yes, just kisses. We’ve been taking it slow, remember? Although, if they had pressed the issue, which they didn’t at all, I admit I would have given it up. They’re so sexy, so…amazing. It feels like we’ve waited forever. I kind of thought we would make love on Saturday but they didn’t try anything but kisses.” Cassie snorted. “It’s the twenty-first century, Jillian. You could seduce them.” Becca shook her head. “Not a good idea. Ryan and Jack like to be in charge in the bedroom. You need to let them take the lead, Jillian.” Jillian stared in amazement. Their own sister knew about them? “Yeah, I know my brothers like to be dominant in bed. Hell, this is a small town and people talk, you know. I’ve heard that from girls they’ve dated. You did know, didn’t you? I assumed you’d heard it, too.” Jillian slumped down in the booth. “Yeah, one of their exgirlfriends told me. It was one of the reasons I hesitated to date them. I’m not super-submissive.” Cassie laughed. “I didn’t think I was either. But look at me now.” Jillian sat up in shock. “You never said! Shit! Zach and Chase are Doms? Holy shit.” “Not actual Doms, really, and please keep your voice down. It’s mostly Zach. He likes to be dominant in bed.” Cassie’s voice dropped to a whisper. “They like to, you know, spank me, or tie me up, or use toys now and then. It’s hot, and I mean really, really hot. I can relax and just let them be in charge.” Cassie looked furtively around the diner to make sure no one was listening. “I love Zach’s spankings. Sometimes, I tease and torment him just so he’ll spank me. I come so hard when he does that. Of course, Chase likes to tease me and I come hard then, too.” Jillian put her head in her hands. “Cassie, why didn’t you tell me before? I’ve been hesitating to date them because of this and you have been running around getting tied up and spanked? Shit.”

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Becca elbowed Cassie. “Yeah, what gives? I can’t believe you held out on us.” “I did not hold out on you, I just didn’t give you the amazing details of my awesome sex life. And you, Jillian”—Cassie pointed at her—“I would have told you if you had shared with me why you were hesitant to date them. I thought it had to do with your irrational fear of commitment.” Cassie turned to Becca. “Jillian has had commitment issues about the weirdest things. She can commit to four years of college and three years of law school, but picking out living room furniture? No way. It took six weeks and eight trips to the store to pick out a damn couch, all because we would have it for years.” “I just wanted to make sure we bought the couch we really wanted. I can commit to the important things, thank you very much. And it’s hard to talk about making a decision about whether to be spanked and tied up. And thank you about the irrational remark, too. I did realize awhile ago it was irrational, by the way. I am trying to move past it. I know that Ryan and Jack are men I can trust. Any idiot can see that.” “Good. I’ve known you pretty much your whole life and you deserved to be loved. Ryan and Jack just might be the right guys.” “Yeah, they could be. I already trust them more than any man I’ve met.” Jillian looked at Becca pointedly. “Is there anything that you’re holding out on us? Spankings, handcuffs, whipped cream?” Becca barked in laughter. “I’m the most boring woman in Plenty. I haven’t had a real date in months.” “It’s nice to know you two are so supportive of my becoming a sex slave to two men.” Cassie laughed harder. “Slave? More like they’ll be your slave. I never feel more powerful than when I’m submitting. Zach and Chase are totally focused on me and my pleasure. There’s nothing sexier than when you have all of a man’s attention.”

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Jillian couldn’t disagree. Ryan and Jack had been completely focused on her and her pleasure. It was a heady combination. One, she admitted, that she wanted to experience again. Soon. **** Jillian stood outside the door to Ryan and Jack’s house, juggling her purse and the Tupperware of lemon squares she had baked the day before. Ryan had phoned earlier and invited her for dessert and coffee. Jack would join them later when he got off work. She had driven here straight from her Monday night dinner at the diner, but her mind kept spinning from their conversation. It had been quite a revelation to learn that Cassie played the submissive to Zach and Chase. It was even more of a revelation that she enjoyed it. Jillian’s libido was already in overdrive from the date on Saturday. To hear Cassie encourage her to submit had her panties damp and her heart pounding so loud she was sure that it could be heard for a city block. She wiped her hands on her blue jeans and pressed the bell. She admired the outside of the house that was nestled in a cul-de-sac in the historic district. Built in the 1920s, it had been in sad shape when Ryan and Jack purchased it. Years of neglect had taken their toll. Working together, they were slowly renovating. The outside had been their first project, and it showed. The siding was a soft blue with snow-white trim. The porch wrapped around two sides of the house and was decorated with comfortable rattan furniture with brightly colored pillows. It was homey and welcoming. The door opened, and Ryan stood in the doorway with a big smile. He looked absolutely yummy in his faded blue jeans and Florida Gators T-shirt that molded his muscled chest. “Hey, honey. Come in and let me help you with that. Are those lemon squares? I love those.” Ryan took her elbow and helped her, tossing her purse on a table by the door.

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“Yes, they’re lemon squares. I remember that you mentioned that you liked them. Thank you for inviting me to coffee and dessert tonight, by the way. It was a nice surprise to hear from you today.” “Well, we should really thank you. You made dessert. All I’m doing is providing the decaf coffee.” Ryan laughed. “I’m glad you could come. I wanted to invite you to dinner, but I know that you girls have plans every Monday night.” Jillian caught his choice of words. “You wanted to invite me to dinner? Jack didn’t want to?” Ryan’s face softened. “No, honey, it’s not like that. Jack had to work late so I was home for dinner alone. That’s why I used the singular word. If Jack had been here, he would have wanted to have you over for dinner. Make no mistake.” Jillian wasn’t completely convinced. “Are you sure? Jack has quite the reputation in town as a ladies’ man. Maybe he would like to be dating around.” Ryan shook his head. “Uh-uh. No. Jack wants to be dating you just as much as I do. I admit that I was attracted first, but one look at you and he was, too. We have the same taste in women. Always have. That’s one of the reasons we decided to share a woman, among others.” “I’d like to hear those reasons, if you don’t mind.” “More than happy to tell you. Come on in and let’s start on these squares and have some coffee. Jack said to start without him. He’s running late.” Jillian looked down at his sexy, bare feet. “Should I take my shoes off, too? These wood floors are gorgeous.” “If you don’t mind, that would be great. But first you have to pay the toll.” Jillian laughed at Ryan’s playfulness. Usually, Jack was the playful, flirty one. Not that Ryan hadn’t flirted, he had. But it came so naturally to the younger brother.

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She looked up at him from under her lashes. She could flirt, too. “What’s the price? I don’t have much money on me.” Ryan gave her a look that was pure lust. “Your money isn’t any good here. Payment is a kiss.” His leaned forward, and her head swam at his nearness. There was something about these men that dripped testosterone. She raised her lips eagerly for his kiss. “Well, if I must kiss you…” She didn’t get any further as his lips came down on hers. It wasn’t so much a kiss as a claiming. His mouth owned hers, his tongue sliding into her mouth, exploring every nook and cranny. She was weak-kneed when he finally lifted his head. “Now doesn’t it feel better to pay your debts in full?” Jillian nodded mutely. Her vocal chords weren’t functioning yet after that scorching kiss. He, however, seemed as cool and in control as usual. He really was the perfect man to be sheriff. “What do you like in your coffee, Jillian? I did make decaf since it’s evening.” Jillian shook her head. “Can I just have some ice water?” “One ice water coming up. I can’t wait to try one of those lemon squares.” Ryan placed a tall glass of water in front of her and a cup of coffee in front of himself before sitting in the chair next to her. She could smell his amazing scent, mixed with the aroma of coffee, and feel the heat from his body. Her nipples tightened in response to his nearness. He was just so sexy. She had to consciously keep from drooling. Ryan took a big bite out of the square. He looked very happy, she decided. “Oh, man, these are so good. There ought to be a law against baked goods this wonderful.” He wolfed down the rest of the square and started in on a second. He looked like such a little boy at that moment. She couldn’t help but smile. “And if there was a law, Sheriff, what would you do about it?”

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Ryan swallowed the last of his dessert and pinned her with his heated gaze. “I would have no choice, I suppose, but to arrest you. I would have to handcuff you and take you in.” His hands captured her wrists and pinned them behind her back, his lips mere inches from her own. His breath was warm. “You would be at my mercy, honey. My little prisoner to do with as I pleased. What would you do about that?” Jillian could feel the honey that dripped from her pussy and soaked her panties. It was like he could read her mind and the fantasies she had been tortured with. She licked her lips and gazed into his hazel eyes. They were almost gold with passion. She had seen that look before only a few days ago at the picnic. She didn’t want tonight to end the same way. She wanted him, them. “I guess I would have no choice but to be your prisoner, obeying your every command.” She heard his intake of breath and saw the flare of light in his eyes, before his mouth came down on hers. His tongue rubbed against hers, and she tasted of coffee and lemon. She let her hand run through the silky strands of his hair while her other hand clutched his muscular shoulders. He lifted his head and pulled her closer. “I want you, Jillian. I want to make love to you. Do you want me? Us?” Her fingers traced his lips. “Yes, I want you and Jack more than any man I’ve ever known. I don’t want to wait anymore. I want you tonight.”

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Chapter 5 Ryan’s heart pounded in his chest at Jillian’s declaration. He was going to make love to her tonight. He and Jack would see to it that she was ruined for other men. Once they had her between them, they would show her pleasure like she had never known. “I’m going to make love to you, Jillian. Jack, too. But first we need to have a little talk.” Jillian nodded nervously. “Okay, what do we talk about?” Ryan pushed her long bangs out of her eyes and ran a finger down her cheek. “I just want to make sure that you’re okay with Jack and I being dominant. If you aren’t, just tell me.” Jillian seemed to visibly relax. Good, that was the point. “Well, I did a lot of research on the Internet, of course. Some of what I found was interesting and some was downright scary.” Ryan looked puzzled. “You Googled dominant men and submissive women? What were you looking for? I guess a better question is, what did you find?” Jillian took a deep breath. “I know that the lifestyle can include bondage, spanking, toys, and the like. I don’t think I would like real pain, blood, or being treated like a pet. I also saw this site where it talked about asphyxia to heighten sexual pleasure. I don’t think I would want that. It was scary.” Jillian shuddered. Ryan felt the shock of Jillian’s words all the way to his heart. His woman thought he would hurt her? “What the hell? Jillian, Jack and I like to be in charge in the bedroom. We like to call the shots, decide what we’re going to do, what toys we’re going to use, positions, et cetera. We’re not going to

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whip you or anything like that. We’re not Doms in the traditional sense. When you called me and Jack Doms, I thought you knew what was meant by that. I meant we were dominant men. Holy hell, woman. No wonder you wouldn’t date us if that’s what you thought.” “Holy shit is about right. You thought we were the Brothers de Sade?” Ryan turned quickly to see Jack stride in to the kitchen and give Jillian a quick kiss. He was relieved to see Jack. They could both talk to her about this misconception. Shit. “Well, um, yeah. When your ex-girlfriend said you were Doms, I Googled it.” Jack flopped down into a chair. “I can only imagine what came up in that search. Leather, whips, chains, and the like, right?” Jillian nodded, but Ryan could see the relief on her face. He couldn’t believe he had almost lost this amazing woman because of an Internet search. Jack raked a hand down his face. “All this angst, all this time. Fucking fantastic. I admit that I like to be in control. And, hey, I wouldn’t mind giving you a spanking, and Ryan loves toys and bondage, but that’s about as far as we go.” Jillian launched herself at each of them, giving them tight hugs. “Oh, thank God. I’m so fucking relieved. I’m fine with you guys taking control in the bedroom. I’m not sure about getting tied up or spanked. I need to think about that more, but you can run the show. Deal?” Jillian was smiling and holding out her hand. Ryan put his in hers. “Deal. Jack?” Jack did the same with a grin. “Deal, baby. Now can we go upstairs? All this talk has made me horny as hell.” ****

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Jillian knew a good deal when she heard it. Her nipples were hard, and her panties were soaked. She had waited months to be with them, and the waiting was almost over. “Let’s go to your bedroom, boys.” Jack helped her out of her chair, and it was a good thing, too. Her legs were like jelly and trembled as she followed him up the stairs and down the hall. The bedroom was decorated in shades of blue and chocolate with the largest damn bed she had ever seen. Jillian knew immediately it belonged to Ryan. His scent hung in the air, tantalizing her. Jack ran his hand up and down her arms and spoke reassuringly. “We have wanted this for so long, baby. You can’t imagine how much we dream about you.” She’d fantasized about them, too. If they wanted her half as much as she wanted them, it was a lot. Ryan reached for the bottom of her shirt and pulled it up and over her head. “Let’s get you out of these clothes, honey.” She unbuttoned her jeans and pushed them down and off her legs. A stolen glance at Jack showed his eyes were hungry as her body was revealed. She stood before them in her bra and panties, not finding the courage to go any further. Nothing in her past had prepared her to stand bare-ass naked in front of two of the sexiest men she had ever seen. She was acutely aware that their bodies were all hard muscle with barely an ounce of fat. She, on the other hand, could stand to lose some weight. Her breasts and ass were generous, and her thighs touched when she walked. “It’s okay, baby.” Jack’s hands were stroking her skin. “I’ll help you.” A click and the bra was off. Before she could think about it, she pushed her panties down and pulled them off, too. She now stood before them completely naked, her entire body bared for their eyes.

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“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, honey. I can’t wait to explore every inch of your creamy skin.” Jillian stared into Ryan’s passion-filled gaze. She turned Jack to see his reaction. It was just as aroused. “I second that, baby. I’m going to kiss and lick every part of your beautiful body.” The way their eyes raked over her made her squirm. “I’m not beautiful. I could stand to lose a few pounds.” Or ten or twenty. Ryan growled and came so close she had to tip her head way back to look into his eyes. “You’re not to speak about yourself that way any longer. Jack and I think you’re gorgeous. Your body is perfect. Your breasts fill my hands.” Jillian inhaled sharply as his callused fingers cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing the nipples until she whimpered. “Your hips are just right for my hand. I’m going to hold on to them when I fuck you from behind.” Jack gripped her hips, and he ground his erection into her ass. Before she knew what was happening, he smacked her left ass cheek. She hardly felt the sting before the pleasure bloomed, making her clit swell and her pussy cream. “And this ass is made for spanking, baby. As soon as you give the word, Ryan and I are going to love spanking this ass until it’s rosy and warm from our hands. Then I’ll kiss it better.” Ryan reached up and traced her lips, dipping a finger inside her mouth. She reflexively sucked it. “And this gorgeous mouth was made to suck my cock. I can’t wait for you to be on your knees sucking and licking me.” “Please…” Jillian heard the plea in her voice but didn’t care. She needed to be with these men like she needed air to breathe. Their words had her painfully aroused. She needed them inside her. Now. Jack kissed her neck. “Don’t worry, we’re going to take good care of you.”

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He leaned in and began to kiss her. The kiss was wet and hot, their tongues sliding and rubbing. She could feel her arousal start in her abdomen and spread, warm and tingly. Ryan placed openmouthed kisses up and down her legs, starting at her toes and ending at the juncture of her thighs. He was so close to her weeping cunt, but not quite there. She tried to press her thighs together to ease the ache, but Ryan’s strong hands held her firmly. Her fingers threaded through the silky strands of his brown-blond hair as he nibbled at the sensitive skin on her inner thigh. Her moan was muffled by Jack’s talented mouth and tongue. Jack lifted his mouth from hers to nibble his way to her ear. His husky voice whispered softly, “On your knees, Jillian.” “Wha—” “On your knees.” This time it was Ryan’s deep voice. Jillian hesitated for a moment. Ryan’s eyes were gold with passion but gentle. Jack’s eyes held the same softness. Ryan stood up and helped her to her knees. Ryan stroked her hair. “Thank you, honey. You’re going to suck my cock now. I’ve been dreaming about this for months.” She’d had a few dreams of her own. Ryan and Jack began to quickly strip off their clothes. Jillian was treated to the sight of their hard-muscled bodies. They could have been statues by Michelangelo. However, these statues were warm and alive. Their skin was golden from the Florida sun, and even at this distance, she could feel the heat they radiated. Their muscular chests and flat abs led down to hard, impressive cocks. Pearly drops of pre-cum glistened on the mushroom heads, and she licked her lips in anticipation of one of those beautiful cocks sliding between her lips and over her tongue. Ryan positioned his cock in front of her mouth and waited patiently. She reached out and ran her fingers up and down his velvety length. He was long and thick. She could barely encircle him with her fingers. She leaned forward and let her tongue trace the purple veins before swirling her tongue around the head. His salty taste burst on

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her taste buds and she heard his indrawn breath. His reaction made her bolder, and her tongue licked him up and down like an ice cream cone. She fondled his balls in her left hand while holding the base of his shaft in her right. She wrapped her mouth around the head of his cock and began to suck, each delicious inch running over her tongue. She shivered in delight as he bumped the back of her throat. His groan was music to her ears. He tangled his fingers in her long hair, and she tightened the seal with her lips. At that moment, she knew what Cassie was talking about. Jillian felt sexy and powerful. She might have been the one on her knees, but there was no doubt she was in control. She had his complete and undivided attention.

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Chapter 6 Ryan was going to blow his fucking load if she kept this up. Her warm, wet mouth was wrapped around his steel-hard cock. Every so often her tongue would flit around the head then slide down to his aching balls. He wanted to come and watch her drink down his seed. Not this time, though. This first time together, he would come in her pussy. It took all his willpower to pull his cock from the heaven of her mouth. “Not in your mouth, Jillian. I want to come in your pussy this first time. Lie down on the bed. Recline on Jack.” Jack lay down in the center of the bed and beckoned to Jillian. Ryan helped her recline in Jack’s arms. She had no idea what they had in store for her, but Ryan planned on making her come several times tonight. He had waited forever for her. Now he just needed to be sure that he and Jack didn’t scare her off with their dominance. Or that he alone didn’t scare her off with the intensity of his feelings. He had fallen in love with Jillian over these last months. Her intelligence and strength called to him. He felt that she really understood him. He knew she wasn’t in love with him or Jack. Yet. But he was winning her trust, and that was the first step. “Hold her wide for me, Jack. I want to see our pussy.” Jack reached down and spread Jillian’s thighs up and wide, exposing her completely to his view. Ryan wasn’t surprised when her hands flew to cover herself. “Uh-uh. No covering what belongs to us. Lift your arms over your head and hold on to Jack.”

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For a moment, Ryan saw a mutinous light in her eyes, but it quickly extinguished when he ran his fingers up the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. Her hands quickly moved to grip Jack’s upper arms. “Good girl. This pussy belongs to Jack and me now. I don’t want you trying to hide it. It’s so pretty with the red curls, and so wet, too.” Ryan ran his fingers through her drenched pussy. He found her clit and brushed it with his thumb while he slid a finger inside her cunt. So tight and hot. It was going be heaven and hell being inside her. She would feel so amazing, but it would be hard to hold back. She started moaning as he eased a second finger inside her. He glanced up at Jack and gave him a signal with his eyes. Jack hitched her thighs up a little higher and farther apart. Ryan lowered his head and began torturing her with his tongue. He swirled around her swollen clit and fucked her cunt with his fingers. Jillian moaned and bucked, but Jack held her easily. She was raining cream onto his fingers and down her thighs. She was close, but whenever she was about to go over, Ryan would slow his tongue just enough to keep her on this side of release. “Who does this pussy belong to, Jillian?” Ryan gave her clit another swipe with his tongue. “Me, it belongs to me.” He kept his chuckle to himself. She wasn’t a pushover. She was going to fight them to the end. This was one of the reasons why he sure as hell loved her. She challenged him as no woman ever had. She made him work for it. He ran his tongue up and down the folds of her pretty, pink pussy. She tasted sweet and spicy, and the musk of her arousal was heavy in the air. She had to be desperate to come. “Who does this pussy belong to, Jillian?” “Me, it belongs to me, dammit. But I’ll share.” Her voice sounded hoarse and more than a little pissed off. “Good enough, honey.” ****

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Jillian’s legs trembled against Jack’s grip. She needed to come badly. Ryan’s tongue was circling her clit, but not giving her the direct contact she needed to go over. Jack was kissing a sensitive spot on her neck that seemed to be connected to her clit. She was a mass of hot need. Her pussy was hungry for something to fill it—Ryan’s fingers or his cock—anything. She could feel the taste of blood from biting her lip. “Come for me, Jillian.” Ryan’s mouth closed over her clit and began to suck. The pressure was just what she needed, and she screamed his name as she tumbled into paradise. Her body tightened, and the pleasure rolled through her over and over until she was wrung out. She whimpered as Ryan gave her a few last licks. Jack’s hold on her was gentle as he praised her. “That was wonderful, Jillian. You’re so fucking gorgeous when you come. I think I need to make you come, too.” That got her attention. “What? Again? You want me to come again?” Jack grinned. “Of course. We’ve only gotten started here, baby. You’re going to come several more times tonight. I promise you.” She had a feeling they were going to keep that promise. While she recovered from the orgasm that had blown her hair off, Ryan had donned a condom and leaned over her. His lips claimed hers in a carnal kiss. His tongue dueled with hers as Jack’s fingers plucked at her already hard nipples. Ryan’s cock parted the folds of her wet cunt and pressed forward. His cock stretched her tight pussy, and she tensed slightly at the full feeling. She hadn’t been with anyone in a long time and never with someone of his size. Both men were wellendowed, but the discomfort quickly morphed into an incredible pleasure. Never had she felt this full of cock. He pressed forward relentlessly, inch after inch, running the ridges of his delicious cock over sensitive nerves inside her. For a moment, she wasn’t sure she could take all of him, but then he was in to the hilt.

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“Look at me. I want you to see who’s fucking you.” She looked into Ryan’s golden, passion-filled gaze. It was as if his soul was stripped bare and raw. She could see the intensity of his emotions. If she had ever doubted his feelings, she couldn’t now. It was written all over his face. He pulled out and slowly pushed back. He fucked her, building up speed, only pausing to change angles. His next thrust ran over her sweet spot, and she couldn’t stop the moan that escaped from her lips. “You found it, bro. Give our woman a good, hard fucking.” Jack nipped at her ear and shoulders while his fingers played with her nipples. The double stimulation pushed her arousal higher, sending her to the precipice of pleasure. She hung there on the edge as Ryan pounded her cunt, each thrust rubbing her already sensitive clit. She whimpered in frustration, trying to move her hips to get more stimulation. Ryan must have seen her dilemma. He reached between them and rubbed circles around her clit. Her body tightened and then released as waves of pleasure shook her to her core. She cried out at the pleasure and saw Ryan stiffen, his face a mask of intensity. She felt his cock jerk inside of her, and it sent more frissons of pleasure, sending her into another mini-release. Her legs trembled as Jack let them lower to the bed. Ryan gave her a long, sweet kiss. “That was un-fucking-believable, and totally worth the wait.” Ryan’s warm breath tickled her neck, and she ran her fingers down his back. She could feel the ridges of muscles play under her hands. She pressed her lips to his shoulder and tasted his salty skin. The scent of sex was thick in the air. “Yeah, it was. Amazing.” She was having trouble speaking in complete sentences. Jack’s voice rumbled in his chest. “My turn, baby.” Ryan had disposed of the condom and lifted her off of Jack before gently placing her on the sheets. Ryan stretched out as Jack had been

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and pulled her into the cradle of his arms. She couldn’t believe how safe she felt in the arms of these men. They even held her when she was having sex with the other brother. Jack had suited up and dipped his head to her berry-tipped breast. Her nipples tightened under his teasing tongue and teeth. She wriggled, and Ryan scooped up her thighs and spread her wide. Again. Could she take another fucking and perhaps another orgasm? She had already come twice and had been stretched by Ryan’s enormous cock. Jack was just as large and would fuck her just as hard, she was sure. If she was going to date them, she needed to get used to this. Her pussy was going to take a pounding on a regular basis. Some girls have all the luck, she thought smugly. Jack lined up his cock and thrust into her in one stroke, driving her back into Ryan’s arms. Ryan held her tightly as Jack started pistoning in and out of her. She reached up to pull his lips down to hers for a kiss. She wanted to look into his eyes as she had Ryan’s. She had never felt so close to another human as she had at that moment. She wanted to feel that with Jack, too. She looked deeply into his hazel eyes. While Ryan’s turned golden with passion, Jack’s turned a dark green. She let her eyes lock with his. For a moment she saw a flicker of emotion before he closed his eyes and pulled from her body. She lay there stunned at his action. **** Jack ran his hands up and down Jillian’s body, loving the feel of her silky skin. “Over on your hands and knees, baby. I want to look at your gorgeous ass while I fuck you.” He and Ryan helped Jillian turn over and get into position. He loved fucking her in any position, but she had looked a little too deeply into his eyes when he was on top. He wasn’t ready for his

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emotions to be on display like that with a woman, even a woman as special as Jillian. He had meant every fucking word he said to her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He couldn’t wait to spank her ass and ride her cunt long and hard. She would be screaming his name before this night was over. Was this the woman they were meant to spend their life with? Unlike Ryan, Jack was not in a big hurry to settle down. There were too many beautiful, willing women to explore. Women more than happy to submit to his and Ryan’s dominant desires. He wasn’t afraid to fall in love with Jillian. He could see that she was special. But he wasn’t going to be hurried into a lifelong commitment just because Ryan’s biological clock was ticking. Loving one woman was okay, but marriage and kids? No way. Not now. Jack shook that disturbing thought away and concentrated on the feast of loveliness before him. Watching Ryan fuck her had made his dick so hard it felt like concrete. It was his turn, and he was going to give her the fucking of her life. He thrust into her hot, creamy cunt. She was so tight, even after Ryan had stretched her with his cock. He and Ryan were the same size, so he knew he would fit just fine. He pulled back and gave another thrust. Ah, so good. Her cunt hugged him like a glove, and he had to fight the urge to come immediately. Her moans increased as he rode her cunt fast and hard. She was so wet from her orgasms that his dick slid in and out easily. He angled his strokes when he found a spot that made her throw back her head and practically come apart in his arms. She was close, thank God. He reached around and rubbed her clit sending her into another climax. He couldn’t help but feel pride that he had given her that pleasure.

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Her pussy clasped him tightly, milking him as his own orgasm ripped through him. He felt like his eyes had rolled back in his head and his balls were pulled into his chest…through his abdomen. He caught his breath as he slumped over this amazing woman. She was more than he had expected. He wasn’t sure he was ready for her, to be honest. But he couldn’t turn back now. This was too good. He lifted away regretfully to take care of the condom. Her skin was damp and warm, and he could have happily curled up with her and slept peacefully all night. He came back from the bathroom to find Ryan snuggling with her. He joined in, her tantalizing scent swamping his senses. He couldn’t stop himself from asking an insecure question, but he needed to know. “Did you enjoy that, baby? Do you want to do that again?” Jillian chuckled and burrowed closer to him. Her long hair tickled his nose. “Yes, I did enjoy that. I would’ve thought that was obvious. And I do want to do it again, but can we wait a few minutes? I’m kind of exhausted. I’ve never had three orgasms in one night. That’s about a month’s worth for me on average.” “I didn’t mean tonight.” Jack couldn’t help laughing. “I just meant, you know, in general.” “Well, yeah, in general, I want to do it again.” He knew that Jillian was smiling just by her voice. “Good. Because, in general, I want to do it again, too,” Ryan said wryly. “Me, too,” Jack agreed. “Since we’re all in agreement, maybe we should go downstairs and have some of those lemon squares Jillian made. Hey, how come you were late, Jack? You told me you would tell us about it when you got home.” Jack grinned. “I guess I got sidetracked with all that talk about whips and chains. But, I had to work late due to what looks like arson at the playground.”

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Ryan sat straight up. Jack cursed. He should have told him differently. Ryan took the safety of this town very seriously. “Calm down, bro. No one was there. No one got hurt. In fact, it was pretty much a nonevent. By the time we got there, there wasn’t much to do but put out what was left of the flames and drag away the charred equipment, for the children’s safety, of course. But the dog smelled an accelerant, so it looks like someone deliberately set the fire. Why would anyone want to set a fire at the playground?” “I don’t know, Jack. But arson? That’s not our usual petty crime around here. Any suspects?” “Nope. No one was there or saw anything. The investigation will be referred to your office by tomorrow. We don’t really have any evidence to give you.” “Ryan, you look worried.” Jillian stroked his forehead, trying to erase the frown lines. Ryan shook his head. His face was a mask of anger. “Not worried so much as angry. A child could have been hurt or killed. I don’t like crime in my town, dammit.” “I know, Ryan. We don’t like arson at the station either. Hopefully this is just a one-time thing.” Ryan looked at him grimly and held on to Jillian protectively. “Do you really believe it’s a one-time thing, little brother?” Jack sighed in resignation. “No. I don’t. But I can hope, can’t I? If we have an arsonist in town, things will only get worse, probably escalate. Captain says that nothing good can come from this. I think he’s right.”

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Chapter 7 “What kind of pizza would you ladies like?” Ryan asked. Jillian, Ryan, and Jack were on a double date with Cassie, Zach, and Chase. They were eating dinner at Charlie’s pizza parlor before heading to the drive-in. Max was showing White Christmas that evening. It was one of her favorite holiday movies. “Sausage, lots of cheese,” Cassie answered. Jillian had noticed Cassie was becoming more confident and outgoing since being with Zach and Chase. Normally, she would have waited for Jillian to answer. “Breadsticks, too, please,” Jillian added. The breadsticks were always fresh baked and covered with a garlicky butter that was pure heaven. Her mouth watered at the spicy smells coming from the kitchen. She had skipped lunch to spend time with Kyle Barnes. She was helping him prepare for his SAT. Ryan ordered for them and then turned to Zach and Chase. “Did you tell Cassie yet?” They shook their heads. “Nope. You?” Jack answered, “Uh-uh. We thought we would tell her tonight.” “What you are guys talking about? What’s the secret?” Jillian looked suspiciously at her men. They had been acting strange for the last few days. She could already tell when their minds were elsewhere. Her mind was firmly in the gutter. After their incredible night of lovemaking, Jillian hadn’t been able to think of much else. Her day and night dreams were filled with hot, sweaty bodies—their hot, sweaty bodies in particular. She was constantly horny and wet, always anticipating the next time they could have sex. As her libido

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amped up, so did the frequency of her raunchy fantasies. Thank God they couldn’t read her mind. Jack grinned. “We’re taking you ladies to Tampa next weekend so you can go Christmas shopping. Haven’t you been saying for over a week that you can’t get what you need in Plenty? I want to make sure I get a great gift from you. If I have to drive you to Tampa to make sure, it’s a small price to pay.” Jillian shook her head at Jack’s cheekiness. He loved presents. “That’s fantastic. We’ve been talking about it. Are we going on Saturday?” Ryan nodded his head. “Yes, and staying through Sunday. We can take in a Bucs game on Sunday afternoon, then come home.” Cassie snorted. “Bucs game? Sounds like this is a thinly disguised ploy to attend a game, and not about us going shopping at all.” Zach gave Cassie a quick kiss. “Why can’t we all be happy? This way we all get what we want.” “I’m all for that,” Jack agreed. “I’m all for a weekend in the city. I love Plenty but I could use a change of scenery.” Jillian did enjoy small-town life, but sometimes she missed the excitement of a big city. There had always been something to do in Chicago. Chase took a draw from his beer. “So, do you have any leads into that arson at the playground?” Ryan shook his head in frustration. “Not a one. No witnesses and since it’s arson the evidence is destroyed by either the fire or putting out the fire. We do know that the fire was started by gasoline. Anyone could have started it, though. The timber in the playground was old and dry. It wouldn’t have taken much to start the fire.” Zach shook his head. “Why would anyone set fire to a playground that was scheduled to be torn down in a few weeks anyway?” Once an attorney, always an attorney. The words were out of Jillian’s mouth before she even realized she was speaking. “They wanted to set a fire, but they didn’t want to set a fire that would hurt

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anything that mattered. They didn’t want to destroy something, they wanted the attention.” Five heads swiveled to look at her. “What? Did I say something wrong?” Jack grinned. “Damn, you’re smart, girl. Of course, they wanted the attention. It wasn’t about the playground at all.” Ryan gave her an admiring look. “You would have made a good cop. It’s so obvious. Why didn’t we see it?” “I was a public defender in Chicago. I defended an arsonist who wasn’t setting fires for insurance or anything, he was setting fires because he loved setting fires. He got off on the attention that he received.” “But this arsonist isn’t getting any attention. We don’t know who they are,” Zach pointed out. “True.” Jillian nodded. “But they’re getting attention because we’re talking about it right now. If the whole town talks about it, then they’re getting attention, even if it’s not personal. After all, they know they set the fire.” Jack ran his hand down his face. “This is bad. If these fires are being set for attention, chances are this is not an isolated incident. If it were about the playground, this would be over.” “That’s true. The arsonist I defended had set dozens of fires before he was caught. I’m guessing there will be more.” Ryan had a grim look on his face. “Fuck. What if they slip up and someone gets hurt? We need to find this guy fast.” Jillian rolled her eyes. “Why does it automatically have to be a man?” “Statistically speaking, arson is a male crime, not a female crime.” “I used to hate prosecutors and cops who generalized like that. If I learned anything as an attorney it is that criminals don’t cooperate with the statistics.” Jack laughed. “Not again. You and Ryan could debate this all night. You’re right, Jillian. We shouldn’t concentrate on just men in this investigation. Your point is well-made, honey.”

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Jillian smirked. “Naturally.” A smile played around Zach’s lips. “Having trouble controlling your woman, Ryan? Chase and I could probably give you some pointers.” Cassie squealed in outrage. “Oh, no you didn’t, mister. You did so not say that. I hope you like sleeping on the couch, ‘cause that’s where your very fine ass is going to be if you don’t take that remark back right now.” Zach chuckled. “I take it back, angel. Everybody knows that you got me and Chase wrapped around your finger. Especially that finger with the big diamond on it.” Cassie crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a glare. “That’s better. I guess you can sleep in the bed tonight.” Ryan leaned down and whispered in Jillian’s ear, “Cassie’s figured out how much power she holds over Zach and Chase. She knows when to wield it and when to let them be in charge. There’s a lesson there I think.” Jillian peeked at Ryan through her lashes. “But Ryan, I want to be in charge all the time.” Ryan’s laughter carried through the noisy bar causing several people to turn and look. “I just bet you do, honey. Don’t hold your breath, though. You’re with the wrong men if you want to lead us around by our dicks. Besides, I don’t think that’s what you really want, is it?” It was too early to tell, but Jillian was afraid he was right. **** “This is a pretty one. It looks handmade.” Jillian held up an intricately beaded Christmas tree ornament. A sad look flitted across Jack’s face. “Yeah. Mom made an ornament for each of us every year. That one is Ryan’s. Becca’s were always in green and red, mine were in green and gold, and Ryan’s

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were in blue and silver. When we moved out on our own, Dad gave us the ornaments that she had made.” Jack lifted it carefully out of her hands and studied it for a few moments. Ryan and Jack’s mom had been killed in a tragic car accident five years earlier. “Mom would have really liked you, baby. You’re smart and have spirit, just like her. I wish you could have met her. She was a great mom.” He placed it on the giant Christmas tree that stood in front of the large bay window that overlooked the street. The tree was over nine feet tall and would take a lot of ornaments and a lot of time to decorate. “Did you and your family have any special Christmas traditions?” Jillian snorted. “Absolutely. On Christmas morning, my dad would complain about the cost of Christmas and his ungrateful family. Then Mom would make dinner and they would fight about whether she should have made turkey or ham. Things would escalate and Dad would take that as an excuse to stomp out of the house and visit one in his long line of mistresses. I don’t remember a year that the Miller family didn’t have some sort of drama. My parents didn’t have the best marriage, if you can’t tell.” “Fuck, baby. That’s terrible. I’ll make sure that this Christmas is drama-free for you this year.” Jack had a shocked look on his face. “I’m not sure you can deliver on that promise. My mother is coming for Christmas and she invented drama. Of course, she has to work a little harder at it by herself since Dad passed away. But she’s no quitter. You know, she wasn’t a bad mother. She actually tried to make it up to us that Dad wasn’t home much. But they used to fight like cats and dogs when he was home. To this day, I’m not sure why they stayed married. They were fucking miserable.” “I guess they stayed married for the sake of the children. Isn’t that what they say?” “They would have been kinder to just get a divorce. I don’t know why my mother stayed with my father all those years. We all knew

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that he had other women. He didn’t bother to hide it. Mom was, is, gorgeous. She could have had her pick of men. But for some reason she stayed with Dad. It couldn’t have been for love. How could she love a man that would humiliate her that way? Nothing would have convinced me to stay in a relationship like that.” Jillian would never become any man’s doormat. Although, she had to admit, Ryan and Jack never treated her with anything but respect and care. She had never experienced any man, let alone men, that she could trust the way she trusted these two. She wanted more of it. She had waded into the relationship slowly, but what she really wanted to do was jump in with both feet. Jillian gazed at Jack’s handsome face. She couldn’t think of anyone better to jump into the deep end with than Jack and Ryan. **** Jack was incredulous at what he was hearing. He could now certainly understand why Jillian had wanted to move slowly. Her childhood had been fucked up ten different ways. The two people she was supposed to trust the most had damaged that trust. To make it worse, she had no role models to look to for a strong, healthy romantic relationship. Jack silently thanked his parents for giving him an example of a loving couple. Their marriage had been a happy one. He knew he wanted that for himself. Someday. “Ryan and I will never treat you like that. When we’re dating you, we’re only dating you.” Jillian looked thoughtful for a moment. “Just make me a promise, okay? If you decide you want to see other women, you’ll just tell me? Don’t go behind my back. I’d rather you were just honest with me. I won’t be mad or make a scene or anything.”

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Jack pulled her close for a warm kiss. “I would never do anything like that to you. Listen, I know I have a reputation as a ladies’ man. But I’m not an asshole. I swear.” He wouldn’t be an asshole to her, but could he really commit to her for the long term? She hadn’t asked him to, of course. She might not even want him like that. Women could be in relationships just for sex, too. But the thing was, he wasn’t in it for just the sex. He really cared about Jillian. Hell, he might even be falling in love with her. Ryan didn’t seem to suffer from the same doubts. He was in love with Jillian. No question. But Ryan had been born a grown-up. Even when he was a little boy, family members had called Ryan “the little old man.” Sure, he had raised some hell, but his life had always been planned out—college, police academy, deputy, sheriff, wife, then two point five kids, and maybe a dog. Ryan had always craved the commitment. The forever. But forever to Jack sounded like one hell of a long time. “Good. That’s all I ask is that you be honest with me. If I want to see someone else, I’ll be honest with you, too.” What the fuck? Did she want to see another guy? Was there another guy? Jack didn’t like the sound of it. Even more, he didn’t like the fact that he didn’t like it. He wasn’t going to let her think about other men when she was with him, dammit. “Come here, baby. I need another kiss.” Jack pulled her into his arms and claimed her soft lips with his own. Her hair smelled like strawberries, and her skin smelled a little like baby powder. He could feel his cock harden in his jeans in response. He ran his hand down her spine then up and under her University of Illinois T-shirt. He stroked her soft skin and let his tongue play with hers. She giggled against his mouth. “What do you have on your mind, young man?” His hand caressed her soft breast, playing with the nipple through the lace of her bra. “How about a little nooky? You can even be in charge.”

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She gave him a look of surprise. “Are you sure?” Jack’s fingers slid down and popped open the button on her shorts. “Yeah, I’m sure. I can do vanilla as much as the next guy. I love sex in general, and sex with you in particular. I don’t care what flavor it is.” Her throaty laughter made his cock ache. “Vanilla’s fine with me. But is it okay? I mean, Ryan’s not here. Will he mind?” “Ryan will be fine with this. He would do the same thing if he was alone with you. There will be times when we’re all together and times when we’ll want to have you to ourselves. Tonight you’re mine.”

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Chapter 8 She certainly was his. And Ryan’s, too. Since the night they had made love, she had thought of little else but them. She had become obsessed with thoughts of how they made her laugh, how they kissed her, how they challenged her, how they could play with her body and make it sing. They hadn’t tried to push the dominance stuff on her. Perversely, she was a little disappointed. There were a few things she had Googled that had intrigued her. She didn’t want to kneel at their feet and call them Master. But she wouldn’t mind maybe being tied up or something. She could almost kick her own ass for the misunderstanding. If she had just talked openly with them about it, they could have been making love a long time ago. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. Jack’s yummy body was all hers to play with right now. She ran her hands across his wide shoulders and down his muscled arms. She stroked his biceps before moving to his rock-hard abs. She let her fingers explore the planes of his stomach through his T-shirt, reveling in the power she felt as his muscles tensed under her hands. “You’re gonna get yourself into some trouble, baby.” Jack practically growled the words. Jillian giggled. “Trouble is my middle name. I’ve tried to be a good little submissive, but I’m afraid it’s hopeless.” Jack snorted. “You couldn’t be a good little submissive if you tried, baby. You like to tease and taunt us too much. Be careful, though. You tease me too much, and I might give your gorgeous ass a spanking.”

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Jillian felt the gush of honey between her legs. She had been fantasizing about getting a spanking. It was Jack’s turn to chuckle. “I can tell the threat of a spanking is no threat. Your skin is flushed, your breathing got heavy, and I bet your panties are soaked. Are you wet for me, Jillian?” Jillian licked her dry lips and nodded. Her panties were drenched. He could probably already smell her arousal. “I bet you are. I’m pretty hard, too. Why don’t you find out for yourself?” Now that was an invitation she wouldn’t turn down. She let her fingers wander over the very large bulge in his blue jeans, stroking him through the denim. His cock seemed to get even larger and strain against the zipper. She didn’t want him uncomfortable. She popped the button and slowly pulled down the zipper while her left hand caressed his chest. Her eyes met his, and this time he didn’t close them or look away. She drank in the emotion she saw there and let the connection flow over her. She knew he could feel it, too. He quickly pulled his shirt over his head and pushed his jeans down his legs. He stood before her almost naked. His beautiful, hardmuscled body covered only in…University of Florida Gators boxers? She couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled up. These men would be the death of her. They could make her laugh at the strangest and most wonderful times. Never had she been in a relationship where she could laugh during an intimate moment. Jack glanced down and cracked up. “Shit. I forgot I was wearing my Gators boxers. I guess I’m going to need to get some Fighting Illini boxers for you. If you don’t like the Gators, maybe you should take them off me?” That sounded like a very fine idea. She hooked her thumbs into the waistband and tugged them down his legs so he could kick them off. His cock, hard and long, beckoned to her greedy fingers. She dropped to her knees and caressed him. The contrast of the velvety skin covering his hard-as-steel length fascinated her.

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She cupped his heavy balls in her hand, testing their girth and weight, before leaning forward and giving his cock a lick from balls to tip. “Fuck, baby. Have a little mercy, will you?” Jack’s voice sounded strained. She looked up at him from under her lashes and used her most innocent voice. “I told you I was trouble. Now where was I?” Jillian gave him another long lick and then ran her tongue around the purple mushroom head of his cock. It jumped at the attention, so she rewarded him with more licks and kisses around the tip. His fingers tangled in her hair and gently tightened, taking some of the control back. He nudged her into place so her mouth encircled his cock. She began an up-and-down motion, flicking her tongue with each stroke. She heard his breath come out in a hiss, and his thigh muscles tensed under her hand. She caressed his crinkly sac, scraping her fingernail lightly over the sensitive skin. His balls were pulled tight. She knew he wouldn’t last long. She doubled her efforts, moving more quickly and fluttering her tongue on the sensitive underside. “Fuck, oh fuck, you’ve got to stop or I’m going to shoot down your throat. Fuck. I said stop, baby.” He sounded tortured and desperate. Time to ease his desperation. She tightened her lips and gave a hum. His reaction was instantaneous. His hands tightened almost painfully in her hair, pressing his cock into her mouth as far as it would go. Her jaws were stretched wide, and she could feel him jerk as he unloaded his seed deep into her mouth. His salty cum slid over her tongue and down her throat. She drank him down greedily, his taste an aphrodisiac that sent her libido soaring. She wanted his cock inside her badly. She licked him clean and sat back, feeling very proud of herself. She didn’t have much practice, but obviously he had enjoyed himself. She watched as he pulled himself together and scowled down at her.

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“I told you to stop, Jillian. You’re lucky this is vanilla, otherwise I would warm up your bottom for disobeying me. I wanted to come in your pussy, dammit.” Her nipples tightened and her cunt clenched at his dirty talk. She threw caution to the wind. She trusted him, and she didn’t want to have to kick her own ass, either. “Get real. You won’t spank me. I’m beginning to think this dominance stuff is just talk.” She shrugged indifferently and pushed to her feet. Jack swore. “I see through you, Jillian. I would never lay a hand on you in anger. So don’t try to piss me off just to get spanked. If you want a fucking spanking, just fucking say so. I’m happy to do vanilla with you tonight. But if you want something else, you are going to have to use your words and ask for it.” Jillian gathered every ounce of courage she possessed. “I want a fucking spanking.” **** Despite coming hard only moments before, Jack could feel his cock rising. Jillian had just declared she wanted him to spank her. Yes, ma’am. “Well, far be it for me to disappoint a lady.” His smiled at her. Her expression was such an engaging mixture of bravado, lust, and apprehension. She was perfect. He felt an unfamiliar tightness in his chest but dismissed it quickly. “Your curiosity getting the better of you, baby? No time like the present to find out what a spanking is like.” He kept his voice gentle. He didn’t want to scare her. He knew this was a big deal for her. “Yes, I guess I am curious. Will Ryan mind?” Jack shook his head. “Once and for all, no. He won’t be upset that we played a little. He might be jealous that I got to spank you first,

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but he won’t be mad. You can do something else first with him next time.” Before she lost her nerve, he began pulling her clothes from her luscious form and tossing them on the dresser. She stood before him like a red-haired angel. Her curves were lush, her breasts tipped in pink, the red curls covering her pussy glistening with her honey. She was gorgeous. Jack watched Jillian chew at her lower lip. He already knew that was a sign that she was nervous. He grabbed a chair from the corner and placed it in the center of the room. He sat down and motioned to her. “Over my knee, Jillian. Let’s do it before you lose your nerve. I’ll stop if you use your safe word. Have you changed your mind?” “No, Jack. I want this.” If possible, his cock swelled even larger. She lowered herself over his lap, trying to get into a comfortable position. She also wriggled on his hard cock, and he had to bite back a groan. He grasped her around the waist and moved her farther over his lap so her head was hanging almost to the floor, her heart-shaped bottom on display, begging to be spanked. His left arm clamped her around the waist tightly so she would feel secure. It would also keep her hands from reaching down and covering her red cheeks during the spanking. His left elbow pressed into her back and pushed her head down a little lower, causing her backside to tip up even higher. In this position, her ass was vulnerable, but so was her pretty, pink pussy. It was shiny with juices, and he had to fight back the urge to forget the spanking and lower his tongue to her creamy folds. “Are you ready, Jillian? We’ll just go until your bottom is nice and red.” Jillian tried to lift her head a little, but his elbow kept her upper torso pointed down. “Yes, I’m ready.” It wasn’t his imagination that her voice was breathless.

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He inhaled her scent, a mixture of strawberries and the musk from her arousal. The fact that she wanted them, wanted this, was more than he could have hoped for. He was humbled by her honest, noholds-barred responses. Her combination of innocence and seductress was intoxicating. He wanted to fall to his knees and worship at her altar. He raised his hand and took in the beauty before him. Her heartshaped ass was full, and the skin was a pearly-cream color. It would be a pleasure to spank it. **** Jillian was helpless and horny. She was draped over Jack’s lap waiting for the first real spanking of her entire life. Her parents had never even spanked her. A swat here and there from her men didn’t count. This was the real thing. The anticipation was exciting and scary. She felt no fear about Jack hurting her. What she found scary was her reaction and her trust. She had been aroused when she had researched BDSM, but this storm of arousal was a shock. She had to face the fact there was a part of her that was submissive. In the bedroom at least. The trust she had in them was also incredibly scary. She had never trusted anyone the way she did these two men. They weren’t just heroic in their jobs. They were heroic in their patience with her. Never had anyone taken the time and worshiped her body the way they did. Jack’s callused hands stroked her ass cheeks. From where he sat, her entire pussy was on display. He could see that she was wet and swollen. She imagined one touch would send her over. Just the buildup to this spanking had her on the edge of orgasm. Jack ran his hand over her ass, warming her skin. She trembled with the anticipation. “We’ll start light to warm you up, before getting to the real spanking.”

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The first smack on her ass made her jerk but wasn’t too bad. It stung a little, but didn’t really hurt. The next smacks were quick and about the same pressure. He applied them evenly across her bottom, which she imagined was probably quite pink. The additional smacks didn’t really hurt so much as add to the overall glow she felt on her ass. The next smack shocked her with its force. Holy shit. It hurt more than she expected, and she was just about to use her safe word when the pain morphed inexplicably into pleasure. She could feel juice flowing from her pussy and onto Jack’s thighs. Her body, which she had been holding tense before, relaxed into the spanking. Each hard smack that followed caused her clit to pulse and throb. Her ass was on fire, but so were her pussy and clit. She needed to be fucked desperately. Was she allowed to beg? The spanking stopped, but Jack didn’t let her go. Was he taking a break, or was he done? His hands caressed her sore ass cheeks tenderly. “You should see your ass, honey. It’s bright red and hot to the touch. Your pussy cream is covering your thighs and my thighs, too. I think you like being spanked.” His fingers began exploring her drenched cunt, sending sparks of pleasure through her body. “I’m so proud of you. It was pretty brave of you tonight to ask for a spanking. Now your curiosity is satisfied. So do you think you’ll want another one sometime?” “Yes, I think so. It was different than I imagined but exciting, too.” Her voice was still breathless. “Brave girls should get rewarded.” Jillian barely had time to wonder what her reward was when she felt Jack’s rough fingers circling her clit, over and over. She was so turned on, it didn’t take but seconds and she was exploding. Jack held her tightly as her orgasm ripped through her body, shaking her to her toes. It started in her cunt but radiated out in crashing waves that

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seemed to go on forever. When she finally came down, he had lifted her so she was sitting on his lap, gazing into his beautiful hazel eyes. He gave a smile that showed the dimple in his cheek. “Now what’s my brave girl going to do about this hard cock?” She let her fingers trace his jaw, trail down his chest, and wrap around his dick. “I have a few ideas. Why don’t you lie down on the floor and let me show you.” **** Jack threw a couple of quilts and pillows on the floor and stretched out. Jillian was feeling strong and sure of herself after asking for and enjoying a spanking. He could see that she was finding out for herself just how strong she really was. He stretched out on the quilts, donned a condom, and beckoned to her. “C’mere, baby. How about a horsey ride?” Jillian crawled on top of him with a giggle. “I grew up in the city. I never had a pony.” “Saddle up, honey.” She threw her leg over so she was astride him, positioning herself over his straining cock. He couldn’t wait to get inside her hot cunt. She lowered herself slowly, taking him inch by inch. He could feel her pussy walls stretching and hugging him close. Her cunt was so hot and tight. She was pure bliss to fuck. When he was in to the hilt, she paused for a moment then tightened her muscles around him. Her expression was filled with pleasure. He was sure his was the same. She gave him a seductive, sassy smile. She was certainly enjoying being in charge. She better not get too used to it. She began moving up and down in a swiveling motion. She pulled up almost all the way then came down just as slowly, grinding her clit

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against his groin, sending more blood to his already swollen cock. He gritted his teeth to hold back his orgasm. She was so fucking beautiful he couldn’t stop staring. Her head was thrown back, her spine arched, long auburn hair tumbling across her shoulders and down her back. Her eyes closed, her lips parted in a moan with each stroke. The lights from the Christmas tree gave her skin a pearlescent sheen. He felt the tightness in his chest again as he gazed at this woman who was burrowing her way into his heart. On the down stroke, he lifted up and slammed into her. She groaned, speeding up her movements. Soon she was riding him hard, leaning her hands on his chest for leverage. Their panting and moans filled the air. His balls were tight, and he could feel his orgasm building hot and hard. He reached between them to rub her clit. It didn’t take long. Her body snapped back, and she froze for a moment before tumbling over the edge. Jack could feel the ripples of her cunt right before it clamped down on his cock. His orgasm ripped through him from his balls outward. He gripped her hips tightly, holding her still as he shot into the condom. Jillian collapsed on him, their bodies damp and exhausted. She was the first to find her voice. “That was quite a ride, cowboy. Now I know why my parents never got me a pony.” Jack laughed and pushed her hair away from her face. “As much as I hate to say this, I need to take care of the condom. You’re going to have to lift up a little.” Jillian made a face as she rolled away. “You’re no fun.” “I’m lots of fun, but condoms aren’t. But they are necessary. I’ll be right back. I’ll bring water.” “That sounds wonderful. We worked up quite a sweat.” Jack laughed. “That was just round one, baby.”

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Chapter 9 Jillian straightened the pillow on the couch for the fifth or sixth time. Her mother was due to arrive any minute. “The condo looks great, Jillian. Relax. Geez, you could eat off the kitchen floor. I think you scrubbed the pattern off the tile.” “You know how Mom is, Cassie.” Jillian looked out the window and down the street. Her mother, brother, and his husband had flown into Tampa International that afternoon and were on their way to Plenty to spend the holidays. “Do you see them?” Cassie brought out the last of her bags and dumped it behind the couch. “Not yet, but they should be here any minute. I don’t know how to thank you, Cassie. Moving in with Zach and Chase while my family is visiting is really above and beyond the call of duty.” Cassie would be staying with Zach and Chase while Jillian stayed with Becca. The condo would be occupied by Jillian’s family until after New Year’s. Cassie waved off her concern. “It’s no big deal. I’m over there all the time anyway. We can use the time to start working on the guest list and details for the wedding and honeymoon.” “Still, I know it’s an imposition. You specifically said that you didn’t want to live together before the wedding.” “Well, I just wanted something to be halfway traditional in this totally nontraditional engagement and marriage. It seems silly in practice, though. It just means one of the boys has to drive me back here every night.”

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The sound of a car engine interrupted their conversation. Jillian could feel her body tense as her mother got out of the rental car. She could do this. She could make it through three weeks with her mother. She opened the door just as her brother, Mark, was about to knock on it. His stood there with a big grin and open arms. She didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the ground in a bear hug. “Missed you, little sis. Be a good girl now with Mom. She’s been on her best behavior these past months. I think she really misses you,” Mark whispered in her ear. Jillian gave Mark a doubtful look before turning to Travis, Mark’s handsome husband. As always she was struck by how opposite they appeared. Mark was blond and blue-eyed like their mother. Travis had golden-brown hair and soft brown eyes. Those brown eyes were twinkling now. She gave him a hug as well. “Gosh, Trav, I missed you. You been taking good care of my big brother?” Travis gave her another hug. “We take pretty good care of each other, JJ.” Jillian pulled a face at the nickname. Her full name was Jillian Josephine Miller. Her brother and Travis liked to tease her with her initials. She hated her middle name and assumed her mother had chosen it to torture her. “I’ve missed my baby girl.” The statement caught Jillian by surprise. It wasn’t like her mother to express much emotion or call her by a pet name. “I’m not much of a baby anymore, Mom. Pretty much all grown up.” Jillian shrugged. Her mother looked beautiful, as always. Her blonde hair was cut shorter than Jillian remembered, but it suited her mother’s delicate features. Her figure was still neat and trim, and her face was hardly lined with age. She easily looked ten years younger than fifty-eight.

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“Yes, I can see that you have.” Her mother gave her a hug. “You’ve grown into a lovely woman.” Jillian gave Cassie a puzzled glance. Usually, her mother would be questioning Jillian’s choice of lipstick shades by now. Jillian had headed that off at the pass by simply not wearing any lipstick that day. Cassie greeted them, and Jillian got everyone settled on the couch with an ice tea. They chatted about the weather, the flight, and the drive from the airport. Jillian’s mother leaned forward and reached for Cassie’s left hand. “What I really want to see is this sparkler on your left hand. It’s beautiful, Cassie. Do you have a date set?” Cassie beamed at the mention of the wedding. “Thank you, Mrs. Miller! We originally thought June, when school let out. But it will be quite warm at that time of year. Becca convinced us to move the wedding up to April during spring break. The weather will be warm, but not oppressive.” “That sounds lovely, and call me Ellie. I think you’re old enough to drop the Mrs. Miller stuff. When do I get to meet the grooms?” Cassie blushed. “You can meet Zach and Chase tonight if you like bingo. I guess you know I’m marrying two men. I understand if you don’t approve, Mrs. Miller.” Jillian watched in amazement as her mother snorted and laughed. “I told you to call me Ellie, and, yes, I like bingo. Disapprove? Why would I disapprove? Seems like a sound decision to me. I don’t believe that any one man can fulfill all a woman’s needs. It just makes common sense to me that two, or more, men would make a woman happier. Women are complex with complex needs. Men are simple.” She waved a hand at Mark and Travis. “They have simple needs. One person is fine for them.” Jillian knew her jaw was hanging open, but she couldn’t help herself. What had happened to her uptight, society mother? She looked like her mother, but was talking like Gloria Steinem. Not to

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mention she was fairly sure her mother had never played bingo in her life. Bridge at the country club? Yes. Bingo? No. “Thanks, Mom. I’m not sure how I like being portrayed as simple.” Despite the wryness in his tone, Mark had an affectionate smile for his mother. Jillian watched as her mother grabbed his hand and squeezed. Travis grabbed Mark’s other hand. “I think your mother is right. As long as we’re fed and loved, we’re pretty happy.” “See? Men don’t have a lot of emotional needs that have to be dealt with. Now, Jillian, will we meet your two men tonight at bingo?” Jillian gave her brother a hard stare. “I wasn’t aware that Mark had told you I was dating anyone. But, yes, you’ll meet Jack. He’s a firefighter and bingo is held at the firehouse. I’m not sure about Ryan. He’s the sheriff and may have to work. He’s supposed to have the night off, but that can change at the last moment.” Her mother’s eyes lit up. “A firefighter and a sheriff? They sound like some manly men. I always did love alpha males.” Jillian watched in amazement as her mother sighed as if in remembrance. Yes, Jillian was definitely in The Twilight Zone. “Uh, well, I guess they’re kind of manly.” Did Mom like dominants, too? If so, she was going to love Ryan and Jack. “What does one wear to bingo, Jillian?” Now this sounded more like her mom. “Jeans will be fine, Mom. We’re casual here in Plenty.” Mark stood and stretched, nudging Travis. “I’m starved. Let’s get the bags and get unpacked so we can eat. I know Mom is anxious to meet your suitors.” Jillian gave him a furious gaze as he headed out to the car with a grin. Her brother looked like he had evil plans, her two boyfriends were going to meet her mom, and her mother was acting as if she had

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taken little yellow happy pills. Yep, it was definitely The Twilight Zone. **** Ryan watched the entrance to the firehouse closely. Jillian was due to arrive any minute with her family in tow. He had already met her brother, Mark, and his husband, Travis, at Thanksgiving. They seemed to be great guys and hadn’t given him a hard time about two brothers courting one woman. Her mother could be a completely different story. Jillian had opened up that her childhood hadn’t been ideal. While her father had been a successful businessman and provided the family with everything they could want, he hadn’t been a good husband or father. Her parents had fought like cats and dogs throughout the marriage, and her father had kept several mistresses on the side before his untimely death from a heart attack. Even in death, he had humiliated the family by dying in the bed of his latest mistress. Ryan shook his head in disgust. He could never understand a man who took wedding vows and then didn’t keep them. A man was only as good as his word. To this day, Jillian had a strained relationship with her mother. Jillian had never understood why her mother didn’t divorce her father. Her mother must be very different from her daughter. Jillian would never put up with that behavior from him or Jack. Her foot would be up his ass and he would be kicked to the curb before he had time to pack his bags. She needn’t worry. He didn’t want anyone but her. In fact, he wanted to make sure that he and Jack made a good impression on her mother tonight. He planned to show her what great husband material they were. He waved at Jack, who was helping set up chairs and tables across the room. Jack waved back and pointed to the door. Jillian had arrived. He hurried to greet her.

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“Hey, sweetheart. You look great tonight.” She did look great in well-worn jeans and an amethyst sweater that accentuated her mouthwatering curves. He leaned in to give her a light kiss on the lips. No tongue in front of her mother. He gave her family a big smile. “Mark, Travis, it’s great to see you again. You must be Jillian’s mother. I’m Ryan Parks. It’s wonderful to meet you.” He held out his hand and hoped she would shake it. Just how did she feel about her daughter being shared by two men? He could feel the tension drain from his body when Jillian’s mother gave him a big smile and shook his hand warmly. She seemed fine with things. “Call me Ellie, Ryan. Or should I call you Sheriff?” Despite Jillian’s protestations to the contrary, Ryan could see the family resemblance. Jillian had the same fine-boned beauty as her mother. “Thank you, Ellie. Ryan is fine. I hope you had a pleasant trip?” Ryan wasn’t as good as Jack at making small talk. Where was he anyway? “Oh, it was fine, I guess. I hate flying these days. They do everything but a body cavity search. But I’m happy to be here with my daughter and sons, and this amazing weather! It’s below freezing in Chicago and I hate to leave the house.” “That’s a shame. A woman as pretty as you should be out and about, having fun.” Ryan turned in surprise at the familiar voice. It was his dad, followed closely by his husband, Steve. He was even more surprised to see Ellie Miller blush and give his father a flirtatious smile. “Well, aren’t you charming? I’m Ellie Miller, Jillian’s mother. You are?” His dad flirted right back. “I’m Ryan and Jack’s father, Mike Parks. And this is my partner, Dr. Steve Hollister. You couldn’t possibly be Jillian’s mother. You’re just as beautiful, but way too young.”

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Ryan almost groaned out loud as his dad’s corny attempt at charm. Ellie didn’t seem to mind, though. “You must have kissed a blarney stone, Mr. Parks. I’m afraid I am old enough to be her mother. Mark’s, too. But I accept any and all compliments I can get these days. It’s nice to meet you, too, Dr. Hollister.” “Please call us Steve and Mike. We’re very informal with lovely women.” Geez, Steve was turning on the full-court press. He had just used what could only be described as a bedroom voice. Ryan needed to put a stop to this shit now. He grabbed Jack by the collar as he was trying to sneak by unnoticed. “Ellie, this is my brother, Jack.” “So nice to meet you, Jack. I’ve heard about both of you from my son, Mark.” So, Jillian had never told her mother about them. Not a positive sign. Time to show her what fine husbands they would make. “Jack is a firefighter here in Plenty, and of course, you know that I’m the sheriff. We take service to the community very seriously.” “Yes, but such dangerous professions. Don’t you worry about them, Jillian?” Jillian was eyeing him suspiciously. “Uh, a little. But they’ve assured me that there aren’t many crimes or fires in Plenty.” “Well, they certainly look like they can take care of themselves. I would imagine a small town like this doesn’t have much crime, not like Chicago.” Jack finally found his voice. “Our jobs aren’t really all that dangerous. Of course, that doesn’t mean that my big brother isn’t an adrenaline junkie. He’s been bungee jumping, rock climbing, hang gliding, and parachute jumping, all several times. Ryan likes to live on the edge of danger. Me, too, actually. Nothing gets me going like rushing into a burning building. There’s really no feeling like it. Right, bro?”

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Jack slapped him on the shoulder and chuckled. Ryan was ready to rip off Jack’s arm and beat him with it. Jack knew how important it was to get Jillian’s mother on their side, and now he was trying to scare her. Although, Ellie Miller didn’t appear scared. If anything, her eyes were sparkling. “That’s so exciting! You must be very brave. Do you do like to be dangerous, too, gentlemen?” Ellie Miller was definitely flirting with his dad and Steve. His dad puffed his chest out a little. “Well, as a matter of fact, Steve and I have joined Ryan a few times on his adventures.” Yeah, they were great at watching the car while I jumped out of a plane. “Really! Well, I would love to hear about these adventures. Buy me an ice tea?” Dad and Steve ushered Ellie over to the refreshments while they all stood there silent. Finally, Travis broke the silence. “What just happened here? Did your mom get a date, Mark?” Mark had an amazed look on his face. “I believe she just did. Go, Mom.” Jillian looked just as amazed. “Mom hasn’t shown interest in a man for over twenty-five years. Now she’s interested in two?” Jillian rounded on him. “I thought your dad was gay.” Jack answered for him. “I think technically the term is bisexual. Steve and dad were both married to women before they got together. Maybe they miss having a woman in their lives.” Jillian rubbed her temples. “There’s that familiar headache my mother gives me. Here I was hoping it was gone forever.” Ryan rubbed his own temples and gave Jack a hard look. They were going to have a few words. “Yeah, family can be a real pain in the…head.”

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Chapter 10 When bingo broke for intermission, Ryan pushed Jack out the back door of the fire station. “What was that all about, Jack? What were you trying to do?” Jack’s face was all innocence. “What are you talking about, bro?” Ryan struggled to hold his temper. “You know what the fuck I’m talking about, asshole. The look-how-dangerous-we-are shit with Jillian’s mom. We talked about this and how we needed to get Mrs. Miller on our side. Do you think she thinks we’re husband material when you go on and on about all the risks we take? What the fuck?” Jack shrugged. “I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. You have done all that dangerous shit, and we do have dangerous jobs. I don’t want a woman I have to change my life to get.” “I haven’t done any of that since meeting Jillian. I certainly wouldn’t do any of that if I was married with kids. Now that we have a woman some things are going to change—Fuck, I get it.” Ryan’s anger boiled as he realized what Jack was up to. “This is your commitment phobia shit isn’t it, little brother? I’m so tired of this shit. Women like Jillian come along once in a fucking lifetime. And a woman like her that we both want to share, even less.” The night they had agreed to live a ménage lifestyle flashed through Ryan’s mind. He had never felt closer to Jack than that moment. The tattoos were a visual reminder of all that they wanted— a life built around one woman. “Maybe I’m not ready to settle on one woman for the rest of my fucking life. Have you ever thought about that?” Jack said defensively. “It’s not that I don’t care about her. I really fucking do.

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I’m just not sure I want to marry her and have kids yet. I get that your biological clock is ticking, but I won’t be led by the nose down the aisle. Fuck, Ryan.” Ryan slumped against the wall of the fire station and absently fingered the tattoo on his left arm. “I’m not leading you by the nose. I’m not even saying we have to marry Jillian tomorrow, even. But I cannot believe that you don’t want to commit to her. I see the way you look at her. Fuck, I don’t know why you’re digging your heels in about this. I’m not buying you don’t think you’re ready for marriage and responsibility. You’ll take on the responsibility of saving victims in a burning building, but one tiny little redhead has you shaking in your boots. Bullshit.” Ryan pushed away from the wall and got nose to nose with Jack. He wanted this message to be loud and clear. “I love her, Jack. I think you do, too, if you were honest with yourself. Are you saying you don’t want to share anymore? You want to go your own way?” Ryan’s chest hurt at the thought of not sharing Jillian with Jack. This is what they had talked about and planned. They both wanted a family life that reflected the way they had been brought up. Ryan knew that Jack felt the same way. Jack looked everywhere but in Ryan’s eyes. “I’m not saying I don’t love her. I don’t want to go my own way. We made a deal years ago that we would find a woman to share. I still want that. I still want Jillian. But why hurry?” “Do you think Jillian is going to wait around forever while you get around to committing to her? It’s bad enough that she’s scared to trust us, I’ve got to deal with your shit, too? No wonder she’s took things so slowly with us, she can probably see your fear a mile away.” Jack’s next words were drowned out by the earsplitting peal of the fire alarm. Jack bolted for the door, but stopped for a moment. “Listen, we’ll talk later, okay? I’m with you on this, I promise.” Ryan watched as Jack grabbed his equipment and jumped on the fire truck before it screamed out into the night. He needed to get back

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in to Jillian. She was the future. If Jack didn’t want to be in that future, Ryan would just have to be enough for her. **** Jillian snuggled closer to Ryan. It was a crisp night by Florida standards, and they were cuddling outside the firehouse enjoying the night. “Jack will be okay, right?” She knew he was a firefighter, but seeing him heading toward a fire was something different. Something scarier. “He’ll be fine, honey. It’s probably not even a fire. It’s probably a gas leak or something.” She breathed in his warm scent and burrowed closer, running her hands up and down his muscled back. She wondered if they could sneak over to his house for some alone time without her mother noticing. “Looks like our parents are really hitting it off.” Jillian tried to joke, but the words came out a little choked. Ellie, Mike, and Steve had sat together all evening, laughing, joking, and most of all flirting. In fact, her mother had a date with Mike and Steve the next night. Ryan eased her away to look down into her face. “Yeah, I’ve never seen Dad so taken with anyone since Mom died. Listen, my dad and Steve are good men. They’ll treat your mother like gentlemen should.” “I know. If your dad raised you and Jack, he must have been a good example.” “He was. He treated Mom right, and they had a good marriage.” “Unlike my parents’ marriage.” Ryan ran his fingers through her hair and tugged so she was looking straight into his hazel eyes. “Sounds like your mom deserves some fun and happiness in her life, don’t you think?”

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Jillian sighed. “Of course. It’s just I’ve never seen her act like that. Most of the time she’s getting on my case about my career, or boyfriend, or my wardrobe. She hasn’t done that once since she got here. It’s weird.” Ryan’s lips twisted into a smile. “Did you ever think that she doesn’t have anything to criticize anymore? You’re in the right town, the right career, with two men who think you hung the moon. And your ass in those jeans is making me crazy, by the way.” Jillian opened her mouth to reply, but his words took her breath away. He was right. Her life was finally where it needed to be. The pieces were finally falling into place. Even if her mother tried to criticize her, she would know that her life was good. Perhaps her mother’s nagging had been her way of pushing her toward a different life. Things were taking on a whole new light. But there was that remark she needed to address. “What did you say about my ass, Sheriff?” Ryan gave her a swat on that ass and pulled her into his arms, caressing the butt cheek he’d just warmed up. “I said your fine ass has been driving me crazy all night. It was all I could do not to bend you over a table and fuck you hard right there in front of the church choir and the ladies’ auxiliary.” “Not to mention my mother and your father.” She rubbed herself against him and felt his hard cock pushing on his fly. “Jack got to spank my ass, you know. Are you jealous?” She wanted to tease him just a little. She’d enjoyed that spanking, and Cassie had been right about coming hard right after one. Maybe she could goad Ryan into spanking her tonight, too. Ryan had a speculative gleam in his eye. “No, I’m not. Why should I be? I intend on being the first to fuck this ass, so it’s fine with me that Jack was the first to spank it.” Jillian could feel her face get warm and her pussy get wet at his dirty talk. “Keep your voice down! I can’t believe you just declared to God and country that you intend to take me, well, you know.”

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“In your ass? God already knew, and this is Plenty. Doubt anyone would be surprised.” That was probably true. The town was filled with menageamous relationships. A person couldn’t help but hear the women talk about being taken by two men at the same time. In hushed tones, of course. The thought of being fucked at the same time made her hotter than hell. She was nervous, though. She had heard it would hurt a little. She had known going in to date two men that they would expect it. She just didn’t expect Ryan to talk about it. She should have known better. Ryan liked to talk about everything. “True. Can we work up to it? I’m a little nervous.” “Honey, I’m not trying to rush you. You’re the one rushing yourself.” He chuckled. “You’re so tied up in knots you can’t think straight. And they’re not even knots of my making. You want to be submissive so badly, but you don’t know how, do you? You think you have to do something or study. Honey, you just have to be.” Jillian had to laugh with him. “I don’t know how to do that. My life has been predicated on being an active participant.” “Just relax. You’ll be participating, but not in charge. Say it. Say, it’s okay if you’re not in charge.” Jillian took a deep breath. “It’s okay if I’m not in charge.” “Again. Really believe it this time.” Another deep breath. “It’s okay if I’m not in charge.” “Louder.” “It’s okay if I’m not in charge!” Ryan’s rich laughter echoed in the empty driveway. “Keep saying it. Keep believing it. I’d give my life for you. You can trust me.” At that moment, Jillian believed it more than anything. **** Jack looked in disbelief as flames shot out of the roof of Charlie’s pizza parlor. Jillian had been there only hours before, eating pizza and

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enjoying time with family. Now the building was engulfed in flames, and they couldn’t yet get into the building. He hoped to hell no one was hurt or trapped. He just thanked God that Jillian hadn’t been there when the fire started. They began pummeling the fire with water, trying to get the blaze under control. He needed to get in there to make sure it was empty. It should have been. Charlie always closed early on bingo night to encourage the crowd to the firehouse. Captain waved him over. “We’ve got it under control enough for a sweep. You and Harry head in and make sure there’s no one trapped. Jesus God, what a night. Be careful.” He took lead with Harry right behind him. Flames were everywhere, but his team had done their job. It was under control and contained enough to be able to maneuver the small building. Luckily, Charlie’s wasn’t a big place. He and Harry kept each other in sight at all times as they each took a side and worked the perimeter of the structure. Jack could feel the sweat run down his back as the heat came from every angle. The building appeared blessedly empty. They just needed to check the other half. He pointed to the far side of the kitchen area. Harry saw the motion and headed there, followed by Jack. They swiftly worked the kitchen area but saw no one. The flames were still hot and fierce, despite the water dripping in from everywhere. Harry pointed toward the door, and they both headed for it. They were almost there when Jack heard a creaking sound and a crack. He whirled around in time to see the roof starting to cave. Pieces of the ceiling started to rain down on them, and they bolted for the exit. Jack thought he had made it, but time wasn’t on his side. The ceiling collapsed, and he was knocked to the floor. He tried to get to his knees, but his leg wouldn’t cooperate. Another crack sounded, and debris fell from the roof. Jack could now see the night sky through the hole in the roof. For the first time in his life, Jack felt his own

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mortality and the fear that came with it. Harry was buried somewhere under this rubble, and Jack couldn’t get up to save either of them. The door crashed in, and he looked up to see three of his team members standing over him and pulling him up. He pointed where he had last seen Harry. “We’ll get him, Jack. Let’s get you out of here. Are you hurt?” “My leg.” Jack could barely hear his own voice. It was raspy, and it hurt to talk. Stan helped him out of the building and to a waiting ambulance. He turned to see his other teammates pulling Harry from the building. He looked unconscious. “Dammit, Jack. Are you okay?” Jack had seen the captain worried before, but never about him. “I’m okay. Hurt my leg. There was no one in the building, thank God.” “You did a good job in there with the sweep. Don’t worry about Harry. He’s going to be fine. You go with these people to the hospital. I’ll call Ryan and Mike.” “Don’t scare them, Cap. I’m really okay.” Fuck, it hurt to talk. His throat was raw, his whole chest felt like an elephant was sitting on it, and his leg was starting to hurt like a son of a bitch. “I’ll take care of it, Jack. I promise.” Paramedics placed an oxygen mask on him and loaded him into the back of the ambulance. He closed his eyes and let exhaustion slip over him.

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Chapter 11 Jillian hurried down the hospital corridor heading to Jack’s room. His father, Mike, was by her side. She was about to push the door to room 408 open when Mike tugged at her elbow gently. “Before we go in there, you need to prepare yourself. Be the strong woman that Ryan and Jack say you are. The captain said he was hurt by a ceiling that caved in. He may have burns and bruises, and he may not have seen his own face or body in a mirror yet. If you get upset, he might get upset.” Jillian nodded. Mike was right. She needed to stay calm for Jack. It wouldn’t do to go into crying and blubbering mode. “I won’t get upset. I promise.” They entered the room, and her eyes zeroed in on Jack’s sleeping face. He had a couple of red, angry streaks and a nasty bruise on his forehead, but otherwise appeared fine. She approached cautiously, hating to wake him. His strong, tan arms lay above the covers and an IV-drip was attached to one, the surgical tape a stark, white contrast. She placed her hand in his carefully. She needed to touch him and make sure he was okay. His hand was warm, and she started as she felt his hand squeeze hers. His eyes opened slowly. Jack seemed disoriented at first, but clarity entered his vision quickly. He gave her hand another squeeze as Mike placed his hand on Jack’s shoulder. “Scared us a little, Jack.” “I’m okay, Dad. Just a few bruises and a mild concussion. Twisted my knee, too. Hurts like a bitch.”

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Jack’s voice sounded like a metal bucket dragged across gravel. He had probably inhaled a hell of a lot of smoke in the building. It had to hurt to speak. “Watch your language around the lady, Jack.” Jillian was relieved to see Jack grin. “Sorry, Dad. I’m okay. Really.” Jillian moved closer and leaned down to give him a soft kiss. His lips were dry and cracked. She swallowed the lump in her throat. He was going to be okay, and she wouldn’t cry, even in relief, in front of him. She sat next to him on the bed, still holding his hand. She drank in the sight of his handsome face. When Ryan had been called to the fire, she had been worried, but that worry turned to panic when Mike had pulled her aside to tell her Jack was hurt and in the hospital. She sat quietly, holding Jack’s hand while he and Mike talked about the fire and how he had been hurt. As the details were revealed, she realized how seriously Jack could have been hurt. He had been incredibly lucky to escape with relatively minor injuries. His partner had broken his collarbone and arm when the ceiling collapsed and was now in surgery. “Can I get you anything, Jack?” Jack had yet to address her directly. In fact, he had looked everywhere in the room but at her. He still didn’t look her in the eye. “No, I’m fine, I said.” His voice was sharper than she had heard him speak to her. Ryan strode into the room, and she jumped up to wrap her arms around him. He gave her a quick hug and kiss. His expression was grim, but his voice was gentle. “Hey, honey. Are you taking good care of Jack?” She nodded, the lump in her throat making speech difficult. She was so grateful to have both of them within arm’s reach. Mike discreetly ducked out of the room with an excuse about talking to the doctor. She knew it was to give them some privacy.

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Jack finally turned to her, but still didn’t look her in the eye. “It was sweet of you to come see me, baby.” Jillian looked at Jack in confusion. Where the hell else would she be than with him and Ryan? Why wouldn’t he look at her? Jack was acting strangely. The truth was he had been acting weird all evening. The fact that he had told her mother all about the danger he and Ryan were in had been a big clue that things were not right. Apparently, Jack hadn’t wanted to meet her mother. It must be too much commitment for Mr. Love’em and Leave’em. Asshole. **** Ryan watched the byplay between Jillian and Jack. He had a feeling that Jack was about to fuck this up. Big. Part of him wanted to intervene, but it was time Jack dealt with his commitment issues. Ryan wasn’t inclined to save Jack from himself tonight. Time to step aside and let Jack get himself out of deep shit. Jillian’s expression was stormy. “Well, of course I’m here, Jack. When Mike told me you’d been hurt, I came with him to the hospital.” “Well, it was sweet, baby. I hope there are even more lovelies outside my room to comfort me. I could use a pretty girl to rub my shoulders.” Ryan could see Jillian visibly stiffen. “You’re kidding, right?” Jack gave her a who-gives-a-fuck shrug. “C’mon, baby. Don’t be that way. A man likes a little female attention when he’s been hurt. I’ve always been one who likes women spoiling him. The more the merrier, they say.” Jillian’s face turned red, and she snatched her hand back as if it were she who had been burned.

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“I’m sure we can notify your fan club, if that’s what you want. They’ll be lining up within the hour.” Ryan placed his hand on Jillian’s shoulder and felt the tension she barely concealed. Jack was being an asshole. On purpose. “Maybe you should get some sleep, little brother. Obviously, the pain medication is making you say things you don’t mean.” “I’m perfectly lucid, bro.” Jack gave him a rebellious look. Two could play at this shit. Time to show Jack how things would be if he wanted to act like this. “Okay, then Jillian and I will leave you to your adoring fans and head out. I have plans for her sexy body. Tonight, I’ll have it all to myself.” Jillian’s green eyes were sparkling with anger. “That sounds like a great plan, Ryan. I was worried about you. I want to show you how glad I am that you’re okay.” To make sure Jack would be hard and alone after they left, Jillian trailed her hand up Ryan’s chest and gave him a look that promised everything. Ryan couldn’t stop himself from capturing her full lips in a hard kiss. When he finally lifted his head, he glanced at Jack, who looked slightly pissed off and frustrated. Good. “I want to get you home, honey. Say good night to Jack.” Jillian gave Jack a withering look. “Good night, Jack.” Jack looked uncertain now. “How ‘bout a good-night kiss, baby?” Jillian’s eyes narrowed. “Good idea.” Ryan was surprised when she pulled his head back down for a passionate kiss that made his cock throb. He could only imagine the state Jack was in. Ryan pulled away and gave Jack a wave. “We’ll be by tomorrow morning to take you home. Sleep tight, Jack.” ****

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Jack felt like ten kinds of shit. He wanted to blame the pain medication for his asinine remarks, but it was more than that. The whole night had been a cluster fuck of epic proportions. First, he had acted like an ass when meeting Jillian’s mother. Then tonight, he had added insult to injury when she came to see him. When she had rushed into his room, it was as if the world narrowed to only the two of them. He had looked into those emeraldgreen eyes, filled with care and concern, and that unbearable ache in his chest had come back. It’s better this way. Isn’t it? Jack could still remember the day that he and Ryan had agreed that they would share a woman in the forever sense. They had been dating together since college. Sharing a woman and bringing her to heights of pleasure she could never find with just one man was thrilling and addicting. The more he and Ryan shared it, the more they wanted to share it. He and Ryan had always been two sides of a coin. Ryan was the serious, cerebral one. Jack was the passionate, actionfirst one. Two years after graduating college, they had sat down and made the pact. They would find one woman to love and share their lives with. Of course, that was easier said than done. Getting two men to agree on one woman and getting that one woman to be attracted to both of them, especially when they were so different, had become an almost impossible task. Until Jillian. Jack knew that Jillian was the one. He just hadn’t expected her to come into his life so soon. He had pushed her away tonight hoping the ache in his chest would go away. The only thing he succeeded in was hurting her and pissing Ryan off. The ache was ten times worse now, and fear was its companion. She may never forgive him. She had looked pretty done with him and his behavior when she left with Ryan. Ryan would take her home, make love to her, and Jack would lie there with an aching cock and heart.

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She deserved the best, and he knew enough about himself to recognize he might not be the best. He certainly wouldn’t win any popularity contests with her tonight. Ryan, on the other hand, wouldn’t screw up with Jillian. Ryan never screwed anything up. His dad pushed the door open and came back into the room. He looked unhappy. “What’s wrong, dad?” “You tell me. Your brother looks like he’s pissed as hell, and your Jillian doesn’t look much happier. What happened?” Jack shifted uncomfortably in the hospital bed. His dad looked pretty pissed, too. “Nothing. Aw, shit, Dad. Why did you have to bring Jillian here?” “Because she’s the woman you love. Because she was frantic when she heard you were hurt.” His dad crossed his arms over his chest and glowered down at him. “I don’t know that I love her.” “That’s okay. We all know it. You’re the only one denying it. Fact is, you’re starting to look pretty silly with all this ‘Baby, don’t get hooked on me shit.’ If Jillian walked away, you’d chase after her in a heartbeat. Stop acting like a child.” “I’m not acting like a child,” Jack said defensively. “Yes, actually, you are. You’re my son, and I love you. But you are not acting like the mature adult your chronological age says you are.” “I just don’t want to be rushed, that’s all. Everyone acts like it’s a fucking crime.” His dad shook his head. “It’s not a crime if it’s for the right reason. Is it for the right reason, Jack?” Jack opened his mouth to answer, but his dad raised his hand. “I don’t need your answer. You need the answer. I have another question for you before I go. What did you think about when you were trapped in that burning building? Think about that, son.”

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His dad squeezed his shoulder before turning and leaving. Jack shifted in the bed and groaned as his body protested. He was battered and bruised, inside and out. The last thing he wanted to think about was those minutes inside the burning pizza parlor. Shit. **** Jillian fumed the entire way to Ryan and Jack’s house. Of all people in the world, she was an expert at giving someone the brushoff. Lord knew she had done it a dozen times or more when a guy started getting too serious. It must be karma getting back at her tonight. Jack had looked so pathetic when they were leaving she had almost given in and launched herself into his arms. Luckily, she had stood firm with Ryan at her side. She was a commitment-phobia professional. Jack appeared to be in the amateur leagues. “He loves you, you know.” Jillian couldn’t hold back her derisive laughter. “Funny way of showing it. He asked for other women to comfort him. Asshole.” Ryan unlocked the front door before pressing his shoulder into her middle and lifting her off the ground. She squealed as her vision turned upside down. She was once again staring at Ryan’s fine ass. She didn’t bother to struggle, and he easily took the stairs two at time, despite her added weight. She bounced a few times when he dropped her on the bed. “Agreed, honey. Jack was acting like a huge asshole to you tonight. What do you plan to do about it?” She smiled and reached for his belt buckle. “I’m planning to fuck his brother’s brains out, first of all. Second of all, I’m planning to make him suffer until he grovels a little. Or maybe a lot. I haven’t decided on the quantity or quality of groveling that will be required. But, mark my words, there will be groveling.”

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Ryan laughed and covered her hand with his large one and helped her unbuckle his belt. “I’m on board with your entire plan, especially part one. He really does love you. He just needs to grow up a little. He’s scared of commitment.” “I know a little something about that. But if I can fucking get over it, then he can, too. It’s not like I’ve been talking about weddings and babies, for heaven’s sake. Now that would be scary.” Ryan crossed his arms over his massive chest and scowled down at her. “Scary, how? Don’t you want to get married and have a few kids?” Jillian stood up on the bed so she was eye to eye with Ryan. “Yes, I do. But, like Jack, I’ve never been in too much of a hurry for it. In fact, it never crossed my mind until recently. Very, very recently. You know, I’ve never met a man who wasn’t afraid of commitment. How come you’re so different?” Ryan pulled her close to his warm body and ran his hand down her back. She shivered at the contact. “I don’t know, but I’ve always wanted a family. My parents had a great marriage and seemed so happy. I was best friends with Zach and would hang out at his house all the time. His parents were madly in love, too. You could see their happiness. They loved each other, they loved their kids. All around Plenty, it seemed the happiest people were the ones with families. I guess it made an impression on me. Whenever I think about my future, I think about having my own family. Of course, now when I think about having a family, I think about you. I love you, Jillian.” Jillian saw the truth in his face. She ran her fingers along his strong jaw. “I’m not ready to say it, Ryan. I feel it, but it’s too scary to say yet. Please be patient with me,” Jillian pleaded. Ryan pulled her close. “It’s enough to hear you say you feel it. I can wait for the words, honey. I can wait forever if you need me to.”

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Chapter 12 Ryan almost did a victory lap around the bedroom. He’d said the words, and Jillian hadn’t run from the house screaming. Sure, she hadn’t said it yet, but she felt it. Feeling it was a hell of a lot more important than saying it. He wanted to climb up on the roof and shout to all of Plenty that Jillian Miller loved him and that he loved her right back. This night was turning out better than he’d imagined. He hauled her into his arms, and her legs wrapped around his waist. She would be able to feel his extremely hard cock against her pussy. He wrapped his hands around her hips and ground against her while nipping at her lips. “It’s good that you feel love, honey. I’m fixing to love up on you tonight so good you’ll never look at another man. Except Jack, of course. You feel something for him, too?” Ryan held his breath. Jack was acting like an immature ass, and if she didn’t love him, then this was going to be a problem. Jillian rolled her eyes. “Yes, God help me, I do. Doesn’t mean that I like him a whole lot right about now. I want to kick his ass, actually.” “I’m guessing that this won’t be the last time that you want to kick Jack’s ass or mine for that matter. We’re not easy men, honey. We like to have things our own way most of the time. That’s why you’re perfect for us. You won’t let us get away with anything.” Ryan grinned when Jillian poked him in the chest. “Damn straight, Sheriff. Best you remember that, too. You and Jack are going to start toeing the line from now on.”

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Ryan laughed and tossed Jillian back on the bed. “All our friends will say we’re pussy whipped. It’d be a sad day in Plenty when my town can’t respect me, woman.” Jillian started giggling, and Ryan’s heart rolled over in his chest. Damn, she was perfect. “Pussy whipped? I can’t think of any two men less pussy whipped than you and Jack. But I can certainly try to get you there. I’ve never had a man pussy whipped over me before, let alone two.” Ryan came down on top of her, caging her in with his arms. “Then let the pussy whipping begin. Give it your best shot, honey.” Her small hands caressed his chest before moving down to rub the bulge in his jeans. He groaned, and Jillian gave him a wicked smile. “It’s on, Sheriff.” **** Jillian’s hand roamed over Ryan’s hard cock encased in soft, faded denim. She had finally admitted to having feelings for him and Jack. She expected to feel terrified, but that feeling never came. Ryan’s love pushed out all the fear, leaving only this amazing, warm feeling in her heart. If she had known it would feel like this, she wouldn’t have fought it for so long. Now she would revel in it. It made her feel beautiful and sexy. His lips came down on hers, and his tongue took possession of her mouth. Her own tongue played games with his, stopping only so his lips could travel across her jaw and down her neck. She continued to caress his cock until his hand grabbed her wrist and pinned it above her head. He quickly snagged her other wrist and repeated the process. Her body reacted as if an electric jolt had been applied to her clit. Her pussy began to drip cream, her nipples tightened, and her clit swelled, making her want to press her legs together to ease the ache. She could only imagine the picture she made. Her wrists pinned above her head thrust her breasts up in offering. Her lips felt swollen

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from his kisses, and her breath came in pants. There would be no doubt his domination was turning her on. Way on. His lips traveled across her collarbone and down into her cleavage. She mewled in frustration at the barrier her clothes made. She wanted him skin to skin. She was on fire, and she wanted everything he had to give. He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. His were gold with passion, and his breath was heavy. “We have on too many clothes,” he growled. She nodded vigorously, not trusting her voice. He levered himself up, taking her with him so they were standing next to the bed. Her fingers went to the buttons on his shirt. Her hands were shaking with the intensity of her arousal. If he noticed, he said nothing, patiently waiting for her to free the last button. He peeled the shirt back, revealing his tan and muscular chest. Her breath caught at the sight of his male beauty. She didn’t think she would ever get used to how sexy he was, no matter how long she was with him. Her trembling fingers fumbled with the button of his jeans then grasped the tab of his zipper. She pulled the zipper lower and pushed the jeans and boxers underneath down over his hips. His hand finally came to help her tug them off all the way, kicking them onto a chair. He stood there, all male perfection, for her perusal. She took her time, taking in his strong legs, flat abs, wide chest, and his rock-hard cock. He stroked it as she inspected him. A little pre-cum had gathered at the head. She could feel her mouth water at the prospect of licking it off. She licked her lips in anticipation of his taste. Ryan noticed her tongue flick out and grinned. “Don’t worry, you’ll get a taste, honey. Now let’s get you naked.” His hands were on her before she could think. He pulled her sweater over her head and tugged her jeans down her legs. A flick of his fingers and her bra was unsnapped and off. She had only a moment to be impressed with his dexterity before he was pulling her soaked panties down her legs. Before Ryan and Jack, Jillian would

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have cowered with her hands covering herself. With these men, there was no need. She could see the desire in Ryan’s eyes as he took in all of her. His cock seemed to swell even larger, right before her eyes. He liked what he was seeing. “Those panties were drenched. They felt like they had been wet for a while. Anything you’ve been fantasizing about that you want to share, Jillian?” Hell, yes, she wanted to share. She knew this was a man who could make her fantasies come true. She gave him a teasing smile. “Well, I keep remembering that spanking that Jack gave me. I don’t suppose the older brother would like to show me how he does it?” Ryan gave her a wicked smile. “Happy to, honey. Anything else? I’m in charge, but I take requests.” Yeah, she had one more request. She had been fantasizing about it since her research into Dominance and submission. “Um, I’d like to be, um…tied up.” It was harder to say out loud than in her thoughts. Ryan’s smile grew wider. “I think we can make that fantasy come true. Now how about my fantasies? It’s only fair that I should get one or two.” He had a point. So far, their sex life had pretty much been about her and her pleasure. “What did you have in mind? I take requests, too.” She almost laughed aloud at the conversation she was having with Ryan. He was the only man in the world who liked to talk about sex this much. “I’d like to explore that sexy ass and use a few toys I think you’ll like. Are you game?” Her pussy clenched and dripped honey at his dirty proposal. She was curious about anal play, and the thought of what toys he might use amped up her arousal. “Bring it on, Sheriff. I’m still working on pussy whipping you, just so you know.”

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Ryan smirked as he reached out and tweaked an already tight nipple. “I’m not planning to get pussy whipped, honey, just so you know.” He ran his fingers on the sensitive undersides of her breasts, his thumbs brushing her nipples making her squirm. “Repeat after me, Jillian. It’s okay that I’m not in charge.” “It’s okay that I’m not in charge.” “Good, ‘cause I’m taking the reins now.” **** Ryan pulled out a blue velvet bag from the drawer in the bedside table. “Jack and I picked these out for you a few months ago. All the toys are new and chosen just for you, honey.” He opened the bag and dumped the contents into his large palm. She licked her lips as he held them up. “Do you know what these are?” She nodded. She had seen them during her research. “They’re nipple clamps. The tweezer type, I believe.” Ryan arched an eyebrow. “I see you’ve done your homework. Google, again?” Jillian nodded, never looking up from the clamps that sparkled in front of her. Several beads hung from varying lengths of chain from each clamp. The tweezers could be tightened by pushing up a metal ring that wrapped around the base of the tweezers. The higher the ring was pushed, the tighter the clamps would hold her. The beads hanging from them would pull and tug on her nipples whenever she moved. He leaned forward and drew her nipple into his mouth, and she moaned at the tingle that shot straight to her clit. He sucked until it was tight then replaced his mouth with the tweezers, pushing up the ring until it was tight. She gasped at the sensation. He quickly repeated the process with her other nipple, giving the clamps a tug to

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make sure they were secure. The constant pressure on her nipples felt strange but quickly morphed to pleasure. She twisted her torso to give them a shake. It was like lightning through her body. She did it again, this time groaning as her knees grew weak. “I see you like those, Jillian.” Ryan chuckled. “You’re too good to be true, baby. I have more in store for you tonight. Bend over the side of the bed and place your hands on the mattress.” Jillian walked slowly to the bed and leaned over. The weights on the clamps tugged on her nipples as gravity pulled at them. Her thighs were sticky with arousal, and her clit throbbed. She knew it wouldn’t take much to send her over. She really needed to come. “Hands flat on the mattress, and spread your legs nice and wide. Stay still. Good girl.” She wondered for a moment if he had abandoned her in this position but felt his warm hands stroking her bottom. She jumped when she felt the cold trickle of lubricant down her crack. “Easy, honey. You’re going to like this.” His fingers played with her back hole before pressing for entrance. More lube was added, and she felt his finger breach her tight backside. It didn’t hurt, but did feel strange. She couldn’t help squirming, and his hand came down on her ass cheek smartly. “Hold still. I don’t want to hurt you.” The sting went straight to her clit, and more honey dripped from her pussy. She was really learning to love a spanking. Who would have ever thought it was this exciting? He pulled out briefly before more lube and a second finger. This time she did feel the stretching and the burn she had read about. He was scissoring his fingers, stretching her ass, and she was meekly bent over, taking it. She marveled at the turn of events. Before moving to Plenty and meeting these men, the last thing on earth she would have contemplated was anal sex. “You okay, honey? Talk to me.” She licked her dry lips. “I’m okay, Sheriff.”

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His hand stroked up and down her back. “Tell me how it feels, Jillian. Describe it to me.” She was about to tell him that she felt full but little else when he began fucking her ass harder with his finger. Each stroke hit sensitive nerves that sent tingles up her spine and through her pussy. “Um, full, and—Oh, yes, right there. It feels, so, so…oh good.” She could feel his warm breath on the nape of her neck as he leaned down to kiss her shoulders. “I knew you’d like this. Time for another toy.” He pulled his fingers out, and she almost cried out at the emptiness. She needed something there, and then something was there. She felt the trickle of more lube and the press of something larger and harder than his fingers at her back entrance. It pressed in relentlessly, stretching her ass and making her burn once again. He fucked it in and out, gaining more purchase with each thrust. When it was finally in to the hilt, she let out a slow breath. “You’re amazing, Jillian. That’s a plug I put inside you. It will help stretch you so that I can fuck this gorgeous ass. Eventually, Jack and I will fuck you at the same time. He’ll be in your tight pussy, and I’ll be fucking this ass. You’ll be packed full of cock. I bet you’re going to love it, honey. We’re going to make you come so hard.” He jiggled the plug, sending frissons of pleasure down to her toes. She whimpered at the helpless feeling. She needed something to fuck her or touch her clit. Anything to make her come. “I need to come, Ryan.” Her voice sounded breathless. “I know, but patience. I want you to come harder than you ever have. It’s okay if you’re not in charge, Jillian.” It’s okay if I’m not in charge. The first smack on her ass took her by surprise. She should have expected it, but somehow hadn’t. The slight pain quickly turned to pleasure. She could feel her cream running down her thighs and smell her own arousal. He continued warming up her ass and the tops of her thighs. Each smack made her jump, the plug shift, and sent the clamps

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dancing and pulling on her tender nipples. She was so close to coming. One touch would send her flying, but still he continued to spank her. Her ass was on fire, but it only succeeded in sending her closer to the edge. She floated there, drifting, the pain of the spanking morphing to a feeling she had never experienced. It’s okay if I’m not in charge. She barely registered when the spanking stopped and his fingers reached between her drenched folds to rub her hard and swollen clit. His fingers circled it then gave it a light pinch. “Come for me, Jillian.” The world shattered, her climax shaking her to the very core. She screamed Ryan’s name as she collapsed on the bed with his strong arms holding her. The waves seemed to go on forever and ever. Just when she thought it was over, he pulled off a clamp, sending pain shooting from her nipples down to her clit. It started a second climax that was stronger than the first. He pulled the second clamp off, but she was already soaring, her body and mind in an altered state of pure pleasure. She finally came back to reality with Ryan’s strong arms cradling her closely to his warm body. He had her stretched out on the bed, petting and praising her. “That was amazing, honey. So amazing. Are you okay?” “Yeah. Yeah, amazing.” She couldn’t form coherent sentences. Fragments would have to do. “I love you, honey. God, I love you so fucking much.” She didn’t need to look into his eyes. The raw emotion tore through his voice. She was loved.

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Chapter 13 Watching Jillian give up control and come so hard made Ryan’s cock ache and throb. He wanted nothing more than to bury his dick inside the heat of her tight cunt. He gritted his teeth and willed his cock to behave. He had much more planned for her tonight. Apparently, she had a few things in mind, too. She began to kiss and lick his chest, pushing him onto his back. She straddled him with a grin. “I recently learned how to ride a pony.” Jillian needed to learn there were no secrets in a ménage relationship. Jack had told him every detail of their night together. “I heard you were a natural cowgirl. But you won’t be riding this pony tonight. I have other plans.” She pulled a face at him. Her hands drifted down over his shoulders, down his arms, then took a firm hold of his cock. He almost came off the bed as she softly stroked him, up and down. He opened his mouth to tell her how close he was to embarrassing himself when she leaned down and gave him a lick from balls to tip. “Fuck. Oh fuck, honey.” “Yes, I definitely want to fuck you tonight, Ryan. But first I’m going to lick and suck this delicious ice cream cone. I always loved ice cream.” Ryan threw back his head and groaned as her tongue played with his cock, swirling around the mushroom head and then flitting down to his balls. Over and over, her tongue drew patterns on his dick. He was groaning and panting by the time she swallowed him down, his cock bumping the back of her throat. Her head bobbed up and down,

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her lips tight around the shaft. Every time she pulled up, her tongue would stroke the sensitive spot under the head. Ryan felt his balls draw up, and his orgasm began to build in his lower back. “If you don’t want a mouthful, Jillian, you better back off. Fuck, fuck, fuck.” If anything, her mouth hugged him tighter and her tongue sped up its butterfly kisses. His balls tightened, and his climax tore through him. He could feel his hot cum shoot through his cock and into Jillian’s warm, waiting mouth. He hazily watched her swallow every drop and then lick him clean. She looked up at him with a triumphant smile. Witch. She still was fighting giving up control to a certain extent. She enjoyed it but would then try and take it back. “I’m taking the reins back, honey. Lie back on the bed. Time to feel what it’s like to be tied up.” **** Jillian eased onto her back in the middle of the gigantic bed. The plug in her ass shifted with every move, sending sparks to her pussy and clit. Ryan had disappeared, and she sat up, looking around the room. “I told you to lie down.” Ryan appeared in the doorway with a couple of cans of soda. “Do you like ginger ale? It will take the taste out of your mouth, I’m told.” She didn’t really want to lose his flavor, but she was thirsty. He had tasted sweet, salty, and musky, and she looked forward to the next time she could swallow him down. Ryan popped the top on the can and handed it to her. His hazel eyes were soft and warm as she drank greedily. She had worked up quite a thirst. He waited until she had drained the can before offering her the second. She shook her head. He popped the top on the second can. “You need to visit the restroom before you get tied up. I want you to be relaxed while you’re restrained.”

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She hopped up, suddenly desperate to go at the thought. “I’ll be right back.” When she returned, Ryan was draining the last of the ginger ale. He gave her a sexy smile. “Ready, honey? I’ve got a surprise for you. You’re going to like it.” It’s okay if I’m not in charge. Jillian lay down in the center of the bed again while Ryan rummaged underneath the mattress. He pulled out what appeared to be a long silk rope. His hand circled her ankle and pulled it out, wrapping the restraint around it. She heard the distinctive sound of Velcro being adjusted and his finger checking the tightness of the band. He repeated the process with her other ankle so she was spread wide. Her pussy clenched in arousal, and her climb toward release began again. He crawled to the head of the bed and lifted her arms over her head, attaching the scarf-like bands to her wrists. “Tug. See if you can free yourself.” She tugged and pulled, but she was restrained well. She wouldn’t be getting free until he allowed her to. He slipped a pillow under her hips so her pussy was pushed up as if in offering. It’s okay if I’m not in charge. “You should see yourself. Your skin is flushed with arousal. Your lips are swollen from sucking my cock. Your pretty pink pussy is wet and swollen, just begging to be touched. I love you so much, honey. You’re the perfect woman for us.” He ran his hand down her body before cupping her cunt in his large hand. “I want this, but I won’t ever scare or hurt you. Do you want me to untie you? Just say the word, and the restraints come off.” She could feel the heat from his hand and the fullness of the plug in her ass. She wasn’t scared. She was aroused and full of trust for this man. She shook her head. “No, don’t untie me. I like it.”

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Ryan reached into the drawer in the nightstand and came up with a jar and a paintbrush. “I have quite the sweet tooth. I’m going to paint this chocolate all over your sexy body while you’re restrained. You can lie there and anticipate what it will feel like when I lick it all off.” Jillian’s brain shorted out at the thought of Ryan’s tongue running all over her skin, licking off the chocolate. Holy shit! He dipped the paintbrush in the jar and began running the brush across her collarbone, sweeping up into the hollow where her neck met shoulder. The soft bristles of the brush tickled her already sensitized skin, and she giggled in response. Ryan smiled. “Tickles, huh? That’s not the exact response I was going for.” He continued painting across her shoulders and neck, hitting ticklish spots every so often. He painted down her ribcage and up to the sensitive underside of her breasts. More chocolate was painted in ever smaller circles around her nipple. By the time he reached them, her nipples were tight and begging to be painted. He covered them with a thick layer of chocolate, tickling her with the brush until her back was arched and she was tugging at the restraints to get closer to his torturous brush. “This was more the response I was trying to get.” He moved the brush down her abdomen, but stopped abruptly before painting her pussy. He moved to the foot of the bed and began painting each of her toes in turn. She wanted to scream at the sensation. She was ticklish, yes, but this was more. She had never thought of her toes as an erogenous zone, but his painting had her pussy weeping and clenching. He swept the brush up her legs and began painting patterns on the inside of her thighs, making her crazier than she had ever imagined. “Please, Ryan!” Her plea was hoarse and desperate. “I’m just getting started, honey. I haven’t even begun licking it off yet.”

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Oh God, he’s going to lick this off. How could I forget that? She had been so focused on the sensations his cruel paintbrush brought her she had completely forgotten it was only part one. “This pussy is so pretty. It’s good and wet for me. You don’t need this chocolate to taste amazing, but I’d hate to deprive you of the feeling of this paintbrush on your clit.” Then the paintbrush was stroking her most sensitive flesh. He ran it along her folds, painting chocolate into every crevice of her cunt. She moaned at each sweep of the brush, writhing when it found her swollen clit. Each flick sent her higher, the brush painting circles around and over her clit. Her body bowed, then shattered. Bright light flashed behind her lids as waves ran though her one after the other. She was just coming down from her climax when Ryan’s warm tongue began sucking the chocolate off her toes, sending her arousal back to the brink again. She hung there at the precipice as he licked the sticky liquid off her legs, neck, shoulders, and down to her breasts. He licked each breast slowly, running his tongue in long, languorous strokes everywhere but her nipples. She was panting and begging Ryan to finish her, anything, just fuck her hard. He responded by sucking the chocolate from her nipples. She couldn’t take any more torture. “Ryan, for the love of all that’s holy, just fuck me!” His lips on hers caught her off guard. He tasted of Ryan and chocolate, and she licked greedily at his lips and tongue. She whimpered when he broke the kiss. “Who does this pussy belong to, Jillian?” His mouth was now hovering over her chocolate-flavored pussy. “Me! But I’ll share, I promise. Please just make me come!” He rewarded her by swiping his tongue along her sweet cunt all the way to her clit. She almost screamed in relief as his tongue licked the chocolate and honey from her pussy, and finally he closed his mouth over her clit and sucked. Her orgasm seemed torn from her

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abdomen and radiated through her empty cunt. Her ass clamped down on the plug, and her toes curled in ecstasy. When she finally opened her eyes, she was breathless and shaking. Ryan was untying her legs and her arms, massaging her shoulders and arms. “You okay, honey? Talk to me, please.” “I don’t think I can talk.” She was surprised her mouth and tongue were working at all. “You sound okay. Say something else, Jillian.” Jillian gave him a big smile. “It’s really, really okay if I’m not in charge.” **** Ryan’s heart swelled with love as he stared down at the beautiful sight Jillian made. She was so sexy, so smart, and so funny. She was the perfect woman for them. Hopefully, Jack would get his head out of his ass. He was anxious to get her between him and Jack. But Ryan was willing to break their pact to share a woman for Jillian. If Jack wanted out, so be it. He rolled on a condom and leaned over her body, sticky with chocolate, perspiration, and her honey. “Deep breath, Jillian.” He tugged the plug gently from her body and tossed it away. Her shudder indicated to him how much she enjoyed the ass play. She wasn’t ready for a hard fucking there yet, but hopefully soon. His hard cock nudged her cunt, sliding between the creamy folds. Her hands clutched his shoulders as he slowly entered her tight pussy. She was so wet and snug it was like fucking hot velvet. He pushed until he was in to the hilt, his balls slapping her ass. He looked down into her emerald-green eyes. Her lids were half closed in pleasure. “Ready, honey? Hard and fast, or soft and slow? Lady’s choice.” Personally, he was in the mood for hard and fast, but she’d let him take the reins quite a bit tonight. He wanted to go easy on her. He

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should have known better. Her eyes narrowed in challenge, and her chin lifted. “Go for it, Sheriff. I can take all you can dish out. One pussy whipping coming right up.” Yes, ma’am. One hard fucking coming right up. Pussy whipping optional. He pulled back and slammed in quickly, taking both their breaths away. He increased the pace of his thrusts until he was riding her cunt hard. When he heard her mewling in pleasure, he made sure to angle his thrusts to hit her sweet spot. She was so wet, fucking her was like fucking heaven. She met each stroke with abandon, digging her nails into his back, nipping his shoulder with her teeth. Jillian was right. She was an active participant by nature. She was giving him just as much as he was giving her. It was more than he had ever had with any else, and so much better, sweeter. He felt his climax building in his balls. He reached between them to rub soft circles around her clit. It would be sensitive from her previous releases. It wouldn’t take much to send her over again. He couldn’t hold back much longer. “C’mon, honey. Come for me.” Her pussy clamped down on his cock, sending him into climax, his seed shooting into the condom. He thrust into her one last time, holding himself there as the release swept over his body. He pulled her close to take her lips in a sweet, wet kiss then rested his forehead on hers to catch his breath. “Damn, woman, you’re going to kill me at this rate.” Ryan could feel her giggling underneath him. He rolled away to take care of the condom. “Kill you? I was thinking you were trying to kill me.” He rolled back and cuddled her close. “No way. I just want to make you feel amazing.” “Mission accomplished. I feel completely amazing.” “How about a bath? No offense, honey, but you’re sticky.”

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Jillian sat up and poked him in the chest with an outraged expression. “Someone got me sticky. And he’s sticky, too, by the way. So, yes, I would like a bath.” “Calm down. I’ll go run a bath and we’ll take a soak together. It will help with any soreness you might have.” “That same someone is the reason I’ll be sore, too.” **** Jillian settled back into the hot, swirling water with a purr of contentment. Ryan and Jack had installed a Jacuzzi tub when renovating. It was huge, easily handling three people. Tonight it was only Ryan and herself. Despite Jack’s uncanny impression of an asshat earlier, she found herself missing him just a little. “You look very content, Jillian.” Ryan nibbled at her ear, making her laugh. She had never been this happy before. “Why wouldn’t I be? I just came about a gazillion times with a sexy, handsome sheriff who says he loves me. Sort of built-in happiness there.” Ryan chuckled. “Only a gazillion? But I like the handsome, sexy part.” Jillian turned to look into his eyes. “We never talked about my question. Last time, we got sidetracked with all the sex.” Ryan gave her a puzzled look. “What question? I don’t remember not answering a question.” “I asked you a while ago what the reasons were for you and Jack sharing a woman. You said you would tell me about it, but we got sidetracked then. And now.” Ryan leaned back with a smile. “Ah yes, now I remember. I did say I would tell you about it, didn’t I? Although, it’s a fairly simple story.” “Zach and I grew up together. We were best friends as kids, and we’re best friends now. More like brothers, really. Ménage

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relationships are the norm here in Plenty and I got to see several, but none so close as Zach’s parents. When I was a kid, I thought it was really cool that he had at least one parent at every ball game or when Chase had a recital. My dad worked a lot so he couldn’t always be at every little thing. Then I grew older and I heard Zach and Chase talking about how exciting it was to share a girl. How bringing her so much pleasure amped up their own arousal even more. The first girl I ever shared was actually with Zach.” That got Jillian’s attention. “Not Jack? That surprises me.” Ryan shook his head. “I went out on a date with Zach and his girlfriend. He and Chase didn’t always share girls, sometimes they dated separately. Chase wasn’t interested in this girl but she came from a ménage household. Zach knew I was curious, so…” “So you slept with Zach’s girlfriend.” “Uh-uh, you know better than that, Jillian. Am I sleeping with Jack’s girlfriend? Is he sleeping with mine? No, we shared her, together. I liked it and talked to Jack about it. He and I always were attracted to the same girls. We started dating women together. I found that I preferred it that way. Jack, too. I saw a sitcom where the episode was about how one man couldn’t make a woman happy, but two could. What one man didn’t enjoy doing, the other did. It was the perfect arrangement. “You want to go hiking in the Everglades, Jack will be happy to take you. You want to jump from a plane, I’m your man. You want to party at a bar until closing time? Jack. You want a quiet evening at home with a movie and popcorn? Me. We talked to Zach and Chase’s dads about the lifestyle, did our research. After college, we talked about it and decided this is how we wanted to live our life. We didn’t make this decision lightly, Jillian.” Jillian chewed her bottom lip. “Here we are. At an impasse, it appears. You want love and commitment, and Jack wants sex now, and love and commitment later. How is this going to work?”

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Ryan ran a soothing hand up and down her arm. “It will work. Jack will come around and stop wearing his ass as a hat. He’ll be groveling by this time tomorrow night. Mark my words.”

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Chapter 14 “I’m not going to fucking grovel, Ryan.” Even as he said it, Jack knew he would. Ryan sighed in frustration. “Yes, you are. You fucked up, and acted like a complete ass. Our woman deserves more respect than you showed her last night. She’s royally pissed at you. You’re in the doghouse, little brother. You’re not getting out until you grovel a little, maybe a lot.” Jack dropped into the cushions of the couch. He had lain awake for the better part of the night thinking about Jillian, Ryan, and what his dad said. His only thought as he lay on the floor of that burning building was of Jillian. He had been fighting this because it wasn’t his fucking idea. Ryan had taken the lead, like so many other times. Hell, Ryan had even met Jillian first. Jack could see now that it didn’t matter who started it. The only important thing was that they all three ended up together. It had hurt see her walk away last night with Ryan. He had shown exactly what it would be like if Jack didn’t get his head on straight. Ryan would live happily ever after with this amazing woman and Jack would be alone. Very alone. Jack sure didn’t want any other women. He hadn’t even looked at another woman since meeting Jillian for the first time. She was the one. Jillian deserved two men who loved her. He and Ryan would be those men. Or at least they would, if he could get her to forgive him for acting like a total jerk. He knew better than anyone that he fucked up last night. He didn’t know what had possessed him to make those outrageous statements, but the look on her face clearly showed him he had hurt her. His heart

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ached remembering her expression. Jillian was an amazing woman. A woman any man would be proud to have at his side. Jack was proud to have her as his woman. He dragged his hands down his face. “I know, but I don’t have to like it. You’re better at this stuff than I am, Ryan. Can’t you talk to Jillian for me? She’ll listen to you.” Ryan shook his head. “No, Jack. I’ve bailed you out of trouble one too many times. You are more than capable of getting yourself out of this. I believe Jillian loves you. She just doesn’t like you too much right now. Show her how you feel, tell her how you feel. She’ll forgive you, but you have to do this yourself. She doubts your feelings, Jack. Is that what you want? The woman you love doesn’t think you care about her. She thinks you want to fuck around with a bunch of nameless, faceless woman.” Anger at himself welled in his chest. Ryan was right. It was wrong that the woman he loved didn’t believe in that love. He really did have some groveling to do. “I’ve never groveled before, bro. Any ideas?” “Nope, but you better think of some ideas quick. Jillian’s on her way here to see your ungrateful ass.” Fear made Jack swallow hard. What if Jillian never forgave him? **** Jillian pressed the doorbell. She had been in two minds about coming to see Jack today. She was still simmering with anger when she thought about his piggish behavior the night before. But she also knew better than anyone the struggle to come to grips with love and commitment. She had fought countless internal battles before giving in to these incredible men. She could tolerate his doubts. What she wouldn’t tolerate was his disrespectful behavior. He owed her an apology.

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Ryan opened the door and scooped her up in his arms. He whirled her around and laid a hot kiss on her startled lips. “You look good enough to eat, honey. I missed breakfast.” “Put me down, Ryan! Goodness, I’m dizzy.” She had to hold on to his arm when he set her on her feet. “Missed you, that’s all. Can I get you some coffee? I just started a fresh pot.” Jillian was about to refuse when she caught the gleam in Ryan’s eye. He was trying to give her alone time with Jack. “Sure, coffee would be good. Thank you.” Ryan headed into the kitchen, leaving her and Jack to themselves. “Hi, baby. You sure look pretty this morning.” Jack’s expression showed two emotions—fear and regret. Good. He should regret his behavior, and it wouldn’t hurt him to worry about whether she would forgive him or not. “Thank you, Jack. How are you feeling?” “My head and knee hurt, and I have a lot of bruises and scrapes. But I’ll live.” The red streaks on Jack’s face from last night had already faded, but there was nasty purple bruise on his forehead that looked worse than before. “You’re lucky. The doctor said it could have been a lot worse.” Jack leaned forward on the couch, grabbing one of her hands. “Will you sit with me, Jillian? I need to talk to you about last night. Please?” He looked so remorseful, Jillian found herself sitting next to him despite her vow to make him beg. She steeled herself against any puppy-dog looks he might send her way. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles. Shit, he was making this hard. “I need to apologize, baby. I acted like a total jerk last night. My only excuse is that I had been hit on the head really hard. I know I hurt you and I feel terrible about that. I would rather hurt myself than ever hurt you. Can you forgive me, baby?”

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Jillian held herself stiffly. The apology was a good start, but there was so much unsaid between them. “I guess so, but I can’t help but think that’s what you’d rather have—a fan club of women instead of just me. I don’t want you to feel like you’re being forced into a relationship that you don’t want to be in. I, too, have avoided love and commitment until now. I can understand the fears, Jack. But it doesn’t give you the right to be a total asshat to me. It only gives you the right to not be in love with me.” Jack pulled her closer. Her nostrils filled with his unique scent, slightly spicy and a little citrusy. “I do love you, baby. You have no idea how much. I don’t want any other women, just you. You mean everything to me. I admit to being scared, and stupid. And I definitely admit to being an asshole to you. Ryan really brought it home to me. No woman I love will ever fucking doubt how much I love her. It kills me inside to think that I’ve created that doubt inside you. I want to spend the rest of our lives making this up to you, showing you how much I love you. In fact, you’re going to get sick and tired of me saying and showing it all the time.” Jillian rolled her eyes. “I can’t imagine that happening, Jack. You need to understand that it’s going to take some time for me to believe it. I have too much respect for myself to let you jerk me around. It’s not like I’m pressing you guys for marriage anyway.” Jack’s lips caressed hers. “I don’t care how long it takes me to convince you. I love you, baby. I won’t jerk you around. In fact, my campaign to convince you of my love starts today.” **** Jack was true to his word. By the time she returned to her condo after running several errands, a dozen pink roses had been delivered along with a large golden box of chocolates. Jillian wanted to pick up

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more clean clothes to take to Becca’s, and she’d hoped to sneak in while her mother was out Christmas shopping. “Jillian, look at these beautiful flowers and candy that were delivered. Are you going to open them?” Jillian threw her purse on the counter and gave her mom a wry smile. Her mother loved Godiva. “Yes, I could use some chocolate. How about you?” Her mother beamed. “You know I love it. Open her up.” They dug into the box of truffles, almost groaning in ecstasy when the rich flavor hit their taste buds. The memory of the chocolate body paint floated through Jillian’s mind, and she could feel her entire body flush. Her mother looked at her speculatively. “So, what happened?” Was her mother asking her about body paint? Jillian cleared her throat. “What do you mean, Mom?” “Flowers and candy were delivered this morning. It can only mean one thing. Those men of yours are in trouble, for sure. What did they do?” Jillian dropped her head into her hands. She loved her mother but didn’t really want to have this conversation. “It was Jack, and he’s apologized. I don’t really want to talk about it.” “You don’t? Well, tough. I’m your mother and I want to know what’s going on. If Jack hurt you, I’ll make sure he never does it again.” “I don’t see how you can do that, Mom. He’s a grown man.” “He’s not acting like one if he hurt you and then had to send flowers. Now, what did he do?” Jillian sighed. “He said something stupid. And it hurt my feelings, okay?” “No, it is not okay. What did he say?”

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“He said something about wanting other women at the hospital to comfort him since he was hurt. He’s a little afraid of love and commitment.” Her mother sat down at the table with her glass of ice tea. “Then you’re the perfect couple. You gave the heave-ho to half the male population of the greater Chicagoland area. I honestly wondered if you’d ever fall in love.” “Well, I’m not afraid of love and commitment anymore. I’m in a relationship with Jack and Ryan.” Her mother nodded in agreement. “They seem like good boys, worthy of loving. Their father and his partner are good men, too. Good men usually raise good children. Took you a long time to find the right ones.” Jillian looked at her mother in amazement. “You aren’t the least little bit freaked out that I’m in love with two men? What would the ladies at the country club say, Mom?” “First of all, don’t use that tone with me. I’m still your mother. Second, I don’t care what the ladies at the country club say anymore. I never really cared much to begin with, but I really don’t care now. It makes sense to me, Jillian. I meant what I said about how hard it is for one man to make a woman happy. From what I’ve seen in the short time of being in the town, the more men, the more happiness. At my age, you learn to not judge so much. I’m done judging your life, baby girl. I’m your mother and I’m so happy to see you finally happy.” Jillian was speechless. All these years her mother had nitpicked at her boyfriends, her job, and her life. “You’re giving up judging? Seems like you really enjoyed it before. You’ve criticized everything from the men in my life to my choice of earrings. Suddenly, I make you happy?” Her mom laid her hand over Jillian’s. “I was always happy about you, Jillian. If I pushed, it was that I wanted you to not settle for anything less than what you deserved. You hated that job, and the

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men you dated were wimps. I wanted better for you. As for your earrings, well, it was just that one pair.” Jillian couldn’t stop the words. “Why did you stay with Dad? That’s why I’ve been afraid of love and commitment. Your marriage was terrible. God, Mom, why did you stay?” Tears welled up in her mother’s eyes. Jillian gripped her mother’s hand. They needed to have this talk. “I need to know, Mom. Why?” “I did it for you, baby girl. You and Mark.”

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Chapter 15 Jillian was incredulous. “For me? And Mark? Mom, I never asked you to stay with Dad. Mark never asked you to, either. We couldn’t stand how he treated you. You deserved better.” Her mother wiped at the silvery trail of tears running down her cheeks. “I know you didn’t. But I did it so you would have the best life I could give you. Looking back, it may have been a mistake, but I can’t undo my decisions. I made them for good reasons.” “How could you let him humiliate you like that, Mom? He was awful to you.” Her mother got a faraway look in her eyes. “How can I explain something that happened so many years ago? It wasn’t always bad. I once loved your father very much. I never wanted to tell you this story, but I see that you need to hear it.” Jillian gripped her mother’s hand tightly. She looked like she needed the extra strength. “I was quite young when I met your father. Just twenty, and drifting a little after high school. I didn’t go to college, so I ended up doing secretarial work for an investment firm. They called us secretaries in those days, you know. Anyway, your father came into the office one day. He was tall and handsome, so charming. He really swept me off my feet, so to speak. We dated a few months before he asked me to marry him. He was kind and attentive. I, of course, fell in love with him. Things were good for a while, too. He had times when he was moody, distant, but they were few, and the rest of the time he seemed happy. I got pregnant with Mark and that’s when things started to go badly.

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“He started staying out late after Mark was born. I confronted him, of course. You get that from me, by the way. He broke down and told me that he had never loved me. He had met me right after the woman he really loved died. She drowned in a tragic boating accident. I was his rebound and also very close in appearance to her. As time passed, he realized that I wasn’t her, would never, could never, be a substitute. He became bitter and increasingly dissatisfied with his life. He blamed me.” Her mother’s expression had turned angry. “It wasn’t my fault, of course. But I was a young wife, and desperately wanted to make my husband and my marriage happy. It was never enough. Eventually, I stopped trying. But I did vow that you children wouldn’t suffer for my stupidity. Your father was able to give you a good life. What life could I have given you as a single parent? I had no skills or education and I was a lousy secretary, too. You went to law school and Mark went to medical school with no student loans. I’m proud of that. It was no sacrifice to do that for my children.” Jillian sat, stunned. “You shouldn’t have done that, Mom. I would have taken on student loans, for God’s sake. I wanted you to be happy. I always wanted that.” “I was happy, baby girl. Every time I looked at my children, I was happy. I’m so proud of the people that you and Mark have become. But I always knew you would be a strong woman. I named you after the strongest woman I ever knew.” “You knew someone named Jillian?” Her mother laughed, the twinkle coming back to her eyes. “No, I knew Josie. Josie was a good friend in those early days. She also had marital issues and we spent many days commiserating with each other. One day, Josie packed up her belongings and left her husband. She didn’t have much when she left. But she was brave, and started a whole new life with her three children. She struggled for years to raise those kids alone. Her ex-husband never helped, but she said she

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couldn’t live with his tyranny any longer. I admired her strength. When I had you, I wanted you to have her strength. So, I named you Jillian Josephine.” Jillian wiped tears from her own eyes. “I thought you gave me that name to torture me. I never knew I was named after anyone special. Are you still friends with Josie? I’d like to meet her.” Her mother gave her a sad smile. “I would have liked that, too. Josie moved away several years ago for a job opportunity. We tried to keep in touch with letters. It was harder back then. No Internet or email. We lost track for years. After your father died, I looked her up again. We were able to reconnect for a short time. Unfortunately, Josie was dying from breast cancer. I was so glad to be able to spend those last months of life with her. That’s why I spent those months in Indianapolis with your aunt. Josie lived there. She was a special gift in my life, just as you and your brother are.” Something buried deep inside of Jillian woke up and fought to be free. Habit made her struggle to hold on, but hope was always stronger than despair, and it blossomed. She had been holding on to fear and resentment for so long. Now that it was gone, she felt lighter, happier. “Mom, I love you. I don’t remember the last time I said that, but I do. Thank you for giving up so many things for us. I don’t want you to have to give up anything anymore.” “I’m your mother, baby girl. Anything for you is no sacrifice, but I do think that this is my time now. I think things are really looking up for me. But what about you?” “What about me?” Her mother gave Jillian the look she remembered from her teenage years that said her mother knew where she kept her diary. “When are you going to stop using me and your father as an excuse not to fall in love? When are you going to show how strong you are? I think there are two men who are waiting to hear you say I love you. How much longer are you going to keep them waiting, Jillian? Trust

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me when I tell you that true love is a treasure. I never found it in my life, but you have a real chance at it. Don’t throw your happiness away with both hands. Reach for it. Josie would have.” **** Jillian rushed into the sheriff’s office. After talking with her mother, she was anxious to see Ryan and Jack. She was ready to talk about love. She was ready to be in love. Jillian headed to Ryan’s office in the back of the building but stopped short. Ryan was talking to Kyle Barnes and Kyle’s parents. She remembered them from parent-teacher conference night. She couldn’t hear what was being said, but the expressions on their faces didn’t appear pleasant in nature. In fact, they looked downright hostile. After what appeared to be angry words, Kyle’s parents stood up to leave. Kyle followed them out of the office and into the lobby. “Miss Miller, it’s nice to see you here.” Kyle gave her a strained smile. “It’s nice to see you, too, Kyle. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes.” Jillian nodded to Kyle’s parents. They weren’t looking too friendly at her. Mrs. Barnes grabbed her arm. “Why don’t you tell your boyfriend to leave our son alone? He’s a good boy.” Her voice was shaking. Jillian placed her hand on Mrs. Barnes’s. “Your son is a good boy. He’s my best student. What’s going on here?’ “He thinks Kyle set those fires. You know, Charlie’s and the park. My boy wouldn’t do that. You tell him that Kyle is a good boy.” Kyle’s mother looked faintly desperate. Jillian looked at Ryan, who had joined them. She started to speak, but Ryan cut her off. “Thank you for coming in today, Kyle. I appreciate your time and that of your parents. If I have any more questions, I’ll let you know.”

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Mr. Barnes shook his finger at Ryan. “You can let our attorney know, Sheriff. I won’t forget this at election time.” Jillian tried to speak again, but was once again cut off. “Jillian, can you wait in my office, please?” Ryan’s voice was brusque. Damn if she didn’t hate being interrupted, and the tone he used was no better. He needed to learn she wouldn’t be silenced or dismissed, no matter how much she loved him. She turned on her heel and stomped into his office, slamming the door behind her. He followed her moments later with a grim look on his face. Before she could get an angry word out, he cut her off for the third time. “I’m sorry, Jillian. It was police business.” “Are you done now, Ryan? You’ve interrupted me three times now, and I have a few things to say.” Ryan crossed his arms over his chest and leveled a look at her. “Yes, I guess I am.” Her temper was really simmering now, but she didn’t want the entire station to hear. Despite everything, she didn’t want their dirty laundry aired publicly. “I think you should know I don’t like being interrupted, Sheriff. Something you’ve done three times in the last five minutes. It’s not very fucking polite.” Her voice came out with a hiss. “I was going to ask you what was going on. Why was Kyle here?” A nerve in Ryan’s jaw was working. He didn’t like to be questioned or put on the spot. Too bad. “I know that’s what you were going to ask, Jillian. That’s why I didn’t let you ask it. Technically, this is police business and an open investigation. But since the Barnes family dragged you into this by asking you to talk to me, I brought Kyle in for questioning.” “Are you kidding? Kyle wouldn’t set those fires.”

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“No, I’m not kidding. Kyle was seen at Charlie’s just prior to the fire and he has set a fire in the past. I would be remiss in my duties as sheriff of this town if I didn’t bring him in and talk to him.” “Ryan, I was a public defender for Cook County. Trust me. Kyle Barnes is not a criminal. I know what I’m talking about.” Ryan rolled his eyes, and her temper flared again. “Are we talking about that sixth sense you have about people’s character, again? I get that you’re good at reading people, honey. But this is my job. You need to step aside and let me do it.” Jillian could feel her face getting warm. Ryan was being a condescending asshole. She had been in law for several years. She wasn’t stupid or naive. “Excuse the fuck out of me. This isn’t about sixth sense, although I have that in spades. This is about cops trying to take shortcuts. Instead of actually investigating this crime, it would be a fucking celebration around here if you could just drag someone in here that had a prior, and wham, bam, thank you ma’am, they’re guilty as hell! Sure would save you a lot of pesky, real police work.” The fact she had dropped the F-bomb several times in the last five minutes should have warned Ryan that Jillian was pissed off, but he didn’t take the hint. “You’re out of line, Jillian. I’m the law in this town. I was doing my duty. End of story.” Ryan’s face looked carved from granite, but Jillian was in full public defender mode. She hated to lose an argument as much as Ryan did. “I wish I had a nickel for every time a cop went after the so-called easy suspect. I’d be rich. Not every suspect is guilty, Ryan. Some are actually innocent. This is my job, dammit.” Ryan shook his head. “No, it was your job. Now you are a history teacher. A history teacher that is biased toward an exceptional student. An exceptional student with a history of setting fires.”

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Jillian gave him a sarcastic smile. “Only a cop could call one outof-control bonfire a history of setting fires. Since I slept with you and Jack, do I have a history of sleeping with multiple men?” Ryan got nose to nose with her. “I don’t know, do you?” Jillian stepped back in shock. She realized they had both gone too far. She had let her redheaded temper get the best of her. Ryan hadn’t done much better. She answered softly before turning and leaving, “If you don’t know the answer to that question, then I certainly don’t sleep with multiple men anymore.”

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Chapter 16 Ryan threw his jacket down on the couch and stalked into the kitchen. Jack looked up from his newspaper. “Rough day at the office, big brother? You look like you’re ready to take someone out and shoot them. Do I need to confiscate your sidearm?” Ryan threw a punch at the wall, leaving a dent in the sheetrock and Jack gaping in disbelief. “What the fuck has gotten into you? Since when do you punch holes in our walls?” Ryan rested his forehead against the refrigerator door. It had been a lousy fucking day. First, having to haul Kyle Barnes in for questioning and then getting into an argument with Jillian. He had fucked up royally with her. “Jillian and I got into a fight.” Jack chuckled. “With that temper of hers and your pigheadedness, I doubt it will be the last. What did you fight about?” Ryan sat heavily in a kitchen chair. “Kyle Barnes.” “What about Kyle Barnes? Will you talk in more than one sentence at a time?” “I questioned Kyle today about the fire at the pizza parlor. He was seen there shortly before the fire broke out. With his history, I had to question him. Jillian was not pleased, to say the least. She showed up just as he and his parents were leaving the station. Kyle’s mother asked her to convince me that Kyle is a good boy and didn’t set the fires.”

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“Shit. How mad was she? You know, on a scale of one to I-wantto-cut-off-your-balls?” “I’d be singing soprano if I wasn’t packing heat to defend myself. But that wasn’t the worst of it.” Ryan dropped his head in his hands. How was he going to make this up to her? “She was defending Kyle, saying that lots of people were at the pizza parlor that night before the fire.” “That’s very true. She was there, too, with her family.” “And that one out-of-control bonfire doesn’t mean he has a history of arson.” “Also true. You know that woman could be an attorney. She’s smart.” Ryan gave him a frustrated look. “You are no fucking help. Anyway, she made the remark that one fire didn’t give him a history of setting fires and compared it to sleeping with the two of us and did that give her a history of sleeping with multiple men?” “Well, of course it doesn’t. So what’s the problem?” “I got pissed off. I said that I didn’t know if she had a history of sleeping with multiple men or not.” Jack whistled. “Holy fuck, Ryan. When you climb into the doghouse with me, you don’t do anything half measures. You intimated that she might be a slut who slept with multiple men before she moved to Plenty, just because she dared to question the big, bad Sheriff Parks? You deserve to sleep in the doghouse with me.” “I need to tell her I’m sorry.” “No shit, but even more, you need to get over this thing you have about being questioned. If we’re going to spend the rest of our lives with Jillian, you’re going to have to get used to being challenged. Shit, she’s right pretty much all the time anyway. Save yourself the headache and just fucking give in.” “She’s not always right, dammit.” “Oh, yeah? Name one time she’s been wrong.”

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Ryan opened his mouth and then closed it. He couldn’t really remember a time when Jillian was wrong. She was right all the time. She may be right about Kyle Barnes, too. When Ryan had questioned him, there was no feeling that Kyle knew anything or was involved. “Can’t name one, can you? Well, I already sent flowers and candy, so you need to think of something else.” “I’ll think of something,” Ryan said grimly. Losing Jillian was not an option. He would do anything for forgiveness. He truly was sorry. He would get his need to be right all the time under control. “Oh, and you might want to practice groveling. You and I are going to be spending some quality time on our knees. But, if you’re interested, big brother, I have an idea that just might get us out of the doghouse for good.” Jack was grinning ear to ear and Ryan was nervous. “What did you have in mind? I’m terrified to even ask.” “It’s a piece of cake, brother. Now’s here what we’re going to do.” When Jack finished explaining how they were going to get of the doghouse, Ryan had a big grin, too. It was a fan-fucking-tastic idea. **** By the time Jillian sat down in the diner, she had six text messages waiting. She knew they were from Ryan. She had avoided her phone, but it hadn’t been easy. She felt badly for losing her temper. She needed to learn to control it. Yesterday would have been a good day to have accomplished that feat. Then today would never have happened. Cassie and Becca read her expression immediately. “What happened? What did you do?” Cassie asked. Jillian slumped in the booth. “Ryan and I had a big blowout of the nonsexual kind. I lost my red-haired temper and you know how he doesn’t like to be questioned? It all came to a head this afternoon.”

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Becca nodded sympathetically. “Try growing up in the same house with him. It was Ryan’s way or the highway when it came to most things. He’ll see reason eventually, but when he’s in the moment? Forget it. Stubborn as a mule.” “Well, he can’t be in a relationship with me if he’s going to be this stubborn.” Cassie laughed. “Hello, pot? This is kettle speaking.” Jillian gave her a glare. “I am not stubborn, just opinionated. How can we patch this up? I walked out with a very dramatic statement, like I always do. How do I take it back?” Becca shook her head. “You don’t.” “But I have to. I don’t want to stop seeing those lug heads. I just realized this afternoon that I’m in love with them.” Becca gave her a hug. “I’m glad that you’re in love with them. I would love to have you for a sister-in-law. But if you’re going to be with them, you’ve got to learn how to handle them, Jillian. My brothers are going to do stupid shit. They can’t help it. But they do come around to reality sooner or later, usually later. With two men, you need to keep a firm upper hand at all times. Just ask Cassie.” Cassie nodded. “She’s right. When there’s two of them, they can conspire and plot. In other words, gang up on you. It’s a full-time job handling Zach and Chase.” Jillian held up her phone. “He’s left several text messages already. What do I do? Handling two men in real life is more complex than it appears in those ménage books.” Becca plucked the phone from Jillian’s hand and dropped it in her purse. “You wait until they come to you. Let ‘em sweat a little. My brothers can take the stress.” Jillian grimaced. “Sure they can. But can I?” ****

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The insistent ring of the doorbell woke Jillian from her restless sleep. She had stayed up late stewing about her fight with Ryan, her issues with Jack, and her now suddenly silent cell phone. Texts and calls had ceased around dinnertime. She was afraid the men had decided she was too much trouble and had moved on. She dragged herself from the warm bed and padded on bare feet down the hall. Becca was already at the front door, peering through the peephole. “Oh shit. It’s my brothers, probably drunk as skunks, here to grovel and beg for your forgiveness. See? I told you to wait them out.” I hope so. Becca turned and headed back down the hall. “Don’t moan too loudly when you’re making up with them. They’re my brothers, for God’s sake, and I need to be up early.” The doorbell rang again, and Jillian pulled open the front door expecting to see two inebriated men. What she got instead were two handsome, cocky sons of guns with mile-wide grins and a rush of cold air. The temperature must have dropped twenty degrees, except for the hot males at her doorstep. She was already flushed and hot under the collar just looking at them. Jack gave her a smile. “Hey, baby. We came to grovel and make you love us again.” Jillian pulled them inside the house and closed the door against the cold. “Hush! Your sister is trying to sleep. And who said I ever loved you to begin with?” Ryan pulled her into his arms and began to nibble her neck. “We can see it in your eyes, honey.” Jillian pulled away to give them a deadly glare. “Have you been drinking?” Jack shook his head. “No, ma’am. Just one drink, you know, before. Just to take the edge off. That’s it. And that was a while ago, anyway. I swear. We wouldn’t drink and drive.”

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“Before what?” “Uh-uh, first things first. We came to apologize, honey. Jack, let’s take her back to the bedroom so we can talk.” Jack got her in a fireman’s lift and headed for the back bedroom with Jillian squirming the entire way. She expected him to dump her on the bed, but instead set her gently on her feet. She gave him a withering look anyway. “We could talk out in the living room.” Ryan led her to the edge of the bed so she could sit down. “This is more private. We came to grovel and apologize. I would have sent flowers and candy, too, but Jack already did. You’ll have to let me know when those flowers die. I’ll send you some more.” Jillian wanted to laugh at their hangdog expressions but instead did her best school teacher impression. “I don’t think flowers are going to make me forgive you, Ryan Parks. You were a jerk today. And you, Jackson Parks, aren’t in much more favor.” They were both hanging their heads now. They gave each other a glance, and then both fell to their knees. Jillian stared in disbelief. Ryan just gave her a grin. “We might as well just man up and beg, honey. We know we’re going to. We really are sorry. We can be jerks sometimes, but we talked about it and we’re going to work on it. We love you and want to be with you.” Jack grabbed her hand. “Yeah, we’re sorry, baby. Can you forgive me?” Jillian felt a crack in the armor around her heart. Ryan grabbed her other hand. “Can you forgive me, too? I acted like a pompous prick. I think you’re right, by the way. I don’t think Kyle had anything to do with the arson. Hell, you’re pretty much always right.” Another crack. A big one. Jack started pulling his shirt over his head. Jillian jumped up.

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“Wait! I haven’t forgiven you yet. I’m not just going to hop into bed with you!” “This isn’t about sex, although we hope you’re in the mood after you forgive us. This is about showing you how much we love you.” Ryan was pulling his shirt off, too. She licked her lips as all their sexy male chests and arms were exposed to her gaze. Damn, they are hot. Jack and Ryan each pointed to their left biceps. “See? This is how much we love you.” Jillian peered down at one muscular arm and the next. At first, she didn’t see it. Then as what they had done became clear, tears started welling up in her eyes as the armor on her heart completely fell away. Her name had been inked into the existing design on their arms. She reached to trace the tattoo, but pulled her hand back. “Does it hurt? Can I touch it?” “It’s tender and we need to keep it clean, but, yeah, you can touch it.” Ryan grabbed her hand and led it to his arm. Her fingers lightly traced where her name had been intricately linked to each of theirs. She did the same to Jack’s. “Shit, I was going to be real mad at both of you, too.” Her voice was choked with emotion. She couldn’t hold back the tide of love for these men. It had been one hell of a day. First, the conversation with her mother, her argument with Ryan, and now this. “It was Jack’s idea.” Jillian looked up in surprise. Jack had a wry smile on his lips. “What part of ‘I love you’ didn’t you get? Fear’s in the past, baby. Can you put yours there, too?” Jillian nodded. “I had a really good talk with my mom today. She helped me to see that life is short and love is precious and rare. I do love you. I love both of you.” Her fingers traced the ink on Jack’s arm. “This means more to me than you can imagine.” She laughed. “A tattoo is awful permanent. You must be sure of your love to do this.”

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Jack pulled her down her a kiss before handing her off for Ryan to do the same. “Never been more sure in my life. How about you, big brother?” “I’m sure. Hot damn, we found a woman to share and love. I think we should celebrate.”

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Chapter 17 “We have to keep it down. Your sister is down the hall,” Jillian whispered. “Too bad I don’t have a ball gag with me. That would keep you quiet.” Jack pushed her back on the bed and started nibbling on her neck. “I’m not the only one who makes noise. You and Ryan make noise, too.” Wait, what did he say? “You actually own a ball gag?” “Sure, we bought it for you. You like to scream when you come. We don’t mind but our neighbors might have other ideas.” “I do not scream, Jackson Parks. Take that back.” His teeth nipped her earlobe, and she almost came off the bed. Ryan began nipping at her toes, which reminded her of the night he had licked chocolate off her bare skin. Her pussy burned with the memory. “Yes, actually you do scream, honey. Not liking what Jack said doesn’t make it any less true.” Ryan’s lips and tongue started traveling up her body. He kissed her instep and moved to her ankle, up to her knees, and finally to the delicate skin of her inner thighs. He took a deep breath. “I love the smell of your arousal. Are you wet for us? Show us how wet you are.” Jillian pulled her nightshirt over her head and tossed it aside then pushed her panties down her legs. They were soaked. Jack held out his hand for them. She tried not to be embarrassed as she handed them over. He lifted them to his nose.

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“They’re soaked, Ryan. And, fuck, she does smell good. My cock is rock hard right now.” “Mine, too. Show us how wet you are, Jillian.” Jillian saw the challenge in Ryan’s golden eyes. She wanted to strip away her inhibitions with these men. She reached down and swirled her fingers in her pussy and around her clit, gathering her juices. She held her hand out for their inspection. “I’m very wet, and it’s all your fault. Both of you.” Jack leaned down and captured her fingers in his mouth, licking and sucking them clean. “We’re happy to take the blame.” Jack captured her lips with his. The kiss was mingled with both their flavors. She wound her arms around his neck to pull him closer while Ryan pushed her thighs wider apart to make room for his wide shoulders. Her pussy clenched and gushed as it anticipated his talented mouth. **** Ryan’s cock pushed insistently against his jeans. If it didn’t get loose soon, he was going to have a dent in the shape of his button fly. He trailed his tongue lazily up her inner thigh, coated with her cream. She was moving restlessly under him and making soft noises with Jack’s lips on hers. His heart clenched for a moment at the thought of anything ever happening to her. She was his life now, his soul. He wanted to show her how precious she was tonight. He used his fingers to part her pussy lips and pulled back the hood of her clit, exposing her pink pearl. It was swollen and begging for attention. He gave it a soft lick, knowing how sensitive it was. Her reaction was instantaneous. Her body bowed, and her legs started shaking. She was starting her climb to orgasm. He went to work to help her get there. He used two fingers inside her tight pussy while his tongue worked on her clit. Hooking his fingers, he found her sweet spot and

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rubbed. Her cunt tightened on his fingers, and her body stiffened with pleasure. Her scream was muffled by Jack’s mouth. Ryan licked and finger-fucked her all through the climax, swallowing copious amounts of her cream. Her body shuddered until she finally lay limp. He carefully pulled his fingers from her sensitive pussy and licked them. “Damn, if she doesn’t taste sweet, little brother. You should have felt her tight pussy clutching my fingers and all the honey she gave me. I can’t wait to get my cock in there. She’s going to milk us dry.” Jack lifted his mouth from Jillian’s and grinned. “In the mood for a double ride, brother? Seems like a fitting way to celebrate all this love.” Ryan’s cock jumped at the suggestion of fucking Jillian together. “It’s up to our woman, Jack. I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t seem right to try and dominate her tonight when we’ve been such pricks. I think she should get a say.” Jillian looked confused. “What do I get to decide? That hardly happens.” Ryan smoothed her auburn hair back. “We want to take you together, honey. One of us in your pretty pussy, and the other in your tight ass. It has to be your decision. We would never hurt you. You know that right? We think you’ll love it.” Jillian nodded. “Okay.” Jack gave him a confused glance. “Okay? You don’t want to think about it or ask us questions or anything?” Jillian laughed, and the sound made Ryan’s heart do a backflip. “No, I don’t need to think about it. I moved to a menageamous town, guys. Women talk. I knew this would be in the menu. Jack’s right. It is a great way to celebrate all this love.” Ryan was stunned. What were all the women in town talking about, for fuck’s sake? They talked about anal sex? Shit, guys didn’t even talk about that. ****

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Her men looked stunned. Apparently, they hadn’t expected her to give in so easily. She had been expecting this. She was nervous, but very aroused at the thought of being fucked by them at the same time. Jack slapped his hand on his forehead. “Lube. Shit, I was too busy getting a romantic tattoo to think about bringing lube. Fuck.” Jillian rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you two are like romantic heroes from a book. Relax, I have lube in the nightstand.” They actually looked more shocked. “What do you have lube for?” Ryan asked. Jillian felt her face get warm. “I use it when I’m…Well, I have a couple of toys, and…” Jack grinned. “What do you need plastic toys for when you have two toys right here?” Ryan pulled open the drawer and began to rummage through it. “I’ve got to see this.” Jillian tried to pull him away. “Hey, most women have a goody drawer. I’m not weird or anything. I wasn’t sleeping with anyone before you. What’s a girl to do?” “Not make us wait months, perhaps? Well, will you take a look at this?” Jillian almost died of embarrassment as Ryan held up her vibrator. She had brought it with her to Becca’s because she didn’t want her mother finding it at her own home. Instead Ryan and Jack had found it. She could only imagine how it appeared to the men. The vibrator was about six inches long, shocking pink, with rabbit ears to stimulate her clit. It was her go-to toy. She always got off with it. “Holy crap. It’s fucking pink. What else is in there, bro?” Jack began digging in the drawer, pulling out a bottle of lube and her set of vibrating eggs. Ryan gave her a smug look. “I know just what we’re going to do with these toys, honey. Here we were worried that you would be

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offended by the toys we bought. You had your own stash. Although, this pink cock is a little small. Don’t you want something man sized?” Their cocks were larger than the vibrator. They gave her pussy a good stretch every time they fucked her. “I haven’t used those in a while, guys. Can’t we just put them back? I thought you were going to fuck me at the same time, remember?” “Oh, we’re going to do that, too. But suddenly I’m not in a big hurry. Are you, Jack?” Jack stood up and started shucking his clothes. “Nope. I think I want to play with our woman and her toys first.” Jillian let her eyes roam up and down Jack’s mouthwatering physique. His sculpted abs beckoned, and she leaned forward to trace the ridges with her tongue. Rough hands stroked her back, and she shivered at the contact. His hands tangled in her hair, tugging her mouth where he wanted it. She opened wide and let his cock slide into her mouth. She began moving her head up and down, her fingers stroking his balls. He pushed her hand away. “Uh-uh, I want to last. If you play with my nuts, I’m going to shoot my load in seconds.” She ran her tongue up and down his hard cock, lapping at the precum that had gathered at the head. His salty taste exploded on her tongue, and she sucked, hoping for more. “She likes the taste of your cum, little brother. Let’s see if she likes this, too.” Ryan pushed her thighs further apart. She felt the head of the vibrator parting her folds, pushing into her hole. She was so wet, it slid in easily. Ryan turned the vibrator on, and her pussy clenched tightly. She moaned around Jack’s cock. “Fuck, Ryan. When you turned that on, she started sucking my cock even harder. Fuck.” Jillian peeked up at Jack. His head was thrown back and his eyes closed. He was fucking her face with his cock, bumping the back of

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her throat with each stroke. She started to move her fingers back to his balls, but Ryan turned up the vibrator and began to fuck her pussy with it. She grabbed Jack’s hips to steady herself as the vibrator moved in and out of her cunt. Each stroke flicked the rabbit ears over her clit. She was on the edge of orgasm quickly. She pushed back with each stroke, trying to go over. Ryan’s hand on her ass stopped her, and the vibrator slowed to its lowest setting. “If you want to come, you have to earn it. Make Jack come hard, honey.” Jillian tightened her lips on his cock and sucked and licked faster. She felt Jack’s body tense. “Fuck, baby. I’m gonna come. Fuck. Shit.” His cum spurted hot and fast into her mouth and down her throat. He tasted of salt, musk, and something sweet. She swallowed greedily and licked him clean when he was worn out and breathing heavily. She didn’t have a moment to gloat before the vibrator sped up, sending her back to the precipice. Ryan fucked her slowly with the vibrator, dragging each stroke out. She didn’t need slow. “Fuck me, hard! Make me come!” Ryan pushed the vibrator in and held it there. The sensation against her clit was too much. She would have screamed if a hand didn’t cover her mouth. The pleasure washed through her body, wave after wave. Colors sparkled in front of her eyes before she slumped against Jack’s hard body. This time, she was spent and panting. Ryan carefully pulled the toy from her still-spasming cunt and tugged her down next to him on the bed. “One toy down, one to go.” Jack chuckled. **** Jack looked down at the woman he loved. Her hair was a tangled mess, her lips swollen from sucking his cock, her skin shiny from

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perspiration. She was fucking beautiful. The tightness was back in his chest again. This time he didn’t push it away. He welcomed it in, and felt it take root in his heart. He dangled the toy eggs from his fingers. “I think these are next. Get on top of Ryan, baby.” Jillian frowned. “What are you going to do with those?” “That’s for me to know and for you to find out.” Jillian straddled Ryan, who was reclining like a sultan in the middle of the bed. Jack tossed a condom to him. Jillian took it from Ryan’s fingers and tore open the package with her teeth. She gave Ryan a playful smile as she ever so slowly rolled the condom over his dick. Jack wasn’t surprised when Ryan took control and pulled her pussy down on his cock in one stroke. Jillian was already stretched and wet from the vibrator. Ryan slid in with a minimum of fuss. If the look of pleasure on Jillian’s face was anything to go by, the first stroke must have been a sweet one. Jillian began moving slowly, up and down, on Ryan’s cock. Jack loved it when Jillian rode him. Her back was arched, and her hair tumbled down her back. She looked just like that as she rode his brother, building up speed. Jack knelt behind her and reached around to cup her generous breasts. They were full and firm and spilled out of his hands. “Hold still for a minute, baby. Lean forward so you rest on Ryan’s chest.” Jillian leaned forward. Ryan gripped her hips with his hands, holding her still. Jack poured lube onto the toy egg and dripped lube down her crack. Jillian jumped. “Cold ,baby? It’ll warm up in a minute.” Jack circled the egg around her tight little opening, spreading the lube. “Deep breath.” Jillian inhaled while Jack pushed the egg into her ass. It wasn’t large and slid in easily. He flipped the on switch, and the egg came to life.

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**** It was as if she had been struck by lightning. The sensation from the vibrating egg in her ass sent sparks of pleasure up her spine and down to her tingling toes. Her pussy tightened on Ryan’s cock. He groaned in reaction. “Fuck, Jack. Her cunt just clamped down on me when you turned the egg on. The vibrations are shooting up my cock. I don’t think I can hold back.” Through her haze of pleasure, she realized that Ryan could feel the egg inside her with his cock. It was dirty and sexy, and she loved it. “Fuck me with it, Jack. Make me and Ryan come.” “I don’t think Ryan wants to come yet. Pull out of her, bro.” Ryan eased slowly out of her. Her pussy was so tight on him, it didn’t want to let go. She protested, but he kept pulling. Her pussy was now nestled against his still-throbbing cock. “Fuck her with it now.” The egg started moving in and out of her ass. The pleasure ran through her like water. She was floating and flying. She ground her clit against Ryan with each stroke of the egg, sending her close to the edge. A hard smack on her ass brought her back. Ryan. The next smack came from Jack. She felt the heat from their handprints on her ass cheeks. Ryan tilted her chin up to look into his golden gaze. “Who does this pussy belong to, Jillian?” Jillian gave him a wicked smile. “All of us.” Ryan chuckled. “I think that’s as close as we’re going to get. Time to fuck her together, Jack.” A look passed between them. Jillian realized it would be like this sometimes. Ryan and Jack would always have a communication that was unspoken. Jack lifted her off of Ryan and took his place. He smiled at her confusion.

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“Ryan is the more patient of the two of us. He’s the better choice to take your ass this first time.” Yes, her Ryan was a very patient man. At this moment, she really appreciated that patience. Jack donned a condom and helped her lower onto his steely cock. He filled her deliciously, and she began to move, swaying her hips back and forth. “Not yet, baby. Let Ryan get in your ass first. Lean forward like before.” She pouted but obeyed. Ryan tugged on the wire of the egg, and it popped out of her back hole. She could hear the steady thud of Jack’s heartbeat as she rested on his broad chest. Her own heart was racing as lube was poured down her crack and Ryan’s fingers caressed the puckered opening. “We’re going to take this real slow, Jillian. I need you to relax and push out while I push in. Can you do that for me, honey?” “Yes.” Her voice sounded shaky. She felt the blunt edge of his cock at her back hole pressing for entrance. The pressure was insistent, and she pushed out, feeling the tight ring give way. There was a burn which subsided as he continued to press forward. Every now and then he would stop, pull back, then press forward again, gaining more ground each time. It didn’t hurt anymore, but the tingles she had felt with the egg weren’t there either. She just felt full of cock. “You okay, honey? You’re doing great.” Ryan’s voice was strained. “Yes. Yes, I’m okay. I need you to thrust, Ryan. I don’t feel anything like I did with the egg.” “Just be patient, baby. Ryan doesn’t want to hurt you.” Jack ran a soothing hand down her back. Jillian was overcome with the urge to move. She needed to feel something. Now. She braced her arms on the bed and shoved her

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body back against Ryan’s. His cock thrust in to the hilt. She was impaled in both holes. “Fuck, Jillian. I don’t want to hurt you. I ought to spank your ass for that.” “Fine, whatever. Spank me. But fuck me now. I need it!” Ryan pulled back and thrust in hard. The pleasure she had sought finally bloomed. Jack pulled out and thrust up. She slammed down to meet him. “Yes! Fuck me hard.” The men moved in concert. When Ryan pulled out, Jack slammed in. Then Jack would pull out, and Ryan would thrust hard. Each inch of their cocks ran over sensitive nerves that moved her toward release. There wasn’t a moment she wasn’t stuffed full of her man’s cock. Jack reached up and twisted her nipples at the same time Ryan gave her a sharp smack on the ass. The bite of pain was just what she needed to send her into orbit. She flew apart in their arms, screaming their names as her climax took over. Her body shuddered as wave after wave of pleasure ran through her. She slammed back against Ryan’s chest with their force. Her pussy and ass clamped down on their cocks. She felt Ryan thrust inside her and stiffen. His teeth nipped at her neck as his cock seemed to swell even larger inside her ass. At last, Jack thrust inside and froze. She could feel his cock jerk inside her pussy as he emptied his seed in the condom. They lay there, spent and panting. Ryan was the first to extricate himself and head for the bathroom. When he returned, he had a warm washcloth to clean her up. “We woke up Becca. I just got an earful in the hallway. Apparently, she has an early day tomorrow. She’s happy for us, by the way.” Jillian groaned in embarrassment. “Shit. She’s letting me stay here out of the goodness of her heart while my family is in town. Now

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she’s heard me making wild, monkey love with her brothers. No eye contact for at least six months, I guess.” She felt rather than heard Jack’s chuckle. “Becca will understand. As much as I hate to say it, since she’s my little sister, she’s probably not a stranger to sex. I just hope she’s a stranger to wild, monkey sex.” Jillian poked Jack in the ribs. “Isn’t that a double standard? Why should only you and Ryan have wild, monkey sex?” “No brother wants to think about his little sister having sex. She can have wild, monkey sex, but I don’t want to know about it.” Ryan interrupted them. “Can we please stop talking about Becca having sex? If she’s mad about the noise, you can move in with us until your family goes back to Chicago. Just don’t expect to get much sleep. You’re on Christmas vacation, right?” Jillian had to admit having two weeks off at the holidays was a great perk. “Yes, and I don’t want to move in with you. If Becca’s mad, I’ll go back to my place and sleep on the couch.” “Ouch, honey. Why don’t you want to move in with Jack and me? I’d love to have you there all the time.” Jillian cuddled down between her men and yawned. “Because I like to sleep.”

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Chapter 18 It was cold. Not Chicago cold, but still cold. The temperature in Plenty was hovering around forty degrees and was expected to approach freezing in the wee hours of Christmas morning. Jillian wrapped the scarf around her neck and marveled at how quickly she had become accustomed to warm weather. Someone even joked about Christmas snow. It hadn’t snowed in Plenty since 1989. She and her men were attending the annual town Christmas Eve party in the park. It was a winter wonderland right in the middle of a semitropical paradise. Twinkling lights were strung everywhere along with decorated trees and what appeared to be man-made snow. The children, and some of the adults, were trying to scoop it up and make snowballs or snowmen. With the cold weather, the town was serving sugar cookies, gingerbread people, and hot chocolate with whipped cream. Jillian was officially “off her diet” until after New Year’s. “Another cookie, baby?” Jack gave her a sexy grin. He held out a bell-shaped cookie with thick icing. He had become the perfect boyfriend in the last few days. He was attentive, loving, and determined to show her he was all in. Jillian plucked the cookie from his hand. “Don’t mind if I do.” Ryan joined them with three Styrofoam cups of hot chocolate. “That was some line for the hot cocoa. Looks like there’s a great turnout even with the cold weather.” The party was the final fundraiser for the new playground equipment. It was needed even more desperately now since the old playground had burned to the ground.

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“It’s not that cold,” Jillian fibbed. Ryan laughed. “You don’t fool me. You’re freezing just like we are. Your northern blood is officially thin.” Jillian pulled a face. “Aren’t you in the doghouse?” Ryan handed her a steaming cup of chocolate. “No, ma’am. I have begged and groveled my way out of the doghouse. I sleep in the bed now.” Ryan, too, had been on his best behavior. He had even made nice with the Barnes family. Mrs. Barnes had flagged her down at the diner this morning and thanked her for talking to Ryan. “We haven’t done much sleeping. I’m exhausted. Do I get to sleep tonight?” Who was she kidding? She jumped their bones just as often as they jumped hers. “Of course, baby. Are Ryan’s shameful male urges keeping you from getting your beauty sleep?” Jillian burst into laughter. “Shameful male urges? He wasn’t alone, Jack. You were there participating, too.” “Yeah, but my male urges aren’t shameful.” Jillian couldn’t work up any shame at the naughty things they had been doing. She was sure this was how real love was supposed to be. “I don’t think his, mine, or your urges are shameful. In fact, I’m pretty damn proud of them.” “How proud? Your mother is headed this way. Should we tell her all the dirty things we’re doing to her little girl?” Jack waggled his eyebrows. “Go ahead. She’s your biggest fan, and you know it.” Ellie Miller adored Jack and Ryan and doted on them the same way she did Mark and Travis. “Merry Christmas!” Jillian’s mother gave her a big hug. Jillian couldn’t stop her own smile. It was a merry Christmas. “Merry Christmas, Mom. Looks like you have quite a handsome entourage this blessed night.”

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Her mom was escorted by Mike, Steve, Mark, and Travis. They were all handsome men, each in his own way. Her mother glanced at Mike and Steve and blushed. “I do, don’t I? I’m a lucky woman these days. Mike and Steve have been wonderful these last few weeks, showing me around town.” In fact, they had been almost inseparable. Jillian had never seen her mother so happy. Her mother had always been a beautiful woman, but now she seemed to glow. “Hey, what about us? What are we? Chopped liver?” Mark joked. “You’re my handsome sons, of course. Now I have four handsome sons.” Her mother beamed at Jack and Ryan, who grinned right back. Jillian marveled that only a few months ago she would have protested this sort of family intimacy. Now she reveled in it. “Well, these sons have an announcement to make.” Mark cleared his throat and gave Travis a nervous look. Travis grabbed his hand and gave an encouraging smile. “We’ve come to really love Plenty. At Thanksgiving, we thought it was a wonderful town and couldn’t wait to come back. This visit has confirmed everything that we felt then. So after some discussions between the two of us”—Mark glanced at Travis—“we’ve decided to make Plenty our permanent home.” Jillian stared in surprise. Her brother and his husband were moving to Plenty? What about their careers in Chicago? “We know what everyone is thinking.” Travis smiled. “Dr. Steve desperately needs help at his practice and invited Mark to join him. Mike has been wanting to work less hours at his law practice also. He’s invited me to join his law firm.” Jillian ran and hugged both men. She was excited that she was going to have family here in Plenty. “What about your careers in Chicago? Your condo?” Travis shrugged. “We’ll sell the condo. As for our careers, we’ve been talking about slowing down for a while now. Making a bunch of money doesn’t mean much if you don’t have the time to enjoy it. We

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already have our eye on a house in the historic district, so don’t worry that we’ll be taking up residence in your condo.” “I wasn’t worried about that. Wow, this is quite a surprise. Mom, did you know they were planning this?” Her mother looked stunned. It dawned on Jillian that if Mark and Travis moved, her mother would be in Chicago all alone. “No, I didn’t know. But I see that Mike and Steve did. They do like to fix things for me.” Her mother smiled. “I was saving this for tomorrow, but I think the time for my announcement is now.” Mike and Steve each took one of her mother’s hands and kissed the knuckles. “I’m moving to Plenty also. Mike and Steve have asked me to marry them, and I said yes.” If Jack and Ryan hadn’t had their arms around her, Jillian would have fainted. She heard a faint ringing in her ears. “What? I thought I heard you say you were getting married?” Mike and Steve and been strangely quiet during the entire conversation, but Mike spoke now. “We love your mother. It was love at first sight for both Steve and I. We have too much respect for your mother to offer her anything less than marriage when we discussed her moving to Plenty.” Mark looked confused. “So you proposed? It’s only been two weeks, for God’s sake. Don’t you want to take some time and get to know one another first? How do you know you’re really in love?” Their mother gave Mark an indulgent smile. “Aren’t you the same man that came home from your first date with Travis and told me you’d found the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with? When you know, you know. We’re old enough to know our own mind, Mark. We’re not kids anymore, and we don’t want to waste any time.” Travis put his arm around Mark. “I fell in love with you that day, too. It felt like I’d been hit with a two-by-four.” “I didn’t invite you into my medical practice to lure your mother into staying here,” Steve said. “I really want you to join me. The fact

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that I love your mother and her whole family will be around her is a bonus. We would do anything to make her happy. We’ll take very good care of her.” Ryan leaned forward and offered his hand. “Congratulations, Dad, Steve. I’m sure you’ll be very happy. We want the best for you.” Handshakes and hugs made the rounds as everyone congratulated the happy triad. Jillian was truly happy for her mother. After everything she had been through, she deserved happiness more than anyone. Jillian hugged her mother. “I’m glad you’re going to be here in Plenty with me. I’m looking forward to us spending time together. I’ll help you plan your wedding.” This would be the beginning of a new relationship with her mother. The kind of relationship Jillian had always hoped to have. Her mother waved off the offer. “We need to get Cassie married first, then we can worry about us. I don’t want any fuss. A justice of the peace is fine with me. I’m not sure how you marry two men anyway.” Mike laughed and put his arm around her. “The same way you marry one. You just do it twice.” **** Jillian groaned and lay down on the rug in front of the fireplace. She was spending the night at Ryan and Jack’s so that the spare room at Becca’s could be used by Mike’s brother who was in town for the holiday. It had been an eventful evening at the party. Her entire family was picking up their lives and moving to Plenty. She was overjoyed at the prospect, but still a little stunned. Jack plopped down next to her. “You know, if your mom marries our dad, we’ll be stepbrother and stepsister. Kinky.”

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Ryan plopped down on her other side and scowled. “This is exactly why I heard them say that Ellie would marry Steve, not Dad. We’re not hillbillies, Jack.” Jillian threw her arm over her eyes. “I totally didn’t think about the whole we’d-be-related thing. Thank God they did.” Ryan pulled her close and tucked a pillow under her head. “We wouldn’t be related, technically, anyway. But I admit, Steve marrying your mom is a good idea.” Jillian peered out from under her arm. “Good idea? They barely know each other. Oh my God, do you think they’ve had sex? Oh shit, my mother’s had sex with two men!” Jillian groaned again and rolled over, burying her face in the pillow. She could hear both men laughing at her. Jack tugged her over so she was facing them. “You want her to be happy, don’t you? What could make her happier than having two men to love her? It’s made you pretty happy.” She couldn’t argue that. But still, it was her mother. “It’s my mom, guys. No one wants to think of their mother having sex. Let alone their mother having sex with two men. Do you want to think about your dad having sex?” Ryan chuckled. “Not particularly. We want him to be happy, but we don’t need to dwell on it.” “You’re right. I need to not think about my mom and two men.” Jillian yawned. “I’m so fucking tired. I have to get up early tomorrow and start Christmas dinner. Everyone’s coming here and I want the meal to be perfect.” Jack threw a quilt over her and tucked it around her gently. “It will be. You’re an amazing cook. Ryan and I will help in any way we can, too. But, tonight, we’re glad to have you all to ourselves. How about we open presents?” Jillian smiled at the way Jack’s eyes lit up when he talked about presents. He was such a little boy sometimes. But he had shown her he could be the grown up man she needed him to be. It was an

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intoxicating mixture that made her love him even more.”One. We can open one present on Christmas Eve. We have to wait until tomorrow to open the rest.” “Me first.” Jack lunged for a brightly wrapped package under the tree. Ryan shook his head. “Jillian should be first.” “It’s okay. Jack can be first. He’s been talking about this for weeks. I can wait a few more minutes.” Jack ripped the green-and-red foil off the box and pulled it open. His eyes danced with glee. “A tablet computer. Thank you, baby. This is great.” Jack gave Jillian a sweet kiss that lingered on her lips. Jillian handed Ryan his gift. “You, next.” “What about you? You should go next.” “No, I want you to open this. I hope you like it.” Ryan was so different from Jack. He carefully opened the package, trying not to tear the paper more than necessary. Jillian held in her laugh as Jack rolled his eyes. Ryan pulled the lid off and took out the stuffed Mickey Mouse, giving her a puzzled look. He reached in again and shuffled through the papers she had printed from the computer. “Honey, I’m not actually sure what you got me. But I do like Mickey Mouse.” Jillian pointed to the top sheet of paper. “You didn’t get to go to Disney World with me and Jack last month, when we were hiding out from Danny Trent. I felt badly that you had to stay here and look for him. So, I’ve made reservations for you and I to spend a long weekend there when school lets out for the summer. I already talked to Jack about it and he is fine with the two of us going. “ Ryan gave her a wide smile. “Aw, honey, that’s great. Thank you. It will be wonderful for us to get away and I did miss that trip. Jack got to have you all to himself. This is the perfect gift.”

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Ryan snagged a flat, rectangular box from under the tree. “Your turn this time. This is from me and Jack. We hope you like it.” Jillian was like Ryan when it came to opening presents. She carefully pried the red-and-gold foil wrap from the box. She could see the impatience in Jack’s eyes. He would have to wait. This was her first Christmas gift from her men, and she wanted to savor it. The paper fell away to reveal a long, blue velvet case. She lifted the lid, and her breath caught. Nestled in the satin lining was a gold bracelet. It was only when she lifted it that she realized it was a charm bracelet. She examined each charm carefully, and her eyes filled with tears. There was a small coffee cup to represent their coffee dates, a miniature Mickey Mouse for their trip to Disney, a tiny Sears Tower for her beloved Chicago, and a ruler for her new career as a teacher. It was the final charm that made her laugh. It was a doghouse. She looked up into their anxious eyes. They were actually worried she wouldn’t like it. Jack leaned forward to give her a quick kiss. “Do you like it, baby? You can add charms in the future, if you want.” She threw herself at them. “I love it! I absolutely love it, especially the doghouse charm. It’s very creative, boys. Will you help me put it on?” Jillian held out her wrist, and Ryan helped her with the clasp. She help it up for their inspection. “It’s perfect. I’ll wear it all the time. I promise.” Jillian couldn’t hold back the next big yawn. It had been an incredible evening, but her body was exhausted. Ryan scooped her up in his arms and headed up the stairs. “We need to get you in bed, honey. Tomorrow is a big day. Our first Christmas together.” Jack helped Ryan tuck her into the large bed. “Sleep now, Jillian. We love you. This is the first of many Christmases together. That’s our promise.” Jillian yawned again. “I love you, too. So much.”

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Her men each took a side, and she cuddled up to Ryan in front while Jack cuddled her back. She couldn’t think of a better Christmas, ever.

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Chapter 19 “I can’t believe your family is moving to Plenty. That’s wild.” Becca rummaged in a bin of books that was marked down. They were doing some after-Christmas shopping and had inevitably ended up at the bookstore. Cassie laughed. “That’s Jillian’s family in a nutshell. Wild.” Jillian rolled her eyes. “Until the last week, I had the most boring family in the state of Illinois or Florida. Suddenly, they go all Twilight Zone on me. My mother is marrying two men. Luckily, she doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to say ‘I Do.’” “You know, one of those men is my father, and trust me, he’s the most wonderful man in the world. He’ll treat your mom right. He loves Steve, but I haven’t seen Dad this happy since Mom died. Steve, too. They both seem to light up when they’re around your mom.” Jillian had to admit it was the same with her own mother. Ellie Miller had never looked as happy as she did when she was with Mike and Steve. She practically glowed with love. Cassie gave her a teasing smile. “Speaking of lighting up when someone is around, how are things with your handsome men?” Jillian couldn’t stop the smile that crossed her face whenever she thought of Ryan and Jack. She hadn’t ever been this happy, either. She was sure she glowed just like her mother. Despite all her intentions to the contrary, she was deeply in love with her men and didn’t regret it for a second. She fingered the charm bracelet that encircled her wrist. “Things are awesome, if you must know. Jack and I are both past our fears of

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love and commitment, and Ryan is more content than ever now that he doesn’t have to worry about the two of us changing our minds.” Cassie waggled her eyebrows. “How’s the sex? Anything you want to tell us? Share the dirty details?” Becca groaned. “Unfortunately, I can answer that question. She screams in the throes of passion, for fuck’s sake. Jillian and my brothers sure make a racket in the sack. It’s like having a pack of wild animals mating across the hall.” Jillian felt her face get warm. The night they had made up, Becca had practically a ringside seat to their lovemaking. Since then, they had been careful to always do the deed at Ryan and Jack’s house. “I’m sorry about that. We really tried to be quiet. I’m mortified that you heard us.” Becca sighed. “I’m just jealous. When am I going to find a guy that makes me want to scream like that in bed? I’m not getting any younger and I’m tired of dating.” Cassie picked up a book and scanned the back cover. “You’re not even thirty. And one man or two? Don’t you want a ménage relationship?” “I can’t find one man I want to go to bed with, let alone two. I gave up on the idea of a ménage relationship a long time ago. I’ve lived in this town my entire life and have yet to find love. You, Jillian, and Ellie come here and each find the two men of your dreams in a matter of days. Obviously, I’m doing something very wrong.” “Didn’t you go to the Christmas party with Josh?” Jillian asked. “He seems like a nice guy and runs a successful business, too. The coffee shop is always busy.” Becca shrugged. “Yeah, but there’s no chemistry there. No spark. I don’t think there’s a future there.” “Oh shit, I’m meeting Zach and Chase at the diner to discuss more wedding plans. We’re thinking about an outdoor ceremony at their place. With all that land we could really spread out. What do you think?” Cassie tucked her cell phone back into her purse.

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“Anything sounds great, just as long as you don’t put me and Becca in hideous pastel bridesmaid dresses. I draw the line right there.” “But what about the dusty rose and lavender color scheme I’ve been dreaming about since I was ten?” Cassie mocked. Becca feigned a gag. “Some things are better left in childhood, Cass.” Cassie waved off their concern. “We’re going navy blue with your dresses and yellow and white flowers. You’ll look great.” Becca grabbed her purse. “I need to get going, too. I’m meeting Dad and Steve at the coffee shop. I think they want to make sure that I’m okay with the marriage thing. I can’t wait until the work on the pizza parlor is done. I’m missing Charlie’s pizza. Want to tag along, Jillian?” Jillian shook her head. “I’m going to stay here and nose around a while longer. There has to be a book with my name on it. I don’t have any plans, anyway. Both Jack and Ryan are working tonight. Being the girlfriend of public servants can be tough sometimes. They work some strange hours. Call me tomorrow. Maybe we can go biking or something.” Cassie and Becca smiled their agreement as they made their way to the door of the shop, bade good-bye to Leah, and headed down the street. Jillian turned back to eye the cover of a horror novel speculatively. She wasn’t a big fan of horror, but it was marked down fifty percent. “Don’t bother with that one. I read it over the holiday and it sucked.” Leah shook her head sadly. Jillian sighed. “I feel like I’ve read every book in your store that’s worth reading.” Leah laughed. “It probably feels that way because it’s true. You’re my best customer. Of course, those men of yours come in a close second, but only because they’re coming in to buy books for you.

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You’re a lucky woman. Jennie’s been trying to land Jack Parks for the better part of a year or more.” “I’m well aware of Jennie’s interest in Jack. I didn’t realize that the whole town knew it, but I shouldn’t be surprised. There are no secrets in a small town like this. Lucky for me, Jack doesn’t have any interest in Jennie.” “Those men only have eyes for you, that’s for sure. It’s strange that Jennie hasn’t given up and moved on. It’s obvious Jack and Ryan aren’t interested in other women.” Jillian had been thinking the same thing. Most women would have cut their losses and eaten some ribs and ice cream. “Well, you’re right, Leah. I am a lucky woman. Hopefully, Jennie will move on and find another man.” “I’m sure she will. You can only have unrequited love so long, before it gets boring as hell. Now help yourself to the storeroom. I got in a new shipment this morning that I haven’t unpacked yet.” Jillian thanked Leah and headed to the back room. The stacks beckoned to her, and she lost herself in the feel and smell of the new books. She had three set aside when she heard footsteps behind her. “Leah, I picked out three so far. Do you want my help moving these books to the front of the store?” “Leah is indisposed at the moment. I came to talk to you.” Jillian whirled around at the familiar voice. Jennie stood there with an angry expression. **** “Where’s Leah, Jennie? What have you done?” Jennie practically snarled her words. Her pretty face was distorted by her anger. “This isn’t about Leah or you, for that matter. This is about me and Jack.”

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Jillian used her calmest voice. “There is no you and Jack. Ryan and Jack are with me. They love me, Jennie. You need to understand that and move on with your life.” Jennie shook her head angrily. “No! Jack belongs to me. I’ve done all this for him. When he sees that, he’ll love me.” The acrid smell of smoke reached Jillian’s nostrils. Her mind started to whirl as the possibility became clear. “Jennie, I smell smoke. We need to check on Leah, and then we all three need to get out of here and call the fire department.” Jennie shook her head. “I didn’t plan for you to be here, but now that you are, you can’t leave. I never wanted anyone to be hurt, you know. I just wanted Jack’s attention. I love him so much.” “You set the fires, didn’t you? Why, Jennie?” Jillian inched closer as the smoke began to fill the room. She needed to get past Jennie and find Leah. “I told you, to get Jack’s attention. He never noticed me. I knew if I set the fires he would notice me. I never wanted anyone to get hurt, least of all Jack. I was frantic when he was in the hospital, but they wouldn’t let me see him.” Jillian inched closer to the entrance to the front room. A store full of books was the perfect fuel for a fire. Jillian could see the glow of flames from where she was standing. She couldn’t stop the coughs that shook her body. The smoke was starting to obstruct her vision and seep into her lungs. “Jack is not going to be happy, Jennie. He’s going to be angry when he finds out. We need to call the fire department right away. Jack doesn’t need to know that you were setting the fires. I’ll keep your secret.” Jennie gave her a contemptuous look. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’d like to take credit for what I’ve done. I hate you, do you know that? If you had never come to Plenty, Jack and I would be together. I didn’t plan on hurting you, but you deserve to die in this fire.”

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Jillian was within arm’s reach of Jennie now. Although she was right in front of her, she could barely make out Jennie’s face. Her hand grasped a heavy bookend from Leah’s desk. The heat and smoke were becoming overwhelming. “If I die in this fire, Jack will be racked with guilt that he couldn’t save me. He’ll never be able to love anyone else.” Both she and Jennie were coughing now. Jennie’s voice was raspy when she answered. “I’ll be there to comfort him, Jillian. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him.” The visibility was dimming, and Jillian knew this was her only chance. If she didn’t do it now, she wouldn’t be able to see her target. Her hand tightened on the bookend as she brought it up behind her and swung down on Jennie’s shoulder. She didn’t want to kill Jennie, but she needed to incapacitate her for a few minutes to call the fire department and find out about Leah. The bookend made contact, and Jennie crumpled to Jillian’s feet. Jillian grabbed the phone from Leah’s desk and dialed 9-1-1. “Nine-one-one, what’s your emergency?” Jillian coughed and sputtered. “Fire at the bookstore. Three people, including myself, are inside. Hurry!” Jillian tossed the phone and ran to into the front room of the store to find Leah. Flames and smoke were everywhere. She remembered something about getting low, below the smoke, and dropped to her hands and knees, calling out Leah’s name. She crawled around the back counter and found Leah unconscious. With all the smoke, Jillian couldn’t see if she had any injuries, but she could feel Leah’s shallow breaths. Thank God she was alive. Jillian frantically looked around. She needed to get the three of them out of the building, fast. She saw a large, wooden chair that had books stacked on the seat. She crawled over to the chair and knocked the books to the floor. How did Jack stand the heat and the flames? Her respect for him was growing by the second.

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Jillian stood and picked up the chair, dragging it and herself close to the large picture window overlooking Maple Avenue. She hoped this chair was heavy enough for what she planned. She gathered her strength and heaved the chair with everything she had through the front window. Thankfully, the window shattered and the chair lay broken on the sidewalk. Fresh air filled her lungs, but also fed the fire. Flames leaped even higher as she started to head back to Leah and Jennie. Her journey was interrupted as firemen leaped through the broken window, almost landing on top of her. Strong arms lifted her up and headed for the opening to the street. She pulled at his jacket and pointed toward Leah and the back room. The fireman pointed to a couple other firefighters who swarmed the store, spraying water and fighting the flames. She was lifted out of the store and set gently on a gurney. An oxygen mask was placed over her mouth and nose. “Breathe, baby. You’re going to be okay.” Jack pushed his helmet shield up so she was looking into his worried, hazel eyes. “I got you, too, honey.” Ryan swept her hair out of her eyes, as he always did. She pushed the mask down. She had to speak. “Leah and Jennie are in there. Jennie’s in the back room, and Leah’s behind the counter. Jennie set the fire. She’s the arsonist.” Her voice sounded so hoarse. She wasn’t sure they understood her. But they must have, as Ryan pointed to Leah on another stretcher, and Jennie being pulled from the building. Ryan nodded toward the building. “Go on, Jack. I’ll take care of her. It’s okay. They need you.” Jack looked tortured. She placed her hand on his heavy jacket. “I’m okay. Go save the bookstore for Leah.” He dropped the helmet shield back over his face and dashed back into the burning building. She wondered if she would ever get used to her men facing so much danger.

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Her body was aching, and her lungs burned with the effort of breathing. She fell back on the gurney in exhaustion. Ryan hovered and held her hand as the paramedics fussed over her. Apparently, she was headed to the hospital. “I’m staying with you, honey. Jack will be fine and he’ll meet us at the hospital later.” Jillian nodded, felt the prick of a needle in her arm, and the world went blessedly dark.

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Chapter 20 Jillian was ready to climb the walls with boredom. She had spent the night in the hospital and then the last few days at home. The first day she had enjoyed having her mother fuss over her a little bit, but today she really wanted to do more than sit on the patio reading and drinking ice tea. She wasn’t used to this much inactivity. Mark and Travis had flown back to Chicago the day before as soon as they knew she was all right. They had a multitude of things to take care of before their move to Plenty. “Stop pouting, Jillian. Your face might freeze that way.” Her mother stood in the doorway to the condo. It was a gorgeous day in Florida with the weather hovering around seventy. The cold snap only a few days ago hadn’t lasted long. Jillian laughed. “You sound like a mother when you say that, not a bride to be.” Her mother blushed. “I am your mother and I am also a bride to be. Mike, Steve, and I have been talking about the wedding. We’ve been thinking about a destination wedding.” “That could be nice. Any destination in mind? One where multiple husbands isn’t illegal, I would guess.” Her mother laughed, and Jillian had to smile. She had never seen her mother this happy in her entire life. “I Googled it and there are places like that, but none that I want to get married in. I think we’ve settled on Key West.” “Wow! That sounds great. I’ve always wanted to go there.” Her mother nodded. “Good. The wedding is on Presidents’ Day weekend, so school will be closed and you’ll be able to go. Oh, and

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you’re my maid of honor, too. We should go dress shopping as soon as you’re up to it. And I need to call the movers in Chicago. I’ll fly up for a few days next week and pack up the house.” Jillian gaped. “This Presidents’ Day? As in February? I thought you weren’t in any rush?” “We aren’t. It’s a reasonable time to get the arrangements together. We’ll be married at sunrise. It’ll be beautiful.” Her mother had a faraway look in her eye. “Well, thanks for making me your maid of honor. I’d be happy to stand up for you. Let’s go shopping now.” Jillian threw the blanket off her legs and stood up. “Wait! Don’t you want to rest? You had a close call in that fire. Jennie almost killed you, Leah, and herself.” Once Jennie had recovered from smoke inhalation, she had been taken into custody. She readily admitted to setting the fires, thinking it would somehow impress Jack. She was now sitting in the county lockup waiting on a psychiatric evaluation. Jillian doubted she would pass. Jennie hadn’t seemed to know right from wrong. Jack had been racked with guilt. Jennie had set fires and hurt people due to her obsession with him. He had apologized to Jillian multiple times already. She tried to assure him it wasn’t his fault, but he was clearly having a hard time with it. “I feel better and am dying to get out of the house.” “Get dressed then and we’ll go. But only for a while, Jillian. I don’t want you to overdo today.” “I’m fine. Let’s go get you a dress.” **** Jack opened the door quietly, trying not to wake the entire house. It was three in the morning on New Year’s Eve, and he’d just gotten off duty. Luckily, the captain had taken pity on him and sent him home early. He had been on duty most of the week and had barely

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spent any time with Jillian since the fire at the bookstore. He missed her and would have the next two days to enjoy her company before he went back to work and she went back to school. He closed the door with a soft click and practically ran into Ryan at the front door. Ryan placed his finger over his lips then pointed to their sleeping beauty in the recliner. The television was still on but turned down low. The rest of the house was dark. “I just got home, too. You’re off early.” Ryan kept his voice low. Jack nodded. “Yeah, the captain let me off duty. Tyler came in early for me. I owe him one. How long do you think she’s been sleeping?” Ryan smiled at Jillian’s sleeping form. “Hopefully quite awhile. I want to celebrate New Year’s with the love of my life. How about you?” Jack grinned back. The feeling in his chest wasn’t tight anymore. His whole body was suffused with love for Jillian. He barely remembered life before her and didn’t want to think about life without her. He could still feel the fear that clutched his heart when he had seen in her in the burning bookstore. He still thanked God every day that she was safe. “Hell yeah. Let’s pop open some champagne and watch the ball drop.” Ryan had set the DVR to record the dropping of the ball in Times Square. It happened more than three hours ago, but they would pretend it was happening live. Jack leaned over and felt the warmth from her body and smelled her strawberry shampoo. His lips brushed her very softly, almost teasing her to wake up. He licked his lips at her taste and brushed against them again. Her eyelids fluttered, and she moaned a little in her sleep. Jack gave a wicked grin. She would be moaning between him and Ryan before too long. They hadn’t made love to her since the fire. At first it was to give her time to recover, but then they both were working so many hours. It was like that at the holidays. Hopefully,

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Jillian would get used to that in the coming years. Man, did he like the sound of that—the coming years. Ryan joined him from the kitchen and ran his hands down Jillian’s bare skin before pressing his lips against hers. Her eyes opened and stayed open this time. For a moment, she looked disoriented, and then a smile bloomed on her beautiful face. Jack didn’t think he’d ever get tired of looking at her. “You’re home.” The words were simple, but the joy in her expression shined through. Jack took his turn and gave her a kiss and a smile that matched hers. “Happy New Year, baby. We’ve got some champagne. Ready to watch the ball drop in Times Square?” Jillian yawned. “I’m pretty sure I watched the ball drop already. But I’m always in the mood for champagne.” Ryan poured the champagne, and Jack hit the play button on the DVR. “The thing is, honey, it’s not the New Year everywhere in the world yet. Let’s pretend we’re on the West Coast and ring in the new year. Together.” Ryan handed her a glass of the bubbly, golden liquid. “Who’s making the toast?” Jillian smiled. **** “Since I’m the oldest here, I’ll do the honors. But first, it’s almost midnight.” Ryan pressed the button on the remote. The glittering ball started slowly dropping. They began to count as it fell. “Five— Four—Three—Two—One—Happy New Year!” As the oldest, Ryan claimed a kiss first, but Jack wasn’t far behind. She clung to each of them a little longer than was necessary. She missed being this close to them. They were being so careful since the fire and there wasn’t a thing wrong with her. Well, almost. “So here’s my toast. To the woman we want to spend not just the new year with, but the rest of our lives. Thank you for moving to

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Plenty, and thank you for putting up with us and loving us. We know we’re not perfect, especially Jack, but we’re working on it.” Jack rolled his eyes as she giggled. “Thanks, big brother. Remind me to return the favor. Why don’t we take this New Year’s party upstairs? I haven’t made love or spanked my woman in almost a week.” Ryan scooped her up and headed up the stairs two at a time with Jack right behind. “Me neither. Between the two of us, we can get her ass bright red.” Shit. Her ass was already a little red and sore. She needed to show them the surprise before they really hurt her. “Put me down. Gently! I’m not in any shape to have my ass smacked by you two tonight.” Ryan placed her feet on the floor with a concerned expression. “Are you okay, honey? Are you still sore from the fire?” She shook her head. “No. I—I have something to show you. Both of you have gone out of your way to show me that you are completely committed to me. I wanted to do the same. So, um, here it is.” Jillian pushed down the waistband of her sweatpants for the big reveal. Jack flicked on the bedside lamp to see more clearly. She bit her lip as she waited for their response. She didn’t have to wait long. “Holy shit. Do you see what I see, Ryan?” Jack’s fingers traced a circle around the ink . “Fuck, Jillian. I don’t know what to say. I never imagined this. You had them give you the same tattoo as Jack and me. I’m speechless, honey.” Jillian exhaled in relief. There had been a small part of her that had been afraid that they wouldn’t be pleased. Of course, she had the tattoo placed in a more discreet area, high on her ass cheek, instead of her arm. But they seemed pleased, nonetheless. “I’m so relieved that you like it. I had visions of you saying that you weren’t that serious about me.”

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Jack pulled up his sleeve to show off his ink. “A lifetime, baby. That’s what this means to me.” Ryan growled and pulled her close. “I can’t pull up my sleeve, but you know what it means to me. It’s what I’ve wanted my whole life. You’re my dream come true, Jillian.” Jillian was full of love and courage. “I feel the same. Now, I want to make all our dreams come true.” Ryan and Jack looked puzzled. “You already did, baby,” Jack said. “Okay, then let’s call this a fantasy. Remember that fantasy I told you about?” This was one time she was glad Ryan liked to talk about everything, including sex. He and Jack had shared their fantasies, and she had shared hers. It seemed like the perfect time to start working on them—one by one. “I certainly do. Jack and I have been working on it. Your request was a bit, um, elaborate.” Ryan gently leaned in and kissed her. He tasted like champagne and man. “So? Can we? I know you think about it, too. You both get hard as concrete when we talk about it.” Both men gave her wicked grins. “If this is what you want, then, yes, one fantasy made to order for the woman we love. If you want this fantasy, here are the rules. Jack and I are in charge. What we say goes. You are not allowed to question us or disobey us. Obviously, a spanking as punishment is out tonight, but there are other ways to punish you.” Ryan’s voice was deep, and she felt her pussy warming up and getting wet. Jack nodded in agreement. “You are not to speak without permission or unless asked a direct question. Your safe word is ‘red.’ You only use it if you want everything to stop. You will never be punished for using your safe word. However, it shouldn’t be used lightly.”

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Ryan began stripping her clothes from her body. “You will call us Sir. You are also not to come without our express permission. Failure to follow the rules will result in punishment. Are these rules understood?” Arousal coursed through her veins and cream dripped down her thighs. The thought of acting out some of her fantasies was exciting. She trusted these men with her life, her body, her pleasure. Ryan grabbed a bag from the closet. She recognized it from before. It held their toy stash. Her smile widened as she imagined the delights hidden inside.

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Chapter 21 Jack and Ryan quickly shucked their clothes before pulling several items out of the bag. Strong hands lifted her wrists, and wide cuffs were fastened around them quickly and efficiently. When Jack lifted his head, she examined her wrists. The cuffs were soft leather and padded inside, to protect her skin she imagined. Ryan ran his fingers between the cuff and her skin, checking her circulation. She wasn’t shocked. She had done her homework on the Internet and had seen pictures of cuffs. She had even imagined what it would be like to wear them. Nothing prepared her for how it really felt. She actually felt submissive to Jack and Ryan. She wanted nothing more than to submit to them. Ryan quickly attached a second set of cuffs to her ankles. Spread eagle? Her pussy dripped at the picture that came to mind. Restrained and helpless to their hands and mouths had become a vivid fantasy. Her men tormenting her with pleasure. Her cunt ached with a need to have them inside her. Ryan stood back and examined his work. “Those cuffs look beautiful on you, honey. Jack and I went on a little shopping spree a few weeks ago, and these were just one of our purchases. We weren’t sure we would ever use them, though.” Jack grinned. “The other purchases were for you, too. But you’ll have to wait to experience all of them. It’s going to take time to use them all. Now come on over here against the wall. Careful of your tender ass cheek.”

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Jack led her to one end of the bedroom and pressed her gently back against the wall. With Jack on one side of her and Ryan on the other, they each raised an arm up and wide, clipping the cuff to the wall. They repeated the process with her ankles, so that she was spread out and restrained. She tugged at the clips, but there was no give. “Good job putting those loops in the wall, Jack. Just the right height for her. She’s spread out and at our mercy. I’m going to enjoy playing with her. Top and bottom, or right and left?” “Let’s start right and left, then move to top and bottom.” Jillian had no idea what they were talking about but hoped it meant that they were going to touch her soon. She was dying for the feel of their hands on her body. She got her wish as each man started at her neck and began to kiss, lick, and nip his way south. Their mouths and tongues drove her crazy as they leisurely toured her body. They touched her everywhere but where she needed them the most. Her nipples and pussy were neglected as they licked and kissed at her ribs, hip bones, thighs, even the curve of her ankles. Restrained as she was, she couldn’t hurry them along or twist to encourage a stroke or discourage a lick. She really was at their mercy. She was lost in the twin sensations of both men focused solely on pleasuring her. Her body was completely surrendered to these wonderful men. She felt her mind slowly follow, her trust in them full and complete. **** Jack let his eyes roam the lovely form before him. She was so beautifully restrained for his pleasure. The red leather cuffs wrapped around each wrist and ankle contrasted with her creamy, soft skin. Her dusty-pink nipples were hard and tight on top of those gorgeous breasts just waiting for his lips and tongue. Her long auburn hair was

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spread like a curtain on her pale shoulders. He imagined wrapping those strands around his hands while he drove into her from behind. Jillian seemed just as affected by the scene. He could see the evidence of her arousal glistening on her spread thighs and on the dark red curls that covered her mound. Her expression was one of anticipation and desire. It was exactly where he and Ryan wanted her to be. Ryan drew his finger through her soaked pussy, circling her swollen clit. Jillian moaned and tugged at the restraints. “Doesn’t she have the prettiest pussy, Jack? So pink and wet. Look how it sucks in my finger.” Jack’s hard cock ached as he watched his brother finger-fuck Jillian. She was moaning and writhing now, pulling furiously at the cuffs that bound her firmly. Ryan smacked her thigh sharply. “Stay still. You get what we give you, when we decide to give it to you. No sooner.” Jack moved to the top to begin to play with Jillian’s nipples while Ryan resumed fucking Jillian with two fingers. “These nipples were made for sucking, Jillian. I think I’ll have a taste now.” Jack lowered his head and laved all the way around the taut nipple, getting it wet before sucking it in. He let it go with a pop then gave it a nip before starting the sequence again. “Oh, Sir, please…” Jillian’s plea was breathless. “That’s a good girl. You remembered to address me by my title.” He rewarded her by moving to her other nipple and giving it the attention that it deserved. Her nipples were red and swollen from his mouth. He glanced down, and Ryan was pulling his fingers from her dripping pussy. He made sure Jillian could see Ryan licking her cream from his fingers. “You taste wonderful, honey. I need to get more of this.” Ryan ran his tongue over her clit a few times, and Jillian shook with her need to come. She was very close. ****

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Jillian’s legs trembled against the restraints. She needed to come badly. Ryan’s tongue was circling her clit, but not giving her the direct contact she needed to go over. Jack was kissing a sensitive spot on her neck that seemed to be connected to her clit. She was a mass of need. “Please, Sir, please may I come? I need to come!” She didn’t even recognize her own voice. It was full of need and desperation. Jillian started pulling at the restraints. She desperately needed to come. “Stop it, Jillian.” Ryan’s voice was firm, and she found herself obeying. “You’re going to bruise yourself. Do you need to say your safe word? It’s okay if you do, honey.” Fuck no. This was too arousing for words. She was far from using her safe word. “No, I don’t. I’m okay now. I’m sorry, Sir, but I just need to come so badly. My pussy aches.” Jack stroked her skin reassuringly. “We know, baby. But you have to earn your release. Now let me check the restraints before we go any further.” Jillian watched as Jack ran his finger between her skin and each cuff to make sure it wasn’t too tight. He instructed her to wriggle her hands and feet and checked her circulation. She appreciated that they were so concerned about her safety and well-being. “Please, Sirs, may I suck your cocks?” She wasn’t sure if she would be punished for asking, but she was dying to get one of them in her mouth. She wanted to give them pleasure, too. Ryan shook his head. “No, you may not. Not until we decide. You’re not in charge here. Do you know what they call it when a sub tries to control the scene?” Jillian shook her head. “No, Sir, I don’t.” She did, actually. In typical fashion, she had done her research thoroughly before discussing this fantasy with her men. But she

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would play along tonight. It was hard to keep the mischievous smile from her face at Ryan’s mock scowl. “It’s called topping from the bottom. I will not tolerate that sort of behavior. I think we need to review the rules. Recite them, please.” What? She was still in her frustrated haze, and they wanted her to reel off the rules? She turned to Jack to see if he would be of any help. “Now, Jillian.” Jack’s voice was sharp. She sighed and tried to remember. “Um, I need to address you as ‘Sir.’” They just stood there with their muscular arms crossed over their chests and their hard cocks jutting out. They made no move to assist her with remembering. “I need to obey you. I’m not supposed to come without permission.” Jillian started chewing her bottom lip. It was a bad nervous habit that she couldn’t control. Shit. What was that last one? She knew there were four. “And the last one?” Jack prompted. “Uh…” The silence stretched until finally Ryan took pity on her. “The last one is that you are not to speak without permission. You need to learn those and be ready to recite them on command. Do you understand, Jillian?” Ryan’s voice was gentle, but firm. “Yes, Sir. I’m very sorry I didn’t remember.” Jack gave her a gentle smile. “You’ll remember next time.” “So…you’re not going to punish me?” Jack laughed. “You sound disappointed. No, we’re not going to punish you. Yet. But I think you need a lesson in discipline. What do you think, Ryan?” Ryan gazed at her speculatively, letting his eyes roam up and down her restrained body.

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“Yes, I think a lesson in discipline would be helpful at this juncture. Do you know the difference between punishment and discipline, Jillian?” She giggled at his hard expression. Of course she did. She was the one that showed them the website that explained it. Her giggle earned her a scowl. She could never be afraid of these men. “No, Sir.” “Actually, there are three things you need to understand. The first is correction. This is mild and usually involves a small infraction of the rules. When you tried to top from the bottom, I handled this with correction by explaining what you had done wrong and having you recite the rules. “The second is punishment. This is exactly as it sounds. When you break a rule, you will be punished. Punishment is not designed to arouse you or be pleasurable, although you may find it so. “The last is discipline. Discipline is designed to push your boundaries and be erotic and arousing in nature. It’s about you submitting your body and mind completely to us, trusting us not to take you any further than you are ready for. It is not about punishment at all.” By the time Ryan finished his explanation, Jillian’s arousal had gone through the roof and she wasn’t giggling at all. Her nipples tingled, and her cunt ached. She longed to press her thighs together to ease it, but her legs were restrained far apart. Jack fingered a nipple, teasing it and plucking it at. “I think she liked your explanation, Ryan. Look how excited she is? She’s panting and her skin is flushed. You look beautiful, baby. I know what my part of the discipline is going to be.” He turned and reached in to the bag she hadn’t noticed by the closet door and came up with something sparkly. He held them up in front of her. They looked like eyebrow tweezers with several beaded strands hanging from them. “Do you know what these are?”

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Jillian licked her dry lips. Ryan had used them on her a few weeks ago. They were nipple clamps, and those beads were weights. They would pull on her already tender nipples. “Yes, Sir. They’re nipple clamps.” “Good girl. I’m feeling generous tonight. I’m going to give you a choice. You can have these clamps on your nipples or a blindfold over your eyes. Your choice, baby.” Jack still held the shiny clamps up, waiting for her response. Her pussy clenched in response, wanting to be filled. She knew her answer. “Clamps, Sir.” Jack’s eyes lit up. “Clamps it is.” Her nipples were already tight. Jack placed the cold metal on her tender flesh and tightened the clamp. Jillian bit her lip as the second was applied. She moaned at the persistent pull. Jack gave them a gentle tug, and she felt it all the way to her pussy. “Do you need to come? You’ve got honey dripping from your pussy, baby. Do you need to come now?” “Yes, please, Sir. Please may I come?” Jillian could feel the truth of his words. The trickles of cream from her pussy tickled the insides of her thighs as it ran down her leg. Jack dropped to his knees. She closed her eyes in ecstasy at the first lick of his tongue. He teased her at first, running his tongue in the folds, down her sticky thighs, then up to her clit. The flat of his tongue rasped over her clit once, then twice. The clamps were tugged, and her eyes flew open. Ryan was playing with her hard nipples. She opened her mouth to moan, but his mouth came down on hers first. His tongue swept as if he owned her, the kiss plundering and seeking. She gave herself over to it, this submission that she had craved. “Come now, baby.” Jack’s wicked mouth closed over her clit and began to lightly suck, hands tugged at the clamps. It was all too much.

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Her orgasm swept over her like a tidal wave, taking her breath away. She rode it as their mouths and fingers worked magic. Just as she was coming down, Ryan unclamped a nipple. The rush of blood back into the swollen bud sent her over again. She screamed with the intensity of her climax, barely acknowledging when the second clamp was removed. She was too far gone, floating and flying. As she came back to earth, strong hands unfastened her from the wall and carried her to the bed, laying her on her right side. Even in passion, her men cared for her. She knew they would never hurt her, giving her only the slight bite of pain she needed paired with copious amounts of pleasure. When they didn’t join her right away, she levered up on the bed. They were looking at her with frustrated expressions. “What? What’s wrong?” So much for the Sir stuff. They weren’t acting very dominating at the moment, anyway. Ryan pursed his lips. “We don’t know how to fuck you.” Laughter she couldn’t hold back bubbled up. “Well, you’ve been doing a pretty good job of it. Did you forget how in the last week? I think you’ve got some movies we could watch for pointers.” Jack rolled his eyes. “We know how to fuck you. We don’t know how to fuck you without hurting your boo-boo.” He pointed to the tat on her ass cheek. “We’re thinking cowgirl style might be a good choice.” Jillian pouted. “I want you both at the same time.” Ryan shook his head. “No way. That ink has to be tender. We don’t want to rub against it any more than we have to. I agree, Jack. She should ride us.” Jack donned a condom and stretched out on the bed and beckoned to her. She eagerly straddled him before turning back to Ryan. “Sure I can’t convince you to ride double? It won’t hurt me, I promise. Sir.” She smirked. Ryan’s eyes narrowed. “No, you cannot convince me. But I think you offered me a blow job earlier. I’ll take it while you ride Jack.”

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Jillian lowered herself slowly onto Jack’s thick cock. Her pussy walls stretched to accommodate his girth. It had been an entire week since she’d last had one of her men inside her, and it felt like the first time with them all over again. Jack’s cock slid in inch by inch, rubbing sensitive spots in her cunt. He stayed very still underneath her, letting her set the pace. She could see the strain in his expression, and the muscles corded at his neck from holding back. His instinct was to pound into her. When he was in to the hilt, she held there for a moment, letting her body get used to being filled. She’d missed this connection with her men, missed being this close to them. She leaned forward and braced her arms on his solid chest. “Ready to ride, Jack?”

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Chapter 22 Jillian began to move up and down slowly on Jack’s cock. Her head was thrown back, and her fingers gripped Jack’s ribcage for leverage. Ryan stroked his hard cock as he watched. Jillian was so beautiful riding his brother. At this moment, he couldn’t ask for anything more in life. His gaze fell on the ink on his woman’s ass. He still couldn’t believe she had done it. He moved into her line of sight, holding his dick out for her hungry mouth. She licked her lips before licking him from balls to tip. She continued that pattern, giving his cock a bath. Each time she got to the tip, she ran her tongue around the mushroom head, tickling the sensitive underside. He groaned as she found a sensitive spot on his balls. They were already drawn up and ready to shoot his load deep into her hot mouth. “Suck me, honey. You know what I like.” Jillian always teased him that he liked to talk about sex. He’d never thought about it before, but he guessed that he did. Times like this he was glad. Jillian was doing everything he told her he liked. His hand tangled in her long hair, tugging her mouth where he wanted it. She responded instantly, sucking him down in one gulp. His dick bumped the back of her throat, and she swallowed on him, sending spirals of pleasure through his cock and down his balls. He could feel the pressure of his climax starting to build. His hands cupped her jaw gently. “I’m going to fuck your mouth, Jillian. You don’t need to do anything. Just tighten your lips and suck a little on the outstroke. This is one of my submission fantasies, remember?”

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The look she gave him from under her lashes told him that she remembered well. She continued riding his brother slowly. One glance told him Jack was losing his mind at the leisurely pace. Only his fear of hurting her kept him from grabbing her ass and taking control. Jillian stopped moving her head and tightened her mouth as he instructed. He began a slow rhythm in and out of the warm, wet cavern of her mouth. His tempo matched hers as she rode Jack. Her tongue flicked around his shaft as he fucked her face, building up speed, but careful not to go too deep. The pressure was unbearable in his balls. He thrust his cock into her waiting mouth and held it there. His climax seemed to shake his entire body, his seed hot as it shot from his cock. Jillian’s mouth worked to swallow all that he gave her. It seemed to go on forever, turning him inside out, and outside in. He pulled from her mouth, but she kept licking his sensitive shaft until he mini-climaxed again. “Fuck, Jillian. Fuck.” He knew he was pulling her hair, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. The second climax was wrung from his tender sac, all the way up his spine. He slumped against the headboard, satisfied and dazed. “That was amazing, honey. Now give Jack the same treatment with that tight pussy of yours. Ride him until he’s worn out, too.” **** Jack knew the minute that Jillian was done with Ryan. She looked down at him with an evil smile, running her hands across his chest. “Giddy up, pony,” she giggled. She had been fucking him in a slow and controlled motion. It was enough to keep him on the edge of orgasm, but not quite enough to send him over. This shit needed to stop and now. He couldn’t grab her ass as he normally would. He didn’t want to hurt her. Instead, he

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reached up and cupped her breasts firmly, pulling her down closer to his chest. She wouldn’t have as much leverage to control the pace. Ryan realized what he was trying to do and grasped Jillian’s thighs spreading her wide. She was helpless on top of Jack now. He began lifting his hips to thrust in, then pulled back. Faster and harder each time he thrust. Each stroke mashed against her clit, and soon she was mewling in pleasure. He could feel his orgasm beating down the door. She needed to go through it first. He reached between them and rubbed circles on her already sensitive slit. She shot off like a rocket, clamping down on his cock and screaming his name. It was all he needed. His own orgasm shattered inside him. He could feel his cum shoot from his cock, filling the condom. He shuddered as the pleasure ran through his body again and again. Jillian was draped across him. Their bodies were covered in sweat and sticky with her juices. He had never been happier in his life. **** Jillian rolled off of Jack, carefully. In the heat of the moment, she had forgotten her new tattoo, but her men hadn’t. It was just another thing she loved about these men. “That was awesome.” Wow, was she eloquent or what? The men laughed. Ryan tickled her nose with a lock of her long hair. “Awesome is one way to describe it. We could go with tremendous, outstanding, exciting, or unbelievable, too.” Jack smirked. “Who cares how we describe it? It was hot and that’s all that matters.” Jillian cuddled between them. “Yes, I guess it is all that matters. My attorney vocabulary seems to desert me whenever I’m making love with you two.” Jack traced circles around the tat on her ass. “You know, a tattoo is awful permanent. You must love us a whole lot to do that.”

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Jillian recognized her own words. “You bet I do. I love you more than anything. Both of you.” She gave them each a kiss to emphasize it. Jack and Ryan exchanged a look. “We’ve been thinking and it’s like this.” Jack sat up in the bed. “We love you and we know you love us. It’s taken me a while to get there, but I’m there, baby. Ryan’s been there from the beginning. We were going to wait a little longer, but your surprise is telling us it’s time.” Jack and Ryan both pushed themselves out of the bed and dropped to their knees alongside it. “Will you marry us, Jillian? I love you. The forever kind of love.” Jack held her hand. Her world started tilting on its axis. Ryan held her other hand. “Forever and ever, honey. Please marry us. I need you and love you. We can spend the rest of our lives living out our fantasies.” Jillian blinked back tears, and the room righted itself. Nothing had ever been so right as loving these two men. She had fought love, fought commitment. But when love is true and real, she knew to grasp on to it with both hands. Her mother was a wise woman. “Yes. Yes, I love you. Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes, we’ll spend our lives exploring our fantasies. Just, yes!” The men jumped on the bed and cuddled and kissed her. “Hot damn! We’re going to be married men,” Jack crowed. Ryan smiled. “We’re going to be a family.” That sounded perfect to Jillian.

THE END WWW.LARAVALENTINE.NET

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I’ve been a dreamer my entire life. So, it was only natural to start writing down some of those stories that I have been dreaming about. Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I fall in love with all of my characters. They are perfectly imperfect with the hopes, dreams, desires, and flaws that we all have. I want them to overcome obstacles and fear to get to their happily ever after. We all should. Everyone deserves their very own sexy happily ever after. I grew up in the cold but beautiful plains of Illinois. I now live in Central Florida with my handsome husband, who’s a real, native Floridian, and my son whom I have dubbed “Louis the Sun King.” They claim to be supportive of all the time I spend on my laptop, but they may simply be resigned to my need to write. When I am not working at my conservative day job or writing furiously, I enjoy relaxing with my family or curling up with a good book.

Also by Lara Valentine Ménage Amour: Plenty, FL 1: Plenty to Come Everlasting Classic: The Martinis and Chocolate Book Club 1: Doctor’s Orders

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

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