Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
I grab hold of Maddox’s bicep with one hand and reach for Chase with the other, bringing them in close. “There’s not a chance in the world of that happening.”
“We’ll do our best to never give you a reason to want to leave,” Maddox says, kissing my jaw as he walks me backward toward the bed.
“Me too,” I say, wondering for the millionth time what I did to get so lucky.
Soon, my clothing is off and I’m getting lucky over and over, times four. But it’s not just getting lucky; it feels an awful lot like making love. Just like last night, it’s different than it had been before. Every movement is more intense, every caress filled with passion, every look heavy with emotion.
I can’t say exactly how they’re feeling, but their actions tell me that, like me, they’re not taking any bit of pleasure for granted. We know what it was like to be apart, and that makes being together that much sweeter. I try to tell them with every touch that I’m not going to let them go again.
Afterward, they’re tempted to get in the shower with me, but Chase decides that we’ll be late for our dinner reservations if we don’t wash up separately. Luckily, I brought over a few things from my apartment yesterday, so I’m able to reapply my makeup and style my hair the way they like it, with big loose waves that look beautiful with the new red dress. Or, at least that’s what my men tell me.
“Are you sure we need to go to dinner?” Diesel asks Chase as he nuzzles my neck, inhaling my clean skin.
I’m torn between wanting to spend time admiring the four men in their handsome dark suits, and wanting to slowly peel those suits off of them.
In the end, we carry through with the original plans, and make our way to a resort in Whitman, where we dine at the fanciest restaurant I’ve ever been in. The five of us are seated around a table that’s just big enough for us not to be cramped, and small enough for us to talk and touch each other whenever the mood strikes.
Chase orders champagne, and Maddox raises a toast to our first official date.
“I thought the fall picnic was our first date,” I say.
Chase’s retort is quick, but not unkind. “A date during which you dump us doesn’t count.”
I can’t help but flinch as I raise my glass. “I guess you’re right. To our first date.”
“Hmm … not as good as the pumpkin beer,” Diesel says after taking a drink from his glass.
“I still have a couple of bottles in my refrigerator,” I say. “I’ll bring them over.”
We enjoy a delicious dinner from a special holiday menu, and I’m much more relaxed being out in public with them than I’d have thought I’d be. I don’t care who sees us together, and in fact, I’m incredibly proud to be the woman they’ve chosen to date. I don’t think much about anyone else’s opinion, though, because the Stanton brothers are not only gorgeously attractive, they’re great company, and I love every minute of our night together.
“I noticed you don’t have a tree up at your house,” I say just after we’re served individual portions of a Christmas trifle dessert, cake and custard, pears and raspberries artfully arranged in glass serving dishes.
“We’ll be going to our mom’s house for the holiday,” Dodge says. “Is there any chance you’d be able to come with us?”
Though I know I’ll be nervous, I am looking forward to meeting their mother, but not on a major holiday. “I can’t,” I say. “My parents will be expecting me on Christmas.”
“Then let’s make plans for the next holiday, New Year’s Eve,” Diesel says.
“Actually, there’s another holiday in there this year,” I say before taking another sip of the bubbly.
All four men look puzzled.
“The day after Christmas is going to be the Fourth of July, because that’s when I’m going to tell my parents who I’m dating,” I say. “I’m expecting a lot of fireworks.”
My intended joke about Independence Day mostly falls flat, because they all look concerned. “Would you like us to be there for that conversation?” Dodge asks.
I laugh lightly at the thought. “No, that definitely won’t make things any easier.” When he lays his hand on my arm in a comforting gesture, I add, “It’s okay. I’m prepared for whatever they want to throw at me. They’re not the types to make a scene, so it’ll probably just be the silent treatment.”
“We’ll be back in town that afternoon, so call us if you need us, and plan to come over that evening, if you feel up to it,” Chase says.
“I’ll be looking forward to it,” I say, smiling a big, genuine smile at all four of them.