Falling for Them Volume 3: Reverse Harem Collection

by Amy Sumida

  They walked for a few moments in silence. Aria basked in the warmth of Chad’s hand pressed into the small of her back.

  “Are you concerned about how you’re going to sleep tonight?” Chad asked as he gazed down at her.

  Aria opened her mouth to answer, but then closed it again, realizing she didn’t know how to answer.

  His arm directed her off the path to a secluded seating area with an outdoor fireplace amidst a small garden. Leading her to a love seat, he motioned for her to sit.

  Sitting, she slid off her heels, pulling up her legs sideways until her knees rested on top of Chad’s thigh. The soft smell of tropical blooms hovered in the air. “I am a little concerned. I should be fine as I’m sharing a king-size bed with Shona, but that didn’t seem to help last night.”

  Chad wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her until her head rested on his strong protective chest. “I understand. I had many sleepless nights after my different deployments.” He reached up with his other hand and stroked the side of Aria’s face. His voice lowered. “Sometimes I still have problems.”

  She nestled her face farther into his chest and inhaled deeply. The earlier coconut smell no longer masked his other enticing scent. Hmm. Earthy. She breathed deeply relaxing into the musk smell that suited him. “What do you do when you can’t sleep?”

  — Chad —

  Chad continued to stroke the side of her face and hair as he considered how to answer. The therapists he saw gave him many suggestions, but none seemed to work. After his wife first left him, he found himself turning more and more to a shot or two and then three of whiskey. Unable to use it as a coping mechanism on nights he worked, he ended up reading trashy novels he found laying around the fire hall.

  When he moved back to Halifax, he gave up using alcohol as a coping skill. The amounts needed to stop the memories started to scare him and he knew better. Numerous friends and former colleagues had followed that path, losing those they loved and even their lives. He vowed never to do so. Jason’s tragedy, while horrible, came at the best time for him. It gave him the push he needed when he watched Jason start along the same path. Together they kept each other from drinking themselves into an early grave until they were both ready to meet life somewhat head-on.

  “I read or exercise. Sometimes I just stargaze.”

  Aria pushed her head away from his chest until her face stared at his. “I spent last night on the daybed on our balcony.” She sucked in her bottom lip.

  Chad’s hand moved to cradle her cheek. “I hate that you have to go through this.” His thumb gently wiped away the escaping traitorous tear before pulling her in for a hug. He rested his cheek on her head. “You could always spend the night with us.”

  She pulled back with one side of her bottom lip perched firmly between her teeth. “I think I need to try it on my own first.” At his nod, she turned and picked up her heels to slide them on her feet. “I should get back.”

  He stood and held out his hand to help her up. Tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow, he led her back along the path and into the building containing her room. At her door, he turned to face her noting the pallor of her skin. He watched the vessel in her neck beat a fast rhythm of fear and his heart went out to her. No one should have to suffer alone. “Are you sure?”

  Nodding as trembles wracked her body, she took a deep breath.

  His hands rose, framing her face. He couldn’t get enough of touching her skin. Lips descending, his own breath hitched as he stared at her moist lips. It was everything he could do to place his lips on her forehead in a soft chaste kiss, but he knew she wasn’t ready for more.

  “We’re in the next building over, room 23124, if you need us. Anytime.” He kissed her forehead again before forcing himself to back away. The first step was up to her; as much as he wanted to, he wouldn’t force her. “Good night,” he whispered as the door closed.

  — Aria —

  Closing the door on Chad, Aria stripped out of her dress before taking a long bubble bath in the giant bathtub. Her muscles relaxed in the soothing warmth, but her mind continued to race in circles. Visions of Jason, Chad, and Doug, their delectable bodies, surrounded her, heating her up from the inside. Their physical attributes attracted her. She would have to be dead not to be affected, and even then she would probably still be attracted.

  But it was more than that. A pull, deep in her chest, not based on their looks, bound her to them, and it confused her. Scared her even. There were three of them. Her friends may have been predominantly male, but she’d never been attracted to more than one at a time.

  Frustrated with the mental gymnastics occurring in her mind, she drained the tub. Grabbing a towel, she dried off, dressed in her sleep shorts and tank, and wrapped her short silk robe around her before heading out onto the patio. Staring at the stars, she tried to clear her mind to no avail. The stars reminded her of Chad, how his arms circled around her, his chest under her fingers. Argh. She closed her eyes as she willed her body to calm down. When that failed, she turned on her heel and stomped off to bed.

  Aria closed her eyes the minute she heard her friends fumbling outside the door. She laid still with the covers up to her ears as she tried to slow down her breathing. Normally she would have stayed up to talk with them, find out what happened after she left, but not tonight. Tonight, she wanted peace, not a conversation revolving around her and the three guys. Her friends would mean well, but how could she discuss what she didn’t understand?

  Her body slid an inch towards the middle as Shona climbed into the bed. She stayed still, despite the pounding of her heart until Shona’s breathing slowed, not wanting to give away her ruse. Once she thought her friends were asleep, she turned to double check. Releasing a sigh of relief, she focused on finding her elusive sleep. Tossing and turning, she tried to find a position where her heartbeat relaxed, but nothing worked.

  Slipping out from between the sheets, she reached the end of the bed and picked up her silk robe. She pulled it on along with some flip-flops as she padded over to the dresser to grab her room key before heading to the door. A quick glance over her shoulder ensuring her friends remained asleep, she eased the door open and slipped out silently, closing the door behind her.

  — Chad —

  Chad woke with a start. Flipping to his side, he punched his pillow hoping a different shape would ease his body back into sleep. The mattress moved under him. Flipping over, he watched as Jason tossed and turned in the bed beside him.

  Shit. I hope I’m not keeping him up.

  Glancing over Jason to the second king-size bed, Doug appeared to be sleeping. A good thing since he returned to the room suffering from another headache. His headaches, growing in frequency and severity, worried Chad.

  Knock. Knock.

  He slid the sheet down his body before he padded over to the door. Checking through the peephole, he swiftly opened the door. “Hey. Couldn’t sleep?”

  Aria shook her head. She walked past Chad into his room and stopped in the hallway. Her fingers clenched into her hips as she wrapped her arms around her waist.

  “I’m glad you came.” Chad noticed the stiffness of her muscles. Wrapping his arms around her upper chest, he hugged her back into his chest hoping to comfort her. “Doug has the bed to himself tonight. You should climb in there.”

  His arms were long enough to enfold her completely so his hands could rub her arms, loosening her muscles. When her muscles relaxed, he led her into their bedroom.

  Undoing her robe, she laid it on the end of the bed as she slid in next to Doug.

  Doug opened his eyes, raising his arm. “Come here.” Sleep turned his voice husky. “I’m glad you’re here.” Once he settled her back into his chest, with an arm holding her close, he kissed her head.

  Leaning over her, Chad inhaled her lavender and vanilla scent, immediately relaxing. He smoothed the hair away from her forehead and kissed it softly. “Goodnight, Aria.”

  Tucking her in,
exhaustion took hold of his body. He climbed back into his bed. Sleep would come easily now that Aria was where she belonged. With them.

  Chapter Seven

  — Shona —

  “You’re up early again.” Shona stepped out onto the patio still in her silk sleep shirt. She examined Aria and happiness welled up inside her as she noticed Aria’s bright, clear eyes. A hint of long, lost colour graced her cheeks. “Girl, you look like you actually slept.”

  “I did.” Aria shifted on the daybed. “Eating breakfast here? The restaurant? The pool?”

  Shona pushed her finger to her lip as the patio door opened again to let Jennifer out. “I’m thinking the pool. What do you say?” She turned to face Jennifer.

  “Hmm. About what?” Jennifer crossed to sit next to Aria.

  “Breakfast. Where should we eat?” Shona stretched her arms above her head. Her nightshirt riding up to her belly button exposing the thong she wore to anyone walking the grounds.

  Jennifer glanced between the two. “Trish is almost finished in the shower. Aria and I are already dressed. I’m thinking the pool. That way the guys can easily find us.”

  “True. Guess I should go get ready.” Shona turned to head back into the room. “Too bad this island won’t let me wear my G-string bottoms.” She slid the patio door closed behind her.

  — Aria —

  Aria and Jennifer looked at each other before bursting out into laughter.

  “She always knows how to make me laugh.” Aria grinned.

  “Do you think she was joking?” At Aria’s questioning look, Jennifer continued, “About the G-string bottom?” She stood and headed towards the door.

  “Good question.” Aria’s brow furrowed. She knew Shona most likely owned some, but she never packed them, right? Wear them… No! Maybe? Crap, she better not.

  Not in front of my guys.

  Aria’s fingers fisted as the thoughts continued to swirl. Shit. They’re not your guys, Aria. Get that through your head! She tried to unclench her fists, but they resisted. She knew Shona and her competitive spirit when it came to guys she set her sights on. And Shona had set her sights on Doug.

  Ouch. Aria stared down at her clenched fists. She forcibly opened her hands to find her palms lined with indentations from her nails. Shit. If this keeps up, I’m going to have permanent marks. Aria stared out at the waves as she rubbed the marks away.

  — Jason —

  “Morning ladies. Aria.” Jason sucked in his breath as his eyes roamed over Aria’s body stretched out in front of him in a royal blue bikini. He loved her in the pink suit from yesterday, giving her a sexy and sweet look, but today, with the sun shining down on her and the rippling pool water behind her… A mermaid come to life. Wow!

  Jason discretely adjusted his growing erection in his suit as his mind frantically tried to focus on other things.

  Shit. Fuck. I feel like a teenager. Visualize the old, fat men in speedos. Ugh!

  He breathed a sigh of relief as he regained control of his raging hormones. He thought he succeeded in hiding his problem, but realized Shona caught the whole thing.

  “Morning.” Shona’s lips quivered as if she tried to hide a smirk. “Here by yourself?” She pulled her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose as her eyes scanned the pool area.

  “I am. I’m teaching in a bit, but I thought I would see if Aria wanted to go for a dip in the ocean.” Jason raised his eyebrows and lifted the corner of his mouth as he glanced at Aria. Look at her face, not her body. Eyes…lips…no, not there, back to her eyes.

  “She’d love to.”

  Aria’s eyes narrowed and her mouth formed a tight line as she glared at Shona. Shona shrugged and grinned back at her.

  Jason tried to keep the smile on his face as he took in Aria’s frown. His chest constricted wondering if he made a mistake about Aria wanting to spend time with him. Taking Shona at her word, he held out his hand to Aria who grasped it, helping herself up.

  When she stood next to him, he put his hand on the small of her back and led her towards the beach. “You didn’t have to come if you didn’t want to.”

  — Aria —

  Aria turned to look at Jason. She pushed her sunglasses up onto the top of her head. Something about the tone in his voice didn’t match the smile on his face until she noticed the tightness in the corners of his lips.

  Ahh. Maybe he saw my frown?

  “I wanted to come. I just wanted to answer for myself so you would know it was me and not Shona forcing me.”

  The tension vanished. His face broke into the biggest smile she’d ever seen on him. Oh my! He’s drop dead gorgeous when he smiles.

  Jason slid his hand farther around her back, lightly holding onto her hip. He gave a little squeeze. “I’m glad.”

  They walked in silence, lost in their thoughts, until they reached the towel hut by the beach gate. Jason reached out to grab two towels. “Was I dreaming last night or did you spend the night?”

  “Um. Yeah. Was that okay with you? Chad said—”

  He placed a finger over her lips as he stood to face her. “It’s fine. I’m glad you came.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything to you. I thought you were asleep when I came and left.” Aria spoke around his finger when all she really wanted to do was to suck it into her mouth, to lick it as if it was… No! Don’t go there!

  “It’s fine. I slept poorly until I thought I saw you in with Doug.” His eyes started to twinkle as he lowered his finger from her mouth. He slid his hand along her smooth skin, cupping her chin and cheek. “If you want to make it up.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Come tonight. It’s my night to sleep alone, which means with you.”

  “Oh.” Aria bit her lower lip. “I couldn’t disturb your sleep. I’ll just slip in between Doug and Chad.”

  Aria backed away from a stunned Jason, but the laughter in her eyes gave her away.

  “Why you…” He took a step towards her as her laughter floated back.

  She spun and took off at a run through the gate onto the beach. She knew she needed every second of the head start if she was going to escape him … well, maybe she didn’t want to escape.

  Aria checked over her shoulder. Jason, only steps behind, spurred her forward. She threw her sunglasses on an empty lounger she passed on her way to the water.

  Jason threw their towels and his sunglasses on the same lounger. Reaching out, he snagged her waist with both hands, picking her up a second before she hit the water. He continued to run into the water with her in his arms laughing.

  — Jason —

  Jason picked up the towel and wrapped it around Aria’s shoulders. His hands slid down her arms smoothing the towel against her skin. “Let me walk you back before I have to go teach.”

  “Sounds good.” Aria slid the towel off her shoulders and wrapped it sarong style under her arms.

  Jason took her hand and led her towards the gate back onto the property. “Room 23124,” he informed the security guard. “Nickerson is the last name.”

  The guard nodded and turned to Aria. “Room 22216. Last name Wells.”

  They arrived in the pool area at the same time as Doug and Chad. “Morning, sweetheart. Out for a swim already?” Chad leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead before raising his brows at Jason.

  “We did.” Aria smiled over her shoulder at Jason who stood behind her with his hand on the small of her back.

  Doug stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Aria’s upper body drawing her into a hug. “Morning, darling.” He lowered his head to her ear. “Missed you when I woke up.”

  Aria hugged him tighter. “Morning and sorry. Woke up early and thought it would be easier to leave then.”

  Doug nodded and placed a kiss in the hollow below her ear.

  Jason tapped Doug on the arm. “My turn for a hug since I’m off to teach.” Jason stepped closer to Aria plastering her back to his chest. As soon as Doug released her from his hug, Jason spun her around in his
arms. His arms went around her waist, his fingertips brushing the top of her butt. “Be good, and I will see you later.”

  Aria nodded. Her nose buried into his breastbone as her head rested on his chest. Her warm breath caressed over his bare skin, moving across his chest. Her lips branded him as they hit his muscular pec.

  Fuck. Jason nearly dropped to his knees at the sensation of her tongue on his skin. He wanted nothing more than to stay and see where this ended up. After nearly three years of celibacy, his hormones jumped into overdrive. Shit. Fuck. Must. Go. To. Work. He pried himself away slowly dragging his hands along the bare skin of her hips. He stepped back as he turned her to face Doug and Chad, hoping she didn’t catch the tent he sported in his suit.

  Chad and Doug each reached out to hold one of her hands. They grinned at him with repressed laughter in their eyes.

  Those fuckers! Jason glared at them over Aria’s shoulder, but couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

  “See you after lunch again?” Doug asked as he tucked Aria’s hand into the crook of his arm.

  Jason nodded and turned to head to the dive pool while the other three carried on to their pool cabana.

  — Chad —

  Chad watched Aria through his sunglasses as he lay in the lounger next to hers. Her head, propped up, made it easier for her to read.

  Shona slipped in Doug’s vacant lounger next to Aria. “So, Jason seemed awfully happy when he left…”

  “Hmmm.” Aria peered over her e-reader. Her eyes trained on Doug as he made his way to the bar.

  “Don’t you think Jason looked happy, Chad?” Shona raised her eyebrows as a not so innocent smile emerged.

  Chad rolled his eyes, his instincts on high alert. Shona appeared to want Aria and Jason together as a couple, but he wasn’t going to help her. He liked Aria and he observed a similar attraction from both Doug and Jason. The three of them meant to talk the night before, but their restless sleep overcame them before the talk happened. “Hmmm, Jason loves to teach diving.”