Falling Together (All That Remains #2)

by S. M. Shade

  “Does Airen know?” I nod, taking a sip of coffee. “How did he take it?”

  “We’re bringing Joseph into our relationship,” I announce, before I lose my nerve.

  Her eyes widen and her jaw hits the table. “He’s going to let you sleep with Joseph?” she asks incredulously.

  “We’re all three in love with each other. Joseph and Airen too. Joseph and Walker will be moving back in with us.” She stares, dumbstruck. Leaning back in her chair, she runs her fingers along the edge of the table, deep in thought. My stomach knots waiting for her reaction.

  “Lexi?” I implore, after allowing her a moment to process the bombshell I’ve dropped on her. “What do you think?”

  She brushes a stray hair from her forehead. “I think you’re the luckiest woman alive, you bitch.” She laughs. “Oh my god…Abby…both of them?”

  I grin and shrug as she shakes her head in awe.

  “Oh!” she exclaims, her face lighting up with mischief. “You have to let me tell Emma! Or at least let me be there when you break the news that Joseph is with you.”

  “Lexi!”

  “Ugh, I know it’s catty, but she’s been so insufferable. He’s turned her down multiple times, but ‘no’ is not in this woman’s vocabulary, she’s relentless.”

  I knew she kissed him, but I had no idea she was still pursuing him. That shit ends now.

  “Besides, I don’t think she cares about him the way you do. She was thrilled to learn that Troy had left. If she really cared for him she wouldn’t have reveled in his heartbreak. Anyone can see how hurt he is over how that ended.”

  The thought of Emma celebrating Joseph’s painful breakup really pisses me off. The worry and guilt is eating at him, and Lexi is right, it’s written all over his face. “You can tell her, but wait until we talk to the kids tonight.”

  She squeals and hugs me. “You have to tell me everything! I’m officially living vicariously through you.”

  I take a second to study my friend. Bright, lively hazel eyes and chestnut hair that falls down her back in waves, ending just below her shoulder blades. I’d kill for her peaches and cream complexion. She’s pretty, and I’ll bet she didn’t have any trouble finding a date before the choices became so limited.

  “Eric’s a nice guy, Lex, have you thought about hooking up with him?”

  A sour smile darkens her face. “He’s blinded by the almighty tits of Emma. It’s funny since she doesn’t seem to notice he exists. Her nose is so far up Joseph’s ass.”

  “Welcome to the itty bitty titty committee. I’ll teach you the secret handshake later,” I say with a giggle.

  “Bitch, I’ve been a card carrying member since I was thirteen.” We rock the house with our laughter. This is one of the things I love about Lexi. She comes off all shy, but there’s a devious dirty mind hiding beneath that reserved façade.

  “Well, we need to meet some new people and find you a man.”

  “Especially since you’re now hogging two of them.” She grins, giving me a playful slap on the arm.

  “I never would’ve dreamed of this in a million years.”

  “You deserve it, girl. You couldn’t find two sexier men. And they love you.” She sighs, gushing like a teenage girl. “You must be so happy!”

  She’s right, of course. I’m over the moon with joy at the prospect of loving and being loved by them. “Thank you for not judging.” I hug her.

  “Anytime, you slut.” She laughs. “Now tell me about Joseph. How was it? Better than Airen?”

  “Lexi!”

  “You can tell me. My lips are sealed.” Eyes glinting, she grins and leans forward, hoping to hear the juicy details.

  “Not better or worse, just…different. He was so sweet and gentle.”

  “So a polar opposite of Airen.”

  “Airen can take things slow too, but…when we get together we sort of…lose control with each other. We can start out slow and then one of us will attack,” I explain with a laugh. “He loves me hard, and I adore it. It makes me feel sexy when I get him so worked up. Joseph treats me as if I’m delicate and breakable which in any other situation would piss me off. But, with him it makes me feel loved and…I don’t know,” I mumble.

  “Cherished,” Lexi adds with a soft smile. “You have the best of both worlds, girl. A wild savage to fuck your brains out, and a sweet boy next door to make love to you.”

  “Do you think I’m doing the right thing, Lex? This could blow up in our faces.”

  “Honestly? If it were anyone else, I don’t think it would stand a chance. But, I see how they are with you, and with each other. Even if it doesn’t work out, I think you’ll all find a way to stay close.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “And if it all goes to hell, the ride down will be awesome.” She grins, tapping my cup with hers.

  After dinner, I join Airen and Joseph in the living room to talk to Carson and Jayla. Joseph has already explained the situation to Walker, who accepted the change without qualms, as only a child can do. He’s eager to move back in with us. I’m not sure exactly how I expected the kids to take the news, but I sure as hell wasn’t prepared for Jayla’s reaction.

  “This is bullshit! Mom! How could you do this? We just got him back and you want to sleep with his best friend?”

  “Jayla, it’s not like that.”

  “This was my idea,” Airen interjects.

  “Only because you want to give her everything she wants. Dad, you don’t deserve this!” Her dark eyes fill with tears, her face hardening as she turns to glare at Joseph. “Why would you do this to him?” she snarls.

  “Honey, I love your dad, and your mom. I’m not trying to hurt them.”

  “But you are! This isn’t right and you know it!” she shouts.

  “Jayla, lower your voice and sit down,” Airen warns in a tone I’ve never heard him use with her. “We want to talk about this, not have a screaming match.”

  “No.” She shakes her head and glares at me. “You don’t love him or you wouldn’t have cheated on him.” Her furious eyes regard Joseph. “And you wouldn’t have fucked his wife.”

  “Jayla!” Airen barks, jumping to his feet. I grab his arm to keep him from chasing her when she runs from the room and out the front door.

  “Let her cool down.”

  He nods reluctantly. “I’ll talk to her later, make her understand.” I seriously doubt that it will be that easy. Airen was the first person Jayla connected with after the plague. She cares more for him than anyone, and she’s trying to protect him. I understand, but I’m still torn apart by her words. Carson has remained silent throughout our announcement and the subsequent uproar.

  “Carson? How do you feel about this? You can be honest,” I state.

  He gazes at Joseph. “You love my mom?”

  “Yes, honey.”

  “And you don’t mind?” Carson asks Airen, doubtfully.

  “If it were anyone else, buddy, you’d be helping me bury the body. This is different. We all want to be together.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you’re gay?”

  For a moment, Airen is thrown by his question. “Well…I don’t know that I am. To be honest, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it too. I guess I’m a little confused, but I know how I feel and what I want.”

  Carson ponders it for a moment. “I don’t see how it’s anyone else’s business who you want to be with or what type of relationship you have. Just take care of Mom, and don’t leave us again.”

  Airen nods. “I promise, buddy.”

  Joseph hugs him and Carson whispers something into his ear that makes him grin. “I’d never hurt her,” Joseph murmurs.

  Carson faces me and smiles. “You and Joseph aren’t going to have a baby, are you?” I don’t know whose eyes pop farther out of their head. That has to be the last question I expected.

  “I think you and Lane are plenty, don’t you?”

  “Good, because three different
daddies is entering into Jerry Springer territory.” A smart ass grin cracks his face, and Airen snorts with laughter. I wrap Carson in a hug before he heads off to comfort Jayla.

  Airen takes a seat on the sofa between me and Joseph, sliding his arms around us. “Jayla will come around. She’s very young. Don’t worry yourselves over it.” I nod and Joseph gives a noncommittal hum.

  “Lexi is happy for us,” I state.

  “She’s very kind hearted.” Joseph smiles, and leans to drop a soft kiss on my lips. “Like someone else I know.”

  “Plus she wants the sordid details.” I chuckle, and they laugh along. “Who’s going to tell Eric?”

  “We’re supposed to play chess tonight. I’ll tell him,” Airen replies.

  “How did it go with Julie?” Joseph asks.

  Airen sighs, glancing from Joseph’s face to mine. The corners of his mouth crease as he replies, reluctantly, “She doesn’t approve.”

  Joseph’s shoulders slump. “What did she say?” he asks, crestfallen.

  Airen hesitates. “She thinks it’s unnatural and doomed to fail.” Joseph cradles his head in his hands. He adores Julie. “Hey.” Airen grasps his chin and tilts his face up until their eyes meet. “Not everyone is going to accept us, you know that. This doesn’t change anything.”

  He leans his dark head in and plants a soft kiss on Joseph’s lips. “Go get Walker. You’re staying with us tonight.” Joseph nods and bites his lip.

  “Hey, what did Carson whisper to you?” I ask.

  He chuckles, kissing the top of my head on his way out. “He just reminded me that he holds a black belt, in case I ever hurt his mom.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Airen

  Jayla’s reaction to our news definitely put a damper on our night, but I’m confident I can make her understand. She obviously feels like I’m being wronged and she should come to my defense. In a way it’s very sweet, but the accusations she shouted at Abby and Joseph were cruel and uncalled for.

  I know they were devastated when she accused them of cheating. Abby in particular feels like she betrayed me, no matter how hard I try to reassure her that isn’t the case. I suppose it will take time. Meanwhile, I need to tell Eric, assuming no one has beaten me to it.

  After tugging on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, I scoop up my shoes and head toward the living room. I pause and lean on the kitchen doorway, a smile spreading across my face. Abby is at the sink washing the dinner dishes. Her hair is pulled back from her face in a bouncy ponytail that makes her look all of eighteen years old. Joseph glides up behind her and softly kisses the curve of her creamy white neck. Her head falls forward, allowing him access while she hums at the pleasure of his touch. He slips his arms around her waist and runs his hands under her shirt, caressing her bare belly. I wonder if she knows about his little navel fetish?

  His whispers in her ear make her giggle, and I feel a pang shoot through me, not of jealousy, but desire for these two gorgeous people. More than anything I want to drag them into the bedroom. Unfortunately, I’m barely strong enough to stay on my feet for half an hour. I need to regain my strength before I jump them like a horny rabbit.

  Abby turns to throw her arms around his neck, and gives him a light, teasing kiss, catching his lower lip between her teeth and tugging it. I feel a similar pull in my groin when Joseph moans softly. Abby notices me loitering in the entrance and instantly retreats. Joseph follows her gaze, regarding me with obvious discomfort. You’d think I’d caught them with their pants down. They watch me warily, without speaking a word as I move toward them, catching each of their hands and bringing them together.

  “I believe we’ve established that you love each other. It’s okay to show it. Stop shying away from one another the second you see me, like I busted you sneaking around,” I huff. A lovely wide smile spreads across Abby’s face—damn I missed that smile—and Joseph’s dimples bloom like magic.

  “You’re so bossy,” Abby teases.

  “Yeah, he is.” Joseph grins. “I hope you know I’m not taking any of that alpha male crap that Abby tolerates.” His eyes sparkle with mirth, daring me to take the bait.

  “You’ll take what I give you, buddy, and like it.”

  “You may want to put on a few pounds before you start challenging me.” Joseph scoops me up effortlessly, carries me to the bedroom, and deposits me on the love seat. Fuck, that was humiliating. I have to get back in shape. A smug grin settles on his face while he straddles me, pinning my arms to my sides. “He’s at our mercy, baby, what should we do with him?” Joseph asks Abby, when I stop struggling. He’s too damn heavy. He’s going to pay for this.

  Abby saunters over. “Oh the possibilities,” she taunts.

  “I’ll remember this,” I threaten, cocking an eyebrow at her. I’ll spank her pretty ass good for this, and she knows it.

  “I hope so,” she whispers. She kisses me long and deep, nibbling on my lips before sucking a deep red mark on the side of my neck. “I marked you,” she breathes, her warm breath caressing the wet patch before she pulls away and gets to her feet. Before I can find my voice to respond, Joseph’s lips are on mine.

  He licks delicately into my mouth and I feel his grin when I respond feverishly. Imitating Abby, he draws on the side of my neck, leaving another love bite. He’s seated on my hips and I know he feels me harden beneath him. Releasing my arms, he grins triumphantly. “Isn’t Eric coming over soon?” Abby giggles, and Joseph climbs off the sofa.

  “Payback is a bitch,” I growl, adjusting myself without looking at either of them. They follow me with identical self satisfied smirks as I move to look in the hallway mirror at the two bright red hickeys adorning my neck.

  “So everyone knows you’re ours,” Joseph murmurs. Abby answers the door when Eric knocks.

  “Hi,” she chirps. “Air said you were coming for a game of chess. We’ll just get out of your way.” She tugs Joseph toward the bedroom, their laughter fading down the hall.

  “Do I want to know?” Eric asks, eyebrows raised.

  “Nope, let’s set the chess board up in the kitchen.”

  A few minutes into the game, Eric glances at me curiously. “What’s the matter with you? You seem distracted. It’s not typically this easy to lure you into a trap.”

  “Joseph is moving in with us,” I announce.

  Eric frowns and leans back in his seat. “Did I piss him off somehow?”

  “No. We’re in a relationship.” I keep my eyes glued to the board, but I can feel Eric gaping at me.

  “You’re leaving Abby?” he asks, incredulously.

  “No.” I stare into his eyes pointedly. “The three of us are in a relationship together.”

  He stares at me for a moment before taking his turn and capturing one of my knights. “Like polygamists?”

  “Not exactly.” I chuckle. “I suppose you would call it polyamory since we aren’t married, but we’re going with the term ‘plural relationship’ for now.”

  After a few moments of silence, he mumbles, “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything.” We return to the game and play for a few minutes.

  “So…you’re gay?”

  “I don’t know what I am,” I reply honestly. “I suppose I’m bisexual, but I really haven’t had time to consider what that means or how I feel about it. I don’t feel like I’m attracted to other men, just Joseph.” My whole body is on fire when I confess my attraction to Joseph. I don’t know why I feel so embarrassed. I’ve never considered sex between men to be wrong, so why am I ashamed to admit it?

  “Sorry, I’m just trying to understand.”

  “I realize this isn’t exactly normal, but…” I shrug.

  Eric snorts. “I don’t think anyone has ever accused you of being normal. Besides, normalcy got blown to hell nearly three years ago.”

  “True.”

  He looks me in the eye. “Is that why Troy left?”

  “No, we decided after h
e was gone.” About five minutes after. Eric nods, looking skeptical.

  “We know everyone isn’t going to agree with this…lifestyle, and I’m not asking you to be okay with it. We just don’t intend to hide it.”

  “Hey man, whatever makes you guys happy. I’m not judging you. If you’re masochistic enough to juggle a wife and a boyfriend then I wish you the best of luck.” He grins.

  “Thanks a lot.”

  “You aren’t going to try to drag me into your kinky den of iniquity are you?”

  “Unclench. I do have standards. Lexi, however, seems willing to overlook your unfortunate face and stench.”

  Eric’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Lexi?”

  “Yeah, you know, dark haired girl? Kind of quiet? Maybe you haven’t noticed her, what with all the time you spend drooling over Emma.”

  “Maybe I’ll just have them both,” he replies flippantly.

  “Walk before you run, buddy. Not everyone has my irresistible charm and gorgeous face.”

  He snorts. “Don’t forget your penchant for modesty and humility.” He shakes his head. “Emma’s hung up on Joseph.”

  “These are the days of our lives,” I tone.

  Joseph

  My head is spinning with the events and revelations of the past weeks. Airen’s acceptance and forgiveness over my affair with Abby was an overwhelming relief, but his proposition was nothing short of astounding. It floored me. Jolted me to my core, and I’m still trying to get my mind around it. Of course it’s what I want, more than I’ve ever wanted anything, but did I make the right decision? It’s so hard to consider it rationally when every atom of my heart is crying out in hope and desire.

  I’ve been offered the chance to have both Airen and Abby. To love them openly. No matter the consequences, I just can’t walk away. Julie appears to be disgusted with me, and Jayla is seriously pissed off. Airen says to give them time, but it’s hard. I struggled for a long time to accept myself and my sexuality, and it feels like a punch in the gut to be judged for loving them. Eric’s easy acceptance came as a welcome surprise.

  “You don’t seem all that surprised,” I remark as he helps me move back into Airen and Abby’s house.