A Hard Choice for Hanna [Hardwick Bay 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Morgan Henry

  Allan, Xander, and Hanna all burst out laughing.

  Chapter 17

  “So she’ll be okay?” asked Lisa the next morning at work.

  “Yeah, it will heal. It’s just gonna take time, and she’s not going to be happy with her hand in a splint for a month,” Hanna informed her.

  “No kidding. What can we do to help?”

  “Well, I think Allan and Xander have more or less got her covered, whether she likes it or not. I’ll bet she’d appreciate girl time and any extra help in the store we could offer, though.”

  “No problem. I’d be happy to go in and help on my day off,” Lisa offered. “So how pissed is she that Allan and Xander are there?”

  “No idea. I got the hell out of there after I put her to bed.” Hanna giggled. “She was higher than a kite and talking about putting sparkles on her splint to make it pretty.”

  Lisa burst into laughter. “That would be her all right.”

  Hanna hesitated a moment. “Um, so what happens now with the ball team?”

  “Not much. We still have the minimum number of women on the team. Now, though, us girls can’t miss a game or we forfeit.”

  “Oh, okay then. I’m going over to Karen’s after work for our usual Friday night chick flick if she’s up for it. Do you want to come with me?”

  “Sure. Can I catch a ride with you and have the boys pick me up at her place?”

  “No problem. She’ll be happy to see you.”

  * * * *

  Karen wasn’t up for movies, but she did really appreciate the visit. Hanna wasn’t sure whether she was really pissed off about Allan and Xander or was secretly happy they were around. They were certainly taking care of her. She was on her couch, with her favorite iced mocha decaf by her side and e-reader within easy reach. They had her hand elevated on a pillow and were making sure she took her anti-inflammatory medication on time.

  Karen had managed to cover most of the hours at her store with her employees but would need some help still with the internet orders and actual chocolate making. She usually did that herself, so she would have to at least be around for the process to instruct. Allan and Xander seemed keen on helping, but Karen didn’t seem so sure about their skills as chocolatiers.

  Hanna volunteered to help as she could, and Lisa offered her help at the store as well. That way the two of them could free up one of Karen’s employees to fill orders and help make some of the candy. Karen was so overwhelmed with the offers of help from her friends that she was almost in tears. Hanna and Lisa left after only a short visit, as Karen seemed worn out. Karen promised to come to the ball games to cheer the team on, but obviously wouldn’t be playing for the rest of the season.

  When Hanna got home, she was surprised to find Carter waiting for her.

  “Hey there.” She greeted him with a smile and followed it with a kiss.

  “Hey yourself,” he responded after she let his lips go. “Kent’s working late, so I have you all to myself.”

  “Whatever will you do with me?” Hanna tried to put some sultry into her voice.

  “First, feed you. I’ve got a basket in the truck and I’d like to whisk you away for a picnic. It’s really nice by the lake. Much cooler,” he said as they walked toward the house.

  “That sounds great. It really is nasty hot right now.”

  They went inside and Hanna quickly changed out of her scrubs, putting on a bathing suit under her clothes and grabbing a towel in case they went swimming. They hopped in Carter’s truck and headed off up the peninsula. She had no idea where he was taking her.

  They drove for about forty minutes, turning off the main road and twisting and turning down some back roads until Carter pulled up to an isolated cottage. Or maybe shack was a better word.

  “What’s this place?” Hanna asked.

  “It actually belongs to a friend of ours, but he’s not using it tonight. He’ll be here tomorrow. I don’t have a key, and I don’t really want to go in, but the beach is kind of pretty and isolated. He’s kind of a guy that likes rustic. Really rustic.” Carter grimaced as he looked at the shack.

  They went down to the beach. It was mostly rocky, but there was a tiny area of sand where Carter spread a blanket and set down the picnic basket. He gestured to her to have a seat and they both plopped down.

  Hanna started to help open the basket but Carter grabbed her hands and kissed her fingertips instead. “Let me,” he said.

  She giggled and watched him pull out a simple dinner of sandwiches, potato chips, and drinks. He gave her a wry smile and said, “Sorry this is so lame, but I just decided to do this at the last minute. I’d rather spend the time with you than making a more elaborate meal.”

  How could she argue with that? “I’m glad you decided on this. And I like sandwiches and chips. And you’re right. It’s much more comfortable here. I think I’ll swim after dinner.”

  They ate their meal, chatting comfortably about their day and how Karen was doing. After they were done, Carter stretched out on the blanket. He had taken his shirt off when they arrived and Hanna couldn’t help but admire his chest. Like Kent, he had a light smattering of chest hair that turned into a delightful happy trail down to his groin. He was wearing low-slung trunks that showed it off to perfection.

  “Like what you see?” he asked when he caught her staring.

  “Of course,” Hanna answered promptly.

  She decided to remove her T-shirt and shorts. It was still warm enough that she thought she would go swimming. As she was stepping out of her shorts, Carter snuck up and tipped her over into his arms. She shrieked as they landed in a heap on the blanket, the sand and Carter cushioning her fall.

  Carter placed himself over her body, grinning down at her. He ground his pelvis against hers, and she could feel his hard cock against her. “Now what ya gonna do?” he asked as he laughed.

  She squirmed underneath him, trying to get away, but she was laughing too hard. It was a new experience to be completely aroused and giggling like a fool. She managed to get a foot up and hooked her toes into Carter’s trunks and pulled them most of the way down.

  “That’s what I’m gonna do!” she said triumphantly.

  “Played right into my hands!” Carter threw back his head and laughed maniacally. He chucked his shorts and started pulling off Hanna’s suit. They managed to get her out of it, both trying to help and both hindering each other somehow. It made them both laugh that much harder.

  Finally the two of them were naked on the blanket. Hanna felt deliciously naughty again, being naked outdoors. The breeze from the water was keeping them cool and keeping the bugs at bay. There were no boats out, and no other cottages were close, so Hanna felt mostly safe. Outdoor nudity was still something she wasn’t quite used to yet, though.

  She pushed Carter over onto his back and leaned down to lick his cock. She had treated his balls to loving attention from her tongue and was just going to suck his dick down, when he pulled her around so her pussy was on his face. He started to lick her juices as she went down on him again. She hadn’t done a sixty-nine before and was excited to play now.

  Carter attacked her pussy, licking and sucking as though he hadn’t touched her in weeks. It wasn’t long before she was crying out around her mouthful of cock as he brought her to orgasm. She redoubled her efforts, sucking him deep into her mouth, hitting the back of her throat and swallowing.

  “Argh,” Carter made a strangled noise. “Hanna, Hanna, you’ve got to stop. I don’t want to come just yet.” He pulled her off his erection, even though she fought to stay sucking him.

  “You are amazing at that, woman,” he told her as he dragged her onto his chest. “I can’t get over how good your mouth feels around my dick.” He cradled her for a moment, and they both relished the closeness. Then Carter’s playful nature returned.

  He pulled her up onto her knees, following suit. He slid a condom on and pulled her onto his lap. He spread her legs and urged her to guide his cock into her pus
sy. She reached down and did as he asked, positioning the tip at her entrance. Carter lowered her onto his erection slowly, stretching her deliciously with his girth.

  “Carter, you feel so good.” Hanna’s voice had deepened with pleasure. “You’re so deep inside me.”

  “You’re the one who feels good. That tight, hot pussy around my cock is better than amazing.” Carter began to thrust, and he guided Hanna into matching his rhythm so their bodies were smacking together with the force of their joining.

  The angle of Hanna’s body against Carter had him hitting her sweet spot and her clit each time the moved together. That and the deepness of his thrusts had Hanna exploding into an amazing climax. Carter followed her within seconds, roaring his pleasure.

  They collapsed onto the blanket together. Carter carefully withdrew from her and rolled to her side.

  “Geeze, Carter,” Hanna teased. “Were you loud enough? I don’t think they heard you back in Hardwick Bay.”

  “Saucy girl,” he admonished. Then Carter grabbed her body and swung her over his shoulder and charged into the water.

  Hanna shrieked as she hit the cold water of the bay. It was shallow at this little beach, so she didn’t go under, but she was up to her breasts in the chilly water quite suddenly.

  Carter laughed and mocked her. “I don’t think they heard you in Hardwick Bay, Hanna. Why don’t you scream louder?”

  “I swear I’ll get you for this one day, mister,” Hanna threatened. She wasn’t really serious, revenge wasn’t her style, but she was having fun with her lover. And she did need to clean up after their sweaty lovemaking.

  They swam for a little bit. It was quite refreshing to be in the water since the weather had been so hot and humid lately. They lazed on the blanket afterward, talking and laughing more, until the sun set and it was time to head out.

  * * * *

  The next day, as Hanna was getting ready to tackle her housecleaning, she got a call from Kent and Carter’s mom, Mary.

  “Hanna, did Kent and Carter tell you their sister is getting married in September?” she asked.

  “Yes, they did. You must be so happy,” Hanna replied.

  “We are. Tim is such a nice man and Jen is very much in love with him.” Mary’s voice was warm with affection. “Did they also mention that Jen wants to have it at Kent and Carter’s house?”

  “No, they didn’t.” Hanna’s thoughts went immediately to the starkness of their backyard and she grimaced.

  “Well, the boys agreed, but we need to see about getting some plants and making the backyard a bit more…hospitable, shall we say.” Mary was almost laughing. “Jen and I were hoping you might help us out. We’re going shopping today. Would you join us?”

  “Wow, how nice of you to ask!” Hanna was surprised and delighted they would include her. “I’d love to help.”

  “Kent and Carter told us about your garden paradise, so we thought you might be the woman for the task. Neither Jen nor I have anything remotely close to a green thumb. I just plant geraniums and are happy if they live for the summer.” She gave a little snort, then continued. “I have to confess, I stopped by your house last week and checked it out. Your place is stunning.”

  “Well, I didn’t do all the gardens. I just sort of cleaned them up. They were kind of neglected, but I have learned a few things anyway. We can probably get some help at the garden center, too.” Hanna didn’t want Mary to think she was some sort of garden guru.

  “Wonderful, can we pick you up in an hour or so?” Mary asked.

  “I’ll be ready,” replied Hanna.

  Mary and Jen arrived in just under an hour. Hanna was delighted to meet Jen, a miniature version of Kent and Carter. She had the same sandy hair, and Mary and Kent’s blue eyes, but her features were a feminine version of the brothers’. There was no doubt they were all related. Jen had a lovely, down-to-earth manner about her, similar to Mary. Hanna was immediately at ease.

  They headed to Hanna’s patio for a quick coffee and to map out their strategy. Jen wanted to get an arbor for the ceremony, some tall urns to fill with flowers for the patio, and some varied and eclectic containers with flowers and plants to put on the deck and around the yard. She didn’t have a particular color scheme in mind as the wedding party consisted of her best friend, who was wearing a black cocktail dress, and Tim’s brother. Jen was thinking they would see what was still available for flowers and greenery and go from there.

  The three women decided to hit a few yard sales and junk stores to find interesting containers first. They had a great time combing the area for their “finds.” By the time they were ready to stop for lunch, they had a number of containers including two old washtubs, a large tin kettle, a couple of baskets, and a large shallow bowl that had an intricate pattern in blues and yellows painted on it.

  They ate lunch at The Cottage and talked of wedding plans. Hanna was happy to find out she was expected to attend with Kent and Carter. Given that Jen wanted such a small wedding, she wasn’t certain she would be invited.

  “Well, of course you’re coming,” Jen said in response to her thanks. “Why wouldn’t you? You’re with my brothers. Not to mention the help you’re giving us today.”

  Hanna didn’t comment on the “with my brothers” statement. Yes, they were together, but she still felt as though they weren’t really together until she was up front with her parents and everyone else in her life. She really was going to have to choose what she wanted. No, she knew what she wanted. Now she was going to have to tell her parents she was serious about two men.

  The three women headed to the local garden center next. Willow Tree Gardens had been in business for about thirty years. Kate Black ran the garden center for her father, who owned the place. He was ill and unable to do a lot of the physical aspect of the business anymore. Hanna had received a lot of advice from Kate over the past few years while she reworked the gardens at her home.

  They wandered through the greenhouses, picking out the odd plant that interested them. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot of selection due to the lateness of the season, but Jen wasn’t fussy. They showed Kate the planters, and the large urns at the garden center they wanted to purchase and enlisted her to see what she could suggest.

  Hanna was able to tell Kate about the layout of the backyard and the amount of sunlight each area received. Together, they managed to find a variety of annuals and perennials to fill the containers. They also added a few tropical plants that would do well in the heat of the summer but would have to come indoors in the winter. They even got a few shrubs and dressed up the containers they were in to place around the tent. The men could plant them afterward around the property.

  Mary called Kent and Carter to come by and load Kent’s truck with the potting soil, urns, and plants so they could get back to the house and start filling the containers. When they arrived, Hanna was greeted with an exuberant kiss from each man. Hanna blushed as she wasn’t used to the public attention, but Jen just laughed at her.

  They headed back to the house where Cliff and Tim awaited them. Everyone helped unload the truck and get set up in the backyard to tackle the planting. Apparently, Hanna was expected to stay for dinner with the family. Tim had been working on the fixings for a barbecue, while Kent, Carter, and Cliff had been building an arbor.

  Hanna, Mary, Jen, and Cliff handled the planting while the brothers finished the arbor. With the four of them, the containers were done in no time and Hanna watered them. She was particularly fond of the bowl—they filled it for a shady area. There was a small hosta in the center, surrounded by yellow and white begonias with some trailing ivy to cascade over the sides. It was simple, but would be beautiful and lush when the plants filled out.

  After cleaning up, they admired their work. Though the backyard was still a little spare, the planters and flowers brought some life and color to it. It was perhaps a good thing there were no gardens, as Jen planned to have a tent put up. That way if the weather turned wet, they woul
d still have a place for the ceremony and dinner.

  The arbor was complete as well. The men had used old, weathered cedar posts and branches in the construction. The result was a lovely rustic structure in shades of light gray. They planned to add some white tulle and fake ivy to it later to complete the look. Jen was delighted with it. She had tears in her eyes as she thanked her father and brothers for their efforts. It was obvious to Hanna that the men were more than happy to help Jen by making it. Hanna was almost overwhelmed by the love the family had for one another.

  Tim was all thumbs when it came to construction, but he had outdone himself with dinner preparations. He had an array of appetizers set out and had marinated chicken for the grill, with salads, grilled asparagus, and garlic bread to accompany the meat. Mary had brought a pie for dessert.

  Dinner was great fun. The family was obviously close, and there was a lot of debate, laughter, and good-natured teasing. They shared memories of Kent, Carter, and Jen’s younger days with Hanna and Tim. Hanna felt completely welcomed and included, as if she was a permanent part of their family. There was none of the nervousness that usually came with the first family function as the new girlfriend. As they sat around after dinner, drinking coffee and chatting, Hanna was at peace. Kent was beside her, with his arm around her shoulders, while Carter lounged on the floor leaning against her legs. No one in the room seemed to find their attentions to her inappropriate or unusual.

  “So what are you guys thinking of getting for furniture for the deck?” asked Jen.

  “We’re not sure. We were hoping Hanna would come with us when we went looking,” replied Carter.

  “Hey,” interjected Hanna. “It’s not my deck. Pick out your own furniture. Why do you need me?”

  “But Hanna, your patio is so nice,” Kent said smoothly. “You have a good eye for outdoor stuff. Our last set of patio furniture was a disaster. We need the help.”