by Meghan Quinn
“Yeah, be a man,” Colt says, egging Ryan on. I could fucking punch him.
I peek past Sage, and when I see Ryan a little more intrigued than angry, I relent and hand over the truth. “You happened to come up when I talked to Stryder last, and he told me you’re starting a new chapter in your life. I wanted to respect that, and I think with what you’ve gone through in the past, you don’t need someone who’s going to dick you around. Even though I would fall on a sword for my boys, I haven’t seen one of them hold a relationship past a few months.”
“The girls don’t like the long hours,” Colt says, tossing a shuttlecock in the air that he snagged from the badminton set we’ve yet to play with.
“Sage seems to be able to do it,” Ryan says, giving Sage some credit.
Snuggling into my side, Sage says, “I’m used to it. Our dad was in the Army, and he was always gone with deployments or long hours at work. It doesn’t really faze me. I take what I can get.”
And it’s why we work so well together. The girl is a saint. She never complains, never makes me feel guilty, and is one hundred percent there when I need to unwind. And it’s why I think we’ll work well together.
“Let me ask you this,” Colt says. “If you had to choose between the five of us, who would you choose?”
“Five?” I question. “Only three of us are single.”
“Bent is still to be determined.”
“Leave me out of this,” he says from the side, keeping quiet, spacing out for most of the conversation. He’s the silent type, only speaks when he really wants or needs to, but it’s odd to see him this quiet.
“Okay, so if you had to choose between me, Balboa, and Rowdy, who would you choose?” Colt asks. Like the idiot he is, he sits up in his chair, lifts his hand over his head, and starts pointing at himself while mouthing, pick me.
Leaning back in her chair, wearing one of Rowdy’s sweatshirts, she studies all three men, her hand to her chin. “If I had to choose one of you? No foursomes?”
“I’m up for anything, baby.” Colt winks.
I point to him. “See, exactly what I’m talking about.”
Chuckling, Ryan tilts her head to the side and apologetically says, “Sorry, Colt, but that was a test and you failed. You’re out of the running. I want a guy all to myself and who doesn’t want to share me.”
“This thing was rigged.” He throws his hands up in the air, irritated.
“You came up with the question, moron,” Rowdy states, leaning forward in his chair. Staring Ryan in the eyes, he says, “Let me remind you whose sweatshirt you’re wearing.”
“I offered,” Balboa cuts in.
“You offered, I went and got her one, so who’s more chivalrous?”
“He’s got a point,” Sage chimes in.
“What the fuck, Sage?” Balboa complains. “I’m your brother.”
Wincing, she lets out a low chuckle. “I know and I love you, but you’re a man-whore. Sorry.”
“So is Rowdy.”
“Not that I’ve seen,” Sage adds, surprising me. If anyone is the center of attention, bringing many women home, it’s Rowdy. Is he having a dry spell? I feel like that would be the end of the earth if it were true.
Rowdy and Balboa start arguing about who brings the most women home, both defending themselves stating they’re not that bad, when Ryan stands and quiets every one down.
All eyes are on her, the fire lighting up the humor in her face, and that smile puts me at ease. I must have a soft spot for Ryan in my heart, because it’s really nice to see her smiling, laughing, having a damn good time.
Even at the wedding, when we were laughing and drinking the bar dry, I sensed a haunted soul behind her eyes. That she didn’t want to go home the next day spoke volumes. She was struggling, a bruised human looking for something other than the life she was leading.
But now, she’s vibrant, and it makes me damn happy.
“Since this has become a debate, I’m really going to insist that the last two candidates make a speech.”
“Not a problem.” Balboa stands and tips his beer toward Ryan, a glint in his eyes. “Six foot four, that’s all I’m going to say.” He winks and takes a seat.
“You’re disgusting.” Sage boos him and starts rooting for Rowdy.
Taking the stage, Rowdy gives Sage a nod and turns to Ryan. Bending at the knee, he looks up to her, pleading like an asshat.
“You can always count on me for a sweatshirt, someone to pop open your beer, and to eat all the scraps off your plate.” Standing, he takes a bow and returns to his seat.
Ryan taps her finger against her chin. “Tough choice, can I consult with the judges?” She turns to Sage and me for help. Sage jumps right on it.
“Yes, come consult.”
“Remember I’m your brother,” Balboa shouts.
Squatting in front of us, Ryan holds on to the arm of my chair while she speaks. “I don’t know, guys, it’s a tough competition.”
“You realize you’re not permitted to date either of them, right?” I dutifully remind her.
She rolls her eyes dramatically and moves her attention to Sage. “What do you think?”
She doesn’t even bat an eyelash. “Rowdy. One hundred percent; go with Rowdy.”
“I think you’re right, but this needs to be a consensus. Colby . . .”
Ryan places her hand on my forearm, drawing the ridiculousness out of me. “Come on, Colby. I need you on board. Are you team Rowdy?”
“I’m team whatever makes you happy in this imaginary scenario.”
Blinking a few times, Ryan looks me in the eyes, and even though this is pretend, it’s true. I really want what—or who—makes her happy.
Clearing her throat, she stands and says, “My decision has been made.” She turns toward Balboa, who is casually drinking, thinking he has this in the bag, and Rowdy, who’s on the edge of his seat, ready to celebrate.
“Well, get on with it,” Colt says, annoyed with the entire production. He’s such a sore loser.
Holding her hands in front of her, she addresses the guys. “First, I want to thank both of you for giving such eloquent speeches. It was a very tough competition, but what it came down to was true passion, and one of you had it more than the other. Rowdy, you’re the winner.”
“Fuck yeah!” He jumps in the air, pumps his fist, and then walks over to Ryan, picking her up and carrying her toward the house. “Time to make this official.”
Chapter Nineteen
COLBY
After a long goodbye in the front yard, I gave Sage one last kiss and headed home, wishing she was with me, getting ready for bed, smiling at me through the mirror, and wearing what I can only imagine is some sexy lingerie to bed. That’s what in my head, at least.
We’ve taken our time when it comes to getting intimate, but with each passing night we say goodbye, the need and yearning in our kisses grows tenfold. Tonight, when her hand glided down my stomach to the top of my jeans, I thought I was going to lose it. The last time I had sex was with Ryan, which is a weird thing to think about, but it’s been that long, and I’m about to explode.
I strip out of my clothes, noticing the smokey smell engrained in the fabric, and brush my teeth before hopping into bed, naked. The sheets feel cold against my skin, and silky, so fucking silky that with each move I make the fabric rubs against my aching cock.
I’m so fucking horny right now.
I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to take the next step with Sage, to feel her body under mine, writhing as I press my lips across her skin, sucking and licking her nipples into my mouth. What will she sound like? Taste like? Feel like?
And even though it might just kill me, I will wait. I’ll take it slow and instead visualize what it would feel like to have her next to me in this bed, her tiny frame eclipsed by mine as I tell her all the naughty things I want to do to her.
My phone beeps next to me.
Sage. Perfect timing.
Sage: How would you feel if I snuck over to your place right now?
My eyes widen, my dick immediately hardening into a full erection.
Colby: Are you serious?
Sage: Yeah, I want to cuddle you so much right now.
A low hiss escapes from between my teeth as the excitement of finally sinking myself inside of Sage fades away. God, what I wouldn’t give to at least move past first base. A little second-base action, and third would be fucking perfect too. But cuddling? I don’t think my dick could take that right now.
And I’m usually not this fucking horny, but Sage has me twisted in all kinds of knots, when it comes to her sweet kisses and petite body.
Instead of beating around the bush, I decide to go with honesty because unless she’s ready, she can’t step foot in this house tonight, as there is no way I’ll be able to control myself.
I text her back.
Colby: I’m going to be honest, Sage. I’m fucking horny as shit right now, and if you come over here, I’m not going to be able to hold back. I want you, bad.
I press send and squeeze my eyes shut, hoping and praying at the off chance she might be ready and comes knocking at my door.
As I wait for her response, I slowly start to fist my cock, putting pressure at the base. Fuck, that feels good. Just the feel of my hand gripping my shaft eases some of my tension.
I consider grabbing some lotion when there is a knock at my door. My eyes fly open, my pulse skyrocketing to a mile a minute. She came?
I hop out of bed, slip a pair of shorts over my erection, not hiding it very well, but right now, who gives a fuck? Sage is going to see it at some point. I fly down my stairs and whip the door open, my chest heaving, my excitement bubbling over.
Until I see Ryan standing at the door in her tank top and shorts. “I locked myself out of my apartment and the leasing office is closed.” She dances on her feet. “It’s cold, can I stay here for the night?”
Fuck.
My cock is hard as a rock, practically saluting Ryan at the door. For a second I think she’s not going to notice . . . until her eyes glance down, widening from the sight in front of her. Smiling, she looks at me and says, “Who knew you would be that excited to see me?”
“Shut up and get the fuck in the house,” I answer, scooting her in, shutting the door, and grabbing a pillow from one of my couches to cover my crotch. “You can have the guest room.” I walk up the stairs with her following closely behind.
“Am I interrupting you and Sage? I can find a hotel.”
“Sage isn’t here.”
It takes her a second but then she says, “Ohhh, having some personal time?”
I stop in front of the guest room and point inside. “This is you. Everything is in the bathroom across the hall. I’m going to bed.”
She giggles and says, “Thank you, Colby. And sorry about barging in.”
“Let’s forget this happened.”
She holds her hands up. “Forgotten.”
Not even bidding her a goodnight or asking her any questions about how she locked her keys in her apartment, I go to my room and shut the door, tossing the pillow to the ground and leaning against the door, letting out a long breath, willing my dick to calm down.
I count to ten, twice, and once I feel better—the tension coiled at the base of my cock has eased—I move toward my bed just as I think about Ryan not having anything to wear to bed.
Because I don’t want her wandering around the house naked, I pull a T-shirt and a pair of shorts from my dresser and make my way toward the guest room . . . where I find Ryan in the middle of the room wearing only her bra and thong.
The lingerie is see-through, leaving nothing to the imagination.
Fucking hell.
Hard nipples.
Round ass.
Smooth skin.
Hot-as-all-fuck body I’ve tasted.
Devoured.
Christ.
I shield my eyes and hold out the clothes. “Thought you would like something to sleep in.”
“Oh, thank you.” I hear her pad across the room to collect the articles of clothing. “You know you’ve seen it all before, Colby. You’ve actually licked it all, so you don’t have to shield your eyes.”
I do. I really do. Not because I’m tempted, but out of respect for my girlfriend. And because I think if I take another look, I might come in my pants. That’s how insanely hard I am.
I really need fucking sex. Bad.
Not responding, I back away once she has the clothes and say, “Have a good night, Ryan.”
Knock. Knock.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Not right now.
Please let it be anyone but Sage. Please, for the love of God, let it be Rowdy or even Colt, or Bent. Anyone but Sage.
Painfully I make my way toward the door, grabbing another pillow to shield my crotch once again.
On a deep breath, I open the door.
Sage.
Of course. Why wouldn’t she come over now? And what the hell is she wearing? Some kind of trench coat? Christ, is she naked under that thing? And I thought I couldn’t get any harder.
Shit.
Shit. Shit.
Fuck . . . Ryan’s . . .
“Sage.” My voice cracks. This could look so bad . . .
This looks so bad.
Hard-on.
Practically naked woman in my house.
Not answering her text right away.
Telling her to stay away.
Yup, this is really bad.
“Wh-what are you doing here?”
“I don’t know, feeling a little wild,” she answers, a shakiness to her voice. Hell, she’s nervous. This is so not good. “Can I come in?”
Don’t look behind you; that will seem suspicious and you did nothing wrong. Be honest.
I’m about to answer when Ryan comes down the stairs, asking, “Do you have a pair of boxer briefs I can wear? These shorts are pretty big.” She pauses when she sees Sage standing at the door.
For the love of God, please let Ryan be wearing the shorts, please let her be wearing the shorts.
When I take in Sage’s reaction, I know immediately there are no shorts on the woman behind me.
Hell.
“Sage, oh my God,” Ryan quickly says. “This is so not what it looks like. Please don’t get upset.” Ryan starts rambling about her apartment, how she tried calling Leah but she wasn’t answering, so I was her last resort before a hotel. “I don’t know why I’m not wearing the shorts. That was stupid of me. I’m tired, and so used to not caring about what I wear that I was thoughtless, really, I’m so sorry. I’ll, uh, I’ll just get out of here and go get a hotel. I’m sorry.”
Ryan starts to back away when Sage says, “Stop. It’s fine, Ryan. I know you wouldn’t do anything like that to me or to Colby. You’re a good friend.” What the fuck? Sage is . . . okay with this? Not worried . . . “Stay, I just came over to give Colby something, that’s all.” She did?
“No, it’s okay, really. I can leave.”
“It’s fine, Ryan. Really. Don’t worry about it. If Colby said you can stay the night, then it’s okay with me.”
“Okay,” Ryan answers awkwardly. “Um, well, I’m just going to walk backward up the stairs so you guys don’t see my ass. These shorts are fine. I’ll deal. Have a good night, you two.” She gives us a quick wave before making her way up the stairs, backward of course.
The minute the click of her door shutting sounds through the house, I begin apologizing. “Sage, I’m so sorry—”
She presses her finger against my mouth and scoots into the house, shutting the door behind her. Taking my hand in hers, she leads me to the downstairs bathroom where she shoves me in and shuts the door.
Eh, okay.
She pushes me against the counter and takes the pillow away from my grasp, placing it on the ground between us.
Raising her eyes to mine, she ta
kes a deep breath and undoes the tie to her coat revealing her lithe body encased in a white lace bra and panties. The coat drops to the floor. She looks like an angel. There is no sign of tan marks on her smooth, porcelain skin, her breasts are a small handful, but sexy as shit in her white lace bra, the cups short and barely covering her nipples. And her stomach, flat and toned, leading down to her white lace panties. My dick grows exponentially harder with the thought of what she would look like naked.
Her white blonde hair falls past her shoulders, and her dark brown eyes look up at me—a hint of trepidation hidden in them—and that’s when all sense is knocked back into me.
“Sage, what are you doing?”
“Taking this relationship forward.”
“You don’t need to do that. I don’t want you to take one giant step forward when you’re not ready.” Especially when Ryan is upstairs.
I take her hand in mine and tug her against my body. Her hand falls to my chest where she quietly grazes her fingers over my bare skin.
“I want this too, Colby.”
“Then why do you seem unsure?” I ask, cupping her face.
“I’m not unsure, just nervous.”
I bring my lips to her forehead. “You don’t have to be nervous around me, Sage. And you don’t have to do this right now, especially in the downstairs bathroom of my house. This isn’t how I envisioned our first time together.”
“No?” She chuckles. “Because this is how I envisioned it—you turned on, me wearing white lace. Why does the location matter?”
“Location matters, Sage, and I’m not about to have sex with you in a bathroom.”
Slowly her eyes lift to mine, and the side of her lips tip up. “Who said anything about sex?”
Before I can answer her, she drops to her knees, using the pillow as protection from the cold tile floor and brings her fingers to the waistband of my shorts.
I suck in a sharp breath, my cock relentlessly growing once again, showing easily through the thin fabric. There is no stopping or hiding it for that matter.
I’m turned on as hell with the image in front of me: Sage on her knees, lips wet, eagerness in her eyes. Shit. I don’t know how much resolve I’m going to have when it comes to this woman being inches from my cock.