Under The Tree

by Stephanie Williams

  “I didn’t know you guys meant literally.”

  “Well hell, what did you think?” Jasper threw his hands up.

  “I-I don’t know. I just thought—”

  “We were kidding?” Roger went over to Nadia. He took her by the arm and pulled her close to him. He then wrapped his arms around her. Soon Jasper came and stood behind her, rubbing her back. “Honey, we were never more serious.”

  Jasper kissed her ear. “If you haven’t noticed, we do care deeply for you.”

  “How deeply?” asked Nadia.

  Roger leaned in and kissed her. At first she tried to protest, pushing gently at his chest. After a moment, she gave in, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “Hey, share the love.” Jasper turned her around to face him.

  He kissed her too, and again it was obvious she felt like she should resist, tried to show it…and then gave in to him. When Jasper released her, she moved to the side, looking at both of them. Roger didn’t know what to make of her reluctance. But he needed to be clear that he and Jasper were playing for keeps.

  “I hope that look on you face isn’t fear or disgust,” Jasper commented.

  “No, no. That’s shock,” she said quirking her mouth. “So are you really asking me what I think you’re asking?”

  “Yes,” Roger said. No sense beating around the bush this late in the game.

  “I’m worried.” Nadia sat down on the ottoman, her head in her hands. Both Roger and Jasper knelt down beside her.

  “About what, honey?”

  “Suppose one of you gets jealous? I sleep with you one night.” She pointed to Jasper. “Then I might decide to sleep with you again, then Roger, weeks later—”

  “Honey, honey.” Roger rubbed her back. “It doesn’t work that way.”

  “Nooo,” Jasper said. “Look at it this way. You go with both of us. You do things that you would normally do with a boyfriend. And vice versa for us. But in this relationship, we all know about each other. We’re willing to share. Heck, I’ll understand if you have a headache, or Roger might do a little something different in bed, something you like.”

  Nadia cocked her head. “Really?”

  “Really, Nadia.” Roger stroked her cheek to reassure her. “I think we can safely say we all care for each other. And the fact you’re worried about the different feelings that can arise tells me you care, too. But trust us, we can do this.”

  “H-how long?”

  “Forever.” Roger and Jasper both placed kisses on her cheek.

  “Wow. I wasn’t prepared for this,” Nadia said. “So I guess we’re officially dating now.”

  “Yep.” Jasper got up and headed to the kitchen.

  “Man, how are we going to do the sex part? I’ll admit that yesterday got me going, and who knows where that would have ended?”

  “We were kinda hoping maybe the three of us could, you know…experiment. Soon.” Roger scratched the back of his head. “Not go all the way necessarily, the first time—”

  “You know, explore each other first.” Jasper returned with another eggnog and leaned over to hand it to Nadia.

  “Oh, thanks. So you’re really open to this?” Nadia asked.

  Roger thought a moment. He didn’t want to flat-out lie to Nadia, or lie through omission. But he didn’t want her to know too much about what had gone on between him Jasper in the past. Not yet. They’d never hidden their sexuality from Nadia, so he guessed she’d probably figured it out. “Let’s just say we’re not closed minded about a lot of things.”

  “I see. Well, I’m no prude, either.” Nadia got up and slapped her hands together. “When do you want to start…you know, exploring?’

  Roger thumped Jasper on the shoulder and winked as he was getting up. “No need to rush, especially with the holidays. You’ve got enough going on.”

  Jasper got up and grabbed his jacket. “We’re just happy that we got this part settled. Everything will fall into place. You need anything? Any help before the party?”

  “No, I’ve got everything together,” Nadia said, looking around.

  “Great. See you at the bash.”

  ***

  Nadia’s Christmas party was packed. She thought she might have some party crashers, there were so many people packing the rooms. Luckily, it was a self-serve buffet style affair.

  “This place looks fabulous, sis.”

  “Thanks, Freda. I tried to go all-out this time.” Nadia took her sister by the hand. “Hey everyone, I want you to see something. Roger, Jasper? Turn off the lights.”

  They did; however, there was still a bright, colorful glow in the room.

  “What’s that?” someone asked.

  Roger cocked his head toward the window. “The neighbor next door. Feels he has to help air-traffic control.”

  Everyone giggled and went to the window. Ooohs and ahhs were heard as people pointed to the various lights.

  “They do this right after Thanksgiving. They must have a hell of an electric bill,” Nadia pointed out.

  “Hey everyone, mistletoe!”

  Nadia turned and saw Jasper in the doorway. He stood directly underneath a huge piece of mistletoe.

  “What’s going on?’ Nadia asked.

  “What’s the holidays without holiday smooches?” Jasper asked, grinning. “You first. Roger, get over here.”

  “Grab your date and pucker up.” Jasper took Nadia by the wrist and brought her directly under the mistletoe. Jasper kissed her like the world was about the end.

  Nadia managed to open her eyes, and noticed the crowd that had gathered. There were smiles and giggles. People were pointing.

  Roger took his turn and nearly burned her lips off. When their display of affection was over, Nadia looked around the room and people started clapping. No one was clapping harder than Bebe, however.

  ***

  The Christmas Eve party was a success and so were the red velvet cupcakes and ice cream. There wasn’t a crumb or a scoop left. Everyone had left, except the guys. They were vacuuming the floor.

  “Mmm. Interesting night,” Bebe said as she helped Nadia put away the dishes.

  “Interesting?”

  “Roger and Jasper seemed to have made it clear who you belong to.”

  “Wh-what do you mean?”

  “You told me they never made a play for you.”

  “They haven’t.” Nadia peeked around the corner. “And keep your voice down.”

  “Uh huh. That wasn’t a too-much-rum-in-the-eggnog kiss. They meant that.”

  “Whatever.”

  “I’ve noticed Roger and Jasper have been sticking to you like glue all evening, in fact”

  “Well, they are my best friends.”

  “Nah, nah. You know what I mean. They looked pissed when that guy was talking to you.” Bebe took a sip of eggnog.

  Nadia threw down her dishtowel. “Let’s get these dishes in the dishwasher, and I’ll explain.”

  “Okay, I’m listening.” Bebe handed her a tray.

  “Well, all three of us were talking, and the guys got this crazy idea that the three of us should date each other—at the same time.

  Bebe’s eyes got big and round.

  “Anyway,” Nadia closed the dishwasher door, “I thought they were joking. But the more they talked the more it made sense—in a crazy Bizzaro-world way. I mean, no one is going with anyone, we’re all single and straight, well they’re bi, but you know what I mean. We enjoy each other’s company; I care for them, they care for me…stop staring at me like that!” Nadia went into the other room.

  “I knew it!” Bebe ran behind her. “I knew they had deeper feelings for you. It’s so obvious. They can’t do enough for you, and they’re attached to you like Siamese twins.”

  “Anything else you need done before we leave?’ Roger asked, coming into the living room.

  Nadia looked over at Bebe, who just smiled. “No, no. I’ll see you Christmas morning. I think you two will be surprised by your gift.”r />
  “And we know you’ll be surprised by yours.” Both Jasper and Roger kissed her on the cheek. “See you, Bebe.”

  “Bye, guys.”

  Nadia headed towards the linen closet, but Bebe grabbed by her the arm. “Soooo, are you gonna?”

  “You don’t find anything…abnormal about this?”

  “Well, I’m not going to get a petition to put it on the law books. But I think what two—uh, three—consenting adults do behind closed doors is none of anybody’s business. Look, I see they make you happy, and they can’t seem to do enough for you. Hell, every time your glass or plate was empty, they were there refilling and re-plating.”

  Nadia sighed. Bebe was right. She felt like some princess in an exotic land, being catered to by her chosen men. Damn! That was a fantasy right there.

  “Look, Nadia. It’s obvious that you three click, in more ways than one. You haven’t been in a satisfying relationship in a long time. Hell, we can’t even count Greg.”

  Nadia smirked with an affirmative nod.

  “Why not go for complete happiness? If two guys do it for you….” She shrugged, grinning.

  Nadia bit her lip, considering.

  “Well, after I help you clean up, I’m heading to bed. I’m still suffering jet lag,” Bebe said. “Think about what I said.”

  “I will. Trust me.” She wondered if her mind were already made up. The start of the New Year was going to prove interesting.

  Chapter Seven

  “Ho, ho ho!”

  Nadia and Bebe ran to the door like they were kids again. It was six o’clock in the morning. “Merry Christmas!”

  They all hugged each other and the guys handed Bebe a box. “For you and your new home.”

  “Thank you! Wait right here.” Bebe ran to the den.

  “Come on in, it’s cold and we’re letting the heat out.” Nadia led the guys into the foyer and closed the door. “Wow, you’re loaded down with presents.”

  “We’re Santa’s extreme helpers.” Jasper laughed.

  “Here you guys go.” Bebe handed them each a box.

  “Thanks,” said Jasper.

  “Really, thanks,” added Roger.

  They all went into the den and began tearing open gifts. After several boxes were opened, Nadia stood up by the big gift. “Okay, you guys, I saved the best for last.”

  “That box has been bugging me for days,” Roger said.

  “That’s because you couldn’t find out what was in it,” Nadia mused.

  She removed the blanket from the top of the box. Once the gift was revealed, the guys gawked in shock.

  “No way!” Jasper shouted.

  “Shut up!” Roger went around the box. “Where did you find this? Do you know how long we’ve been looking for this set?”

  “About a year.” Nadia laughed.

  “Which one of you plays?’ Bebe asked.

  “They both do. They’re accountants who can beat the skins,” giggled Nadia.

  They opened the box, making sure all the pieces were there. “Looks like you guys have a lot of assembly to do.” Nadia handed them the instructions.

  “It will be well worth it,” Roger replied, picking her up and swinging her around. He put her back on the floor and grabbed one more gift. “We saved the best for last, too.”

  “Oh?”

  They handed her a long, floppy package. It was heavy and awkward. Nadia put it on the floor and ripped the paper. “A bed? Wait. A doggie bed?”

  Jasper snapped his fingers. “Oops. I forgot.” He ran out the door. He quickly came back with a blanket and something under it. “Merry Christmas, honey.”

  He pulled out the cutest puppy she’d ever seen.

  “Oh! How perfect! A Beagle! Wait, where did you have him out there?” Nadia took the pup, which started giving her a frenzy of wet kisses. “This is truly a surprise. What I always wanted, too!”

  “Don’t worry, he was in his crate in the SUV, widows open, wrapped in several blankets,” Roger reassured her.

  “Whew. Okay. At least the weather was conducive.” Nadia bounced the puppy up and down on her lap.

  “So adorable,” Bebe said, petting it, while Nadia tried to control its hyper behavior.

  “Whatcha gonna name her?” Roger asked.

  “Hmm. I have to watch her and see what she does, you know, her personality.”

  She placed the pup in the bed and of course it popped right out and began going from person to person, giving out puppy licks and getting tummy rubs.

  ***

  As the day went on, people popped by to give Nadia holiday wishes and presents. By the time evening came, Nadia, Bebe, and the guys were tired out.

  “Man. Isn’t it crazy? It takes weeks to prepare for this day. It’s only twenty-four hours and you’re exhausted afterwards.” Nadia laid down on the couch.

  “You said it.” Roger stifled a yawn. “But this was the best Christmas yet.”

  “And it’s about to get better,” Jasper said.

  Nadia stretched. “Oh? I thought the puppy was the pièce de résistance.”

  “Nope, one more surprise.” Roger looked over at Bebe, who was falling asleep. “Hey, Bebe.”

  “Huh?”

  “Can Jasper and I talk to you a minute?”

  “Uh…sure.”

  “Step into my office.” Jasper pointed to the kitchen.

  Nadia watched the trio as they made their way to the kitchen. She shrugged and petted the puppy that was now sound asleep on her stomach. After about ten minutes the trio reemerged. Bebe had a stupid smile on her face.

  “What was that all about?” Nadia asked, scooting up on the couch.

  “They’ll tell you.” Bebe reached for the pup. “I’ll take her, and you guys take her.” She pointed to Nadia.

  “What? What’s gong on?” Nadia asked, looking all around.

  “We have to take you to your last present. It’s back at our house. Bebe is going to watch your new family member for the rest of the evening.” Roger took Nadia’s hand.

  “Wow, now I’m really curious.”

  “Your curiosity will be satisfied soon enough.” Jasper picked up their coats.

  “I’ll see you later tonight, Bebe!” Nada hollered as they headed out the door.

  “Nope, I’ll see you in the morning,” she yelled back.

  ***

  “Okay, now this is important, Nadia.” Roger pulled into their driveway and turned off the engine. “You are to wait in the foyer. Jasper and I have to set up first. When we’re done, we’ll call you, and you come straight into the den.”

  “I can’t believe you’re not even going to give me a hint! How are you going to top a puppy?” Nadia rubbed her hands together with excitement and anticipation.

  Roger gave her a small glare. “You’re like that kid at Christmas waiting to see what Santa brought her.”

  “Okay,” she said. “I promise I’ll wait.”

  They all got out of the car and went inside the house. Nadia sat in the chair just inside the foyer. Roger and Jasper each kissed her on the cheek and left.

  She sat there for what seemed like hours. She kept looking around, trying to peek around the corner, but the way the guys’ place was set, she couldn’t see anything past the foyer wall.

  Fifteen minutes later, they called out together. “Okay, Nadia, come on in.”

  Nadia ran to the den. When she got to the den she literally skidded to a halt.

  “Merry Christmas!”

  Chapter Eight

  Nadia stood there in disbelief, gazing at two incredibly gorgeous, naked men on the floor. They looked like something from one of those naughty postcards women give to a girlfriend for her bridal shower.

  “I…I…don’t know what to say.” Nadia walked closer to them. She’d seen them in swimming trunks, but she’d never seen them au naturale. And she wasn’t disappointed.

  “So what do you think of your present so far?” Roger asked.

  “So far? There’s
more?”

  “Oh, yes,” Jasper said. “We plan to have our threesome with you tonight.”

  “Tonight? Wow. I thought I would have a breather between the holidays.”

  “Is that all right?” Roger asked. He looked concerned.

  “Oh sure. It’s just that….” Nadia was at a loss for words.

  “What?”

  “I’m not prepared. I mean, I’m on the Pill and all that, that’s not what I mean. I mean…I don’t know where to start, what to do. I mean I know what to—”

  “Let it happen naturally.” Roger tried to calm her nerves. “And by the way, if you have any concerns, Jasper and I have been checked out and are clean as a whistle.”

  “Yep. And think of it as having sex with one man. There’s just one more now,” Jasper said.

  “Oh, that’s simple enough.” Nadia rolled her eyes. “You guys seem sure of yourselves.”

  “No point in keeping it a secret.” Roger stood up. “We’ve done this before.”

  “I figured that much.” Nadia looked at Roger as he stood before her. Gracious! Now seeing him fully undressed completed the picture. With a body that beautiful, he needed to be naked twenty-four-seven.

  “Yes, and we’re not ashamed to admit that we loved it.” Jasper stood up.

  Nadia thought she was one lucky woman. Jasper looked as if he’d been painted with an artist’s brush. Simply flawless. “But….”

  “Physically, it was fun. Emotionally, not fulfilling. And if we really look back on it, it was empty sex. A way to get off.” Roger came over to her.

  “So you know very well, that’s not going to be the same with us.” Jasper joined them, coming behind her and wrapping his arms around her. She could feel the heat of his body through her clothes.

  “Exactly. By the way, this is your Christmas present.” Roger smiled and kissed her on the nose.

  Nadia felt all sorts of emotions running through her. “Whoa. You were right. I would have never guessed this in a million years.” Nadia wrapped her arms around Roger. It was then she realized she was sandwiched between two gorgeous naked studs. Her body felt hot. Nuclear-reactor hot.