by Vanessa Vale
I gave a halfhearted laugh that turned into a sigh. Then I said what I’d been thinking ever since Avery all but ran out her aunt’s front door. “We shouldn’t have let her go.”
Dash was quiet for a moment and I saw the same frustration on his face. He pointed his fork at me. “What choice did we have? It’s not like we could pull out the handcuffs and lock her up in our bedroom forever.” His quick grin was rueful. “Appealing as that might sound.”
I smiled at the thought. “Yeah, I know. I feel like shit. Maybe we should have done more.”
He nodded. “We told her how we felt. We fucked her six ways to Sunday. She knows what it’s like with us. What she’s missing. Hell, what we’re all missing. It just wasn’t enough. I wish I knew what would change her mind.”
I stared at my barely eaten pie, knowing we’d done the right thing, but hating it at the same time. “We need to have faith that she’ll come back to us, I guess.”
Dash nodded again. “She will. She has to.”
That was a great idea in theory. I’d been raised my whole life to believe that love conquered all. That once we found The One, it would all be smooth sailing. But what if our soul mate didn’t want to be with us? What if the idea of staying with us made her feel trapped? What if our soul mate was on her way to Brazil?
I knew Dash’s mind was heading in the same direction judging by the gloomy look on his face.
We sat there in miserable silence for so long that we ended up being the only ones in the diner aside from Jessie, and she clearly forgot about us. Or she saw the look on our faces and was avoiding us. Turning on the TV over the front counter, she took a seat and helped herself to a cup of coffee as she rolled silverware into paper napkins and made a pile.
“If we stay here long enough, we might just close down the place.”
Dash laughed under his breath. “Then we’ll have to head to The Barking Dog and close them down as well.”
I lifted my mug of coffee. “Deal. We’ll drown our sorrow in pie, then whiskey.”
Before I could take a sip of my now cold coffee, Jessie turned to us. “Hey, boys, isn’t this where your girl’s going?”
She turned up the volume on the news channel and Dash and I stared in horror as the headlines streamed across the screen. Brazil: Indigenous tribe killed by gold miners.
There were few details along with some looped stock footage of a river and tropical rainforest, but a quick search on our smartphones told us everything we needed to know.
Our girl was heading into trouble. Yeah, Brazil was a huge country, bigger than the US. Yeah, there were tons of indigenous tribes in the Amazon. Still. Avery wasn’t safe if this was where she was headed and every protective instinct in my body went on overdrive.
My heart was pumping when Dash looked up from his phone’s screen. I knew he was on the same page but the look of determination in his dark eyes confirmed it. “Let’s go make sure our girl’s safe,” he said.
I was already slipping out of the booth before he finished speaking. Dash slapped some money down on the table and we bolted out of there. On the ride to the airport, I looked up flights on my phone and booked us one way tickets to Rio via Atlanta. The last flight to Atlanta left in ninety minutes and the way he put his foot down, we would just make it.
“What’s our plan when we get there?” I asked.
Dash shook his head. “No idea. I guess we track down Avery and make sure she’s safe.”
“Even if she’s safe, she won’t want to come back with us,” I reminded him. “She left once. She’ll do it again for somewhere else. Iceland, Ireland. Hell, even Iowa.”
“Then we’ll stay with her in Brazil until she’s done with her assignment and out of danger.”
When he looked at me again it was with a question in his eyes. He wanted to know if I was on board. It would mean postponing some appointments at the animal hospital, but we could make it work. “I’m with you on this,” I said. “We’ll stay as long as she needs us.”
I didn’t state the obvious. She might not even want us there. But whether she wanted us or not, we’d be there for her. We’d always be there for her.
* * *
AVERY
* * *
Thank god for my layover in Atlanta. If I hadn’t had such a long wait followed by a delayed flight to Brazil I might never have seen the news. Not until it was too late, at least. Hell, I was heading straight into the danger zone.
The murders might not have occurred where I was going…but then again, it was possible something similar could occur. My gut was telling me to steer clear, at least until things settled down. Perhaps, permanently. I had no doubt I’d get a call from my boss telling me to cover the killings, to investigate the gold miners as it was big news. Yeah, right. I tackled travel pieces, not current events. Especially not dangerous current events.
I could turn down this job and…and what? I happened to know two guys who’d be happy to see me if I returned to Montana.
Oh, who was I kidding? I was relieved to have an excuse to go back Bridgewater. My heart was begging to get on the next flight headed west, to Dash and Jackson and to my aunt and Jackson’s welcoming family. Even my head was getting in on the act. For once. I found myself staring up at the delayed flight updates on the monitor but not seeing a thing. I was too busy thinking of all the stories I could write when I got back. Safe stories without Mexican rebels or ruthless gold miners.
Not just about Rory’s and Cooper’s helicopter company or Hawk’s Landing, though those would be a great start. But I had a million ideas. Enough to get on board with Rachel’s idea about the Montana travel magazine.
My pulse quickened at the thought. Starting a magazine from scratch. Making it mine. Sharing the good things about Montana. Promoting my friends. Everything I missed when I went off for my job. Not my parents, no. Nor my sister. Every other thing about Bridgewater was amazing. I could show all that to the world without having to leave. I looked around the gate area, suddenly antsy to grab the next flight—and not to Brazil.
To Montana.
Was I really considering this?
Yes, yes, I was.
The gate agent behind the counter saw me standing there, probably staring into space like I was lost or on drugs or something. “Ma’am, can I help you?”
Stirred from my thoughts, I shook my head. “Um, no thanks. My flight to Rio is delayed, I was just checking the new time.”
I was really considering going to Bridgewater. For real and for no other reason than because I wanted to. For the first time in my life, I was contemplating giving up my nomadic lifestyle for one of stability.
Whoa.
I almost didn’t recognize myself. Did I really want to go back to Bridgewater? To stay? I never wanted to stay anywhere. I was a runner. I fled. I escaped. I avoided. I always got the itch to travel if I stayed in any one place too long.
But I hadn’t…not during this last trip. Maybe I’d finally found a place where I could be content.
How ironic that it was my hometown, the place I’d spent the better part of my life avoiding like the plague.
But this trip for Jackie’s wedding had been so very different. In the past, I’d gone back alone. Felt alone while there. Left alone or at least pestered and belittled by my parents. Sure, I’d felt the brunt of my parents’ disappointment and passive aggressiveness, but Dash and Jackson had shown me that I didn’t have to take it. I could just walk away and there would be other people to be there for me. To be my friends. Lovers.
I’d met Dash and Jackson in Minneapolis and had that wild, amazing night. I’d fled, not them. They’d wanted to travel to Bridgewater with me, but I hadn’t. Even still, they’d tracked me down.
They wanted me. Right from the start. They’d barely spent time away from me. If they hadn’t had to work, I had a feeling they would have kept me between them the entire time.
My heart ached for more days like the ones we shared.
Staying didn’t
mean settling. Nothing about the life Dash and Jackson offered felt like settling. Yes, I’d be less nomadic, but I wouldn’t have to give up on my dreams. I could still take the occasional travel assignment if I really wanted to, but I could also find a new outlet for my skills and experience. I didn’t need to live out of a suitcase.
I could stop running and start living, doing what I loved while being with the people I loved.
The people I loved.
My mind conjured up a memory of Dash and Jackson in bed on either side of me. Their quick smiles, gentle hands. Deep voices, safe holds. Dominating spirits.
And I did love them. That much I’d figured out a while ago, even if I’d been too chicken shit to admit it to myself.
I loved them. And they loved me. They hadn’t said it, but I knew it. I felt it.
And yes, I was still paralyzed by fear. I stared up at the departures screen like the list of flight times might have the answers to the mysteries of the universe. Or at least, the answers to the questions in my heart. Travelers walked past me, pulling wheeled carry-ons, pushing strollers. An announcement about watching personal belongings came from the hidden speakers overhead. The world was moving around me and yet I was standing still. I may have traveled the world, but I hadn’t gotten anywhere.
I allowed myself a moment to revel in that feeling of loving—like a warm blanket wrapped around me—and knowing that love was returned.
But could I give Dash and Jackson what they needed? What they deserved? Could I really be happy in a committed relationship? Could I be happy living in one place for the majority of my time?
I was breathless with excitement as the answer hit me like a ton of bricks.
Yes, I could. That much was certain. But could I make them happy? That was why I’d fled. To save them from me.
I clasped my hands together and took a deep breath. I sure as hell hoped so.
The gate agent intruded on my thoughts once again. “Excuse me, ma’am? If you need to get to Rio sooner, I can rebook you on an earlier flight from another airline that’s leaving in an hour.”
She eyed me, waiting for an answer, but none came.
This was it. The fork in the road.
I could get on the new flight or I could return home. I could continue on with my old life like my relationship with Dash and Jackson had never occurred. I’d be safe emotionally, if not physically. I could go back to my former world of casual affairs and high-octane travel articles.
Or I could go back to Bridgewater, which felt more like home after being there this past week than it ever had growing up. I could go back to Dash and Jackson and take a chance on a new life, one that would be scary in its own right…but satisfying. Loving. I found myself grinning like an idiot at the memory of being handcuffed to their bed.
Oh, it would be so satisfying.
The gate agent raised her brows. “Ma’am?” She was still waiting and, more likely than not, starting to think I was a lunatic for taking so long to answer.
But this was a big deal, dammit. A girl didn’t just change her life plan on a whim.
Or did she?
Hell, I’d made a career out of living life on a whim, out of following my instincts and trusting my gut.
Well, my gut was telling me that starting up a Montana magazine would give me the kind of challenge I’d been missing as a travel journalist this past year or so. And my heart? My heart was telling me to stay, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It was telling me I needed to stay if I didn’t want to lose Jackson and Dash forever.
And I wanted forever with them.
I shook my head, gave her a brilliant smile. “I don’t need to book a new flight to Rio.”
She blinked. “Uh…okay.”
I walked up to the counter, leaned in. “But I do need your help booking me a new flight.” I grinned and knew without a doubt she was contemplating calling security on my crazy ass.
“I need you to book me a flight back to Montana.”
14
AVERY
* * *
The next flight to Bozeman wasn’t until the morning. Of course. I eyed the uncomfortable looking hard-backed seats at the gate and decided I’d have better luck catching some catnaps on the floor.
Not that I’d be able to sleep. I was far too wired with excitement and terror. Yes, I was scared. Not of gold mining rebels or Mexican drug cartels. I was petrified of my feelings. Of the love I had for my men. Of whether they’d still want me after leaving them. Again.
It had occurred to me that I could call Dash and Jackson, tell them I’d changed my mind, but I’d gotten voicemail.
I had to hope they weren’t ignoring my calls, but that was paranoia kicking in. I bit my lip, thinking about seeing their faces when I showed up on their doorstep and told them I was back for good.
I set my backpack on the ground and prepared to settle in for a long night. I’d just opened my paperback and started to read when the gates opened and the passengers from an arriving flight came out of the tunnel.
Two hotties strode out of the gate looking like they were on a mission.
Holy shit, it couldn’t be….
But they were there, and they were about to walk right past me. Laser focused. Quick strides. Determined.
“Dash?” I called out, climbing to my feet. “Jackson?”
My guys turned around and judging by their wide eyes and gaping mouths, they were just as shocked to see me as I was to see them.
“Avery?” Jackson said as they moved toward me. “What are you doing here?”
“Me?” I asked, pointing at myself. “What are you doing here?”
Dash pulled me into his arms before responding, his grip so tight I could feel his pent-up concern. “We saw the fucking news and were worried about you, baby doll,” he said, his voice close to my ear. “We were on our way to make sure you were all right.”
I pulled back so I could see their faces. Their concern, their love…it was overwhelming. My throat closed up as tears filled my eyes. These guys who’d been born and raised in Bridgewater, had left behind their home, their jobs…their lives…just to make sure I was okay.
Me. The woman who’d run away without a proper goodbye, let alone any sort of promise to return.
Jackson noticed the tears in my eyes because he moved in closer, his arm coming around my shoulders. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”
When I didn’t immediately answer, Dash asked, “What is it? What’s happened?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, it’s just…” Oh hell, I was outright crying now. “I’m just so happy to see you guys.”
They looked at each other for a second before pulling me in tight, wrapping me in a hug that left me breathless.
When they finally eased their grip, Jackson cupped my face in his palms. “What are you doing here at the gate? What happened to your flight to Rio?”
Before I could answer, Dash asked, “Was the flight canceled?”
I shook my head. “Delayed, but I didn’t get on.” At their identical look of confusion, I explained. “I canceled my trip to Rio.”
Dash’s head dropped back and he sighed. I felt the pent-up tension leave his body. “Thank god.”
Jackson shot him a warning look. “Not that we’d judge if you still went ahead with your trip. We were just worried.”
I grinned, wiped the tears from my cheeks with my fingers. “I know. I get it.” And I did. With these guys, it was never about trying to control me or my life. They didn’t put down my career or demean my choices. But they worried about me because they cared. The most amazing part was, they loved me enough for me to make my own choices even though they were so worried they got on a plane to come after me.
“Are you heading somewhere else instead?” Jackson asked.
A smile still tugged at my lips as I nodded. “I have a new destination.”
They were listening intently, probably waiting for me to drop a bombshell about another exotic location.
“I
t’s for a long-term assignment,” I said, trying to feign a seriousness despite the fact that everything in me wanted to jump up and down with joy.
“Oh yeah, where to now?” Dash asked. His tone was guarded, as if holding judgment of whether he liked it or not depending on what I said.
I bit my lip. “It’s this little town called Bridgewater, Montana.” I looked from Dash to Jackson, absorbing every detail of their shock and dawning excitement. “Ever heard of it?”
* * *
We barely made it inside the hotel room before I was pinned against the door. The hotel room was different, but everything else was the same. I was eager to be with Jackson and Dash. Wanted whatever the night would bring. This time, I knew it wasn’t just for a night. It was forever.
It was Dash who ground his hard cock against me as Jackson threw our bags onto the couch.
Once I’d made it clear I was taking the next flight back in the morning, my guys bought tickets for the same plane before booking us into a nearby hotel.
I’d barely been able to wait until we got into our room before I reached out for them, needing to feel their bodies against mine. Now that my decision had been made, I needed to make it official.
I wanted to show them how I felt, what I wanted. But they deserved to hear the words, too.
“Are you sure about this?” Dash asked as he gripped my ass and moved me away from the door so the three of us could tumble onto the king-sized bed.
“I’m positive,” I said. They both hovered over me, one on each side.
It was now or never. Reaching out, I placed one hand on their chests, absorbing their heat as I summoned up the courage to say what I’d known deep down for days now…maybe since the first moment I saw them at the gate in Minneapolis.
“I love you,” I said, marveling at the instant shift in them.
Their eyes grew dark and hooded, filled with such intensity, it was almost unbearable. I’d never even imagined I could be so loved by one man, let alone two.
“I love you too, sweetheart,” Jackson said, leaning down to kiss my shoulder.