by Rye Hart
“Has Caleb?” I asked.
“Not to our knowledge, but we know he’s interested,” Andrew said.
“That why he’s not a part of this conversation right now?” I asked.
“Nope. He’s off for the day. Otherwise, he would be here,” Dylan said.
“So, then what’s the point of this little pow-wow? To make us all feel like shit?” I asked.
“Sleepin’ with Katie don’t make me feel like shit,” Andrew said.
“Yeah, let’s not go down that road right now,” Dylan said. “Sensitive topic that needs to be discussed.”
“And I’m discussin’ it,” Andrew said. “Look, we gotta talk about this.”
“Yeah, I’d say we do,” I said. “Since we’re on the topic, I caught Katie and Caleb in the kitchen last night. I think they were havin’ a moment.”
“That’s on Katie,” Dylan said. “What she chooses to do is her decision.”
“That how we’re runnin’ with all this then?” I asked. “Lettin’ Katie choose one of us? Or are we sharin’ her like we have other women in the past?”
“I’m not sharin’ Katie,” Andrew said.
“I’m not sure I could, either,” Dylan said. “All of this goin’ on already churns my stomach.”
“We can’t just make her choose. If we corner her and do that to her, she might run in the opposite direction from all of us,” I said.
“See? I told you he’d say that. I already told him that,” Dylan said.
“And sharin’s off the table?” Andrew asked.
“Yep,” I said.
“Uh-huh,” Dylan said.
“So, we all want Katie to ourselves?” Andrew asked.
“Yes,” Dylan and I said together.
“Fuck, this is a conversation Caleb really should be here for,” Andrew said.
“Have either of you mentioned this to Katie?” I asked.
My brothers looked at me with blank stares, and I groaned.
“You shittin’ me? We’re sittin’ here discussin’ Katie’s life like she ain’t got a say in it?” I asked.
“We figured it’d be a good thing to find out where all of us stood before we tried to talk with her,” Dylan said.
“So, we don’t even know how we’re gonna approach this topic with her,” I said.
“Not really,” Andrew said.
“Some brilliant plan, stormin’ down here like this and openin’ up all sorts of cans of worms. We don’t even know what Katie wants. For all we know, she could like the idea of this sharin’ thing,” I said.
“Katie’s classier than that,” Dylan said.
“She’d never go for it,” Andrew said. “And none of us seem too keen on sharin’ her anyway.”
“Well, she’s got a stomach for it, at least. She’s slept with three of us. Willingly,” I said.
“That doesn’t mean we gotta debase her and start sharin’ her like a piece of meat,” Dylan said.
“Y’all really makin’ me play Devil’s Advocate for sharin’ someone here? Because I don’t wanna share her, but Katie deserves an opinion in this,” I said.
“Yes, that’s what we’re doin’,” Andrew said. “You’re the best at seein’ all sides of this shit.”
“Fine. Fuck. Okay. Sharin’ a woman doesn’t debase her, if it’s what she wants. Women got sex drives just like we do. Who the fuck cares what they wanna do to get themselves off?” I asked.
“But this is Katie,” Dylan said.
“So?” I asked.
“Don’t you dare talk about her that way,” Andrew said.
“What the fuck? You’re the one who wanted me to do this Devil’s Advocate thing, you shithead!”
“And there’s a good chance she’s testin’ us out. Tryin’ to figure out which one she’s got a greater connection with before she chooses,” Andrew said.
“Which means she’s still gotta sleep with Caleb,” Dylan said.
“Look, the point is, it all comes down to what Katie wants,” I said.
“Yeah, the ultimate thing here is that Katie’s happy. That’s what she deserves,” Dylan said.
“What she wants, she gets. That’s how it’s always been, so I don’t see why that changes now,” I said.
“Fine. Okay. I can get behind that. If she chooses me. But if she doesn’t, I’m fightin’ a son of a bitch. I care about that girl,” Andrew said.
“I think we all do,” Dylan said.
“Now the real question is this. Who’s gonna fill in Caleb on what we just talked about?” I asked.
“Not me,” Andrew and Dylan said.
“I hate you both,” I said.
I watched my brothers walk off as the happy couple came giggling from the trees. I turned around and took in their grimy appearance. The mud stains on the guy’s knees, the leaves still in the woman’s hair, the flushed nature of their cheeks. The two of them went back there, found that damn gazebo, and fucked in it.
I wasn’t getting stuck cleaning that damn thing again. I was sending Andrew to do that shit.
“Have fun?” I asked as I brought the horses to a stop.
“Oh, yes,” the woman said. “So much fun.”
“Could we set up another ride for tomorrow?” the man asked.
“Of course. Sign up for a time at the front desk, and I’ll have ya all set to go,” I said.
“Thank you so much,” the woman said. “That was way too much fun.”
“I’m sure it was,” I said with a grin. “If you guys still wanna catch some lunch, the dinin’ hall’s servin’ it until three.”
“Thanks,” the man said. “Come on, honey. Let’s go get some food.”
I watched the two of them walk away, hand-in-hand and so completely in love. But I was more confused than ever. I loved Katie with everything inside of me. And even though it killed me to think about sharing her, I would if it got me a part of her.
I had to talk to Katie. I needed to know how she felt about me. It was crucial at this point to sway her to my side, to show her what she could have if she chose me. I was desperate to hold her again, to fuck her and show her exactly how I could make her feel for the rest of her life.
If choosing was what she was going to do, then I had to make sure she chose me.
CHAPTER 24
KATIE
“Wait, so you’re going dancing with all of them tonight?” Whitney asked over the video call.
“I am, yep.”
“And Lizzie’s going with you, right?” she asked.
“I am!” Lizzie said.
“How did this all come about again?” Whitney asked.
“I told you. There’s been some tension between the brothers lately, and I think all of us going out and dancing will be a way for all of the tension to dissipate,” I said.
“I know why they all got tension,” Lizzie said.
“Stop it,” Whitney said.
“It’s ‘cause they all wanna fuck her but can’t,” Lizzie said.
“Well, she’s already slept with two of them,” Whitney said.
“Well—”
“Wait. What the fuck are you not tellin’ me?” Lizzie asked.
“That’s a good question. I’m all ears,” Whitney said.
“I may—or may not—have slept with Andrew,” I said.
“You kinky little slut!” Lizzie said.
“When did this happen?” Whitney asked.
“I went on a date with Andrew a few nights ago, and things led to other things,” I said.
“Where did he take ya? Oh shit, did he take ya to that bonfire outside of town?” Lizzie asked.
“Actually, yes. That’s where we went,” I said.
“Holy shit! You were that couple in the field!” Lizzie said.
“What?” I asked.
“The couple in the field on the blanket. Oh shit, girl. You were gettin’ it,” Lizzie said.
“Oh, this is priceless. Lizzie saw you guys having sex,” Whitney said, doubling over in laught
er.
“How were you at that bonfire?” I asked.
“Girl, everyone and their cousins were at that bonfire. We all kept makin’ jokes ‘bout Moanin’ Myrtle in the field,” Lizzie said.
“Oh, fuck. This is way too much,” Whitney said breathlessly. “I did not take you for a sexual voyeur.”
“Wait a second, how much of that did you hear?” I asked.
“We all heard everythin’. From the start to the finish. Girl, the guys were cheerin’ his ass on, and the girls were fuckin’ jealous. Be proud!” Lizzie said.
“Ugh. Great,” I said.
“And you’re not wearin’ that out to dancin’,” Lizzie said. “You’re wearin’ some tight ass jeans, a skimpy little top, a hat, and them cowgirl boots of yours.”
“I’m not dressing like you,” I said.
“You ain’t dressin’ like me. I’m the one in a skirt tonight. Go change,” Lizzie said.
“I agree. Maybe don’t show so much stomach like Lizzie, but definitely don’t go in a skirt if she’s got one on,” Whitney said.
“I wish you were here,” I said.
“Hey. Ya got me. What’s wrong with that?” Lizzie asked.
“I liked all three of us being together at the resort. That’s all,” I said.
“Well, I’ll make a trip to come see you soon. And you guys can always fly up here and stay with me,” Whitney said.
“Anyway, we gotta get ready and get out the door. We on for dinner and a movie tomorrow night, Whit-Whit?” Lizzie asked.
“I’ll be here with my Chinese, my wine, and ready to press play at the same time,” Whitney said. “After we talk about how this night goes with you guys.”
“You’ll have all the details,” I said.
“Good. Because you’re slacking in that department,” Whitney said. “Now, you two have fun.”
“Thanks, Whit. Love you,” I said.
I cut the video call before I went to change my outfit. I knew why there was tension between the brothers, and Lizzie hit it on the head. The truth was, I knew they all had feelings for me. I could feel it in the way they kissed me and in how they all looked at me. I’d done a really good job of keeping my feelings for them under wraps because I wasn’t sure how they were going to feel about it. Lizzie kept reminding me of how they’d shared women in the past, but I was sure those women didn’t have feelings for them like I did. I enjoyed each of them, and part of me was scared that if I talked to them about it, they would make me choose.
Even Caleb I had feelings for. But I knew I couldn’t figure out how I was going to proceed until I’d spent one-on-one time with him. Whether we slept together or not wasn’t the point. I wanted to be with him and spend time with him before I made any decisions. Before I sat the brothers down and talked with them about all this stuff that was going on. When he kissed me the other night in the kitchen, I’d seen stars. Sparks flew between the two of us and shot all the way down to my toes. Just like with the three other brothers, I had been instantly turned on.
My want for him was as intense as it had been for Dylan, Wyatt, and Andrew.
And I was stuck.
“Ya ready to go?” Lizzie asked.
“Yep. Let me find my hat, and we can get out of here,” I said.
I found it at the bottom of my closet. My mind was swirling with all the things that could possibly happen tonight, especially since my brother was going to be there. Alcohol and dancing had never mixed well with the brothers and me, and the last thing I needed was for all of this to come out to him right now. If I was going to choose one of them, then I could save my brother a lot of heartache by not talking to him until I made my decision.
But if I couldn’t choose between them, then I didn’t even want to think about the conversation I’d have to have with Hunter.
“All right. I’m ready,” I said.
“Girl, you look hot. Those men ain’t gonna be able to keep their hands off ya. Come on. We’re gonna be there fashionably late as it is,” Lizzie said.
I grabbed my purse, and the two of us headed to my car. I knew I’d have to be Lizzie’s driver for the night, which was fine with me. I really didn’t know how many of the brothers knew about my drinking issue in college, but I knew Hunter didn’t know. And the best way to keep it under wraps from him was for me to not drink at all. Even though I knew my limits, and even though I kept my boundaries very well nowadays, I knew the brothers would be staring at me if I started drinking.
And Hunter would notice. Which would prompt questions. Which would get the brothers rattling off their mouths and spilling things they shouldn’t.
Lizzie and I got to the club and Hunter was already there. That would keep all the guys in check for the night, which meant I could enjoy the night dancing with Lizzie. I was so relieved when Wyatt was the one that walked up behind us in the kitchen and not Hunter. My brother would’ve killed him if he even thought for one second Caleb had been making the moves on me.
Hunter was way too protective like that sometimes.
“Glad you two decided to show up,” Hunter said.
“Oh, quit bein’ so mad and find a girl to grind on,” I said as I hugged him.
“He could start with me,” Lizzie said with a grin.
“Usually I’d say no, but I’ve had a couple shots, and I’m feelin’ generous,” Hunter said.
“Wow. Does that line work on other women?” Lizzie asked flatly.
“He’s just kidding. Right, Hunter?” I asked.
I shot my brother a look as he held out his hand for Lizzie.
“Of course, I am,” he said.
But it wasn’t all that convincing.
I saw the brothers peppered around the club dancing with beers in their hands. I grabbed a small glass of water and watched everyone dance, and I could feel the brothers stealing glances at me. Each one of them was undressing me in their own way with their eyes, keeping it away from Hunter who was entranced by Lizzie. The two of them were two peas in a pod. I’d been trying to set them up for years, but Hunter was dead set on never settling down. He had been before Mom died, but he was even more intent on it after she passed. Dad leaving did a number on him but in the opposite way. I was determined to prove to myself that not all men were like that, and he was determined to never let himself get connected. And I knew why that was. He was scared he’d turn out just like that. He looked like him, spoke like him, even sounded like him at times.
I knew that insecurity was why Hunter was so protective of me, but eventually, he would have to get over it.
The night went on, and I finally tore Lizzie away from Hunter. I danced with her, my water over my head as our hips swayed side to side. She twirled me around and chugged beer after beer, and soon Hunter was stepping in again and holding her up while they danced some more. I went around and talked to the brothers a bit when they weren’t dancing with other women, and while the conversation was good, they really had their walls up.
I couldn't blame them with Hunter being here, but it really did put a damper on things.
I wanted them to be able to express themselves with me. I wanted them to not be afraid to put their hands on me. I knew Caleb wanted me. There was a longing in his eyes whenever I looked over at him. But they kept their distance, and I kept mine, and I tried to drown them out with the water I was throwing back and the bathroom breaks I had to take.
The night was fun, but it showcased a whole new reality of what I was doing.
It was taboo. And it showed me that it might not be possible for me to have all of them. Which brought up a question.
If I couldn’t have all of them like I wanted, was it possible for me to choose any of them?
CHAPTER 25
ANDREW
I was sitting at my desk checking up on one of our employment websites. I kept getting notifications of Caleb marking and dismissing some of the applications coming in for the Charleston resort, and I was curious to see what he was looking for. All the requisitions fo
r the month had been ordered, and things were being delivered over the next week, which meant a lot of sitting around for me until shit came in to do. The beginning of the month was always boring as fuck for me, which meant Wyatt always roped me into doing things at the stables. A lot of our responsibilities overlapped like that. Dylan was always behind Caleb on who he was hiring, and Caleb was always double-checking Dylan’s numbers. Dylan checked behind my requisitions to make sure our monthly finances lined up, and Caleb was always wondering about how the animals were doing and all the activities we had booked for the month.
I heard heels clicking on the tile, and a grin crossed my cheeks. Katie was coming in for the day, and she was seeing our lawyer one last time to do some training. I watched her walk by my office door in a pencil skirt and a flowing blouse and felt my cock come to life. She looked beautiful in that outfit, but more than that, she always lit up the place. Her smile could ignite a room and melt a heart buried underneath two thousand pounds of fuckin’ ice.
She was a force to be reckoned with, and I wanted to talk to her about some things.
“Katie?”
“Yep?” she asked.
She poked her head around the corner with a small grin playing on her cheeks.
“Ya got a second? Or you swamped with work today?” I asked.
“Nope. I’m good. Just reading over some things before the lawyer gets here. He’s handing the system over to me today, but he’s not due in until ten.”
“How’d the rest of your weekend go?”
“Good. Spent it recuperating from all the dancing we did Friday night,” she said with a smile.
“I think we all went home mighty sweaty after all that dancin’. Did Lizzie go home with Hunter that night?”
“All I know is I brought her there but didn’t bring her back with me. What she did on her own time was up to her,” she said.
“Fuck. Hunter’s a damn mess,” I said.
“And it’s about time the two of them hooked up anyway. I’ve been tired of their ‘I hate you but secretly don’t’ routine. They’re both terrible at it.”
“You can say that again.”
“What about yours? How’d the rest of your weekend go?” she asked.