by Jamie Hill
Michael smiled, a strained, lopsided affair that tugged at Seth's heartstrings. “I went a little nuts with the phone calls and stuff. I was devastated when you left, babe. It's seemed like you were choosing her over me."
Seth shook his head. “I didn't think about your feelings at first. I've been focusing on them a lot the past few days. I know I screwed up. You had every right to be mad."
"No, you were honest and upfront with me about what you wanted. That's the way marriage is supposed to be. I was jealous and petty. I blew it, big time."
Seth dropped back against the sofa, raising his hands for emphasis as he spoke. “I truly just wanted to try being a Dom. It wasn't going to happen with you, and I didn't think it would be such a big thing adding a third, since we've always played around with other people."
"You didn't count on Carla."
"Um, no. I didn't.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “I'm pretty attached to her, Michael. I know that's wrong, and I'm not supposed to feel that way, but—"
"Says who? No one can tell you who to love, or how it's supposed to work. I've thought about Carla a lot. She's a great person and a lot of fun. I actually think she complements our relationship. I, uh, missed her, too."
Seth blinked. “Are you fucking kidding me?"
Michael smiled and shrugged. “I've had nothing but time to think these past few weeks. I thought I wanted you back in my life the way things were. It took a while to figure out that with Carla, maybe things were even better."
Seth was ebullient but sceptical. “I don't know. If you feel like you're making all the concessions to save our relationship, I'm afraid you'll grow to resent me."
Michael scooted closer on the sofa. “I'm not making concessions. I'm making changes in myself—things that have probably needed to be changed for a long time. I understand you have doubts, Seth. We have to work together to earn the trust and respect back. If that means taking things slow, then so be it.” He smiled. “I can do vanilla sex."
Seth frowned. “I don't want you to change completely. I liked the way things were between us. And the problem wasn't just yours. I became obsessed with Carla. I realise that now."
Michael gave him a knowing look. “Seems to me you still are. I understand you're talking about having a kid together."
"How did you know that?” Seth was shocked.
"Doesn't matter. It's given me a lot more to think about, though. A child would change our lives considerably."
"Carla.” Seth shook his head. “Have you two talked?"
"Sheesh, man! She and I are gonna need to talk at some point, if this thing is going to work. I don't know much about polyamorous relationships, but I guess we'll find out."
"You mean that?” Seth held his breath.
Michael reached for him, pulling Seth into his arms. “I do. I love you, and I've been frantic without you. If you missed me half as much, we should have a shot at salvaging this thing."
Seth gazed into his eyes. “I missed you so much. It's been awful.” Their lips came together in a soft kiss.
Michael pulled back and smiled. “Not completely awful. You had Carla."
"Carla's wonderful. But she's not you. I love you, Michael.” They kissed again.
"I love you, too. I need you, Seth. My life's not complete without you. I promise to do better and try harder."
"Me, too.” Seth kissed him passionately. “Whatever you just said, I'll do it, too."
"I won't be so controlling. I'll try to—"
"Listen.” Seth put a finger to his husband's lips. “I love being submissive to you. That's part of what we were, who we've always been. I crave that interaction and missed it like crazy. I really hope we can be that way again. It might not be exactly the same, but it'll be better. Somehow, we'll find the balance that gives us both what we need."
"And Carla, too. I want to make this thing work with her. I know we can do it. I'll do whatever it takes to make you both happy.” Michael cupped Seth's cheek. “I love you more than anything."
Michael's words and kiss warmed his soul. Seth wrapped his arms around his neck and held on.
"There's one thing you should know up front.” Michael whispered in his ear.
Seth's stomach lurched nervously, waiting for the other shoe to drop. “Go ahead."
"I refuse to change diapers."
Seth pulled back and stared, then smiled. His heart soared. “Oh, yes you will. I'll save the worst ones just for you."
Michael poked his ribs, and Seth squirmed, laughing. They wrestled on the sofa until Michael topped him, gently holding him down. “We'll still manage some time to ourselves, right? As great as Carla is, sometimes I need to be with just you."
"Absolutely. I need that, too.” Seth leaned up, kissing him passionately.
"Good. You know, when you're busy with Carla and the kid, I might invite Spike over. He was pretty handy cooking and cleaning."
Seth grappled him to the floor, and they rolled together, laughing and kissing. “No Spike."
"No diapers."
He pressed his lips to Michael's. “I'm sure we can come up with something consensual."
"I have no doubts.” Michael smiled. They kissed again, and the front door opened.
"Oh! Looks like you two made up.” Carla entered the room, stepping around them.
"Hi, Carla.” Seth grinned up at her happily.
"Hey,” Michael acknowledged.
"Good to see you, Michael.” Her smile was tight.
He chuckled. “Don't look so gloomy. Everything is going great."
Carla nodded. “I'm happy for you both."
Seth clambered to his feet. “You should be happy for yourself, too. I understand it's thanks to you that Michael and I are working things out."
"Call me crazy."
He slipped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her cheek. “Yeah, you're crazy. That's one of the things I love about you. Another is the fact that you understood I still loved Michael. I appreciate that. It's going to make things easier going forward."
She didn't respond, but clung to him tightly.
"I should warn you, he refuses to change diapers."
Carla pulled back and gazed at him questioningly.
Michael got to his feet and touched her shoulder lightly. “I'm sorry about everything, Carla. I'd like a second chance to make things right. I mean, I know we're compatible in the playroom. I think if we all work at it, we'll get along in other rooms, too.” He smiled.
Relief spread over her face. “I'm so sorry. I never should have gone to the Rose & Thorn party. I loved being with you and Seth. The idea of other people freaked me out."
He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I loved it, too. And don't worry. With you in our lives, I don't think Seth and I will need those other people. We can still enjoy all the Rose & Thorn has to offer, just in a different way."
With one hand clutching Seth, she slipped her free arm around Michael's neck. “Thank you,” she whispered, and they kissed. She pulled back, chuckling and sniffling at the same time. “You'd better be careful. I can very easily see myself falling in love with you, too."
He kissed her again. “Right back at you, babe. I look forward to your being part of my life with Seth. Just remember, no diapers."
She wiped her tears on Seth's shoulder and murmured, “Like I'd ever leave our kid with him. He might stick him in a cage."
"Now, there's an idea.” Michael rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “See, I knew there was a reason I should invite Spike back."
Seth reached for Michael, and they came together in a group hug. He planted a big kiss on his husband's cheek and another on Carla's. “No Spike. No cages. They have these things called cribs."
Michael shrugged teasingly. “I'm new at this stuff. You'll have to help me figure things out."
"We'll figure everything out,” Seth assured them both. “But can we worry about all that later? Much later, in fact. We need to adjust to being a threesome before we
decide to include a fourth. And right now, I just want to fall in bed with my two favourite people and stay there the rest of the weekend."
"I could go for that.” Michael grinned, squeezing them both.
"Oh, yeah.” Carla hugged back. “But can we stay here? I know your house is bigger and all that, but I'm not sure I can wait. I want you both, now."
Michael clasped Seth's neck affectionately. “I like the way this woman thinks."
"Wait until you hear some of her other thoughts.” Seth gave an exaggerated wink and led his lovers to the bedroom.
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About the Author
Jamie Hill was born and raised in the Midwest, where she continues to live with her husband and two sons.
She juggles her spare time to include writing every day, freelance editing, reading as she finds time, tinkering on the computer, listening to country music, as many naps as possible, and watching movies (especially scary movies) with her family.
Email: [email protected]
Jamie Hill loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at www.total-e-bound.com.
Also by Jamie Hill
Unexpected Love: Nothing to Lose
Unexpected Love: Worth the Risk
Unexpected Love: Having It All
Convincing Cate
Second Time Around
Carnal Collision
Taking Control
Cattle Valley: Truth or Dare
Secret Santa
My Secret Valentine: Secret Rendezvous
Untamed Hearts: Feral Heat
Untamed Hearts: Bear Combustion
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