“I guess I have,” I say proudly. “And I couldn’t have found two better guys to help me wipe the slate clean and coax me to write a new chapter of my life.”
“Hearing you say that is absolutely the most amazing thing ever.” Maggie starts waving her hands like she’s flapping her wings. “Oh, my God, you have to tell me how it happened. Did they lay it on you on Friday night or did they wait until Saturday morning? Were you guys at a restaurant or at their place? Were you surprised? What did you say? Did you know they had something special planned? Did you cry? What did you wear?”
Once more she’s so excited for my good fortune that she bombards me with questions. “Slow down, girlfriend. I’m happy to share all the details.” I laugh. “Oh, before I do, I have to show you the eye-popping present they gave me before dropping a question that would rock my world.”
“Are you kidding me? You got two boyfriends and a stunning gift on the same night?”
“Yeah. And some pretty toe-curling sex to boot.”
“Hello! High five, girlfriend.” We each raise our right hand up at the screen and pretend to slap our palms together.
“Give me a second. I’m just going to run and grab it.” Before Maggie can even agree, I’m already racing back to my bedroom. I’m back on the couch in a flash waving my precious gift at her. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
She squints and leans towards the screen. Her mouth drops open in the shape of an O as she blinks furiously. “Are those black pearls?”
“Yes and no. They’re actually three types of pearls—black, gray and silver.” I repeat the description exactly as Ethan had a few nights ago. “These little spheres in the middle row are encrusted with real diamonds.” My index finger jumps from one ball to the other for emphasis. “Can you believe it? So far I’ve only owned costume jewelry and my bling is all cubic zirconia. This is my first piece of real jewelry.” I slip the bracelet around my wrist.
“It’s absolutely stunning,” Maggie exclaims. “Do you already have an event lined up to wear it so you can show it to the world?”
“Actually I do. Ethan wants me to accompany him as his girlfriend at the gala in two weeks. That will be the day of the big reveal for this baby.” I shake my wrist.
“That’s the perfect event. You’ll be all glammed up and you’ll have the dazzling accessory to match. I’m sure whatever you wear, you’ll be styling.”
“You know I was going to bring it on regardless, but now I have to step up my game to do justice to this bracelet.” We both laugh. Suddenly Maggie’s expression goes from happy to confused. She scrunches her nose. “What is it?” I ask.
“Granted, I don’t really know how these things work and so far I’ve only dated one guy at a time, but are you guys going to let people know you’re dating both Ethan and Xander at the same time?”
“Maybe it’s time for me to start from the beginning and answer the questions you had earlier.” For the next hour I tell Maggie everything—from the scrumptious meal on Friday night, to the unexpected proposal, to the celebratory sexcapade that I never thought I’d recover from, to a leisurely weekend of us hanging out together, including a wonderful Sunday where Xander cooked up a storm and Ethan and I ate every single last crumb.
Maggie is all ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’. Her eyes sparkle and she erupts in a clamor of joyful claps every time I allude to how hot the sex was. The only thing I don’t reveal is how much I get off from having my boyfriends stick their fingers or that plug in my backside. I must admit that when Ethan first inserted that sex toy in my ass, I squirmed. The lube was so cold. Luckily his finger warmed me up quickly. The way he rimmed my rosette was incredible. When he pressed in deep, I gasped. I’d never felt anything like that. What started out as an odd sensation quickly became addicting. I fully submitted to their desires and what I got in return was mind-blowing and blissful all wrapped up into one nice package. Words can’t even cut it when it comes to explaining that level of blessedness. The way they stripped me of my control left me vulnerable, shaking and oscillating between ecstasy and Nirvana. Thank you, God. Although we share almost everything, I wouldn’t even know how to start that conversation with my cousin. I end my story by explaining what Xander told me about us keeping our unusual relationship to ourselves.
“Xander is okay with this?” she asks when I’m done with my saucy tale.
“He’s the one who suggested it, but it was a mutual decision. They’ve been upfront about the fact that they talked about this at length. They wanted to make sure I was comfortable given that there’s nothing conventional about two men wanting to cherish one woman.”
“Wow. They have it all figured out. It seems like this isn’t their first time down this road. Clearly they’ve been in this situation before.” No sooner has she spoken those words that her hands fly up to her mouth. Her eyes bug out of her head as she applies pressure against her lips. She remains that way for a beat until she speaks again. “Oh, shit,” she gasps. “I’m so sorry, Dee. You don’t need to be reminded of their past.”
My eyes go wide. Maggie’s suggestion startles me, but eventually I regain my footing. “This might sound a little naïve, but it’s never even entered my mind that they might have had a relationship like this with another woman before me.”
“I guess the subject didn’t come up and most likely you didn’t want to rock the boat?” she asks carefully. She knows me well.
“I was too busy walking on sunshine to consider it. Even if I had wanted to ask the question, as you so accurately pointed out, I doubt I would’ve had the courage to speak my mind.”
“I should’ve never said that.” She looks so remorseful.
“I have no doubt they’ve shared other women before because there’s never been any hesitation on their part. I might be new at this, but I’m not dumb. The way they work in tandem at getting me to submit is a well-oiled machine. They’re too smooth for it to be their first time. I thought we were having fun, and although I was finding it increasingly difficult not to be with them, I avoided getting my hopes up. I came here for an unforgettable work experience, not to get my heart broken into pieces. In my head, I kept reminding myself that these naughty interludes were just that and nothing more. Until they asked me to be their girlfriend, I didn’t even know it was possible. I didn’t hesitate for one second because I love being with them and I love the way they make me feel. I also have to admit that knowing I turn them on so much gives me such a high. And, since it’s just the two of us, I can admit that I’m truly falling for both of them. I can’t get enough of them and it would’ve ripped me in half had I been forced to choose. That said, in retrospect, they were very comfortable about everything on Friday night and they had answers to all of my questions, which suggests you’re right. This isn’t their first time.” My elation turned into uncertainty. My insecurities about men and relationships creep up again.
“Don’t you dare go there, Dee,” Maggie scolds.
“I’m not,” I lie.
“Bullshit. Your entire demeanor has changed in a blink of an eye.”
“Okay, maybe this revelation is making me second-guess myself,” I confess.
“Don’t do that to yourself. You deserve these two guys. Let’s not kid ourselves here, they’re not boys. They’re twenty-eight-year-old men. From your description, they’re demigods in bed… and let’s not forget those sexy-as-fuck British accents. Of course they’ve had other women and of course they’ve had other threesomes. May I remind you they’re former pop stars? I’m sure women must have been throwing their thongs at them every time they walked down the streets. Heck, in this day and age, I’m pretty sure those groupies were going commando. I have no doubt that most of their female fans were running after them with their pussies dripping begging to get fucked.”
I explode in laughter. “Thanks for the visual,” I say when I regain my composure.
“It’s my job to lift your spirits. At least I got a smile out of you.”
“You cert
ainly did. For the record, you’re amazing. Thanks for doing that.” My heart swells at the knowledge that we’re so close she can read me like an open book and she knows exactly what to say to soothe my soul.
“Have you even Googled them since you found out about their illustrious past?”
“Actually, I haven’t. Between what Jackie told me and what they’ve candidly shared, it was enough for me.” The truth is, I don’t need to see women groping at them.
“Well, I have.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“It’s in your best interests,” she quips. “As your best friend I have to look after you.”
“I bet.” I roll my eyes.
“There’s no doubt your guys are smoking hot in every sense of the word. With all due respect, because I know they’re yours, girl, I was fanning my overheated pussy as I scrolled down the wall of deliciousness when I clicked on the image tab after typing their names in the search bar. Holy caliente, Batman.”
“Maggie, you’ve lost your marbles.” I laugh. “But you’re right.” I add.
“What can I say? You picked a pretty incredible pair.” I did. “Back to what I was saying. Even though most of their fans are grown women with kids now, many of them wouldn’t hesitate to drop their panties, lean forward and spread their legs for a quick fuck if either of them walked their way. And from what I’ve read on numerous British celebrity and entertainment sites, many would willingly drop to their knees to service their cocks based on the rumors that they’re quite the studs—which we both know you can attest to.”
“Those are images I could’ve lived without.” I laugh.
“Honey, it doesn’t matter if they’ve had one or twenty other girlfriends they’ve shared between them. That’s the past. This is now. What’s important is that they want you. In a sea of willing women, they selected you. It’s a big fucking deal for a guy to want to commit. I can’t imagine two men committing to the same woman. You’re in London for another three months and that’s a really long time for you to lose yourself in something blissful and magical. God has given you a present He rarely bestows on most of us—case in point, I’m riding one big cock, not two.” She purses her lips and waits for my reaction. She’s absolutely hilarious. I lose it again. “Personally, I’d run with it and forget the rest.”
I soak in her words for a few long minutes just staring at her. She allows me to process everything she said without rushing me.
“You’re right,” I finally concede.
“This is your time, Dee. Don’t let anyone or anything dampen it.”
CHAPTER 55
Delilah
God keeps piling up the goodness. After weeks of grey and iffy weather, He delivers a glorious Monday morning. Finally. I think it’s because He knows I’m on such a high. I, Delilah Belle Babcock, have not one, but two sizzling hot boyfriends. Yeah, it’s pretty good to be me.
I was so excited about this beautiful day that I left for work early. Ashley wanted us here by eight o’clock in the morning, but I had a head start to the day. I’ve been walking on sunshine—pun very much intended. I got off the Tube three stops before my designated one and walked the remainder of the way to McKelvey Bakery, which is a few blocks away from work. I arrived at the gallery at seven-thirty with a very large latte in one hand and a chocolate and banana muffin in the other. The coffee is delicious, but their killer muffin is to die for. It’s as good as anything I’ve tasted in New York City.
Since no one was here when I got here, I had the opportunity to ease into my morning, enjoy my coffee and relish every bite of my muffin. Before I fired up my computer I responded to a flurry of text messages from my boyfriends. Before going to bed last night, Xander and Ethan called me to wish me a good night. They were on speakerphone and we talked for half an hour until my eyes couldn’t stay open. When I woke up this morning they had already sent numerous text messages letting me know how much they missed me. I’ll be honest, I was dumbfounded at first. When I finally accepted this is my new reality and a new norm for me, I couldn’t thank my lucky stars enough. How many women on this planet get this kind of treatment?
It was weird waking up this morning alone in my bed. As much as I crave Ethan and Xander’s warmth, I can’t even put a price tag on being able to talk things out with Maggie, especially after it became clear that although this is my first threesome relationship, it’s unlikely that they’re in the same boat as me. Looking at things from her perspective has brought me back the calmness and confidence I needed.
I’ve been working like a crazy woman since I popped the last bite of my muffin into my mouth. It’s been a grueling morning and it’s been nonstop for all of us. Heck, I haven’t seen Ashley at all. She’s been locked up in that office of hers since she set foot in the gallery at five past eight. Since I’m only due to go on lunch when Gemma comes back at one-thirty, I decide I need a breather before I go cross-eyed.
Piper has had the phone glued to her ear for hours now and most of the other curators are in the same boat—super busy. For some mysterious reason Benjamin is the only one prancing around like he has too much time on his hands. Needless to say there’s no way I’d ask him to sit at my desk just in case a client walks through the doors while I take a quick break. I’m sure he’d remind me that it’s so beneath him considering his vast array of knowledge in the art world. Blah, blah, blah.
Katrina comes to my rescue. She’s kind enough to replace me while I stretch my legs. Once I grab my third latte of the day, I slip out. Yippee. I’m free! In the back of the gallery we have a little area where we hang out. Most of my coworkers come out here for a smoke. It’s nothing pretty, but on a day like today, it’s a godsend. I’m halfway through my coffee when the Skype ringtone chimes in. I quickly fetch my phone from my pocket to see who’s trying to get a hold of me. Well, that’s weird.
“Momma?” I ask, surprised, even though I see her name flashing on my screen.
“Good morning, honey.” She’s cheery as always.
“What are you doing calling so early on Monday morning?”
“Delilah Belle Babcock, I reckon I raised you better than that. Just because you’re living abroad doesn’t mean you need to throw your Southern values out the door. You could at least wish me a good morning,” she scolds.
Oh, oops. “I’m sorry. Good morning, Momma. It’s only seven o’clock in your part of the world. You’ve never called me this early.”
“I know. I just woke up thinking about you.”
“Did something happen to Daddy?”
“God, no,” Momma replies. “He’s as strong as an ox. That man is going to live on forever.” She laughs.
There must be something else. “Is everything okay? Does it have to do with one of my brothers? Was there an accident?” I ask, still a little panicked.
“Of course not, dear. We’re all doing fine. I’m just calling to talk to my daughter.”
“Okay.” I breathe out a sigh or relief.
“Before I carry on, is this a good time to talk?”
“It is. I’m actually on a break. Your timing couldn’t be better,” I confirm.
“Oh, good. I know how much you love your job, I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble.”
“It’s unlikely to happen. My boss loves me and the feeling is mutual. Not to mention that I’m a stellar employee.”
“What’s there not to love?” My mom humors me.
“You’re just saying that because you’re biased.” I laugh.
“You do make a good point.” She laughs. “In any case, the reason I called is because when we last spoke last you told me how terrible the weather was in London. I added your city to my weather app on my phone. Well, I don’t have to tell you that it’s been pretty gloomy for the past few weeks where you live. When I woke up this morning and I saw that it was going to be a balmy day and the sun was finally going to come out, I just had to call you. Since your father left early for work to get ready for an important meeting with a
big client, I figured I’d touch base with my baby.”
“You’re such a sweetheart. You’re right. It’s a beautiful day. After five and a half weeks, God responded to my prayers.” He even blessed me with gifts I never asked for because I just didn’t think He’d grant me my wishes.
“It seems like it took a little time to get your order in, but at least She didn’t forget about you.” Momma laughs at her own joke. I can even hear her slapping her leg.
“You’re hilarious. I was starting to think that I haven’t even made Her list.” I laugh. “It’s so glorious outside that I walked partway to work this morning. I’ve never done that since I got here. Heck, I rarely did that in New York.”
“It’s amazing how this London experience is changing you.” In more ways than one.
“It’s definitely giving me a new perspective on life.” Okay, I’m sure we’re not talking about the same thing here, but it does apply to my mother’s comment. “I’m telling you, the entire city is soaking up this sunshine like it has an expiration date—”
“Well, I guess in many ways it does. It’s not like back home where we have an endless supply of sun and hot weather.”
“You’re right, Momma. People are on such a high, they’re not walking, they’re literally skipping. Everyone’s so excited to see the sun. On the Tube this morning I noticed the difference.”
“What do you mean?”
“Men ditched their formal jackets for a more laid-back look, while women showed off their legs. Short skirts were out with a vengeance. I’m just elated that I’m finally able to wear the summer wardrobe I dragged all the way from New York.”
“You’re in such a good mood, honey.”
“I am.” There I go grinning like a fool again. Thank God everyone is so busy working, no one has time to notice how giddy I’ve been all day.
“It sounds like you had a great weekend and you’re having a good day.” You could say that.
“I had a magical weekend and although I have a ton of stuff to knock off of my to-do list before the end of the day, everything is running smoothly so far. Mondays can be so unpredictable. Given the workload, I expected some sort of drama, but it’s smooth sailing as far as the eye can see. In other words, I really can’t complain. I know I shouldn’t count my chickens before they’re hatched, as they say back home, but this is shaping out be a super-productive day,” I cheer. “What a great start to my week.”
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