7. Brandt
We were on our second movie, cuddled together like one big burrito, and my heart was full. Almost a year of talking things out and planning our approach to opening our relationship could not have prepared me for the intimacy and sense of peace I would find when the moment happened. Merry’s head was in Cairo’s lap, and I loved Jim’s big body so close to me. I didn’t question why I was so comfortable with the arrangement. I didn’t need to.
I turned my head and kissed Jim’s neck. He smiled sleepily and rubbed his nose against mine. Why had I thought only one man could make me feel this way? Seen. Appreciated. Cherished.
Cairo and I might have taken the long road to get to this point, but I valued the time we had shared understanding our needs and desires. Seeing how contented he was only made me happier.
Somewhere in the middle of the movie, Jim nodded off. Merry chuckled softly and unwound himself from around us. “I should take him to bed. He usually doesn’t stay up this late.”
“We should get going, then,” I said. Oh shit. Had we overstayed our welcome? Technically, we were paying for this service. And we’d spent almost four hours with them when we’d only paid for two.
“Oh no, don’t go. You two look so comfy here. But before I take him upstairs, do you mind if I ask you for a favor?”
“Not at all.” Cairo sat up and touched Merry’s knee. “You can tell us. What is it?”
Merry smiled down at Jim, his expression soft. “Sometimes I have to be away on flights longer than I would like. I love my job, but it always eats at me that Jim is left alone when I do. Can you, you know, keep an eye on him so he’s not too lonely? I know we have a professional relationship, but I am asking as a friend.”
“Of course. That is no problem at all.”
“Thank you. You’re good friends, and I hope you know we’re happy to keep working with you for as long as you need us.”
“Does this mean you’ll invite us to the next gangbang party?”
Merry laughed. “Seriously?”
“We’re just teasing you, Merry. Go on, take him up, and we’ll get out of your hair.”
“No, finish the movie. You can let yourself out when you’re ready.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Jim and I trust you.”
He kissed me briefly, then Cairo. Gently he woke up Jim, who was adorably disoriented as he got to his feet. Merry blew us a kiss and led Jim from the living room. Silence fell between Cairo and me. We stared at each other, the movie forgotten. Then as one, we met in the middle, Cairo’s arms going around me as we kissed deeply.
“How was it?” Cairo squeezed my bottom. “Was it everything you wanted?”
I twined my arms around his neck. “Honestly? It was so much more. I really like them for us, Cairo.”
“Me too. It was so hot, but I never expected the cuddling and feeling like we’re one big foursome.”
“Does it bother you that this is changing? The way we feel about them? That it involves feelings, I mean.”
“No, you?”
“Same. They took me by surprise.”
“So what do we do now? We’re falling for our surrogate partners. Aren’t we supposed to back away if that happens?”
“Yeah, but do you want to end it?”
“No.”
“Let’s just see where things take us. How about that?”
“Yeah.” I snuggled up to his side and threw a leg over his waist. “You’re amazing. You know that, right?”
The left side of his mouth hitched up in a smile. “You’re the amazing one. I’m just glad I get to do this with you.”
“No regrets?”
“No regrets.”