Chapter Sixteen
Molly
Rosie sits across from me at the kitchen table with a notepad in hand. It’s been three days since the incident at the shop and we’re both itching from the inside out to get back to work. “Owen knows a guy who’d be interested in buying the shop from us. We’d get our investments back and then some.” She narrows her eyes. “Not by much, but it’s more than we’re gonna get anywhere else, especially with the ghost of the devil wandering the back halls.”
I tip the decaf up to my lips and swallow the warm liquid down. “What’s the guy turning it into?”
“Apparently, buying tools from a haunted hardware store is better than flowers.” There wasn’t much thought on whether or not we’d keep the shop after the shootout with Maverick and Tyler. No one wants flowers from a place tainted with that kind of drama. At least not in a small town, anyway. Maybe things like this happen all the time in the city. “I think we should do it.”
I pick at my fingernails as my mind spins, but I already know that I’m taking the deal. There’s no way around it. We need to jump while anyone is offering us money. That’s a no-brainer. We can pay off our bills and we can both go our own way. It’s for the best, though it’s still sad to see it go.
She reaches her hand out for mine. Her hand is so small and soft compared to what I’m used to lately. “The police said they reviewed the video. Did they call you yet? I didn’t want to mention anything until they did, but—”
“No. I mean, maybe they called, but the guys have been interrupting all things stress related lately. So… what did they say?”
Rosie drums her long fingernails against the dining room table. “No stress here. They got what they needed. Tyler trespassed and held me at gunpoint, and then shot Maverick first. So, there are no charges necessary.”
I guess the guys are doing a great job sheltering me because I didn’t even know there was an investigation. I figured Tyler would be liable for his own death the second he trespassed and started threatening people. At least that’s how things would go in my world order or on the crime shows on TV.
“Anyway,” Rosie sighs, “none of that matters anymore. You’ve got a baby to plan for and a whole new life with three hot dudes.” She pushes the notepad toward me. “Can you write me step-by-step instructions on how to make that happen, please?”
I laugh. “Yeah, not sure I even understand how it happened. How are you and Owen?”
Her eyes roll back. “Nothing is happening between us if that’s what you’re getting at. He’s busy with work and I’m currently unemployed, so I’m being domestic to earn my keep.”
I laugh. “So, you’re sucking his dick?”
“Umm… no. Sorry, not quite ready to go full Molly yet.” She grins and tugs the notebook back. “So, we’re good on the sale?”
I nod and smile as my phone buzzes on the table. It’s Maverick asking me to meet him in the garage. “We’re good. I’ve got those three hot dudes to keep me busy. I think I’m going to be okay.” I grin ear to ear.
“On that note… I’m gonna let you do your thing. I’ll get the paperwork for the shop and stop by with it later this week.” She stands and leans into my chest, hugging me tight before rubbing her hand over my stomach and addressing the baby. “You’ve got a strong mama, baby. Did you figure out the sex yet?”
“Not yet. We wanted to create some distance between the thing at the shop and the baby gender reveal.”
“Makes sense.” She lifts her hand off my stomach and grabs the notebook off the table, then tosses it back down again. “Actually, I’m gonna leave this here. You need to write down every step you took to get these men to want you. Got it?”
“Should I include the crazy boyfriend thing, too?”
She shakes her head as she tucks her feet into her boots and grabs her jacket off the hook by the door. “Nah, leave that part out.”
I smile as she steps out into the snow. I’m sure our relationship will change soon. I’ll be busy with the baby and the guys, and without the shop, we won’t have a reason to be in each other’s lives every day. Still, I hope it doesn’t change too much. Outside of the guys, she’s my only friend in town, and I don’t know what I’d do without her.
The front door closes, leaving behind a cold breeze that fights the warmth of the fireplace. Maverick was supposed to be resting out at his trailer. He has two bullet wounds. One in his shoulder, and the other closer to his chest. I’m glad I didn’t see all that as the shootout was going down or I’d have probably passed out again.
I tug on my fur boots and grab my jacket out of the hallway closet. A change of clothes is probably in order, but at this point, the guys have seen me in my flying saucer pajama shorts and matching tee before. They might have even seen me wearing it the last three days straight. For the record, I did shower. The clothes are just comfy, and pregnant women get excuses, right?
Outside, snow falls lightly, and though it’s nearly dusk, the light is still out on the outside of the old gray barn that sits on the opposite side of the property. In the detached garage a few feet away, the rolling doors are closed, but I hear country music playing. Holden and Rhett’s trucks are both parked out in front.
They must be working on their bikes together. I haven’t lived here long, but I noticed at least once a day, the guys disappear to the garage for an hour to ‘work’ on their bikes. Sometimes, I’ll pop out with a snack and they’re actually installing a new exhaust system or replacing handlebars for something more custom. But most of the time, they’re drinking beer around their bikes… which is just as important, I guess. Truth be told, I love that they have this together. They need time to be men, to bond, to build a brotherhood that will carry them through forever.
I open the garage door, and I’m met with a burst of warm air, exhaust, and motor oil. As I expected, all three men are leaned against the toolbox with beers in their hands.
Tight t-shirts, jeans, and tattoos. I think I have a type, though Holden is still wearing his button-down shirt and a pair of slacks. I still don’t know how we’re going to make any of this work considering the fact that he’s my therapist, but I’m taking small wins right now.
“Hey, trouble.” Rhett is closest to me, pulling me into his grip before I’m a few feet into the door. “I missed you.” He kisses my lips gently and I taste the sweet hops on his lips. “We were just talking about you.”
“Yeah?” I smile and make my way around the room, kissing Holden, then Maverick. He came home with stitches and a bandage on his shoulder, so I’m careful when I touch him. “What about?”
“Can’t wait for you to have this baby so we can get our old lady on these bikes.” Maverick lobs his good arm around my shoulder and kisses me again. “Thought maybe you wouldn’t mind coming out and letting us take some pictures of you for the wall.”
Holden glances at the free space above the toolbox. “We’re thinking a 12 by 24 right there.”
“Pictures? Now? I’m a literal mess. Maybe you didn’t notice my pajamas? They’ve been on repeat for days.”
Rhett grins. “That’s okay. You’re not wearing your pajamas for the picture.”
“What am I wearing then?”
Please don’t say nothing. I pretend I’m confident, but I’m not. Not in the slightest. I am, in fact, the most unconfident person on the planet.
“Nothing,” Maverick adds, stepping behind me to strip the coat off my body. “We want you as you are.” He kisses the back of my neck, then lands his hand on my throat. “Your soft skin, your red lips, those perfect tits, and that bare pussy on the seat of the bike.”
My clit throbs at the feel of his warm breath on my neck, and at the idea of stripping down for them and putting on a show. Unfortunately for them, I’d have no idea what I was doing.
Holden and Rhett join the group, their hands on my skin warm and rough. Tingles spread over my body, and though I’m a little terrified for what’s coming, or how it’s coming, I’m ready for whatever happens.
“Can we strip you down?” Holden’s voice is close to my ear, as someone else’s hand tucks under the short shirt.
I nod, holding my breath as my shirt is lifted up and off my frame and tossed onto the bench to the left.
“You look stressed, little one,” Holden continues, his voice raspy. “Should we relax you first?” His hand lands on my chin, and he draws my lips up to his, kissing my mouth with an open kiss as hands roam my bare chest, stomach, back, and shoulders. Hot breath, warm lips, calloused hands, and eager touches.
Shit! I stagger in a breath as my brain loses all control.
Rhett smiles. “Is that a yes?”
He’s really gonna make me say it.
“Should we relax your little body? Make your thighs shake? Bend you back on that bike until you’re dripping come?”
Okay… this can’t be real. This is the epitome of everything I’ve ever longed for.
“Yes,” I stutter. “Yes, please.”
That simple acknowledgment is all it takes and I’m instantly naked. I’m naked, and the men are stripping off their clothes. I’m naked, and my heart is thumping wild against my chest. I’m naked, and every fantasy I ever had is about to come true.