20. Marcie
20
MARCIE
T wo days later, after the conversation in the kitchen that first night, along with the dancing the next morning, all the little moments since have played in my head like a movie reel. Watching them love one another, and including me, even the small amount they had, felt right in a way nothing ever had. Casual touches, heated glances, and the inclusive feeling that washed over me whenever I was near either of them, but especially when it was the three of us, it all mixed together in this slurry of emotion that my brain turned into the most magnificent movie. And I couldn’t get enough.
But it was the incidents in the kitchen and the one hall that lived and breathed in my mind that I still couldn’t get out of my head. Nor did I want to.
When I raced away from the two most beautiful, sinfully, sexy men I’d ever seen that night in the hallway, who were most definitely together, a litany of Oh, my God looped through my brain like a ticker tape. I thought I’d missed out, so I rounded the corner, but stopped dead in my tracks as indecision and second-guesses pummeled me.
What’s wrong with me? I’ll never get this chance again.
I turned back.
They’re married. They can’t possibly want me to intrude.
I spun toward my room. Took two steps. Then Declan’s voice drifted toward me.
“She might not wanna play with you, but… I do.”
But I do wanna play.
I turned back around, tiptoeing to the corner, and peeked around it. Hayden stalked toward Declan, who was stroking his shaft while he taunted the bigger man. He backed into the bedroom, and Hayden followed. I sighed in defeat as Hayden grabbed the door.
But then he turned, looked right at me, and winked.
“Eeep!”
I rushed toward my room, chastising myself the entire way. I opened the door, shut it behind me, and fell back against it.
I’d gone to bed that night determined to put them out of my head. It didn’t work. I tossed and turned until I finally flopped onto my back and let my fingers relieve the tension they’d created with the show they’d given me.
I still couldn’t believe I spied on them. It was bad enough that I caught them in the act. But to turn around and spy on them? That was just too much.
Or was it?
That thought plagued me all night until I stumbled out of bed the next morning, and they proved just how much it wasn’t too much.
Just thinking about spying on them, now, days later, got me hot and bothered, but not as much as I did remembering what they’d done to me on the kitchen counter. Brazen was not how I would describe myself, but I let two men… no, not let. I made out with two men, two married men, on the kitchen counter, and it wasn’t even my kitchen counter. My face flamed at the memory.
I woke up every morning in a turned on, horny mess, panting like a cat in heat with my finger buried inside me. Sometimes, I got lucky enough to enjoy the orgasm, waking before I got off, and other times, I was left cleaning up the mess afterward.
Tonight, when I walked past their room, the sound of them going at it fed the fantasy that lived in my mind, and dreams made worse by that make-out session. I growled and stomped to my room and straight into the attached bathroom.
I flipped on the shower, pulling my clothes off and tossing them to the floor. Averting my eyes from the enormous mirror over the sink and the leaning mirror visible through the open closet door, I waited for steam to fill the room.
When it felt safe, I finally let my eyes cast a glance at the reflection staring back at me. A laundry list of flaws as long as one of Hayden’s legs jumped out at me. There were only a few things I liked about myself.
I had beautiful eyes, an okay nose, high cheekbones, full, thick caramel-colored hair that fell to my bra line, and a pouty upturned mouth. Then, there was my jaw and neckline, which people always commented on. So, yeah, I had a pretty face with better than average features, but then everything fell apart the further your gaze traveled south.
My breasts were firm and sat high on my chest, but they were too big for my slender upper body. They drew such unwanted attention because people, men and women alike, believed they were fake. The way men behaved about them irked me to no end, but women were worse. Catty, to put it mildly, and in some cases, full-blown jealous hostility. The reactions made me consider having them reduced several times, but the cost, not to mention the pain, deterred me.
My gaze wandered lower.
I didn’t mind my waistline. It was flat and soft, but the worst part was how much it dipped in above my hips. It was just a bit too much. Okay, a lot too much because those same women who made rude comments about my chest often made snide remarks, contemplating whether I wore a corset. I didn’t and couldn’t understand why anyone would. I got the need for one when wearing certain formal wear, but wearing one to work or going out to a club? Yeah, stupid.
The parts of my body I hated the most, were my hips, butt, and thighs. Too thick, too full, too plump, too round. The list of too’s went on for ages, and none of them were good. They made wearing certain outfits and dresses next to impossible. Add in the overabundant chest, and I looked more than pleasantly plump.
Sighing, I turned from the mirror, satisfied with my decision to walk away from a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Declan and Hayden were both in pristine shape. They could have anyone they wanted. I could picture them with one of Hugh’s bunnies or a lingerie model sandwiched between them. Short, plump, and plain couldn’t and shouldn’t try to compete.
I stepped under the oversized rain showerhead with the absolutely breathtaking water pressure. The way it beat down on you was like a mini massage, and I wasn’t looking forward to leaving it behind. I contemplated asking for the vendor so I could order one for my bathroom at Gavin’s. He wouldn’t mind me changing out the one I had, but I looked online for how to do it, and it seemed like a lot of work. The internet recommended a plumber for installation, so I put the idea away.
Yet another thing not for me.
Shampoo sudsed in my hair as I scrubbed the few days of yuck from it. Washing my long hair was an event in and of itself. All jokes aside, it took forever, and yes, I had absolutely turned down going out or making plans because I needed to wash my hair. Aside from the showerhead I wanted to steal, the hand-held wand made getting rid of the shampoo and rinsing out the conditioner a breeze. But that wasn’t the best part of the wand.
Nope. Not even close.
The wand had adjustable settings, and one of them made me get off like a rocket meant for deep space travel. I reached for the wand now, getting rid of the shampoo, when I heard my phone ring from the other room. Gavin could wait, dang it. I already gave up a romp between two kinky, sinfully sexy men. I refused to give up the orgasm, too.
Letting the pulsating water tease my nipples, I sighed as my inner muscles mimicked the water and my breath deepened. I sat back against the ledge in the shower and spread my thighs, letting the water move south. My clit throbbed with need, and I sighed as the thundering beat of water touched my tender flesh.
“Marcie!”
Gasping and not in the way I wanted, I turned the wand off. Fumbling to hang it up so no one would guess what I was doing. I flipped off the water, slipping on the soap-covered tiles.
The door flung open, and Katie’s voice pierced the steam.
“Good Lord, are you trying to melt the flesh from your bones?”
“No.”
“Why are you on the floor? Did you fall? Should I grab Liam?”
Good God, no, don’t grab the hotter-than-hot doctor.
“Yes, I slipped. But I’m fine. Did you need something?”
“Are you sure you’re okay? You’re still on the floor.”
“Yeah. Because I’m naked.”
“Oh. Right. So… Gavin called.”
The shower door opened, and a towel appeared in front of me. Liam and Elizabeth’s towels were enormous, so I didn’t have to worry that they wouldn’t cover my rear end. I stood up, and wrapped it around myself, tucking the tail between my boobs.
Katie held another towel out to me before walking out to the bedroom. I blotted the water from my hair as I followed her.
“Lord, it’s more humid in there than Mississippi in the middle of the summer.”
“Sorry.”
“Oh, don’t apologize. I love a hot shower, but I can only take so much steam in the air.”
I grabbed some hair products, started adding them to my naturally wavy hair, all while finger-combing the strands.
“So, why did Gavin call you?”
Katie sat on the bench at the end of the bed, and I did the same. When I settled, she grabbed my hand.
“The nursing home called the house.”
My chin trembled as I tried to hold myself together to ask one of the million questions racing through my head.
“What…”
Katie pulled out her phone and dialed a number. The phone barely rang.
“Did you find her?”
“She’s right here beside me. Just talk. I’m not sure she can ask questions.”
“Squirt. He’s alive, but he’s had a heart attack. They’ve rushed him to Vandy. I’m heading over there now. I have the power of attorney papers you signed. I’ll keep you updated.”
I nodded, my brain filled with nothing and everything all at once. I rushed to my feet, flinging the towel from my hair and pulling it up in messy space buns. The towel around me hit the floor, and I pulled on the outfit I’d had on before my shower.
I turned around, and Katie’s eyes were round as saucers.
“Damn.”
I looked down, realizing I’d stripped in front of my boss.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I only wish I had a body like you. You look like a pinup model.”
I blushed and waved her off. She moved past me and grabbed a duffel bag. “Don’t worry about packing everything. Just take the essentials, and I’ll bring the rest with me to New York and then on to Nashville.
“I’ve gotta get a flight.”
“Nope. We’ve got that handled. Jackson’s grandfather sent the jet for us to take to New York. Declan overheard the phone call and arranged for the jet to take you to Nashville and then come back for us.”
“Katie, I can’t…”
“The Holts have spoken. Or so I’m told.”
“But I get why they’d want you…”
Katie shrugged, holding her hands in the air. “I’m the messenger.”
She turned for the door, picking up my phone and charger, which I had left plugged in with my e-reader, and put them in my purse. She turned, grabbed my toothbrush and makeup kit, dumping them in the duffel.
“Katie, you don’t have to…”
“You hush. You always take care of me. I can help you pack.”
My chin trembled, and I sighed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Foster is sending Priest and Cameron with you to be on the safe side. Both of them are former… oops, not former. Just a heads up, never use the word former to describe a Marine. There’s no such thing.”
I nodded and said, “Good to know.”
“Okay, so both Cameron and Priest are Marines and well-trained, from what Hayden said. He and Declan wanted to go with you, but Foster asked them to go with Jackson and me. Something about recon and profiling, I don’t know. He just asked them to go to New York, where they would best put their skills to use.”
I nodded. I knew all the people here protecting Jackson and Katie were well-trained, but I didn’t know the details, and hadn’t been curious enough to care.
“That’s fine, but I don’t know that I need both of them.”
“Again. I’m the messenger. All this is protocol, or so I’m told. Well, Hayden and Declan argued that we send a full detail with you. I asked why we weren’t, and Foster said it should lessen the threat to you since I’ll be in New York.”
I nodded. Priest and Cameron were nice. Whenever Priest was around, I laughed so hard. He was this naturally funny guy who kept all our spirits up over the last few days. We’d needed it because Katie’s stalker was still at large, and he’d made a grab for Katie and her soon-to-be stepmom. Some pretty scary crap, so I was perfectly fine with being followed around by Priest and Cameron.
Katie dug through the bag, turned for the closet, and came back with a stack of clothes and underwear. “I grabbed comfy stuff. Unless you want something dressier?”
I shook my head, and she packed the clothes, then went back into the closet and came out with a dressier outfit. “Just in case. Isn’t that what you always say?”
I huffed a sad laugh and smiled. “Yeah. I can’t thank you enough.”
“No thanks needed. If it wasn’t for me you’d be home with your dad and not here dealing with all my stalker crap.”
She zipped the bag, then clucked her tongue at my bare feet. “Cute pedicure, but you’re gonna need some shoes.”
I stared down at my toes. She returned with a pair of white, flat-bottomed board shoes that matched the army green joggers and white tank I wore. After I slipped them on, she handed me a denim jacket and threaded a silky soft black sweatshirt through the handles of the bag.
She was learning. I couldn’t help but be a little proud. I wasn’t a fashionista by any measurable standard, not like Jackson’s sister, Olivia, or Katie’s soon-to-be stepsister, Ava, but I did okay. Katie, on the other hand, sucked at dressing herself. I’d been teaching her and was happy to see she’d absorbed at least some of the knowledge.
“Okay. I think you’re ready. If you need anything, you put it on my cards. No arguments. And call me when you land and once you know what’s happening. No matter the time. I’ll keep my phone on me. And if you can’t call, just text.”
I nodded and followed her down to the kitchen. The house was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. In the kitchen, Walker, Declan, Hayden, Foster, Priest, Cameron, and Jackson sat waiting for Katie and me. Priest stepped forward, taking the bag from Katie.
“Is this it?”
Katie and I nodded, and he whistled.
“Y’all just made my heart pitter-patter.”
I smiled, but it faded when Hayden barked at him. “Priest!”
“Damn dude, one would think reuniting with the hubby and keeping half the house horny with all the sex noises for the last few days would fix that mean-ass attitude.”
Priest walked out of the house, winking at me as he passed me. Cameron placed a comforting grip on my arm as he followed Priest.
I didn’t know what to do. Should I follow them, or was I waiting for instructions about the flight? I cleared my throat, but Walker came forward and dropped a kiss on my forehead.
“Fly safe. Let us know if you need anything.”
I nodded and tears pricked my eyes. He looked at Declan and nodded before he left. Katie and Jackson followed after him once they hugged me.
Katie even reminded me about the expenses. “Remember what I said. Anything you need goes on the card. Anything .”
Foster came forward, squeezing my arm as he whispered, “I’m driving you guys. I’ll be in the car.”
“Thanks,” I murmured.
Over the last week, I’d noticed Foster had an insanely comforting dad vibe, but no Daddy vibe.
I nodded, looking at Declan and Hayden when they both grunted. A moment later, only the three of us remained, and I cleared my throat.
“I’ll see you guys around?”
The way my voice shook embarrassed the crap out of me.
Dear Lord, what the crap is wrong with me?
The longing I felt when I looked at them tugged at something deep within me, making me hate leaving. Insane. It was my only excuse. My dad suffered a heart attack, and except for my best friend, he was alone in the hospital. Dad’s Alzheimer’s probably made him even more confused than usual, and I didn’t want to walk away from two men I barely knew. It wasn’t like we were together. Not really.
Declan stood first, quickly followed by Hayden, and my heart jumped into my throat. I thought they were leaving me, but instead they came to me, their big, strong bodies side-by-side before me with an arm each wrapped around my waist. I stood stock still, staring at their chests.
Declan’s voice rumbled as he murmured, “You need anything, sweetness, and we’re your first call, understand?”
I nodded, tears sprang to my eyes, and my chin trembled. Hayden tilted my chin up so I was looking at them. Their gazes were so different. One blue-green. The other chocolate-brown. But they were both so warm that all I wanted to do was curl up and take a nap in them.
“Katie said your mama’s gone, and other than your dad and your friend Gavin, you’re pretty much on your own.”
Hayden’s words reminded me just how alone in the world I was. I nodded, and he leaned down so our noses brushed.
“You’re not alone. You have us, colibrí. Do you understand?”
Declan’s hand cupped my neck as Hayden’s lips took mine. I gasped as need coursed through me. His kiss was soft yet still somehow demanding, so unlike the other day.
When he released me, I looked at Declan, and a soft, sweet smile filled with heat bloomed on his face. “His kisses are addictive. You’ll find yourself longing for them at the weirdest times.”
“Just his?” I asked, my eyes widening at the audacity of my question, and I already knew they were. They weren’t all I thought about, but every time I looked at either of their mouths, mine longed to be taken, possessed, owned by them.
Declan chuckled and pressed his mouth to mine, our tongues slipped and slid together, making me forget everything but the two of them. He pulled away, a smirk firmly in place.
“Nope. Not just his. I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a support group to deal with how much I crave that mouth of yours.”
Heat filled my cheeks, and I giggled. “I…”
“Hey, Foster said the plane’s ready.”
Hayden’s head swiveled toward Priest, and he grumbled, “She’ll be there in a minute.”
“Hmmm. One would think you were the gunny instead of the other way around.”
“Call us when you land, colibrí. We’ll be waiting up.”
I nodded, and unable to help myself, I lifted onto my tiptoes and pressed my lips to first Hayden’s and then Declan’s. I moved out of their arms, and Priest held out his elbow as I approached.
“Your chariot awaits, ma’am.”
I chuckled, so thankful for these three men who helped lift my spirits somewhat. At the door, I turned to look over my shoulder. Hayden stood watching us walk away, a scowl on his face and his arms crossed over his broad chest. Declan stood behind Hayden, his arms around Hayden’s waist, his chin on his shoulder. I waved, committing this picture of the two of them, painted to memory.