Chapter Three
Avery
Sleep drifts in quickly, like a hazy dream engulfing me in a snuggliest blanket. After rounds—rounds—of the best sex of my life, exhaustion tugs my eyelids closed, absorbing their warmth.
A picture-perfect meadow appears, guarded by giant sentient trees, their protective branches reaching over the lake. Blankets litter the pebbled shore; several knees bend toward the cerulean sky as laughter echoes across the water.
Jaxton leans over, cupping the back of my head to press his warm lips against mine. Liam entwines our fingers, sighing contentedly while soaking up the sun’s rays. Kamden and Lennox busy themselves with the drinks and picnic basket, remaining in the background, just out of reach—no matter how hard I strain to catch a glimpse of them.
Our afternoon smells of fresh air and sunblock—laughter and love—an easiness that sets my stomach fluttering. The day floats by in glimpses, highlighting the possibilities of an amazing future.
We’re splashing in the water, gliding closer together. I’m seconds away from catching the glances of Kam and Lenn that I’ve longed for when my eyes pop open, and familiar green curtains taunt me.
Angrily slapping my phone on the nightstand, I roll over, confused. The morning fog clears as flashes of the previous night tickle the pleasure sensors of my brain, lighting up all my sore nerve endings. As I stretch those worked muscles, the sheets come back cool, laying a heaviness on my chest at their sudden disappearance. Silence confirms the emptiness of the house, signaling they’ve left without a word.
One large thump of rejection resounds before I swallow my disappointment and start my morning routine. Logic isn’t functioning when I move to the window first, hoping to catch a glimpse of them. Unsurprisingly, Jax’s car ghosted the driveway, as much as they ghosted me.
One day. One date. One perfect night.
It’s not enough to justify the tightening of my gut, the warm prickling of my eyes, the stuttering beats of my heart screaming with sadness.
As I’m returning to my room to pout, a piece of paper catches my attention. Snatching it up like it’s the end of the world and I’ve spotted the last Twinkie; I pore over every word.
Hey Bee,
We tried to wake you, but it looks like we completely wore you out, sleepyhead. Jax had an early start, so we had to sneak out—but don’t think for a second we wanted to leave that warm little nest of yours. Call one of us the moment those gorgeous eyes open—we’re already missing you.
XX Liam
Jaxton 234-435-6632
Liam 234-435-9465
The urge to call now twitches my fingers as I rush back to my room to scoop up my phone, staring at it like a fifth-grade girl with her first crush. Calling right away seems desperate, even though they want me to. Moments ago, I’d thought they left me high and dry, well… not dry.
I inhale deeply and shake off my self-doubt. Our relationship—or whatever it is—is off the charts. Our instant connection is cliché, but no less true. Ready to risk rejection, my fingers glide across the keypad, dialing Jaxton’s number.
“Hello.”
He breathlessly answers after a few rings.
“Hi,”
I return, shyness shivering through my greeting, flashing memories of the night before.
“Did you sleep well?”
The smile is thick in his sarcastic question.
“Very.”
My voice practically purrs, silencing his retort with a grunt.
“You keep talking to me in that tone, and my coworkers are going to get a show.”
Chuckling in the background draws my attention, perking my interest.
“Say good morning to Liam for me.”
Warmth colors my words, revealing my hidden desires.
“He hears you, baby. Got you on speakerphone now.”
“Morning, Bumblebee.”
Liam singsongs.
My legs scissor, craving the sound of him again. I’m ridiculously happy with the disgustingly sweet pet names that the feminist in me hates but secretly loves. “Am I interrupting your work? You can call me later.”
“Absolutely not. Call anytime. If I don’t answer, then call Liam.”
Jaxton protests.
“He’s right, Bee. One of us will always answer.”
Liam confirms.
“Okay. How’s your morning going?”
“Good. Better now that you’ve called.”
Liam hums.
“We hated leaving you this morning. You were completely worn out and so peaceful. We even tried to wake you, but all you did was mumble in your sleep.”
Jax chimes in, sweetening the conversation like candy. “What do you have planned today before we come over?”
Laughter bubbles at his playful banter. “Confident of a second invite, are we?”
“You better believe it, Kitten.”
They both join in the cat-and-mouse banter.
“You two are trouble.”
I tease. “I’ll probably be out in the yard, then over to Dad’s to check on him. No work, so I’m free. When are you guys finished?”
“We’re here until late afternoon.”
Disappointment is clear in Jaxton’s tone.
“That’s okay. That’ll give me time to get some things done before I get distracted. We can barbecue when you get here, if you want. I can spend a little time in the yard and then prepare some food. Just come over when you’re done working. If it’s early enough, you two are welcome to come with me to Dad’s to bring him leftovers for dinner.”
I’m literally bouncing with anxiety. I just invited them to Dad’s. W! T! F!
“Sounds good.”
Jaxton agrees quickly.
“Mm, the parent invite already, Bumblebee. We accept.”
Liam chuckles, sensing my nervousness through the line.
Jaxton cuts his brother off before he can tease me any further. “I’ll try to get out of here quickly.”
“No rush.”
“All right, Kitten. Go play in the dirt.”
“We’ll be there before you know it, Bee.”
“See you soon.”
I do an internal jig and hum with pleasure, flopping back on the bed. But before I can embarrass myself further, muffled voices catch my attention.
“Babe!”
Glancing down at my phone, I see the call is still connected. “Hello?”
I ask tentatively, praying for a miracle that’d save some of my dignity, but no.
Deep chuckles sound through the speaker. “That noise right there. The hum you make when you’re extremely pleased.”
Tilting my head, confused, I ask, “What do you mean?”
Liam’s laughter turns seductive. “That’s why I call you Bumblebee. You hum like you’re buzzing around in pleasure. It’s my new favorite sound.”
My entire body flushes with heat, and I do the only thing that makes sense in the moment—I hang up on him.