Chapter Seven
Avery
When my eyes flutter open the next morning, sunlight pours through my bedroom window, signaling the start of a new day. Liam’s arm is wrapped around my waist from behind, while my nose is nestled against Jaxton’s chest. I stay still, savoring their warmth for a little longer, but Liam stirs a moment later.
“Morning, baby,”
he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep as he gently rolls me off his brother and hovers over me, bracing his elbows on either side of my head before kissing me deeply. When he’s had enough, he pecks my nose and leans back to examine my skin. “Your burn looks better. How’re you feeling?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
And I’m not talking about the burn. “Want some breakfast? Do you have to work today?”
“Shit.”
He glances at his phone and nudges Jaxton. “Bro! You’re late. Forgot to set your alarm.”
“Shit!”
Jaxton jumps out of bed like his ass is on fire. “I’m late. I’ve got to get going.”
He pauses to kiss me softly on the lips. “Raincheck on breakfast?”
“So, you were awake.”
I smirk, leaning in for another kiss.
Liam chuckles, burying his face in my neck and inhaling deeply before groaning. “Of course he was. He likes watching just as much as participating.”
“Let’s go, Liam. Kitten, you should try to get some more sleep. The sun takes a lot out of you, and you were working in the yard too.”
“I will,”
I reply with a disgruntled sigh, pouting as Liam’s warmth slips away with him.
I tuck my hands under my cheek, watching them get dressed. When they’re ready, they both swoop in to steal another kiss before heading out.
“Bye, baby. We’ll check in with you soon. Get some rest, okay?”
“Have a good day,”
I mumble, already drifting back to sleep.
The Sandman quickly pulls me back into dreamland. Warm blankets cocoon me while cool air brushes my face, letting my subconscious run wild. My dreams are vivid, swirling with images of tangled bodies and a future filled with towheaded children with earth-toned eyes.
All too soon, I’m pulled from those beautiful dreams as I wake, my focus sharpening on the bedroom around me. My eyes land on the clock by my bedside, and they widen. “Shit!”
Panic surges before I remember it’s my day off.
I can’t remember the last time I slept past nine. The sunburn must have taken more out of me than I thought, not to mention all the… activity.
I fish my phone out from under my pillow and see a waiting voicemail. My stomach flips when Liam’s name flashes on the screen. Without hesitation, I hit play. His voice instantly soothes any lingering nerves.
“Hey, Bumblebee. Just checking in with you. Jax doesn’t finish his shift until eight tonight, but you better be ready for us.”
His voice is rich with dark intentions, promising a fantasy brought to life. “Call when you wake up, no matter what time. Talk to you soon.”
My heart flutters as the message ends.
Finally, I drag myself out of bed and into the shower. The burn has calmed down enough for me to wear clothes without much discomfort, so I opt for a lightweight summer dress that covers the more sensitive areas.
Once I’m dressed and ready for the day, I debate when to call Liam. He said to call anytime, but I don’t want to interrupt anything important. My self-control falters, though, and I dial his number, nervously biting my lip as it rings. By the third ring, I roll my eyes at how ridiculous I’m being.
“Hey, beautiful.”
His voice is bright, and I can practically hear his smile. “You’re finally up?”
“The burn must have really taken it out of me,”
I tease, knowing full well the sun wasn’t the only thing responsible.
His deep chuckle is like liquid chocolate, making me almost want to lick the screen of my phone. “Bee… are you teasing me?”
he growls playfully.
“Maybe…”
His growl deepens. “Sounds like you need a reminder.”
“A reminder of what?”
I’m practically purring, desperate for any form of relief.
He clicks his tongue. “Jax isn’t off until eight, but we’ll be by shortly after, and we’ll bring dinner.”
His sudden topic change confuses me until he adds, “Oh, and Bee? You better stretch before I get to you.”
I’m left speechless, a blubbering mess as he smoothly dominates the conversation. “I’ve got to go, but I want you to relax and save your energy for us. See you soon, baby.”
Background noise increases, and I hear voices calling his name before he hangs up. The alpha talk is really working for me.
Since it’s my weekend off, I decide to finish the house chores—laundry, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. I’m usually a clean-as-I-go type of person, letting music carry me through the tasks until they’re done.
Next, I bring my dad last night’s dinner. Before the guys meet my dad, I know I need to give him a heads-up—it’s only fair to prepare him. I wasn’t kidding when I said I don’t bring people home often. In fact, it’s more like... never.
He only lives a few blocks away, so the drive is quick. Letting myself in through the front door, I holler, “Dad! You home?”
“Hey, Avery. What are you doing here?”
He appears from the kitchen with a sandwich in hand, walking over to give me a kiss on the cheek, crumbs and all.
“Guilt,”
I laugh. “I ditched you yesterday, so I wanted to bring you dinner and visit.”
I handed him the plate. “Burgers, potato salad, and baked beans just how you like them.”
He chuckles, tossing his sandwich in the trash before heading to the microwave to heat the burger. “Where’d you get all that sun? The lake?”
“Yeah, I hiked with a couple of friends to my spot at the back of the lake—”
I stop, realizing I didn’t mean to mention my new relationship so quickly.
My dad arches a knowing brow, and my wide-eyed expression betrays the mild panic brewing inside me. Before he even asks, I know what’s coming. “Who’s this friend? Do I know him?”
There’s no easy way to explain the uniqueness of my relationship, especially since it’s so new, but Dad has always understood me better than anyone. Of course, he knew it was a guy—or two—and that they are special. Honesty it is. “Their names are Jaxton and Liam. I met them the other day at the bakery. They’re… amazing.”
I sigh dreamily at the last word.
“Oh, boy. Here we go.”
He plops down at the dining room table to eat his now lukewarm food.
“Don’t ‘oh-boy’ me, Dad,”
I laugh. “They’re good guys. You’ll love them.”
“Them?”
Dad raises an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and faint amusement evident on his face.
My cheeks heat as I admit, “Yes. Them. I’m kind of, sort of, dating both of them.”
“I see,”
Dad says, rubbing his jaw while checking his burger again.
“And… I haven’t met their brothers yet, but when I do, they might become part of our relationship too.”
His eyes widen in shock. “Before you say anything, it’s a polyamorous relationship, and they’re completely comfortable with it. So far, it’s been amazing.”
Dad runs a hand down his face. “Well, shit, darling. That might take some getting used to, but as long as they treat you right and you’re happy, that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
“I know.”
I kiss his cheek and walk around the counter so he can enjoy his meal. “They’re perfect gentlemen—they open doors, carried my pack on the hike, and helped take care of my sunburn.”
His eyes twinkle mischievously at the mention of the burn.
“So, when do I get to meet them?”
he asks around a mouthful of burger.
“Dad, don’t talk with your mouth full. And I’m not sure… they were supposed to come with me yesterday. I’ll bring them by next time if they’re with me, but—it's still new, so don’t go all ‘detective’ on them.”
He arches an eyebrow. “Since when are you shy about me meeting a guy?”
“Well… they’re… different.”
A blush creeps over my already flushed skin, making me feel like an awkward teenager again.
His curiosity shifts to a joyful smile. “My girl’s growing up too fast… that’s what’s happening right before my eyes.”
He abandons his meal, stands up, and pulls me into a hug. “I miss my little princess, but I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
His words hit me right in the heart, tightening my throat with emotion and making it hard to speak. “Love you too, Dad.”
He kisses the side of my head, squeezing me one last time before returning to his seat. “Sounds like you better bring these boys by sooner rather than later.”
His tone turns serious, but it doesn’t intimidate me like it used to when I was younger—it just makes me smile.
“I’ll be sure to tell them.”
For the rest of the visit, we talk about random things. Dad tells me all about his weekend fishing trip with his buddy, Tom, with the stories getting more exaggerated each time. I share updates on my yard project and show him the koi fish I’m planning to buy once the pond is complete. They’ll be one of the final touches—another reward to myself for all the hard work.
“All right, Dad, I have a dinner date tonight with the guys, so I’m going to head out.”
“Sounds good, darling. Thanks again for the food.”
“You’re welcome. Those burgers are your one bad meal for the week, so remember to eat better and go for a walk each day.”
I remind him of our healthy eating pact.
“Yes, darling,”
he replies, his tone sarcastic but playful. If I didn’t stay with him about it, he’d forget all the progress we’ve made.
“Thanks, Dad.”
He kisses me on the cheek and waves as I back down the driveway in my car.
While driving home, I dial Roman to check in. The phone rings several times before he answers with a curse and the sound of something banging in the background. “You always have impeccable timing,”
he grumbles.
“You’re the one who rushes to answer the phone instead of just calling me back like a normal person. Anyway, how’d the day go?”
I ask quickly, knowing he’ll keep complaining if I don’t change the subject.
“Good, good. Nothing special. Now quit messing around and tell me about your men. Every. Detail.”
His breathing speeds up with excitement.
“Calm down, for crying out loud,”
I laugh. He’s like a dog with a bone when it comes to juicy details.
“Hell, no! How long has it been since you dated or got laid? You’ve been radio silent since the other night, so I’m gonna guess it went well, and you got some action.”
He finishes his assumption with an enthusiastic whoop.
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the butterflies of excitement. “Fine! Yes, it went well. They’re amazing in every way. And when I say, ‘in every way,’ I mean in every way. I hit orgasm heaven this weekend and already have a reservation for tonight. They’re coming over in a bit, but I had to check in with you first.”
“Damn right you did! I can’t believe you kept this from me, you naughty girl.”
His voice lowers a few octaves, rich with temptation.
“Stop doing that! You know how sexy your voice is!”
He cackles mischievously. “Oh, I know, bitch. Just helping you pregame.”
“Jesus, Jaxton and Liam have that covered. No need for your alpha persuasion.”
“All right, fine. Keep in touch and don’t flake out like a bitch.”
“Got it.”
“Oh! I almost forgot! Did you hear about the movie they’re filming in town? I’m making Marco drive me over to check it out, see if I can spot any hot celebs.”
I can picture his eyebrows wiggling.
“Nope, haven’t heard anything about it. What kind of movie? Maybe Dad would want to check it out.”
“It’s a rom-com, so probably not his thing. But I got to go—don’t want the brownies to burn. Love you, chica!”
“Love you, too!”
His enthusiasm stays with me for the drive home and only grows when I arrive to find a single white rose on my doorstep. The thorns have been carefully trimmed, and a note is attached to the stem:
Roses are red,
violets are blue,
I can’t believe they met someone like you.
My stomach flips with anticipation as I add the white rose to the others on my table, but a flicker of confusion lingers. The way the note is written feels off—like the florist made a mistake by writing they instead of we. It’s a careless error, one that changes the tone entirely, making it sound unsettling rather than affectionate.
After applying another layer of lotion to my healing sunburn, I grab a bottle of water. A knock sounds from the living room. It’s a little early, so I wasn’t expecting the guys yet, but when I open the door, they’re the best sight I could ask for. My heart skips a beat as I take them in, mentally savoring every inch.
Jaxton’s hair is slightly damp, amplifying his scent, and I can’t help but moan softly. His eyes darken with hunger, and I blush under his intense gaze, pleased by the predatory smirk that curls his lips.
“Hey, Bee. Miss us?”
Liam nudges Jaxton, breaking our silent foreplay and drawing my attention to him.
Suddenly shy, I offer a small, cautious smile. “Yes.”
The word is barely a whisper.
“Good.”
Jaxton presses a soft kiss to my cheek before stepping inside, closing the door behind us. With a firm yet gentle grip, he guides me toward Liam—his touch both possessive and reassuring—while he drops a bag on the kitchen table. Jaxton comes back and draws me close until we’re pressed against each other. His nose buries in my hair, and he breathes against the hollow of my neck, as though trying to absorb every bit of my scent. “We grabbed burgers again. That okay with you?”
he murmurs against my skin without lifting his head. A full-body shiver runs through me, and I feel the deep rumble of his approving growl vibrating his chest.
“Of course.”
I’d agree with anything right now.
Liam knows my weakness perfectly as he presses his warmth against my back, intensifying the pleasure immediately. My knees nearly buckle as he nuzzles the other side of my neck, groaning with satisfaction. “It felt like days instead of hours, Bee.”
One hand clenches Jaxton’s soft, blue cotton shirt in sudden desperation, while my other hand reaches over my head to cup the back of Liam’s neck, angling myself so they both have the best access. This close, with skin-to-skin contact, it’s everything.
“Kamden and Lenn say hi,”
Jaxton murmurs into my neck, his voice low and warm. I tense slightly, and he chuckles against my skin. “Relax, baby. We video chatted earlier, told them about the lake… and, yeah, they saw your sunburn.”
I dropped my head to his shoulder, groaning. “What a great first impression. You video chatted me while I was sleeping.”
Another grunt, while I tap my forehead a couple of times.
Liam laughs, kissing my neck softly. “No words spoken but you won them over anyway.”
Their touches are fogging my brain, but not enough, as I shake my head. “They don’t even know me. How can they be smitten?”
Liam pecks my skin again. “You underestimated your powers of persuasion. Plus, it’s not like it’s the first time that we’ve talked about you. It’s just the first time they put your face with the person we’ve been spending so much time with lately.”
“Sorry, I missed them. Can we call them now?”
My lower lip pouts out.
Jax laughs, kissing my plump lip quickly. “Kam’s probably still at the restaurant but I bet we could get Lenn if he’s not at the beach.”
“Let me try him.”
Liam steps back, snagging his phone from his pocket, and clicks a couple of buttons.
As Liam’s phone rings, I glance over, catching the flash of Lennox’s name and photo on the screen. A jolt of excitement runs through me. I missed meeting him and Kamden last time since I’d passed out from a long day in the sun, and I’ve been eager to meet them both ever since. Liam grins at me as the call connects, pulling me closer to get a better view of the screen.
“Lennox, meet Avery,”
Liam says, nudging me gently forward by way of greeting.
Lennox’s face fills the screen, and it’s like seeing a mirror image of Liam—the same sharp jawline, the same light hair. But where Liam’s gaze carries a confident intensity, Lennox’s eyes hold a softer, playful glint that reveals his more easygoing nature. From what I can see through the phone, he doesn’t have nearly as many tattoos as Liam, adding to the subtle differences between them.
He gives me a broad, warm smile. “Avery! So, you’re the one keeping my brothers on their toes. It’s nice to finally meet you—well, sort of.”
“It’s great to meet you too, Lennox!”
I say, returning his smile, feeling my cheeks warm a little. “I’ve heard a lot about you, and I’m sorry I missed you and Kamden last night.”
“Don’t worry about it; I hear you were wiped out after a pretty epic day in the sun.”
His grin widens as he raises a brow. “And, for the record, I’m the fun twin. Liam may be charming, but I bring the real excitement to the table.”
Jaxton laughs, giving Lennox a mock-skeptical look. “Fun twin? That’s pushing it, don’t you think?”
Lennox rolls his eyes. “Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, brother.”
Then, turning back to me, he asks, “So, Avery, how’s your day?”
“Oh, just trying to take it easy after my sunburn adventure yesterday,”
I say with a small laugh. “Let’s just say I learned the hard way that those burns can sneak up on you—but honestly, spending the day out with these two made every crispy minute worth it.”
Lennox chuckles, shaking his head. “I’m not surprised. Those two are basically a comedy duo. I bet you’re getting more than a workout just keeping up with their banter.”
“Exactly,”
I agree, smiling. “Honestly, I’m just happy to be able to finally chat with you. I missed out last time, but I can already see the ‘fun twin’ energy.”
I wink, earning an exaggerated grin from him, and a growl from Liam at my back. “And I can’t wait to meet Kamden next. I’ve heard a lot, and he sounds like a serious one, but I get the sense he’s a softie at heart.”
Lennox laughs, nodding. “He definitely puts on a tough exterior, but yeah, he’s the biggest softie of us all. He’ll be thrilled to meet you, too, trust me.”
“Well, I’m looking forward to it,”
I say sincerely, settling back comfortably against Liam’s chest. “It already feels like I’ve known you all forever, and I mean that in the best way.”
Lennox chuckles, leaning closer to the camera. “I’ll be sure to let Kamden know you say hi and apologize for missing him. We’ll have to do another call soon so you can meet him, too.”
I nodded eagerly, feeling a warmth settle in my chest. “I’d love that. Tell him he’s got my official apology, and I’ll make it up to him.”
The four of us settle into an easy rhythm, laughing and trading stories, and I find myself grateful for this strange, wonderful family I’ve stumbled into.
As the call winds down, Lennox flashes a playful grin. “Well, Avery, it was great finally getting to meet you. You take care of my brothers tonight.”
He winks, the insinuation clear, and I can feel my cheeks heat up despite myself.
“Good night, Lenn,”
I manage, giving him a smile that I hope doesn’t show how flustered I feel. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Looking forward to it,”
he says, his grin widening. “Night, Avery. Night, you two.”
Liam and Jaxton laugh, shaking their heads, and as Lennox’s face disappears from the screen, I feel a warm, happy buzz settle over me.
Unfortunately, Jaxton pulls away all too soon, gently guiding us to the table, where we sit and eat. Conversation flows effortlessly as I settle in with the guys, the warmth of their presence immediately putting me at ease. I start by explaining why I went to see my dad without them, wanting to give him a little heads-up about our poly relationship before throwing him into the deep end.
“I figured it was better to prepare him,”
I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, a small smile tugging at my lips. “You know, let him process things before you all show up at once. It’s going to be a bit of a shock.”
Liam smirks, leaning back against the chair, his emerald eyes gleaming with amusement. “A shock? Bee, you make it sound like we’re walking in with a marching band and fireworks.”
“Trust me,”
I say with a laugh, “to him, it probably does feel that way. He’s only met a couple of people I’ve dated before—but never four at once. I had to make sure he wouldn’t spontaneously combust the second he laid eyes on you all.”
Jaxton chuckles, tossing an arm casually over the back of my seat. “Smart move, Kitten. So, how’d he take it? Is he sharpening pitchforks, or are we in the clear?”
I roll my eyes, but there’s a playful glint in them. “He’s... processing. He seemed more curious than anything.”
Jax raises a brow, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Curious, huh? What’d you tell him about us?”
“Oh, you know, just the basics,”
I tease, tapping my chin as if recalling a list. “That you’re a smooth talker, Liam’s cocky but charming, Kam’s the steady one, and Lennox is the quiet mystery who keeps everyone in line.”
Liam chuckles softly from his seat, his deep voice cutting through the room. “Charming, huh? I’ll take it. But what else did you say? I’m guessing you didn’t stop there.”
I grin, leaning forward slightly. “I might’ve mentioned that you’re all ridiculously good-looking and ridiculously attentive—and that I’m lucky to have you.”
The room fills with laughter and teasing remarks, the kind that warms me to my core. “Anyway,”
I say, steering the conversation back, “enough about my dad. How was your day? What did you get up to?”
Jaxton grumbles about not getting along with a co-worker but not having much choice but to work with them. I’ve been lucky enough to avoid that issue, having worked at the same bakery for years. Judging by the sour expression on Liam’s face, though, he’s seen it firsthand.
“That’s rough. Hopefully, you’ll figure out a solution,”
I say sympathetically.
As we finish eating and start tidying up, a sudden thought strikes me—Roman’s comment about the movie being filmed in town. “Hey! Did you hear about the movie they’re filming here?”
Jaxton hesitates for a moment, but I catch the brief flash of panic in his widened eyes. “Yeah, I heard. Kind of strange for a small town.”
“You, okay?”
I ask, wondering what spooked him.
“Yeah… no. I mean, I’m fine. Work was just a lot today—too much, really,”
he says, exhaling as if the words are hard to get out.
“Oh, sorry to hear that. But at least you’re done for the day and can relax with me tonight.”
I wink at him, and the gesture seems to ease the tension in his shoulders. I hit play on the movie we picked, but I don’t miss the worried glances Liam keeps exchanging with his brother throughout the rest of the evening.