Chapter Twenty
Avery
The mouthwatering aroma of something savory tickles my nose, pulling me from the warm cocoon of sleep. My stomach growls in response, reminding me I haven’t eaten lunch yet. Rest has worked its magic, and now hunger is demanding my full attention.
I stir in the blanket fortress Liam wrapped me in before I dozed off, pushing the soft fabric away from my face. The room is dim, the sunlight filtering through the curtains casting a gentle glow. As I blink the last remnants of sleep from my eyes, the sound of soft footsteps draws my attention.
Jaxton steps into the room, his familiar swagger muted by the quiet concern etched on his face. He kneels next to the couch; his gaze searches mine as he leans in to press a gentle kiss against my forehead.
“Hey, beautiful,”
he murmurs, his voice low. “How’re you feeling? Liam said you were sick earlier.”
I smile sleepily, the warmth in his tone melting away the last bit of grogginess. “Better now,”
I admit. “I think I just needed the rest. And maybe some food. Something smells amazing.”
“That’s music to my ears,”
Jaxton replies, his grin spreading wide. “Come on, we made lunch for you. It’s waiting in the kitchen.”
He helps me sit up, his hands lingering on mine as if making sure I’m steady. I laugh softly, brushing him off. “I’m fine, really. Just hungry.”
“Good,”
he says, his tone teasing but his eyes still scanning me carefully. “Because we’ve got something special waiting for you.
I follow him as he heads toward the kitchen, the scent of grilled steak and something fresh growing stronger with every step. My stomach growls again, louder this time, earning a chuckle from Jaxton.
But as we approach the kitchen, something catches my attention. Voices. Not just Jaxton’s or Liam’s, but more. Familiar ones.
It takes me a moment to process what I’m hearing, but as Jaxton steps aside to let me enter, the truth hits me like a lightning bolt. Standing there, gathered around the kitchen island, are all of my guys. Kamden and Lennox, larger than life, right there in the flesh.
My breath catches, and for a second, I’m frozen. “No way,”
I whisper, my heart pounding in disbelief.
Kamden turns first, his warm smile spreading across his face as his deep voice rumbles, “Surprise, Sunshine.”
Before I can think, I launch myself across the room, my body acting purely on instinct. Kamden’s arms open wide, catching me effortlessly as I wrap myself around him, clinging to him like a spider monkey. My lips find his without hesitation, and I kiss him deeply, pouring weeks of longing into the embrace.
He chuckles against my lips, his hands steadying me as if I weigh nothing. “Miss me much?”
“You have no idea,”
I murmur, my voice trembling with joy.
As I pull back, I catch Lennox’s eye, his smirk, a perfect match for Liam’s as he watches me with his arms crossed. Without a word, I untangle myself from Kamden and dart toward Lennox, who’s already holding his arms out. I leap onto him with just as much enthusiasm, my hands sliding around his neck as I kiss him just as fiercely.
Lennox laughs into the kiss, his grip on me firm and grounding. “I could get used to this kind of welcome,”
he teases when we break apart, his forehead resting against mine.
I shake my head, grinning like an idiot. “I can’t believe you’re here. Both of you.”
My voice wavers, emotion threatening to spill over. “I’ve missed you so much.”
It’s strange to feel the ache of missing someone you’ve never met face-to-face.
Kamden steps closer, his large hand brushing over my hair as he grins down at me. “We’ve missed you too. You’ve been the highlight of every day, even through a damn phone screen. But it’s not the same as being here.”
I glance between the two of them, my hands still resting on Lennox’s shoulders, as Kamden sandwiches against my back. “How? I thought you wouldn’t come until next week. You lied to me!”
Jaxton’s laughter rings out from behind me. “Guilty as charged. We wanted it to be a surprise.”
I turn to see him leaning against the counter, looking way too smug, with Liam beside him, his arms crossed as he grins at my reaction.
“This... this is the best surprise,”
I say, tears pricking my eyes as I wipe at them quickly. “You guys are all here. I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it,”
Liam says, walking over to wrap an arm around my shoulders. “And let’s get you fed before you start crying all over us. We made you lunch, remember?”
The guys laugh as Kamden and Lennox follow us to the table, their presence making the space feel warmer, fuller. Jaxton sets plates down, and I can’t stop stealing glances at the two new faces in the room, my heart swelling with gratitude and love.
As we all sit down to eat, the conversation flows easily, laughter echoing through the kitchen as they catch me up on their trip, teasing each other in the way only brothers can. It feels like a dream—one I never want to wake up from.
For the first time in weeks, everything feels complete. They’re here. We’re together. And it’s everything I hoped it would be.
The warmth of their presence fills the room as we settle in, the energy between all of us electric yet comforting. Kamden and Lennox haven’t stopped touching me since they arrived—whether it’s Kam’s large, steady hand resting on my lower back or Lennox’s fingers brushing against mine as he passes by. It’s a stark contrast to the playful banter over the phone.
We spent the next hour catching up. Kamden tells me how he finally managed to steal a weekend away from the restaurant, his voice rich with pride as he talks about his latest ventures. Lennox fills in the gaps, joking about how Kam nearly burned the place down—literally—to make the trip happen. I can’t stop smiling as they go back and forth, their camaraderie a seamless blend of humor and love.
“I wasn’t that bad,”
Kamden says, leaning back on the couch and shooting Lennox a mock glare.
Lennox smirks, his arm slung casually over the sectional. “You set off the fire alarms, Kam. Twice. Pretty sure that qualifies as bad.”
Kam rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue. Instead, he turns his attention back to me, his expression softening. “Doesn’t matter, though. I’d do it all again if it meant getting here to see you.”
The sincerity in his voice hits me straight in the chest, and I can’t help the warmth that spreads through me. “I’m glad you’re here,”
I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Both of you. It feels like everything’s finally... right.”
“You think it feels right now,”
Lennox says, his voice dropping into a low, teasing tone, “just wait until tonight.”
His words are laced with enough innuendo to make my cheeks flush, and Kamden doesn’t miss a beat, leaning forward with a grin. “Yeah, Sunshine. Once you’re feeling better, we’re going to make up for lost time.”
“Who says I’m not feeling better already?”
I fire back, raising an eyebrow at them both.
Lennox chuckles, his hand brushing against my knee. “As tempting as that sounds, Bee, we’re not taking any chances. You need to rest first.”
Kamden nods in agreement, his gaze steady. “Exactly. The last thing we want is to push you too hard.”
I narrow my eyes at them, pretending to be annoyed, but the truth is, their concern only makes me fall for them more. “Fine,”
I concede with a dramatic sigh. “But you’d better make it worth the wait.”
Jaxton’s laugh breaks the moment as he strolls back into the room with Liam close behind. “Is this what I missed? You guys corrupting her already?”
“Corrupting?”
Kamden scoffs, his grin widening. “I’d say we’re just setting the stage.”
Liam snorts, dropping onto the couch next to me. “If she’s not corrupted by now, it’s not for lack of effort.”
“Hey!”
I protest, swatting at him playfully.
The teasing continues until Jaxton claps his hands together, his grin mischievous. “Alright, enough of that. I’ve got just the thing to keep us entertained while Avery rests.”
“Oh no,”
Lennox groans, immediately suspicious.
Jaxton powers on the TV, navigating through a few streaming platforms with practiced ease until he finds exactly what he’s looking for. “Only the cheesiest, most ridiculous romcom you’ve ever seen. You’re welcome.”
Kamden groans audibly, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re not serious.”
“Oh, he’s serious,”
Liam says, smirking. “And it’s going to be painful.”
I laugh, settling deeper into the cushions as Jaxton clicks play. “What am I missing?”
Jaxton smirks, taking a seat beside me. “It’s one of my most popular movies, Star Crossed. It’s about two star-crossed lovers from wealthy families who defy all odds to be together. Honestly, this is the one I thought would have you recognizing me.”
A giant smile spreads. “Yes! I’ve wanted to watch one of them with you. This is perfect!”
“That’s the spirit. Just wait—it’s so bad, it’s good.”
Jaxton jokes while queuing the movie. “Let’s grab the big blankets and create a nest for us. We’ll fit better in a pile on the floor.”
He winks before he and Liam head to the hallway cupboard, effortlessly retrieving them, making it abundantly clear just how well they know their way around my home.
Kamden and Lennox join us, piling the throw blankets and pillows from around the living room. Before long, we sprawled out on the floor in front of the sectional, a cozy, chaotic mess of limbs and laughter.
As the movie plays, the guys don’t hold back, roasting every overly dramatic scene and painfully awkward line of dialogue. Jaxton takes the brunt of their teasing, his own laughter ringing out as he defends his questionable choices.
By the time the credits roll, my cheeks hurt from smiling, and the heaviness that had lingered in my chest earlier is completely gone. Surrounded by them, I feel lighter, happier, and more loved than I ever thought possible.
Kamden leans back against the couch, his gaze soft as he looks at me. “Feeling better, Sunshine?”
I nod, resting my head against Liam’s shoulder. “Much. Thank you—for all of this.”
Lennox grins, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “We’re just getting started, Bee.”
And as I look around the room, at the four incredible men who’ve become my entire world, I know he’s right. This is just the beginning of something amazing.
Regardless of sleeping on the floor all night, when my lids flutter the next morning, smiling, I feel refreshed. Four hot bodies touch me from some angle, clearly as exhausted from their travels as I was from being sick the day before.
Kam had pulled me onto his lap last night, until I slowly drifted off, but it’s still a surprise to wake up on his chest. His slow breathing lulling me with its motion. Lennox is on the left side facing me, his fingers threaded through mine on the bed in front of us, as he sleeps soundly with his twin at his back.
They’re absolutely adorable like this, tangled up in sleep, their sharp features softened into something almost boyish. It’s easy to imagine them as kids, probably inseparable even then—causing trouble, sharing secrets, always looking out for each other. The thought warms my heart, love blooming in my chest at the realization that no matter how much time passes, their bond is unbreakable.
That leaves Jaxton to my right, his hand splayed possessively on my hip, a silent claim in the night just as much as he makes during the day.
“Morning, Sunshine.”
Kam’s growly morning voice startles me enough to squeak, and he chuckles so deep it should be a sin. “Sorry, baby. Didn’t mean to startle you. How are you feeling?”
His hands softly trace me with their concern, as I nod against his chest, rubbing him like the kitten Jax often refers to me as. “Better now, my stomach’s finally settled.”
My fingers trace the white T-shirt he wore to bed, wishing it wasn’t there to separate our bare skin.
The thought has heat flaring in my gut and traveling south, pulsing against my sex, causing me to scissor my legs with need. When I slowly turn, my back to his front, and rub my backside against his hardening cock, he finally snaps. His hands grip my hips tightly, fingers digging into my flesh.
Growling into my ear, he says, “Baby, you keep doing that, and I’m going to fuck you next to my sleeping brothers.”
A grunt sounds next to us, as Lennox leans up on his elbow tiredly, watching us with hungry eyes. “Mm… sounds like a great way to wake up with our girl for the first time, huh, brother.”
Lennox slowly slips from Liam’s side without waking him, until he’s kneeling between both mine and Kam’s legs. He leans over us both, sandwiching me between them, and slowly kisses me, working me higher and higher, drawing the quietest whimpers to the surface.
Kam’s fingers trace my sides, gliding along my skin until they’re cupping my full breasts in his hands, cursing how perfect they are as he kneads them in appreciation.
Lennox draws away, his green gaze so much like his brothers, it’s startling but his eyes have a bit more golden hue that brightens up his irises. They twinkle with mischief when their fingers tuck into the waist of my sleep shorts and tug them down, exposing the wetness between my legs.
“Damn, brother. You are missing out, not getting to see this pretty pink pussy.”
He licks his lips when he looks back up at me. “I’m gonna eat your pussy, while you wiggle on my brother’s dick to get him all worked up. Then I’m going to flip you over to glide across his cock, as I fuck you from behind.”
The growl in his words has me practically coming on the spot, my walls clenching on nothing, wanting the picture he painted. “You like that idea, don’t you? Are you a greedy girl? You want me to fuck you against my brother? I bet if you’re really good for us, he’ll fuck you when I’m done. That is if he doesn’t come before then.”
He chuckles. “Let’s see if he has the stamina, shall we?”
With that, Lennox kisses me hard one last time, tongue swirling with mine, and nipping my lip before dragging his kiss down my neck. He sucks each of my nipples before swirling his tongue at my navel, and then blessedly, finally, sweeps his tongue across my center.
His growl of appreciation is enough to wake his brothers, but somehow, they remain silent, and unmoving. My head slips into the crook of Kam’s neck, panting.
“You hear the noises he’s making, Sunshine? You must be delicious. I can’t wait for my turn.”
His fingers pinch my nipples, causing my back to arc, rubbing my ass crack against Kam’s cock perfectly. His possessive snarl shortens my breath, and just as I’m about to explode, they stop.
Lennox sits up on his knees, his mouth shining as he leans over me. “Delicious.”
He licks his lips, then glances at his brother. “You ready to start our girl’s day off right, brother?”
“Fuck, yes.”
Kamden’s voice is so deep, I hardly recognize it through the gravel.
I whimper when he leaves me unsatisfied. “Enough of that. You’ll wait for it like a good girl. Now, turn over, and straddle Kam’s cock. We’re gonna fuck you bare, baby. If you’ve got a problem with that, you better speak now,”
Lenn growls, his voice low and gravelly, sending shivers straight down my spine.
The idea of them, raw and bare inside me, sends a rush of excitement coursing through my veins. It’s overwhelming in the best way, a heady mix of anticipation and intimacy. I’ve never done this before—never been with anyone without protection. But the thought of their warmth filling me, the raw connection we’d share, and the image of their release dripping from me after... it’s intoxicating.
I swallow hard, my heart racing as the intensity of the moment wraps around me. Words fail me, so I nod quickly, my consent clear, my body already aching for them. The heat in their eyes tells me they’re just as eager, their restraint hanging by a thread.
As I move to comply, Kamden slips his shorts down quickly, and with ease. His proud member slaps back against his abdomen, the tip glistening, enticing me to lick my own lips.
“Jesus, baby. Keep looking at my cock like that and I’ll let you choke on it. Now, get over here, and glide that sweet pussy along my cock.”
Kam grips my hips and places me easily over him. My wet lips automatically slip around him, allowing him to grip my hips, and glide me across his member. The friction causes us both to throw our heads back and groan. “Fuck, your wet. Lenn must have eaten that pussy so good. Mm…”
His speed picks up as I glide across him again, the tip hitting against my clit perfectly but never penetrating.
Lennox’s palm presses me closer to Kam. “Kam, keep her quiet.”
Kam, sensing what was coming, grips my hair, and seals his lips to mine. Effectively silencing my scream. Lennox doesn’t waste any more time, and lines himself up, and slams home in one thrust. He immediately pulls back to the tip and slams back inside, getting deeper than anyone before.
“Fuuuck.”
He groans, driving into me with another deep thrust. My inner walls flutter, tightening around him with a desperate grip, teetering on the edge of release. The sensation fuels Lennox’s urgency, his fingers digging into my hips as he holds me firmly in place, determined to push me over the edge.
Kamden’s hands grip my thighs, anchoring me in place, ensuring every thrust from Lennox sends a delicious friction coursing through me. Each movement has my clit dragging across Kamden’s rigid length, igniting sparks that threaten to consume me whole. These two are utterly wrecking me, and I haven’t even had breakfast yet.
Lennox starts to twitch—the same indicator that his twin has before he’s about to come. “You gonna take it all like a good girl, aren’t you.”
He grunts as I clench again. “Fuck yes, you are.”
He groans again as he slams home once more and stays, his cock jumping as he empties inside of me. It’s a moment before he can collect himself enough to speak again and pull free. He looks down, a proud smirk tipping his lips, before he shoves his fingers inside of me. “Can’t have any of that escaping, now can we.”
His words cause me to shiver, but it’s when he looks over my shoulder at Kamden that really gets me going. “Plug her back up, Kam. Fill her again. She doesn’t get to come until then.”
Holy shit.
Kam reaches between us and rubs his tip against my entrance, soaking it in our combined juices that are no doubt dripping down. He notches himself, before gripping my hips again, and slamming home.
My head is thrown back, lips posed to scream in ecstasy when Lennox grips my neck from behind, and seals his lips to mine, silencing me again. The cry turns into a frustrating moan, as his tongue tangles with mine.
My breathing increases when Kam’s thumb slips between us to rub against my clit. “That’s it, baby. Come on. I need you to come on my cock.”
Instantly, I clamp down, my entire body tightening as a wave of pleasure crashes over me. A keening hum escapes my lips, raw and unrestrained, filling the air between us. Lennox’s hand tightens slightly around my neck, his grip firm yet careful, grounding me even as the intensity of the moment threatens to pull me under.
My vision blurs, moisture gathering at the corners of my eyes until the world around me shifts into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of watercolor tears. The room fades, the sensations consuming every part of me, leaving nothing but the raw connection between us. The pleasure is almost too much, teetering on the edge of overwhelming, but it’s Lennox’s deep voice and steady hand that keep me anchored.
“Look at you,”
he murmurs, his tone dripping with approval as his thumb brushes along my jaw. “Falling apart so beautifully.”
Kamden’s deep, gravelly chuckle rumbles beneath me, his large hands tightening their hold on my hips. “She’s incredible, isn’t she?”
His voice vibrates against my skin, sending another shiver of pleasure coursing through me.
I can barely form words, barely think, as Kamden’s steady movements push me higher and higher. My fingers curl against Lennox’s arm, holding on like he’s my lifeline.
“You’re amazing, Bee,”
Lennox whispers, his green eyes locking with mine. “So strong, so perfect for us.”
Their words ground me as much as their touch, pulling me back just enough to keep me from completely losing myself. Even as the pleasure threatens to consume me, their steady presence reminds me of the connection we share—a bond that feels unbreakable in this moment. This isn’t just passion; it’s a storm, wild and untamed, but one I never want to escape.
Moments later, Kamden groans, tightening his hold with a constricting grip, and coming as deep inside me as he possibly can, setting off another explosion.
Collapsing onto Kam’s chest is my only option, as I try to get my breathing under control. He trails his fingers down my back soothingly, as Lennox lays next to us again, sans clothes but without worry of his nudity.
Kam kisses my head and chuckles. “Sorry, Sunshine. Didn’t mean to get so crazy first thing in the morning.”
Lennox grunts his agreement, his fingers trailing my hipbone, and kissing my shoulder.
Liam chuckles, his voice rich with amusement as he leans over his twin, that trademark grin of his stretching wide across his face. “One thing you’ll learn about Bumblebee here,”
he teases, his eyes sparkling with mischief, “is that she likes to be put to bed and woken up buzzing to start the day.”
His wink is slow and deliberate, a playful challenge in his expression that makes my cheeks flush. I can feel the heat creep up my neck as I realize what he’s implying, and it’s impossible to ignore the knowing look he shoots my way.
“You were awake?”
I ask, my voice a mixture of disbelief and embarrassment as I shift my gaze between him and Lennox.
“Every damn second,”
Liam replies smoothly, leaning back with a laugh that’s as infuriating as it is endearing. “You think I’d miss the show? Not a chance, Bumblebee.”
Lennox groans, rolling his eyes as he adjusts beside me. “Of course you were awake,”
he mutters, though the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips betrays his amusement. “You’re worse than Jax when it comes to stirring up trouble.”
Liam shrugs, completely unbothered, and shoots me another wink. “Trouble’s my specialty, Bee. Besides, it’s hard not to pay attention when my twin and my girl are so... entertaining.”
I smack his arm lightly, trying to keep the smile off my face but failing miserably. “You’re impossible,”
I say, shaking my head.
“And you love it,”
he fires back without missing a beat.
Lennox huffs out a laugh, shaking his head at his brother’s antics before turning his attention back to me. “Don’t let him get to you, Bee. He’s always been like this—charming but insufferable.”
“Hey!”
Liam protests, though he’s still grinning.
I can’t help but laugh, the sound light and easy as I lay against Kam’s chest. “You’re both ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous but lovable,”
Liam corrects, his grin softening as he reaches out to brush a stray strand of hair from my face. “Don’t forget that part, Bumblebee.”
“I could never forget,”
I admit, my voice quieter now, the sincerity in his gaze making my chest tighten in the best way. For all his teasing, Liam’s affection shines through, and as I glance between him and Lennox, I’m struck again by just how lucky I am to have them in my life. Ridiculous, lovable, and absolutely mine. “Hmm…”
I moan, liking the idea of being watched by them.
Kamden growls, the deep sound reverberating through his chest as I feel him stir beneath me. His arousal is unmistakable, and the realization sends a flush of heat coursing through me. He hasn’t even slipped free yet, and already, he’s ready for more.
His hands possessively tighten on my hips, his voice a low rumble that makes my heart race. “You feel that, Sunshine?”
he murmurs, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. “That’s how you affect me—every damn time.”
I bite my lip, a teasing grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. “You’ve got stamina for days, Kam,”
I whisper, shifting slightly against him just to hear that growl again.
He chuckles darkly, his fingers gliding along my sides. “Only when it comes to you, baby.”
I glance over my shoulder, spotting Jaxton sprawled out on the bed. He looks peaceful—serene, almost—and the thought of waking him sends a mischievous thrill through me.
“Should we wake Jaxton?”
I ask, keeping my voice soft but playful.
Kamden’s lips curve into a smirk against my shoulder. “That depends,”
he murmurs, his thumb drawing slow, tantalizing circles on my skin. “Do you think he’ll want to join us, or just watch for a while?”
The suggestion makes my breath hitch, my cheeks flushing as I glance back at Jax. “Knowing him? Both.”
Kam laughs, the sound low and full of promise. “You’re probably right.”
His lips find the sensitive spot just below my ear, and I can’t help the soft gasp that escapes me.
Before I can respond, Jaxton shifts slightly, his hand tightening reflexively on my leg as his eyes flutter open. He blinks once, twice, and then a slow grin spreads across his face as he takes in the scene before him.
“Well, good morning,”
he drawls, his voice thick with sleep and amusement. “Looks like I’m missing all the fun.”
Kamden chuckles, his hands steadying me as he leans back against the pillows. “You’re just in time, Jax.”
Jaxton sits up, his gaze trailing over me with a mixture of appreciation and hunger. “Is that so?”
he asks, his smirk widening as he meets my eyes.
“What do you think, Sunshine? Should we let him join?”
Kam asks, while caressing my skin.
The heat in his gaze sends a shiver down my spine, and I can’t help but smile, my heart pounding in anticipation. “I think,”
I say slowly, my voice soft but sure, “that this morning’s about to get a whole lot better.”
I glance over at Liam and Jax again. “No condoms today,”
I say, my voice soft but full of intent as I meet their heated gazes. “I’ll take care of the morning-after pill later. Right now... I just want to feel you—bare.”
The weight of my words hangs in the air, thick with anticipation. I’ve thought about this, fantasized about it, and now that the moment is here, the excitement buzzing through me is almost too much to contain. There’s something raw, something deeply intimate about the idea of nothing between us—no barriers, no distance, just skin on skin.
Their eyes darken, a mix of surprise, desire, and hunger flashing across their faces. It’s not just about the physical act; it’s about trust, connection, and a vulnerability we’ve never shared before. The thought of them inside me, completely bare, makes my pulse race and my body ache with anticipation.
I see the flicker of hesitation—concern for me, for us—but it vanishes as I run my fingers over Kamden’s chest, watching Jaxton and Liam’s reaction. “I want this,”
I whisper. “I want you—all of you.”
That’s all it takes. The shift in the room is palpable, the energy electric as they close the space between us, their touches reverent yet possessive.
Jaxton’s lips crash onto mine with a fervor that leaves me breathless. His kiss is demanding and consuming, his low moan reverberating through me as if he’s savoring every second of our connection. The heat of his passion makes my toes curl, and I cling to him, completely caught up in his intensity.
Before I can fully process Jaxton’s kiss, Liam is climbing over his naked twin, his lips trailing soft, deliberate kisses along my shoulder. His touch is a stark contrast to Jaxton’s fiery intensity—gentle, yet no less thrilling. As his mouth brushes against my skin, he murmurs sweet praises, each word sending shivers across my body.
“You’re perfect, Bee,”
he whispers against my collarbone, his voice thick with emotion and desire.
When Jaxton finally pulls back, allowing me a moment to catch my breath, I gasp, my chest heaving as I turn my head. My gaze locks onto Kamden’s. He’s lying beneath me, his hands steady on my hips, his dark eyes blazing with a mix of awe and heat as he watches his brothers explore me. There’s something grounding in his gaze—a steadying presence that keeps me from spinning completely out of control.
But then I notice the absence of Lennox, the one brother I can’t feel. A sudden jolt of panic courses through me, my heart racing as the thought of being without him rattles me.
“Shh,”
a familiar voice soothes, soft and steady like a balm to my nerves. Lennox. His hand strokes soothing patterns across my back, his warmth pressing into me from the side. “I’m right here, Honeybee,”
he says, his lips brushing the shell of my ear.
Relief washes over me like a wave, and I lean into his touch, letting his calm presence anchor me. “I thought...”
I trail off, unable to finish the thought, the panic already fading into nothingness.
“I’d never leave you,”
Lennox reassures, his voice steady and filled with quiet conviction. “Not even for a second.”
The tenderness in his tone melts away the last of my unease. Surrounded by their warmth, their strength, and their love, I feel whole. This moment is raw, intimate, and completely ours—a reminder that no matter how chaotic or overwhelming things might get, they’re always here for me, and I’m always here for them.
The rest of the morning is a whirlwind of reacquainting myself with all of my guys—Kamden, Jaxton, Liam, and Lennox—finally together in person, and every second feels like a dream come true.
Kamden’s steady presence anchors me, his touch is a constant reminder of the strength and care he brings into my life. “It feels different in person, doesn’t it?”
he murmurs, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine as his fingers brush against my cheek.
I smile at him, my heart full. “So much better than through a screen. I can’t believe you’re all really here.”
“You better believe it,”
Jaxton chimes in, his trademark smirk firmly in place. He leans casually against the kitchen counter, but his eyes are sharp, watching me like I’m the only thing that matters.
Lennox chuckles, his hand brushing against mine as he joins the conversation. “And we’ve missed a lot, Bee. Video chats don’t even scratch the surface.”
His eyes twinkle with that mischievous glint I’ve come to love.
“They really don’t,”
Kamden says, his tone quieter but no less heartfelt. “Seeing you in person... it makes everything feel right.”
I glance between them, my chest tight with emotion. They’re all so different, yet every piece of them fits perfectly into my life. I can feel the love radiating from each of them, and it’s almost overwhelming.
“Stop it,”
I say, my voice breaking with a laugh as I blink back tears. “You’re going to make me cry.”
“Happy tears, I hope,”
Liam teases.
“Always,”
I whisper, leaning into Kamden as Liam steps closer, his hand resting lightly on my lower back.
The conversation flows easily as we settle into the living room. Kamden and Lennox stretch out across the sectional while Jaxton and Liam claim the oversized chairs, pulling me into a space that feels like home.
“Alright,”
Jaxton says, clapping his hands together. “Now that we’re all here, how about some ground rules?”
“Ground rules?”
I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms in mock defiance.
“For sharing you,”
he clarifies with a wink, and the room bursts into laughter.
“I think I should get a say in this,”
I shoot back, grinning as I glance between them.
“You absolutely do,”
Kamden says, his tone serious but his eyes warm. “This works because we all respect each other—and you.”
Lennox nods, leaning forward slightly. “We’ve been talking about this for weeks, making sure we’re all on the same page. This is about what makes you happy, Bee.”
“And trust us,”
Liam adds with a smirk, “we’re all very motivated to keep you happy.”
I can’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside me. “You’re all ridiculous. But... thank you. For making this feel so natural. So... right.”
Jaxton leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “It’s right because it’s us, Kitten. And we’re just getting started.”
My lower lip trembles before I can stop it, betraying the emotions swirling inside me. The guys notice immediately, their laughter and teasing cut off as four sets of concerned eyes lock onto me.
“What’s wrong, Kitten?”
Jaxton is the first to speak, his voice softer now, the playful edge replaced with genuine worry.
Kamden shifts closer to me on the couch, his hand resting on my knee as he studies my face. “Talk to us, baby,”
he urges gently. “What’s got you upset?”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the words tumble out anyway, unfiltered. “I’m just... worried,”
I admit, my voice shaky. “About what happens when you leave.”
A heavy silence falls over the room, the weight of my words settling over all of us. I glance between them, my chest tightening as I see the concern etched across their faces.
Kamden’s brows furrow, his hand tightening slightly on my knee. “Leave?”
he echoes. “Avery, what are you talking about?”
“You’re only here for a week or two,”
I say, my voice wavering. “And Liam and Jaxton aren’t staying much longer. Then what? You’ll all go back south, and I’ll be here... alone.”
Liam leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his expression serious. “Bee, you’re not going to be alone,”
he says firmly. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”
“But long-distance relationships never work,”
I argue, my hands twisting nervously in my lap. “And your jobs... they’ll pull you back there, and I’ll still be here.”
Kamden shifts, his deep voice steady and reassuring. “You know you’re welcome to come with us,”
he says, his hand moving to cup my cheek. “We’d love to have you with us all the time.”
I shake my head, pulling away slightly. “Kam, that’s crazy. We’ve only been seeing each other for a short time. I can’t just uproot my whole life. My dad’s here, and my business... I can’t leave all of that behind.”
Lennox finally speaks, his tone calm and measured. “You’re right, Bee. It’s a lot to ask, and we don’t want to pressure you. But you need to know—we’re in this for the long haul. We’ll do whatever it takes to make this work.”
Jaxton nods, his hand brushing against mine. “We’re not going anywhere. Not really. Yeah, the distance sucks, but it doesn’t change how we feel about you. We’ll make it work, no matter what.”
I glanced between them, my heart aching with the weight of their words. “But how?”
I whisper, my voice barely audible.
Kamden leans closer, his voice filled with quiet determination. “One day at a time,”
he says simply. “We’ll figure it out together.”
Liam reaches for my hand, his fingers lacing with mine. “Bee, you’ve already got us wrapped around your finger. Trust us—we’re not going to let something like distance get in the way.”
The sincerity in their voices is enough to ease some of the tension in my chest. I nod slowly, a small, tentative smile breaking through. “Okay,”
I say softly. “One day at a time.”
Jaxton grins, leaning back with a wink. “That’s our girl. Now, can we all agree not to waste the time we have worrying about what comes next? Let’s just enjoy this.”
Kamden’s hand brushes against my cheek, and Lennox squeezes my shoulder, their quiet gestures speaking volumes.
As we settle back into the rhythm of conversation, the heaviness in the air begins to lift. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a start.