Chapter Five
Avery
After hours of hard work in the yard, the koi pond is finally outlined and layered, patiently waiting for the river rock that will give life to the flow toward the mini mere.
The boulders, however, will be the toughest to position, but they’ll be worth the effort once the flowers and trees are in place, completing the vision.
In the first month of owning this place, I tore down and rebuilt the back porch.
The golden oak deck stain really pops against the backdrop of the towering pine trees.
I haven’t had the chance to properly celebrate the space yet, though, because I’m holding out for the full ambience.
Once the yard is finished, the final touch will be purchasing a patio set.
I’m not about to tempt myself with a half-done project.
When I sit out here for the first time, I want it to be the full experience—everything just right.
Every time I explain this to Dad, he rolls his eyes and chuckles, telling me I’m being ridiculous.
Maybe I am, but this is my first home, and it feels important to do it right, especially since it’s in my own backyard.
After a long, hot shower, I start preparing for my first cookout.
It's a small one—just three of us, maybe four if you count Dad vicariously—but it’s still exciting.
It’ll be easy enough to throw together some burgers and salads, nothing too fancy.
The afternoon flies by as I boil, peel, mix, and prep all the food.
By the time I’m done, there’s more than enough to feed a small army.
With everything safely tucked away in the fridge, I’m startled by a knock at the door.
A grin spreads across my face, expecting Liam and Jaxton, but instead, a man in a brown delivery uniform stands there.
His face is hidden behind an enormous bouquet of white roses, their sweet scent already filling the air as he struggles to balance the vase.
“Delivery for Avery Dawson,”
he says, a bit breathlessly.
“That’s me,”
I confirm.
“Here you go,”
he says, practically thrusting the vase into my arms, causing the petals to brush against my face. “Have a nice day,”
he calls out, already halfway back to his truck as I wrestle with the bouquet and a few stray thorns that have tangled in my hair.
“Great,”
I mutter, carefully navigating my way back to the kitchen.
The roses are beautiful, and they brighten the middle of my kitchen table perfectly. My heart skips a beat when I notice a small card tucked among the petals. Butterflies flutter wildly in my stomach as I snatch the envelope and tear it open.
These roses are red white,
Violets are blue,
Neither of those are as beautiful as you.
Jax I drag myself to my feet and grab the lotion. I’m not going to make it through the night without slathering this stuff on.
Just as I’m about to apply the first layer, there’s a knock at the door. My heart skips a beat, knowing the guys are on the other side. In my excitement, I rush to the door, almost tossing the lotion across the room as I yank it open.
If I were a cartoon character, I’d have hearts floating above my head and stars in my eyes. They look absolutely stunning. Jaxton’s wearing a plaid button-up over his signature white tee, paired with tan shorts. His hair is its usual sexy mess, and his eyes—glowing pools of honey—seem to pierce right through me.
And then there’s Liam. His forest green shirt—a reflection of his gaze—clings to him in all the right ways, accentuating each curve of muscle, making him look like a walking fantasy. His tattoos look absolutely mesmerizing against the toned muscles of his arm, each intricate design telling a story. The way his slightly damp hair falls from his recent shower only adds to his effortlessly rugged charm, perfectly framing those emerald gem eyes that seem to hold a thousand secrets. It’s an unfair level of handsome, really—he looks like he just stepped out of a dream.
“Hi,”
I murmur, suddenly feeling a little dazed, my cheeks heating as a shy flutter stirs in my chest.
Jaxton is holding a brown paper bag, but he seems momentarily at a loss for words as he drinks me in. His lips curl into a cocksure grin, and he mumbles something unintelligible under his breath.
“Are you two going to come in, or are you planning to stand on the porch all night?”
I tease, stepping back to let them in.
Liam, far more composed, steps past Jaxton, his eyes raking over me with a look that makes my skin tingle. His gaze darkens before he flashes me a mischievous grin. “Hope you like Chinese food!”
“I love Chinese food!”
I call after him, as Jaxton finally closes the door and joins us in the kitchen.
Jaxton sets the bag down and turns to me, his eyes once again devouring me from head to toe. “Kitten, you look delicious,”
he says, licking his lips before his expression shifts to concern as he notices the redness of my skin. “Let’s see how bad it is.”
He guides me to the couch, sitting behind me. “Is it all over, or just in certain areas?”
“It’s kind of everywhere,”
I admit, pointing to my shoulders and the tops of my thighs. “But mostly here.”
He inspects the spots I’ve pointed out. “Have you put anything on it yet?”
“No, I was just about to when you guys showed up.”
I hand him the lotion.
Jaxton squeezes a small amount into his hand and grins. “I like this scent. No wonder you smell so good.”
He nips playfully at my ear before gently applying the cool balm to my shoulders.
Meanwhile, Liam is busy unpacking containers of steaming food. “Bee, do you want me to bring you a plate, or are you going to get it yourself?”
he asks, glancing up as he lays out plates next to the food.
“Bring me something, please,”
I say with a pout, leaning into the soothing sensation of the cool balm on my sunburned skin. “Be gentle, I’m tender.”
Jaxton’s voice is soft, almost reverent. “I’ve got you,”
he promises, but then he adds, “but you’re going to need to take your top off.”
Feeling bold, I slip my shirt over my head, keeping my arms strategically crossed over my chest. I hear Jaxton’s breath hitch behind me, and I smile, feeling powerful. I don’t usually act so forward, but these two bring out a wilder side of me. Jaxton’s hands move lightly over my skin, the cold lotion making me jump slightly.
“Sorry, did I hurt you?”
he asks, pausing.
“No, it’s just cold, but it feels good,”
I say, my voice breathy. If my skin weren’t already red, I’d be blushing at the soft moan that escapes my lips.
Jaxton chuckles and continues rubbing the lotion in slow, deliberate circles across my back. His touch is both cooling and electrifying, sending shivers down my spine. His breath brushes my neck as his lips move closer, placing soft kisses below my ear. My heart races as his tongue flicks out, teasing the sensitive skin.
A soft moan escapes me, encouraging him as he continues to spread the lotion with gentle, skilled hands. His lips travel toward mine, capturing them in a passionate kiss that makes the room spin. His hand weaves into my hair, tugging gently as he deepens our connection, while his other hand glides down my back and into the waistband of my shorts, revealing that I’m not wearing anything underneath.
Jaxton growls low in his throat, pulling me flush against him, completely forgetting about my sunburn. His touch is possessive yet careful, aware of my tenderness. The intensity of our kiss, the way he tastes, feels like the sweetest indulgence, and I’m lost in the moment.
One second, we’re making out on the couch, and the next, he spins me around, pressing me into the soft cushions as his lips sear a path across my skin. But just as things are heating up, Jaxton pulls away, panting.
“You need to eat, Kitten,”
he says, his eyes burning with unspoken promises. “You’ll need your strength.”
He grins, pulling me into a sitting position before I can protest.
Before I can argue, my stomach growls loudly, causing Liam to laugh as he hands me a plate full of food. “Yeah, we better eat. Sunburn or not, you two are going to need your stamina.”
A sly smile curls my lips, making both of them groan in mock protest.
Liam sits down beside me with his own plate, digging in. “Bro, grab us some waters while you’re up, yeah?”
“On it.”
Jaxton heads to the kitchen, grabbing some food for himself and fetching bottles of water.
I scoop up a bite of pork fried rice, the savory aroma making my mouth water before it even touches my tongue. The moment the flavors hit—perfectly seasoned pork, fluffy rice, and just the right amount of umami—I practically moan in delight. Each bite is better than the last, and before I know it, my container is nearly empty. Stuffed and utterly content, I sink back into the couch with a satisfied sigh, one hand lazily rubbing my full belly as warmth and comfort settle over me.
“You get enough to eat, baby?”
Liam asks, his hand sliding onto my thigh with a warm, familiar touch.
"Yes, definitely hit the spot. Thank you for going through all the trouble," I say with a satisfied smile.
“Anything for you, Kitten,”
Jaxton replies, leaning over to peck my lips softly. “Let me get this out of our way.”
He starts gathering the leftover food.
“Let me help,”
I offer, trying to stand, but he quickly snatches the plate from the table.
“Nope. This is all me,”
he says with a playful wink as he heads to the kitchen to clean up.
While Jaxton busies himself, Liam’s fingers trail lightly across my leg, moving toward the sensitive spot at the apex of my thighs. “How’re you feeling? Is the burn still bothering you?”
he asks, his voice low and concerned.
“A little sore, but I’m feeling much better now that I’m in my liquid cocoon,”
I reply with a laugh, rolling my eyes in jest. “I can’t believe I forgot sunscreen. My dad’s always lecturing me about it.”
“Shit! Your dad,”
Jaxton says from the kitchen. “We didn’t take him his dinner.”
“It’s okay. He called when I got out of the shower. He said he’d find something for himself,”
I reassure him.
“That’s good. But if you want me to drive us over, just say the word,”
Jaxton offers as he returns to the living room.
His thoughtful gesture tugs at my heart, stirring feelings I’m not ready to fully examine. “Thank you, but he’s all set. I really appreciate it, though.”
“Bee,”
Liam begins, his voice carrying that confident, playful edge that always sends my stomach into a flurry of butterflies. “As much as I’d love to call your dad ‘Mr. Bee,’ I should probably know his actual name before we introduce ourselves. Wouldn’t want to start off on the wrong foot.”
His cocksure grin is enough to make my heart flutter, a permanent condition whenever he’s around. I fidget slightly, realizing it’s been a long time since I’ve introduced anyone to my dad, and my words come out in a rush. “Oh, right! Sorry. His name’s Daniel, but he mostly goes by Dan. It’s been a while since... well, since I’ve brought anyone around.”
Liam’s grin softens, a flicker of understanding in his emerald eyes. “No need to be nervous, Bee. We’ll charm the hell out of him.”
Jaxton chuckles, crossing his arms as he leans back against the couch. “Speak for yourself, Liam. I don’t think ‘charming’ is the word we’re going for here. I’m guessing your dad’s a ‘no-nonsense’ type, isn’t he?”
His gaze flickers to mine, and I nod.
“Yeah, he can be,”
I admit. “But he’s also a big softy once you get to know him. He’s just... protective.”
“And rightly so,”
Jaxton replies, his tone losing some of its teasing edge. “I’d be the same if I had a daughter as incredible as you. But don’t worry, Kitten. We’ve got this.”
Liam claps Jaxton on the thigh, his grin reappearing. “Exactly. We’ll win him over in no time. Speaking of which,”
he adds, looking back at me, “how about we take a raincheck on that dinner delivery you mentioned? You said you wanted us to meet him, right? Let’s do it together.”
I blink at them, caught off guard by how easily they’re volunteering for something that feels so monumental. Meeting my dad isn’t just a casual thing; it’s a big step, one that makes my heart pound just thinking about.
“You’re sure?”
I ask hesitantly. “I mean, he can be a little intimidating at first.”
Jaxton straightens up, his confidence practically radiating. “We’re sure. Besides, I’m looking forward to this. Meeting the man who raised you? That’s important to us.”
“Yeah,”
Liam chimes in, his voice softer now. “We’re not just in this for you, Bee. We’re in it for everything that comes with you—including your family.”
Their words strike a chord deep within me. I swallow hard, managing a small smile. “Okay,”
I whisper. “Let’s do it.”
“Good,”
Jaxton says, his lips curving into a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s get comfortable for a cuddly night in.”
The warmth in their eyes steadies me, and for the first time, the thought of introducing them to my dad doesn’t seem so intimidating. With them by my side, maybe—just maybe—it’ll go better than I’ve been imagining.
Not wanting to linger on the subject and risk getting emotional, I change the topic. “Have either of you ever played twenty questions?”
I ask, knowing I’m contradicting my own rule of not getting too personal. But at this point, the only person I’m fooling is myself.
Their twin grins turn wicked, as if they’ve been waiting for this.
Liam rubs his hands together like a cartoon villain. “Sounds like my kind of game.”
He shifts to face me more fully, while Jaxton pulls me back against his chest. “You start, Bumblebee.”
I take a deep breath, deciding to dive right in. “Were you guys close with your parents?”
“Yes,”
they say in unison, though the word carries weight.
Jaxton elaborates. “Our dad passed a couple of years before Ma, so we tried to spend as much time with her as possible, to keep her from feeling too lonely.”
His answer melts my heart, the tenderness in his voice palpable.
“My turn,”
Jaxton says. “Are you close to your family?”
“There’s just my dad, and we’re thick as thieves,”
I explain. “We have dinners, picnics, and do whatever we can together. My mom lives in Colorado, but we don’t really keep in touch. The last time we spoke was about ten years ago.”
They both nod, understanding that family dynamics vary from person to person.
“My turn!”
I say, grinning. “How old were you when you had your first kiss? Liam, you go first.”
A blush creeps across his cheeks, and I can’t help but tease him. “This is going to be good.”
With a boyish grin, he admits, “I was thirteen. We were at my friend Jasper’s house, playing spin the bottle with his older sister and her friends. The bottle landed on me, and she leaned in for the kiss.”
He laughs at the memory. “Lucky for you, I’ve gotten much better since then.”
His eyes drop to my lips, darkening with lust.
I giggle, glancing over my shoulder at Jaxton. “And you?”
He chuckles, the vibrations rumbling against my back. “I was a late bloomer compared to Liam. My first kiss was with my girlfriend when I was sixteen. But now I’m curious—when was your first kiss?”
“I was fourteen at summer camp,”
I say with a laugh. “He was the cute boy that everyone liked. One night while we were playing hide and seek, he just walked up and kissed me. It was just a peck on the lips, nothing major, but I remember thinking it was the coolest thing.”
When I look back at Liam, his emerald eyes are locked on mine, filled with intensity. He leans closer, his finger tracing my cheek. “I love it when you blush,”
he says softly. “Almost as much as I love hearing you hum.”
He pauses, then adds with a teasing grin, “Though right now, it’s hard to see the blush under all that sunburn.”
“Yeah, yeah,”
I say, playfully nipping at his fingers before settling back into Jaxton’s embrace. “My turn.”
I try to ignore the shiver that runs up my spine as Liam’s touch lingers. “What’s the longest relationship you’ve ever had?”
Liam’s expression changes instantly, his gaze flickering over to Jaxton before softening as he looks back at me. “Our longest relationship was our last girlfriend. We were together for about two years,”
he admits, his voice careful. “We ended it about a year ago, but… Jaxton was on and off with her as recently as a couple of weeks ago.”
Jaxton continues when he sees the worry cross my face. “It’s over now. Completely. We’ve both moved on,”
he whispers against my neck, his voice filled with remorse, as if he regrets the timing of everything.
I struggle against the ridiculous sting of tears. It’s crazy how deeply I feel after such a short time, but there’s no denying the intensity of it. I know they had lives before me—of course, they’ve shared another woman—but hearing about it still cuts deeper than I expected. The jealousy is irrational, yet it lingers, twisting with a whirlwind of emotions I never saw coming.
Liam’s gaze searches mine, reading the vulnerability there, and he asks gently, “How about you, Bee? Any serious relationships?”
I clear my throat, eager to move the conversation along. “Nowhere near two years,”
I admit. “The longest relationship I’ve had was probably six months, and that’s pushing it. Most of the men I’ve dated have been afraid of commitment, but I’m looking for the long haul. I want the white picket fence and everything that comes with it. If the guy isn’t on the same page, then there’s not much else to keep the relationship going.”
I realize I’m rambling, so I quickly add, “Not that I’m expecting that from… this.”
I gesture awkwardly between the three of us. “You’re busy with work, and my life is here. Plus, I haven’t even met your brothers yet. They may not even like me…” I groan inwardly at my inability to stop talking.
Liam’s green eyes flare with a mix of emotions—anger, desire, and something else I dare not name. Before I can overthink it, Jaxton cups my chin, turning my face toward him. His expression is filled with understanding, and it softens my worries.
“We can’t promise anything,”
Jaxton says, and my heart sinks a little before he continues. “But I can say that I’ve never felt a connection like this before. It’s like we’ve known each other for years. When we’re not with you, you’re all we think about. We’ll take this one day at a time, and who knows? Maybe one day that white picket fence will be ours too. But it’s going to take time, especially with our... unconventional relationship—and the fact that you’ve never even met our brothers, yet you’re already technically in a relationship with them.”
I let out a small squeak at that, and Liam’s eyes narrow as he glares at Jaxton. “Don’t think too far ahead, Bee. For now, just get used to the idea. You’re in control here.”
His reassurance sends a wave of relief through me. Without thinking, I lean back and kiss Jaxton softly as a thank you. His hands slide down to grip my hips, his hardness pressing against my backside. A giggle escapes when Liam swoops in, pulling me forward for his own kiss.
Jaxton's hand glides up my waist, his fingers tightening around my throat, as he holds me steady for his brother. His other hand slips under my top, cupping my breast, while Liam focuses on teasing my other nipple through the silk fabric, sending waves of pleasure through me. Their combined touch is intoxicating, and I feel myself surrendering completely to the moment, leaving me breathless.
When Jaxton pulls back for air, my mind is foggy, and the first thing that slips out is, “What’re your middle names?”
The corner of Jaxton’s mouth quirks up, and Liam’s laughter hums softly against my skin. “James,”
Jaxton says.
“Jaxton James Knight,”
I repeat, savoring the sound.
“That’s me, baby.”
He cups my cheek and leans in for another kiss, this one softer, slower.
When he pulls away, I turn my attention to Liam, expectant. “Elijah.”
“Liam Elijah Knight. I love that.”
My voice is hushed, like I’m tasting their names. “What about Lennox and Kamden?”
Liam’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “Our mom loved to yell out our full names when we were in trouble. ‘Lennox Theodore Knight! Kamden Everette Knight!’ She said she wanted to make sure our names weren’t too similar, so we’d know exactly who she was yelling at.”
His deep chuckle warms me from the inside out.
Their laughter is contagious, and I find myself wishing I had those kinds of memories to share about my own mom. “She sounds amazing,”
I say, smiling wide. “I would’ve loved to see her in action.”
Liam studies me for a moment, then asks, “You enjoying what we’ve got going on, Bee?”
His question catches me off guard, and my breath hitches. “Yes,”
I admit, my voice thick with emotion.
“Good,”
he murmurs, nuzzling my nose as he leans over me, careful to keep his weight off my sunburned skin. “Enough that we can say you’re our girl?”
“Mmm,”
I hum, the sound sending a shiver through him. “As long as I can claim the two of you, too.”
Jaxton’s chuckle vibrates against my back as he presses a kiss behind my ear. “You’ve owned us since the moment we walked into that bakery.”
Swallowing hard, I nod. The sudden weight of everything is too much, and I’m done with emotional roller coasters for one night. I need to relax. Liam seems to read my shift in mood and kisses me quickly on the lips.
“How about we settle in for a movie night?”
he suggests, his tone light but understanding.
“Works for me,”
I agree. Jaxton tighten his arms around me as if sensing the strain in my voice.
Liam exchanges a quick, silent look with Jaxton over my shoulder before standing. “I’ll grab the drinks. You two want to pick something to watch?”
He pauses before heading to the kitchen. “Bee, you got beer?”
“Yeah, bottom shelf in the fridge,”
I direct, already feeling the tension start to ease.
Jaxton grabs the remote and flips through Netflix. “Baby, you want to pick the movie?”
I shake my head, curling up against his chest. “No, I’ll probably pass out before it’s over.”
He chuckles softly, burying his face in my neck as he breathes me in. “I’m just happy you’re mine, Kitten.”
I rub against him like the pet name suggests, purring in agreement. “Me too.”
Despite my doubts about how we would make this work—how they’re only here for a short time and whether long-distance would be a possibility—I can’t help but feel content in this moment. But my mind drifts, worrying about what the future holds. Long-distance relationships rarely work. How could this possibly last?
As if sensing my internal struggle, Jaxton’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “Before you say anything, I know what you’re thinking.”
His tone is gentle but firm. “Yes, we’re only here temporarily. But if this connection between us keeps growing, maybe… maybe you could come with us when we leave.”
His words are mind-blowing, but he continues, his voice soft and sincere. “We’ve known each other for only a short time, but I’ve never felt anything like this. And if I’m not mistaken, you feel it too. I don’t want to look back and wonder what could’ve been. The thought of leaving without you? It aches. I want you, however you fit into our lives.”
He cups the side of my face, his thumb gently brushing my cheek as he tilts my chin to meet his eyes. “Please, just say you’ll think about it.”
A shaky breath escapes me. The intensity of his proximity, the raw honesty in his words, it’s overwhelming. If I were to go with them, I’d be giving up my plans—my dream business, my job, my dad. But he’s right. What we have is intense, undeniable. Still, the thought terrifies me. “Wow… I don’t even know where to start,”
I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “You’re asking me to leave everything and everyone I love for a relationship we just made official.”
I see the hint of defeat flicker in his eyes, but before he can retreat, I continue, “I agree, we have something incredible, something worth exploring. But to leave everything behind… I don’t know. Can we agree to the official part and just think about the rest?”
I can feel the dull ache in my chest, as if we’re already planning the end before we even begin.
Jaxton senses my hesitation and pulls me close, wrapping me tightly in his arms without aggravating my sunburn. “Of course. We can take it slowly. And who knows? Maybe we’ll stay here with you if that’s what it takes.”
His eyes search for a reaction, and I’m torn between elation and fear. I’ve known them for such a short time—how can I even consider changing my entire life for them? But then again, what if this is the real deal? The little voice in my head screams at me to shut up and not ruin this.
“This is intense,”
I finally admit, slightly shaking my head.
Liam returns with two beers and a bottle of water, immediately picking up on the vibe. “Whoa, looks like I missed some deep conversation.”
He hands Jaxton one of the beers and then twists the top off my water. “Here, Bee. Drink half of this. You need to stay hydrated.”
He takes a swig of his beer before adding, “Now, about all this talk of who’s coming or going—we’ll figure it out as we go. Let’s just live in the moment for now. We’ll cross those bridges when we come to them.”
He sits back down beside me, placing my feet in his lap and gently rubbing one, then the other.
We spent the rest of the night cuddled on the couch, but for me, that only lasted about thirty minutes before drifting off to sleep, feeling more at peace than I have in a long time.