Chapter 1

Delaney

There’s this dumbstruck moment where we all just stand there, gaping at one another with matching looks of horror.

Internally, I’m spiraling right now.

What the hell have you done, Delaney!

One thing I do know for sure, Mom can never find out about this.

“Boys?” James speaks again, sounding perplexed as his sons just stand there like statues.

Well, if they can’t be the logical ones in this very thrown-off-guard moment, then I’ll be.

Plastering a smile onto my lips, I take a step back. “All yours, boys. Thanks again for helping.”

And then all three of their dumbfounded faces slip away. Logan frowns, his body going stiff, Elijah’s brows furrow deeply, seemingly not knowing what to do—poor guy—and Owen? His lips shift into a cocky smile.

“Of course. Anything for our new sister .” Why does he have to make that word sound so sexual? I don’t know if I should be aroused by it or put off.

Not wanting to stand around and find out, I grab the smaller suitcase, turning to join my mom when Logan reaches out to grab the bag.

“I can take that.” He clears his voice.

“Thanks, big guy.” I grin. “But I’ll keep this one with me.”

“Why?” His brows furrow.

“It has all my important things in here.” I pat the side of my bag.

“Like your jewellery and stuff?” Elijah asks, seeming to blink himself out of the shock.

“More like all my sex toys.” I wink, leaving the three of them gaping at me as I take off toward Mom. Look, I’m not gonna start acting like I’m some blushing virgin after fucking each of them only hours after meeting them. Individually, of course. Group sex has not been crossed off my ‘single girl experiences’ bucket list just yet.

“Isn’t that sweet of them,” Mom comments, smiling over my shoulder at the three guys emptying out the trunk.

James looks at them, filled with pride. “They’re excited for your arrival. It’s going to be nice to have some women around here. Living with three jocks isn’t always pleasant,” James chuckles.

Jocks? All of them? I remember Owen mentioning something about playing sports, but I didn’t peg the other two as being sporty as well.

When I think about it, Logan and Elijah both have toned bodies. It wouldn’t be too hard to believe.

Alright, Delaney, let’s stop thinking about your stepbrothers’ bodies. We’re trying to pretend like those nights didn’t happen... at least, not at the moment, not until we have time to think about what the hell is going on right now.

But of course, my mouth has no chill, so I ask, “They all play?”

“Oh, yes.” James’ pride goes up a notch, and it’s adorable to see how excited he is to brag about his boys. “All of them are also captains of their respective teams. Logan plays football, Elijah plays baseball, and Owen plays hockey. Each of them have a good chance of going pro, too. Just have to keep their grades up. They’re smart boys, I know they can do it.”

Huh. I never was one to mess around with jocks at my old school. All they wanted was one thing: sex.

I guess that’s what I was looking for this summer, though, wasn’t it? Just sex. Sex with three sexy, hot strangers who won me over with their smiles and charm.

As I look over my shoulder, I don’t see them smiling now.

“Come on, Laney, let’s go check out your new room.” Mom’s eyes light up with childlike excitement. It’s so damn cute that I forget about the boys behind me.

“Alright then, Mama, lead the way.” I grin, trying to match her excitement.

We head up the stairs into this little circular alcove with multiple doorways. I know I told my mom I’d keep my shock at all this richy-rich stuff to my inner monologue, but it’s not so easy when I step through the big fancy black doors and walk into something that I don’t think even my dreams could have conjured up.

“Holy shit,” I whisper in awe. To my left is this massive mirror, reflecting my shocked expression back at me. To my right is an open-concept dining area. The walls are a light brown; the design kind of looks like cork, but maybe it’s wood? I’m not sure what it’s made of, but it’s stunning.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” James chuckles as my mom nudges my arm and gives me a look like she wants to tell me to relax. Sorry, Mom, but are you seeing what I’m seeing?

As we step deeper into the house, my eyes take in the coffered ceilings, cathedral windows, custom cabinetry, and hand-carved moldings.

I get to live in this house? Again, I repeat, holy shit.

“Your room is in the west wing with the boys.” He points to the staircase to my left. “And our room is in the east,” James supplies, pointing to the staircase to the right. “We have a theatre room just in here.” He points to a big black door on our left. “And the kitchen is just over here.” I look to where he’s motions ahead of us. I can see just a peek of it, knowing I’ll have to check it out later. “Out back, we have a pool, hot tub, and a fire pit area. I’m sure the boys would love to give you a tour of the place once you're all settled in.” James finishes by giving me a friendly smile.

In this moment, I see a lot of Logan and Elijah in him. Maybe Owen takes after his mother.

I highly doubt that they would be so willing to show me around like he suggests, but I bite my tongue and smile back at him.

“I’ll leave you ladies to settle in.” He winks, making Mom giggle again. I don’t think I’ve ever heard my mom giggle so much in her life. It’s grossly sweet.

I follow my mom up the stairs, and when we get to the top, I gape at her. “ Wings , Mom. This house has wings . The only wings I’ve ever known about are the ones I devour on Wing Wednesday.”

“Okay. I have to admit, I understand your reaction. I’ve only been here a few times, and I can’t lie, I was inwardly freaking out the first time I saw this place too.” She laughs.

“Thank you,” I sigh. “I’m trying, but it’s going to take a while for all this to sink in. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, not at all. I’m just... in shock?”

“I understand.” She takes my hand in hers. “Your room is down here. I helped pick some things out, but the rooms are kind of hard to decorate.” She gives me a sheepish look, and I narrow my eyes.

“What do you mean by that?”

But I get my answer when she drags me to the end of a really long hallway and into a room. Ha! No, not a room, a fucking house within a house.

My jaw hits the ground. No, really, I have to pick the damn thing up when I see the place.

I’m once again frozen in place, amazed by the ‘room’ before me. The walls are the same as the ones downstairs, with more stunningly handcrafted moldings along the ceiling.

Then I get what my mom meant by it being hard to decorate. The room is very open, with a king-size bed on the left side. It has a white fabric bed frame, giving it an elegant look, and is decorated with a white plush bed set. Next to it are two bedside tables with lamps on them. Normal things for a room, right? Yeah, the fireplace directly across from it isn’t, though. I have a damn fireplace in my room! It’s gorgeous, with a deep brown wooden mantel.

Not to mention the enclosed seating area on the far side. My room is big enough for a damn seating area.

“So, what do you think?” Mom’s question is hesitant.

“What do I think?” I take another step into the space and do a spin, taking it all in. “It’s amazing.”

“You like it?” This time, she sounds more hopeful. She’s nervous, afraid I’m going to hate it here, but she has nothing to worry about. As long as the boys don’t give me a hard time with what happened this summer and keep their mouths shut, I won’t have any issues living here.

I give her a soft smile. “I love it. It’s going to take some time getting use to the space, though.”

“James said you can fix it up however you like.” She grins widely. “Just no renovations.”

“Of course.” I laugh.

“Oh!” Her eyes light up as she grabs my hand. “This isn’t even the best part!” She drags me across the room to a little area that I didn’t see.

“A friggin’ balcony!” I gasp, looking out at the massive balcony with a friggin’ couch and table on it.

“Yes,” she laughs. “But that was not what I was talking about.”

She redirects my attention to the door on my other side and pushes it open.

“I’m gonna pass out,” I state, stepping inside. “Yup, totally am.”

“It’s amazing, isn’t it? No more fighting over the bathroom,” she laughs.

“This isn’t a regular bathroom; it’s fit for a damn princess.”

“Well, you’re my princess, if that counts.” She grins.

“I’ll take it,” I laugh as I excitedly rush around the room. “Mom,” I say dead seriously.

Her face drops. “What?”

“I think I’m in love,” I sigh dramatically.

I’m not even joking. On the far side of the room is a tub. But not just any tub. A jet tub with steps up to it. It’s got stonework all around it and everything.

Oh, and not one, but two showers on either side of it. In the middle of the room is a round, pretty white ottoman.

To the left of the bathroom door is a wall of counter space, mirrors, and two sinks. Plenty of space for all my makeup and other products.

When I’m done gushing over the bathroom, we head back out to the bedroom. All of my things are sitting in the middle of the floor, but no one else is anywhere to be found.

“Do you want help unpacking?” Mom asks, grabbing a few of my bags and setting them on my bed.

“No, I’m good.” I grab a few more and place them on the dresser by the door. “I think I want to explore a bit. Or grab a bite to eat. Does Door Dash deliver to a place like this?” I raise a brow.

“I’m sure they do, but I’m also sure James has some food in the house. Why don’t I make everyone supper?”

“Mom, we just got here after driving for days. No one should be cooking.”

“Fair point. I’m thinking pizza?”

The thought of it has me clutching my belly as it growls, and I groan. “Yes. I’d kill for a pizza.”

Once back downstairs, we find James and the guys in the kitchen.

Don’t even get me started on this room. It’s a fucking dream.

Just like the rest of this house, it’s big.

The guys are sitting on the bar stools at an attached island. Every one of them looks over at us when we step into the room.

But unlike James’ happy smiling face, when he pulls my mom into his arms and kisses the side of her head, his sons are surveying me with different facial expressions.

Logan seems guarded, Elijah curious, and Owen... well, he has a grin on his face that tells me this whole ‘forgetting about what happened’ thing isn’t going to be easy.

Not when he looks like he wants to eat me for supper.

A shiver runs down my spine as I think about the way our bodies moved together in the water. The way his cock slid in and out of me, filling me up. The way my pussy—

“Laney, honey?” Mom’s voice snaps me out of my dirty thoughts.

Owen grins wider, leaning back against the island as if he knows exactly where my mind went. I resist the urge to flip him off, replacing it with a glare before giving my attention to Mom. “Sorry, what?”

“James said that he’s going to order everyone pizza. Is Hawaiian okay?”

“Yup.” I force a smile. “My favorite.”

“Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza.” With the way Logan says that statement, it’s as if I offended him by asking for ice cream on the damn thing or something.

But hey, at least the scowl is gone. Unfortunately, it’s replaced by disgust. Well, isn’t he a peach. The cocky, controlled man I met back at the resort is long gone.

I get that this revelation has taken us all by surprise, but couldn’t he stop acting like I’ve schemed up the whole damn thing?

It’s not like I knew who they were when we fucked. Trust me, if I did, I wouldn’t have crossed that line. Sure, I’d be tempted. I mean, they’re all very good looking men with great personalities from what I’ve seen. Although, I’m starting to second-guess Logan.

As we wait for the pizza, I do my best to keep my attention on Mom and James, but every so often, my eyes drift towards one of the guys, trying to get a quick glimpse.

And every time I do, I find them staring at me, and none of them are trying to hide it.

My skin blazes hotter the longer their attention is on me. Are they thinking about my time with them? Do they regret it? Are they wishing they could go back in time and change what happened between us?

The idea of them regretting it sends a small pang of hurt through my chest. I don’t regret it. I loved it. Maybe a little too much, knowing who they are now.

Do I want a repeat? Sure. Will there be one? No. Because I won’t be the one to ruin my mom’s happiness. I’ve never seen her so in love before. She deserves this, deserves James.

Once the pizza is here, the conversationturns to the upcoming wedding. James lets me know that the boys will be his best men, and I find that really sweet.

I’m my mom’s maid of honor. My aunt, Sylvia, and my mom’s best friend, Eden, are her bridesmaids. I’m excited to see them. Aunt Sylvia has been living in Rome for the past few years, and we’ve only seen her at Christmas. And Eden is back in San Francisco. It’s odd not seeing her almost every day.

The guys excuse themselves after a while, and I watch as they all disappear into the house as if they’re eager to get away from me. At least, it seems like Logan is.

“Oh, wow. Is it really eight at night already?” Mom draws my attention to the stunning sunset through the wall of glass windows.

“I have work early in the morning. I think it’s time I hit the hay,” James states.

“I’ll join you.” Mom bites her lower lip, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Go, Mom!”

Mom’s cheeks go beet red. “Laney,” she warns.

“What!” I laugh. “I’m not a blushing virgin. I know all about sex.”

Mom groans, but James laughs. “Don’t give your mom a heart attack, Delaney. She’s too young and stunning for that.”

That gets my mom smiling like a giddy schoolgirl. James holds his hands out for my mom’s. She takes them, letting him pull her to her feet. He grins down at her like she hung the moon and kisses her lips softly. “Goodnight, Delaney.”

“Night, baby.” Mom gives me a big hug.

“Night, Mom.” I kiss her cheek.

“Don’t feel like you have to head to bed as well. Feel free to do as you please around the house. Watch a movie or go for a swim,” James offers.

“Nah, I’m tired. It was a long drive, and I could use some sleep. I’ll explore tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. Find me around four tomorrow afternoon; I have a housewarming gift,” he says, giving me a soft smile.

“Okay.” I smile back with a nod.

Following them out to the main part of the house, I take the west wing stairs as they take the east.

Flicking on the lights, I survey my room, getting a better look at the details as I slowly walk around.

Grabbing the bags off my bed, I toss them to the ground, all but my pink one. Picking out a cute pink silk nightie, I change before pulling back the plush comforter and crawling under the covers.

“Fuck me,” I groan, my body sinking into the mattress. “Is this damn thing made of clouds or something?”

Closing my eyes, I don’t even bother shutting the lights off before sleep takes me over.

***

I’m not sure what time it is when I wake up until I look at my phone and see it’s two in the morning.

Needing to pee, I groggily get out of bed and head to the bathroom. Afterwards, I notice my mouth is dry and the need for a glass of water has me heading out of my room in search of the kitchen. I almost get lost on my way down. This place is massive.

I’m just about to reach the kitchen when I realize I’m in a nightie that leaves little to the imagination.

I mean, it’s two am; I’m sure everyone is sleeping.

It’s not until I step into the kitchen that my sleepy brain processes the whispering voices.

Freezing, I take in the three guys. Owen and Elijah are sitting on the bar stools as Logan stands on the other side, leaning in, their three faces close together.

All of their eyes swing my way.

“Ah, hi.” I give them an awkward wave. “Don’t mind me, I’m just gonna grab a glass of water.”

I step into the kitchen and stand there, staring at the number of cabinets.

“Door to the right of the fridge,” Owen’s amused voice helps me out.

“Thanks,” I murmur, not bothering to look in his direction as I step over to the cabinet.

Leaning up on my tiptoes, I reach for the door and open it. A low groan sounds, followed by the sound of someone being slapped, then a grunt.

Biting my lower lip, I try not to laugh. Looks like I may have flashed them a bit of my asscheek. Nothing they haven’t seen before.

Fucking hell. I can't believe they’re all brothers.

As I grab a glass, I can’t help but wonder if they’ve talked to each other about their time with me. Were they jealous? Did they like what the others had to say?

Stepbothers, Laney. They are your stepbrothers. Time to get your mind out of the gutter.

It’s easier said than done when the fact is I was dreaming up some very graphic details from our time together just a few moments before I woke up.

“You shouldn’t walk around dressed like that.” Logan’s deep voice breaks the silence.

I let out an amused huff as I press the ice button on the dispenser on the fridge, the ice clanking against the glass before I fill it with water.

Taking a sip, I turn to see the three of them watching me, illuminated in the soft glow of the light above them.

“My apologies,” I say after swallowing. “I didn’t mean any offense by it. I’m used to it being just me and my mom. I’ll put on a robe next time.”

“Thanks.” Logan clears his throat.

I purse my lips and nod.

“We need to talk,” he adds, and I sigh.

There it is. I knew it was coming. “I was hoping this could have waited until the morning.”

He frowns. “How are you not freaking out right now?”

“Because.” I shrug. “Sure, I was just as shocked when I saw the three of you. And trust me, I was losing it inside my head—still am a little—but the fact is, we’re all adults. We had some fun without knowing our familial connection. It’s not like I set out to fuck my stepbrothers or you to fuck your stepsister.”

“Keep your voice down,” Logan hisses.

“Sorry.” I place the cup on the larger island in the centre of the kitchen and raise my hands. “I’m just saying, we don’t have to make this weird if we don’t want to.”

“You really had no idea who we were when we met?” Logan asks, but he sounds more curious than accusing.

“No.” I give him a blank look. “If I did, I wouldn’t have tried to fuck you. Instead, I’d have tried to get to know you as my new stepbrothers.”

“Stop,” Owen groans. “Please don’t refer to us as that.”

“Why?” Logan questions. “It’s what we are to her.”

“Look, man. You might be determined to act like nothing happened, but I can’t.” Owen shrugs unapologetically. “I know it can’t happen again, but it doesn’t mean I’ll just toss it to the back of my mind like it meant nothing.” Owen looks to me. “We had a good time. We connected. And maybe in another life, it could have been something more. Or you could have just been a stranger passing through. Either way, I wouldn’t change what happened.”

“Thanks,” I smile, feeling oddly comforted by his words.

“I feel the same way,” Elijah agrees, giving me a shy smile. “I really enjoyed our night.”

“Me too.” I smile back. He’s so damn cute. Ugh, why do they have to be James’ sons?

“Okay, so we’re under the agreement that nothing happens again?” Logan asks. “And I don’t mean I regretted it, it’s just...” He sighs heavily as he runs a hand down over his face. “My life is very complicated right now and the last thing I need is my dad disappointed in me. Or something interfering with his happiness. My dad is crazy in love with your mom. I haven’t seen him this happy since our mom passed away. It’s been fifteen years. He deserves to be happy more than anyone I know. Your mom is a good woman, perfect for him. And that's saying a lot because I don’t easily warm upto people.”

He seemed to warm up to me just fine the night we spent together.

But I don’t point that out. “And I don’t want to cause anything to come between them. My mom is just as happy as your dad. He’s good for her. And all I want for her is to be loved and happy. I don’t want to be the person to come between that.”

“It was a one-time thing?” Logan asks again.

I nod. “I was just looking for a summer of fun, to let loose and take back my happiness after my shitty ex fucked with it.” I scowl at the thought of him. “And you three helped me with that, so thank you. But you're right, we’re about to become family in two weeks. That's how it needs to be.”

“I agree.” Logan nods and looks at his brothers.

“Friends?” I ask them, hoping they agree. Not that being friends with them will be easy. I might be agreeing to not sleep with them again, but I have eyes, and my attraction to them is still there. But I don’t want things to be weird around the house. I don’t want to feel like I’m walking on eggshells.

“We’re adults. I think we can all manage to be friends. I know I can,” Logan declares.

“Friends,” Elijah says the word as if it’s a defeating acceptance. He looks almost disappointed?

“Alright.” Owen chuckles. “You wanna be friends? I can be your friend. I’m a real good friend.” The look he shoots my way tells me he’s picturing my naked body through my nightie.

Fucking hell, this man. I bite my lips together, trying not to smile as Logan scowls. “Owen,” Logan hisses.

“What?” Owen gives his brother a look. “I’m agreeing to be friends.”

Something tells me this whole friend thing is going to be a hell of a lot easier said than done.