Chapter 7

Seven

Elle

D ays later and I still couldn't wrap my brain around what happened back at the club. Just sex was what Maddy had gone on and on about before she found her soul mate on our wine Wednesdays, the one time of the week we talked about life, men, my lack of, and my favorite topic—food. After what happened with Jace and Cade, I finally had something wild to share. And holy crap had my story knocked her socks off!

Nothing in my life compared to how they made me feel. I held that close to my chest and savored it. I mean, who wouldn't have to stop and think about the dirty things we did? I wouldn't be able to look my parents in the eyes for weeks once I arrived in Miami.

I checked my phone and just like all the hundreds of times before—no messages. I didn't know what I expected. We parted ways with a kiss and no promises of next time since they had to leave town and get ready for the opening game of the season.

I understood, but the burn and ache hurt the same. They went their way, and now I had to go mine. For the better, I kept telling myself. Hadn't that been my plan all along?

"You blush any redder and I might have to put you in a cold shower before you can leave."

I turned to see my best friend walk through my bedroom door with all smiles, and I admit seeing her made me misty-eyed.

"None of that," she soothed, wrapping her arms around me tightly. "You need this—don't forget that. A change will be good for you."

"I'm gonna miss our girl nights."

"Me too, but we have our phones and video chats until I can get down to Miami later this year. I always wondered what a tropical Christmas would be like."

I smiled. "Beach, sand, sun, and bikini at Christmas."

Maddy smirked. "Don't forget the umbrella drinks."

I zipped up my suitcases, and together we lined them up outside for when the taxi arrived. Goodbyes hurt my heart, but we had a long talk last night and I knew our friendship would be ok.

But still, a pang of guilt slipped between my ribs and stabbed at my heart. I'd miss them , too. They made me feel amazing, like a queen.

What Cade, Jace and I shared last night was not just sex. I saw the look in their eyes. Hadn't I? Felt the possessive hold of their hands on me and the way they spilled their milk all over my body. Like they were claiming me.

I didn't imagine any of that. But what possessed me to say I belonged to them kept me awake at night. But not as much as their answer had.

Our night together seemed more than a fling. It meant something. Two gorgeous men—sexy as fuck and so well hung my pussy walls still vibrated from their hard pounding and deep strokes—made me their center of attention. Powerful men with hungry appetites. The look in their dark brown eyes said they wanted more as they kissed me goodnight and walked me to my door. But life had its own plan and so did I. They went their way, and I had to go mine.

They had big careers and I had my family who needed me, a life to rebuild and one more chance at getting it finally straightened out. I couldn't waste that.

Honestly, at the same time, emotions ran high at moments like those. Words could not be trusted.

My phone rang just as the taxi arrived, and I hit a button to answer.

"Oh, Mom. Hi." I'd answered so quickly I failed to notice the caller ID. As incredible as it felt knowing my life would change after today, my heart sank at it not being Cade or Jace on the other end.

"Are you on your way, hun?"

Maddy opened the taxi door for me. "Just getting in the cab now. I can't wait to hug you and Dad. My flight lands at eight."

"You shouldn't lie to your mom like that, sweetness. You're not going anywhere."

I jumped and turned at the deep baritone voice behind me.

My heart beat so fast I bet my mom could hear it through the phone. I swallowed heavily.

I stood nose to chest with a solid mountain of muscle. I dragged my gaze higher and then higher still until my eyes locked with my lover's. His gorgeous face turned dark with a brooding expression, and I felt a shiver work through me.

"Cade?" Instinct drew my hand to his chest. I felt the beady tips of his nipple beneath my palm. I don't know if I reached out to hold him away or to make sure I hadn't imagined him.

Cade planted a hand on the door, blocking me from entering the taxi.

I felt a heat come up behind me and suddenly I was pinned in place. Cade at my front and Jace snuggly against my back.

I was trapped.

"Mom, can I call you back?"

Looking into Cade's eyes, I had a feeling I wouldn't be catching any flight any time soon.