Chapter 2

Joel tossed a hay bale on the back of the tractor and tried to ignore Oakley's constant whistling. The damn man had been in an annoyingly good mood ever since they'd left Sadie's bed yesterday morning.

Sadie had claimed the morning after would be awkward, but she'd been wrong. Apart from the fact they'd all had wicked hangovers, there was no uncomfortable silence or stilted conversation. They had just gotten out of bed, dressed and shared some dry toast and weak tea while teasing each other the same way they always did.

That was one of the things Joel liked best about Sadie. She didn't play games or pretend to be anything other than exactly what she was. The woman was honest, with a great sense of humor and just the right amount of humility. She didn't take herself too seriously, but she wasn't afraid to tell you what she thought of you either. It was incredibly appealing.

However, unlike Oakley's sudden, irritatingly cheerful demeanor, their night together had left him in a foul mood. Mainly because he knew exactly how much he was losing out on now. He'd always liked Sadie, always been attracted to her, but he'd never realized just how cool she was. Hearing that she couldn't choose between him and Oakley was different from thinking she was uninterested and just trying to be a decent person. It made things harder, because now he knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

Oakley's whistling grew louder.

"Dammit, Oak. Will you stop making so much racket?"

Oakley paused mid-toss. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

That wasn't the right question at all. "Actually, I'm curious to know why you're so freaking happy?"

Oakley sighed. "You don't get it, do you, Joel? You haven't figured it out yet?"

Joel had spent the past eight years of his life working side by side with this man. And sometimes, it felt as if they were still strangers. Joel would never get used to Oakley's bizarre way of looking at the world. If Joel saw storm clouds, Oakley saw shade. If Joel saw an annoying deer eating all their vegetables in the garden, Oakley saw Bambi. And clearly, while Joel looked at Sadie and saw no possible future, Oakley found something different.

"Figured out what?"

"I heard what she said the other night. About liking both of us."

"You were eavesdropping?"

Oakley shook his head. "Not the entire time. Me and Woody had to have a little chat first. I was trying to talk him off the ledge."

Joel rolled his eyes. Oakley had named his cock Woody—the least inspired name on the planet—and actually talked about it like it was a real person. "Then I also assume you heard her say she couldn't choose. She's never going to date either one of us."

Oakley gave him a look that couldn't be described as anything less that pitying. It annoyed the crap out of Joel.

"Who said she has to choose?" Oakley asked.

Joel frowned, still confused. "You're going to ask her to take turns? And what happens if…when…we both fall for her? Because you know we're going to. We can't spend the rest of our lives going out with her every other day."

"You're so black and white, Joel. Think outside the box, man. We both date her. Together. At the same time. You were in that bed the other night. I dare you to tell me it wasn't fucking hot."

Joel wasn't about to admit that. Even if it was true. Mainly because his feelings about the whole situation were so jumbled and mixed up, he didn't know what to think.

That confusion was adding to his bad mood. He'd never made out with a girl in the presence of another person. Never considered sharing a woman with another guy sexually. However, that was all he'd thought about since the night of the wedding. He imagined it over and over, the idea keeping him in a constant state of semi-painful, half-hard dick mode.

It was becoming awkward and embarrassing. Every time someone came around, he felt the need to readjust his jeans to try to hide his erection.

"We were drunk."

"Bullshit!" Oakley said loudly. "You know as well as I do neither one of us was anywhere near as drunk as she seemed to think we were. Find another excuse."

Joel resented Oakley calling him out so boldly, even if the asshole was right. "I don't share."

"Wrong. You've just never shared in the past. You're backing away from it because there's some fucked-up voice in your head telling you it's wrong. Did it feel wrong, Joel?"

"You gotta stop thinking with your cock, Oakley. That's not how the world works."

Oakley shrugged. "Maybe it should."

"So what's Woody's big plan? We just walk into Cruisers, tell Sadie she can have both of us, and we live the rest of our lives in some sex-filled threesome paradise?"

Oakley slapped Joel on the shoulder, his face filled with delight. "Exactly!"

Joel laughed despite himself. "You're insane."

"I'm creative."

Joel reached for another hay bale. "Even if I did agree to that—which I'm not—Sadie would turn us down flat."

"You're kidding, right? You're the stick in the mud, Joel. Not her. I think she'd go for it."

Joel wanted to argue that point, but he wasn't entirely sure Oakley was wrong. What had Sadie called him? Boring? Predictable? He had to admit, Sadie was more like Oakley than him. So what would she say if they presented her the option of a threesome?

Joel discounted the idea immediately. It didn't matter what she would say. He wasn't making that damn offer. He couldn't. Christ. He was raised in a devout Catholic home by a very strict but loving mother. He'd read enough of the Bible to know there wasn't anything in there condoning an orgy-like, ménage a trois relationship.

What would she say if he pursued the same unorthodox relationship? What would Coach say?

"Shit. I can see the wheels are turning. Which means you've probably already talked yourself out of this. So, you've left me no choice."

Joel didn't like the ominous tone of that. When Oakley took matters into his own hands, things always took a twisted turn—sometimes fun, sometimes scary. "What do you mean?"

"I'm going to Cruisers tonight."

Clearly there was a hell of a lot more to it than just that. Joel took the bait. "What for?"

"To see my girl."

It was on the tip of Joel's tongue to correct Oakley, to say our girl. Because as much as he wanted to deny it, that was how he'd begun to think of Sadie. Regardless, he managed to refrain. Part of him was just contrary enough to tell Oakley to have fun while he stayed home. Sadly, that wasn't the stronger part.

"I wouldn't mind tossing back a couple cold ones." His nonchalance didn't fool his best friend for a second.

"Cool. Sounds like we've got a date." Oakley went back to throwing the hay bales on the trailer. Mercifully, the work distracted his friend enough that he couldn't see the impact his comment had on Joel.

It wasn't just the concept of a threesome that was holding Joel back. It was the way Oakley had looked at him the other night when Joel had taken off his shirt. They'd seen each other naked about a thousand times in the past. After all, they were roommates.

But Oakley had never looked at him with anything more than a passing glance; the typical once-up-and-down guys do to see how they compare.

The other night, Joel was certain he'd seen something more. Something that he really couldn't handle.

Desire.

* * *

It wasclose to ten o'clock before he and Oakley rolled into Cruisers. A couple of cows had gotten loose and it had taken them several hours to find the bastards, get them penned back up, figure out where they'd made their escape and repair the damn fence. Joel had insisted they call it a night and hit Cruisers later in the week, but Oakley wouldn't be swayed.

They walked in to find Sadie manning the bar as a couple of old guys sat nursing their beers, watching football highlights on the TV hanging behind the counter. A couple who appeared to be on a date was shooting pool. Other than that, the place was deserted.

Sadie looked tiredly toward the door as it opened, but her face quickly morphed to one of pleasure when she saw them enter. Joel liked that she was so happy to see them.

He and Oakley nodded hello to the other guys as they claimed stools at the opposite end of the bar. Sadie came over and leaned toward them. "What brings you guys in here so late on a Monday? I was just about to yell last call."

"Good," Oakley said. "Yell it and get these people out of here. We'll help you close up."

Sadie gave him a curious grin, but then she did as Oakley suggested. She poured them each a beer. Thirty minutes later, the place was empty save for the three of them. Oakley walked over to the old jukebox and threw in a few coins as Sadie finished washing the glasses.

She glanced up when the bar filled with the sound of "For You". Oakley was a hardcore John Denver fan and there wasn't anyone in town who didn't know it, as the man was infamous for belting out "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" whenever the spirit moved him. Which it did way too often.

Oakley lifted his hand. "Come dance with me, Sadie."

Sadie considered the invitation, and then she put down her dishcloth and met Oakley in the middle of the floor. Joel remained at the bar, though he turned to watch as Oakley took her in his arms, tugged her close and they swayed together.

He was reminded of the other night when Oakley and Sadie were kissing on the bed. Joel had stood apart from them, spellbound by how beautiful they were together. He hadn't felt like an outsider or like he didn't belong. Instead, it almost felt as if he were with them, a part of the kiss, the touch, the embrace.

It was odd. And enticing.

Oakley wanted to share her. It was a preposterous suggestion. Yet Joel had a sense that was the only way this thing shimmering between the three of them would ever work.

And as much as he denied it, he wanted to try it. Desperately. He'd spent a lifetime toeing the line, doing predictable shit, playing it safe. What would be the harm in breaking character…just this once…and indulging a fantasy?

He rose as the song was about to draw to a close and walked over to them. As the last note faded, he reached out for Sadie. She didn't resist the pull, stepping into his arms as if it were the most natural thing and accepting his kiss.

Joel didn't seek to do anything more than kiss her. He was still trying to figure out if it was right to initiate this, to follow Oakley down this path. When Sadie lifted her arms and ran her fingers through his hair, he stopped worrying about it.

He'd wanted Sadie for years. Hell, his crush on her had started all the way back in high school. She was two years older than him and all the guys on the football team had been half in love with her.

Of course that was half a lifetime and another Sadie ago. She'd been so different in school, more like the women she made fun of nowadays. Sadie had been Homecoming Queen her senior year, a fact that made Oakley laugh his ass off every time someone mentioned it to her.

He pulled away and looked at her. She gave him a crooked, oops-we-did-it-again grin.

"We're going to have to work on our self-restraint," he said, half-joking.

"No, we're not." Oakley stepped closer. "You don't have to make a choice, Sadie."

Joel gritted his teeth at the way his friend dropped the bomb, but forced himself to keep quiet. Oakley was all-systems-go on this crazy scheme of his.

Joel was sort of hoping Sadie would reject it out of hand. At least that would save him the trouble of trying to sort out the feelings rumbling around inside him.

"What are you talking about?" Sadie glanced back at Joel questioningly. He lifted one shoulder. Oakley would explain it way better than he could. Knowing Oakley, he'd find a way to convince both of them.

"You'll date me and Joel. At the same time."

She laughed, but the sound died away quickly when neither he nor Oakley cracked a smile. "You're being serious? What do you mean? Like a threesome?"

Oakley nodded as if it was the most obvious answer on earth. "Yeah. You, me and Joel."

Sadie opened her mouth, rejection clearly her goal, but Oakley forged on before she could speak.

"Tell me you haven't thought about the other night, Sade. Tell me you haven't finished what we started about a million times in your head since then."

She bit her lower lip, the proof creeping out in the form of a blush. It was rare to see Sadie embarrassed. Joel enjoyed it more than he should.

Just how had she fantasized about that night ending?

Oakley moved closer and pressed his lips against Sadie's cheek as he whispered, "Tell me."

She grimaced, then—as always—held back nothing. "I've played it out so many times I had to replace the batteries on my vibrator. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Oakley chuckled. "That was what I thought I wanted. Now I'm sort of hoping for a more detailed description."

She batted Oakley away playfully. "You're the devil." Then she turned to Joel. "Are you seriously okay with what Oakley's suggesting?"

Joel wasn't sure of anything except the fact Sadie had called him boring. And passive. He had to admit that had stung. Enough that he felt the need to shake her impression of him.

"Yeah. I am."

Sadie's shocked expression was nothing compared to Oakley's. Sadie recovered first. And her answer was exactly what Joel had—and hadn't—wanted.

"Fine. We can give it a whirl if you guys are sure it doesn't bother you to share. This is actually sort of the answer to a prayer. I've been in a bit of a slump lately."

"Slump?" Joel asked.

"A sexual drought. That I'd be happy to see end with the two of you."

Neither he nor Oakley responded.

Sadie's brow creased. "Wait. That is what you meant, right? Sex? Because I'm not looking for a relationship or a commitment or anything like that. God. Nothing like that. I suck at it." And then, before either of them could respond, Sadie answered her own question with a light laugh. "I'm sorry. Of course that's what you meant. Because who dates two guys at the same time?"

No one does. Joel had been a jackass to follow Oakley's lead, doing exactly what he'd just yelled at his friend for today. He'd been thinking with his dick. Then, he realized Sadie had just confirmed what his gut had been telling him. Normal people didn't enter relationships in threes, just pairs.

"So should we put some parameters on it? A time limit?" she asked.

Joel shook his head. "No time limit. We ride the train to the end of the line."

She grinned at his analogy. "I had no idea you had such an impetuous nature, Joel. You've been hiding this guy. I like him."

He was careful to keep a smile in place, too afraid she'd be able to see beneath the surface and figure out he was freaking the fuck out.

"I don't…" Joel considered his mom. "I don't think we should advertise what we're doing."

Sadie's lips tipped up, her eyes widening. "No shit. I don't think your mom is ready for something quite so scandalous from her good little boy. And my dad would have a heart attack. After he murdered both of you, of course."

Joel tried to laugh, knew she meant her words as a joke. After all, she'd just offered him a sweet deal. He could have his cake and eat it too. He could sleep with Sadie and Oakley and keep it a secret from everyone else.

So why wasn't he happier about that than he was?

Then he realized why.

"Let's draw a line in the sand here, Sadie," Joel said, his mind hung up on one word. "We don't have to call it a relationship, but there is going to be some level of commitment."

She frowned until he explained. "No other guys but us."

"Oh." Her face brightened before she gave him a duh look. "I'm going to be sleeping with the two of you. Where the hell do you think I'd get the energy to look for more? I'm slightly promiscuous. Not a total slut."

Joel couldn't help but laugh. She was completely adorable. And like Oakley, uninhibited. Joel sometimes wondered if that was what drew him to them. He did tend to take his responsibilities too seriously. He never sang country songs loudly and off-key as he drove through town with the windows down like Oakley did. He didn't have tattoos or a motorcycle that he drove way too fast down the country lanes like Sadie did.

He didn't leave Maris after high school because he didn't want to leave his mother alone. Instead, he'd taken a job at Coach's ranch to help his mom get by. Even now, he paid her rent because he didn't want her to keep scrimping every month to get by. She'd worked three jobs when he was growing up to support them, to keep food on the table and clothes on his back. And while she'd never said college was out of the question, never asked him to stay in Maris, he had because he felt like he owed it to her.

Oakley wrapped his arm around her shoulder, dragging her close enough that he could kiss her on the forehead. "We don't mind you being a slut with us."

"Thanks for the permission." She lifted her face for a less platonic kiss than the one he'd just planted on her brow, and Oakley obliged.

Joel looked around the bar. They'd locked the door after the last customers left. The place didn't have any windows, more warehouse than classy pub.

Suddenly Joel recalled all the endings he had written to their interrupted evening. He stepped behind Sadie, lifting the hem of her shirt. She and Oakley broke apart as Joel pulled her favorite Sex Pistols tee over her head.

Oakley wasted no time reaching out to cup her breasts. She had a bra on tonight, one that pushed her breasts up and out.

God, everything was sexy on her. Or off her.

Joel turned her to face him, reaching for the button on her jeans.

"In a hurry?" She clearly meant her question as a joke, but there was no way she could hide the need for speed on her face.

Joel nodded. "Yeah. I didn't get to see you come the other night. I'm going to correct that oversight right now."

Sadie's hands met his, helping him drag her tight blue jeans down. The panties went with the denim, and he was treated to his first unobstructed view of her pussy. He wasted no time touching her. She was wet, hot, so ready for them.

"Go bend over that table, Sadie."

She kicked off her shoes and the jeans, and then walked over to the table closest to the dance floor. He and Oakley followed.

Joel shook his head when she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Don't worry about where we are. Bend over. Now."

Sadie let a groan escape. It was laced with hunger. So was Oakley's.

Joel tried to ignore it. Oakley had never pulled any punches with him. He'd moved into the bunkhouse and confessed to being bisexual the very first night they met. Joel had admitted to his straightness, and they'd lived in platonic best friendship ever since. What they were embarking on with Sadie felt like it was blurring the lines for Oakley.

He shoved that thought away, which wasn't a very hard task when his gaze landed on Sadie's beautiful, colorful ass.

Oakley beat him to the table, his fingers stroking the bright butterfly adorning Sadie's left cheek. She started slightly at this touch, and then grinned at Oakley. "Remind me to tell you the story about that tat sometime."

Oakley bent down and stroked his tongue along it, provoking a shiver from Sadie. "I'll do that."

Joel watched, trying to keep a grip on himself. He'd wanted Sadie for so many years. To have her here, ready and waiting for him…and for Oakley.

He sucked in a breath and dug deep for some control.

Joel stepped closer and lightly tapped the inside of her ankle. "Open your legs, darlin'." He noticed his southern accent seemed to grow thicker at moments like this.

Sadie moved into position without hesitation. She had such a powerful spirit that it amazed him when she offered herself to him—to them—like this. With absolute trust.

She'd chosen a small, circular, two-seater table to lean over. While her elbows rested on the flat surface, her upper chest and head cleared the other side. Oakley moved around to stand in front of her, his eyebrows lifting in appreciation at the view.

"God, you've got gorgeous tits, Sadie."

She laughed lightly. "Such a sweet talker, Oak."

His friend didn't seem to catch her joke. Instead, he added, "The way your bra pushes them up like that. I could bury my face between those and live there forever."

"I wouldn't mind." Her voice was husky, flirty, sexy.

Joel couldn't hold back. He stepped directly behind her and ran the front placket of his jeans across her ass, and then he knelt. He caught the sweet scent of her arousal, his mouth watering for a taste. He ran his tongue along her slit.

She gasped and jerked. "Ohmigod."

Joel lifted his gaze, catching Oakley's. His friend was standing stock-still, watching him. While the look was hot, Joel needed to put some space between them. This was pushing them too close together.

Oakley must have read the uncertainty in his face, because he glanced down and ran his hand through Sadie's dark-red hair. Sadie wasted no time reaching out. She unfastened Oakley's jeans and tugged out his cock.

Joel forced himself to look away, to focus on Sadie. On making her come. On making tonight so fucking good for her, she'd never want to let them go.

Them.

Him.

Fuck.

This train was going to hit a final station…somewhere down the line. It was inevitable.

Joel forced himself to return to the present.

Enjoy the moment.

He pressed his tongue into her opening, soaking up her groan of desire. Joel pushed in and out, trying to ignore it when Sadie's cries became muffled. He recognized the sounds. She was sucking Oakley's dick.

Joel closed his eyes, pressing her clit with his tongue. He felt her go up on her toes as even more arousal gushed from her. She was so wet. So ready to be fucked.

"God, Sadie." Oakley's deep, guttural cry was more than Joel could take.

Joel stood, though he kept his eyes averted. He focused on Sadie's gorgeous ass, the gentle rocking motion of her body on the table as she worked to bring Oakley to climax with her mouth. He unzipped his pants and reached into his back pocket for his wallet. He pulled out his cock and covered it with a condom. Through it all, he was careful not to look up, refusing to watch Sadie suck on Oakley. He was terrified of what—of how—that sight might make him feel.

Joel placed the head of his cock at her opening. All self-restraint abandoned him as he slowly slid inside and she let out a quiet cry of relief. He understood the feeling. She was hot and tight and perfect.

Then he couldn't resist it any longer. He wanted to see, needed to see, Sadie's mouth on Oakley.

"Jesus," he murmured, pressing in to the hilt, his cock growing thicker when Sadie released Oakley's cock with a pop.

She still held his friend in her hand as she turned to look at Joel over her shoulder. All he could see was Sadie's pretty, flushed face and Oakley's hard dick. He couldn't move, couldn't take his eyes away from them.

He had no idea what Sadie saw in his face, but he prayed it wasn't the panic that was currently coursing through him.

There was no way he could do this again. No way.

Everything was getting mixed up in his head. He wanted Sadie. He would always want Sadie.

So why did it feel like he wanted Oakley too?

"Come here," Sadie whispered.

Joel wanted to say no. Leaning over her would bring him too fucking close. But it didn't matter. Sadie asked for something and he couldn't refuse.

He leaned over her body, his elbows resting next to hers as his chest covered her back. He had at least half a foot on her, so the position allowed him to turn his head, to place a soft kiss on her cheek.

She smiled. "Stay there."

Sadie was pretty good at issuing commands herself. Joel remained motionless, spellbound as she turned her face back to Oakley, her lips parting to take him inside once more.

Joel was mere inches away from them. He could see her saliva coating his dick as his friend pushed in and out. Her hand was wrapped around the base of Oakley's cock, stroking in rhythm with her lips, her tongue. Oakley's right hand rested on the back of Sadie's head as he used his grip there to slowly…Jesus…so slowly…fuck her pretty mouth.

Joel was still inside Sadie, and after several minutes, he realized he was moving in time with Oakley's cock in her mouth. It was a gentle thrust that mimicked their blowjob.

"So fucking hot," Oakley said, his movements picking up speed as he lost some of his careful precision. His friend was on the verge of coming.

Sadie felt it too. Joel saw her grip on Oakley's cock tighten.

Both he and Sadie were surprised when Oakley pulled out at the last minute.

"Lift her up, Joel." Oakley's hand pumped his own dick, keeping the orgasm there, but banked.

Joel didn't need any more instruction. He knew exactly what Oakley wanted. Joel rose from the table, careful to keep his cock tucked deep inside her. Then he reached for Sadie's shoulders and tugged her upwards, the action thrusting her breasts out.

Sadie's pussy clenched on Joel's cock. God, she loved this.

"Pull my hair," she demanded. Joel moved his hand to her long tresses and gripped tight, holding her up that way instead.

Oakley reached out and pulled one breast, and then the other, over the cups of her bra, taking care to pinch each nipple as he did so. His right hand still furiously pumped his cock.

And then Oakley jerked, a deep moan accompanying it as he erupted, jet after jet of come covering Sadie's chest.

Joel had stopped moving, too enthralled by what he was seeing. His hand was fisted in Sadie's hair, holding her up, though Oakley's climax had waned.

Oakley was the first to break the stillness. He pulled a nearby chair over and sank down onto it, his gaze glued to Sadie's breasts.

"Jesus, Sade," Oakley murmured.

Sadie shook her head slightly, reminding Joel to release her.

"I know," she whispered to Oakley.

She was breathing heavily, her face more red than pink as she glanced at Joel over her shoulder. They were both slick with sweat. "Joel."

He didn't need to hear more. He understood. Joel jerked his head toward Oakley. "Put your hands against that table to hold it steady, Oak." He placed a soft kiss on Sadie's shoulder. "This isn't going to be gentle, darlin'."

She gave him a hungry grin. "Good."

Joel stood straighter as he gripped her hips. He didn't bother to start slow. He couldn't. He felt the need to fuck her. Hard. He'd never been this aroused, never wanted anyone so much.

Oakley's hands rested against the opposite side of the table, pushing the wood to keep them from sliding the damn thing across the floor. Joel was a bit worried about the thing collapsing, but not even that fear could stop him now.

He plowed deeper, as Sadie met him thrust for thrust. She reared back and he shoved against her, both of them grunting, cursing, demanding more. Her sexual appetite was the perfect match. He'd never found a woman capable of handling his heavy-handed commands, his rough claiming. No one…until her.

The women he'd dated had expected a gentleman. So he'd been one. Sadie appeared to be just fine with the real Joel.

Then he closed his eyes when they landed on Oakley. What did that mean about his feelings toward Oakley? He shut that thought down. God help him if this was the real Joel because if it was…he was in trouble.

They moved even faster and Joel was vaguely aware of Oakley standing, leaning his hips against the table. Then Joel heard him. Heard Oakley speaking.

"Jesus. Yeah. Fuck yeah. You guys are so fucking hot. Harder. Go harder, Joel."

Joel responded to Oakley's voice, found himself turned on by it. Sadie's hands reached out for Oakley, her fingers digging into his hips as she sought purchase, stability.

"I can't…I'm…" Her words came out in gasps, her inner muscles clamped down on his cock so tightly, it almost hurt.

"Take him deep, Sade. Jesus. You're incredible."

She came with a scream and Joel was only one heartbeat behind her, his vision going gray as his balls squeezed, then exploded.

"Holy God," Joel yelled. His hands landed on the surface of the table, looking for something to hold him upright as he came so hard he saw stars behind his closed eyes.

For several minutes, Joel simply stood there, listening to the sound of his own breathing. Sadie didn't move. He wondered if she'd fallen asleep. He'd check, but he didn't have the strength to lift his eyelids.

Finally, a hundred years later, he forced himself to move.

The first thing he saw was Oakley. He expected to see his wild, uninhibited friend sitting there with a goofy, too pleased, told you so grin on his face. What Joel had not anticipated was the serious, almost dangerous expression painting Oakley's features.

Oakley was staring at him with an intensity that shook Joel to the core. He'd seen that look before on the faces of women he'd taken to bed.

Oakley wanted him. And his friend wasn't even trying to hide it.

Joel broke the connection first, scowling as he looked away.

Sadie lifted up on her elbows slowly as Joel withdrew. He offered a hand to help her stand.

Oakley moved as well, walking to the bar to grab a handful of napkins. He returned and carefully cleaned Sadie up.

Then Joel pulled her into his embrace.

"Are you okay?" he asked, suddenly afraid he'd hurt her.

"I…I think so."

Joel cupped her cheek and tilted her face up so he could look at her. Her eyes were clouded with the same confusion, the same overwhelming bewilderment he felt.

"I didn't realize it would be so…" She struggled for a word.

Oakley supplied it. "Intense. I've never done anything like that."

She looked at Oakley. "I just didn't know."

Oakley leaned forward in the chair, resting his forearms on his thighs. "And now we do. So what's next?"

His friend had directed the question at Sadie, but Joel knew it was his answer Oakley was waiting for. Oakley expected him to call a halt to it all, to say it was wrong, that it wouldn't work.

And that was exactly what Joel should say. They'd played with fire, thinking it would be a lark. They had all gotten burned.

Problem was, Joel wanted to burn some more. He wouldn't mind being consumed in it, turned to ash.

"We keep going," Joel said. If he weren't so exhausted, so wrung out, he would have laughed at Sadie and Oakley's matching looks of surprise.

Then Sadie nodded. "Oh hell yeah. I want more."

Oakley still didn't smile. "Are you sure?" This time he didn't pretend he was asking Sadie. His eyes were locked firmly on Joel's.

Joel gave him one, almost imperceptible nod. "Yeah. I'm sure."