Thirteen

"I cannot believe you did that," Steviesnapped when Nico got into the truck. She punched him in the arm for good measure. "What were you thinkin'?"

"The same thing you were," he said, avoiding eye contact as he started the truck and put it in gear.

"I'm not goin'," she told him, yanking on the seat belt, trying to clip it as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not," she insisted, even though she didn't believe it either.

She wanted to. God, she wanted to. But there wasn't a rational bone in her body that thought it was a good idea.

Seeing Stone for those few minutes had brought everything flooding back. So many emotions she'd locked up broke free, filling her with sensations she'd thought she would never feel again. It was almost like he'd never left, and she was back to being that carefree eighteen-year-old who had fallen in love with the sexy bad boy with the devilish smirk.

Only she wasn't that girl anymore. She was a grown woman. She had a business and bills and … and she had Nico.

Not that she was in a relationship with Nico. She wasn't. They both agreed on that. However, she cared for him.

No, she loved him.

It was true.

She was in love with Nico, but she didn't want him to know that. She didn't want to screw things up because what they had was a good thing. They were friends, and they enjoyed one another's company. Not to mention, they were explosive together even though they pretended their sexual encounters were entirely accidental. Stevie didn't want to lose that.

She'd been a spectator during his relationship with Melanie. No way did she want that to happen to them. Stevie knew Nico had loved Melanie. Maybe not the forever kind of love because there were things he never told her. Things about himself that Stevie knew because not only had she been part of it, but also because Nico trusted her.

Deep down, Stevie wanted the sort of happily ever after that was found in romance books, but Nico could never be that man. He needed something she was incapable of giving him. Something that Stone Jameson had introduced him to, and he'd been forever altered by. Stevie understood that because the same thing had happened to her.

That didn't mean Stone's reappearance was a sign they could pick up where they left off. She'd changed. She was no longer the love-struck girl who would follow Stone around like a puppy, craving whatever he was willing to give her. And no, maybe he hadn't treated her like she was a toy he could pull out and play with whenever the thrill struck, but she'd convinced herself he had. It had been her way of coping with the loss.

Sure, the idea of being with Stone made her blood pump faster than it had in years, but she wanted more than that. Maybe there was a chance she could find herself sandwiched between Nico and Stone one more time, but where would that get her? It certainly wouldn't lead to a promise of more. Until she found someone capable of making that promise, she wasn't willing to sacrifice her heart.

Not even for the two men who would forever hold pieces of it.

Four hours later, Stevie was in her office, her full attention on handling the month's receivables, when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," she said without looking up.

"I'm gonna run to lunch. Want me to get you anything?" Tara Chadwell, the best receptionist on the face of the planet, said.

"No. Thanks, though."

"I turned on the answering service so you won't be interrupted."

This time, Stevie did look up. She smiled. "What in the world would I do without you?"

"Hopefully, you'll never have to find out."

No truer words had ever been spoken.

"Have a good lunch."

Tara flashed a smile and pulled the door closed.

Stevie turned her attention back to her computer. She pulled up her notes app and jotted down a reminder to check on payroll options for the new year. Tara deserved a raise and it wasn't because Stevie was currently strapped in tight on an emotional roller coaster that had started at the diner. No, Tara deserved a raise because that woman was sometimes Stevie's saving grace.

Tara had worked for them for nearly two years, shortly after she received her associate degree from Austin Community College. Tara had answered their ad on Indeed, one of at least a dozen applicants interested in the receptionist role. Nothing about her résumé had stood out necessarily, but the moment Stevie met her, she knew she was the one. It was as though the woman had a light shining from within. Even on the darkest days, she had a way of putting a smile on Stevie's face without even trying.

Tara had proven her worth, taking on more and more responsibilities over the years, and now they all relied on her. The woman never asked for anything, which was why Stevie tried to do whatever she could to show her she was valued.

After jotting down her thoughts, Stevie closed the notes app and got back to work.

Several minutes later, another knock sounded.

So much for not being interrupted.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Nico appeared.

"Hey." She sat up straight, turning her chair to face him. "What's up?"

J?ger—yes, that was the name she was officially giving him—trotted in and made a beeline for the small fluffy bed Stevie had gotten him. She'd placed it in the corner so he could sleep in peace, but it was the little toys she'd tossed in it that he was concerned with now.

Nico closed the door behind him, and she knew something was wrong. He never did that.

"The other day in the shower…"

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, an image of him standing over her, his cock tunneling in and out of her mouth, flashed in her head. For the past two nights, she'd tossed and turned in her bed, squeezing her thighs together to stave off the need. She fought the urge to slip into his room and join him in that big bed of his. She told herself it was only because he was capable of delivering mind-altering orgasms, but she knew better. She wanted those, yes. But she also wanted what came after. For him to hold her in his arms, keeping her warm and making her feel safe.

"Yes?" Her voice cracked on the word.

"You said somethin'."

Stevie frowned. She did? Just now? "What?"

"In the shower," Nico clarified.

Oh. Right. The other day. She grinned. "So did you. A lot of things." Filthy, raunchy, beautiful things. God, she loved his dirty mouth.

His blue eyes, usually the color of the deepest ocean waters, glittered brightly. Rather than respond, he moved toward her, taking each step as though it were measured, trying to decide what would happen when he reached her.

Maintaining eye contact, Stevie tilted her head back until he was practically standing over her.

"I told you we had to stop doin' … that."

Yes, he had. And she said… "I think I said somethin' along the lines of, are you sure?"

"‘Do we?' That's what you said."

"Okay." Where was he going with this?

She watched as he leaned down, placing his hands on the arms of her chair. She had to lift her feet when he pushed her back, putting space between her and the desk.

"Were you serious?"

Stevie wasn't sure whether there was a right or wrong answer. She definitely didn't want to say the wrong one.

"Maybe. Why?"

He nudged her knees apart so he could make room between them, then he slowly lowered until he was kneeling before her.

"Because I don't want to stop."

She watched his face, studying his handsome features. "Why are you tellin' me this now?"

"I don't want to give you up."

She frowned. "I didn't realize I was yours to give at all."

"Stevie."

"Nico," she drawled, mimicking his warning tone.

She'd never seen him like this. Well, maybe once. Back when—

"This is about Stone," she accused.

His eyes heated even more, and she knew she was right. Stone's presence had triggered memories for him the same way it had for her. They might as well be back in the hayloft, the two of them alone while Stone went to the house to shower. Stone had been gone for half an hour or so and during that time, Stevie and Nico had shared a moment. She was the one who'd instigated it by admitting she hadn't been asleep when they'd been screwing around like they thought. Well, she had, but the moment she woke up, she'd been transfixed on the two men beside her.

She had to shake off the memory because it was too hot to think about. She would need a cold shower afterward, which wasn't an option.

"I want to have dinner with him," Nico said, his voice ragged.

"You should," she told him. "I definitely won't get in the way of that."

She would likely be devastated, but hey, that wasn't his concern. The last thing she could tell him was that she would be extremely jealous if they were to get together, and she was left on the outside looking in.

Nico's hands slid along her legs, moving higher until his fingers curled around her butt. He pulled her toward him until she was pressed intimately against him.

This was new. Usually, Stevie was the one who touched him first. Or, at the very least, she said something to trigger a response.

"Us," he said firmly. "Not me."

Stevie swallowed, not sure what he expected from her. She wanted the same thing. Of course she did, but she knew it wouldn't be good for her. Certainly not until she at least understood why Stone was back and what his intentions were now that he was.

"I don't think I can," she admitted, sliding her hand along his jaw.

She rarely touched him like this. When they were together, it was very much like the day in the shower. Both caught up in the heat of the moment, unable to deny the chemistry they had. But kissing was rarely even on the menu because it brought a certain level of intimacy that they both tried to leave at the door.

"But you should have dinner with him," she urged. "I know you need what Stone can give you, Nico. Don't be ashamed to go after it."

"I'm not ashamed."

A small smile pulled at her lips. "Good. Then it's settled?"

He shook his head, still holding her tightly against him. "Not without you."

Stevie instantly shook her head. "I can't."

"Then we won't go."

Frowning, she pushed on his shoulders, and he instantly released her. That was Nico. He was always so careful with her even though he was well aware of the fact she liked it rough. And she trusted him more than she'd ever trusted any man. With the exception of Stone. But she'd understood Stone in a way that hadn't made much sense to her at the time. They'd connected so completely that it had blown her mind when he had simply walked away from it.

And that was another reason she wasn't interested in getting mixed up with Stone again. She had no desire to nurse another broken heart. Hell, she wasn't done nursing the one he'd given her fifteen years ago. If she were, his appearance would have no effect on her. Instead, when she looked at him, she felt everything she had back then. All the love, the lust … it came flooding back as though not a minute had passed. Stevie didn't trust that feeling. She wasn't that naive girl anymore.

Nico got to his feet and thrust his hand through his hair, ducking his head as he walked toward the door. He stopped without reaching for the doorknob.

"Did you mean it?" he asked without looking back.

She could've pretended not to know what he was talking about, but she figured she owed him the truth. She wasn't completely on board with pretending their encounters were accidental anymore, so she didn't feel the need to lead him on about it.

"Yes," she said simply. "I meant it."

When he turned, she expected to see disappointment on his face. She was asking more of him than he'd ever offered, which wasn't fair. They had a good thing going. She was a fool for—

"I do, too, Stevie."

She scrunched her face and turned slightly, pursing her lips as she tried to tie that response back to what they were discussing. She couldn't.

"Do, too, what?"

Nico started toward her again. The look in his eyes told her he wasn't going to answer with words. He was going to show her exactly what he meant.

***

"I want…" Nico wasn't sure how toput it into words.

Hell, he wasn't even sure what he wanted. Ever since he saw Stone on Friday, the man had been a constant in his head, stirring up memories. Making him remember how he'd felt that night and the days that followed. Nico had felt whole for the first time when he'd been with Stevie and Stone. They'd somehow reconciled all the confusion and gave him hope that he could have everything he wanted.

Then Stone disappeared, and that hope deflated as surely as if someone had taken a pin and poked a hole in it.

His reappearance was making it flicker to life, and though Nico knew there was a good chance he was delusional, he couldn't help but think there was still a chance. Based on the way Stone looked at Stevie that morning … how could there not be?

"Nico? What's happening?"

He realized he'd closed the distance between them, but this time, Stevie was standing up, staring at him as though he'd lost his mind.

He had. At least temporarily, because the only thing he could think about was claiming this woman to ensure no one took her away from him.

He cupped her face and peered down at her.

"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on."

Her eyebrows dipped low, her forehead creasing. "Have you been drinkin'?"

"No." He leaned down, his mouth hovering close to hers. "When I'm with you … nothin' else matters."

"Why are you tellin' me this?"

"Because you need to know."

"Why?"

Nico kissed her. He couldn't help himself. He pressed his lips to hers, forcing himself to be gentle when the only thing he wanted to do was yank her leggings down and bury himself inside her. He was overwhelmed with this primal urge to claim her. He had no right; he knew that much. She wasn't his. Never had been. Not even that night.

Stevie hesitated, but only for the briefest of moments. Then she was kissing him back, her mouth hungry, urgent.

Was she feeling the same thing? A need to mark her territory before the big bad wolf came knocking. And he would. Nico had no doubt that Stone was going to pursue this. He'd invited them to dinner, and the Stone he'd known didn't do something like that without an agenda.

Although he wanted to pretend he wouldn't succumb to the attraction that still pulsed in the air when he was near Stone, Nico knew he wasn't that strong. He'd spent the past fifteen years wanting more of what they'd had that night. Not just Stone, but Stevie, too. Together, they were the answer to everything he'd ever wanted.

Stevie's arms wreathed his neck. He slid his around her waist, pulling her close as he kissed her hard and deep. He was starving for her. As though every other time he'd had her had merely been an appetizer. He was craving the meal. Five courses—no, make that seven. Hors d"oeuvres through dessert. But that still wouldn't be enough. Every encounter with her made him want more. He was a junkie at this point.

Stevie stumbled, and Nico realized he was pushing her toward the wall, toward a stable surface that would allow him to do what he needed to do.

"If you want me to stop, tell me," he whispered, breaking his lips free so he could bend over and take off her boots.

She lifted one foot at a time, and he took that as a good sign.

Nico met her gaze as he slipped his fingers into the waistband of her leggings. He held her stare as he dragged them down. He tried to go slow, but the instruction wasn't quite reaching that part of his brain. He managed to get one of her feet free before she grabbed him, pulling him against her, sealing their lips together once more.

Nico groaned low in his throat when Stevie began ripping at the button on his jeans. She had his cock free within seconds, yanking his jeans down his hips. He took over, sliding his hands under her ass and lifting her, forcing her to put her arms and legs around him. He pressed her back to the wall and crushed his mouth to hers.

Using the wall as leverage, he reached down and guided his cock between her legs.

He stopped, realizing they'd forgotten a step.

"No condom," he said on a ragged groan.

Stevie's eyes blazed with heat. "Do we stop?"

"I don't know. Do we?"

He knew she was on birth control. And neither of them had been with anyone else in a year. He trusted her implicitly and provided she trusted him, he saw no reason they had to. But Nico wasn't about to make that decision for her.

Stevie pressed her heel into his ass. "Fuck me, Nico."

He pressed the head of his cock against her tight entrance.

"Oh, fuck," he growled, her slick heat coating the head of his dick sent shockwaves through him.

He gripped her ass once again and held her in place as he drove in as deep as the position allowed. He pulled out, pushed in again. This time, Stevie tilted her hips, allowing him to bury himself to the hilt.

"You have to fuck me," Stevie whispered, her head resting on the wall. Eyes closed. "I need you to fuck me, Nico."

Watching her face, he began driving into her, fucking her with long, deep strokes. His pace had a natural progression as the minutes ticked by until he was slamming into her, fucking her as hard as he could.

They were both gasping and grunting, doing their best to be silent because there wasn't a lock on that door, and there was no telling who might be on the other side. The office had been empty when he came in here, but that could change at any time.

He pounded into her, taking every ounce of pleasure from her body as he could, all while his heart constricted in his chest. It had never been solely sex for him. Not even that night. He'd learned long ago that he wasn't wired that way. He didn't enjoy casual sex, and she was the reason.

That nightwith Stevie and Stone had opened his eyes. He'd felt something. A connection. One casual sex never gave him. He wanted that again. And yes, he wanted it with Stevie and Stone, even if they weren't at that point yet. Maybe they never would be, and he would be forced to decide. But right here, right now, there was only one person he knew he couldn't live without.

Her.

He pressed his mouth close to her ear. "Do you want this, Stevie?"

"Yes," she gasped. "Yes, Nico. God, yes."

"Do you want me, Stevie?"

"I've always wanted you," she said with a husky moan.

"Then we owe it to ourselves to see where it goes." He impaled her again and again, willing her to feel the connection between them. It was stronger than mere friendship, deeper than mere lust.

"I love you, Stevie. Always have."

Stevie's arms wreathed his head tightly as she pressed her face against his neck and cried out, the sound muffled. Her pussy clenched around him as she came. He came from the intensity of it, his cock lodged deep inside her.

Several minutes later, after they'd cleaned up and he'd returned to his office, Nico realized she hadn't said the words back to him. In fact, she hadn't said anything.