Seventeen

Nico figured he should probably be carefulwhat he wished for.

Of course, getting Stone to the house had been half the battle. The other half had been hoping Stevie wouldn't saw his nuts off when they were alone together. He was pretty sure Stone's family jewels were safely intact. In fact, he would go so far as to say she was … happy. At least based on the conversation and laughter that'd been coming from the living room for the past hour. It was a far cry from the tears he'd witnessed when he first got home.

"What about you?" Stone asked.

Nico realized he was talking to him. Only problem was, he hadn't heard the question. "What was that?"

Stevie and Stone shared a look.

Stone's expression was … unreadable. "We were wonderin' if you wanted to play truth or dare."

Nico frowned. "With the two of you? That would be a solid hell no."

Stevie laughed, and the sound was so damn beautiful. He loved to hear her musical laughter. It was the highlight of so many of his days. More so after he'd done something questionable—sending Stone to the house ranked at the top of that list—because it meant she wasn't mad at him.

After he texted Stone the address, he'd worried that Stevie might never speak to him again. Then he'd worried that he'd pushed them together and he was going to be the one on the outside looking in. Then he'd worried he would come home to find them screaming at each other. Then—yes, there were more—he wondered if he would find them fucking like bunnies in his bed. No one said his thoughts were rational.

He'd fretted over all the possibilities the entire hour he spent on the phone with a client. He would have to make that call again on Monday because he didn't remember a damn thing they'd discussed.

"We weren't gonna play truth or dare," Stevie admitted. "But maybe we should so I can ask you where you were at just then."

"What?"

Stevie looked at Stone. "That's what he does when he needs time to formulate an answer. Usually, it comes after I've spent fifteen minutes telling him something that happened to me durin' the day. He stalls with a"—she lowered her voice, presumably to mock his voice—"what? Then I'll watch while he tries to replay whatever bits and pieces he might've heard so he can respond correctly."

Stone glanced between them. "Does it work?"

"About seventy percent of the time," Stevie said at the same time Nico said, "About eighty percent of the time."

"Hey, you want somethin' to drink? A real drink, I mean," Stevie offered, hopping up from the couch and carrying her empty plate to the kitchen.

If Nico didn't know better, he would think she was running away.

"I'll clean," Nico offered, following behind her. "You cooked."

"I don't mind," she told him. "See what Stone wants to drink. It'll only take me a minute."

Nico looked across the room to see Stone was watching them intently. The guy had been doing that quite a bit this evening. Like he was consuming every part of their lives that he could in case they threw him out of the house. The vulnerability Nico sensed in Stone was new. Back in the day, Stone had been one of the most confident people Nico knew. He'd idolized that.

This particular version of the man was … well, he was more human. And though Nico was still putting him on a pedestal, it wasn't quite so high anymore.

"Hey," Nico called to him. "You wanna beer?"

"I'll take Sprite and vodka," Stevie told him. "Be generous with the vodka or stingy with the Sprite; I don't care which one."

Stone's eyebrow quirked. "I'll have what she's havin'."

Nico grabbed the Sprite from the fridge and the vodka out of the freezer. He pulled three glass tumblers down from the cabinet.

"You're wanderin'. And you're sniffin'," Stone said, obviously talking to the puppy. "You need to go out?"

"I can take him," Nico offered, setting the two-liter down.

"I don't mind." Stone grabbed his boots from the barstool where someone had set them earlier.

Nico tried not to watch as he pulled them on in a hurry, clearly understanding puppies don't wait for anyone, and grabbed his coat before herding J?ger out the back door.

When he was alone with Stevie, Nico turned to her. "You good?"

She nodded, but she didn't look away from the sink.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded again.

Nico moved to stand behind her. He leaned down and kept his voice low. "Would you tell me if you weren't?"

Her hands paused. Her chin tilted toward him. Her voice was whisper soft. "I don't trust myself with the two of you."

He stepped to the side, wanting to look her in the eyes. He didn't understand. "What do you mean?"

Her eyebrows lifted slowly, and she gave him that look that said I'm giving you a few seconds to let it sink in.

"You don't trust yourself with—oh."

Her smile was back, and this time, it made her eyes glitter. Yep, that was his dick twitching behind his zipper. Since he could also tell she wasn't thrilled with that admission, it probably wasn't the correct response.

"I won't let you do anything you'll regret in the mornin'."

A boisterous laugh bubbled out of her. "Regret? I wouldn't regret it. I just don't want to do that to myself again."

Nico understood. When it came to Stone, he didn't trust himself either. Because of the intensity of that night, Nico had convinced himself he had been dangerously close to being in love with Stone back then. It was the only rational explanation for the emotional upheaval that had followed the man's departure. For years, Nico had thought about him, about what might've been if he'd stayed. It was complete fiction, but it had become real in his mind.

"Let's just see where it goes," Stevie said as she went back to handwashing dishes. "But … if it does…" She looked back at him again. "Would you run out of the house screamin'?"

He didn't even have to think about it. "No."

Nico still thought about that night. For the longest time, he'd tried to analyze it to death. To figure out why that particular formula—Stone plus Stevie—had done it for him in ways nothing else ever had. He could never figure it out since he only had one night to draw from. But that didn't stop him from trying. A repeat would probably bring as much clarity as confusion, though. Still, he wouldn't pass it up.

Stevie huffed. "Who's to say Stone would even be interested?"

Everyone,Nico thought. Everyone who knew the man would say that Stone was interested.

Nico had seen the way the guy was looking at Stevie. There was the same worship flickering in his gaze now as he'd seen back then. Fifteen years might've passed, but it was safe to say that Stone Jameson was still in love with the girl. That much hadn't changed. However, Nico's feelings for Stevie certainly had. He pretended they were friends, but Nico loved her. And there was no questioning it. What he felt was definitely love because it choked him up when he least expected it.

But he knew Stevie. You didn't rush her into things. You took it slow and let her come up with the idea herself. Otherwise, she would need time to think about it. And Stevie Shepherd could think things to death if you let her.

The back door opened.

"Good job, J?ger," Stone praised as they came inside. "You got a treat for him?"

"In the jar over there," Stevie said, pointing toward the cabinet near the door.

Stone opened the glass jar with "Treats" etched into the side and pulled out one of the small training treats Stevie was using to work with the puppy.

"Good job," Stone repeated and gave the dog his treat.

Nico finished pouring the drinks. He wasn't quite as generous with the vodka as Stevie would've preferred. She would thank him for that in the morning.

When he went to hand Stone one of the drinks, Stone didn't reach for it. "I was thinkin' I should go." He looked toward the back door. "The sleet's let up some. I've got four-wheel drive, so I'm sure I can get home."

Stevie turned off the water and grabbed a towel, turning to face him. "Stay. Please."

Stone stared at her for the longest time. Long enough Nico was certain they were having a silent conversation, speaking only with their eyes. To Nico's surprise, Stone looked at him, seeking his response.

Nico attempted to pass him the drink again, nodding. "Stay. I think a conversation is long overdue."

Stone's gaze snapped between them once more. "I don't think that's a good idea."

Stevie came around the island. "Why?"

Stone swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing slowly in his throat as he peered at her. "Because I don't trust myself around the two of you."

Nico snorted a laugh.

When Stone's eyes darted to him, he nudged his chin in Stevie's direction. "She said the same thing."

Nico stood there, captivated by the gleam in Stone's eyes when he looked at Stevie again. Neither of them bothered to hide what they were feeling. It was damn potent, too, warming the house better than the fire that was crackling in the fireplace.

"This isn't why I came here," Stone said, his voice dropping an octave when Stevie stepped toward him.

"I know," she said, closing the distance between them.

Nico couldn't look away. The same way he hadn't been able to that night. These two… Separately, they were attractive. Together, they were unforgettable. The contrast between them was staggering. Stone, at six feet, three inches, towered over Stevie's petite form. He outweighed her by at least a hundred pounds. Of solid muscle. The guy had always been big—a trait that ran in his family—but years of hard work had honed him into something spectacular.

Stone inhaled sharply when Stevie curled her fingers into the waistband of his jeans. Nico's muscles clenched as though she was touching him and not Stone. As though Stone was the conduit, and simply being in the same room allowed Nico to feel what he was feeling.

Stevie's eyes closed when Stone cupped the side of her face. His hand was bigger than her head; his long, wide fingers looked as though they could easily break her. Yet he was so gentle.

"God, baby," Stone whispered, now completely enraptured by her.

Nico understood what that felt like. He'd endured it for months on end, looking at this woman and seeing only the best that life has to offer.

"I want you to stay," she replied, her voice equally as soft.

"I don't think it's a good idea," Stone said, but he didn't sound like he believed it any more than Nico did.

"Why?"

Nico felt the full impact of Stone's gaze when it shifted to him. He wasn't sure what the guy was thinking, but he held his stare, waiting.

Then Stone looked back at Stevie. "I kissed him earlier."

Well, hell. Nico hadn't expected him to say that.

Stevie's gaze darted between them, coming to rest on Stone. "And?"

"And I didn't think about what I was doin' when I did," he admitted, holding Stevie's gaze.

Stevie frowned. "What's there to think about?"

"For one, the two of you … it seems you're buildin' somethin' between you. I didn't even consider that I could be comin' between that. It was selfish."

Stevie looked at Nico. He saw her understanding and the mischief that lived inside her. She was up to something.

"I kiss him from time to time, too," she said, a smile pulling at her pretty mouth. "He doesn't complain."

Nico choked on a laugh. What the hell was going on here? And how had he become the topic of their conversation?

Stevie's gaze returned to Stone. "In fact, I'll kiss him now if it'll make you feel better."

"It would," Stone said, his tone serious although the smile on his face was devastatingly roguish.

Nico knew when they both turned to look at him that there was a better-than-good chance he was not going to survive this night with his heart intact.

***

Stevie never meant to turn this intoa dare.

Her brain was aware she was making a grave mistake by letting her hormones dictate her actions. Stone had shattered her heart once; there was nothing to say he wouldn't do it again. And as much as she pretended she only cared about sex, it was a front. A way to protect herself. If she were to wake up tomorrow without Nico, she would be as devastated—if not more so—than she'd been when Stone left. What she had with Nico was significantly deeper because it was built on not only friendship and a mutual attraction but also years of spending time together, getting to know one another, and simply being there.

Releasing Stone's waistband, Stevie stepped around him and walked toward Nico. If he didn't want this to happen, he would tell her. She trusted him to be honest with her. About everything.

She stepped up to him, holding his gaze as his head tilted down.

"You know what you're doin'?" he asked, and there was so much passion in the words.

"When it comes to kissin' you? I know exactly what I'm doin'."

"And the rest?"

"Not a clue," she answered truthfully, but she wasn't going to let it stop her.

For the first time in a really long time, Stevie had the opportunity to be the carefree girl she'd once been. And yeah, she had these two men to thank for that. It was like falling back on the familiar, knowing what to expect. She could even predict the aftermath, although she wasn't interested in analyzing it right now.

Stevie went up on her toes so she could reach Nico's lips. She aimed for chaste in an effort to goad him, but he was onto her. Without warning, he grabbed her hips and lifted her, dropping her butt on the counter. His mouth was on hers instantly, hot and needy. She groaned, her arms sliding around him, palms flattening on his back so she could keep him there.

Nico kissed her like a starving man. His tongue dueled with hers, battling for dominance. He would win. She had no doubt because surrendering to him was so much fun.

No, Nico wasn't rough with her. The very most he would do was grab her hair from time to time, but even that was gentler than she would've preferred. She missed the intensity of her encounters with Stone. No one had ever taken her the way he had. They were either not into it or worried they would hurt her. Nico fell into the second category.

Was Stone still as dominant and aggressive? Would he toss her like a rag doll and make her feel that same sweet ache in her core as he had back then? She wanted that. Hell, she needed that. It had been too long since she'd been with a man who looked like he was trying to keep it together when really he wanted to fall apart because he couldn't resist her.

A hand moved along her thigh. She knew it belonged to Stone because Nico's were on her face as he plundered her mouth.

She reached for him, keeping one arm around Nico, her other hand sliding over Stone's. His knuckles were rough, a sign he worked with his hands. It turned her on to think about what those sexy hands could do to her body.

Nico grabbed her hair and tipped her head back, their lips separating. She gasped for breath, her chest heaving from both exertion and a hunger so powerful that it was a good thing she was sitting down.

Without moving her head, she looked at Stone. "Are we even yet?"

Stone was looking at Nico. "I don't know."

Before she could suggest anything, Stone moved, stepping closer to Nico, taking his arm. Nico released her hair and turned, following Stone's movements until Nico's back was to her, his hips between her thighs. When Nico leaned against the counter, it allowed her to see over his shoulder as Stone moved in.

As though they'd done it a thousand times before, Stone cupped the back of Nico's head, holding it firmly as he leaned into him.

Stevie was mesmerized, completely unhinged by the sight of these two men kissing. The two sexiest men on the planet were different in so many ways, yet when they came together, it was like they belonged that way.

Nico rested his forearms on her thighs, his hands cupping her knees as Stone devoured him. Stevie couldn't resist sliding her hand beneath his shirt, seeking warm skin. His torso was a wonderland of ridges and valleys. All those delectable muscles were a playground for her fingertips.

A soft hum escaped him as she let her hands wander. Higher at first, then back down. She dipped her fingertips into his waistband, sighing as she grazed that mouthwatering V that led down, down, down.

When Stone and Nico continued to kiss, Stevie gripped the hem of Nico's shirt and lifted it. Stone must've sensed what she was doing because he stepped back, releasing Nico's mouth so he could watch as she revealed Nico's rock-hard body.

Nico would've been the perfect choice for one of those art classes where people painted or sketched the human form. Every single muscle in his body was perfectly defined. From the steely contours of his shoulders to the perfect muscles in his calves and every inch in between, the man was built as though someone had created him from a mold labeled Perfection.

She got Nico's shirt off, and Stone whistled a definite sound of approval that matched the appreciation in his eyes.

J?ger yipped, causing all three of them to look at him where he sat near the table.

"We're good," Stone assured him. "You can go back to your nap."

As though he understood every word, J?ger flopped back down with a sigh.

"Your turn," Nico told Stone.

Stone looked confused. "My turn?"

"To take your shirt off."

Stone's eyes darted to Stevie.

"He's right." She smiled. "It's only fair."

Something flashed in Stone's eyes, but she couldn't make out what it was. Nico must've thought he was taking too long because he did the honor of removing it for him.

Nico still blocked much of her view, but not all of it. Stevie gasped when she saw that Stone had her name tattooed on his body. It arced along the curve of his shoulder muscle; the calligraphy letters, probably originally done in a rich black ink, had faded some. Enough that she was prompted to ask, "When did you do that?"

Stone glanced down at his shoulder. "About two years after I left."

Two years? He'd still been thinking about her after that long? And yes, that lent credence to his confession that she was the only woman he'd ever loved, but still, it didn't make sense. He was the one who left. He'd walked right out of her life. Why? If he'd loved her enough to tattoo her name on his body, why hadn't he ever come back? Or just called?

Nico didn't say anything, and she briefly wondered if it bothered him. But then he stepped to the side, and she saw the reason he was speechless. On Stone's other arm, covering his entire arm from his shoulder down to his elbow, was a finely detailed Mayan design made up of circles and blocks. As she looked closer, she saw what was inside those blocks. Nico's name wasn't as obvious as hers was, but it was there nonetheless.

Stone was looking at Nico. "I told you it changed me."

"What?" Stevie asked, realizing she hadn't been privy to whatever conversation he was referring to.

"That night." He looked like he was ashamed to admit that.

"Tattoos are permanent," she mused, staring at her name again.

"So are my feelings."

What was he trying to do? Make her blubber like a moron? She didn't remember Stone being quite so honest about his feelings.

Stevie wasn't sure what to say or do, but Nico didn't seem to have that problem. He grabbed Stone by the back of the neck and slammed his mouth over his. They stumbled back, but Stone kept his feet under him. Stevie watched as the passion ignited all over again, only it was like someone had added jet fuel to a grease fire. It burned hotter than before.

Except it didn't last as long. Nico released Stone and turned to her. He closed the gap between them, approaching slowly. But when he reached her, his kiss was as intense as the one he'd planted on Stone, only with less momentum. But then he was gone, and Stone was there, drowning her in ecstasy as he kissed her hard and deep.

A switch had been flipped. All reservations had disappeared. Her fingers curled along the indention of his waist, shifting higher, her fingertips tracing the sexy hard slabs of muscle that created a masterpiece. She kept going, purposely clipping his nipples with her fingernails before gliding her thumbs between his pecs. Higher still, to the long, strong column of his neck. Wanting more, Stevie wrapped her arms around Stone's neck, tasting his hunger and the same driving need she'd felt all those years ago.

Stone gripped her hips, lifting her off the counter with ease. She wrapped her legs around him and held on as he relocated to the living room.

"Where's J?ger?" she asked when he leaned down, depositing her on the couch as he hovered over her.

Nico was the one who answered. "Under the kitchen table. Sound asleep."

Hopefully, he would stay that way. At least long enough for her to sate the ache that was building with each passing second.

Stone attempted to stand up, but Stevie made it impossible, holding onto him, pulling him down with her. He settled his knee between her legs, balancing over her with one hand planted on the couch.

"You sure about this?"

"I think we all are." Stevie looked up at Nico to confirm. "Right?"

He responded with a nod, followed by, "But I think we need to move this to a bedroom."

"What about J?ger?"

"I'll move him," Nico said.

She met Stone's gaze and nodded. She was ready.