36. Game Night

Briar

We barely make it past the yard when I blurt out, "Yes."

"But you don't even know what I'm going to ask," Rhys teases.

As Donut sniffs the grass at the edge of the sidewalk, I say, "I'm pretty sure I do. The question Hollis asked me earlier. I never answered him."

"Is it about menswear?" he asks innocently.

I give him a look, then with my free hand I tug on the collar of his Henley, a needy pull. "Rhys. I know he told you. I know you guys talked about me."

Rhys drops the teasing, then covers my hand with both of his. "Because we want to take care of you this week."

The reminder of the expiration date—one we both need. We both have so much at stake beyond this tryst. Hollis, Rhys, and me. We're all on the same page.

But the page tonight is pleasure. "Yes," I say, nerves swooping through my entire body.

Rhys inches closer as Donut busies herself with ground exploration. "Of course we talked about you. Both of us want you to feel extraordinary," he says, and how could I not when he says things like that?

But I have something to say, too, about my desires. Ones I've barely come to terms with. Ones I'm still trying to understand. In just a couple days, Hollis, and then Hollis and Rhys together, have taken care of me in brand-new ways.

Hollis has made me feel safe every step of this thrilling new journey—safe in bed, and safe with my wants. He seems to understand me in ways I haven't even articulated yet.

Rhys came into the scene last night without any agenda except…me. He had one goal—to show me what it means to be adored. To be treated well. He's done that.

They're both an excellent team.

I should be a good teammate too.

Because Gavin understands me as well. Gavin has stepped up too. Gavin has shown me the type of man he is.

I want all three of them.

I dig down deep, ready to expose my raw wishes, my deepest fantasies. "I don't know what Gavin wants. Or if it bothers you or Hollis. This whole thing is so new to me," I say, in a bare admission.

Rhys's gaze softens as he comes close and cups my chin. "Hollis and I—we're good with whatever you want. We want to make you feel amazing. We want to overwhelm you with pleasure. We want you to feel adored in bed." He slides his thumb over my bottom lip, taking his time, seducing me with his firm touch. "Do you want him to join us too?"

What a question. What a freaking question I never thought a man would ask me. I might have dated the wrong men, but somehow I picked the right guys for this…project. "Only if he wants to. Don't ask him. Don't push him," I say, worry stitched in my voice.

"We won't, Briar," he says, reassuring me as he answers for the two of them. My fears fade away into the twilit air. "We'll just keep our eyes and ears open for an opportunity. How does that sound?"

My body answers first in a rush of heat that settles low in my belly. Then, in my words. "It sounds great."

"Good." He nods to the house. "You ready to play?"

Rhys is talking about Candy Land, but either way my answer is yes.