AllFreeNovel
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I’m wearing a pink skirt, a white top, and my favorite pair of boots. I picked them up one afternoon when Ivy dragged me out thrifting and I’m obsessed with them, but I haven’t had a chance to wear them.
They’re white, with chunky heels and pink hearts on the sides. She said they were perfect for me and even though I’m not a pink hearts gal I’m going to trust her.
I fluff out my hair, tell my girl I’ll be back later, then leave the bedroom, trying not to stare wistfully at the bed. We dragged the mattresses out to the living room again last night, sleeping together, Gavin spooning me and, perhaps, snoring.
But like I tell him each morning, I sleep so deeply I don’t notice. Besides, Donut snores too.
I’ll miss seeing the makeshift Alaskan king-size bed—or close to it—on the living room floor.
I’ll miss this cottage.
I’ll miss our mornings and our nights.
When I reach the living room, I stop in my tracks. My heart sputters at the sight. Three suitcases. Neatly packed. Their flight is first thing in the morning. I glance at the clock, wishing the hands would unwind. But tonight is our last date.
All good things must come to an end.
Following the GPS directions the guys gave me, I drive down a long, winding road, past lush rolling hills, to a B&B at the end. I park, then get out, checking out the place. It’s a gorgeous white inn with a red tile roof that glints in the setting sun. A sprawling vineyard stretches along the side of the inn and likely far into the hills. A slight breeze carries with it the scent of ripe grapes and fresh soil.
Up the steps is the main entrance to the inn, and next to it is a restaurant called Springtime. A wooden sign on the porch reads Closed for private event.
The next line reads—Come to the back.
I head along the porch to the back of the building when my breath catches. On a patio, there’s a string quartet playing. I train my ears, realizing it’s not classical music.
It’s pop. Girl pop. The kind of music the guys hear me listen to. The kind they know I love. Played on a cello, a viola, and two violins.
A door swings open and a hostess strides across the porch, down to the patio. “Briar Delaney? Your party is already here. Party of four,” she says pleasantly, her nose ring sparkling against her bronze skin.
“That’s me.” I feel frothy and happy again. We are a party of four one more time.
She guides me along a cobbled path through the vineyard, toward a picnic table set up in the middle of the vines.
My heart surges. Three attentive, thoughtful, filthy, generous men chat animatedly in their seats, possibly arguing about their upcoming games as I pick up bits and pieces. When I reach them, they all stand. Like I’m the one they’ve been waiting their whole lives for.
That’s silly to think. And yet I feel that way when Rhys comes up to me, ropes an arm around my waist, and kisses me passionately.
When Gavin grips my jaw and crushes my mouth.
When Hollis cups my cheeks and kisses me like he’s putting a spell on me.
If Hollis’s kisses are the sun and Rhys’s are twilight, then Gavin kisses like it’s after midnight.
Hard. Rough. Demanding.
They all kiss differently. I’ve grown to crave all their kisses. I’ve come to need all of them too.
When Hollis breaks the kiss at last, I blink. “Wow. Have I mentioned a good boyfriend is a great kisser?”
“You don’t say,” Hollis deadpans.
“And you all are,” I add.
“It takes two,” Gavin says, giving me credit where credit’s due.
“Well, not to split hairs, but…three,” Rhys corrects playfully.
“And that one goes to the Viscount,” Hollis says, then gestures to the table, set with crystal glasses and ceramic plates along with plush cushions and soft blankets for us to relax on on the ground. A picnic basket is filled with an array of gourmet cheeses, fresh fruits, olives, nuts, and breads. My mouth waters.
