Page 81 of Forged Forever

As the sky fills with a bright pinky blush hue, I wake Jake up for our bonfire. The guys go down to the beach ahead of us with the firewood, snacks, and chairs. Once Jake is ready, we walk hand-in-hand down to meet them.

As usual, I walk to the water’s edge to watch the stunning sunset. Tonight, Alex joins me. We stand in companionable silence as the sky puts on Mother Nature’s show. Blush turns to orange and deep pink, then to crimson and lavender. The clouds spread the tapestry across the horizon.

As the red ball of fire sinks below the gleaming water, peace washes over me. There is nothing more beautiful than a sunset on the beach. When indigo stretches over the sky, Alex escorts me back to the guys. Sliding into my chair between Nick and Jake, I grab a stick to roast a marshmallow.

“Sum,” Jake groans as he watches me. “Some things never change.”

“What?” I ask, puzzled about what his problem is.

“Your perfectionism is showing.” Nodding towards my slowly browning marshmallow, he blows out the flames on his blackened one and pops it into his mouth. That leads to stories of us growing up, spreading to include the other guys as kids.

We’re laughing at a story of Seb getting covered in mud when a large group stops by. I don’t recognize anyone, although Alex greets one of the girls. They spread out in a circle around us. Four are crowding Alex and two are near Bay. One college aged woman leans on Nick’s chair. A few guys and girls seem to hang out with no one in particular, but are behind Seb and E.

I look over at Jake, who’s trying to take it all in. Reaching over to grab his hand, he gives a pull so I get up to sit on his lap. “It’s happening. What do we do?” He whispers to me.

“Nothing, unless someone gets too pushy.”

“You’re not jealous?” He asks me.

“Nope. They won’t cheat or disrespect me.” As if on cue, Alex, Bay, and Nick stand. The woman near Nick tries to rub against him, but he pushes her and she lands on her ass. I’m a little surprised he did that, but perhaps his time away left him with no patience for bullshit, not that he had much beforehand.

Seb is chatting away with the group near him and E, but no one is being pushy so far. Alex, Bay, and Nick grab their chairs and move around me and Jake, effectively turning their backs on the crowd.

Two of the girls who were talking to Alex come up behind him. “So it’s true what Alexis said then. Your family won’t stand for your being with a whore, Alex.”

Before she even closes her mouth, Alex is up out of his seat. “Never disrespect my family, Caroline. Do not speak of what you know nothing about, and look in the mirror before using that word. I have lost count of the men you have slept with during society functions, some old enough to be your grandfather. Leave and do not bother us again.”

Caroline looks furious but acquiesces, her friends following. That just leaves the group with Seb and E. Since they appear nonthreatening, the guys open their circle again to allow them to join us. I retake my seat as we once again relax. Nick moves his seat tight up beside mine, and Jake follows suit on the other side with a wink.

The rest of the evening is uneventful. We retire when Jake gets tired, dousing the flames and scattering the outsiders.

We take turns showering, then I tuck Jake into bed with a kiss. I fill bowls of ice cream for everyone, and we relax in front of the tv with the patio doors wide open. I end up with Nick’s head on my lap as he snoozes while the guys around me watch tv.

On Sunday, we play volleyball, swim, and relax. There are a few girls who bug Nick, but otherwise it’s peaceful. I take a nap in the hammock with Nick in the afternoon before dinner.

When I tuck Jake into bed, he tells me I can sleep with my other boyfriends as I’m walking around the end of the bed. I stumble over air, nearly falling down, but Jake smiles at me. “We talked about this Sum. You love all of us. I told you I made peace with all this a while ago.”

“You did,” I agree. “Why does it feel weird then?”

“Don’t know Sum, but I promise I’m fine with all of it. Go. I’ll be here if you need me.”

Nodding silently, I lean over and kiss him before leaving the room. Wow. Why does this feel so strange? I don’t have any issues moving between Seb, E, and Nick, so why Jake? The only conclusion I can make is that he’s new to all of this, and I still see him as fragile in some way, but I have to trust that he knows his own heart.

Seb catches up with me on the stairs for a kiss. I tell him what Jake told me, and he smiles, wiggling his eyebrows. “Spend the night with us. Nick is staying with you next week when Z goes to Savannah.”

“Twist my arm,” I smile, wrapping myself around his waist. Another quick kiss and we join the others in front of the television.

Seb and E create an enjoyable, titillating night, and I lose count of the number of orgasms.

Chapter 46

Monday morning, we drive back home, and I say hi to Ray when we drop off Jake. Ray looks like he got some sun this weekend; good for him. I confirm Jake has everything he needs to begin classes after lunch today before leaving.

The rest of us gather at Finn. Every other year, Finn holds a training refresher. The guys will complete 4 days of CPR, HR updates, and security training. Alex is also attending a firearms course so he can get his permit. I’ll be with them for the CPR and HR training in the afternoons, and I start half days at the plantation tomorrow morning with Aaron and Rose.

“Hey Dad,” I greet, walking into his office. Dad looks refreshed; that’s the only way to describe his smile and loose shoulders.

“Hi darling.” He walks over for a hug. “How was your weekend?”