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I’d wanted to leave them with an image of me smiling, confidently waving goodbye as I rode off into the sunset of my new, sexually awakened life.
Ibrahim and Benedict held me as I cried, running their hands up and down my back and my arms as they soothed me with sweet words and gentle praise. When my tears finally dried, I lifted my head to meet Ibrahim’s eyes.
“Good morning,” he whispered, kissing me with reverence.
Benedict kissed the crown of my head and backed away, leaving me to burrow into Ibrahim’s embrace. I’d miss Ibrahim’s sweetness, his optimism, and his unflinching determination to do what he thought was correct, even when James and Benedict thought otherwise.
“Go get dressed,” he murmured. “As much as I’d love for you to miss your plane, you’ll regret it if you do.”
He was right. Of course, he was right. I gathered the bags in my arms and disappeared into the bedroom. After throwing on leggings, a sweater, and my new snow boots, I packed the rest of my clothes and belongings into my carry-on. I didn’t have much, and to my surprise, it all fit, even with the new clothes.
I sat on the bed and eyed the jewelry on the bedside table. Holding back tears, I clasped the necklace from James around my neck, holding tight to the diamond pendant. It was delicate and small and perfect to wear every day for the rest of my life. Ibrahim gave me matching earrings. Benedict gave me a journal and an outrageously expensive pen. “To record more bucket list items,” he’d said, his eyes twinkling when I unwrapped it.
I took a deep breath. I didn’t want these men to remember me weeping as I departed. I wanted them to remember me as the sex goddess I’d discovered within me over the past two days. Make-up applied, spine steely and straight, I marched out of the room, determined to make my departure memorable.
James took my suitcase and tote out of my hands, parking them by the door, then guided me to the breakfast table, his hands on my shoulders. He dragged a chair over to sit beside me, our legs pressed together as if touching me could ward off our impending separation. None of us bothered with small talk at breakfast. We sipped our coffee in silence, nibbling at baked goods and toast, but not really eating anything.
Benedict shoved his chair back and ran his hands through his short hair, before making a plate and dropping it in front of me. “Eat, princess. You’ve got a long day ahead of you.”
Too soon, it was time for me to leave. I’d refused their offer to accompany me to the airport, knowing it would only drag out my misery and my discomfort at how deeply each of them had burrowed into my heart.
James kissed me goodbye first. Our sweet kiss quickly turned passionate, as the slant of his lips over mine weakened my resolve to walk out of the room and not look back. Our tongues stroked together, and I threw my arms around his neck, tugging him tight against my body as desire crashed through me.
“Piper,” he whispered against my mouth as the frantic pace of our need slowed. “You deserve the best in this life. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”
I didn’t answer, afraid of the emotions welling up in me, emotions that had no place after our bizarre holiday interlude ended. These men made me no promises, and I had no right to make demands. Instead, I kissed his cheek and stepped into Benedict’s arms. He held me tight, one hand tangled in my hair, clutching my head to his chest, the other at my back. He nuzzled his nose into the crown of my head, breathing deeply, as if memorizing my scent.
When he finally released me, he slipped a finger under my chin and tilted my face to his for a quick brush of his lips. “Goodbye, princess.”
Ibrahim smiled as I moved into his arms. “Hey there, Precious Princess, Prefect of Passionfruit.” I giggled, grateful he’d lightened the mood, and grateful for the time we’d spent together. He kissed me gently and stepped back. “Goodbye, Piper.”
“Goodbye,” I whispered, rolling my bag out the door and down the hall, determined not to cry as I left my heart in the hotel room with them.
MY PARENTS MET ME AT the airport, as a show of moral support to bolster me in the face of my recently ended engagement. They didn’t realize that my heart broke not for Peter, but for the three men I’d left in Denver.
Mom spread her arms wide for a hug. Her white hair gleamed in the fluorescent light of the airport, and her blue eyes twinkled with holiday spirit. Dressed to the nines, as always, she enjoyed her retirement after a lifetime of hard work as a doctor to Hollywood starlets alongside my father.
Dad pulled me from my mother’s arms and kissed me. “You look great, Piper,” my dad said. “I like the coat.”
I smoothed my hands over the red wool as I sweltered in the California warmth. My parents understood my work ethic and my drive to succeed–they were doctors after all–but they’d never understood my need to blend into the background. The odd one out in the family, with four over the top extravagant siblings, I’d spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. I hadn’t realized how much brighter my coat was compared to my regular fare until my parents expressed their surprise. I unbuttoned it and draped it over my arm.
“It’s good to see you too,” I said, pasting a sunny smile on my face, despite my aching heart. “I’m so sorry I missed Christmas!”
My parents laughed and dragged me to the car, my dad taking my suitcase out of my hands. He reached for my coat, but I couldn’t seem to unwrap my fingers from it. Confusion and worry lined Dad’s face, then he pulled me in for another quick hug, leaving the coat in my arms. “You’re here now, baby. Your siblings can’t wait to see you.”
We cruised to their mansion, where all four of my siblings greeted us at the door. They immediately overwhelmed me with affection, cooing over my bright-for-me jacket, my casual wear, and shuffling me up to my room.
Rachel and Chelsea slammed the door on my older brothers. We all giggled breathlessly as Tyler and Jared hammered on the locked door. I gave in to laughter as my brothers’ threats of vengeance and harm became increasingly ridiculous.
Rachel poked her head out the door. “Guys, guys! Piper got laid and she’s never going to share the details with you in the room.”
I glared at my sister, and she pinned me with a raised eyebrow, daring me to contradict her.
Dammit, she was right. My brothers stormed off once Rachel promised to spill the details after our parents went to bed.
I collapsed onto the bed, hiding my face in embarrassment.
“Your glow gave you away. Spill,” she snapped as Chelsea opened my suitcase to help me unpack. Sex toys and lingerie peeked out at her, and she jumped back with a shriek.
