Page 14 of Christmas with my Three Best Friends

And it’s a good question to ask again, now that the mindset has shifted. “I’m… glad. Holy crap, I’m actually glad they got the list.”

“Why is that?”

“Because now they know how I feel, sort of. I mean, it runs a much profounder course for me,” I tell my friend. “But the desire is there. I want them, all three of them. And I’m glad they got a glimpse of my sexual side, I guess.”

“A side you’ve never really explored.”

“It’s the kind of stuff I’ve wanted to try since before I met Vincent. But because I’ve always been so guarded and afraid to open myself up... So, the fact that Marius, Jax, and Richard know about it… I think I like it.”

“You like it?”

“Yeah. I like that they know where my mind’s at, sexually speaking. They know I’m willing to take the next step and explore my sexuality.”

“It’s about time, too. You’re willing, Shay, but do you feel ready?”

I feel my lips stretching into a confident smile. “Oh, yeah.”

“Then what’s the point in feeling embarrassed about the naughty list? The three of them are willing to help you fulfill every bullet point on that thing,” Cassandra says. “Why not embrace this knowledge and let the universe guide you?”

It sounds somewhat hokey, but it also rings true. Every inch of me desires those men—and not just their bodies, though I’d rather start there and see where it could lead. Our bond is tight enough as it is. Why did I fool myself into thinking they might not respond to my naughty list the way they actually did? I braced myself for failure as soon as I realized what I’d done.

“How do you feel about tomorrow’s meeting, then?” she asks.

“Not as anxious as half an hour ago,” I laugh.

“Good. Listen, Shay, you’ve already got what it takes to grab life by the balls, but you have to let go of your shield and sword for a hot second and simply enjoy yourself.”

I shrug. “What’s the worst that could happen, huh?”

“You’ll be on the receiving end of what I hope are three phenomenal cocks.”

We stare at each other before bursting into raucous laughter, throwing our heads back, wheezing and gasping for air as we revel in our own dirty jokes. I needed my best friend’s advice more than I knew. I do feel better.

Granted, I’m still pretty terrified of the potential outcome and how it might affect my professional relationship with Marius, Jax, and Richard. I’m still worried about damaging our friendship, as well. But there really is no harm in giving this naughty list a go, especially if the three of them have already expressed their interest.

Like Marius said, there’s no putting this genie back in the bottle.

6

Shay

When Friday evening comes along, my heart is tightly stuck in my throat as I brace myself for the meeting. I check my watch for the umpteenth time. It’s nine o’clock, and I have one last look in my office mirror before I head over to Richard’s. I opted for a cream-colored pantsuit with dark red heels, a black silk shirt, and a crimson leather bag for this moment—though I’m not entirely sure why. The power suit is supposed to dominate the room, yet the conversation will likely be about me getting dominated by three men. Oh, well, I’m better off following my instincts through and through on this one.

My pulse races frenetically as I walk out of my office and hurry past the reception desk. I spot Alice in her seat. She’s got the evening shift today and looks downright miserable. I’m guessing it’s because we close at midnight and it’s a Friday. Everybody hates the weekend shifts, but I take a small degree of pleasure in knowing she’s unhappy and languishing behind that desk.

The gym rooms are packed at this hour. If only every day were like this. If we could get more folks through the door on weekends, we would see a significant increase in our revenue, and Richard wouldn’t be so angsty about the whole thing. Once I’m done scoping out the place, I go into Richard’s office. My breath falters as I find the three of them already here.

“Hey, guys,” I manage.

Jax and Marius have the guest seats turned to face the sofa. Richard gets up from his desk and comes around, leaning on the corner as he motions for me to come in. “Hey there. Make yourself comfortable,” he points to the sofa. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“That sounds rather ominous,” I chuckle lightly.

Marius’s gaze darkens as it travels up and down my figure. Jax holds back a smile, his eyes never leaving my face and drilling holes into my very soul. Richard, on the other hand, is ever the playful devil, his focus resting on my lips. Despite my power suit, I feel downright naked and vulnerable before these men. I’m also compelled to obey, so I take a seat on the sofa, hands resting on my knees as I look at each of them.

“How was your day?” Jax asks me.

I give him a warm smile. “A lot less stressful than I expected,” I tell him, then look at Marius. “I’ve emailed the prices to you and Lyle, by the way. You two can discuss the details on Monday. I’ll be here for any questions you might have.”

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