Page 26 of Cookies and Control

“Not anymore.” Bull’s thumb brushes back and forth over my palm. “I want to do this right. Public dating, marriage, the whole nine yards.”

“We both do,” Rocky adds. “And you get to take the lead on how fast we get to each step.”

My heart swells at their earnest expressions. But Rocky’s meaningful look makes my stomach flip—he’s waiting for me to share my news.

“Thank you…” I squeeze Bull’s hands. “For standing up to Grandma, for choosing me.”

“Always.” Bull presses a kiss to my knuckles. “No more trying to fix you or hide you.”

Rocky’s gaze is still questioning. Not yet. Instead, I lean forward and wrap my arms around Bull’s neck, breathing in his familiar scent. His arms come around me instantly, strong and sure.

I ask, “Are you really going to be thefantasyman I deserve?”

“Your fantasies… they’re… a lot,” Bull admits.

“You mean the CNC play?”

Bull nods. “Rocky explained it some, but I need to hear it from you. What is it that you want?”

The fact that he’s kneeling before me to hear me out, has my heart ready to explode. And my sex ready to be filled again… this time with someone finishing inside of me. No more messes.

I explain, “We agree ahead of time that you’ll surprise me, wanting sex—”

“That won’t be a surprise.”

“But I’ll resist. You have to force me. But there’s no need to worry, I’m telling you I want it.”

Bull’s expression is etched with concern. “But what if you change your mind?”

“Our dirty little slut will use the safeword,” Rocky says.

Bull clears his throat. “Let’s save that for another time. Tonight, let’s start with a romantic evening—you, me, and Rocky.”

Romantic? What’s wrong with me that I deflate as my fantasies of resistance and force fizzle out? I console myself that a romantic evening would be a great time to tell him I’m pregnant. I shift in his arms, pulling back to search his face. “You mean like… flowers and chocolates?”

“I could run to the store if those would make you happy. Or we could cuddle up in front of the fire and watch Christmas rom-coms.”

Rocky tries to help. “If you’re worried about getting kinky, you could watch while she and I…”

Rocky’s words slow down then he does a verbal about-face as if Bull got to him. He ends his thought with. “You know, we really should get into the kinky stuff slower.”

“We could do a hot chocolate bar.” Bull’s enthusiasm is uncanny. Is he hiding nerves?

Maybe I came on too strong with the kink stuff. “A hot chocolate bar sounds great. I could run to the coffee kiosk and grab some whipped cream and sprinkles and the good chocolate.”

“I was just going to suggest that. While you’re gone, Rocky and I can get the fire ready, lay out some blankets and pillows, and pick a movie.” Bull’s smile is too big. Then again, he knows he’s getting laid tonight.

“Unless you have a favorite.” Rocky is as giddy as Bull.

“Surprise me.” I’m not sure what’s going on, but since neither of them express an interest in going with me, I take the hint that they’re trying to get me out of the house.

The roads are quiet as the snow gently falls. It’s peaceful. It’s perfect.

Inside the coffee kiosk, I flip the switch and the fairy lights we’ve hung around the outside of the service window twinkle to life, casting a warm glow against the dark night. I take a moment to admire the business I helped Jasmine create. With the last few inventory items showing up in a few days, we plan a soft launch next week.

Leaning against the counter, I stare out the window, my breath fogging up the glass. I unlock the pane and slide it open. I can’t believe how much my life has changed. From virgin waitress to auctioned prize to this—a woman balancing between the love of two men, carrying a secret that I still have to tell Bull.

A silent thanks goes out to Bull and Rocky for… everything.

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