She would love to spend more time with them, so it wasn’t as perfect for her. During the week, she not only looked forward to their shared weekends, but her heart didn’t feel whole.
One night, while she laid in bed at home with Buttons curled against her side, she realized why.
She had fallen in love with both of them.
After Glenn, she hoped to be able to love and trust again, but never in her wildest dreams did she think her love would be shared between two men. But here she was, enjoying a peaceful night sandwiched between the men she loved.
Maybe she could spur some conversation to see if either, or both, had any thoughts on their future. Though, at this point, she’d keep her feelings to herself since she didn’t want to pressure either of them into saying anything they don’t mean.
She rotated her marshmallow to brown it evenly. “What a perfect night. If a year ago, you had told me I’d be sitting in front of a fire at a sex resort roasting marshmallows, I would’ve thought you had booked a one-way ticket on the crazy train.”
“I’d have to agree with that,” Heath said on a chuckle. “Came for the sex, stayed for the s’mores.”
That’s it? He stayed for the s’mores?
Dayne snorted. “Well, you know how we go above and beyond for our guests.”
“But we’re no longer guests,” Cara reminded him, hoping that would be a good opening.
“You’re my personal guests.”
“Is that all we are?” Cara asked Dayne.
“Of course not.” He extended the hand not holding the stick between them.
When Cara clasped it, he gave it a slight squeeze before interlocking their fingers.
It was awkward assembling her s’more with one hand, but she didn’t want to let Dayne go to do so.
She tried again. “I have to thank you both for everything you’ve done for me in the last few months. For showing me I can trust men again and helping me come out of my sexual shell. Even treating me like a queen by spoiling me.” Hereyes flicked to Heath’s lap. “And, of course, accepting Buttons.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking us, sweetheart.” Heath squeezed her blanket-covered knee. “Doing so was our pleasure. Literally.”
Dayne smirked. “Lots and lots of pleasure.”
“Neither of you had to invest so much time in me,” she continued. “You did it willingly and, Dayne, you gave up the guests available at your disposal to concentrate on us.”
“It wasn’t a sacrifice. I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t want to. Plus, I love seeing you flourish. I’d say that’s the best revenge after what happened between you, your rotten friend, and your ex.”
“Maybe my former friend did me a favor by sleeping with him. I might have stayed, despite the shitty sex, if Glenn hadn’t cheated. I can’t deny the betrayal was painful at first but, sitting here tonight, I can now say I’m grateful. She’s now stuck with that shitty sex and”—she squeezed Dayne’s hand while pointing a smile at Heath—”I’m not.”
Truthfully, she’d never had a man cherish and respect her as much as Dayne and Heath do.
She dangled the carrot next. “Even so, I’m going to be a lot more careful if and when I choose to ever settle down again.”
“Same,” Heath grumbled. “I said it before and I’m going to say it again: I never want to go through another divorce. I’ve spent too much time and energy trying to recover from all of the financial and emotional damage. Though, I have to admit, I’m finally getting there with the help of you two. I also can’t ignore the fact she finally got married again last month and I no longer have that insane alimony check as a monthly reminder.”
“I’m sure that’s a relief.” Dayne released her hand so hecould tuck his burnt marshmallow between two graham crackers and a piece of a chocolate bar. After taking a big bite, he moaned as he chewed. “Damn, that’s good. Almost as good as your pussy, Cara.”
“I’m not sure what to do with that compliment.” Despite teasing him, she was disappointed neither man tried to take a bite of that carrot. “Would you ever marry again, Heath?”
It took him a few seconds to respond. “I don’t know.”
“What about having children?”
When he turned to face her, the firelight reflecting off his face deepened the shadows of his furrowed brow. “Since I’m forty-five, it would be something I’d have to consider soon. I wouldn’t want to be the oldest father at my kid’s graduation. Plus, who wants to be changing diapers and running after toddlers in their fifties?”
“Plenty of men do it,” Dayne said.