Page 43 of Perfect Three

Blushing, she said, “I was too nervous.”

He laughed.“Then it’s time to eat.”

Jack put her feet on the carpet and stood.He grabbed her hands and pulled her upright.

Sebastian rose, and both men wrapped their arms around her.Somehow, they had this ‘three-way’ sort of hug.After a few fumbling tries, she finally got her own arms to go around each man, touching their sides, her head resting on a chest, she wasn’t sure whose.

Sebastian wriggled a hand between them and lifted her face.He lowered his and pressed those gorgeous lips tenderly against hers.It was a sweet, caring kiss, and she found herself wanting more when he lifted his head away.

But then Jack leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, then pressed harder.

She definitely reacted to them both.Oh yes.I could certainly get use to this!

They broke apart with Lucy’s heart still pounding in her chest.

“Get your bag, beautiful, and we’ll take you out to eat.”

Lucy ran quickly out of the room and upstairs to her bedroom.She’d felt the heat rush to her face as they’d kissed her and knew she’d flushed.But, actually, it wasn’t just from those kisses.Inside her head, a voice told her she was being very naughty.But excitement, and definitely a little apprehension, told it firmly to go away.Above everything else, she felt attractive and desired.That self-esteem of hers now headed for the moon.She still stood in the middle of the room for a moment or two, taking deep, slow breaths.Her heart responded by settling into a reasonably normal rhythm.

Picking up her wallet and keys, Lucy threw them in a small bag together with her mobile phone.A quick glance in the mirror made her shake her head ruefully.Her face was definitely red and her hair untidy.She quickly ran a brush through it.Oh well, they’d just have to get used to her as much as she had to get used to them.

Going down the back stairs, she found the two men standing in the kitchen looking out the window.

Sebastian spoke.“Have you got your own chickens?That’s one huge chicken coop!”

“Yes, there are only five in there at the moment, but I can remember when my parents had dozens.My mother used to run this as a B&B, so fresh eggs were a must.”

“A bed and breakfast!What a great idea.How come you didn’t continue it?”

“Well, Mum got sick and the place closed.Then when she died, I wasn’t ready to start one.Plus, I’m a lousy cook.Still, it would be nice to run it again.I know Mum always had bookings.It’d been very popular with guests from overseas wanting to see more of Australia than just a hotel room.Of course, the downside is you’re tied to the house so your social life is pretty restricted.

“Still, I know I’d really like to try it.I’ve kind of decided when I’m in my late fifties I’ll do it.That is, if I learn to cook.”Lucy looked through the window into the yard.“Actually, it worked very well because she used the two downstairs bedrooms, so it didn’t really interfere with the rest of the house.I’ll show you the inside of them on the way out.”

Jack looked thoughtful.“You know, if you ever decide to open it again, I’m sure we could help you get organized.I could easily set you up a website and run online campaigns.You know, we could even offer discounted dinners at the restaurant, advertise you and us.Double win.”

Sebastian touched Jack’s face lightly.“Good idea.I knew there was a reason I loved you.”He turned back toward Lucy.

Behind him, Jack looked at Lucy, crossed his eyes, then rolled them in an exaggerated fashion, sticking his tongue out a little.

She quickly covered her mouth with her hand to stop from laughing aloud.

“He’s being smart, isn’t he, Lucy?”

“I have no idea what you mean,” she said blithely.

Sebastian wagged a finger at her.“Just what I need, another smart-arse sub.”

Lucy’s mouth formed anOas she considered his words.Sub—yes, she guessed that’s what she was going to be.Before she had a chance to think about it, Sebastian took her hand.She led them down the side corridor and into the vestibule for the two bedroom suites at the side of the house.

They impressed both men.Her mother had spent money getting the two suites in luxury condition.They each had a spa bath as well as a shower in the bathroom.The beds were king-sized and the furniture very opulent.The small parlors adjoining each were very comfortable looking with soft couches, a television set, and nook for eating with a table and two chairs.There was a separate entrance for them so they didn’t have to come into the main house.

“This is lovely, Lucy.It looks really rich and special.”

“I know.Mum figured if people thought they were being indulged and spoilt, there was more chance they would come back or at least spread the word about the place.And it worked.She had lots of repeat bookings.She was a marvelous cook too, so the food was always special.She even made scones with her own jam or lovely cakes for afternoon tea and pampered her guests.”

“You know, Jack could teach you to cook.”

Lucy looked at Jack in surprise.

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