Page 46 of Take Me Slowly: part 2
"Instead, you got to meet me," Brooks said. "I guess the universe knew something."
"The universe has some questions to answer," I said. "So does my mother." That brought the mood down immediately. If I was Coral Clarke, how had I ended up with Felicity Kent? I hadn't wanted to think about it before now, but at some point I'd have to face facts. Facts I didn't want to dwell on right now. Not if it meant ruining tonight.
"We're here now," Riley said. "That's what matters. Whatever goes down, we've got your back."
"What he said," Brooks said again.
"You belong to us, that's the important thing," Connor said. "Finish your burger so we can have dessert." He pointed a finger at Riley as he opened his mouth. "I mean actual dessert, then we'll fuck her."
"Works for me." Riley grinned. "I can't wait to get all of you naked."
That brought the mood right back up. Because neither could I.
19
JOSIAH
I couldn't rememberthe last time I was around so many people. Especially when none of those people where telling me to leave.
Underneath my skin itched, waiting for those words. Waiting for someone to realise I was here, where I didn't belong. Both Connor and Riley occasionally gave me glances, reminding me of the amount of times they'd said those words.
Tonight, I got the impression they regretted them, although neither was going out of their way to say sorry. Instead, they were acting like this was the new normal and there was nothing to question about it. The past couldn't be erased, but we could move on.
If they thought I wouldn't bring it up at some point, they were out of their minds. For now though, I kept my peace and so did they. All that mattered right now was Leah.
"Let's get this cleaned up." Connor stood and started to gather up bowls.
"That was so good." Riley patted his stomach.
I had to admit Connor's homemade apple pie and ice cream was surprisingly delicious. I'd say I had no idea he could cook like that, but what did I really know about him anyway? Notmuch outside the adventure tours. We never had a conversation that wasn't hostile.
"It was amazing." Leah stood and started to help, before Connor waved her off.
Taking the initiative, I grabbed her wrist and drew her over to the couch. Before any of them could say or do anything, I sat with her on my lap, my arms around her.
She twisted around to look at me and smile, making my heart thud in my chest. "Hey there."
I brushed hair off the side of her face.
"Hey."Veryeloquent, Josiah. I wasn't a man of many words to start with. Tonight, I'd used up my quota and then some. I wanted to rely on another method of communication instead.
I cupped the back of her head and held her there while I lowered my mouth to hers. Tasting her sweet, plush lips. I pressed my tongue between them, insisting on access. She opened her mouth, letting me inside, her tongue stroking mine.
I dropped my hand to her back, sliding it up under her shirt. Savouring the smooth expanse of skin before I flicked open the hooks of her bra.
"Leave some for me." Brooks sat beside me and turned her face to him so he could taste her mouth.
While they kissed, I worked her shirt up to her neck. They had to break off so he and I could pull it over her head and out of the way. The straps of her bra slid down her arms, letting her breasts fall free.
"Fuck, she's pretty," Brooks said.
I gave him a sharp look. "She's beautiful."
"You guys aren't bad yourselves," she said with a soft laugh.
"I'm okay," I said with a sideways look down toward the floor.
"You're better than okay, right Brooks?" she insisted.
