Page 136 of Stepbrothers

“Yes, and mine.” Jenny was still studying Clarice.

“I’m especially excited for Pompeii,” Parker said. “Just read a book about it.”

“And for me it’s Florence,” Clarice chipped in quickly. “All the sculptures and the museums. I can’t wait.”

“It’s apparently very romantic, Florence,” Jenny said.

Clarice held her eye contact. “Perhaps Parker will find himself a beautiful Italian woman to swan around with. See the sights.”

“I might get lucky.” Parker chuckled. “And abandon Clarice to the Lonely Planet guide and a selfie stick.”

She was glad of Parker making light of the conversation. She was also glad they’d never mentioned her and Hugh’s weekend away in Paris a few months ago. The trip had been heart-stoppingly romantic. Hugh had been ready for a break, his stress levels high after a particularly bad run of house fires. They’d enjoyed being together somewhere no one knew them. They’d feasted on fine food, wandered the streets, and admired the Seine and Notre Dame, and made the most of the lavish hotel bedroom with views of the Eiffel Tower.

Much as she adored having all of her men together, there was also something very special about one-on-one time.

The food soon arrived, and the conversation turned to a deal Parker was making in Japan that Benjamin was particularly interested in, and then to whether or not Trig might be on leave at Christmas.

Eventually, with the bill paid and goodbyes said, Clarice jumped in an Uber with Trig, Hugh, and Parker.

The sky held the first bruises of sunset, slashed with magenta clouds that hung like ribbons over London. The traffic was light, and so was their conversation.

But as they rode the elevator up to the apartment, Clarice got a sense of anticipation. It was the way Hugh’s hand sat on her thigh, the tense set of Parker’s jawline, and Trig’s narrowed eyes that kept flicking to her as though he hadn’t just eaten and was still starving.

When they got into the apartment, Hugh helped her off with her jacket, and Parker went into his bedroom.

“You need a drink?” Trig asked.

“Maybe some water, thanks.”

He poured her a glass then watched her take a few sips.

Parker appeared holding a black velvet box about the size of a paperback book. “We’ve got you a graduation present.”

“You have? You didn’t need to. You’ve all done so much to help me get the qualification as it is.”

“We wanted to get you something to mark the occasion.” Hugh wound his fingers through hers. “Come on, this way.” He tugged her toward Trig’s bedroom. “You can open it in here.”

She followed him. “Why?”

“You’ll see.” Parker followed.

Trig was close behind, shucking off his t-shirt mid stride.

Her belly rolled over. She’d sensed correctly that her men had something planned. The air had been heavy with whatever they’d been thinking about.

And one thing was for sure, it was bound to be good, and most likely, boundary pushing.

The curtains were drawn, and Trig flicked on a bedside lamp, filling the room with an amber glow and sending shadows over his toned torso.

“What are you up to?” she asked, looking between Trig and Parker.

“You’ll see.” Hugh stood behind her, close, and slid his arms around her to undo the top button of her silk shirt.

His breath heated her neck, and her skin tingled where his fingertips brushed. “I don’t get the gift until I’m naked, is that it?”

“That’s it.” Parker grinned, then his attention dropped to her white lacy bra.

Hugh eased her blouse off.

---