Page 24 of Tinsel and Teasing

He clicks the screen, then his expression falls flat. He shakes his head and holds his phone for us to see. As I read the message, the searing pain rips my chest in two.

Mac told Roxy, she checked with Isadora, and Isadora said not to give us her number.

Sixteen

Clyde

Aweekpassedwithno word from Isadora. The only good thing about that is my tattoo had time to heal.

Unable to wait any longer, I reached out to Mac and urged him to put me in touch with Roxy. Perhaps because Roxy and her three guys worked it out, I was able to convince her that we’re serious about Isadora.

That paved the way for Roxy to invite Isadora over to visit, which was secretly a setup for Luke and Knox to pick her up—which is where they are now.

Desperate to show Isadora that she has nothing to worry about when it comes to me writing women’s names on wood, I made the bold move of gettingIsadoratattooed on my cock. I flew in an artist with penis experience and rented a space in a local booth so the guys wouldn’t know what I was up to.

There are exactly two people in the world who know what I’ve done. And as the minutes tick away, it occurs to me that Isadora might think I’m a total idiot.

I’ve never been this insecure about anything. Needing to stay busy, I grab the cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and milk, so I can make my grandma’s super-rich hot chocolate. I’ve never bothered with her secret ingredient, but tonight, I’m adding it, because adding ‘love’ to a recipe doesn’t sound odd when I’m about to reveal to a woman that I tattooed her name on my cock.

They park in front of my cabin as I’m getting mugs out.

Two layers of nerves peel away when I see her smile. One, she agreed to come home with them. Two, she’s happy. So far, so good.

Rushing to meet them at the door, I swallow her in a hug. “I’ve missed you so much, Little Lady. Thank you for coming back to hear us out.”

“They didn’t tell me anything in the car, so let’s get started. I have something to tell you too.”

My brothers and I freeze but when she doesn’t elaborate, I walk her to a chair in the living room then the three of us guys sit on the couch. Giving her space sucks. This better work.

Luke says, “We respect that you don’t want distractions in your life because you’re passionate about finishing your degree and working as a chemist. We also, can’t get past how badly we each need you in our lives. So, we’ve come up with a plan.”

Knox interrupts, “Princess, we aren’t whole when you’re gone.”

I nod, wondering if my insane tattoo will diminish how intense this situation is. While Luke continues, I dole out the hot chocolate.

“Here’s the plan… Knox will build a heated, enclosed area complete with grass and sunshine for your dogs. Luke will fly you to school and work any time you need him to. And I can tend to your pups while you’re gone.”

Which I hope isn’t often because being away from her for a week was torturous.

“Wow, that’s quite the offer. What about sleep? You guys gave me quite a workout.” She hides her smile behind her cocoa mug.

“We’re here for you, and will respect your need for sleep if all-night sex is a deal breaker.” I pause while everyone laughs, including Isadora, and my world starts to feel whole again. “We’re committed to your happiness.”

“Not sleeping would be a deal-breaker. Thanks for being so considerate. But I have to ask… What’s in the cocoa? This is the best.”

“It’s my grandma’s recipe,” I say.

“There’s something special about it I can’t quite place. Is there a secret ingredient?”

Shifting my gaze between Knox and Luke, I hope they won’t razz me about this. There will be plenty of razzing to dole out when I reveal my tattoo.

“My grandma always said to add a heavy dose of love.”

Isadora’s smile fades. Crap. Was that a bad call? Did I incorrectly assume that the thing she has to say is that she loves us, or possibly could?

“It’s hokey, I know, but other than that, it’s a pretty standard recipe. Maybe it’s just the vanilla you like.”

Knox and Luke shift nervously beside me.

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