by Opal Carew
Cassie smiled. “Good. See you downstairs in a few minutes.”
After Cassie left, Rikki made her way to the shower, then fifteen minutes later, walked down the stairs dressed in her jeans, her hair damp but combed, carrying the plate from Cassie’s latest attempt to feed her.
When she got to the kitchen, she put the plate in the dishwasher and glanced at the stove where Cassie had a pot of chili simmering.
“It’ll be a few minutes yet,” Cassie said. “So let’s sit for a bit.”
As soon as Rikki sat down on the couch, she could sense something was up.
“I just want to warn you,” Cassie said, “that someone’s coming over to see you in a few minutes. I told him it was okay.”
Rikki’s heart clenched. “Carter?”
He would try to talk her into continuing their relationship without Simon and she just wasn’t ready to face that right now.
“No, it’s not Carter.”
Her stomach tied in a knot. Was it Simon?
But to go there would lead to too much pain. Because of course it wasn’t Simon. He’d been very clear about not wanting her anymore.
The doorbell rang and her gaze jerked to the front door. A shadowy shape could be seen through the frosted glass of the door.
Whoever it was, he was tall and broad shouldered.
“Who is it?” she asked, butterflies fluttering through her stomach.
In answer, Cassie got up and went to the door. When she opened it, Rikki’s breath caught.
It wasn’t Simon. Or Carter.
Tony stood on the other side of the door.
Chapter Twenty-one
Rikki tried to calm her breathing as Tony introduced himself to Cassie and Cassie invited him in. Why was Tony here now? She thought he’d be in Florida with his parents for at least another week.
“Tony? What are you doing here?” she asked, glancing from Tony to Cassie.
“I invited him,” Cassie said. “You left your purse down here and I know you’ve had several calls and texts in the past couple of days. But when it started ringing nonstop today, I decided I better answer it.”
Cassie directed Tony to sit down. He chose the chair close to Rikki.
“Yeah, I’ve been texting you for a couple of days, telling you I was coming through town earlier than I’d planned. When I couldn’t get through, I went to the townhouse you were living at last time I was here. Remember I dropped you off? But when I saw it had burned down … and you weren’t answering … you can imagine how worried I was.”
Her heart went out to him as she realized he must have thought she’d been hurt.
“I’m fine. I wasn’t even in the house at the time.”
He smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. And I’m happy you have a friend like Cassie to help you out.”
Rikki realized that Cassie had disappeared, leaving the two of them alone in the room.
“So how was your visit with your parents?” Rikki asked.
He nodded. “It was good. They were happy to spend some time with me. Not happy about the circumstances, of course. They invited me to come live with them for a while, hoping I’ll consider moving down there.”
“And what did you say?”
He laughed. “Really? You think I want to be a grown man living with my folks? Even temporarily?”
“Sure. Why not? Your parents love you and they want to help you through a difficult time.”
“You’re right. I do appreciate that. But while I was down there, I got a call from the chief, and he said that he put in a good word for me and I’ve been offered a job as an arson investigator. That’s why I’m going back early.”
Rikki smiled. “That’s great. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.” He leaned toward her and took her hand. “So this means I’ll have regular hours and I won’t be in danger on a daily basis like when I was a firefighter.”
She glanced down at their joined hands, feeling a little uncomfortable, concerned about where this was going.
“So I was wondering,” he went on, “if you might consider … maybe going out with me.”
She drew her hand away. “Tony, we don’t even live in the same state, let alone the same city. That wouldn’t really work.”
He sent her a crooked smile. “Well, maybe you’d consider moving back to Ashton.”
“Tony, I…”
“Or maybe we could keep it long distance at first to see if we think it’ll work. It’s not that long a drive from Ashton to Muldone. We could visit each other on weekends. And we could Skype regularly.”
She glanced at him and she knew if she’d never met Simon and Carter, that she’d be interested in a relationship with Tony. He was a great guy and there was definitely an attraction between them.
But she knew what real love felt like. First with Jesse, and now with Simon and Carter. Whatever she could find with Tony wouldn’t be enough.
“I’m sorry, Tony. You’re a really great guy, and—”
He threw up his hands. “Okay, whoa. I don’t need the ‘Hey, you’re a great guy’ speech. And after that, you’ll go on to say we can be friends.”
She took his hand again. “Well, we are friends. I hope that won’t change.”
He sighed and nodded, then squeezed her hand.
“So no chance at all?” he asked.
She compressed her lips and shook her head.
“So you’re seeing someone here I take it?” Tony asked. “Is he treating you right?”
She bit her lip. “It’s complicated. You’ll probably be shocked, but…” She sucked in a deep breath. “I’m actually seeing two guys. Close friends.”
His eyebrows rose. “Really? That does sound complicated.”
She bit her lip and as hard as she tried, she couldn’t stop the tears from welling up.
“Okay. What’s going on?” Tony asked.
She tightened her hand in his, needing the comfort, even though she didn’t deserve it from this great guy she’d just rejected.
She told him about her struggle to get past her fear of being with a firefighter. And how she thought she’d made strides forward. But how Simon had been affected by the fear of believing she was in the townhouse when it burned down, and had thought she’d been hurt. Then how he’d turned her away afterward … for her own good.
“I hate to say this,” Tony said, “but he sounds like a decent guy.”
She nodded. “He is.”
“What about the other man?”
“He wanted to stay with me, even without Simon, but that would destroy their friendship and I don’t want to be the cause of that.”
“You really love them, don’t you?”
“I do, but I’ve lost them.” Tears streamed down her face now.
Tony moved to the couch beside her and took her in his arms. She leaned against his hard chest, settling into his comforting embrace.
“I don’t know about that,” Tony said. “Let me ask you something.”
* * *
As Simon pulled into the driveway his jaw clenched, his gaze locked on the car sitting in front of them.
“What the fuck!”
“Don’t get bent out of shape,” Carter said.
“It has a goddamned Ohio licence plate!” He jerked the car door open and strode to the front door, then knocked, his heart thudding in his chest.
“Just stay calm,” Carter said in a soothing voice.
But how could he stay calm? No sooner had Rikki left his arms than she was with this other guy from her past. The one who could offer her love without the pain of believing she might lose him every single day when he went into work.
Moments passed, and he knocked again, louder this time. He saw movement behind the frosted glass, then the door opened.
“Simon?” Cassie said. “And Carter. I’m surprised to see you here.”
Her voice had an edge of ice.
“We’re here to see Rikki,” Simon said.
“Yes, well, I
’m not sure Rikki is ready to see you,” she said, crossing her arms.
But Simon peered behind her and caught a glimpse of Rikki in the living room. In a deep embrace with another man.
“What the hell is going on?” he demanded, his voice level rising.
Rikki pulled from the man’s arms and turned in his direction.
“Simon?” She stood up and walked toward the door. “It’s okay, Cassie. Let them in.”
Cassie stepped back and he surged into the house, Carter close behind him.
As he moved closer, he saw that Rikki’s eyes were shimmering. She pushed back her hair, but he could tell the gesture was to camouflage her wiping away an errant tear.
Fuck! What the hell would he say now?
“What are you doing here, Simon?” she asked.
He glared at the other man, his teeth gritted.
“The question is, what are you doing here with him?”
She frowned. “What concern is it to you? You broke up with me. Remember?”
He sucked in a deep breath, then let it out.
“Yeah, and I was an idiot. You’re a damn sight smarter than me, so I thought you’d have figured that out.”
He stepped forward, wanting desperately to touch her. How could he ever have thought he could give her up?
“What are you trying to tell me, Simon?” she asked softly.
“I’m trying to tell you that I don’t want to let you go. My life is empty without you. I need you in my life.”
She tipped her head. “But you said that you couldn’t let me live in fear like that. That you were doing it for my own good.”
“That’s true. And I’m a selfish prick because I can’t let you go. I’ll do anything to convince you to come back to me and Carter.”
She stared at him and his gut clenched. He couldn’t read her expression. His heart pounded, ticking off the seconds, waiting for her to say something.
Anything.
“Well,” she said, her voice a mere breath. “I’m selfish, too.”
At that instant, his whole world came crashing down.
She was going to walk away.
Chapter Twenty-two
Rikki gestured to the man behind her. “This is Tony, from my hometown. I told you about him.”
Simon gave the man a curt nod. Tony stood up and pushed his hands in his pockets, but didn’t move closer.
The guy was good-looking, as well as having the muscular build that appealed to most women. Simon was sure he’d fucking lost Rikki.
“Tony and I have been talking and he asked me an important question.”
“And what’s that?” Simon asked through gritted teeth. Though he was sure he knew.
“He asked me if I had it to do again, would I give up my time with Jesse, knowing I was going to lose him. Knowing the pain I’d have to endure.”
Her words stripped him of the arguments he’d been pulling together in his head to convince her she shouldn’t marry this guy.
She took a step closer, her eyes filled with an emotion he couldn’t read.
“And what did you tell him?” Simon asked softly, his chest compressing.
She shook head. Then her delicate fingers wrapped around his, making him quake with need.
“I told him that I wouldn’t. Because every moment with Jesse was precious. I wouldn’t give up a single one.”
She squeezed Simon’s hand and her eyes glowed.
“And I don’t want to give up a single precious moment with you, either. Life is fleeting and we should live every moment for today. If I have you for only a few days, or years…” She stepped closer and stroked his cheek, gazing deeply into his eyes. “Or a lifetime, I don’t want to give up a single precious moment of what we could share together.”
His heart burst in joy and he pulled her into his arms.
“Oh, God, Rikki. I love you so much.”
She tipped her head up, her eyes glistening. “And I love you.”
* * *
Rikki’s heart swelled with happiness as Simon’s mouth found hers. His hand cupped her face and his kiss … tender and passionate … took her breath away. Tears flowed down her face, but this time, they were tears of joy.
She melted against him, opening to his gently prodding tongue and welcomed him inside. He stroked and teased until she was breathless with need.
When he finally drew back, the fire in his eyes set her insides ablaze.
“Hey, I’m feeling a little left out here,” Carter said.
She laughed then moved into his arms. He kissed her with just as much passion and she could hardly believe that she had two wonderful men like this in love with her and wanting her in their lives.
Finally, their lips parted and she gazed up at Carter’s beaming face with a smile, then stroked his cheek tenderly, telling him with her eyes that she appreciated that he’d been willing to stay by her side no matter what.
Then she drew back and turned to Tony. He stepped toward her.
“Tony, thank you.” She stepped forward and gave him a big hug. His arms were tentative around her, but she squeezed and he tightened them. She could sense a little jealousy from Simon, but he didn’t say anything.
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out between you and me, but I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.”
He smiled his crooked smile. “I want you to be happy,” he said simply.
But the pain in his eyes broke her heart.
“I know how much pain you suffered after losing Jesse,” Tony said, “and I’m glad I was able to help you take an important step to find happiness again.”
He glanced at Simon and Carter.
“Take good care of her, or I’ll be back here to kick both your sorry butts.”
Carter grinned. “You and who else?”
Tony laughed. “Me and my entire crew.”
Carter offered his hand and they shook.
“Really, man, we appreciate what you’ve done.”
Then Simon stepped forward and shook Tony’s hand silently. But they exchanged a nod that said far more than words ever could.
“Okay, I’ll be on my way,” Tony said.
“Oh, but why don’t you join us for dinner or a drink before you go?” Rikki asked.
He grinned sheepishly. “I’d love to, bunny, but I think the three of you have some catching up to do.”
Tony turned to the door, but not before Rikki saw the sadness in his eyes.
“Good-bye, Tony,” she said.
Without turning around, Tony opened the door. “Good-bye, Rikki.”
Then the door closed behind him.
As her heart ached for him, Carter’s eyebrow shot up.
“Bunny?”
She turned to him, then laughed. “Yeah, I’ll tell you about it sometime.”
Cassie came down the stairs with Rikki’s backpack in her hand, then held it out to Carter.
“It’s all packed. Now you two take her home and make up properly. Okay?”
Carter laughed, taking the backpack and walking to the door, then picking up Rikki’s purse.
“Sounds like a great plan to me,” Carter said.
Simon’s brooding eyes turned to Cassie. “Thanks for looking out for her, Cassie.”
“Of course,” she said with a smile.
Then Simon took Rikki’s hand and led her out the front door.
* * *
Rikki followed Simon and Carter into their house, Simon’s hand snugly around hers. As soon as they got in the door, Simon dropped her backpack on the floor.
“Come here,” he said in a low growl.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her against him. His lips found hers and she melted into his welcome embrace.
“I heard something about making up?” Carter said from behind her as he gathered her long hair in his hand and stroked it.
Simon’s lips parted from hers and his gaze never left hers as he spoke.
“Yeah. I’m the one who has to make up to her. Yo
u, as I recall, didn’t do anything wrong.”
Carter laughed. “If you think that means I don’t get in on the makeup sex, you’re crazy.”
“Well, Simon is right. He does have a lot to make up for,” Rikki said in a teasing tone.
But Simon’s eyes grew intense and her breath caught.
“Baby, I’m so sorry for pushing you away.”
Her chest tightened and she brushed her lips against the rough stubble on his chin.
“I know you only did it because you care about me.” She cupped his cheeks, gazing deep into the midnight depths of his eyes. “I’m just glad you finally realized—just like I did—that what’s best for me is being with the two men I love.”
He clutched her tighter to him, knocking the breath from her lungs.
“Fuck, baby, I love you so much. I’m just glad you’ll have me after that idiot move of mine.” He tipped up her chin, locking gazes with her. “I never want to let you go.”
She stroked his raspy jaw. “I love you so much.”
He took her hand and dragged her across the room to the couch. He sat down, pulling her in close beside him. Carter sat on her other side.
Simon stripped her T-shirt over her head, then unfastened her bra.
Carter stroked his hands along Rikki’s shoulders and nuzzled her neck as Simon eased the bra away. Carter’s gaze locked on the fabric as it slid lower, exposing her chest, then the swell of her breasts.
Simon’s fingertips glided over the soft flesh, sending tingles through her. Then he pressed her back against the couch and leaned in to take one hard nipple into his mouth. The feel of his heat around her, his tongue lapping over her sensitive bud, took her breath away.
She glided her hand over Simon’s dark, bristly hair. Carter’s heated gaze was locked on her exposed breast, slipping occasionally to Simon’s lips wrapped around the other one.
“It feels so good having Simon suck my breast,” she said as she reached for Carter’s hand.
She placed it flat on her other breast, entwining her fingers with his as she pressed him against the soft flesh. Simon stood up and stripped off his clothes, dropping them to the ground. He was totally naked now, his cock pointing straight toward her.
“Oh, look at how big Simon’s cock is.” She wrapped one hand around the thick column. It pulsed in her grip.
