Chaps & Cappuccinos

by A. J. Macey

  As soon as he was next to me on his bed, he cupped my jaw and kissed me again, this time not hesitating before sweeping in and tasting every piece of me. My stomach flipped around, my heart galloping in my chest as I lay back against the soft blanket.

  I was growing warm, my cheeks flushing as Kingston curled until he was propped over me. My boobs brushed his chest with each breath. Reaching up, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. His golden hair was soft against my fingers as I ran them up the back of his neck. A slight shiver worked through him when my nails trailed over his skin, his kisses deepening in response.

  Everything in me knew I should end what we were doing. We were alone in his room with no parents here and my two other boyfriends downstairs, but I found myself not wanting to stop. Being wrapped in King’s arms felt too good, his bed soft underneath me a welcoming cocoon of comfortable sheets. Kingston’s kisses trailed across my jaw and to my neck. Shifting to the side, King braced his weight on one forearm, his free hand leisurely brushing against my waist.

  My heart rate picked up, the rhythmic beat thudding in my ears as he moved his hand lower. To keep my hands busy, I continued to fiddle with Kingston’s collar and hair, enjoying how his skin pebbled under my fingertips. A surge of excitement thrummed through me when King worked on the button of my jeans. It took a few tries, but he eventually got it. A gasp leaving me at the first brush against my core. I wanted this, so much so that I felt myself trembling as I widened my legs to give him better access. Taking the cue, Kingston dipped down, slipping one finger into me.

  A soft moan built; my chest felt confined against the fabric of my bra as he started his rhythm. The sound urged him on, his leisurely movements growing in confidence and speed. I held tight to him, his trail of kisses moving back up my neck to my mouth. As soon as his mouth reached mine, his tongue darted out, wetting my lips.

  Opening, I matched him. Each swirl and brush of his tongue made the excited tingles grow, the slickness between my thighs increasing as he added another finger. The little noises and gasps I kept making got louder despite my best efforts until finally I buried my face against Kingston’s shoulder to muffle my moans.

  Surrounded by cinnamon and orange, my body grew taut until finally, the tingling sensation became too much. I shattered, shaking as I clutched to King’s shoulders. His flannel softened the sound of my whimpering cries as he slowed his pace. After a few moments of letting me come down, I pulled my face from his shoulder and flopped back against the bedding so I could look at him. Warm, half-lidded coffee-colored eyes watched me, a tiny grin curling his lips.

  “Wow,” I breathed, panting in King’s embrace, happy that I was lying out on the bed. Honestly, I was feeling too weak-kneed to stand. “That was amazing.”

  “I’m glad I did all right,” he said, kissing my cheek as his hand withdrew from my panties and unbuttoned jeans. What he did next surprised me, instead of wiping his slick fingers on his jeans or on a towel, he popped them in his mouth and sucked them clean.

  Holy crap, I think I may melt from that display alone.

  “I’d say better than all right,” I whispered with a giggle, the giddiness starting to build through me now that our fun was over. “I want to return the favor,” I murmured, reaching over. He chuckled softly and grabbed a hold of my hand, our fingers intertwining.

  “Raincheck, okay? I don’t want to hog you the entire time of our first Valentine’s Day together,” he teased. I felt my stomach tighten, and I grimaced.

  “Hopefully the others aren’t upset.”

  “Shh, Babydoll, they’re fine,” Kingston reassured, wrapping an arm around my waist so he could hold me. “All they care about is making sure you’re enjoying your Valentine’s Day.”

  “I am, I just don’t want anyone to feel left out.” Burrowing into Kingston’s chest, I hugged him back. It was slightly awkward since we were both still on the bed, my other arm tucked into my chest.

  “If anyone ever feels that way, we’ll talk about it, remember? That was one of the things you brought up when we got together. Don’t think we’ve forgotten.”

  “You’re right.” Taking a deep breath, the worry faded away leaving satisfaction in its wake. “Let’s get a movie and head downstairs. Otherwise, I’ll end up taking a nap right here.”

  Kingston laughed but let me go. Clambering off the bed, I quickly buttoned up my pants before scanning the batch of movies King had in his room. After a couple passes, I grabbed The Proposal, figuring it would be a good Valentine’s Day movie.

  “Never expected you to have a rom com in your movie collection,” I told King as we headed back downstairs.

  “I like Ryan Reynolds. Besides, Betty White totally makes the movie,” he explained shamelessly, smiling at me when I chuckled.

  “So, what are we watching?” Reid asked when we stepped into the living room. While he didn’t say anything about how long it took us to come back down, I could tell he was aware of what happened based on his knowing smirk and glimmer in his gaze. “Hopefully nothing too girly.” I stuck my tongue out at him, holding up the movie for him to see. “All right, that’s an acceptable choice.”

  “If it wasn’t, you could have picked one out, you know,” I challenged playfully, flopping in the space between him and Jesse. “You good with the movie, Jess?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he murmured, settling me under his arm so I could snuggle into his chest. Reid took the hint, picking up my feet so I was sprawled down between the two of them, tossing a blanket over me while King put in the movie. As soon as it was playing, Kingston sank into the chair on the other side of Reid and got settled.

  It was nice, getting to relax and enjoy spending time with them without worries or fear of my mom watching over my shoulder. Only… after a little while, Jesse shifted, nestling into the couch a bit more, and my heart rate picked up as I remembered the last time we had movie night. Reid readjusted, catching my attention as I waited to see if Jesse would do what he did before. A sly smile and side-eyed gaze came from Reid when he glanced over, knowing exactly what was about to happen. My cheeks burned at the attention, but as much as it was odd to have his attention while Jesse’s fingers crept down my belly, I didn’t mind it either.

  “Seems someone was a bit busy upstairs,” Jesse whispered in my ear when he reached my core, the tips of his fingers running along my lips agonizingly slowly. His teasing words were hushed enough that I knew only I could hear him. Before I could say anything, he started to rub circles over my sensitive bud. I bit my lower lip to keep from making any noises, not that it mattered since I could see Reid watching me out of the corner of his eye. The added sensation of being watched, and Reid’s hand massaging my calf, only added to the excitement flowing through me.

  As if I was extra sensitive from my time with Kingston, it didn’t take long for Jesse to work me to the edge of an orgasm. Biting my tongue, I grabbed hold of Jesse’s muscled thigh, squeezing as I tried to stay still between the two of them. Jesse’s chuckle was barely audible, but it filled my ear as he gave my head a kiss and slipped out of my panties.

  “Well, I’m certainly in need of some sweets,” Reid exclaimed, shifting my legs off his lap as he stood. “As I know some of you guys are as well.” I felt my cheeks burn when he flashed me a knowing smirk and wink. “I’ll go grab some for all of us. What does everyone want?” Once everyone rattled off their request, Reid headed into the kitchen. Shifting to sit up, I glanced over my shoulder and narrowed my eyes on Jesse.

  “I’m going to sit with Kingston for a bit,” I told him, pressing my lips against the curve of his ear so I could whisper, “since someone can’t keep their hands to themselves.”

  “You love it,” he countered unapologetically. Laughing, I shook my head and crawled out from under the blanket then walked over to Kingston. My laidback boyfriend gave me a warm smile and held his blanket up so that I could climb onto his lap. As I got situated, Reid came back in, passing out our treats. Before heading back to his sea
t though, he gave me a passionate kiss, not caring that I was perched in Kingston’s lap.

  “Happy Valentine’s Day, Cali girl,” Reid murmured against my lips. “I hope you had fun,” he teased with a chuckle as he pulled back and flopped into his seat by Jesse.

  “You having fun?” Kingston asked as we munched on our treats. I nodded since my mouth was full. “Figured you would; hopefully Jesse didn’t scare you away from sitting with them though.” At being so casually called out, I choked on my cookie, coughing up the chocolate chips.

  “You…” I tried to talk, but my throat burned from the cookie fiasco, stopping any excuses I might have made.

  “Neither of you are subtle,” Kingston stated simply, giving me a soft smile. “It’s okay. We’re all dating you because we all love making you happy, and part of that is appreciating your happiness even when it comes from one of the other guys.”

  “And other things,” Reid added with an eyebrow waggle. By now, my cheeks were on fire, and I didn’t have anything to say to them ganging up on me. So, like a mature eighteen-year-old, I stuck my tongue out and snuggled into Kingston so I could watch the movie.

  “We love you, Emma,” King said after a little while. “You don’t need to be ashamed.”

  “I’m not,” I countered, feeling my eyes starting to droop from all the excitement and yummy treats. “And I love you three too. Besides, knowing the three of you, I foresee lots of… situations… like this in the future.”

  “You know us so well,” Reid said, Jesse and Kingston laughing in agreement before we all fell silent again. It only took a few more minutes until my eyes had fully closed, a couple thoughts filling my mind as I started to drift off.

  I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.

  Nebraska really is starting to be pretty perfect.

  7

  February 15th

  My quiet, studious boyfriend reading to me? I’m in heaven.

  #ReadingForTwo #Snuggles #StressFreeSaturday

  “You two have fun,” Reid called, waggling his eyebrows as he and King left. I narrowed my eyes on him but didn’t say anything. Sitting in an empty room with one of your boyfriends while he reads to you can definitely be the start of something more... steamy, but there won’t be any of that since Stella and Kaleb are across the hall. The two of them were painting the spare room for Reid since his parents were finally allowing him to go get the rest of his belongings tomorrow.

  “Ready, Em?” Jesse questioned softly as soon as we were alone. Nodding, I curled into his side, propping my legs in his lap.

  “What are we reading?” The cover was darker with pops of orangey red embers around a woman. “Born of Embers? Looks good, what made you pick it?”

  “It looked like something you’d enjoy. I ended up reading a portion the other day in class when I was done with a test early,” he explained, opening the book.

  He started reading, and in the first few paragraphs my brows rose sharply. It seemed darker than our normal reads, but as he went further in, I began to realize why he picked it. The female main character was abused by her parent, but she got out and found people who cared for her. With the turn of each page, I felt more and more connected to Jesse, as if he was telling me about himself without his own words.

  “Enjoying it so far, Em?” he asked after we were a few chapters in. His gentle tone was soft and hesitant, almost vulnerable. Shifting slightly, I looked up at him, my gaze trailing over his handsome face as he stared at the book.

  “Yes, I am.” My fingers traced circles over his chest, the motion seeming to ground me to Jesse in our intimate moment. “I’m loving the main character's strength even in the midst of everything. How about you?”

  “It’s different, but I’m finding myself enjoying it,” Jesse admitted, finally looking at me. His dark brown eyes were sparkling, but it wasn’t a happy, joyful glint. Shadows danced in front of them, his lips curling down at the corners. We didn’t talk for a long while, letting the moment of understanding grow.

  “I’ve actually been having some similar kind of… reactions,” I told him quietly, hoping to help show him I understood—that I was here for him. “Like Nix, with the being on edge. Even though it’s not nearly as bad as Nix’s experience, it’s still there. Also being more worried about situations that may or may not happen. Lots of nightmares,” I rattled off, wondering if I was putting my foot in my mouth by bringing it up.

  “I’m sorry, Em.” Jesse laid the book down on his stomach, his free hand coming to brush a few loose strands of hair behind my ear. “I deal with those too. Have you maybe… I don’t know… considered going to talk to someone?” he hedged tentatively.

  “I was wondering if that might be a good option. I just… it’s kind of terrifying at the same time.” Voicing my fears for the first time was almost as scary as the idea of going to a therapist, but there was also a small feeling of release in letting them slip out just the tiniest bit.

  “Well,” he started, his thumb tracing over my cheek, “I could go with you if you want. I could stay in the waiting room or something, so you’re not alone?”

  In that moment, with such an enormous and heartfelt offer coming from Jesse, nothing else filled my mind. There was only me and Jesse. Warmth and fuzzy emotions nearly burst from my heart it was so full. Jesse might not be the most outgoing or affectionate in front of others, but in moments like these I knew that he loved and cared about me as much as I did him—as much as Reid and Kingston did.

  “I’d love that,” I murmured after a little while when I realized I hadn’t said anything. A dazzling smile appeared, his warm lips pressing into my forehead in a tender kiss before he picked the book back up.

  “I would too, Em. Ready for more?” he asked, shaking the book lightly. Snuggling in, I nodded.

  I will always be ready for more when it comes to my boyfriends.

  February 17th

  No school means no stress.

  #HomeworkWho #NotTodayMrDeRosa #MotivationMonday

  A melodic ringing filled the room, stirring me from sleep. Grumbling under my breath, I blindly reached out to my nightstand. It took a few clumsy pats to find it, but when I did, I peeled my tired eyes open to see who the heck was calling so early.

  “Good morning!” Lyla sing-songed brightly as soon as I answered. Instead of giving her an echoed sentiment—or even a greeting at all—I made some weird unintelligible sound to let her know I was listening. “Wakey, wakey, sunshine! What are you doing after school?” Lyla asked, abnormally peppy for a Monday morning. Groaning, I flipped over to my back and shoved my hair out of my face so I could talk to her.

  “Uh, nothing I don’t think. Also, there’s no school today for some teacher’s work day or something but I hadn’t made many plans. Why?” I blinked and stared at the ceiling as I waited for my brain to come online from the depths of sleep.

  “Okay, good. Stay free for the afternoon-evening time frame. I have somewhere I’m taking you at six.”

  “That doesn’t sound at all suspicious, but all right. It at least gives me time to wake up since someone decided to call me extra early.” Finally feeling awake enough, I pushed to sitting, stretching as I did so.

  “I wanted to make sure I got to you before anyone else! Also, wear workout clothes and make sure you have your hair up. I’ll let you know when I’m heading to you.”

  “Okaaaaaay,” I hedged, unable to contain the hint of suspicion in the word. “I’ll play along. Just make sure we’re not going somewhere where I’ll die from exercising.”

  “We won’t, Miss Dramatics. All right, you go back to bed or whatever it is your pretty little head is doing today. I’ll see you later!”

  “Bye, Ly.” Chuckling to myself, I hung up and looked around. I was already up at that point, and I knew if I tried to fall back asleep, it would just make me feel worse when I finally got up. Getting off the bed, I went about my morning routine, taking a bit of extra time to pamper myself. It’s not like I ha
ve anywhere to go this morning, I told myself as I washed off the face mask when the twenty-minute timer was up. I had just tossed my hair into a messy bun and sunk down into my office chair when my phone started to ring.

  “Hey, Dad,” I greeted, holding up my phone when I realized it was a video call.

  “Hey, sweetheart,” he replied, the lines around his eyes deepening with his smile.

  It was odd to see my dad face-to-face, even if it was virtually. Last time I had seen him, I had been too angry to care about much else. Now that I looked at him, I could see that he seemed to radiate happiness. His eyes wrinkled when he smiled, his hickory gaze was sparkling, and his hair was a bit longer than it had been before I moved. The more relaxed vibe suited him, and it made me glad to see that he was happy. I hadn’t even realized how tense or stilted my parents had been before the divorce. I had been living in my own little world. Is that what’s going on with my mom? I wondered.

  “How’s it going? I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I saw you didn’t have school and figured we could chat for a while.”

  “I don’t think I have anything going on today until later. Just going to do some homework, but it’s not due until Friday,” I relayed, propping the phone on my desk so he could see me while I worked. “And it’s good. Spent the weekend taking it easy, watching movies, and reading when I wasn’t at work. How’s everything there? I know you guys were expanding the vineyard to include a brewery. That up and running yet?”

  “Not yet, we’ve been trying to get the final touches finished up and working on our brew recipes before officially starting testing and production. Other than that, the vineyard and winery are booming.”

  There was an awkward pause, my eyes staring down at the pen I had clutched in my fingers. The longer I contemplated asking what I wanted to, the more the pen tapped the desk until finally I got the courage to ask.