The Brothers Next Door (A Striker Brothers Romance #1)

by Terry Towers

  As the last spurt of his seed left him, Ethan slowly and carefully removed himself from her and got off of the bed. Ivy collapsed on Trey panting hard, but with a wide smile on her face despite the teary eyes. She couldn’t believe it had happened – was happening.

  “How are you feeling?” Trey asked, rolling her onto her back and pulling out.

  She smiled up at him. “Tired, sore, amazing.”

  “Hopefully not too sore,” Ethan commented, lying down on the bed next to her and rolling to his side, facing her and trailing his index finger down her hip. “We’re not near done yet.”

  Chapter 8

  Ivy

  Ivy awoke cuddled tight to Trey, her head resting on his shoulder and leg draped over his as his arm around her shoulders held her tight. She took a minute to admire him. He wasn’t as broad as Ethan, although his muscle was more lean and defined. His cheekbones were also a little more defined and jaw angled whereas Ethan’s was strong and square. She glanced over at Ethan, who was naked and spread eagled on the other side of her, sporting a semi-erection. The men were both so beautiful and sexy in entirely different ways.

  She knew she was blessed. The luckiest woman in the world. The original plan when she’d arrived had been stupid and vindictive and the furthest thing from her mind now. It had been a very intense night and as she gently pulled away from Trey’s embrace her body reminded her of the blissful abuse she’d received. Every muscle screamed in protest as she snaked herself off of the bed and stood at the foot.

  Leaving the room as quietly as possible she made her way downstairs for a quick shower, hoping they wouldn’t wake until she had breakfast prepared for them. She had the intention of serving them breakfast in bed, the least she figured she could do for the night they gave her.

  After quickly showering, she wrapped a bath towel around herself and then made her way into the kitchen and skidded to a stop, a frown on her face as she planted her hand on her hips and eyed Trey in his boxer shorts already up and pulling ingredients from the fridge for breakfast. “Trey! What the hell?”

  He deposited the mix of breakfast foods on the countertop by the stove and turned to face her, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Wasn’t exactly the morning greeting I was hoping for, but all right.” He gave her a wink and turned back to what he was doing, placing a frying pan on the stove top.

  “No, I mean…” She sighed and walked into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her front to his back and placing a kiss on the back of his shoulder. “I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed. And you’ve ruined my plan.”

  He set down the knife he was using to chop up an onion and turned to face her, a grin still on his face. He looked so cute when he grinned, a hint of dimples appearing on his cheeks. “Well, if someone hadn’t made such a disturbance getting off of the bed then maybe I’d still be sleeping.” He bent and placed a quick kiss on the top of her nose.

  Laughing she crinkled her nose up at him. “I was careful. But you had me in a death lock, it was hard getting away.” She gave him a quick hug before stepping out of his embrace and surveying the ingredients he’d laid out on the counter. “Can I at least help?”

  “That I wouldn’t turn down.” He finished chopping the onions and passed her a knife and some peppers. “Chop these up for the omelet.”

  They worked in silence. Once the breakfast was done with preparation and well on its way to cooking Ivy turned back to him. “Do you think this will work?”

  Leaning his hip on the countertop, he crossed his arms over his chest and eyed her. “Oh, I think so, I always make this type of breakfast.”

  Grabbing a dish cloth she swatted him on the arm. “No, I mean. Us. Me, you and Ethan… Do you think it’ll work?”

  He clucked his tongue off of the roof of his mouth and his eyes left hers, seeming to focus on a spot on the wall above her shoulder and to the left. It was so long before he answered that she was starting to think he’d decided to ignore the question.

  “I honestly don’t know. This is real life baby, not some chick flick or romance novel.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”

  Ethan lowered his gaze to meet hers. “I mean, I don’t really know. As for me, the more I think about it, I like the idea. I care for you Ivy, always have. And I think I can be fine with sharing you with Ethan. I think.” He chuckled. “Now that I know this can work without my balls touching Ethan’s it’s even more appealing. Although I’m disgusted to say I got a taste of his –” he cleared his throat and pointed to his crotch “– little men when I kissed you. It was fucking gross. Now I know why lots of girls won’t swallow.”

  Ivy groaned and rolled her eyes but said nothing.

  “But Ethan…” He shrugged. “I’m not sure. He’s in a different place than I am in regards to you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Look, this isn’t my place to say, but I’m starting to think Ethan doesn’t have the balls to say it himself after what happened before you went to college and considering what happened last night. Well, fuck it. So here’s the deal. Ethan’s in love with you, Ivy.”

  Ivy’s mouth dropped open. She wanted to say something, knew she should be saying something, but words didn’t seem to want to come to her. Taking a deep breath in, she slowly released it and stared at Trey a moment longer.

  “What do you mean?”

  It was Trey’s turn to look baffled. “Ethan’s in love with you. What about that statement is tripping you up, love?” He turned to the skillet and focused on the omelets.

  She gave her head a shake; the idea was silly. “Wait. How do you know that? Has he told you?”

  “Not in so many words, but I know. He was miserable when you were gone. You shutting him out really tore him up. And part was guilt I’m sure, but now that I know what went down before you left, his reaction is clear to me. So when you ask whether this will work or not, it’ll largely depend on whether Ethan is able to share the woman he loves.”

  “But he went along with it last night.”

  The cocky grin reappeared on Trey’s face. “It’s possible that he was horny and you said it was what you wanted and he just wanted to make you happy. I’m sure he enjoyed himself, sure seemed like it. But whether he could spend the rest of his life sharing you, I don’t know. He brought up some valid questions. And he may ultimately force you to make a choice.”

  When she was making up the plan she never anticipated it going on for longer than a few group sex-a-thons and some dates. She’d only planned on letting it go on until they were smitten over her and then she was going to say goodbye. But now, she didn’t want to say goodbye – not to either one of them – she truly did want them both. But could she insist on having them both if it hurt Ethan? She didn’t think so.

  “I’ll talk to him.” Looking up at him, she got up on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his lips. “You’re a smart, sweet, amazing man Trey Phillips.”

  Trey gave her another wink. “I’m not just a sexy body and pretty face, baby.”

  ~*~*~*~*~

  Wow. Ethan let out a loud huff of air as he sat up on the bed and looked around the deserted bedroom. What in the hell just happened? It seemed so surreal to him. He’d never dreamed he’d ever share a woman with Trey and certainly not Ivy and he wasn’t exactly sure how he felt about it.

  Standing he gathered his clothing and left the bedroom. Crossing the hall, he paused hearing Trey and Ivy downstairs. He couldn’t make out what was being said, but the chatter was pretty lively – apparently neither of them had an issue with what had happened. He entered the bathroom and tossed his clothes into the hamper, then went directly to the shower, turning it on and hopping in.

  He was just finishing when the bathroom door opened.

  “Ethan?”

  He laughed. “Who else would you expect to be showering in the bathroom?” Turning off the shower, he pulled the curtain back and flashed her a smile. She’d gotte
n dressed – sort of – wearing a pair of boxers and camisole, similar to what she’d been wearing the other night, but the camisole wasn’t sheer and the boxers were a plain plaid pattern.

  She shrugged, giving him a shy smile. He didn’t miss the fact her eyes dipped to his groin for a split second. “I don’t know. Guess it was a rhetorical question.”

  “How are you feeling?” Grabbing a towel from the overhead cabinet he wrapped it around his waist.

  “Honestly?”

  “Sure.”

  She crinkled her nose up at him. “Sore. Kinda confused.”

  A bark of laughter escaped him. “I could have guessed that.” His laughter slowed as he noticed the smile fading from her lips. “What’s going on?”

  Placing her palms on the sink countertop she hoisted herself up and sat on it, letting her legs swing over the side. “Can we talk?”

  He went to stand beside her and leaned into the mirror trying to determine whether it was worth the effort to shave. It wasn’t. He pulled back and caught her stare. “Thought we were already talking.”

  She laughed and gave him a swat on the shoulder. “You know what I mean. Seriously. About last night.”

  “What about it?”

  Her brow furrowed and she cocked her head to the side staring up at him. He could see her mustering the courage to say whatever it was that was on her mind.

  “Come on. Spill it. What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” He leaned in and placed a kiss on her temple.

  “Were you okay with last night?”

  He shrugged. “Sure. I suppose. It was a fun night.” Despite his words, his dick jerked alive at being reminded of the previous evening. Hearing her moans and screams of pleasure was incredible.

  “But how are you feeling about it?”

  “Ahhh, so you want to talk about our feelings?”

  She nodded.

  “Kinda heavy for the day after isn’t it?”

  “Probably. But it’s kinda important. Oh and just before I forget, mom and your dad called and they’re extending their trip another week and a half. Apparently, they’ve fallen in love with Rome and want more time to explore it before carrying on to Venice.”

  “Uh, yeah. Nice topic detour.”

  She shrugged. “So what do you think? Would you be comfortable with the three of us –together?”

  Ethan took a deep breath in and slowly released it, glancing over her shoulder at his reflection again. Could he really do it? He’d always thought he’d have a wife of his own and kids. The regular family unit, not him, his wife and his wife’s husband. “It’s… I don’t know. My feelings toward it are complicated.” But then again, he was getting ahead of himself. Severely ahead of himself. He was a planner, always had been a planner. How could he plan for something so insane? But an odd part of him found the idea interesting, perhaps something that could work. He certainly enjoyed the previous night much more than he expected.

  “Because you’re in love with me?”

  His eyes shot to hers and he watched as she slapped her hands over her mouth and her emerald green eyes grew wide; apparently she was as shocked she’d said it as he was.

  She kept her gaze focused on his and slowly lowered her hands. “I’m sorry, just Trey said…”

  Ethan groaned. Trey. “Yeah, I swear to God Trey gossips more than a woman, no offense.”

  “None taken.”

  They continued to stare at each other. He could see the hopefulness in her eyes. Along with her feelings; they hadn’t changed. He could see she was still in love with him, despite how he’d rejected her before she’d left. But she also had feelings for Trey now. She wasn’t just his anymore and there was no turning back now.

  “Is it true?”

  He was the one to avert his gaze. “This whole thing has my head pretty fucked up.”

  “You’re not answering the question.”

  “I know. Sharing someone I love wasn’t something I ever considered doing, Ivy. Even if it is Trey.” He ran his index finger along her jawline. “But I fucked up once and you’re giving me another chance. So if that chance means sharing you, if that will make you happy, then it’s what I’ll do. I’ll do it for you. Because, yes Ivy, I’m in love with you.”

  Chapter 9

  Ivy

  While his statement should have sent a rush of joy through her, it didn’t. Trey had been right, he wasn’t doing it because he was into the idea, he was doing it because it was what she wanted.

  “I know what you’re thinking.” He spread her legs and stepped between them, grabbing her bottom and pulling her to him. When she looked up at him with questions in her eyes he continued. “You’re thinking, I’m feeling backed into a corner and just giving in. That’s not exactly the case.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, even though I love you it doesn’t mean I’d do something I wasn’t comfortable with or agree with. Yes, I never thought I’d be sharing, but I’m willing to try and make it work. Had it been anyone else other than Trey, then no chance. But I’m willing to keep an open mind. I wouldn’t have participated in last night had I been completely opposed to the idea. But you have my word, if I become uncomfortable with the idea, or feel it’s too much for me then I’ll bow out and Trey will have you to himself.”

  She didn’t want him to bow out that way, she wanted him. But after the few days with Trey, she wanted them both. How could she be feeling this way about two men? It seemed so wrong. But it felt right. Would it be worth the risk of potentially losing Ethan forever to take a chance on the three of them?

  “Breakfast is ready you two,” Trey poked his head into the bathroom and announced.

  Both Ethan and Ivy’s heads turned to look at Trey – Ivy with a smile, Ethan with a scowl. “Doesn’t anyone ever knock before busting into closed bathrooms anymore?” Ethan grumbled just loud enough for Ivy to hear, lowering his forehead to her shoulder. She had to bite down on her lower lip to keep from laughing.

  Her eyes locked with Trey’s. Sweet, fun-loving Trey. She knew she was being greedy, but she had to take the chance to have both men. Had to. Not because it was part of her stupid plan, but because she cared for him and needed him in her life.

  “Oh, was I interrupting?” Trey gave them a lopsided grin, though didn’t seem to be perturbed by his intrusion. “Didn’t mean to. But didn’t want to miss out on some potential shower action – we’re a trio, right? And I think I’m behind a shower… And, like I say, breakfast is sitting on the table.”

  ~*~*~*~*~

  Ivy

  “Is it all good? We one big happy trio?” Trey asked, motioning Ivy over to the hammock he was stretched out on. The day was beautiful, maybe one of the last beautiful, warm days until winter hit.

  “I don’t know.” And she honestly didn’t. She looked down at him in the hammock as he patted the area next to him.

  “Come on, there’s lots of room for us both.”

  Ivy laughed as she gingerly attempted to get onto the hammock with him. “I just don’t want to send us both toppling to the porch.”

  “Ahhh, it’ll be okay.” He helped steady her as she crawled on next to him, nearly dumping them both onto the porch a couple of times, but after a minute of shifting and squirming Ivy managed to situate herself next to him, wrapped up into his arms.

  “I don’t know if it will. He said he’d try, but won’t promise anything.”

  “Nothing in life is guaranteed, baby.”

  She looked up into his eyes and smiled. She supposed he was right.

  “And what would you do if he decided to force you to choose? I told myself I wouldn’t ask that and I’ve been thinking it’s the noble thing to do and step aside, but I’m not sure I want to.”

  She looked up into his eyes and smiled. “I don’t want you to.” Her feelings and emotions were tearing her apart, she never expected this to be hard. She thought she’d hardened herself enough to be able to handle them both, but she’d been lying
to herself. The only thing she wanted was to make them both happy. The fact they were both also in turmoil over this hurt.

  “Good.” He raked his fingers through her hair; the gentle pull of the strands of hair was oddly erotic and she closed her eyes, letting herself enjoy the feeling.

  “Am I being selfish?”

  “A little bit,” he replied, not even slowing in his stroking of her hair.

  Her eyes flew open and she picked her head up from his shoulder so she could stare at him. That wasn’t the answer she was expecting from him.

  Trey laughed. “I’m being honest. But I’m okay with it and I think Ethan will be too. Give him time. We’ve shared all kind of stuff over the years, why not a beautiful woman?”

  “Goof.” She gave him a swat, the quick and unexpected movement nearly toppling them onto the porch. “I’m serious.”

  “And so am I!” He slipped his hand behind her neck to bring her lips down to his when the sound of footsteps coming around the side of the house made them both freeze.

  “Ivy? You back here?”

  Ivy groaned inwardly as she let her forehead fall onto Trey’s chest.

  “That voice sounds familiar.”

  “It’s Cassidy. I forgot I invited her over this afternoon.” She looked back up and gave him an apologetic smile.

  He sighed. “So much for my quality one-on-one action.”

  “Trey?”

  “Please, like you weren’t thinking it.”

  “Ahh there you are, why weren’t you answering your phone?” Cassidy asked, coming into view.

  “It’s in the house,” Ivy explained, untangling herself from Trey’s embrace.

  “Oh, am I interrupting something?”

  “Yes, actually Cassidy, you are.” Trey assisted Ivy from the hammock as he got out of it himself. “But I’ve gotta hit the gym anyhow.”

  Ivy shot Trey a scowl that he seemed to shrug off. Ivy didn’t care for his comment towards her friend. Maybe he hadn’t changed as much as he had let on.