“So we can have sex? Tonight?”
Something moved across his face. “No, not tonight.”
Her face fell. He didn’t want her? But that couldn’t be right. How many times had she felt his erection press up against her in bed?
“Don’t look at me like that. It’s not that I don’t want you. It’s because, damn can’t believe I’m about to say this. But I think that the first time I take you, Archer should be there as well.”
He realized what he’d said at the same time as her mouth dropped open.
“Why would your brother be here while we have sex?”
He cleared his throat. It took a lot to embarrass him, but he could feel his cheeks redden.
“Ahh, well, that could be because I think we should share you.”
Her mouth closed then opened then closed again.
You’re making a real mess of this, man.
“If that’s what you want,” he said hastily, wincing as he realized how what he said could be misconstrued. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Caley, I’m going to ask you something and I want you to answer me honestly. Can you do that?”
Her eyes wide, she nodded.
“Do you love my brother?”
“Of course, I do. Archer means a lot to me but that doesn’t mean—”
“No, I mean do you love my brother? Do you find him sexually attractive? Say you met him under different circumstances, and I wasn’t around, would you be in a relationship with Archer?”
“I don’t understand. This is all hypothetical. You are here. Archer isn’t.”
“Just answer, baby. Please.”
“I…I…” Tears filled her eyes.
“Fuck, I’m making a mess of this. Listen to me, okay. You and I, we are solid. I am going nowhere. No matter what. Hell, probably not even if you wanted me to leave. Understand?”
“Yes.”
Just say it. “Baby doll, Archer loves you. He wants you.”
She shook her head, tears dripping down her cheeks. “I’m with you. I love you.”
“I know you do, baby doll. I love you too. But what if you could have both of us? Me and Archer? A permanent ménage. A relationship with us both. I know it seems like I’ve come up with this out of the blue, but I’ve been thinking of it for a while. Ever since…since the hospital when he told me he loves you and wants to share you. If you don’t want it then nobody will force you. But I think that you might love Archer too. Do you?”
She gaped up at him.
He’d lost his mind. What was he even thinking? A permanent ménage? Was this a trick? To see if he could trust her? If she said the wrong answer would he send her away?
Her breath came in short, sharp pants.
“Caley? Girl? Whoa, calm down.”
She felt herself being lifted then set on a soft surface. A fluffy, warm blanket was wrapped around her. A hand pressed lightly against her chest.
“Caley. Everything is all right. You’re safe. Breathe nice and slow. That’s it. Nice and slow.”
Her panic started to subside, and she blinked to clear her vision, confused to find that tears were dripping down her cheeks. She looked around. She was now sitting on the sofa and the ultra-soft blanket that Charlie and Clint had given her as a gift was wrapped around her shoulders and over her lap.