Author's Note: Long chapter, I know. Lol. Hope you enjoy, and let me know what you think. ^_^ I will see you guys after two days.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.


Chapter: The Plan


You got my head in the clouds
You got me thinking out loud
The more you dream about the more that I believe
That nothing's ever out of reach

- Miley Cyrus, Dream


Nessie bounded down the stairs, into the kitchen, and straight into Paul's arms. He grunted as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. Chuckling, he kissed her back, his tongue licking along her bottom lip.

"What was that for?" he asked with a grin and circled her tiny waist with his arms.

"I don't know." She shrugged and smiled that adorable angelic smile that never failed to send his heart racing. "I just felt like it."

"Feel free to feel like that any time."

She laughed, and the sound floated around him to settle into his chest. God, he loved her and would always love her, no matter who she ended up with.

"Hey," Jacob grumbled as he came down the stairs to join them. "Where's dinner?"

"On the stove," Paul said as Nessie slipped from his arms. "Jealous?"

Jacob turned to stare at them with a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, I'm not."

Nessie snorted and placed a bite of garlic bread in her mouth.

"Excuse me?" Jacob teased. "Was that a snort?"

"Yes," she replied. "You know, hearing you're not jealous is not exactly what a girl wants to hear."

"No?" Jacob chuckled. "So, what is it a woman wants to hear?"

"You're treading dangerous ground, friend," Paul murmured and carried the plates to the small table nestled within a bay window. Below them the lights of Gatlinburg twinkled in the darkness of the mountains.

Nessie crinkled her nose at Paul, making him smile.

"Women want to hear how the men who love them can't stand to see them with someone else."

"Well," Jacob said and leaned against the counter on the center island, his arms crossed over his chest. "Paul is different. For some reason, you touching Paul is like you're touching me."

"Now that just sounds weird," Paul said with a frown.

Nessie laughed. "No, it doesn't. I think I actually understand."

"Then, can you explain it to me? I'm not quite sure I do," Jacob said.

"Just grab the plates, ass," Paul growled, but the amusement in his eyes let them know he wasn't really aggravated.

Nessie picked up the basket of bread and placed it on the table with the rest of dinner—broiled chicken, steamed vegetables, and salad. Everything smelled wonderful, even if Paul did say so himself, and Paul didn't miss the sound of Nessie's stomach growling.

Placing her napkin in her lap, Nessie inhaled and smiled across the table at Paul. His heart pounded like a runaway horse galloping across the desert. The brown of her robe matched her eyes, making them appear darker and more intense.

"Everything smells wonderful," she said. "Keep cooking like this and I'll gain twenty pounds or more."

"Don't worry. We'll work it off you," Jacob replied with a wink.

An adorable blush moved up her neck, making her already rosy cheeks pinker. "The two of you are insatiable," she chided.

"Only for you," Paul purred, and her lips spread into a saucy little grin.

God, he wanted to throw her up on that table, forget the chicken, and have her for dinner instead. They needed to give her some time. After the ménage from earlier, and then the sex she and Jacob had in the tub, she was probably worn-out. Even though he hadn't said it, he'd agreed with what Jacob had said. The fact they'd had sex hadn't bothered him. Seeing her touch and kiss Jacob had felt natural. Like they'd been doing it this way all their lives.

"I was glancing through the television listings while dinner was cooking and the two of you were fooling around upstairs." With a wink toward Nessie, he continued. "There's a good horror moving coming on. Still like scary movies?"

"I love them," she said with a grin. "But I won't be able to sleep alone. I'll watch it only if the two of you sleep with me."

"All three of us in the same bed?" Jacob's eyes widened in mock shock. "Why, Miss Nessie, what kind of man do you think I am?"

"The kind that will do anything to keep his woman happy," she countered and batted her eyelashes comically as she handed him the plate of steamed vegetables.

They all three laughed.

"I think it sounds like a great idea myself," Paul said with a smile, looking forward to later when Nessie was sandwiched between them, right where she belonged.

IllI

A finger poked at his shoulder and Paul opened one eye, glaring at Jacob over Nessie's shoulder. "What?" Paul whispered.

"Come downstairs," Jacob whispered back.

Paul frowned at his friend. What the hell was he up to at . . . he glanced at the clock by the massive king-sized bed they'd all crawled into after the movie earlier. It was three in the morning, for God's sake.

"I'm serious," Jacob growled softly.

Paul sighed and climbed from the bed as quietly as possible so not to wake Nessie. She was sleeping so soundly. Grabbing the covers, he settled them over her shoulders, then followed Jacob downstairs.

"What's going on?"

"Did you talk to the director?" Jacob asked.

"You woke me up to ask me that?"

Jacob scowled.

"Yes. I talked to him. Still nothing from her assistant, and now apparently her father has gone missing."

"What?"

"I didn't want to say anything earlier and upset Nessie." He pointed a finger at Jacob. "And don't you fucking say anything either."

"Does he think it's related to Admiral Doyle's disappearance?"

"Yes."

"Damn," Jacob said with a sigh, dragging his hand through his short hair. "We need to talk about Nessie, Paul. It's why I originally called you down here."

Paul frowned, then moved to sit in the overstuffed chair by the now-cold fireplace. "All right. What about her?"

"I think this choosing thing is getting to her."

Paul nodded, wondering where this was going. "I agree."

"What do you think of . . .?"

"Of what?"

"Not making her choose."

With a sigh, Paul scratched at his chin, almost dreading what he thought Jacob might be saying. "Are you saying you want us to choose instead?"

"No. I don't want any of us to have to choose."

Paul scowled as what Jacob implied finally registered. He'd thought of it himself before but dismissed it at the time. "What you're suggesting is illegal."

"I'm not suggesting bigamy, at least, not really. Only one of us would marry her legally, the other would just be there."

"And who would marry her legally?" His sarcastic tone wasn't lost on Jacob, who turned to scowl down at him.

"I'm getting to that. I think you should."

"I beg your pardon? You're actually handing her to me?"

"No," Jacob argued. "You're the wealthier of the two of us."

Paul shook his head. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"I have no family. You do. I can leave everything I have to Nessie, even if we're not married and there's no one to contest it."

"So you're basing this on the best way to make her financially secure if anything were to happen to us?"

"Yes. We don't exactly have the safest jobs in the world," Jacob said with a sigh.

"I'll agree with that. But do you really think we can make this work? I want kids, Jacob."

"So do I," Jacob said with a nod.

"Have you given any thought to how we would do that? Who would have kids first or do we just wing it, neither knowing which of us the father is?"

"That's not a bad idea," Jacob said with a shrug.

"It is for the kids," Paul cried in exasperation. "Have you even thought this through at all?"

"Yes, damn it, I have."

Jacob began to pace the room, his hand dragging through his hair again, a sure sign he was agitated. "There are aspects that would have to be worked out, that's a given. As far as kids, we can go by age. You're older, therefore you and Nessie have one first."

"You're out of your mind," Paul said with a shake of his head.

"This is the best idea and you know it."

Paul sighed and placed his hand over his mouth, his mind playing out the possibilities. It would certainly solve their problem, but how would Nessie feel about it? How would she react if they even brought it up?

"Don't bring this up to Nessie yet," Paul said, and Jacob nodded his head in agreement. "Let's work on her a little first. Warm her up to the idea slowly."

"Show her what it would be like to always have both of us?"

"Yeah," Paul said with a slight quirk to his lips. Maybe they could make this work after all.

IllI

"Wake up, sleepyhead," Paul purred in her ear, making her skin prickle in desire.

"Mmmm," she murmured, stretching lazily. The stinging slap to her hip made her jump and come awake instantly. "Ouch," she cried and rubbed at the spot Paul had spanked.

Paul chuckled down at her. "We're taking you to town today, remember?"

"Oh yeah." She sighed, still not wanting to move from the comfort of the bed.

"Well, woman. Up and at 'em."

"Okay, okay," she grumbled as she slowly climbed from bed and headed toward the shower. "I'd forgotten just how damn bossy you were."

"Excuse me?" Paul asked, trying to sound offended, but failing miserably.

"You heard me. I said bossy," she snapped back, sticking her head out the door for a split second before slamming it shut.

Paul snickered and grabbed a sweater from the open suitcase on the floor. Jacob was downstairs making coffee, and Paul was tempted to join Nessie in the shower, but figured they'd worn the poor woman out enough. But it wouldn't hurt to tease her a little, he thought with a grin as he softly opened the bathroom door and stepped inside.

Steam already filled the room, for Nessie liked her showers scalding. The scent of her lavender soap hung in the air and he inhaled deeply remembering that same smell on her flesh as she'd slept close to him last night. Stepping softly, he walked over to the shower and opened the glass door.

She hadn't noticed him. Her head was back, her eyes closed as she rinsed the shampoo from her hair, totally unaware of his presence. He reached out, his finger heading straight for the puckered nipple of her breast, when her amused voice stopped him cold.

"Don't even think about it."

He glanced up and smiled. She watched him, her eyes narrowing to tiny chocolate slits.

"Oh, honey. I was about to do more than just think about it," he drawled playfully.

Her lips lifted into a sexy half smile. "You and Jacob are absolutely insatiable."

"So are you telling me that if I wanted you right now, you'd say no?"

"Are you saying you want me right now?" she countered.

"I don't know. Are you saying no?"

She laughed and splashed water toward him, dampening his gray sweater. "You know I could never say no to either one of you."

Paul smiled. She was so adorable, and at times, so young at heart. That childlike enthusiasm was what he'd loved most about her. That and her body. His gaze traveled down her curvy figure stopping at the smooth skin of her pussy. Feeling devilish, he reached out and drew his finger along her slit, making her gasp. With one long thrust, he entered her pussy, pushing his finger knuckle deep before pulling it back out again.

His gaze never left hers as he slid that same finger into his mouth, sucking at her juices. She tasted just like heaven. "Mmmm," he murmured. "Just to tide me over."

"You're terrible," she growled. "Out! Before I give you a little taste of your own medicine."

She grabbed the door handle and pulled it shut. Through the fogged glass he could see her turn her back, and he chuckled, knowing she wasn't really angry.

"Tease me, baby," he pleaded above the sound of running water.

The sponge she'd used came flying over the top of the shower door, just missing him as he dodged out of the way. Laughing, he quickly left the bathroom before her aim improved.

IllI

"This is cute," Nessie said and held up a white T-shirt with airbrushed lettering. "'I'm not bald. It's a solar panel for a sex machine.'"

Paul raised an eyebrow while Jacob snorted. Nessie giggled at both of them. They'd had such an incredible day. The weather had been warm, even for the mountains, and they'd taken advantage, spending most of the day going through the multitude of shops along the main strip.

Both men had been incredibly attentive and affectionate. Matter of fact, they were spoiling her. How could a woman go back to just dating one man after spending days being showered with attention by these two? She frowned, placing the T-shirt back on the rack.

"What's wrong, Ness?" Jacob whispered, his hand gently rubbing up and down her back.

"I was just thinking how much fun it's been today and how much I wish it could always be like this."

"Who says it can't?"

She turned to stare at him in confusion. They couldn't keep this up. That was ridiculous.

"You know what, Ness? Don't think about it. Just live for the moment and worry about tomorrow later. Let Paul and me show you how much we love you."

"I know how much you love me," she whispered. "And that's part of what bothers me."

"Don't." He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Remember. Happy thoughts."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Happy thoughts," she agreed and let Jacob lead her from the shop to join Paul at the small coffeehouse next door.

Paul stood at the counter, eyeing row after row of fudge. Nessie came up behind him, enjoying the view of his firm ass in the jeans he wore. Wrapping her arm around his waist, she smiled up at him as he slid his arm around her shoulders.

"So which will it be, sunshine? Rocky Road or Double Dutch Chocolate?"

"Why not live on the edge and get both?" she asked with a grin.

Paul winked back with a smile, his brown eyes sparkling with happiness and humor. "Why not." Turning back to the girl at the counter, he placed an order for the Rocky Road, Chocolate, and a block of peanut butter for Jacob.

With fudge and coffee in hand, they stepped outside to sit at the numerous wrought-iron tables lining the sidewalk. Jacob had stepped down the street into one of the many shops, but Nessie wasn't sure which. He'd just told them he'd be back in a few.

As they waited, they sipped their coffee and fed each other fudge. Nessie couldn't remember the last time she was this happy. Or this content. There was definitely something to be said about dating two men at once.

"Enjoying yourself?" Paul asked, a teasing grin spreading his lips.

The cool breeze ruffled his hair, and she brushed a lock away from his forehead.

"I'm having a blast."

"Jacob and I aren't overwhelming you?" Concern made his eyes crinkle, and she placed her hand over the one he had lying on the table.

"No," she said quietly, then smiled.

Paul opened his mouth to speak, but his cell phone rang, interrupting whatever he was about to say. He pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the caller ID. "It's the director," he said as he flipped it open. "Yeah."

Nessie tried to hear what was said on the other end, but couldn't. Biting her nails, she waited for Paul to finish and hopefully give her some news.

"Well?" she asked as Paul flipped the phone closed.

"Marcus has a lead, and he'll meet up with us later."

"A lead?" She let out the breath she didn't even realize she was holding. "What lead?"

"Apparently, it's your father. He found out who the leak is."

She wished she still had her cell phone. Had her father tried to text her to tell her the name of the person behind it all? A frown pulled at Paul's forehead, and it caused her own nerves to stand on end. "What's wrong? It's almost over, right?"

"Not yet. Your father still has to work with Marcus and tell him what he knows. He did confirm there's someone on the inside, but your father thinks there're more involved than just the NCIS agent."

"Someone in the military?"

"Possibly. We'll have to give Marcus time to put it all together."

"What about Alice?" she asked. Nessie still had a hard time with the fact that Alice had planted the tracers. Surely they were wrong.

"He has a tail on her, but they haven't confronted her yet. They don't want to tip anyone off just in case she's still in contact with them. So far, though, they haven't seen anything to indicate she is."

"Good. I think. I still can't believe she would do something like that."

"I know," Paul said and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. "Try not to think about it."

"I can't help it. She was my friend. I can't believe I would be that stupid."

"You're not stupid, Nessie." Paul gave her a firm look, silently indicating there would be no argument on that.

Over his shoulder, she noticed Jacob coming down the sidewalk. He'd covered his T-shirt with a denim jacket that made his shoulders look even wider, matching jeans hugged his lean hips. She couldn't stop staring at him, at the way he sauntered so confidently. His coffee eyes met hers and he winked. He was such a sexy devil.

Grabbing a chair, he turned it backward so he could straddle the seat on the other side of Nessie. She liked being between them like this. It always made her feel protected and safe.

"What are you all smiles about?" she asked.

"I saw you," he countered, making her snicker.

"You're so full of it," she teased.

"Yeah, but you love me," he drawled.

Nessie laughed.

"We heard from Marcus," Paul said, interrupting their conversation.

Jacob was immediately all business and ignored the fudge Paul passed over to him. "What did he say?"

"Nessie's father contacted him. He knows who the leak is."

Jacob nodded and opened the paper surrounding the fudge. "Good."

Breaking off a piece, he popped it into this mouth and sighed, his eyes closing in sheer delight. Nessie couldn't take her eyes off him. He had almost the same expression on his face when he came.

"Is it good?" she asked, her voice cracking with amusement.

"Oh yeah. Almost as good as you." Jacob reached into his pocket and pulled out a narrow, flat box. "I have something for you."

Nessie's eyes widened in shock. "Jacob, you didn't have to get me anything."

"I know. I wanted to. It's actually a reminder of our time together."

With shaking fingers she took the box and flipped it open. Inside was a gold bracelet with three hearts entwined together. "It's beautiful." She sighed and lifted the delicate piece of jewelry from the box.

Jacob took it and secured it around her wrist. "The heart in the middle represents you. Always surrounded and protected by us."

She smiled and cupped his face with her hands, pulling him to her for a gentle kiss. "I love it. Thank you."

Jacob smiled and kissed her forehead, making tears well up in her eyes. Her heart ached so much whenever she thought about having to choose. Why did she have to? Why couldn't she have them both?

"That is nice," Paul said as he studied the bracelet. "I may have to kiss you myself."

"The hell you will," Jacob grumbled and slid his chair back from the table. The iron scraped against the concrete, sending chills up Nessie's back. The sound was like someone scraping their nails along a chalkboard. But she couldn't stop the giggle that spewed forth at the horrified expression on Jacob's face.

"You know, that's kind of an interesting image," Nessie said and batted her eyelashes at each of them.

"I'm willing to try a lot of things, Nessie. But that's not one of them," Paul said, his lips quirking in amusement.

"No? Where's your sense of adventure?" she teased.

"Buried," Jacob growled. "I may love him like a brother, but not a lover. Sorry, Paul, but you're just not my type."

Paul snorted, sticking his middle finger in the air toward Jacob. Nessie laughed so hard her eyes welled up. No doubt about it. These two were a blast.


Sneak preview of the next chapter:


"Damn, Nessie," he growled. "You look fabulous."

She smiled and let her fingers softly trail down the banister as she stepped to the bottom. Her hair was loose and gathered around her shoulders in soft curls, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement and desire. Licking her lips, her stare moved to Jacob, who held out his hand indicating she should join him on the blanket.

Paul watched, unable to move as she stepped into Jacob's arms. Reaching up, she wrapped her arms around his neck and slanted her lips across his. Jacob kissed her back, his hands moving lower to grip her bare ass beneath the flimsy material of the baby-doll outfit.

Jacob broke the kiss and turned her to face Paul. "Kiss her, Paul," Jacob whispered.

Paul stepped forward and lowered his lips to hers. She moaned and opened her mouth, allowing his tongue to slide inside. Her fingers moved lower, brushing across his hard cock through the coarse material of his pants. If he didn't stop this and get himself more under control, he'd fuck her right now. Forget the foreplay.


-Review!-