Previously on Bringing it Home

'Ok, I think this will work as long as neither of us falls in love. With each other or someone else. If the L word ever becomes involved we talk about it.' I thought this sounded sensible.

God knows we could end up falling madly in love but I didn't think that would happen. I had a feeling there was someone special for me somewhere out there in the cosmos.

xxxxx

My cab pulled up at the bar where I was meeting my friend, after paying my fare I sauntered up to the entrance. Heads turned as I went, I fucking loved that but didn't see anything worth my interest. All attractive enough but I wasn't really looking tonight.

"Maggie!" The bouncer greeted me and held her arms out for a hug. "Haven't seen you here for a while," the well built woman said as she wrapped me in a brief hug.

"Been busy," I shrugged but my smirk gave me away. "Nice to see you babe." Veronica handled the security at my parties as well as working the clubs, a very handy woman to be friends with.

"Any talent?" I had to ask.

"Nothing you'd be interested in just yet. Tall dark and gorgeous is already inside," she finished with a chuckle.

"I'd better go before she incapacitates the bar staff," I made a hand gesture that made Veronica howl with laughter. "You know she's capable!" I chuckled as I waved a goodbye and made my way inside.

True enough Bella was sat at the bar chatting with the bar staff, it was early and still fairly quiet. I wanted to hear myself think and I knew that the bar wouldn't have yet shifted to it's late night persona. Bella was flirting with three girls and they were hooked. If I looked at her as a potential hook-up rather than a friend I would be too. She had on tight black jeans and an equally tight red T which showed off her well built body to perfection. She was a little too ripped for my liking but a lot of girls found it very attractive. Her hair was in tiny plaits and tied back in a pony-tail and swung about as she chatted animatedly to the girls.

"Hey babe," I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her neck. She turned her head and I placed the expected kiss on her cheek before releasing her and taking the seat next to my friend. I gave her audience a once over, cute, hot, bitch. I assessed them before taking a sip of the beer Bella had ordered for me

"Who's your friend?" the bitch asked and Bella smiled at the barely veiled animosity in her voice.

"Maggie, pleased to meet you." I turned on the charm, she may be a bitch but was likely to be pouring my drinks all night.

"What can I get ya Maggie?" The 'hot' girl spoke, taking advantage of the situation.

"What's on offer?" I blatantly flirted, I liked this one.

"Whatever you want," the invitation was followed by a wink and I smiled back.

"How about a beer for now and a dance later?" She nodded and smiled. It gave me the choice of taking it further later or leaving it at a dance, I'd see how I felt.

"It's gonna be a long night," she purred as she lent much further over the bar than was required to deliver my beer. The move was designed to give me a good look at the 'goods' on offer.

"Great tits," I complimented her as I slipped my fingers into the neck of her top and caressed the top curve of her breast. Her eyes darkened and she licked her lips.

"Thanks," she held my eyes until I pulled my hand back.

"We'll be over there," I nodded to a secluded seating area, "keep 'em coming?" She smiled and I nudged Bella who just smirked at me before we ambled away from the bar swinging our hips as we went.

"We sooo bad," my friend joked as we settled down, I just snorted and swigged my beer

"I met Spencer," Bella sat back in the low couch and eyed me over our drinks. I just kept stum and waited to hear what she had to say. I valued her opinion on all matters but I was also curious to see how she'd pass off the little 'interaction' between the two of them." She seems nice, I watched my friend, she was of Creole descent which explained the dark skin coupled with blue eyes, it was unexpected and added to her striking good looks.

We had met at a party one night and after some pretty heated dancing and making out had proceeded to have the worst almost sex of my entire life. Thankfully it had just been funny it was so bad, we'd called it quits, gone for breakfast and have been close friends ever since. She knew the whole Spencer story including all the details. Basically she and Kate were my closest friends but there's only so much you can share with your ex girlfriend, who's also sleeping with your lover.

"Nice?" I quirked an eyebrow and also settled back in my chair.

"Maggie she's gorgeous," Bella gave me a warm smile."I was expecting her to be hot, I mean why else would you be so whipped?" I scowled and she smirked at me. "But fuck me I can see why," Bells shook her head and gave me an amused look. "I'd love to be in your position," she chuckled. "So how are things going?" She asked and tilted her head as she waited for me to reply. How are things going? Good question.

"Good and not so good," I answered honestly but felt myself frown. I'd been thinking and although things were OK now they hadn't been a few days ago. "Things are starting to get really complicated." Bella mirrored my frown and sat forward, resting her forearms on her thighs as she waited for me to clarify.

"Are you OK?" She'd picked up on the my change of mood

"I had..um,somebody hurt me," I said softly but couldn't meet her eyes.

The silence was deafening. Huh, completely contradictory phrase but honestly every tiny sound seemed amplified a hundred times. I felt so foolish saying that especially given the 'who' but I needed someone to talk to and I didn't feel like involving Meg any further. She was lovely but had Spencer's corner in this.

"What do you mean hurt you?" Bella's voice was hard, it sounded like she was barely controlling her anger. I chanced a glance at her face and confirmed my suspicions. Her eyes were narrowed and her mouth was twisted in a snarl.

"What do you think I fucking mean?" I whispered, bringing myself to meet her eyes.

She understood my unsaid words and sprang to her feet and cracked her knuckles.

"Give me a name,' she growled as she looked down at me. 'I'll take care of it for you,' she said in a slightly softer tone as one fist unclenched and the fingers gently stroked my hair.

"Sit down," I tugged on her hand. "It's taken care of." She resisted for a second before moving so she could sit next to me. Her larger hand wrapped around mine and we sat for a moment before she spoke.

"As you bought it up I'm assuming you're ready to talk about it?" A gentle squeeze of my hand followed her words and I managed a weak smile. I'd been feeling fine but saying it out loud was a bit of a slap in the face.

"Yes, I just needed to get it off my chest." You know things were fine again between me and Spence but I still had a load of emotional baggage I couldn't process by myself. "Promise me you won't go ballistic until you've heard the whole story?" I pleaded with my defender and after a second she gave me the briefest nod although her body was still tense.

"It was Spencer wasn't it?" She might be cocky but she was extremely good at reading people. She also knew that I would never give any other girl the control to hurt me. I chose my girls with that in mind, the control that is, I got off on it.

"Yes. Yes it was." I sighed and lay back into the couch but she stayed upright so she could look at me.

"What the fuck happened Maggie?" She sounded pretty astonished, can't blame her. All I ever did was say good things about the blonde and her place in my heart. "Had she been drinking? Drugs?" She sounded sceptical about the last option.

"No," I suppose some girls got aggressive when they'd been drinking but you know that wasn't the case. "She was sober. Upset but sober. She'd had a row with Austin and it was the first time I'd seen her since the beginning of summer. We both should have left it but we didn't. She got caught up in her anger and took it out on me." I think that about covered it.

"I'm going to fucking kill her," Bella's voice was calm, too calm.

"No. It's done. We're good." I locked eyes with my friend. "I just needed to tell someone you know?" I waited for a nod of acknowledgement before I continued. "I know it sounds cliché but she is truly sorry and I know for a fact that it will never, ever happen again." I jumped back in before Bella could speak. "We've moved on. I'd appreciate it if you leave it, please?" I squeezed her hand again and she rubbed her thumb over the back of mine in a reassuring gesture.

"OK babe." She lent forward and pressed her lips to mine in a loving but chaste kiss then pecked me on the forehead. She pulled back and looked me dead in the eye. "It happens again and she's going down," she growled. Her protective nature could be a pain sometimes but it was good to know she had my back.

"Thanks, I know you're there for me. I just, I just wanted you to know that's all," I finished lamely but was grateful when she wrapped her long arms around me and held me close.

"Well, it would almost be worth it for the make up sex," I joked weakly into the embrace. She took the bait and sat her eyes wide "She was very, very sorry," I teased my friend with the lack of details.

"How sorry?" Bella rumbled, she was fully aware of my Spencer exploits so knew the kind of things we could be talking about.

"Ummmm," I drew out my reply to tease her a little more.

"Maggie! You won't let me beat on her so at least give me a happy," she groaned dramatically.

"OK!" I relented and smirked at my friend. I took out my iphone and flicked through my photos before I found the one I was looking for. "There!" I passed my phone over and waited for her reaction. I shook with silent laughter as her mouth dropped to the floor. Her skin darkened even further as she flushed.

"Maggie!" Bella exclaimed in a lust hazed voice.

Hang on! Yes, I had taken the picture while she was asleep but you couldn't tell it was her. She was sleeping on her stomach, all you could see was her back and the curve of one buttock, swirls of blonde hair which partially obscured her face and the collar. Again yes, I'd shown Spencer the picture and she'd just laughed and said I could keep it on my phone. Even so it looked hot, like something out of a porno mag.

"She was very, very sorry," I reiterated with a huge grin plastered on my face.

"I don't suppose you taped it did you?" Bella whined pathetically and pouted when I shook my head.

"So leave it alone, OK?" I gave my friend a stern look which she mocked.

"Only if you let me take your phone into the bathroom for a coupla minutes," she was smirking and quickly dodged the slap I sent at her arm

"Dirty bitch," I pretended to be outraged and she laughed and moved back to the other couch.

"Uh! Maggie?" Her finger was wagging at me, "I'm a dirty bitch?" I laughed before continuing on my favourite topic.

"How was Spencer when she was at yours?" I dug for a little info to see what I'd missed.

"Um, considering I don't know the girl she seemed OK. Bit quiet and Meg was quite protective but she held her own," my friend shrugged, seemingly prepared to ignore her wrongdoing. "That's actually quite an achievement in that apartment," she finished with a chuckle. It seemed Spencer hadn't been herself. I was perversely reassured by Bella's words, glad that her actions had impacted her behaviour. "So what else is new?" She questioned whilst waving to 'bitch' and ordering us another drink.

"Bell."

"Yes hun?"

"Ashley's back. She's living with us." I watched as the same angry, defensive look crossed her face that I'd seen earlier.

"Maggie," she gasped and fell back into the couch.

"Yeah, it's been a hell of a week!" I joked mirthlessly.

"Talk about emotional overload," Bella agreed. "So what's up with that? She clean?"

"Yeah, she's doing really well. To be honest I love having her around again," I confessed.

"Oh, yeah?" Bella smirked. "What's going on there then? Maggie sandwich?" My friend teased me.

"Oh, I fucking wish!" I said with a laugh. "It had occurred to me, Spencer seems up for it," I finished with a smirk and Bella sat back and just gave me a look.

"Maggie! That's pretty intense," she knew of my history with Ashley, the good and the bad.

"Yeah, only thing is I haven't told Ashley about Spence and me yet." What? Yes, I know it should be 'Spencer and I' but grammar schmammer! I was talking three way here, no time for being picky!

"Why not?" Bella seemed confused.

"Ashley's not...," I paused, thinking how best to explain it. "Ashley's not the same as she was. She's more like she was before the drugs but fragile, she doesn't have the confidence she used to. I just feel like protecting her and I don't know how she feels about me. I don't want to upset her by telling her that I replaced her with Spencer." I shrugged, it was the best explanation I could give.

"Mag's, she's going to be more upset if she finds out about it from someone else," Bella's blue eyes captured mine as she made her point. "Hang on though? You said Spencer was down with a three way but you haven't mentioned it to Ashley?"

"No but I know Spencer likes Ashley and Ashley likes Spencer. Like, really likes likes," that's a lotta likes.

"So they're into each other?" Bella seemed surprised at the information.

"Yeah," I chuckled as I thought back to both the demonstration in the kitchen and the scene in the hallway. "Spencer gave Ash a blow by blow of your encounter," I smirked as my friend darkened under a blush.

"She didn't!" I nodded and Bella's hands covered her face. "Awww man, that's so not cool," she moaned as I just grinned at her.

"Yeah, bitch!" I was loving this. It wasn't often Bella got uncomfortable.

"I can't believe she told you," the dark girl continued to grumble as I laughed at her expense.

"Serves you right for trying to get the best of my Spencer," I crowed and stuck the tip of my tongue out at her, wiggling it cheekily.

"Yeah, the others still haven't stopped giving me grief either," she shook her head. "It's not like Cleo didn't get the same treatment."

"Alright, as it was Spencer I'll let you off but I wish I'd have been there," just thinking about it set me off again.

"A'ight, I'm gonna change the subject now and ask if you want to come round to ours to meet my friends sometime?" I'd not yet seem her new place and to be honest I was really curious to meet her room-mates. Bella was in her second year of college but towards the end of last year she'd started hanging with a different crowd, her other friends had been getting a bit too involved in the party lifestyle, including the drugs, and Bella wanted out. The girls she was living with had all been in her classes and had become close friends. I was intrigued by her descriptions of them but we'd yet to manage to get together.

"Sounds good, when were you thinking?" I asked, downing some more beer, I was getting slight buzz and was pretty relaxed now.

"How about next weekend? You free?" Bella jumped straight in with the invitation.

"Actually no, I was planning something for Spencer's birthday with Austin and her crew," I thought for a second. "Why don't we all get together? I was thinking pool party rather than the usual big bash. Just her friends but she'd love to see you again. She said to say hi."

"She didn't offer to sleep with me or anything?" Bella asked wistfully and made doe eyes at me.

"No she did not!" I lent across the table and emphasised my point with a punch to her arm.

"Tell her what she's missing out on. I don't remember hearing you complain!" My friend defended her honour and threw in a cocky smirk as she pouted and rubbed her arm.

"Uh, no. The fact that you couldn't even get my bra unhooked didn't bode well." I mocked. "To be honest we work best as friends, don't we babe?" This time my smile was genuine and was returned with an equally warm grin.

"That we do," was her reply before she changed the subject back to the party. "So what's the plan then? Yours for early evening and all night party? I know the guys are free, that's why I mentioned next week."

"Yeah, sounds good. I'll see if Ash wants to DJ, she used to be pretty good." I was also thinking it would give her an excuse to avoid the crowd.

"It sounds like you're pretty organised?" I nodded as I tucked my hair behind my ears.

"Yup, I've been thinking about it all summer. Just her good friends, music some drinks and BBQ around the pool." It should be a lot of fun. I also had plans for a little after party of my own.

Speaking of which.

"That girl behind the bar hasn't taken her eyes off you since we sat down." Bella commented, she tipped her head in the direction of the blonde. Definitely the best looking of the three in my opinion. I was almost tempted but I knew Spencer was probably staying over so I might be lucky and get some Spencer loving when I got in. "You interested?" Bella seemed to read my mind. Actually, it was probably obvious I thought as I caught myself licking my lips.

"I don't think so." We were always sure to check out each others intentions, to avoid wasted effort you understand, but she would have looked fine riding my shaft. Head back, throat stretched...

"You are such a dirty bitch," Her plaits swung as she shook her head. My thoughts seemed to be obvious to her.

"I am, and proud of it," I followed up with a cocky wink and we knocked our bottles together in salute. "I'll have Kyla handle the invites as usual, just get enough for a good time without it getting too much. You can bring whoever you want. Any of your girls got boyfriends or girlfriends they might wanna bring?"

"Maggie we're gay all the way babe." I must admit that made me smile, I liked meeting new gay girls, not just for sex, friends too.

"Shame, I haven't turned a straight girl for a while," I sighed in mock disgust.

"Nope, non of that needed here hun. Just be careful with Thea yeah?" Bella's concern for her friend piqued my curiosity. 'Don't mess with her and warn your girls off too, please?'

"You know I have to ask why now don't you?" I received an eye roll as my reply but she relented and started to explain.

"She's just really shy around new people," a shrug and a quick glance over to the blonde at the bar distracted me for a second before she refocused and continued. "She got hurt. It seems she was pretty quiet to begin with and she didn't take it very well. She'll be OK as long as no one gets too aggressive, she's gorgeous so she's bound to attract some attention." She finished her explanation and relaxed back against the couch again. She had stiffened up as she'd been explaining the situation, there was more she wasn't saying but I left it for the time being.

"I'll make sure she's fine," I promised and gave Bella a reassuring grin smile. "They're a nice bunch really. It's not like one of the parties where the playa's are running loose," I joked trying to put her at ease.

"I know, I know," she sighed and reached up to tighten the fastening around her braids. "Spencer was really sweet with her, I think Thea has a bit of a crush," she informed me with a cheeky grin. "She really knew how to handle her."

"She's really good with people. She's the same with Ashley," I'd recalled the blonde's careful handling the sometimes shy brunette the other morning. I could just imagine her being the same with the still unknown Thea.

"Ashley?" Bella questioned me, she looked puzzled.

"Uh, yeah?" I was confused. "Spencer's really careful with her. Gentle, not too pushy even though I know she really likes her."

"How the fuck is Ashley like Thea?" Bella was shaking her head at the comparison between the two.

"Bella, I said she's not the same. She's pretty withdrawn, kinda broken. Every now and again we get a flash of the old Ashley, like before the drugs, but most of the time I think she struggles being out of rehab. She's quiet, shy, doesn't like a lot of people. Apart from the fact she's fitter and better looking than ever you wouldn't realise it's the same girl." Taking a swig from my beer I watched her as she thought about my words.

"Sorry Mag's. I didn't realise it was that bad. The way you've always described her I just thought she was just getting used to living at yours and a new school and all that," I shook my head.

"Nah, it's really deep but I think she's doing pretty good considering. She's pal'd up with Amy of all people. Spencer says they're pretty close."

"Amy? Are they like together?" Of course Bella knew of my relationship with the petite blonde so she was bound to be curious.

"Nope, just friends from what she says. It's a good thing I think, Amy has her own crowd as well as hanging with Spencer so Ash can have some time away from us if she wants." Not that she'd been anywhere but school, maybe I'd see if she wanted to do something tomorrow?

I got in about three am after staying at the club and dancing with Bella. She did eventually hook up with the bar girl that was chasing her so I left them to it. Actually, I was really wound up from the attention I'd been getting from the other girl. A dance and a kiss was one thing but there was no way I was letting her get her hands on my booty, I had one thought on my mind and in my panties. Spencer.

The cab dropped me off and I kicked my heels off in the hallway, all the lights were off so they must have gone to bed. I padded up to my room after grabbing a bottle of water to stave off any hangover that might threaten. Before I went to my room I went to take a quick peek in Ashley's room, it had become a habit to check up on the brunette before I called it a night. Her door was half open so I slid my body inside to make sure she was OK, sometimes she'd kick the covers off and I didn't want her getting cold in the air conditioned room. Yeah, I'm a mother hen but I reckon she needs it.

Oh fuck me! I came to an abrupt halt when I saw the moonlit scene before me. Blonde and brunette were sharing a bed, what intrigued me was the positions they were in. The loves of my life were facing each other but Ashley was curled in a foetal position and snuggled tightly into Spencer's chest, her head buried away beneath the blondes chin. Spencer had her arms wrapped around her protectively and held Ash while they slept. A sound startled me, Ashley started muttering in her sleep and began to get agitated, a bad dream I assumed. Without waking, Spencer tightened her grip and shifted slightly, pulling Ash even closer. The movement seemed to reassure the sleeping brunette who calmed and relaxed against the blonde.

To say I was shocked was an understatement. Not that Spencer was here but that Ashley was allowing someone other than me through her walls. Yes, I knew there was an attraction there but this went much deeper. What the hell was going on?

"Austin, what the hell happened between Spencer and Ashley tonight?" I hissed at my sister.

"Were they naked?" My sister mumbled without opening her eyes.

"No." That I had checked before creeping into my sisters room. It couldn't wait until morning, this made it all the more urgent that I come clean with Ash about my relationship with Spencer.

"Then they probably haven't had sex. Spencer likes Ashley, Ashley likes Spencer. These things happen," she mumbled again and turned back over, dismissing me.

As Annie was there I thought I'd better not push my luck and demand a blow by blow account of the evening. Yet. Instead I had to take my frustrated self back to my room and waited until they got up to quiz Spencer.

Xxxx

Ashley's eyes opened and I saw slight surprise there until she realised what had happened last night.

"Good morning," I greeted the sleepy girl softly, not wanting to panic her due to our intimate situation. Spending the night had pushed this to a whole new level, Ashley had needed me to stay and the fact that she'd admitted that and let me in left her vulnerable even though there had been no sex. "It's OK," I whispered softly and slowly, so's not to startle her, I reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair off her forehead and behind her ear. Brown eyes widened and I felt her flinch but she didn't pull away.

Last night during the movies our minds and bodies had gotten used to each other's company. Now it was a new day the familiarity had to be rebuilt because it wasn't yet ingrained into our consciousness.

Xxxx

I was starting to panic slightly, the confidence that I had displayed yesterday had completely vanished as I found myself trapped in this situation. I didn't do this, my lays were gone in the morning, my only memory a hangover and craving for whatever drugs I had could get my junkie hands on. It all keeps coming back to Maggie, the only other girl I'd felt this way about. She was my lover, my best friend and protection from the world. Now here I was with a girl that I knew could be all that and more but I couldn't handle it.

"I." Oh god, what do you say to a girl that's seen you close to your most vulnerable but now scares the shit right out of you. I felt the panic start to rise and I pulled back and reflexively curled into a ball, next to my hearts desire but still so far away.

"Ashley," I felt her move and a soft breath on my ear as she spoke but didn't touch me. "It's OK," she repeated again. Those words held such love and conviction that my brain immediately accepted their truth and began to relax. "Mmmmm," a light hum continued to sooth me. "You smell good," Spencer breathed as she placed a light hand on my shoulder. I flinched and stiffened but didn't shirk her off, it felt good and the familiar warmth was spreading out from her hand as it lay perfectly still. We lay like that for several more minutes and my body slowly relaxed and released it's tension.

Xxxx

Oh god, this was a lot to deal with. I was used to girls wanting to be close to me, on and in me, not terrified of my touch. This was a new experience but so far following my instincts seemed to be working. I felt her slowly relaxing and her breathing steady, her heart had been hammering as though she'd been running, not sleeping, just a few minutes ago.

I heard a light knock on the door and Maggie's beautiful, if slightly sleep tousled, head appeared. She frowned as she saw us together, I think her reaction was more to do with Ashley's defensive position than seeing me with her friend.

"Ashley, Maggie's here. Can she come in?" I softly whispered, a second later I felt a nod but she remained curled up in her tight ball.

"Come in," I mouthed to Maggie who was observing from the doorway. She crossed the room and hesitated for a second by the bed.

Xxxx

This wasn't what I'd seen last night, at some point Ashley had put those walls back up and withdrawn back into herself.

"Ashley, Maggie's here now so I'll go," Spencer spoke softly to my friend and the love in her voice was obvious. She loved Ashley and the concern on her face spoke volumes.

"No!" Ashley spoke for the first time and her hand shot out and grabbed the front of Spencer's top, bunching it in her fist so she couldn't pull away. Her actions made the blonde smile indulgently.

"OK baby, I'll stay. I just thought you might want some space," again the words were spoken softly into Ashley's ear.

She was in love with Ashley! When it hit, it hit hard, like a truck to the chest. Spencer was in love. With Ashley. Oh god. The realisation must have been written on my face because when Spencer looked up at me she couldn't hold my eye for more than a second. I just stood by the bed in shock.

"I'll, I'll go," I stuttered still trying to process the revelation.

It hurt, I didn't think it would hurt this much even though I knew it was inevitable. Maybe it hurt so much more because it was Ashley. Ashley, my Ashley. My Spencer. Did Ash feel the same? I suspected she might because of her reaction just then when Spence suggested leaving. Fuck no. This was really going to hurt. I looked down again and Spencer was watching me with as much love and concern that she'd shown Ash just a minute ago.

"Don't go." I was startled that it was actually Ash asking me to stay, she'd uncurled slightly and was also looking up at me with those pools of chocolate she called eyes. It was a lethal combination of blue and brown that drew me to them.

"Stay," Spencer pleaded, she looked upset, I doubted this was the way she'd wanted me to find out.

Nodding, I slid into the bed on the other side of Ashley, trapping the broken girl between us. I felt her body relax as I spooned her, drinking in her scent. Worried blue eyes looked over the brown curls, all I could do was smile at the girl I loved.

"Sleep now talk later," I ordered and felt Ashley lean back against me and relax but at the same time she snuggled closer into Spencer who smiled, a pleased, surprised smile, before looking up at me again. Spencer placed a soft kiss on Ashley's head before briefly taking her hand off Ashley to stroke my cheek. I pushed up into the caress and brushed my lips against her palm, Spencer smiled sadly and mouthed 'I'm sorry.' I shook my head and silently said 'later' she nodded and returned her hand to Ashley, This time she draped it around her waist and Ash muttered contentedly, bringing another soft smile to my lover's face. Ashley was the first to fall asleep and I smiled as I felt her drop into slumber. All the tension was gone and I indulged myself by pulling her closer. As I drifted off to sleep I felt Spencer reach out and tangle her fingers with mine as we formed a protective cage around our troubled charge.

Xxxx

I woke up and stretched my legs out before my brain kicked in. Oh god, what had happened earlier? I cringed with embarrassment at my complete shut down then took a minute to get to grip with my surroundings. Maggie had joined us in my bed and I had both her and Spencer's arms draped over me, I was sandwiched between the two most gorgeous girls I knew and had once again slept like a baby, for how long I'd no idea as my cell phone was out of reach on the night stand.

Because Maggie was here I felt a lot calmer than I had earlier, her familiar body was draped over me as I lay on my back between the two sleeping girls. I knew I was being greedy, asking them both to stay but I hadn't wanted Spencer to leave me but was intimidated by her . Not in a bad way, I just knew that I would have to face, voice even, my feelings for her and I didn't think I could.

Xxxx

Ashley was awake, I felt her moving and opened my eyes. She was staring at the ceiling, her brow was furrowed and seemed to be deep in thought. She felt me move and turned to face me, this time I got a more confident smile.

"I'm sorry about before," her brown eyes met mine for a second before she turned back to the ceiling. "I'm, I'm not used to people getting so close," she explained quietly. I moved closer and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"We've got all the time you need," I reassured her and felt an intake of breath as she realised the meaning behind my words, I was pledging myself to her. "We'll talk later OK?" I whispered and she nodded, as it stood there was a lot standing between us.

Xxxx

Her kiss and the words that followed sent me spinning, I'd no idea she felt like that, that she would commit to me. But is that what she meant? Then I started to doubt, did she want to commit? I got the feeling that Spencer was in demand and the odd hints I'd picked up indicated that she indulged herself. But was this the kind of girl I wanted to get close to despite the burning attraction? I couldn't handle getting hurt and I knew that my feelings were so strong for the her that I would utterly shatter if she hurt me. We had to talk but the thought terrified me, I sought comfort in the blondes arms and tried to put aside any thoughts of leaving their safety.

Xxxx

I awoke as Ash turned away and snuggled closer to Spencer, I caught the blue eyes and she smiled warmly at me.

"Afternoon," she had guessed correctly and I could see Ash's clock lit in the semi darkness, it was 1.30 in the afternoon.

"Same to you lazy bones," I joked and returned her smile, now the shock had worn off I felt a bit better. We still needed to talk but who was I to deny her what she wanted?

"Hi babe," Ashley's muffled greeting made me chuckle.

"Hey to you too, comfy in there?" I teased as she kept her head buried.

"Very," was her mumbled reply and Spencer beamed.

"Good, because only the privileged few get that close to me," Spencer joined in the teasing. I think we were just relieved that Ash'd regained enough confidence to join in our banter.

xxxx

I was feeling a lot better than this morning, I was drowning in Spencer's scent and it was turning me on whereas before it had shut me down. I was one fucked up individual! In fact if she meant what she said I reckoned there was no time like the present. I ran my tongue up her collar bone until I reached her pulse point. My lips caressed the spot and I massaged it with my tongue before latching on and starting to suck gently.

Xxxx

Spencer's head rolled back and she moaned, Ashley was sucking at her neck and I felt jealously shoot through me, it increased as Spencer tangled her hand in Ashley's hair and held her to her.

Xxxx

I saw a pained expression cross Maggie's face and I couldn't bear it. Reaching out I cupped the back of her head and pulled her into a kiss which she greedily accepted.

Xxxx

Maggie's hand slipped around and cupped my breast and I moaned, then the shock set in and I pulled away from Spencer, it was only then I realised they were kissing above me. What? I jerked upright and broke their kiss. I looked at them in turn and was met with a guilty look from Maggie and a pained expression on Spencer's face.

"We need to talk," Maggie said abruptly as she climbed out of the bed. "C'mon Spence," Spencer nodded and also left the bed. 'Meet me downstairs,' she asked and we both nodded. She left the room and we heard her door click shut.

"I'm sorry," I looked over to the blonde where she stood by the bed, she looked extremely guilty. That hadn't been a spur of the moment thing had it?

"You can explain later," I needed to think before I saw her again, she paused a second as she played with the hem of her top, giving me a searching look before she turned and left. I read it as 'have I already blown it?'

What was I thinking right then? They had lied to me, well not told the truth anyway. How was I supposed to feel? Betrayed? Not really, I had nothing concrete with either of them. I knew Maggie well enough to know her decision was made to protect me but what was Spencer to her? I had my suspicions but would wait to see what they had to say. As for Spencer, she'd said we needed to talk, nothing had really happened between us, it was more of a promise of a future together that was in question right now. I'd taken the lead yesterday, pursued her then asked her to stay. She'd had no time to fill me in on the complexities of her life and I hadn't asked her to. No we were good, unless? Unless how the fuck should I know? I had no fucking idea what was going on or what the hell I was doing. I threw myself back on the bed, pulled a pillow over my head and screamed as loud as I could. Fuck it, I'd shower and see what they had to say.

Xxxx

I left Ashley's room, Maggie's door was shut so I went to Austin's which was empty. My clothes were all in Maggie's room so I turned round and went back into the hallway and knocked lightly on her door.

"Come in Spence," she called through the thick wood so I opened the door and pulled my shit together before I went in.

xxxx

"I'm sorry," she apologised as she stood just inside my doorway

"Don't worry about it, I was there too remember?" I smiled and she quickly paced the room until she was right up against me, eyes dark and wild . My heart rate picked right up and I grabbed her hips and ground into her. She tossed her head back and moaned, rolling her neck before looking me in the eye.

"You're in love with her?" In my heart I knew but I had to ask her.

"I am," she confirmed my suspicions as she pulled me close. "Fuck Maggie, what are we going to do?" She pressed her forehead against mine and we held each other, neither of us wanting to let the other go.

"Whatever we do, Ashley doesn't get hurt," I pledged and Spencer hummed her agreement. "We knew this would happen when we made our arrangement. It could have been either one of us. We need to man up and make the decisions." It was all talk, I was dying inside. Not only was I going to lose Spencer, I'd lost Ashley at the same time. Fuck. I should be happy they'd found each other, I think only I knew what a good match it would be.

"I'm so sorry," my lover whispered into my neck. She kissed up my jaw and then covered my lips in the sweetest kiss. My fingers ran through her soft hair as I memorised her mouth and scent, this might be the last time I kissed her. The thought tore a sob from me and I pulled away, throwing off the comforting embrace that was offered.

"Shower, I'll see you downstairs," I couldn't let myself cry in front of her so I held on by sheer willpower until she reluctantly left me.

"I love you," were her last words. Those ocean blue eyes holding mine until the door closed and the tears fell.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Next on Bringing it Home

'So now I've met your 'friend' what happens next?' I let the question hang there as I observed the other two girls.

'It depends on you two,' Maggie filled the silence as she gestured between Spencer and I.