Chapter 18

"When are Paul and Embry coming?" Lisa asked.

"They should be here any minute," Bella answered her impatient friend. It wasn't the first time Lisa had asked about her boyfriends in the last hour or so. After hearing so much about them, she was eager to meet them, and Bella couldn't blame her. She was anxiously waiting for them, too, if for a different reason.

Bella and Lisa were at the Beach Bar setting up their annual get-together party. It was one where all their old school friends gathered to catch up and have some fun. Some of them had been in the same class since kindergarten, like Bella and Lisa. And Ethan. But Bella hadn't heard about Ethan for a long time.

The party was the only occasion Bella had let herself loosen up a little in recent years, usually followed by the only hangover of the year. She had solemnly promised herself this year would be different. She didn't want to feel sick the whole day tomorrow. They'd scheduled to go to get their dog in the afternoon. Bella had finally got a call from the animal shelter the day before informing her that they got a perfect dog for them: a mixed honey-colored shepherd called Stevie. He was six months old and eager to meet his forever owners.

"Paul's shift should have ended by now, and Embry texted a few moments ago that the bed was delivered as promised, so he's ready to leave as well."

"You needed a new bed?" Lisa asked, glaring at Bella.

Bella had to laugh. She knew exactly how it all sounded.

"Yeah, we realized pretty soon that no one wants to sleep alone, so we're sleeping in the same bed but need a bigger bed."

"You are one lucky bitch, Isabella Marie Swan," Lisa giggled, shaking her head.

Bella just grinned as she was fully aware of that. It had been a bit over two weeks since Paul moved to San Francisco. Embry had left for New York for a shooting trip when Paul came. He wanted them to have some alone time. He'd said that it was only fair since he got alone time with her. Embry was such a sweetheart, and his gesture made Bella love him even more. She knew that it had been somewhat elementary for them three. Jealousy would probably always be part of their arrangement in one way or the other, but at least they all wanted to make everything that it didn't get out of hand. Needless to say, Paul had been happy.

"How is it going with them?" Lisa asked.

Bella blushed. How could she describe what they had? It was insane, really. The amount of sex was one thing but having two males living with her had certainly changed her life dramatically. Not in a bad way, no. Everything was just different. She didn't recognize her own life anymore, but it wasn't a bad thing either.

"It's going very well. They are both so attentive and considerate, very independent men. I must say that something good comes out when a man hasn't had a mother hovering over him. It's that they aren't expecting me to replace her. If anything, they've taken control over all things considering domestic chores. Paul cooks, and Embry cleans. I'm left with folding laundry while I watch Downton Abbey. It's been very busy at the shop, and they want to make it as easy as possible."

"Maybe they just want to make a good first impression."

"Yeah, maybe," Bella chuckled.

"So have you had sex together already? I did give you a month, remember?" Lisa asked. Bella had been surprised Lisa had held the question this long.

"Not while we're all at the same place at the same time," Bella told her blushing a little.

"What does that mean?" Lisa asked.

Bella blushed some more. Paul had wanted them to have phone sex again while Embry was in New York. There was something deliciously erotic about having one of them watching, needing to say words to get the one far away from the ones making love included. It was damn hot and perhaps a little addicting too. But so far, they hadn't made love all three of them in the same room. Paul worked late, and Embry was up early; he had gotten himself into a photo project that demanded him to be out of the house early in the morning. So, they actually haven't ended up being in bed at the same time while still awake. Bella was pretty certain they had made these arrangements knowingly to give themselves and each other alone time with her and avoid perhaps some awkward situations. To get used to them all living together.

"What does that mean?" Lisa repeated her question. "Girl, you've been spaced out today. It's getting annoying."

Bella laughed. "Sorry, my mind is all over the place these days. Um... There had been a couple of times when other of them had been on the phone."

Lisa's eyes widened. "Damn, Bella, you can't tell me something like that," she said, fanning her hand in front of her face.

"Then don't ask," Bella laughed.

"Touché," Lisa joined her laughter.

"Oh my god!" Lisa gasped, and Bella turned around. Her breath hitched. Embry and Paul separately were ridiculously sexy, but together they were pure sin. Her cheeks heated only by looking at them.

Embry had a tight green t-shirt and dark blue denim cutoffs. His hair was nowadays a little longer, and he'd tied it up into a tiny knot. Bella loved his new hairstyle. Embry had visible stubble, and he'd told Bella he was thinking about growing it a little. Bella could not stop the memory of his cheeks scratching her tights last night from flooding into her mind... She shivered.

Paul had on his low-hanging jeans and a white T-shirt. His hair was still wet from the shower after work. Bella couldn't tear her eyes off them, and it was then that Paul noticed her, and the smile that spread over his features was blinding. Bella heard Lisa gasp. Paul swatted Embry's arm and said something. Embry turned his eyes to her, and his features changed with a huge grin.

They started toward her, and she swallowed.

How the hell was she going to survive this? This was the first time they all showed up together at a social event, and she didn't want to look like a total idiot. But all brain functions escaped her when her eyes were glued on theirs.

"Damn, Bella, you have to start sharpening your claws. There isn't a woman tonight who isn't going to try to steal those men from you," Lisa whispered.

Bella tore her eyes off her men and glanced at Lisa. Bella knew she was right, but truth be told, she didn't feel threatened. Even though she questioned whether she could really be enough for them both, it was in their eyes. She knew she didn't have anything to fear.

"Hello, guys!" Lisa quipped before any of them had time to say anything. "It's nice to meet you finally."

Embry nodded and said, "You must be Lisa. I'm Embry."

"And you must be Paul," Lisa said, turning to look at Paul, who had wrapped his arm around Bella's waist.

"That's me," was all he said.

Embry leaned down and kissed her on the lips. "Hi baby," he murmured, grabbing her hand into his.

Paul's hand moved under the hem of her T-shirt and his fingers skimmed around her naval area, making her shiver.

Damnit, it would be just as she had feared; she lost all the ability to think and behave like a decent human being when ambushed by these two.

"Um... I guess I'll go and see if everybody is here already," Lisa said, clearing her throat and leaving them.

"Hey, that was rude," Bella said, but Paul's hungry lips swallowed her words.

"What was?" Embry asked as he kissed her bare shoulder.

"You need to stop. I can't think," Bella said.

"Can't we just say hello to our gorgeous girl? Hmm?" Paul whispered into her ear.

Damn, these men were going to be the death of her.

"Bella!" someone shouted, and all three turned to look at the man walking towards them.

Oh, that can't be? Ethan? No, yes. It was Ethan.

"Ethan!" Bella shrieked and ran to him. She jumped to hug her long-time friend she hadn't seen in ages, and Ethan spun her around. She couldn't believe he hadn't let her know he was coming. That he was back in San Francisco.

"Where have you been? It's been like three years since I last saw you," Bella asked. She had hardly heard anything from him since they all finished High school; it had been like the earth had swallowed him whole.

"I went through a bit rough path, but I'm back home. Damn, Bella, it's so good to see you," Ethan said and hugged her again. Then he placed her back onto the ground. Ethan glanced over her shoulder, and then he looked back at her.

"Can we have a few moments? I want to talk to you," he asked.

"Sure," Bella said and grabbed Ethan's hand. She was so happy to see him. But he looked different; something must have happened to make him look like he'd aged ten years instead of three.

"Hey, Paul and Embry, this is Ethan, my friend from school." Both of them nodded but didn't say anything. "He's been away for three years, so we have a little chat. You make yourself comfortable. Have something to drink. First drinks are on the house."

Ethan led her away from the crowd, and they sat on the bench by the beach.

"What the fuck was that?" Paul asked, his eyes closely following Bella and her friend as they walked towards the bench on the edge of the beach. "Has she ever told you about this Ethan?"

"I think she'd mentioned him once or twice. They are good friends, but he's also her first boyfriend, only boyfriend. They were dating in High school, I think." Embry told him.

"The fucker is all over her," Paul said. "Look."

This Ethan had wound his arm around Bella's shoulder as they were sitting side by side on the bench.

Paul knew that he was fucking jealous type when it came to Bella. Sharing her with Embry was one thing, and he was on pretty good terms with that like he had a choice. But that was where it ended. He could not stand watching Bella in deep conversation with another male who kept fucking touching her.

It took all he had not to bolt and go to rip the fucker off of her. Embry also watched Bella and turned to look at him.

"Easy there," Embry chuckled. "Let's go and get a beer."

"How the fuck are you okay with that!?" Paul asked, motioning his hand to where Bella was talking with that fucker.

"With what? She's catching up with her friend she hadn't seen in a long time."

"But she lets him touch her."

"He only has his arm on the back of the bench, you dick," Embry said. "Relax. You have to have more confidence than that."

Paul didn't say anything. He knew Embry was right. But he could not help himself feeling this strongly. All this was so new to him. Hell, he hadn't ever been in love before.

They moved to the bar, and the bartender gave them two bottles of beer. Paul hardly took his eyes off Bella. He saw her nodding and turning her head to look at this Ethan. It was obviously a very intense discussion.

"You said he's her first boyfriend," Paul said, "were they together long?"

"Hadn't you two talked about your past relationships?" Embry asked quirking his eyebrow annoyingly. Paul wanted to slap his smirk off his face.

"No. I guess I didn't want to know and she never asked about my non-existent dating history," Paul admitted. "How long?"

"I think it was almost two years," Embry answered.

"Hey, Paul and Embry," Paul heard someone saying, "this is Jessica and Tyler. They are Bella's friends from high school." It was Lisa.

"Hi Paul, Embry," Jessica said. "Haven't seen you here before."

"We're here with Bella," Embry said and pointed toward Bella and Ethan. Ethan had gotten up from the bench and walked back and forth, Bella's head following the movement.

"Oh. Is that Ethan?" Jessica asked and looked at Lisa.

"Yes, it is Ethan."

"Oh my God, I can't believe it's him. Haven't seen him in years."

"Yeah, I was a bit surprised to see him here. He hadn't told us he was coming. He didn't stop talking to me after I told him that Bella was here..." Lisa paused and glanced at Paul and Embry.

What the hell was that all about?

"They are very good friends and share a long history," Lisa said to him and Embry.

"So, is one of you with Bella? I've thought that she doesn't date," the guy called Tyler asked.

"We both are," Paul and Embry said simultaneously. They glanced at each other and grinned. There was no need to hide in the bushes. It wasn't like either of them would stop touching her when they were in public.

"Both?" Jessica shrieked.

"Yeah, both," Paul affirmed, feeling oddly proud of their relationship. It was still very new but it felt damn good.

"You gotta be kidding me," Jessica said.

"Why?" Paul asked.

"Well... um... men don't usually share," she said, flushing under his hard stare. Paul knew that they would probably end up having to hear this shit often.

"But women do?" Embry asked, chuckling.

"Yes, no... well more often. That's what I've heard."

"Bella is one lucky lady," Lisa said. "So, how is work?" Lisa asked, changing the subject. Paul thanked Lisa in his mind. What Bella had told him about Lisa was that she was a very good friend. So far she had proven to be just that.

Time passed, and more people came to meet Lisa gathering around them.

Paul was starting to get restless. Bella and that Ethan were still talking. But now she had moved so that she could easily look back at the bar, and she saw him watching. She smiled at him, and Paul smiled back. Warmth spread through him, and all the anxiety vanished. It was really that easy. One look from her and all was good again. Fuck he was whipped. He chuckled, shaking his head.

"What?" Embry asked.

"Nothing."

The Group around them was getting bigger by the minute, and Lisa introduced him and Embry to everyone. People wanted to know what they did and how they met Bella. It surprised Paul, in a good way, that people didn't linger on their relationship arrangement. Whatever they were thinking, they kept to themselves. Thank fuck for that.

Paul kept glancing at Bella and couldn't understand why the hell it took her so long to chat with her friend. Then finally, he saw Bella rising from the bench linking her arm with Ethan, and they walked back to the bar.

When Bella was close enough, Paul pulled her against his body and kissed her cheek. He knew he was being a jerk but who the fuck cared. And it seemed Bella didn't; she melted against him, and he heard her sigh.

"I must congratulate you," Ethan said with a smirk. "You've got yourself an amazing woman. I should have realized that it takes more than one man to satisfy her."

"Ethan, stop it," Bella laughed, swatting Ethan's arm, who just grinned.

"So, tell me all about you. I need to make sure you are good enough for my Bella," Ethan said to Paul and Embry.

Embry had had a good time. He had met a bunch of new people and had had interesting conversations. Bella's old-school friends seemed to know how to have fun. So far, no one had gotten too drunk, not that he paid so much attention to anyone other than Bella; when he wasn't with her, his eyes kept finding her, and he could not look away. He was still finding it hard to believe that he was here, living with Bella, able to love her every moment of every day.

He took a swig from his beer. He hadn't drunk much. And he didn't have any interest to get wasted anymore. All that shit was in the past. But this pleasing buzz was good, especially when it wasn't the beer that actually caused it. It was seeing Bella and Paul on the dance floor. Damn, it aroused him just to watch. Paul had Bella tightly against him and they were kissing. There were lots of couples dancing. He would join them soon, but right now he enjoyed watching.

They've talked with Paul that at some point they would make love to Bella at the same time, and Embry had a feeling it was going to happen tonight. No fucking way either of them could keep their hands off Bella after they went home.

Bella turned around in Paul's arms to face him, her heavy-lidded eyes locking with his. Her back was pressed against Paul's front side, and he was kissing her neck. She lifted her arms around his head, not once taking her eyes off his. Embry felt his heart beat faster. Paul's hands roamed her bare stomach. She had taken away her see-through T-shirt and was wearing a red tube top that left her midsection and shoulders bare. Her nipples were puckering through the fabric, and his mouth dried. He took another swig from his beer. They stared at each other, and Embry felt his breath getting heavier, and his cock was hard as steel. Damn, he had to touch her; he couldn't wait any longer to kiss her.

Just as Embry was placing his empty beer bottle on the bar, someone grabbed his arm. He turned and saw a blond woman with a huge rack batting her eyelashes at him.

"Hey, handsome. I've been watching you all night," she said.

Embry just pulled his arm free and turned his eyes back to Bella's. She watched him through heavy eyelashes. Then Paul must have done something as she suddenly arched her back and closed her eyes, lips parting. Embry wasn't close enough to hear her, but he could imagine the sound she made.

Embry reached them and, cupping her head with his hands, leaned in to kiss her. It was a hungry, needy kiss. Fuck he needed her right this instant.

"Oh Em," Bella moaned when he moved to kiss her neck. Paul was kissing the other side.

"Oh God," Bella moaned. "Uh... we..." and she gasped. Embry felt Paul's hand moving his fingers between her legs now that his body covered her front side.

"We can't..." Bella moaned again, Paul pressed her body tightly against Embry. Bella kissed and sucked his neck her fingers tugging his hair, making him absolutely crazy. Fuck they really needed to get the hell out of here and fast.

"Yes, we can," Paul murmured. "Can you feel how fucking bad we both want you?" he continued. "Pressed between two hard cocks. This is how we want you, baby."

Damn, Paul was making his head spin.

"I want you to suck my cock," Embry added, nuzzling her neck, "while Paul fucks you."

Bella moaned, and her legs buckled.

"Do you have room for one more?" A woman's voice said close to Embry's ear at the same time she grabbed his ass.

Embry jerked around, and there was that bitch again. Bella and Paul stopped dancing and watched him. Embry shook his head, indicating that he didn't know who the fuck she was.

"We could all have a good time," the bitch said and had the nerve to place her hands on his chest and twerk his nipples. Embry felt repulsed and swiped her hands off him.

"Take your hands off, my man!" Bella shouted through music, her eyes shooting daggers at the bitch.

Embry's dick twitched, and something flashed in Paul's eyes. Damn, their girl was hot.

"Your man?" the bitch asked. "Aren't you a greedy little bitch."

"Wouldn't you be if you had the chance?" Bella said, smiling devilishly. She pulled Embry close to her body and kissed him again.

Other dancers who had heard what Bella said started to laugh, and the bitch left.

"Let's go home," Paul said.

AN:

Is it me or is it getting hot here? 😉