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It was after dinner when Heidi excused herself upstairs. She made eye contact with Lila as she walked past the couch. The three of them had found some ease in their conversation, which had been a pleasant break from the previous few days. It was good to relax before what Lila and Heidi had planned.

“Heidi is going upstairs to get ready,” Lila stated, her voice even with no hint of emotion.

“Ready for what?” Ann’s face pinched in confusion.

“You. But I’m going to be there.”

“I’m lost.”

Lila drew in a deep breath. “We’re all going to be together.”

“You said you don’t do that.”

“I’m making an exception with some rules in place. This is about the two of you, not me.”

Ann narrowed her gaze and pressed her lips together so tightly they almost disappeared. Lila chose to ignore it and her own discomfort. She kept reminding herself this was for them. They needed to learn, and this would be the thread they were both missing.

“Lila, I don’t know about this.”

“Please, trust me.” Lila reached over and settled her hand on Ann’s thigh. “Please.”

“I will.”

With their hands entwined, Lila led them upstairs to the largest bedroom in the house. Heidi was on the bed with her book in her hand. She immediately set it down as she saw the two of them coming in. Lila sat on the edge of the bed and leaned in, kissing Heidi tenderly.

“Are you ready?” Lila asked.

“I am,” Heidi answered.

“Good.” Lila kissed her again.

“Are you?” Heidi’s voice was gentle, but Lila knew she couldn’t move forward without giving an answer.

“I am.”

“Ann?” Heidi looked over Lila’s shoulder.

“As I’ll ever be.”

“I’m going to start,” Lila whispered. “You all right with that?”

Heidi nodded, and Lila moved in. Their lips pressed together. It took a few minutes for her to be completely comfortable, knowing that Ann was watching from behind them. She slid her fingers under Lila’s shirt, pulling it up an inch at a time.

“Tell me what you want.”

Heidi didn’t answer verbally. She reached down and pulled her shirt upward until it was over her breasts. Lila helped her to get it the rest of the way off. Ann moaned lightly, and Heidi tensed. Lila pressed open mouth kisses to her neck and her chest.

“Tell me if you’re uncomfortable, all right?”

“Okay,” Heidi replied. When Lila looked up at her, Heidi stared directly over Lila’s shoulder—she assumed at Ann. Lila continued, reaching behind Heidi and flicking the clasp on her bra. Like she thought would happen, Heidi moved to pull it down. Lila was glad to see how into it she was at least.

Lila had Heidi completely undressed before she stepped away and turned to Ann, eyeing her carefully. “Your turn.”

Ann’s lips parted. “I’m not sure I want to join now. This is amazing to just watch.”

“It also defeats the purpose if you don’t join, so come on.”

Stripping as she walked, Ann stood in front of the bed and looked down at Heidi. “You’re so beautiful.”