Page 50 of Too Far

Chapter 20

Josephine

Thegentlerockingofthe boat lulls me into a state of sated exhaustion. I feel like I’m floating, suspended on the surface of bliss.

Based on the guys’ lackadaisical postures, the feeling is mutual, four times over.

We’re still on the pontoon, savoring the privacy the lake affords us. If I could stay out here all night, make the magic last just a little longer, I would.

Kylian runs his hands through my hair, massaging my scalp to ease the tenderness. With a hum, I nuzzle into his lap, wishing I could get even closer. His fingers are magic.

Decker jackknifes up into a sitting position like he just realized he’s late for practice or forgot about an important homework assignment. “Wait. You didn’t get off.”

“I’m still getting over my UTI, Cap,” I remind him.

The burning is gone, and I feel tons better, but I still have a few more days of antibiotics.

“Besides, it doesn’t always have to be tit for tat,” I add. “This one’s gotten me off dozens of times without reciprocation.”

Kylian scoffs above me. “You know my thoughts on the matter, baby. Your pleasure is my pleasure.”

“I know,” I murmur.

Though I also recognize that this is all new for Cap.

“It won’t always be fair,” I hedge. “If we’re doing this—all of us.” I focus on Decker so he knows he’s included in theusI’m referring to. “Then we have to commit to not keeping score. I know you’re all competitive in nature, but I don’t ever want you competing or trying to one-up each other in our relationship.

“It’s not about numbers.” I sit up and rest my head on Kylian’s shoulder.

“Not about numbers?” he questions under his breath. Naturally, my stats guy would begrudge such a concept.

“What’s it about, then?” Locke asks, sporting a teasing grin. He’s playing my game. I appreciate the assist. Heavens knows Cap wouldn’t ask himself.

I look to each of my guys, hoping the smile I give them communicates my sincerity. “It’s about love,” I offer softly. “It’s about giving without expectation.”

Kendrick murmurs his agreement, another reassurance that we’re on the same page. Every time they show me just how devoted they are, my heart squeezes.

“It’s about showing up for each other,” I continue, “not because we have to, but because we want to.”

“Love, huh?” Decker asks, his shoulders suddenly tense again. As if the concept is foreign. As if he doesn’t know what to make of this new information.

“Love.” I yawn, stretching my arms overhead before settling back against Kylian. “At its core, love is honoring a person where they’re at and committing to cherishing the future versions of them, too. There’s uncertainty to it.” I have to acknowledge that point, because I know how Decker’s mind works, and I know what I’m asking is pushing him outside his limits. “But it’s worth it.”

With a smirk, Locke strides across the vessel and hauls me to my feet. Then, with his hands on my hips, he drops onto the bench I was just occupying and pulls me into his lap. “Sure you don’t want to be a philosophy major, Hot Girl?”

“I love you, but no,” I murmur against his lips, kissing him to drive home the point.

When another yawn catches me by surprise, Kylian squints at me, then turns to Decker.

“I know we’d all rather stay out here than be under the microscope at the mansion, but she needs sleep, and so do all of you if you want to win a football game tomorrow.”

Rather than raise the anchor and start back toward the isle immediately like I expect of the ever-prudent, always-sensible Decker, he stays put and nods to Kendrick.

“What’s up, Cap?”

He presses his lips together, hesitating. “Would you mind getting us home?”

Stepping away from the helm, he approaches me and offers a hand. After one more kiss for Locke, I slip my palm against Decker’s and let him gingerly help me to my feet.