Page 49 of Embracing the Consequences

“Yeah.” Stephanie sighed. “It’s not as bad as it sounds. Most of the time they’re great...”

“But?” Kara prompted, knowing her friend sometimes needed a little push to share her feelings when she got bashful.

“But,” Stephanie’s voice lowered dramatically, “I’m so sexually frustrated,” she admitted. “They walk around shirtless and sweaty after workouts, all bulging muscles and thick thighs.” She groaned.

Kara laughed heartily. “So, why haven’t you jumped one of them yet?”

Stephanie sighed.

Kara could practically see her shy friend fidgeting at the thought of making the first move. “Turnabout is fair play,” Kara pointed out. “You wear those tight spandex outfits when you work out: sports bra and short shorts. Walk around in those longer after you work out, do yoga in the living room, change your clothes with the door open but have sexy lingerie on,” Kara suggested.

“Hmm,” Stephanie hummed thoughtfully. “I like some of that.” She chuckled darkly.

Kara laughed. “Noah seems…” Kara waited to see if her friend would pick up the thought thread.

“Girl, he’s so fucking hot and sweet. He’s too fucking professional, though. The way he looks at me,” she gave another dramatic sigh, “it fucking burns me,” she admitted.

Kara fanned herself. “Hot damn, woman.”

Stephanie laughed softly. “I don’t know, Kara. I’ve had relationships over the years…but no one has ever made me feel the way the four of them do. I couldn’t choose just one of them.”

“Who says you have to?” Kara shot back immediately.

Stephanie let out a soft sigh. “I don’t think I’m brave enough for that.”

“You know, Steph, I think you might just surprise yourself,” Kara said slowly, knowing she had to walk a fine line with her friend. Stephanie was softer than Kara in a lot of ways. She didn’t have the hardened shell that Kara had. She hid behind her numbers and let the world pass her by.

“Thanks Kara. You’re a great friend.”

Kara smiled sadly. “I wish I could be a better friend now when it sounds like you need it. I’m afraid I won’t be able to get away until this shit with my father blows over.”

“Girl, I get it. I’m swamped myself. Funny how life does that.” Stephanie chuckled wryly.

“Tell me about it.” Kara groaned. “Alright girl, I gotta let you go. We’ve been tearing into my father’s house, pulling out his hidden safes. Jack said that Noah could get into any safe, so hopefully they’ve made progress by now.”

“Good luck, girl, and thanks for calling. I’ll take your guidance under advisement.” Stephanie chuckled.

Kara laughed. “Do it. Report back.”

“Love you, Kara.” Stephanie laughed.

“Love you too, Steph. It’ll get better, I promise,” Kara told her before she hung up the phone. She laughed softly as she walked out of her father’s room. Who would have thought her prim and proper college roommate would be entertaining the idea of four guys?

Kara headed back down to the basement, where she found her three men, plus Jack and Noah, examining the contents of the open vault. “You got in?” Kara exclaimed with a smile.

“Yes ma’am,” Noah answered, looking up from the vault he was working on.

“Anything?” Kara asked her boys, walking over to the table they were congregated around. They were sifting through papers.

“We’ve found deeds for properties all over the world,” Kevin admitted. “Haven’t found anything in the Caribbean.”

“Yet,” Derrick added. “Haven’t found it yet,” he clarified. “This is only one vault. There’s two more.”

Kara sighed and nodded. It was going to be a long day.

“Jackpot!” Derrick yelled from down the hall.

Kara perked up from her spot on the couch. After it was clear they weren’t easily going to find what they were looking for, she had gone to sit down and read a book. The loitering police officers were annoying her, and watching her men get dirty was only turning her on, so she found a quiet place to cool down.

---