Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 7

Ivy's POV

If you had told me six months ago that I'd be dating two hot as fuck guys simultaneously that I'd also had sex dreams about every night, I'd laugh my ass off. But here I am, on another date with Owen, my body still burning from Leo's touch earlier when he turned up at the apartment unexpectedly. Leo had turned up on my doorstep a few hours after Owen left, apologising for not asking me out again. He spouted some excuse about work which, I don't fully believe but then he showed up at my work with flowers and demanded he take me out again after I'd slammed the door on him the day before.

I mean, what did he expect after weeks of ignoring my texts? But the horny part of me won that battle when he wore a dark grey suit and Claire gushed about the flowers he brought in with him. I could tell from the look in his eyes he'd known he'd won, especially when Claire even offered to let me off early to spend time with him. I begrudgingly agreed and we did end up having a good time. We walked around the local nature reserve about twenty minutes from my flat. At the end of the night I let him walk me to my door but firmly stated that this time he was not invited in. He did seem a bit shocked by that and my petty side enjoyed seeing the look of slight disappointment on his face. But it left as quickly as it arrived and he simply walked away. I was even more surprised when he actually texted me goodnight once he got home.

Since then, he's shown up everywhere I go, leaving me breathless from just a few touches. Last night we'd barely down anything before he had to leave, just a few sloppy kisses before he stepped back like I'd burned him, mumbling some excuse about work again and running off.

I thought I'd feel a little bit of guilt for bringing someone else home so quickly after thinking I'd been ghosted, especially when he showed back up. But instead, I felt excited. I wanted to continue seeing both of them and as long as neither of them knew about it, why not?

It's thrilling. I'd never been the girl to play the field or even have a one-night stand, but I've never felt as exhilarated as I have these past few weeks. Plus, I think I've come more than I have in my previous twenty-five years before them.

It does mean that my free time after work is almost entirely taken up by them, and it's getting harder to schedule each date around the other. I still fantasise about having the two of them together and I think that's why I haven't chosen yet. They both make me feel different emotions. With Leo, he's dominant and intimidating but in bed, he's so gentle in the way he touches me. Owen is outspoken and impulsive, and I find myself in stitches of laughter the majority of the time I'm with him. And in bed, he's so rough I can't do anything but let him use me.

If either of them has noticed marks left by someone that isn't them, they don't say anything. I know eventually when things get serious I'll have to pick just one, but they're both so perfect I find myself wishing I could have them both.

The restaurant Owen picked is gorgeous, but I hate how underdressed I feel. While he looks stunning in what is likely an expensive suit, I'm in a long pink dress I bought years ago that I'm pretty sure has a stain somewhere on the skirt. Yet, when Owen's eyes catch mine from across the table, glowing from the dim lighting, I feel beautiful.

"Hi, are you ready to order?"

I tense realising that I got so lost in Owen's eyes that I hadn't even picked up the menu yet.

"I-I'm so sorry, I haven't-"

"She'll have the cannelloni and I'll have the risotto," Owen replies and the waiter quickly gathers up the menus and walks away. Normally, I'd complain about the gesture, hating someone for dictating what I should eat. With Owen, it's sexy. I want him to dictate everything for me and I'd happily oblige to whatever his heart desired. The authority that rolls off him in waves is intoxicating and despite my inner feminist judging me harshly, I find myself wanting to let him boss me around like he probably does to everyone else in his life.

"Do you like this place?"

I look up at him, spotting a sliver of nervousness on his face as his adam's apple bobs up and down.

"It's very fancy," I reply, glancing down. "I'm not used to these sorts of places. Plus I like to cook, so I don't eat out a lot."

"I'd love to try your food. Maybe you could make me dinner one time and I could make you your favourite meal in return."

I narrow my eyes playfully. "I have high expectations, Owen. I'd expect nothing short of Michelin star when it comes to my favourite meal."

Owen chuckles, a dark look in his eye that makes me clench my thighs together. "I like a challenge."

The waiter comes back with our food and I immediately dig in, moaning at how delicious the food is. Owen chokes on his water, staring at me as I begin to blush.

"Tell me gorgeous, where do you see yourself in ten years?"

My brows furrow as I contemplate the question. I hadn't ever thought that far ahead, quite content with the way my life is now.

"Well." I start, taking a small sip of water. "I love working in the bookshop with Claire, but I don't see myself doing it forever I guess."

"Hmm, well what else would you like to do?"

A small smile rests on my lips. "I'd love to work with kids, perhaps teaching them to read? I've always loved books so it'd be nice to pass the passion on."

"There'll be plenty of children in your future, baby. Don't you worry about that."

Now it was my turn to choke. He's already thinking about having kids with me? He barely knows me!

I just laugh nervously, going back to my food. We eat in silence for a few moments before Owen thankfully changes the subject, easing some of the tension that has grown. But even as I sit there chatting with him, his statement runs over and over in my mind. I've seen this as a bit of fun for me, enjoying great conversation and sex with both him and Leo, but do they both want more? Do I? If they do, I can't continue seeing both of them knowing I'd be stringing one of them along. It's not fair on either of them. But I also can't continue with Owen if I'm not ready to pursue things further. After all, he's potentially thinking about having children with me. Would I even want that?

By the time Owen is walking me back home, I've decided to give myself some space to decide which man I truly want. I can't keep them both forever and the way they both look at me, it's like I'm the only person in the world worth even a second of their attention.

I give him a small peck on the lips, battling everything in me not to press my body into his and drag him inside, before slowly closing the door.

I'll just give myself a week. I think, walking into the bathroom to begin running a bath. One week to pick which man I want to focus on.

As I slowly ease myself into the bath, I'm already regretting my decision. A week without either of their touch? This is gonna suck.