Free Three by Twyla Turner Page A

of beauty.”
    “Please. And who is it that decides what the normal standard of beauty is? You have heard the phrase ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’, haven’t you? And what Xander and I see is stunning.” Jackson said seriously.
    “Hell, if you’re shaped like a pear, than call me the Fruit Guy, because I love it!” Xander exclaimed, making both Jackson and Simone laugh. “I’ll have to keep that in mind the next time I eat one, because I’m going to savior every juicy bite.” Xander teased her, as he pulled out a chair for her to sit.
    “Uh, thanks…I guess.” Simone said as she sat down.
    Xander brushed her hair back from her face with gentle fingertips and slid the hair through his fingers to the ends. A shiver coursed down Simone’s spine at the subtly intimate touch.
    “You have beautiful hair, Simone. The braids are adorable and most men’s fantasy, but it’s sexy as hell down.” Jackson said to her.
    “Why would braids be a fantasy for men?” Simone asked, perplexed.
    “It’s the whole schoolgirl thing. Put a girl in braids with a plaid skirt and knee-high socks and black strapped shoes and most men are a goner.” Xander added.
    “Really?!” Simone scrunched up her face in confusion. “Why would looking like a little girl interest a grown man? That’s kind of sick.”
    “It’s just a fantasy, Simone. The forbidden. But most men that aren’t pedophiles, like the idea of a grown woman dressing up like a little girl.” Jackson explained.
    “It’s just like woman wanting their man to dress up like a fireman, police officer, or some other guy that wears a uniform that protects and serves. It’s an authority/hero worship thing.” Xander further explained.
    “You guys might as well stop now. Because I’m not your average girl that has ever even thought of that kind of stuff.” Simone shook her head in wonder.
    “Really? You’ve never had a fantasy of your own?” Xander asked skeptically.
    “Nope. My mom kind of sheltered me growing up. And I was okay with it, because I was more fascinated with school, studying and reading. I was a nerd. Am a nerd. I prefer books to fashion magazines. Studying to going out. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.” Simone said uncomfortably for the first time in her life on her lack of experience.
    The men just stared at her in disbelief.
    “My roommate and best friend is the exact opposite of me in every way. She’s girlie, loves fashion and men, and tall and skinny and beautiful like a model. You guys will get to meet her in about a week when she gets here. She might be more to your liking than me.” Simone said somewhat sadly, thinking about not getting as much attention from the handsome men when her gorgeous scene-stealing friend showed up.
    Simone didn’t begrudge Amber her out-going ways, heck it kept the spotlight completely off of her, which she preferred. But now that she was somewhat getting used to the attention they bestowed on her and she still hadn’t chosen which guy she really wanted, she didn’t want one or both of them to fall for her friend. Selfish much?!
    “Nah, I think we’re good. We like what we’ve got right here in front of us.” Xander pointed out.
    Taking a deep breath, Simone brought up the subject she had been trying to avoid with both of them.
    “Well, it’s not like I can have both of you or anything. So it would be okay that one of you might find interest in Amber.” Simone said quietly. “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation right now!”
    “Well Simone, here’s the thing…OW!” Jackson yelled out as Xander kicked him under the table, stopping him from admitting what they really wanted from her.
    “What Jackson is trying to say is, you don’t have to pick between us right now. Just spend some more time with us, and we’ll figure it out.” Xander said, giving Jackson the death stare.
    “Oh, okay. I think I can do that.” Simone said softly, a pretty blush spreading across her