Page 70 of The Final Straw

"Okay, we’ve never gotten their beef, but you two have me wanting to try," Grady laughs. "Kipp?"

"Yeah, get me the famous beef," Kipp agrees, his eyes lighting up.

Grady places the order, and Grady and Van settle into watching some sports game on the television, while I head to take a shower. The need to wash away the day is riding me hard. When I get out, the bell is ringing and Grady’s voice echoes up the stairs.

“Food is here!”

I head downstairs and we sit in the living room and dig in, the delicious aromas filling the room. The sandwiches are amazing, and the mozzarella sticks are crispy and gooey, just the way I like them.

After we eat, we decide to watch some TV. I manage to get the guys to watch Drag Race with me, eager to fill Bre in on everything she missed while in the slammer. It's a small victory, but it feels good to share something light-hearted.

The room is cozy, the soft glow of the TV illuminating our faces as we sit close together. Kipp’s arm is draped around Grady, his hand barely touching my shoulder. Van is sitting next to me with his hand resting on my knee, and Grady is on my other side, our fingers interlaced. It’s moments like these that make issues like today worth it.

As the show progresses, I feel myself relaxing more, the tension from the day melting away. I lean into the cushions, letting out a contented sigh. Slowly, the exhaustion catches up with me. My eyelids grow heavy, and I find myself drifting off to sleep, nestled among them. Their warmth makes me feel safe and loved. At this moment, despite everything that's happened, I feel truly at peace.

When I wake up, the room is dim, and the TV is off. I shift slightly, realizing I'm still surrounded by Kipp, Van, and Grady. I’m lying pressed against Van’s side and Grady's head rests on my thigh as he sleeps with his legs draped over Kipp.

I carefully extricate myself, not wanting to wake them, and head to the kitchen for a glass of water. As I sip, I think about everything that's happened. The past few days have been a whirlwind, but here in the quiet of the night, I find clarity. My relationships with these men are strengthening and they’re becoming friends.

I return to the living room, slipping back onto the couch, maneuvering underneath Grady’s head once more. Van stirs slightly, pulling me closer in his sleep. I smile, feeling his warmth, and close my eyes again, ready to drift back into sleep. As I do, I hear a soft murmur from Van, comforting me in the dark.

"Love you, Livvy," he whispers, barely audible.

I smile, my heart full. "Love you too," I whisper back, knowing he can hear me even if he's half-asleep. And with that, I let myself fall back into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Morning comes gently, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. I wake up to the comforting sounds of the house stirring to life. The smell of coffee drifts from the kitchen, and I can hear the low murmur of voices.

I stretch, feeling well-rested and content. As I sit up, I see Kipp in the doorway, holding a steaming mug of coffee. His smile is warm, and his eyes are filled with affection.

"Good morning," he smiles.

"Morning," I reply, taking the mug from him. The warmth seeps into my hands, and I take a sip, savoring the rich flavor.

"Did you sleep well?" he asks, sitting next to me.

"Better than I have in days," I admit, leaning into him. He wraps an arm around me, pulling me close.

"Good," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple.

Van and Grady join us soon after, carrying their own mugs. We sit together, enjoying the quiet morning and each other’s company.

After breakfast, we decide to spend the morning together, just the four of us. We lounge around the house, talking and laughing, the bond between us growing stronger with each passing moment.

As the afternoon wears on, we end up in the living room, the sunlight streaming through the windows. Van is sitting on one end of the couch, reading a book, while Grady is sprawled out next to him, idly flipping through a magazine. Kipp is beside me on the other end of the couch, his hand resting on my thigh, his touch electrifying.

I look around at these men, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. They have become my rock, my sanctuary. And as I sit here, surrounded by their support, I know that no matter what challenges I face, they’ll be by my side.

Kipp leans in, his lips brushing against my ear. "I love you, Ollie," he whispers, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

He’s not said those words yet, neither has Grady. The sound sends a shiver down my spine. It’s amazing, but I also feel like there’s a glimmer of underlying naughtiness; he is a married man, and he loves me.

I’ve also not said those three little words. I’ve said them to Van since we got back together, but our relationship has almost picked up where we left off, minus two extras now. Do I love Kipp and Grady?

I do. When I think of Grady and Kipp, I feel the same way I do with Van. It happened fast, and it’s not conventional, but I don’t care. I love these men.

"I love you too," I reply, turning to capture his lips in a soft kiss.

Grady looks up from his magazine, a smile playing on his lips. "Hey, what about me?" he teases, his eyes twinkling with mischief

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