Page 50 of Some Like It Hot

“I want to keep seeing Simon and Aidan,” she tells me. “Would that be a problem?“

I think about it. “I guess not.”

“What if the media finds out? What would your grandmother think?”

I actually consider her question. The media and Racketeers fans will be no problem. Other members of the Racketeers family are already in poly relationships and people are supportive for the most part. Then I think about my grandmother. Then I actually chuckle.

Elise looks startled.

“As a matter of fact, my grandmother would probably think it was great. She was just telling me how the house is way too big for one guy. Her greatest fear is me dying alone. If I brought home a girlfriend and two boyfriends, she'd probably be thrilled.”

“You’re going to fake date all of us?” Elise asks, a smile tugging at her lips.

“I’ll introduce you as my fiancée. But if people find out that the four of us are seeing each other, or whatever, I guess that’s okay.” I really don’t give a shit what people think about me. And this would not be a cause for my grandmother to take the house away from me. So c’est la vie.

Elise looks at Aidan and then Simon. “What do you guys think?”

Simon shakes his head. “I’m fine. I’ve never dated a famous hockey player before. Could be fun.”

Aidan nods. “Same. I’ll be the envy of the entire firehouse.”

“I’m cool with the four of us being linked together. I have no problem sharing,” I say, my eyes resting on Elise. I’m gratified to see her cheeks get pink with my comment. “But,” I say, meeting first Aidan’s gaze, then Simon’s. “I’m straight.”

They both shrug.

“Fine,” Simon says. “Though a tad disappointing.”

Just a tad? I give a grunt of acknowledgement.

“Understood,” Aidan agrees.

I look at Elise again then. “Okay then, what do you say? Will you marry me?”

A smile curves her beautiful lips. “No. But I will be engaged to you until your grandmother sells you the house.”

A weight seems to lift off my shoulders and give her a genuine smile. “Thank you.”

“Am I right to think the two of you have not been out on a date?” Simon asks.

“Yes, you’re right,” Elise says.

“Then I think you should go out tonight. Get to know each other. Make a public appearance just the two of you before we spring a foursome on Chicago.” His eyes find Aidan. “Let me take you to dinner.”

And damn if Aidan doesn’t blush just a little. He nods. “That sounds nice.”

I look at Elise. “Can I peel you away from this charming British billionaire?”

She laughs. “I suppose.”

Simon squeezes her hips. “Temporarily,” he says. But then he nudges her toward me.

She stops right in front of me, looking up, breathing a little faster.

“You could’ve asked any woman in Chicago,” she says softly.

I lift my hand and cup her cheek, remembering the silky feel of her skin from New Year’s Eve. “Not a single other woman even came to mind.”

She blows out a breath. “Dammit Wilder, that was a pretty good line.”

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