Page 43 of Three Hearts Hideaway

“We had a chat this morning—man-to-man—about what we’re open to.” Roman gave Logan a pointed stare.

“And,” Logan chimed in. “We’re willing to try out a poly situation, if that’s what you want. As long as I don’t have to touch Roman’s dick.”

Roman laughed as he gestured to his well-toned body. “You wish you could get a piece of this.”

Logan rolled his eyes. “I’m good, thanks.”

Roman wiggled his eyebrows at him. “Aw, come on, buddy. I’d touch your dick if Ava wanted me to. You’re a handsome man. I don’t discriminate.”

“Stay away from my dick, Banks.”

“Okay, okay,” Ava interjected, a nervous laugh escaping her. “You’re saying I can be with both of you? Neither of you are mad?”

Roman cupped her cheek. “I think we have a lot to figure out—but no, love, we aren’t mad.”

“This all happened so fast. I don’t expect you both to automatically be alright with this. I’m certainly not an expert on this.”

“We’ll figure it out together.” Roman’s reassuring tone was exactly what she needed to hear. “Who cares that it happened quickly? I think there was a reason you ended up in Little Greenfield. With us.” He shared a poignant look with Logan.

“Roman’s right. We won’t know if it works unless we try. And…” He blew out the word with a long breath. “If I have to share you with someone, I’m glad it’s Roman.”

Roman’s grin was so big, it had to have been hurting his face. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t quite get that last bit. Can you say it again?”

“I will not.”

“Come here, Logey. Join the throuple.” Roman snorted, wrapping his arms around Ava. “Tell us more about how much you love me.”

“We are not calling ourselves a throuple.” His tone was dead serious.

Ava giggled. “Is it too late to back out of this?”

“Yes,” both men said, not missing a beat.

ROMAN

Ava had been with them for eight days now. The last two days had been spent navigating the newness of their relationship as a triad. Logan didn’t like labels, and hated when he called them that, but that’s what they were.

Everything was going smoothly. Well, as smoothly as one could expect when dating the same woman as their best friend while living in the same house. Truth be told, the situation was easier than he thought. He really didn’t mind seeing Logan and Ava together. It made him happy to see her happy.

Logan, on the other hand, was taking it as expected. But only a couple of days had passed since they officially decided to both be with Ava. Eventually, Logan would get used to it and not be as jealous. Though he doubted the jealousy would ever fully go away. Logan let too few people in and was too possessive for that.

“Earth to Roman.” Ava waved a hammer in front of his face. “Did you hear me?”

Logan snickered from where he was finishing the plumbing in the final guest bathroom.

“Sorry, love. Lost in thought. What did you say?”

“I need you to shine the laser level on the wall behind the bed so I can install the hooks for the paintings.”

“Right. Give me a second.” He busied himself adjusting the tripod, so the laser projected on the wall at the right height.

They’d bought the art together—along with Logan—earlier today at a farmer’s market in Huntsville. Jamie didn’t mind covering his shift at the pub. She’d picked two mixed media pieces of the landscape of south-central Ontario. One featured a whisky jack, the other a white-tailed deer. They were well-suitedto the bedroom. She had quite the eye for design, similar to Logan.

When he asked her about it, she said her affinity for design probably came from being around her dad’s build sites all the time while growing up. She always jumped at the chance to talk to the owners about their visions for the homes. Sometimes, she got to meet the interior designers if the owners brought them in early.

Logan exited the bathroom and dusted off his hands. “That’s the last one. Everything’s connected and operational.” Leaning against the wall, he watched Ava climb the ladder and nail a picture hook into the wall along the bright red line of the level.

“And after I finish hanging these”—Ava gestured to the art lying on the bed—“this suite will be completed. And you were worried having me here would be a distraction.” She clicked her tongue at Logan, feigning disappointment.

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