Page 116 of Trouble

The rideto Cade’s apartment is quiet, but it’s comfortable. There’s so much to say, but after five days apart, it’s incredible to be this unit of three again. To soak in every detail of one another. The guys are in the front, and I’m in the back, taking in the city as it flies by. It’s charming, though now that I’ve been to Bristol, there’s no doubt that small towns are more my vibe.

“Hungry?” Cade asks, his blue eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror.

Declan chuckles from the front seat.

The sound instantly warms my chest, and it brings a smile to Cade’s face. Our stoic guy doesn’t laugh much, so pulling one from him is a rare feat.

“She tried just about every item in the suite,” Declan explains, peering over his shoulder at me. “I thought I might have to roll her out of there.”

“Listen—” I swat at him playfully. “Beckett said the sausages at the arena couldn’t compare to the ones at Lang Field, so I had to try them.”

Declan drops his chin and shakes his head. “That man is such an idiot.”

Cade’s laugh is light. “Eh, he’s not so bad.” With another glance in the rearview mirror, he lifts his brows. “So were they?”

I shrug. “Never tried the ones at Lang Field, so I can’t really say. But I told him the arena’s were better.”

Declan folds his arms over his chest proudly. “That’s my girl.”

Cade barks out a laugh. “How did he react?”

“Told me I have to try them one after the other before I can make that decision. Then he disappeared with his phone to his ear, working to make it happen.”

I smile the whole way to Cade’s building, though a thread of trepidation worms its way through me. I’ve never been to his apartment, but that alone doesn’t worry me. No, I can’t stop thinking about what to expect now that things are more out in the open between us.

It’s been a week since I’ve had them. Declan didn’t even try to touch me while Cade was gone. Not after how they left things. So I’m ravenous, but it’s not for food. I’m hungry for their hands, for their attention, and I’m salivating at the thought of watching the two of them together.

But sex isn’t always the answer, regardless of how incredible it is with them.

“Could we walk for a bit?” Declan asks when we get out of the car. He helped me out of the back seat and kept hold of my hand, but his attention is fixed on Cade. “I’ve always loved this area at Christmas.”

Cade nods and stuffs his hands into his pockets.

With a grunt, Declan squeezes my hand. “That all right with you, sweetheart? You warm enough.”

I reach for Cade, who pulls his hands back out of his pockets and yanks me into his side. Then I squeeze Declan’s palm. “I’ve got my two guys to keep me warm. Of course I’m good.”

The warmth in his brown eyes melts me. With a kiss to my forehead, he takes off, and the two of them guide me down the street. It’s late, after ten, but the sidewalks are busy. Couples walk by, bundled up and cozy, holding hands, and groups of friends chatter loudly, likely heading home after a night of drinking.

The crisp air is renewing, the bright lights warming.

We stumble upon Quincy Market, where shops and restaurantsline the cobblestone street. A content sigh escapes me as we pass under a string of twinkling lights. The strands are attached to the buildings on either side and crisscross above our heads, creating a sparkling ceiling. As music filters through the air, I can’t help but hum along. For the first time this season, I’m hit with just a hint of Christmas spirit.

“This reminds me of the festival my family goes to at home.”

Declan stops walking, his hand still gripping mine. “Is that a good thing?”

I turn back, bringing Cade with me, and smile up at him. This stoic man cares so deeply about his loved ones. “It’s a great thing.” For a moment, I watch a man playing the saxophone nearby, taking a moment to enjoy it before admitting the truth to even myself. “But I doubt it will ever feel like home again.”

Cade loops an arm around my waist, frowning. “I hate that.”

I shrug. “Even if I was able to forgive them, they’ll never understand this.” I point at both men, then myself.

If I thought Declan was stiff before, it’s nothing compared to how he goes rigid now.

I immediately reassure him. “They don’t need to understand it, though. Because the two of you make me happy.”

Cade drops a kiss to the crown of my head. “I happen to know my mother loves you. Dec’s too.”

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