Page 48 of The Best Number

“What’s wrong?” I ask Jack, still caressing his arm, trying to soothe him.

He breaks eye contact with Tom to look down at me. He sighs and then gives me a smile. “Nothing, Cass. I’m good.”

“You sure, Jack?” Tom pokes.

“I just felt left out.” His shoulders drop. He’s not looking at either of us, staring at his feet instead.

“Hey, that’s okay. This is new. Well, it is for me, anyway. You guys have shared before.”

“We only did stuff as a trio then,” Tom drawls from his sentry post.

“Ah, so this is new for you, too?”

Jack nods, raising his chin, looking at me and then Tom. “I just need some time to get used to it.”

I watch as Tom gives him a nod before turning back to the bedroom.

“I’m hungry, let’s go get brunch,” he calls over his shoulder as he disappears further into the room.

“Would it help if you knew what we did when you weren’t here? Or would you rather not know?” I ask Jack. I can see him pondering the question. He looks at me, some of that Jack-glint in his eyes.

“I want a full recounting.”

“Come on then. Come sit on the bed while I get dressed and have a listen.”

We are all seated at a corner table in the trendy little cafe on the corner. As we peruse the menu, Jack’s holding my hand on his thigh under the table. I give it a squeeze and ask him what he’s going to have.

“A full English, I’m ravenous.”

I look across to Tom with a raised eyebrow.

“Same, bro, same.”

“I’ll go up and order then.” I check how they want their toast and eggs before making my way to the counter. I order their two breakfasts, and eggs florentine for me, as well as coffees all round before making my way back to the table. It’s clear that they’re talking about something serious. Jack shakes his head vehemently in the brattish way I’ve come to recognise. They both ease back, keeping close lipped as I slide into my seat.

“What’s going on? I thought we were okay,” I say, looking between them.

“Tom’s being a dick,” Jack says with a sigh. “Offered to step back so I can have you all to myself. Bloody martyr.” He throws a dirty look in Tom’s direction.

“Is that true?” I look at Tom, unable to keep the hurt from pinching at my voice.

“I just wanted to see if he wanted you to himself,” he huffs.

Hmm, both these guys are struggling with this turn of events, it seems. I ponder for a moment, trying to work out a way through this.

“I think you guys need to have some time to yourselves… you know, together.” I wiggle my eyebrows. They are both staring at me, and I want to giggle at their mirrored brooding glares.

“What about you?” Jack asks.

“I’m good, Jack. More than good. I’ve had more orgasms in the last…” I glance at my watch to check the time “…fifteen hours than I can count. I’m more than happy to tuck up in my bed tonight with a book or a cheesy movie.” They look at each other, and I watch as they have another wordless conversation. They look so gorgeous together and I have no intention of splitting them up. They were a thing before I came along. And I want us all to move forward as a solid unit. No one is getting left behind on my watch.

“I’m working tonight,” Tom says with a grimace.

“Well, how about this afternoon before you go to work?” I suggest.

“Okay,” Jack says with a nod.

I look at Tom. “Whatever you say, Mac.”

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