Page 14 of Three Reasons

With a relationship like the one we want, we’ve always known that when we found the right woman, we’d be hit by a freight train. There’s just something about knowing you’ve found the person meant to be yours. And there’s no question that Gray is it for us. No question, she’s ours, and fuck anyone who tries to say differently.

From the minute I opened that shop door and watched her roll her eyes at the client she was helping, I knew, and after getting my hands on her and touching her lips with mine, I was even surer.

The size difference between her and us makes my hands itchy to get a hold of her, and my mouth water for more than a taste of her lips. I just know the minute we get her into bed, she’ll ignite.I’ve sensed the passion behind her fiery exterior; now, all I want to do is burn for her.

We decided that instead of going out for dinner, we’d cook for her. So, while Callan finishes getting ready, I ensure everything we’ll need is set to go for when we return. We debated most of the afternoon about whether or not it might look like we wanted sex tonight and finally concluded that we want her here because, while we’re comfortable with a ménage relationship, she might not be, and if we went out, I’m pretty sure there would have been staring and whispers. We didn’t want that for Gray on her first night date with us.

Polyamorous relationships are becoming more and more common than, say, ten years ago, but it doesn’t mean people won’t judge and ask invasive questions. In a small town like Ruby, there’s no doubt there will be talk about us, so we want Gray to becomfortable with how we live first.

Her devil-may-care attitude hides a lot of vulnerability and hurt, but we witnessed the emotions in her eyes, and we’re dying to get to know her better. If anyone in her life were to look just a little bit closer, they’d likely see it, too. All we want to do is slay her dragons, love her, and show her what it’s like to have committed men take care of her.

After teasing Callan, discussing some of our fears and concerns, and getting things we weren’t saying out in the open, we both feel better, and I’m more confident in our commitment to Gray.

Parking in the lot, I notice a fancy Lexus looking out of place, and everything about this morning with the Ryhan announcement in the paper comes back to remind me that Gray might belong to a society we have no connection to.

“What do you think that’s about?” Callan stares at the car with a sneer.

“Only one way to find out,” I respond, stepping out of the truck to find the open sign on the shop door turned off.

“This can’t be good,” Cal mutters as we knock and wait after finding it locked.

Gray

Goddamn it.

I keep cursing, thanks to Callan and Eli. Those kisses just won’t leave my head. I can hardly think of anything else, let alone concentrate on tattooing my clients. I’m distracted, and I hate it. I hate that I want more. I hate that I can feel my heart pounding in my chest every time they cross my mind. I hate that I don’t actually hate it at all.

There’s a level of excitement I feel for our date tonight that I’ve never had before. So even while I’m distracted, I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long damn time.

“Someone’s cheery,” Rocky, one of my artists, teases with a massive grin on his face as I pass by.

I debate telling him. I’ve known Rocky for a long time, and he’s always been trustworthy. “I have a date tonight.”

He stops cleaning up his station to stare at me. It’s not often I stun the man. “With whom and why didn’t I know you were looking to get out there?”

Ignoring my worry of judgement, I spill the beans. “Their names are Callan & Eli. Callan was in for a tattoo last night.”I pause, waiting for something, but he continues to stare, so I share more. “Things got heated, and they both kissed me, then demanded a date and here we are.”

I’m nearly sweating, worrying about Rocky having something negative to say about a date with two men. “That makes so much sense.” His grin returns, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

Frowning, I say, “Explain…”

His face softens as he does. “You are the most unconventional, rebellious woman I have ever met. Of course, one man isn’t going to hold your attention. Two is perfect because you’ll be guarded on all fronts.”

“Guarded?” Confusion colours my voice.

“G, I love you. You are the sister I never had, but you are so vulnerable when it comes to letting people in. You want to be loved, but no one has been worthy, and that damn family of yours has you building walls every time you speak to them. Two men to protect you from their callous attitudes is exactly what you need.”

“I see.”I think.I hadn’t really thought about it like that. If I’m honest, their mutual interest had felt natural, so I didn’t give it a second thought.

“It’s not a bad thing, G.” Rocky squeezes my shoulder. “I like this for you. All you need is my stamp of approval, and you could marry by New Year's!”

I blanch at his comment. “Marriage?” Nearly choking, he laughs.

Rocky rolls his eyes at me. “I’m kidding, G. Didn’t know you were a commitment-phobe.”

“Didn’t know I was, either.” Dropping into a chair, I prop my head in my hands. “Maybe this is a mistake, and I should cancel.”

“No the fuck you won’t,” he scolds me, hands on hips when I peek up at him. “Josh and I have been bugging you for too long to get out there and meet someone. Now you have, and lucky for you, it’s two someones, and if today is anything to go by, they have your full attention and maybe, already, a tiny piece of your trust and heart. Go with it, girl. You deserve to be happy.”

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