Page 65 of Falling for Them

I settled into the seat next to him. “Yeah. I’m processing.”

Ethan put his phone down and turned to face me more fully, his expression turning serious. “You aren’t regretting it, are you?”

“Not at all. I’m trying to wrap my brain around it and sort out my feelings. I want to try this between the three of us. I know it’s not conventional, and it might be complicated, but I think it could be amazing if we all give it a real shot.” I hoped he was willing to at least try because he was the person that was going to determine if we did.

Ethan nodded slowly, considering my words. “And if it doesn’t work out?”

“Then I’ll be the one to walk away.” I surprised myself with how quickly and firmly the words came out considering I was scared of having to be the one to do just that. “If this doesn’t work, I won’t come between you two.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Ethan’s eyes met mine, and I knew without a doubt he would. “We really need to all sit down and talk about this. There are a lot of issues that could come up… jealousy, communication, expectations... We need to be on the same page about everything.”

I was glad he was taking this seriously, but the thought of laying everything out on the table made my stomach churn. It was funny that in business I was nothing like this. I was always confident and sure of myself.

“Yeah, you’re right.” I ran a hand through my hair. “So, uh... should we head back?”

“We should. I’ve been teasing Libby about what’s happened, and she is going insane.” Ethan stood up and held out his hand to me.

I stared at it for a second before grabbing it and letting him pull me to my feet. He didn’t let go and I didn’t pull away.

This was actually happening. I had gone from eternal bachelor to being in a relationship with not one, but two people.

Chapter 23

Begging for Mercy

Libby

I’d never been so excited to go on a date before. Everything was happening so fast now, and I found myself leaning into my feelings instead of away from them.

Ethan made everything so easy, and in turn, my heart was open for possibly the first time ever. Of course, it was scary, but I could think of no one else I’d trust my heart with.

Maybe all the years of keeping everyone at arm’s length had finally come to a head and my heart was craving what I’d never let it have. Even with my adoptive parents, I’d never opened up fully, always fearful of my heart being broken beyond repair.

This could all end very badly, but I was now in a place where I was willing to risk it to find my happiness.

Even if that happiness was with two men.

And currently, happiness was entering an adults-only arcade. There was nothing I hated more than trying to relax and enjoy myself with kids running around. Don’t get me wrong, Iloved kids, but the teacher in me could not relax. I always felt like I had to watch them or correct their bad behavior.

“I was thinking we could do laser tag first. I reserved one of their smaller courses meant for less than eight people.” Leo rubbed his hands together with a grin. “I want to see how much of those video games you two play translate into real life.”

I could barely contain my excitement. I hadn’t played since college, but the gamer in me was itching to get my hands on that laser gun. “I’m ready! Where do we pick up the gear?”

Spotting the laser tag area, I headed straight for it, Ethan and Leo right behind me.

“So, this was a good idea for a date?” Leo was definitely proud of his date-planning prowess.

“You’re three for three, Caponetti.” Ethan put his arm around Leo’s waist, and Leo stiffened. “Relax, or you’ll make it awkward.”

“Just takes some getting used to is all.” Leo looked around as if making sure no one was watching. “I’m a little worried about photos.”

Ethan sighed and stepped away from Leo. “Sorry. Didn’t even think about that.”

I stopped in the short line at the laser tag kiosk and turned to face the two of them. “Maybe we should get you a hat and a fake mustache.”

Leo smiled, but I could tell he had other things going on in his head. “That might work, but then I’d attract attention for looking weird.”

“You’d be really hot with a baseball hat on backwards.” Ethan moved beside me and took my hand. “I personally don’t care if my picture is plastered all over the internet, but I’ll tone it down.”

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