Page 71 of They All Puck Me

We spend the next hour talking about logistics and boundaries, making sure we’re all on the same page. By the time we leave the coffee shop, I feel more confident about our decision.

As we step outside into the crisp Minneapolis air, Liam pulls me into a warm embrace. “You’ve got us,” he murmurs against my hair.

Noah joins in on the hug from behind, his arms wrapping around both Liam and me. “All of us,” he says softly.

Ethan stands off to the side for a moment before stepping forward and placing a hand on my shoulder. His touch is grounding and solid.

In that moment, surrounded by these incredible men who are willing to take this leap with me despite all odds stacked against us – both professionally and personally – I know we can make this work somehow… together.

And for now? That’s enough.

Chapter 28- Rodeo

28

OLIVIA

We head back to my place, and as soon as I open the door, Oscar comes running. He stops dead in his tracks, growling at the men. "Woah, how come you never told us you had a dog?" Ethan asks, eyebrow raised.

Noah sits down on the ground, his easy smile in place. "Come here, Oscar ole pal. I was supposed to meet you that one night but I was a grade-A dick to your mom."

Liam's eyes narrow as he looks between Noah and me. "Wait a minute, you've been in her apartment before?"

Noah looks up from petting Oscar, who has already warmed up to him. "No secrets, right?" he says with a smirk.

Ethan mutters under his breath, "Lucky dick."

I roll my eyes and wave them inside. "Make yourselves at home," I say, heading to the fridge to grab some beers and snacks.

When I return, I find Oscar comfortably settled in Ethan's lap. Ethan looks a bit uncomfortable with the situation.

"Of course he would like you," I laugh. "The grumpy ones always find each other."

Ethan grunts but scratches behind Oscar’s ears anyway. "Great, just what I needed—a furry sidekick."

We decide to watch a movie, but picking one is easier said than done.

"No horror," Noah says firmly. "I won't sleep for days."

"Too bad," Ethan retorts. "I was hoping for some chainsaws and screaming."

Liam shakes his head. "No chick flicks either. We’re not here for a cry-fest."

I groan and grab the remote. "Alright, alright. Let's go with something everyone can tolerate."

Finally settling on an action-comedy, I dim the lights and sit down on the couch. Liam takes the seat beside me, and Noah plops down on my other side. Ethan sprawls out on the floor with Oscar still nestled against him.

As the movie starts, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Surrounded by these three incredible men who are all trying so hard to make this work—it’s more than I could have ever hoped for.

“Pass the popcorn,” Noah whispers, nudging me gently.

I hand him the bowl, and he shoots me that boyish grin that makes my heart skip a beat.

Liam’s hand finds mine in the darkened room, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a soothing rhythm.

Ethan glances up from his spot on the floor and catches my eye. There’s a softness there that I don’t see often—a promise of more to come.

For now, though, we just enjoy each other’s company and let ourselves get lost in the movie.

---