Page 81 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

I look up with my bagel halfway to my mouth.

Ford strides across the kitchen floor.

“Why?” I ask. It’s nearly ten and I’m starving. I never sleep this late. Of course, I’ve never had a night quite like last night. I grin as heat seeps through me. Damn, last night was amazing. I’ve been replaying it all morning.

I left Ford, Ivy, and Liam asleep in my bed about thirty minutes ago. They all looked as worn out as I felt. But they all looked happy. Ivy was sandwiched between Liam and Ford, both of them with their hands on her, and all of them fast asleep, looking like they’d been sleeping that way for thirty years.

I’d been on Liam’s other side, spooning the shit out of him.

I love that asshole and if he’s not in love with me yet, then…well, I don’t know what I’m going to do. He said he’s falling but what the hell does that mean? How long does that take? And that probably means I can still fuck it up.

“We need to get them to fall in love with us.”

I look up at Ford. Was he reading my mind?

He’s across the breakfast bar, arms crossed, staring at me, determination in his steely gray eyes.

I set my bagel down.

I am definitely interested in this. “I’m listening.”

“Last night was amazing.”

I nod. “It was.”

“I want more of that.”

“Me too.”

He frowns. “A lotmore of it.”

“Same.”

“I’m talking long term. For good. That’s all I want.”

“Same.”

“Harrison,” he says carefully. “I’m in love with Ivy. I want her forever. And I’m good with sharing her with Liam. And you. Forgood. I want a relationship with all four of us. Committed. Monogamous.” He frowns. “Or whatever. No one else. Just the four of us.”

I sit up straighter and brush my hands together. My best friend doesn’t believe I mean it when I say ‘same’ and ‘me too.’ Fair enough. I’ve never had a serious, fully committed, lasting relationship with anyone.

If I don’t take anything too seriously, then I can’t be upset when it doesn’t work out. I haven’t given too much of myself away. I haven’t put too much time or emotion or energy into anything, so when I screw it up, it doesn’t hurt as much.

This is different.

“I understand what you’re saying, Ford,” I tell him, meeting his gaze directly. “I want that too.”

“Really? You’re into having a poly-relationship with us?”

“Yes.” Fuck, that sounds perfect, really. Three other people in the mix means less pressure on me. If Ivy and Ford are a part of this, they can help fill in the gaps for Liam that I leave, right?

Ford studies me for a long moment. “You really are in love with him.”

I nod. “And I have feelings for Ivy, too. She’s amazing. I could easily fall for her. Now that I know that’s okay.”

Ford looks mildly surprised. But not upset. “Yeah?”

“Of course. What’s not to love? I haven’t let myself go there because of Brad, and you, and Liam. But absolutely. We have chemistry too. And I needsomeoneto laugh at my jokes and go to armadillo circuses with me.”

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