Page 60 of Hat Trick Daddies

Nick is right behind him, his expression a mix of surprise and guilt. “Uh, sorry. We didn’t know…”

Ally bolts, her face flaming as she rushes to the bathroom and slams the door.

I whirl on the twins, my blood boiling. “What the hell are you doing?”

Tyler scratches the back of his head. “We didn’t think you’d be home this early.”

“Get out,” I snap, my voice low and furious.

As they retreat, I hear muffled sounds from the bathroom.

I knock gently before opening the door to find Ally sitting on the edge of the tub, the shower running, and her face buried in her hands.

I step into the bathroom, closing the door softly behind me. Ally is sitting on the edge of the tub, her knees drawn up, her arms wrapped around herself.

Her hair is a little disheveled, and her eyes are red-rimmed like she’s been holding back tears.

“Hey,” I say quietly, crouching down in front of her. “You okay?”

She shakes her head, her voice trembling. “I feel awful, Brooks. I…I should have told you. About Tyler and Nick.”

For a second, the words don’t register, and when they do, they hit like a punch to the gut. I glance toward the bathroom door, where I can hear the muffled sounds of the twins talking.

“You mean you’re…with them too?” I ask, my voice carefully controlled.

Ally nods, biting her lip. “It’s not like I planned it, it just…happened.”

Before I can respond, the door cracks open, and Tyler pokes his head in. “We’re good with it,” he says matter-of-factly, his tone calm. “We think it’s…hot.”

“Of course you do,” I snap, rising to my feet. “You’d think anything’s hot as long as it gets you laid.”

“Careful, old man,” Tyler shoots back, his grin fading. “You’re not exactly a saint.”

Nick steps in, raising a hand to cut off the spat before it escalates. “Enough,” he says, his tone firm.

Ally stands, holding up her hands. “Stop it! All of you!” Her voice trembles with frustration, and we all fall silent.

Ally turns toward the shower, her steps slow and deliberate, as though trying to gather herself. She steps inside, letting thewater cascade over her, her face turned away. I stay where I am, the sound of the running water filling the tense silence.

I lean against the counter, rubbing a hand over my face. “Look, Ally,” I say finally, my voice softer. “I get it. They’re younger, closer to your age. You’re just…having fun.”

She doesn’t respond at first, and I take that as my cue to leave. I push off the counter, heading toward the door. “I’ll let you be. This was a mistake anyway.”

“Brooks, wait!”

Her voice is sharp, urgent, and I stop mid-step, turning to see her standing just outside the shower, water dripping from her skin, her eyes wide with concern.

“You’re upset,” she says, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I look at her, standing there so vulnerable, and something in me softens. “I’m not upset,” I reply, though the words feel hollow. “I just…I don’t know if this is a good idea. Any of it.”

She steps closer, her hands wrapping around her arms as though trying to shield herself. “I don’t want you to leave like this.”

For a moment, the air between us is heavy, charged with everything unsaid.

“I’ll be fine,” I say, but even I don’t quite believe it.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

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