Page 53 of My Brother's Best Friends

“We’re working some things out,” I explain. “About sharing Kay, to be specific.”

“Oh?”

“Kellan wasn’t thrilled that I wanted a little one-on-one time with her,” Oscar says, dropping his gaze. “I was explaining why I felt I needed it.”

“I see,” Alex says. “There’s three of us, one of her. I completely understand, especially since we’re talking about Kay, not some other woman. Are we all on the same page, then?”

“Yes and no,” Oscar says with a sigh. “But Kellan accepted my apology.”

“It’s delicate, and I’m sure Kellan has valid points. Want my two cents?” Alex asks. We both nod. “Let’s feel this out. With Kay, it’s not just sex—there’s more, whether we admit it or not. Our usual arrangement worked with other partners, but it might not fly here.”

“What are you suggesting, then? That we just wing it?” I object.

I exhale, glancing around the hotel lobby to make sure we’re far enough away from the other guests.

“We don’t usually have these issues, brother, and I don’t want to start now,” Oscar says, frustration edging his voice.

Alex shrugs. “Why don’t we let Kay decide this, too? She already cast the deciding vote about telling Bryan. If we’re debating private time with her, she should have a say in that, too.”

“You're right,” I say, stroking my jaw. I wonder why it seems so different with Makayla. “Who’d have thought polyamory would have us tangled up like this?”

“She’s something else—I get it,” Alex says. “Sometimes I want her all to myself, too.”

“Me, too,” I admit. “I should probably apologize for how I brought it up, Oscar.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Alex reassures us. “I think we all need time to adjust.”

“Adjust to what?” a familiar voice asks from close by.

I pivot and find Bryan inches away, blissfully unaware of what he’s stumbled into. Thank the fucking stars.

“Nothing,” I hurry to explain. “We’re just working out the logistics of sharing a suite.”

“I didn’t think that would be a big deal for you,” Bryan says, confusion knitting his brow. “You’ve shared everything your whole lives, basically. How is this an issue?”

Alex slings an arm over his shoulder. “We just need a little more personal space, that’s all. Don’t worry, Bryan—this weekend’s about you and Callie.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Bryan says. “Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve made it this far without you guys.”

“That’s what friends are for. Now let’s get to dinner—I’m starving,” I say, shooting Oscar a meaningful look before stepping away from the three.

However this trip turns out, one thing is certain.

Everything has changed, especially between us and Makayla—nothing will ever be the same. We don’t yet know how far we can take it, but we do know what’s at stake if we’re not careful. It used to be easier when there were no real emotions involved in this game.

18

MAKAYLA

Ican tell something’s off with the boys, a tension thrumming just below the surface.

For now, dinner awaits, and the aromas drifting from the triple-Michelin-starred kitchen promise an unforgettable culinary adventure for my nearly empty stomach. The Anderson triplets have stoked a whole other wicked appetite in me though, and there are definitely no regrets there.

On the contrary. I crave more. So much more.

“Kay, you were right. This wine is amazing,” Callie says after her first sip.

We gather around a wide, round table, trading amused glances while the waiter finishes pouring the first round of a robust, fragrant Cabernet.

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