Page 113 of The Finding Series: Vol. 2

“You said Gabriella picked you up from a center? Like a job center?” I asked.

Lilah slowed her pace marginally and then stopped all together. “It’s…it’s a youth center.”

I wasn’t sure why that was cause for such hesitation, but before I could respond, she said, “For LGBT kids.”

Understanding dawned. She was sending me a very clear message. I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. “Good, more men for me,” I joked.

She stilled for a moment and then a small smile graced her lips. She didn’t say anything, but she seemed less tense as we continued meeting the remaining horses. It wasn’t until we started walking towards the residence that I asked, “How old are you?”

“I turn eighteen in a couple of weeks,” she murmured. It took several long seconds for her to say, “You?”

“Nineteen.” As we neared the living quarters, I asked, “So is this going to be a summer job before you start college?”

She shook her head. “I’m here to stay…hopefully.”

The last part was said with a hint of sadness. “Do you have family nearby?”

I knew I was prying, but something about her tugged at my heartstrings. She seemed so…lost.

Another shake. “No…my Mom, um, she kicked me out a few months ago. My dad left when I was seven – not sure where he is.”

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. I was definitely curious to know more, but I didn’t pry.Icertainly wasn’t an open book. “Do you know which room you’re in?” I asked.

Lilah pulled a key out of her pocket. “Miss Phelps said it was room 10…on the end.” I nodded and veered us towards the right side of the building.

“I think she’s okay with people calling her Gabriella,” I noted and was surprised when Lilah’s cheeks went bright with color. I smiled inwardly at that. I didn’t blame the girl. Gabriella was a beautiful woman. I wasn’t sure what the exact age difference was, but I suspected it was less than the gap between me and Brody and Quinn.

Once we reached room 10, I waited for Lilah to unlock the door. I didn’t cross over the threshold until she waved me and Harley into the room. I gave her a quick tour of her suite and then motioned to the door leading to the communal areas. “If you have a few minutes, I can show you the kitchen and stuff,” I offered.

“I’d like that,” Lilah said softly. I liked that she seemed more comfortable around me.

I explained the layout of the building as we walked towards the main living space and let her know that Brody’s, Quinn’s and my rooms were on the other side of the building. I didn’t mention the fact that both men shared my bed each night.

Once we reached the kitchen, we ran into Quinn and Brody as they cooked. They had their backs to us so they weren’t aware of our presence. My body heated as Brody turned his head and smiled at something Quinn said and then he leaned in and brushed his mouth over Quinn’s. The kiss was sweet and brief, but the way the men looked at each other…

I wasn’t exactly jealous, but a twinge of fear went through me as I began to wonder if whatever was between them wasn’t the same as what I’d thought we had between us.

Except I didn’t even know what that was.

It wasn’t until Harley let out a little bark to get my attention that Quinn and Brody turned around. Their eyes remained heated as they met mine, but their expressions quickly changed to something unreadable the longer we watched one another. The whole thing lasted less than a handful of seconds, but it was enough to have a knot of despair growing inside of me.

Maybe everything they’d said and done in the last couple of weeks had been about pity and nothing more. Besides, there could be no relationship because I was only in town for a couple more months.

“Hey, did you decide to join us?” Brody asked Lilah.

“No, thank you. Beck was just showing me around.”

Brody nodded and then I felt his eyes on me.Feltbecause I’d dropped my eyes.

“The TV room is back here,” I murmured as I led Lilah to the seating area. I was on autopilot as I explained the rest of the layout of the building. As we began to leave the kitchen, I could still feel Quinn and Brody’s eyes on me.

“Dinner will be ready in about ten,” Quinn offered.

“Okay,” I managed to say.

I led Lilah out the door leading to the courtyard and showed her the grill that was there for everyone to use, as well as the seating area. Instead of going back to her room using the kitchen door, I used the door at the end of the courtyard which was right across from the door to her room.

“You okay?” she asked softly.

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