Page 34 of Saved By the Officers

My pulse thundered in my ears as I turned my unfocused stare to the stone beneath my feet. It was a shock to hear my fantasy of both of them, of not having to choose, of having my cake and eating it, too, was an actual option. But didn’t that make me greedy?

And shouldn’t I be disgusted with myself for even wanting both men?

“Would you want both of us?”

Peering up through my lashes, I studied Shade. Though he didn’t say it out loud, I knew what he was really asking.

If I wanted him, too.

“Yes,” I forced my honest and terrifying answer out. “But I don’t understand how—”

“And it might not work.” Again, disappointment dropped in my stomach like a lead weight at Trap’s words. “But we wanted you to know we’re a package deal and give all three of us the opportunity to explore this while you’re here, if that’s what you want.”

While I’m here.

Using a long sip of beer, I swallowed down the emotions clogging my throat and nodded.

This wasn’t serious, wasn’t a marriage proposal or even a committed relationship they were talking about. It was something temporary, because I was.

“So what now?” My emotions were all over the place. Tears burned behind my eyes, thinking of losing them when I left, while desire fluttered in my belly as fantasies of the three of us filled my thoughts.

“Now we keep doing what we’ve done. Hanging out, talking. But if it leads to more?” Trap shrugged. “You’re in control of this, Georgia. You say, ‘Enough,’ and we stop. You say, ‘More’”—his hazel eyes twinkled—“and we’ll give you everything.”

That was what I was afraid of.

I had a feeling that if they gave me everything, there would be no coming back from it.

But really, what did it matter?

I was already broken. What were a few more shattered pieces of my heart if I got them, even if it was temporary?

NINE

GEORGIA

Abrass bell rang out when I pushed the glass door open, my stomach automatically grumbling when the delicious aromas from inside swept over me. With it being lunchtime, the diner was packed, adding to my anxiety. Swiping both hands along my black leggings, I gnawed on the corner of my lip as I scanned the small space for an open seat.

The moment I caught an available booth, I started in that direction, not paying attention to the other patrons I passed, very ready to be in a seat where I could take a breath and fully scan my surroundings. Even though I’d been here a few weeks, this was my first time actually eating at the diner. After being holed up in the house, with Christmas done and Gracie about to start school, it was time to venture out for more than visiting the guys, Anne’s ranch, or the grocery store.

Back in New York, I had several spots where I frequented and loved the comforting feel of a location that I knew inside and out. There was a confidence in knowing what to expect, where tables were, and what to do the moment you walked in. I wasn’t a meek person by any means—running a company in a male-dominated field ensured that—but in a new environment, I shrank to the background to get my bearings.

Maybe that meant I liked control, feeling exposed when I didn’t have it.

“Hey there, beautiful.”

The words filtered in one ear and out the other as I passed by a booth full of men, too focused on slipping into the seat so I could stop stress sweating. The fake leather squeaked beneath me. A rogue spring poked my ass cheek as I bopped down the bench until I was in the center of the table. Nostrils flaring, I inhaled deep, holding in the sweet smells of fresh-baked pies and burnt coffee while I willed my heart rate to slow.

I needed to get out more if a new location made me this anxious.

“I’ve been coming here for weeks.” Startling out of my survey of the restaurant, I tilted my head back to take in the unfamiliar man standing at the end of the table. I felt my nose bunch in my confusion.Is he lost?“And I haven’t seen you around once. It’s a crime for a pretty little thing like you to eat alone.”

Nope, not lost. Just a dumbass. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at the lame pickup line.

“I’m not eating alone.” He shifted, his bulk now blocking my exit from the booth since the other side ended at the wall. Maybe he did it on purpose or maybe he didn’t. Either way, the heat from the diner and the fact that I hadn’t gotten my coat off yet exacerbated the feeling of being trapped. A bolt of panic raced through me.

“Waiting for your boyfriend?”

“Yes.” Slight lie. “I suggest you go back to your friends.” I angled my head toward the three men blatantly staring this way.

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