Trouble : Boston Bolts Hockey

Track 9

WHO SAYS

“I thought you were going over there,” I say, worry rolling through me.

If the guys don’t talk now, things will only fester and get worse. Neither handled that little hiccup well at all, but it’s plain as day that it’s only because they both care so damn much. These men who have come to mean more to me than I thought possible are struggling to come to terms with the way their relationship is changing. I’m spoiled, I suppose, because I’m part of it while also being an observer. I’m experiencing it for myself, but at the same time, I’ll never truly understand what they’re working through. They’ve got a decades-long history. Eons of shared experiences that affect the way they are both—so badly—handling this new development.

I’ve never known either of them without the other. I’ve never not wanted both of them. So while, in that respect, I’m on the outside looking in, I also have the advantage of not having nearly so much to work through.

Not only are these men settling into something new with me, but they’re coming to terms with how their relationship is changing.

Declan wants Cade, although he may not fully know that yet, and Cade has always wanted Declan. Now they need to find their rhythm together. Once they do—and if they still want me then—I truly believe our relationship would be incredible.

Declan growls under his breath, pulling me from my musings and fantasies about happily ever afters with my boyfriends and sending me straight back to being concerned.

With a deep breath in, I slump. “What now?”

“He’s fucking flirting right in front of you,” he grits out.

Chin lifted, I find Cade at the bar. He’s smiling and chatting with the bartender in what looks like a pretty typical way. “He’s talking.”

“She was basically in his lap.” Declan practically breathes fire as he glares in their direction.

I can’t help the snort that slips out. “He’s being Cade.”

Going rigid, he turns his full body my way. “Doesn’t it bother you? That he can’t go anywhere without flirting with every person he sees? That you’re sitting right here, and he’s over there laughing with another woman like she has a shot at getting him in her bed tonight?”

My heart pangs, but not for the reason Declan would think. He’s worried about my feelings, when in reality, his are the ones being hurt right now. “I like that other women are attracted to the men I’m sleeping with.” I nod at two women across the room who’ve checked Declan out several times already tonight.

Cade is hot. There’s no doubt. But Declan is ruggedly handsome. Everywhere we go, people stare, but Declan is oblivious to how many of those looks are directed at him. He’s mysterious. He’s gruff, and his smiles don’t come easy. That only makes the people around him more eager to earn them. Or maybe that’s just me. Because damn if it doesn’t create an ache deep in my chest every time one finally breaks through.

Declan looks at the two women and grunts. “Not interested.”

“Right, because you know that when we get home, I’m going to fuck you while I suck his cock.”

He chokes, eyes bulging, but rights himself quickly.

“Or Vice versa. Or…” I leave it at that, worried I’ll scare him off if I delve into my desires.

Declan presses closer, hands fisted on the table. “Or what?”

Lips pressed together, I inhale deeply, working up the nerve to be completely honest. “Or you two could⁠—”

He shakes his head, his movements harsh. “No.”

“Why not? You’re obviously jealous of the way you think he’s flirting with her.” Is he really so obtuse that he doesn’t recognize the emotion for what it is?

Declan runs a hand through his hair, his face flushed. “I’m not jealous. It’s just… Fuck, this is such a weird situation.”

I scoot closer and press my hand to his heated cheek. “It’s not. You want him over here with us because you like when he’s around.”

Holding my gaze, he leans into my palm, the scruff on his face rough against my skin. For a moment, he just breathes. Then, straightening, he clutches my hand and brings it to his lips. “Of course I want him here. He’s my best friend.”

“I think it’s more than that,” I say softly.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

“I don’t know how to feel about all of this,” he admits, his eyes darting back and forth, like he’s hoping he’ll find the answers written on my face.

I suck in a breath. “Can you do something for me?”

He sighs heavily, his shoulders slumping. “You know I can’t say no to you.”

There’s no fighting my smile. “I’m counting on that.”

Even as he shakes his head like I’m exasperating, his lips tilt up, and I’m graced with that beautiful smile of his. Even if it’s a half smile, a rush of adrenaline courses through me.

“Tonight,” I urge, “just let things go where they go. Stop worrying about the world out here.” I lean in close and ghost my lips across his. “Just worry about us.”

Our breaths mingle as he lets my words settle between us.

“It doesn’t bother you?” he rasps.

The fear in his tone makes me want to wrap my arms around him and hold him tight, but I resist.

“What?” I play dumb. He needs to come to terms with this attraction, the ache he has for the man he’s known his whole life. If he doesn’t, then we’re doomed right from the start.

“The idea of Cade and me…” He lowers his head, likely hoping I’ll let him get away with not finishing his sentence.

He’s wrong. So, lips pressed together, I arch a brow and zero in on him.

Beside me, he twitches, his leg bouncing. “The way I…”

Holding on to my patience, I give him a sweet smile. He’ll get there.

He lets out another breath, as if he’s expelling all his worries, and then he blinks at me. “I want him. That doesn’t bother you?”

The smile that splits my face is so wide it hurts. “It gives me butterflies, Declan.” I grasp his hand and press it to my pounding heart. “And it makes me unbelievably wet.”

“We should take our food to go,” he mumbles.

With a laugh, I bring my lips to his again.

When we pull apart, we’re both smiling. “You going to get Cade?”

Declan nods, his eyes swimming with apprehension but also excitement. “Yeah, I think it’s time.”