“So, have you two..” I break off, kind of feeling awkward about bringing up the subject of them being intimate, but I guess this is the adult thing to do. I mean, I’m barely proficient at managing a relationship with one other person, let alone five different relationships while also being in the middle of two of my boyfriends who are also boyfriends. Wow, yep, that sounds a little confusing even to me.
They exchange a glance and shake their heads. “No, not yet. We weren't sure where we all stood, even after our conversation. We both have feelings for you, and neither of us wanted to alienate you by letting ourselves get lost in each other. We’ve experienced life without our relationship, and while we agree that we love each other and are extremely happy to have a second chance, we equally agree that this relationship with you is important enough that we want to get it right.”
“Guys, I’m going to be honest.” I grab one of each of their hands and squeeze. “One of the things that scares me about this relationship with all of you is not being able to sexually meet your needs. If you two are taking care of each other, my vagina will probably weep with gratitude.” They both gape at me before they start chuckling, which lightens the atmosphere. “Seriously, have at it. I’d love a front row seat but don’t think that you need to invite me. I will not be upset at all if you guys want to have some moments that are just for yourselves. I love you…” I break off as I realize what words just slipped out of my mouth. Shit! Panic starts racing through my veins, wondering if they heard what I said, and from the stunned looks on their faces, I guess they did. But as I stand there worrying about it, I come to the realization that it’s true. Idolove them, and damn it, if all the near misses I’ve had recently have taught me anything, it’s that you need to embrace life while you can.
Even outside of that, I think that there’s something about each of them that I just want to fall into. Like the tip of an iceberg, what I’ve seen so far is only a small percentage of who they really are. Even though some of what I saw was a bit ugly, I’m also realizing that what lies beneath that has the potential to be big enough to take my breath away.
Lifting my head, I smile at them. “I love you both, and I want you to be happy. If you want to fuck like rabbits even when I’m not there, well, go for it.” I try to keep it casual in case neither of them feel the same way, but before I can take another breath, they exchange a glance and yank me into a three-way hug, their arms wrapping around all of us while they press kisses into my hair.
“I love you too, Harlow,” Oliver says, shuddering with emotion. Holden doesn't say anything, but as he pulls away I can see a tear running down his face before he takes my mouth with his, the force of his emotions showing in the kiss.
He pulls away and rests his head against mine. “You’re everything we could have hoped for.”
Our moment of joy is interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. “Shit!” I step away from him, trying to straighten myself. My hair had come undone from its braid when Oliver was using it to direct my head, and I’m sure I’m flushed.
“Holden, Mrs. Summers was looking for you,” Missy calls through the door, causing me to frown.
“She couldn't pick up the phone and call?” growls Oliver, expressing exactly what I was thinking.
Feeling a little territorial, I march over to the door and fling it open wide enough that she can see the two guys behind me. All three of us clearly look rumpled, not to mention my panties are still lying on Holden’s desk, and if that wasn’t enough to tell you what we were up to, her nose wrinkles as the smell of sex reaches it.
“Hi, could you call Nana and let her know we will meet her at Thomas’ office? Holden is done for the day, so we’ll be heading out.” She looks past me to Holden, and I growl, “Don’t look at him. Look at me. Now, go and do what you were told.” I channel a little of my inner Jacinta, and when I close the door on her, the guys are gaping at me.
“Harlow, I don't know whether to be turned on or off right now. You just sounded like Jacinta.” Oliver’s nose is screwed up in confusion, but Holden just chuckles again.
“I’m so turned on it’s ridiculous. Can you come and run interference every day?”
I roll my eyes and go over to the desk to grab my panties and pack up my laptop. “That’s what you’ve got Hope for,” I tell him as he makes a lunge for my underwear, snatching them up before I can. He shoves them into the pocket of his pants, and all I can do is shake my head.
“Isn't that a bit cliché?” I ask him, putting my laptop into my backpack. The cheeky brat shakes his head, completely smug.
“Don't care if it is or not. I can’t wait to see the look on Thomas’ face when they fall out of my pocket at his feet.”
“God, what are you, twelve?”
“Harlow, when are you going to realize that at the heart of all men is a twelve-year-old boy snickering with laughter?” Oliver teases as he leads us out of the office, holding the door open for Holden and me. The three of us head to the elevator, Holden stopping to give Missy some instructions, but neither Oliver nor I deem to show her politeness.
“She needs to go,” I mutter out the side of my mouth, and he gives a small nod.
“I’ll get Hope on it. I don't think she’ll be able to put up with her for long either.” He side eyes the desk as he shares the simple plan, and I really hope he’s right. Missy’s blatantly flirting with him even though she knows exactly what the three of us were doing in there.
That settled, another subject pops into my mind. Might as well ask while I’ve got him here. “Oli, why do you get tested for work?” I ask him, a little unsure how I’m feeling. Does it mean he’s been sleeping with his clients? I’m fine—more than fine, actually—with him and Holden, but I think that’s about my limit. They had something together that predates me even knowing of their existence; I have no right to control that. Ido, however, have a firm right to shove my foot up the ass of any man or woman who tries to become an overly friendly part of their lives now. Or up Holden or Oliver’s if they make any new “friends” without talking to me about the situation.
“We made it a policy at Neighpalm Ink to look after the health of our artists, and being that we deal with blood all the time, I like everyone to get checked every couple of months to make sure they’re okay.” Oh, well, that’s ridiculously sensible and totally not worth getting upset about. Gosh, these guys really are something. It’s amazing that he looks after his staff like that, not to mention a relief to know it’s for that reason. As always, I think my face betrays my thoughts because there’s a heat across my cheeks that says I’m probably blushing right about now, paying for jumping to the quick conclusion.
“I promise you, Harlow, when I tattoo someone, it’s usually nothing like it was the day you came in. I’m professional and friendly, but that’s where it stops. I don't want to shit where I eat, as the saying goes.” He leans in and whispers in my ear as the elevator doors open, “Though you should take another trip to the shop with me. I wouldn't mind getting you back on my table... or bent over it.”
Now the heat is still there, but I’m flushed for an entirely different reason by the time Holden finally catches up to us, letting the elevator close behind him.
“Hey, babe, what did you say to Harlow that has her flushed again?” Holden backs me up against the wall of the elevator, his eyes on Oliver the entire time.
Oli just shrugs, what’s likely supposed to be an innocent smile on his face. “Just telling Harlow that I’d love to give her another tattoo.”
“I’m not sure I believe that. Something like that wouldn't have her blushing like a nun at a porn convention.” Holden runs a finger over my warm cheeks as I push him away.
“That...” I poke a finger against his chest. “Was weirdly specific, and stay back, you’re not starting anything in the short ride it takes to get to the right floor.”
Oliver holds out a hand toward the emergency stop button, just about to push.
