We’ve come to know one another on a deeper level.
“When was love ever wise?” I ask Vivian.
“How would it work?”
“I don’t know.”
“Say you get Kaleb on board, somehow, by some miracle,” she says, trying a different avenue. “What will you do? Go public with the relationship? Or does one guy take the lead in public and the other two stay close as so-called friends of the family? There were rumors about their lifestyle before, but the local tabloids never had any credible leads or exes to follow around. Imagine what they’ll do if the four of you become official. You won’t be able to go to the grocery store without some paparazzi snapping your photo.”
I chuckle nervously, defensively crossing my arms. “Boy, you’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?”
“It worries me that you haven’t. Then comes the legal part. Say it does work out, that you all want to be together forever and whatnot? Polygamy isn’t legal in Oregon.”
“I know,” I mutter.
“Have you discussed any of these potential issues with them?”
I shake my head slowly. “No, we’ve sort of been riding the wave.”
“All I’m saying, Ray, is that you need to be careful. Don’t fall in love unless you know they’re in it for the long haul.”
A minute goes by in awkward silence. Once the waitress returns with our hot drinks and freshly baked pastries, I take my time to enjoy the familiar tastes. Briefly, I’m surprised by the intensity of the aromas. It’s as if I can experience the chocolate chips in my brioche on a molecular level.
“Are you okay?” Vivian asks. “I’m sorry if I came down on you too hard on this?—”
“No, you’re being a good friend, Viv. I’ll never hold that against you. Besides, you’re right. I do need to be careful and not jump in headfirst.”
“Enjoy yourself. Make the most of it. Your happiness is what matters most in this conversation. Just cover your gorgeous ass, okay? You don’t want any of this to come back and hurt you or your professional reputation in any way, shape, or form. The guys may be open-minded and whatnot, but Portland…”
“It’s still an old town.” I nod in disheartened agreement. “There may be free spirits among us, but we’re still stuck in the traditional family past.”
“I get that you’ve known Alex, Max, and Vincent for years. Maybe you weren’t as close before you went to work for them, and Lord knows, they were champions to offer you the job when you needed it the most, but still.”
“Still. I need to be careful. I need to make sure not to fall in love. This could be nothing more than a fling, something that needs more time to burn out.”
So why am I so eager to dream of a future with them? It’s dangerous, it’s reckless, and once the physical passion inevitably begins to fade, what will we be left with? A situation that might end up doing more harm than good.
I can’t fall in love with them. I shouldn’t.
Good luck telling my heart that.
18
RAINA
It’s our last week at Haus of Sin.
Alex, Max, and Vincent have been quieter than usual. Something’s going on that they won’t tell me about, but I’ve learned that persistence isn’t a favorable avenue in these matters.
As far as our relationship is concerned, we’re good. We’re only getting better. Tension lingers somewhere below the surface, and I’m not sure if it’s my doubt about us or if it’s whatever they’re keeping to themselves. Either way, the show must go on, and I’ve got a few dishes I’d like to practice before the grand finale for this “sinful winter,” as their elated guests have called it.
“Ugh,” I grumble as I remove the lid from a box of truffles I pulled out of the cold storage pantry. “I don’t remember white truffles stinking this much.”
The smell is so powerful, in fact, that it makes me queasy enough to take a couple of steps back and look around.
“Matty?” I call out, hoping he’ll come in. He should’ve been here already. “I need your help; I think the white truffles have gone bad.”
As soon as I say it, I realize that can’t be right. I check the dates on the box’s labels. I checked them when they were delivered yesterday, too, for good measure. And their expiration date is still very far away. Then why do they stink?
