Here we go.
Riley prances to the front door, and swings it inward, met with the faces of Adrian, Beck, and Caleb. All at once.
She pulls back and gives the three men a once-over, like she’s grading their boyfriend potential. Then she winks at me. “Well, you definitely didn’t exaggerate about how hot they all are. I mean, I already knew Beck was hot, but geez, Maddy…”
My face grows bright red as the men chuckle and then make their way inside. They’re all dressed fairly casually, but like…snappycasual, making Riley and I look like a couple of bums.
“I brought wine,” Adrian holds up a bottle, his broad shoulders straining the material of his black long-sleeve shirt.
“Amazing,” Riley claps her hands together. “Follow me.”
Adrian does as he’s told, planting a kiss on the top of my head on the way. He uncorks the wine while Riley gathers glasses. He fills them with ease, not a single nerve apparent. Beck heads for the table, and Caleb follows him.
We crowd around the dining table, all of us eyeing each other as we take a seat with our fancy wine and homemade dinner.I’m seated between Beck and Riley, with Adrian at the head and Caleb adjacent to him.
“Well, let’s eat, shall we?” I break the comfortable silence in my natural, awkward way.
“Absolutely,” Beck agrees, echoing me with a grin on his face.
I catch Riley watching the three of them—how they pass food, how they communicate without really saying anything. I already know she’s studying the undercurrent, seeing if the weirdness she expected is there.
And as soon as the plates are filled and everyone starts eating, Riley leans back and raises her glass.
Oh boy.
“I would like the opportunity to ask questions now,” she announces, taking a sip of her wine. “I love my best friend, and I am not scared to go to prison for life on her behalf.”
Caleb nearly chokes on a bite of pasta. “That’s a little aggressive.”
“I can appreciate that,” Adrian chimes, a grin on his face. “I have to admit, I would go to prison for life on behalf of Maddy as well.”
Beck chuckles, shaking his head as he stabs his salad. “I knew this was going to be fun,” he mutters, just loud enough for me to hear it.
Riley keeps going, undeterred. “I need to know everyone’s intentions with her, and how you intend to handle outsiders questioning this…dynamic.” She sets her wine glass down and folds her arms across her chest. “You can go first.” Riley nods to Adrian. “You seem like you’re the leader.”
Geez, I forgot how well she reads people.
Adrian clears his throat, setting down his fork. “Well, first of all, we will happily rid the office of anyone who disagrees with how we choose to live our personal lives. It’s none of theirbusiness, and the moment they make it their business, they need to go.”
“Intense, but honorable.”
“I prefer to protect the woman I love, if at all possible,” he continues, shrugging his shoulders.
Riley beats me to it. “So you love her?”
Adrian’s eyes flick to mine across the table, softening as they linger. “I do love her, and I think the way the three of us love her balances everything out.” He glances to Beck and Caleb. “They make up for what I lack, and vice versa.”
Riley purses her lips, tapping her index finger against the table. “Well…” Her voice trails off as she looks at me. “Areyouhappy?”
I break into a grin. “You know I’m happy.”
“And do you love all three?” Riley presses, though her lip twitches upward into a smile. “I can still call security and kick them all out now.”
Letting out a sigh, I push some of my hair behind my ear. “I absolutely do, and I know this is exactly what I want.”
She gives me an approving nod. “Then you have my blessing.” She eyes the men around the table. “All of you. But don’t forget. As I said before, I’m not scared of prison.”
“Noted,” Beck chuckles, and the entire table breaks out in laughter.
