My eyes jump to Beck, Adrian, and Caleb’s offices. The glass is opaque on all three offices, so I’m not sure if they’re even in yet. Either way, I have coffee to deliver.
I guess I could just wait until the meeting.I still have about ten minutes before it starts. I set the coffees down on my desk, and then pull out my phone, checking to see if there’s anything from Riley.
She’s been MIA, working overtime, and honestly, it’skillingme. I need my best friend. I’m in the strangest mental state I’ve ever been in, and I can’t do the mental gymnastics by myself any longer.
I pull up a message thread to her.
Me:Earth to Riley. I would REALLY like to see your face soon.
Three dots quickly appear on the screen, and a little pang of relief hits me square in the chest.Thank God.
Riley:I know. I’m so sorry. I’ve been the worst friend ever. I swear I will make it up to you. Tomorrow, I will make us the best dinner ever, and you can fill me in on everything I’ve missed.
My heart sinks. I needher to help me cope with this weird tension between the four of us. One minute they’re fighting over me in their office, then next I’m fucking two of them at the same time, and now I’m walking into a meeting with them all, and I have no idea what’s going to happen.
I stand there for a minute, trying to decide what might be waiting for me. I mean, I know they’re not going to fireme, but that’s not even my worst fear…
It’s being forced to choose.
I needed to talk to Riley before this.I squeeze my eyes shut for a brief moment, suck in a breath, and then force it out, tryingto calm my racing heart. I wipe my sweaty palms on my slacks, pick the coffees back up, and head for the conference room.
It’s just a meeting. Whatever happens, happens.
It’s the worst pep talk I’ve ever given myself, but at this point, it’s the best I can do. I use my shoulder to push through the door, and as soon as I step inside, I freeze.
All three of them are already sitting at the conference room table, and all eyes are on me.
“Good morning,” I choke out, nearly dumping the drink carrier of coffees, as I make my way toward where the men are seated, all at the furthest end. “I take it this isn’t the normal morning meeting?” My eyes bounce between Caleb and Beck, too nervous to even try to meet Adrian’s.
“Thank you for coming,” Beck beams, taking his latte from the holder. “We just want to discuss some things with you, and I think Adrian wants to go first.” He shoots him a look, and I get the courage to follow Beck’s gaze.
“Maddy,” Adrian begins, clearing his throat. His dark, hazel eyes aren’t nearly as terrifying as usual, his expression almost apologetic.“Please sit down.” He gestures to one of the chairs.
“Okay,” I swallow hard and take a seat, trying not to let any of them see the way my knee immediately starts bouncing beneath the table.
“Well,” he begins, holding my gaze with his eyes and locking onto it. “I owe you an apology.”
Wait a minute.What did he just say?
“I’ve been an asshole to you, and the way I reacted to all ofthis,” he motions between us all, “Has been over the top and unnecessary.”
I stare at him, not trusting my own ears.
He takes a breath and glances at Beck and Caleb. “I had a discussion with Beck and Caleb. About you. About…us.”
Oh, fuck. Here it comes.
I grip the edge of the conference table so hard my hand cramps.Here it is. This is going to be it. I have to decide. And I can’t. I can’t decide. I want them all.
Adrian taps the conference room table, as if this is all just normal business. “We’re all grownups, Maddy. No one here is confused about what’s happened.” He looks at me, like he’s trying to get a read on me. “But it’s also not sustainable. If we continue like this—sneaking around without clear and open communication—someone will get hurt, or worse. It’ll destroy what we’ve built here.”
I nod, and my heart is pounding so loud it’s hard for me to follow what he’s saying.
“So,” he sighs, “I proposed an arrangement. I suggested to the others that, if you agree, we enter into a formal relationship. Polyamorous, with you at the center, if and only if you’re agreeable. No jealousy andnosecrets and complete discretion.” He raises an eyebrow and looks at me questioningly.
I blink, trying to process the words. “Um… I’m not sure if I understand.”
He shrugs, his lips curling up into a partial smile. “It’s not unprecedented. Some of the most efficient organizations in the world function on non-traditional arrangements. I think that our relationship could be one of those. We just feel it’s best if we’re all exclusive with each other.”
