Page 24 of Bonded By Tea and Tarot

Me: I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry. I blame the concussion.

Only, as soon as it sends, my phone vibrates with an incoming message. It’s a photo—a selfie of him and Jayce.

Hayden: You can blame the concussion. I’m happy to send more photos as needed [cheeky smile emoji]

I stare at the picture. Goddess, they’re both gorgeous. A contrast of skin tones between Hayden’s warm bronze and Jayce’s light tan. Hayden with dark eyes and dark hair, curly on top, while Jayce has neatly trimmed blond hair, a myriad of freckles covering his face and neck, and glowing hazel eyes. I wonder if he has sparks of green or gold in them, to give them such a unique color. And good gracious. I thought Hayden was strong, but Jayce’s arms bulge obscenely in the tight tee he’s wearing.

Hayden: You still there?

Aaaaand I’m officially mortified. I’ve been staring at the photo, fingers hovering without typing anything for literal minutes now. I clear my throat, as though that matters when texting, and my mind races as I try to figure out how to reply.

Me: Yep.

Fuck. I’m going to die of humiliation.

Hayden: I’ll take that as appreciation. So, what do you think, can I start a group chat?

Me: Yeah, of course. That sounds great.

Siobhan has been added to the chat.

Hayden: Jayce, meet Siobhan. Siobhan, meet Jayce.

Unknown number: Hi Siobhan, would it be too much to ask for a picture in return? Hayden might have described you to me, but a picture speaks a thousand words, as the saying goes.

Okay, that’s kinda cute. I pinch my lips together and debate taking a selfie like they did. My phone camera shows a still-bruised lump on my temple with a scabbed over gash, and another yellowing bruise on my jaw.

So that’s a solid hell no. Instead, I find a recent photo from a shoot I did the other week and send it through. Then I update his contact information.

Jayce: More stunning than I could have imagined.

I flush and swallow hard, my entire face and neck heating. He’s going to be disappointed if we go on a date. I won’t look nearly that good for a couple more weeks at least.

Me: Thank you.

Hayden: Siobhan, would it be okay with you if all three of us went on a date? I understand if that’s too overwhelming - if you’d like, we can plan separate dates. We’re both happy with either, whatever you prefer. We want you to be comfortable.

Look at the cute alpha overcompensating. I think that was the texting version of a ramble.

Me: I’m happy to meet up with both of you, so long as it’s somewhere here in town. A public place.

Jayce: And you’ve got a solid head on your shoulders, too. That sounds great to me.

Hayden: How about brunch this weekend? We have both mornings open.

Me: Brunch is good! My Sundays tend to be pretty busy, but Saturday is open. I love brunch.

Jayce: Perfect. How about the bakery? Do you have a sweet tooth, or would you prefer someplace with more savory options?

Me: Yes, much as I hate to admit to the omega stereotype. The bakery would be amazing. Is 10am okay?

Hayden: 10 is perfect. Can we pick you up?

Me: I should be cleared to drive by then. If not, I’ll let you know.

Hayden: Sounds good, see you in a couple days. In the meantime, if you need anything or want to chat, we’re both happy to.

Jayce: Would love to get to know you better, whichever way you prefer that to happen.