Chapter Twenty-Nine
Wespentmostofthe day at Kara’s and then we left to have dinner together as a…couple. I still wasn’t exactly sure what to call us, but it seemed like we were committing to it. For dinner, we went to the diner and sat in a booth together, with me trying not to look like I was worried about what everyone around us was thinking.
Berna served us with a broad smile on her face. She winked at me every time I caught her eye and brought me extra ice cream with my apple pie. I found that most people who looked at us smiled at us and went about their business. It seemed like they really didn’t care. By the time dessert was over and we were getting ready to leave, I was almost relaxed.
Julian was next to me, a grin on his lips as he looked down and took my hand. “Not so bad, huh?”
I bit my lip and shook my head. “I should’ve known you three would somehow charm the town into being cool with this.”
Blake shrugged. “This is a consensual relationship between four adults who do what they want. It doesn’t hurt anyone in any way. Why would they care?”
“I once had a neighbor tell me I was a bad mother because I wasn’t breastfeeding Hank. Never mind the fact that I physically couldn’t.”
“Well, you’re here now. You’re ours. No one is going to treat you like that.”
I grinned at Isaac even as I leaned into Julian. “Being with the three of you is so easy. I’ve never dated anyone and had it feel so natural.”
“Isaac is right. It’s because you’re ours. And we’re yours.” Julian kissed me and then looked out the front windows of the diner. The sun was going down and it was getting darker the longer we sat there. “Now. Have we waited long enough?”
Blake nodded and slipped from the table. “I’ll pay.”
“Long enough for what?”
Blake leaned down and cupped my jaw. “Long enough forourdessert.”
My stomach clenched, and I felt butterflies come to life. I knew we’d already been together, but I was nervous and excited like it was the first time. I shifted against Julian’s side and actually giggled like an idiot.
Julian slid out of the booth and pulled me out with him. “Come on. I’m ready to get you home.”
Isaac followed, and we all hurried to the exit as Blake paid. On the sidewalk, Isaac wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led me towards the truck. “You’re dating now. Did you realize that?”
I lightly elbowed him and laughed. “I am not. I’m simply in a big situation with the three of you.”
“And that situation is dating.”
I was about to give my alternative argument with I looked up and found Grace coming towards us on the sidewalk. I took in her perfectly put-together outfit with her beautifully curling hair and immaculate makeup and stood a little taller. I was in pigtails, wearing a step up from pajamas, but the men around me wanted me. They didn’t want that actual demon anymore.
Blake joined us on the sidewalk and pulled me in for a kiss. “Ready? Can we go? I have things I need to do to you.”
I slapped his chest and nodded towards where Grace was standing, staring at us. “Maybe don’t say that so loud.”
Looking back, Blake saw her and nodded. “Hey, Grace.”
She put her hands on her hips and looked like she was getting ready to tear into me, but Julian picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. He slapped my ass and carried me to the truck. “Bye, Grace!”
I laughed and smacked his legs. “Let me down, you neanderthal!”
Blake’s slap to my ass was harder, and I knew it was him by the heaviness of it. “I’m sitting in the back this time.”
Isaac swore. “I’m not driving again.”
“It’s your truck!” Julian put me down and jabbed at his own chest. “I always had to ride in the back growing up, and now I’m keeping that tradition. I’m in the back.”
I looked around them and noticed our company was gone. “Guys, she’s gone.”
“Who?” Julian frowned and then kept arguing. “The back is mine. I called it.”
“You didn’t call it. I called it.” Blake crossed his arms and put his hand over the door handle. “Isaac is driving, and you’re in the front.”