Relapse

He lets out a yawn. “Yeah, had to deal with a domestic disturbance most of the night and file paperwork late into the morning, so I’m a little drained.”

“You didn’t have to come over,” I tell him, moving to sit on the couch next to him. Emmet sits on the other side of me and Nathan takes a seat on the black ottoman next to us.

“Yeah, well I missed you,” Chase says, giving me a smile that lacks his usual mischief as he places a hand on my thigh.. “So sleep can wait a couple of hours.”

“My mother should be back in an hour, so you guys will have to go before then.” I tell them as I lean into Chase and reach over to grab Emmet’s hand, pulling him closer. I send Nathan a smile across the room, not wanting him to feel left out. He returns it, looking unfazed by the other men getting a little more attention.

I can’t help but to feel a little nervous as I think of the words that’d almost slipped over the phone. He hadn’t brought it up in our brief meeting the past week, so I’m hoping that he also chalked it up to a slip.

“Sounds good,” Emmet says, grabbing the remote off the coffee table before settling back in next to me.

Chase wraps his arm around my shoulder, the tips of his hand brushing against Emmet’s shoulder.

“How have the kids been with your mother around?” Nathan asks, and I catch his eyes moving to Chase’s hand, not missing the movement either. Neither of us say anything about it.

“Tanner loves her of course and doesn’t see that she’s just a snake, but I refuse to burst his bubble.” My mind turns to the toddler who feels the exact opposite. “Lilly hates her.”

Nathan’s eyes widen at that and he leans forward, concern clear on his face. “Really?” he asks.

“Yeah, bug, doesn’t hate anyone,” Chase agrees.

I shake my head. “No, she must be able to sense the evil surrounding the woman because she cries anytime she gets too close to her.”

“And you let her go with her?’ Chase asks as he shifts next to me.

I know he doesn’t mean it the way it sounds, but a pang goes through my chest and I feel slightly hurt for a moment. “I mean I can’t keep the kids away from her, not unless I want to deal with her bullshit and go back to court. She hasn’t hurt either of the kids and my sister wanted them to have a relationship with her, no matter how broken our relationship is, so I won’t keep them away.” I’d watched her carefully over the last week and while a little cold, she hadn’t purposefully done anything to hurt the kids. Which isn’t too much of a surprise considering that she’d actually loved Kylie, despite her feelings about me, so she tries to put forward some effort with her kids.

Chase turns his head slightly and his eyes meet mine as he winces. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to come out the way it did.”

I look back at him, sensing that he’s genuine, so I nod. “It’s okay. I just get a little snippy with her being here.” I let out a sigh, and sink deeper into the warmth of the two men surrounding me. “I just want to relax for a little bit and forget the bitch is here.”

“And what better way to do that, then watching Modern Family,” Emmet says as he flicks the TV station again before setting the remote down.

I frown at his choice at first but after a couple of minutes I already find myself relaxing more as I let out a laugh and just enjoy the comfort of the guys being here.

While sex and kisses are awesome, I’ve never had this before. The warm comfort and understanding that can be felt with just being in someone’s presence. I look up at Chase, watching as he starts to nod off slightly. He jerks to attention when he realizes what he’s doing and when he looks down at me with a sleepy smile, I know he’s staying up to spend more time with me. Despite looking like he’s taken a whole bottle of melatonin, he’s being here for me.

Beside me, Emmet shifts slightly before letting out a laugh at what’s happening on the TV screen. His topaz eyes are light and full of amusement. I take in Chase’s hand still resting on his shoulder. Willing to not only open his heart to me but share a man he’d already loved before he met me. I’d never gotten any vibes of resentment from him, even before I’d known about his feelings for the man. No, he’d encouraged and pushed me closer to him, selflessly. He’s so different from what I’d originally thought when we first met and nearly killed each other. There’s so many beautiful layers to him and it nearly leaves me breathless, knowing there’s so much more to learn about the man who’s already proved to be amazing.

Nathan’s relaxed in the ottoman, his hands placed on the arm rest and his gaze on the TV. My original perception of him had been correct, way too nice and sweet for me to ever be good enough for. He’d been the first to directly ask me on a date, yet he hadn’t batted an eye about me dating his two friends. He’d been patient as my relationship turned more sexual with Emmet and then Chase with our quickies, and he’d never judged me once. He’d been the first to take to the kids and make me realize that it’d be okay to open up on something so personal for me.

My heart flutters in my chest and my cheeks heat as I continue to take in the three men who’ve suddenly become a huge part of my life.

The words on the phone the other day hadn’t been a slip up.

Jamille was right when she’d said that I caught the love bug. I’d denied it at the time, but now with my emotions welling up in my chest, I can’t deny it any longer.

I’m in love with these three men.

I let out a soft gasp as the realization hit me almost as hard as the front door slamming open.