“And if she doesn’t?” Shit, I don’t even want to think about that.
“She will. And if not, we’ve always got plan B.”
“I don’t want to have to resort to fucking plan B. I just want her. It’s never been like this with a woman.”
Ryan grips my shoulder. “Chill, brother. I feel the same way. She’s ours.”
“I know she’s ours, but does she know that? What if she thinks this is just a fling for us?”
“I think we made it pretty fucking obvious in the shower that this is more than a fling. But we should probably just lay everything on the table and let her know how we feel.”
“You don’t think it’s too soon?”
“Fuck yeah, it’s too soon, but what’s our alternative? Let her go home tomorrow without knowing how we feel and what we want from her? And worse yet, us not knowing where she stands.”
“Yeah, that’s not going to work for me.”
“Exactly.”
9
Emma
Thank God I packed a dress and heels. Who would’ve known that a lodge in the mountains would have such a fancy restaurant? I must’ve gained a few pounds since the last time I wore this dress, though, because it’s a bit snugger than I remember. I tug at the hem, hoping it’s covering all the goods in the back.
“Stop fidgeting. You look gorgeous,” Grant says, tucking my right hand into the crook of his arm.
“Absolutely beautiful.” Ryan kisses my temple and grabs my left hand with his.
The couple in front of us is seated, and we step forward, waiting for the hostess to come back.
“Everyone is staring at me,” I whisper, noticing all the eyes that keep making their way toward the three of us.
Ryan’s grip on my hand tightens. “Because you look amazing, and they’re jealous as fuck.”
“I don’t think that’s the reason.” A lesser woman would probably move away, but I’m strong and proud to be the arms of these two men, even if it is temporary.
Grant opens his mouth to reply at the same time the hostess walks up.
She’s young, beautiful, and her smile is a little too bright for my liking. “Good evening, Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Ford,” she says, nodding at both men. “Your table is ready. Please, follow me.”
With a hand on my lower back, Grant guides me through the restaurant to a round corner booth in the back. There’s a small bouquet of roses and a tiny lamp sitting in the center of the table, and a white linen tablecloth that’s long enough to kiss the floor. The lights are turned low, giving the restaurant a romantic feel, and a fireplace to the right of us ensures that I won’t get too cold. Although I don’t think that’ll be an issue seated between these two men.
Ryan motions for me to climb in first, and then he and Grant slide in on either side of me.
“Can I get you a bottle of wine?”
Grant smiles up at the hostess, and I swear I see her body shiver. “No wine tonight. Thank you, Carrie.”
“Yes, sir. Alex will be serving you tonight. She’ll be right over.”
“I’m guessing you guys come here often,” I say, my stomach souring at the thought of Grant and Ryan coming here with other women.
Ryan lowers his menu. He looks at Grant before looking at me. “Why do you say that?”
“Because you called her Carrie, and she knew you by name.”
Grant clears his throat. “We’ve been here a few times. That’s actually something we’d like to talk to you about tonight. But first, let’s order.”