10. Chapter 10
Ipull my car through the security gate in disbelief. The stone mansion is on the other side of town from where I live, and it’s huge. I might have underestimated how much money Talon has. Im half surprised that when I ring the doorbell, a butler doesnt answer. Instead, Talon is there, wearing a pair of ripped jeans and a vintage-looking t-shirt. His black hair sticks up, and his green eyes shine. Its been a few weeks since we’ve seen each other, though we’ve been in constant contact. Exchanging messages and phone calls has been nice, but I’ve missed his face, which scares me.
He greets me with one of his rare smiles before leading me into the mansion. I follow him inside, past the sprawling foyer with a circular staircase up to the second level and into a large sitting room.
Youre renting this place? I ask him, looking around in awe. It’s decorated neutrally with luxury touches. It’s not what I expected at all.
My new manager has some contacts. The owner wants to sell, but now isnt the right time for the market. He was more than willing to sign a lease for a year, fully furnished Want to see more?
Sure.
He walks me through all the rooms on the first floor, including another less formal living room that is open to a luxury kitchen. Off that is a fancy dining room with a table that probably seats twenty. There’s also an office and a music room with a piano.
Do you play? I ask when I see the baby grand.
I can, but I prefer the guitar and drums. Do you?
I sit on the bench and play a few notes from Amazing Grace, and he raises his eyebrows at me. A little, I admit. My parents were big on my participation in extracurriculars. Anything athletic was not for me, but I can do artsy.
He holds out one of his tattooed hands for me, and I take it as I stand from the bench and follow him.
I want to show my favorite part of the house, the basement, he says, leading me back to the kitchen to a door that leads downstairs.
It’s not your bedroom? I tease, going for coy but sounding ridiculous to myself.
Talon turns and winks at me, Well save my bedroom tour for another time. I cant help but blush. Hes always affected me, making me feel like my nerves are ready to burst with just a look or touch from him.
I walk behind him down the stairs and into the wide-open basement space. There’s another lounging area with a sprawling sectional couch and a huge television. Theres also a bar and a pool table.
We continue through the room and turn down a short hallway with doors that lead to a small bedroom and a full bathroom. Talon opens the door at the end of the hall. Inside are a couple of guitars, a drum kit, another smaller piano, microphones, and other equipment. Foam panels cover the walls.
A recording studio? I ask him, though the answer is obvious.
“Its not as high-end as what will be in the new house, but it’ll do for what I’m working on right now.
I look up into his face and smile. Youre going to do it?
He nods, Ive been talking to Vic, my new manager, and he thinks its a great idea. Hes excited to hear my sound. I have a handful of songs written, and Im working on some more. I need to hire some musicians.
I wrap my arms around his waist. Im so happy youre giving this a shot. I cant wait to hear it when it’s done. I know it will be fantastic.
Talon kisses my forehead just as we hear someone yell for him upstairs.
Were in the studio, Talon calls back.
Seconds later, Foster walks into the room with us. He grins when he sees me. Hey, I was going to call you tonight.”
I feel a little awkward with them here together. I dated both years ago, and now I’ve kissed each of them again. They’ve made it clear they each want a second chance, but do they mean together? Have they been talking about me?
“What are you doing here?” I ask Foster.
“Meeting the new roommate. Welcome,” he says.
Great, this is going to be trouble.
Foster and I leave Talon behind to work in his studio and continue my tour outside. There’s an impressive patio that has an outdoor kitchen, bar, and in-ground pool. We sit in a couple of loungers overlooking the yard. A tall privacy fence blocks any neighbors from looking in, a necessity I imagine for a rockstar residence.
I look around then ask what’s been on my mind, So, you and Talon are living together, huh?
Their friendship dynamic amuses me. Talon is a broody, intense musician, and I cant imagine him tolerating Fosters puppy dog energy. Would their paths ever have crossed if it hadnt been for me? Unlikely.
I need a place to stay. Talon had this huge place with extra rooms. It felt like it was meant to be. Theres plenty of room for the three of us here without living on top of each other.
Are you planning on moving back permanently?
Yep, he answers and leans in close to me. Can you keep a secret?
I raise my eyebrows. I have no problems with secrets.
If he only knew.
Itll be announced next week, but Im going to be the new head coach of the Springbrook Gladiators.
Really? Thats unexpected. I know Foster had a love for hockey that was as deep as Coles, but once he gave up on playing, I thought he’d given up on the sport entirely.
It feels like a good time to put roots down somewhere, but dont tell my mom I said that. Ive loved following Cole around for the last few years, becoming a small part of the game I love. Helping the players with their nutrition and workouts has been fun, but Im ready for something different. It feels special having the opportunity to train the next generation under a great program in my hometown.
Youll be amazing at working with those kids, but isnt coaching a bit of a… I dont finish my thought, not wanting to offend him.
A pay cut? He finished for me. Are you worried I cant support you on a high school coachs salary? he teases.
I shove him in the shoulder, Im learning to support myself. But, yes, I would think working for pro teams and players would be much more lucrative than a public high school team.
Im paid well by my clients and can maintain much of my work remotely. I havent blown my money and have a nice cushion saved. Im not worried about my income. He looks at me with seriousness and holds my hand in his. The most important part is returning home and making a life for myself here.
How he looks at me makes me think he means Im a part of that life. Does he want to be friends? I need to confront this head-on, reminding myself about communication being the top priority.
Please tell me you’re not staying here because of me,” I blurt out. That didn’t exactly come out the way I intended.
He laughs, It’s not just you. I need this new beginning in my life. I’ve been working away my life but never stopped to think about what I was working towards. I know what its like not having you in my life, and it wasn’t great. I’ll do anything to keep you here with me now.”
You know that Talon and I are trying something, too?
We’ve talked. Neither of us cares.
I wont choose between the two of you. I want it crystal clear that it won’t be like before.
Im all in. However, you want to do this.
Well, damn, Im all out of protests now.
“Okay.
He leans closer and puts a hand behind my neck, pulling me in. Then lets seal the deal, he says.
And then his warm, soft lips are on mine, and all my reservations about this fly away. I have two roommates now, and I may be dating them both. For the first time in years, I feel something that I think is hope.
I watch Foster put the last of my mom’s boxes in the back of the pickup truck we’ve rented and shut the tailgate. I stand on my front lawn and stare at the only house I’ve lived in, knowing this is the last time I will call it home. The house sold quickly and, as predicted, above the asking price. After signing off on closing tomorrow, we’ll have enough money to catch up on other bills.
Over the last week, I’ve moved most of my belongings into the room that Talon gave me in his house. It’s at least three times the size of my space here, with a king-sized bed and an ensuite with the most amazing shower I’ve ever used. There are so many jets and a rainfall showerhead. He initially refused to take rent money from me, but we’ve negotiated a compromise for me to take pictures of him for social media instead of cash. Despite my new living arrangements and luxuries, I’m still sad about losing this home.
Foster comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my stomach, resting his head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry you have to go through this, pretty girl.”
“Me too. It was time to move on, but not under these circumstances.” I smile, “Now I have to live with two boys...ewwww”
His chuckle vibrates my chest, “I promise we’ll take it easy on you. If its okay, I want in on that deal you made with Talon. I could use a photographer to help me out. I’ve hired a few people in the past. I can pay in whatever you need.”
I nod, “I can do that, no money needed.”
“Well discuss payment later. I’m going to drop off these boxes. You take as much time as you want here. Make sure we didn’t leave anything behind.”
He kisses my neck and takes off in the truck. I go inside the empty house. We sold off what furniture we didn’t need that was still in good condition and threw out the rest. The buyers are keeping the appliances. I’ve spent the last few days cleaning the whole place from top to bottom, not wanting to leave it a mess. Another walk-through of the house again, checking every closet, drawer, and cupboard, yields nothing. Everything is empty. I say a silent goodbye to the place with tears in my eyes and shut the door one last time.
The trip down the block to the Thorne’s house is a two-minute walk. Foster and Talon are unloading the truck while Mom and Stacy look on.
I raise my eyebrows at them, “Are you enjoying the eye candy?” Neither blush even a little, shameless in their perusal of the men.
“I appreciate their help with all of this,” Mom says and hugs me, “I’m so sorry.” Her voice wobbles.
“It’s not your fault. Life happens. Are you going to be okay here?”
She nods, “I’ll be fine, don’t you worry. Will you be good?”
“Yeah. Everything will be great.”
I join the two of them in watching the guys lifting and carrying the heavy stuff. I must admit it’s a breathtaking site. They’ve both ditched their shirts and have sweat dripping. Foster’s body is bulky and heavily muscled, but Talon’s toned chest and abs are no less impressive. I’m pretty sure I’m drooling now.
I look over to find the two women looking at me with amusement. I do blush at getting caught.
Do I have to lick them to make them mine?
I shake my head at myself.
I grab my mom’s wheelchair, “let’s go start getting your boxes unpacked.”
Both women laugh at me as I hurry inside.