Chapter 13
Leo
Never did I think there’d come a day when I’d be willingly sitting in Parker’s apartment.
It’s nice for what it is, an apartment for two inside an old-as-hell building.
I hold Mia in my arms on Parker’s couch while he brews her some coffee.
She seems much more with it since taking a cool shower, brushing her teeth, and downing some water.
It’s not like her to drink at all, and definitely not like her to drink so much she’s trashed.
She’s wearing a pair of Parker’s sweats, rolled down a few times on her waist, and because I’m territorial as fuck, I took off my hoodie and pulled it over her head.
Now she’s in my arms, smelling of a mix of both of us, and I don’t hate it. In fact, Mia looks happier than ever.
Parker returns, handing Mia a cup of hot coffee. She sits up, pulling her knees to her chest and blowing over the rim. She’s so cute, and I can’t look away. I’m completely smitten with this woman.
“So, we should probably talk about what you want out of this,” Parker starts, and I appreciate that he’s getting the conversation rolling.
I never thought I would be willing to share her.
I’m way too possessive. But this situation is different, and while I don’t want to admit it, I don’t hate Parker and actually find myself attracted to him from time to time.
Which really fucks with my head. “You remember what you said? What you want us to do?”
“Oh, I remember. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.
I don’t understand it any more than you two do.
But I know what I feel, and I am equally, desperately, in love with both of you.
I really want to be with both of you. Choosing between you is killing me.
I’m not sleeping, I’m stressed, and my heart is split in two. I can’t live like this anymore.”
Parker looks over at me, directing his next words to me.
“I meant what I said outside. I’m okay with this.
But I feel like you deserve to have all the facts before you agree.
I’m bisexual, and I just think it’s important that you know I’m attracted to both women and men.
” The first question that pops into my head shouldn’t be whether or not he’s attracted to me, but yet, here we are.
Now I’m scrambling to find words to reply.
What am I supposed to say, same? I can’t admit that to him.
“That, uh, that doesn’t bother me. Our focus is Mia, so I’m not worried about anything.”
“So, are you still good with this?”
“I don’t understand how it’s going to work, to be honest. Mia, have you thought about logistics?”
“Not really. Just that I want both of you. And I can’t keep going the way we have been.”
“I can’t either,” I admit. When you leave me to go to him, when I know he’s touched you because you also need him, knowing that he has a piece of your heart I’ll never get .
. .” I huff, running my hand through my hair.
“It’s tough. But I want all of you. Parker’s right, if it means you’ll be happy, I’d do anything for you.
” Mia’s face lights up, and if I needed any sign that I was making the right decision, she just gave it to me.
“There’s just the elephant in the room that needs to be addressed.
This,” I say, waving my hand around at the three of us, “won’t be accepted.
To anyone. Anywhere. Especially not to my family.
I hate sounding like an asshole here, because I don’t give a shit what type of relationship people are in, who they love or who they’re fucking, as long as everyone is a consenting adult, but I can’t let this get out. ”
Parker surprises me by coming to my aid. “I get it. I’m lucky as hell that I was raised by parents who would never judge me, but that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant of the fact that it isn’t a reality for everyone.” Another point for Parker, I guess. Which is annoying.
“So, we keep it a secret. Something hidden, that’s just for us,” Mia adds.
“Yeah. I can do that,” Parker says eagerly. I sigh with relief, even if this still feels wild. My heart slams against my rib cage.
“Yeah, me too.”
Another thing to keep hidden.