16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Gauge
The rest of my shift was spent almost exclusively worrying about how things were going with Emma and Jamie. I hoped they were having a good time, but I kept wondering how much Jamie was telling her.
I was grateful when Rosie finally showed up to relieve me.
Instead of actually talking, I just nodded to her and raced home.
When I got there and opened the door, Jamie and Emma were cuddled up on our couch.
Jamie was sprawled out, with their head resting in Emma's lap as she stroked Jamie's hair.
Emma must've been telling them something funny since Jamie burst into laughter which cut off too abruptly when I cleared my throat and they saw me.
Jamie shot me a sly grin that was as cute as it was concerning, but my girl took my attention away.
"Gauge!" she cried.
I had to laugh when she gently pushed Jamie's head off her lap so she could hop up from the couch. Then she bounded over to me and hugged me.
Her energy made it clear she'd probably had a drink or two, but I was glad she was happy and comfortable with me and Jamie.
I wrapped my arms around her and quietly asked, "Good day?"
"Much better. Thank you so much!" She pulled away, smiling at me. "I didn't mean to trouble either of you."
"No trouble at all," Jamie assured her before I could.
"I did want to talk to you, though," she said with some hesitation.
"My fault, actually," Jamie interrupted. "I kissed her and made things weird."
Emma immediately tensed. I turned to glare at Jamie, asking, "Consensually?"
"Of course!" they exclaimed. "You know me better than that."
I did. They were damn good at doing what they were told, and they were a massive flirt, but they didn't usually do anything without being directed. They were very good at taking direction, though, and at taking a good fucking.
"I'm sorry," Emma said to me. "I drank a bit more than I normally do. It was a really rough day, and I wasn't thinking."
I was struggling to decide if she felt weird about it because she thought I would be upset or because she felt weird about it happening. "Did you like it?" I asked.
"What?” Emma stuttered. “Um—I—"
"Come on, G," Jamie said, "you're stressing her out for no reason."
"What?"
Jamie rolled their eyes and turned to Emma. "Gauge is poly, and sometimes not the best at remembering that monogamy exists and that he should tell people he's poly from the start."
That was an understatement. I didn't remember to tell people because I didn't ever do this with humans. But Jamie was apparently right, since the tension in Emma's face morphed from stress into interest.
"So… wait. You two," she said, pointing between me and Jamie, "are...?"
Jamie laughed. "Yeah, us and our third roommate, the scary hot one I was telling you about, are partners."
"Really?" she asked, turning back to me.
"Yes, I'm sorry. Jamie's right, I'm somewhat new to this. I didn't think to tell you. I hope it's okay," I offered.
"Okay?" she asked in disbelief. I panicked for a moment before she continued, "Oh thank god."
"So, is it okay?" I asked.
"Does that mean you'd be okay with me kissing Jamie again?"
"I'd be okay with you fucking Jamie if you wanted, as long as I got to be involved sometimes," I answered honestly.
My mind started to run away with the possibilities, which Emma interrupted by kissing me.
I yanked her toward me, deepening the kiss for a moment before remembering we were having an important conversation and pulling away.
"So, we're okay?" I asked.
"More than okay. You're perfect," she answered, grinning.
"What about me?" Jamie asked.
"You're pretty alright," she shot back, making me chuckle.
"Ouch!" Jamie chided with a grin. "At least I'm pretty, though. I'll give you two some privacy, unless you want a third?"
I looked at Emma, but she hesitated a moment, so I offered her an out. "I'd rather you to myself for now, if that's okay."
She nodded quickly, and I noticed she looked really tired and worn out. As nice as yesterday was—and as much as I wanted to try out new positions with her and explore more of her—she looked like what she could use most of all was a hot bath, a warm bed, and maybe a cuddle partner.