21
THEA
Buzzzz. Buzzz. Buzzz.
The gentle vibration of my phone drags me out of my nap. I’m dazed and answer without seeing who’s calling.
“Hello,” I answer groggily.
“Jesus, Thea. Are you sleeping?” It’s Cassie’s voice on the other end.
It takes me a minute. What time is it? I pull the phone away from my ear. It’s a little after eleven a.m. My laptop is resting on my chest in bed. I must’ve dozed off editing photos.
Cassie’s voice urgently pushes through the speaker. “Thea?”
Why does she sound so panicked?“Is everything fine?”
“No, everything is not fine,” she hisses. “I have a client who has been trying to get a hold of you for an hour because you didn’t show up for her shoot. She tracked me down and started blowing up my phone. Today’s my day off. Where are you?”
I sit up instantly. My mind searches for the memory of a client booking for today, but I don’t have any until tomorrow. “Cassie, I don’t have anything booked for today. Is it possible she wrote the date down wrong?”
“I’m looking at her confirmation email. The date is today. Can you get your ass over here?”
I’m throwing on my shoes and grabbing my bag. I don’t think I’ve ever run so fast—getting there in less than five minutes.
Cassie shoots me a stern look as I open the door. “We’ll talk later,” she whispers as she leaves me with my client.
“I’m so sorry. There must have been some kind of mixup on my calendar. Let me go get settled and I’ll get you in right away. Is there anything I can get you in the meantime?”
The woman is visibly pissed. “No,” she answers curtly.
I need to hurry. I don’t want to keep her waiting any longer. Thankfully, I reset my studio after my last shoot, so there isn’t much to do except to turn on my lighting. Pulling my camera from my bag, I turn it on. I groan as I see that the battery is at seven percent and reach into my satchel to retrieve the charger. It’s not there. The extra batteries are also missing.
Hurrying to Cassie’s side of the studio, I search her work desk for batteries or a charger. I can’t remember what camera she has or if her accessories are interchangeable with mine. However, it doesn’t matter. She’s taken her camera bag home and there aren’t any spares.
She can’t find out about this.
I don’t want to face my client. How am I supposed to explain any of this? The truth is the only thing that feels right. I assure her I’m never this unprepared and practically beg for her forgiveness. I offer her a reschedule and the shoot at no charge to make up for wasting her time. She reluctantly accepts, although says she’ll call me to let me know about another date. Something tells me I might not hear from her.
It doesn’t make sense. Missing an appointment isn’t like me, as forgetful as I can be. I sit on the couch in my studio and pull up the calendar on my phone. Her appointment says tomorrow, yet her confirmation says today.
I have no one to blame but myself. Maybe I clicked the wrong date or meant to move another appointment. Either way, I know Cassie isn’t going to be happy if she finds out that I couldn’t do the photoshoot. I’ve disappointed her twice this week. I shouldn’t care about that as much as I do, however, I can’t help it.
I lock up the studio and notice that her white Lexus is still in the parking lot. She’s doing something on her phone when she glances up and sees me.
She rolls down her window as I walk up.
“I saw your client leave. What happened?”
I groan internally at having to share my unpreparedness with her. “My camera battery wasn’t charged, I didn’t have extras, and I didn’t bring my charger. I told her I’d do a complimentary shoot whenever she wants.” There’s no point in hiding any of it.
“Thea, that’s unacceptable. Things like this can be detrimental to our business. Our actions can affect each other. It’s up to each of us to make sure that we’re doing two hundred percent, especially since we’ve just opened. We can’t risk our business being bad mouthed.” Her lecture makes me feel small. Not everyone is like her—organized and on top of things at all times.
Cass usually offers me a little more leniency, although between missing the appointment with the realtor and this, it seems she doesn’t have any to spare.
“Forgetting to lock the studio doors, the issue with your truck, now this. What is going on? This isn’t like you.” Great, the studio doors again. I can’t even refute her because I likely forgot to lock my truck and look where that got me.
Despite taking accountability for my failures, a rare flare of anger ignites inside of me. I bite out, “Cass, you’ve always known I’m a forgetful person. I’m not as put together as you. You can’t hold me to that standard,” I finish weakly. I’ve never talked to her like this and remorse hits almost immediately. “I’m sorry,” I add, defeated. “I’ll work on it. I don’t want our business or our friendship to suffer because of this.”
My words seem to soften her. “I’m not trying to be hard on you. I… I want us to succeed. I don’t want to depend on my parents for the rest of my life.” It’s difficult to understand where she’s coming from, although I try.
I could only dream of having my parent’s support as a major problem in life. Jealousy rises up, but I stuff it back down. It’s not her fault that she comes from the kind of family I’ve always wanted.
“We’ll be successful. I know it,” I assure her. It’s all I can think of to say to her.
We leave on kinder goodbyes. Still, I feel there’s some tension there only time will resolve.
This has been a week from hell. I need a distraction tonight. I pull out my phone and dial Cole’s number.
“Can you pick me up?”
I’m pacing in Cole’s kitchen. I have been for the last ten minutes. There’s too much on my mind—I can’t reconcile any of it. Cole picked me up at home after he finished closing up at work. The drive was silent and now I’m working out my aggression on his floor.
“Drink this,” Damian orders, handing me a glass filled to the brim with red wine. I don’t fight him—taking a long gulp. He backs away slowly.
“Need to talk about it?” Sutton asks, perched on the countertop.
“No.” It comes out clipped. I’m still not happy with him. His lying hurt the worst. I take another long pull of the wine. “It’s like as soon as one thing gets better, another thing goes wrong. I open my dream business, my ex comes back into town. I meet a nice guy, the town gossips in my face. Business picks up. Then my parents set the record for being the biggest assholes I know, aside from Gavin. Then the good stuff stops happening and the bad shit keeps coming. My truck, the calendar mix up, Cassie getting upset with me.” I polish off the rest of the glass.
It isn’t until the words are out of my mouth that I realize I’ve likely insulted Cole’s brothers. They’re supposed to be part of the good things, right? I rub my temples. “Sorry, I’m just frustrated.”
I want to cry from the buildup of emotions, yet I can’t do that in front of them.
Damian refills my glass. “Don’t apologize. You have every right to be upset.” I meet his eyes and find a surprising amount of compassion in them. I don’t know what to do with that.
The edges of my mind begin to feel fuzzy. When was the last time I ate? I open the cabinets as if I live there, needing to eat something to soak up the wine.
“Woah.” Cole comes to my side. “What are you looking for? A snack?” I nod. “Let me get it for you.”
I step back, waiting for him to find something. A hand grabs mine and tugs at me. I lose my balance a little. Sutton pulls me close so that I’m between his legs and staring up at him. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol, but he looks incredibly tall sitting on the counter.
He puts his forehead to mine. “Breathe, Thea.” I resist. “Breathe. It will help.” I roll my eyes. Then I do what he says, giving him some deep breaths. After four, I feel slightly better. Damn him for being right. “I’m sorry.” Sutton pulls back from me so he can look into my eyes. “I should have told you. There aren’t any excuses for that. I was selfish and didn’t want to lose you.”
I can’t stay mad at him. It’s Sutton. And I want a clean slate.
“It’s okay. I understand and would’ve probably done the same if I were you.” It’s completely true. If I was in Sutton’s shoes, knowing we could have a second chance, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that I would have done anything to make that happen.
Cole brings me an almond bar. “This should help until dinner’s ready. You need water.” He fills a glass, hands it to me, and I drink the whole thing.
Tearing off a corner of the bar, I chew it crudely, too tipsy and starving to care about manners. It makes Sutton laugh. Then, it hits me. This is the first time I’ve been around all of them since I made my decision.
Do they know I’ve said yes? Did Cole tell them, or am I supposed to? The shift of energy in the room is suddenly very obvious. Sutton’s hand is cupping the back of my neck as I lean into him. Damian’s anticipating my needs. Cole as well. Even Wesley has changed somewhat, although not completely. He’s sitting in the dining room, observing. However, he’s not avoiding eye contact with me as I stare at him for far too long.
I turn back to Cole, mouthing silently, “Do they know?” He nods and I swallow hard. A flood of anxiety pushes through my body. I don’t know how I’m supposed to act. Cole takes the initiative, sensing my unease.
“Might as well address the elephant in the room.” He says it more for me because the four men don’t seem to share an ounce of the same nervousness I’m feeling. “Thea’s decided to give this a try. She’ll set the pace, we’ll take it slow and not pressure her. Most importantly, we’ll respect her boundaries and if she decides that this isn’t what she wants, we’ll let her go.” All four nod in agreement as if they’ve already discussed all of this prior to my arrival.
I need to say something. Cole’s only addressed me, but I want them to know that I’ll respect them as well. “Your boundaries matter to me. Please don’t feel obligated to pursue this if it isn’t what you want.” My gaze travels back to Wesley.
He needs to know that I don’t want him to feel pressured by his brothers to do this. I read his words in the group chat, yet I’m still reluctant to believe that he truly wants me.
“If you’re referring to Wesley, like I said, he’s not an issue.” I scowl at Damian’s words. “Fine, don’t take my word for it. Wesley, give the girl a damn compliment or something. Let her know you don’t think she’s repulsive.” My jaw drops at his bluntness.
Wesley rolls his eyes, although he doesn’t bite back. I’m seeing that Damian is the ringleader here—the alpha. “You have a decent ass, blue eyes.”
The fuck?
Damian chuckles and rounds the island, coming nearer to me. “See, princess, he likes you.” If that is Wesley’s version of nice, I’d hate to see mean. He leans in close, the tip of his nose brushing my ear. “Don’t worry, I think your ass is perfection,” he murmurs in a low, husky voice. Goosebumps spread over my skin and warmth pools at my core. He’s insufferable.
I recoil from him, pushing farther into Sutton. “Jesus, Damian. I’ll take Wesley’s compliment over yours any day.”
“Take it easy,” Sutton warns his brother as he brushes past me and heads into the dining room with Wesley. Cole joins them, leaving Sutton and I alone.
I turn in his arms, giving him my back so I can observe the others from a distance.
After a few minutes, the words slip from my mouth unintentionally. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to do this.” Sutton’s hands knead my shoulders, working out the tension that’s built up over the last few weeks.
“I can help,” he offers, leaning close to whisper in my ear. “Cole likes his women sweet. You know, the girl next door type. Those big doe eyes of yours probably did him in.” I watch Cole as he smiles at whatever Damian says. His blonde curls sway over his forehead. “Then there’s Wesley. He likes ‘em fearless and independent. He loves the chase, but surprise him once in a while.” Wesley’s describing something. His hands arc wide and his warm brown eyes are expressive. God, that big smile of his is breathtaking. “Damian…well he likes to be in control if you couldn’t tell. He’ll want to take care of you and for you to let him take the lead. Although he doesn’t mind a little push back.” I watch as Damian smirks, then his eyes flick to me, smoldering with intensity so that I have to look away.
Sutton is silent for a few moments before I ask. “What about you?” I stare up at him, waiting for his answer. The silver rim of his glasses matches the rings on his lip.
“My tastes aren’t so clear cut. Come as you are. I’m searching for a soul connection.” His hands go still on my shoulders and it’s almost as if I can feel our auras swirling together. A hot electricity builds where our skin meets. “Do you feel that?” He breathes against my neck.
“Yes,” I answer softly. I’ve always felt it. Like something deep inside of us calls to one another. It doesn’t make sense. Still, I can’t deny it.
Sutton’s fingers tilt my chin upwards—he swipes his tongue over his lips. I follow the two silver balls as they disappear back into his mouth before my attention is drawn to the hoops hugging his bottom lip. I wonder what it would be like to kiss him with those piercings. How would they feel on other parts of me?
Leaning down, he softly presses his lips to mine. The warmth of his mouth contrasting against the cool metal makes me shiver. The kitchen fades away and it’s only the two of us. Sutton doesn’t deepen the kiss. He simply enjoys the feeling of what we’ve both wanted for so long.
When he pulls back, I’m acutely aware of three sets of eyes on us, yet I can’t bring myself to meet their gazes. I grab my wine and pour the half full glass down my throat.
“All right boys, I’m heading out. My ride’s here. Sorry again for the late start to—” My head snaps in the direction of the woman’s voice.
At the top of the stairs stands an older woman carrying a bucket of cleaning supplies, staring at me. Her blonde hair is tied messily at the top of her head and her face is flushed. This must be Jessie, their housekeeper.
I give her a wide smile. “Hi, I’m Thea.”
“Jessie,” she offers flatly before looking away.
“Jess took care of sanitizing the kitchen and getting rid of all the gluten shit,” Damian mentions, glancing from her to me.
I don’t know what the issue is, but she won’t even look me in the face. I try for nice again. “Thank you, I really appreciate that!”
“Listen, you boys have a good weekend. Try to keep this place clean so I don’t have to bust my ass too much next week. And tell your girlfriend to throw her towels in the hamper when she’s done with them.”
The room gets eerily silent as Jessie says the last part. She doesn’t seem to notice or care as she walks out the front door. All eyes are on me. I’m still trying to process what the fuck just happened. Did my one towel on the bathroom floor piss her off that much?
Sutton’s arms wrap around me. “Don’t worry about Jess. She’s been with us for years and can be a little overprotective. She doesn’t mean anything by it.”
“She does have a point though,” Wesley chimes in. “Put your towels in the hamper.” He says it with a completely straight face. I can’t tell if he’s serious or if this is his weird way of teasing me.
My scowl makes Damian’s mouth tug into a smirk.
They carry on normally for the rest of the night as if their housekeeper hadn’t insulted me. And like I haven’t kissed my boyfriend’s brother while he watched. This place keeps getting stranger and stranger.
Damian doesn’t let me lift a finger except to eat and drink. Wesley keeps his distance, although I catch his gaze every time I look at him. He doesn’t avert his eyes anymore or stomp off in anger. He just watches me curiously.
Sutton doesn’t bat an eye when Cole wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my neck. No jealousy? I’m not buying it.
We end the evening in the theater room.
The men let me choose where I’ll settle first, before taking their places—Cole to my right and Sutton to my left. Damian hands out candy, popcorn, and drinks before we get all cozy under the plush throw blankets. Wesley takes his seat at the very end of the couch near Sutton, while Damian sits next to Cole.
It all feels so easy. No one complains or acts jilted, like it’s important to them that I don’t get overwhelmed.
Beneath the blankets, Cole and Sutton each take a hand, never trying to push it farther than that—simply content with me trying this unusual situation.
I fall asleep while watching the movie and wake sometime in the middle of the night to a dark room. It takes me a minute to realize where I am. When I do, I see that the men have all huddled closer to me. Arms are thrown over one another so that each has a hand touching me, even Wesley.
I settle myself back into sleep and have the most restful night that I can remember in a very long time, feeling utterly protected and cared for.