Chapter Ten
Avery
Sunshine filters through my curtains, casting dancing shadows against my closed lids until it wakes me before my alarm.
The guys had warned me they’d be gone by morning, but I’m still disappointed when they’re not sprawled on either side of me.
Over the past few weeks, our relationship has shifted into something deeper, more intimate.
Almost every evening, Jaxton, Liam, and I have spent hours together—sharing meals, watching movies, or just talking late into the night.
It feels natural, effortless, like we’re building something solid.
Meanwhile, Lennox and Kamden have become a constant presence in my life, their daily messages and calls keeping them close despite the distance.
From early-morning check-ins to late-night chats, our conversations never seem to end, weaving a connection between us that grows stronger every day.
It’s overwhelming in the best way, and I can’t help but feel like I’m falling into something extraordinary.
When I snag my phone to shut off my alarm, today is no different, as I scroll through the early morning messages waiting for me.
Liam’s message is the first I open.
Good morning, beautiful.
I hope you dreamed about me.
I can’t wait to see that smile of yours today.
You know where to find me if you need a little… boost to start your day.
Have a fantastic one, Bee.
A small laugh bubbles up as I read.
Liam’s always so direct, full of that confident energy that makes him seem unshakable.
I can imagine his half-smirk, that grin he gets when he knows he’s making me blush.
Biting my lip, I move to Jaxton’s message, excited about what it might say.
He has a knack for making me feel cherished, and he knows exactly how to make my heart race.
Rise and shine, Kitten.
I know you’re probably all curled up and cozy, but just know I’m picturing you still in my arms.
Can’t wait to see you tonight.
Have a great day, baby.
A grin spreads across my face as I read his words, already feeling the warmth of Jaxton’s message flow through me.
He has this incredible way of making me feel like I’m the only one in the world.
The image of him holding me close, tucked against his chest? That was something I couldn’t resist… and didn’t last night.
The next message is from Lennox.
Excitement flushes through me, considering how new our connection is—we’re practically strangers, yet something between us just feels right.
Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone.
Hey, Avery! Just wanted to wish you a good day.
Let me know if you need anything or if you just want to chat.
We’ll call you later tonight.
It’s sweet, simple, and genuine—just like him.
Being Liam’s twin, Lennox shares many of his qualities, but there’s a wicked glint in his eyes that hints at his own mischievous streak.
Lennox doesn’t pretend to be anything he’s not, and that authenticity is one of the things I love most about him.
Kamden’s message comes next.
He’s still a bit of a mystery—polite, cautious, but I can tell he’s trying to break through that in his own way.
Good morning, Avery! Hope you have an amazing day at work.
I’ll be thinking of you.
The thoughtfulness in his words makes me smile again. Reading their messages fills me with warmth, each of them sharing a little piece of themselves.
Just as I’m about to reply individually, a group message notification pings. All the guys chiming in, including me in a piece of their day.
Liam: Alright, what’s everyone up to today? I’m just reminding everyone I get dibs on Avery’s lunch break if she’s free.
Jaxton: Don’t you mean we get dibs? Sheesh, Liam. You’ve got to share, man.
Lennox: Haha, sounds like Liam’s not in the mood for sharing. But I’m up for meeting anytime if Avery’s game.
Kamden: Same here! Avery, whenever you’re free, count me in. Even if we all get five minutes, it’d be great to chat a bit.
Amused, I shake my head. They’re already getting possessive, playful, and I love how each of them brings something different to the table.
I quickly type a reply. Good morning, everyone! I just woke up and am about to get ready for work. I’d love to have lunch with all of you, but that’s a long trip for two of you.
Lennox replies almost instantly. I get the feeling it’d be worth it. Besides, we’ll be there soon, so I’m calling dibs on a lunch date while I’m there.
Deal!
The others start chiming in, each mock-pouting that they want their own lunch date too.
Everyone will get a lunch date. We can do them one at a time and then have group lunches. I’d love to get to know you individually as well as together. A smirk tugs at my lips as I picture us all in a restaurant, turning heads with their looks and vibrant personalities.
After a pause, Jaxton responds. Um, Kitten, reread your last text.
Confused, I scanned my message, not seeing anything amiss. Not sure what you mean? This is new to me, but I want you all to know you’ll get the same time and attention from me. No choosing or favorites. My fingers shake a little as I hit send. I’m being forward, but honesty feels right in this kind of relationship. I’ll catch up with you all later. Hope you have a good day!
Liam: Catch you later, Bee. I’ll text you around lunch to see if you’re busy.
Jaxton: Looking forward to tonight. Have a great day, Kitten. Don’t work too hard.
Lennox: Great to hear from you, Sweetheart. We’ll talk soon!
Kamden: Have a good day, Avery! Text us whenever you’re free!
Their thoughtful goodbyes warm me, leaving each conversation open for later. With a sigh, I set down my phone, feeling a pleasant flutter as I got ready for the day.
As I head out the door, my foot hits a single white rose lying on the porch, identical to the last one, with thorns clipped and a note attached.
Roses are red, violets are blue, they’ll never leave me, or I’ll find you.
My heart skips a beat at the hint of a threat, but I brush it off, knowing how possessive they are. The thought of them chasing me down to the ends of the earth? Strangely tempting.
Smiling, I placed the rose in a vase before driving to the bakery. Mondays are usually slow, so I hope the day won’t drag.
It’s a short drive, but just long enough to squeeze in a quick call to my dad. As soon as I hit dial, the shrill ringing fills the car through the speakers, echoing in the small space.
He picks up after a couple of rings, his familiar voice coming through with a warmth that instantly soothes me. “Hey, darling. Everything okay?”
“Hey, Dad. Yeah, everything’s fine. Just wanted to check in, see how you’re doing.”
There’s a brief pause before he responds, a hint of amusement in his tone. “You? Calling just to check in? Should I be worried?”
I roll my eyes, even though he can’t see me. “Very funny. Maybe I just miss you.”
He chuckles. “Uh-huh. I’m doing fine—same old, same old. Been hanging out with Tom and battling those damn deer that won’t stop eating the leaves off my trees.”
I laugh softly, imagining him shaking his head as he watches the adorable wildlife from the window—wildlife he’ll complain about, yet never lift a finger to stop from raiding the yard. “Sounds about right.”
There’s a beat of silence before he casually asks, “So… how are things with you? And, uh, the guys?”
My stomach tightens slightly, but not with anxiety—more like surprise. He hasn’t asked much about them, and I haven’t exactly offered a ton of details. Still, something in his voice tells me he’s not judging, just checking in.
“They’re good,”
I say carefully, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Things are... different, but in a good way.”
“Different, huh?”
He hums thoughtfully. “Well, as long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.”
His easy acceptance catches me off guard, warmth blooming in my chest. “I am,”
I admit, voice softer now.
“Good.”
He clears his throat, shifting gears. “Alright, darling, I won’t keep you. Drive safe, alright?”
“I will. Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too.”
The call ends, leaving me with a lingering sense of reassurance. He doesn’t press for details, doesn’t ask the questions I’m not ready to answer yet—but his quiet support is there, steady and unwavering. And somehow, that’s more than enough.
The morning passes quietly until the afternoon, when a steady stream of customers keeps me too busy to text Liam for lunch. The next time I check the clock, it’s nearly closing time. My excitement builds, knowing I’ll finally get a chance to call the guys once I’m home.
The last couple of hours fly by as I clean and prep everything for Roman’s shift. Just as I finish scrubbing down the counters, it hits me—I still haven’t called him to ask which pans he wants set out for tonight’s baking. It’s my not-so-subtle attempt to get the inside scoop on what treat he’s whipping up next. Not that it ever works. Roman’s lips are sealed tighter than the vault at Fort Knox.
I grab my phone and dial his number, already bracing myself for his usual sarcastic banter. He picks up on the first ring.
“Avery! I was just thinking about you,”
he says, his voice dripping with sweet sarcasm. “What can I do for you on this beautiful evening?”
I roll my eyes, leaning against the counter. “You can tell me what pans I need to leave out for tonight.”
“Ah, the infamous question. You think I’m going to spill my secrets just like that?”
he teases, like I’ve asked him to reveal the formula for the world’s most coveted dessert.
I sigh dramatically, playing along. “Roman, please. I know you’re baking something fancy. Just tell me what pans to set out so I don’t mess this up.”
He pauses, like he’s contemplating whether or not to throw me a bone. “Well, fine. I’ll give you a hint, but only because I’m feeling generous,”
he says, stretching out the words. “Leave out the 9x13 and a couple of round cake pans. That’s all you’re getting.”
I huff in mock frustration. “You’re unbelievable. You know that, right?”
He laughs, clearly enjoying my annoyance. “Oh, I know. But you love it. Now, go on, get those pans out. I’ve got genius-level baking to do.”
I shake my head, grinning. “You’re such a diva. Alright, I’ll go get the pans, but I’m definitely going to keep asking until you tell me what you’re making.”
“Good luck with that,”
he says, his voice laced with mock sweetness.
I laugh and hang up, already wondering what kind of ridiculous creation Roman has up his sleeve this time. One thing’s for sure—whatever it is, it’ll be over-the-top, and I’ll probably love it.
With about twenty minutes to go before closing, a woman around my age walks into the shop. She glances around with a sneer, clearly feeling she’s above this place. She’s of average height, with mousy brown hair and eyes—nothing particularly remarkable about her, except for the attitude she’s carrying. Without even glancing at the menu, she eyes me suspiciously.
“Hi, how can I help you?”
I ask politely, though something feels off about her. Her intense, almost mesmerizing stare makes me uncomfortable, and just as I’m about to ask if she needs something specific, she speaks.
“Yes, you can,”
she says, but doesn’t elaborate, leaving an awkward silence.
“Well… what can I help you with?”
I ask, my voice turning a bit stern, tired of whatever game she’s playing.
“Do you know Jaxton or Liam?”
Her question catches me off guard, words dying on my lips. Why is she asking about them? My heart pounds.
“Yes,”
I answer cautiously. “Why are you asking?”
I scan her more carefully now, wondering why she’s interested in my guys.
“I was just wondering who the homewrecker is that’s trying to steal my best friend’s boyfriends,”
she says casually, her words so brazen it takes a second to process them.
“What are you talking about?”
I demand, a mixture of confusion and irritation creeping in.
She smirks, her eyes full of disdain. “We knew they were sneaking around at night, but this is a new low for them, stooping to your level. Ugh, you are so not in their league.”
Her words hit like a punch. Jaxton and Liam have a girlfriend? I try to process what this stranger is claiming.
“I don’t believe you.”
Our connection feels special. There’s no way they’re cheating… right?
Her smug expression chips away at my confidence, letting doubt take root. “You don’t have to believe me. Go see for yourself. They’re together right now, over by the grade school.”
She looks me up and down with a dismissive sneer. “I’ll let my friend know she has nothing to worry about—you’re not exactly competition.”
Without waiting for a response, she walks away, leaving me standing there, stunned and shaken.
My hands tremble as her words sink in. Did I hear that right? They already have a girlfriend. This entire time, have they been lying to me? Nausea churns in my stomach, cold and unforgiving. They’re together right now, apparently.
Doubt plagues me. How could they fake what we’ve been building… or is it just one-sided? Are they just using me? But why introduce me to their brothers if that were true? There’s only one way to know for sure—I have to see them for myself.
Decision made; I closed the store early. Still wearing my flour-dusted apron, I hurry out, climb into my car, and drive toward the grade school where Crazy claimed they’d be. Traffic is heavier than usual, but I finally find a spot across the street, scanning the area like a complete stalker.
Guilt gnaws at me. I can’t believe I’m here, doubting them because of one stranger’s words, basically stalking my own boyfriends.
What am I doing here? I think, rolling my eyes at my own absurdity. I start the car again, about to drive off, when I catch sight of Jaxton walking across the grass with two women. All rational thoughts fly out the window when I see Liam join them from behind a nearby trailer.
I recognize Crazy herself as one of the women, while Liam slides between Jaxton and the other woman with an air of familiarity, waving his hands like he’s explaining something. Crazy stops to say something to them before laughing and walking away, heading toward a trailer parked nearby.
The “best friend”
uses my moment of distraction to sidle up closer to Jaxton, flipping her hair over her shoulder and smiling, blatantly flirting. Her reddish-brown hair catches in the breeze, highlighting her flawless skin. She’s about my height, with a doll-like prettiness that’s hard to miss. I can see why they’d be attracted to her.
Another pang hits my heart when she moves even closer to Jaxton, practically purring as she leans against him. Does he call us both “Kitten”? My heart sinks, then cracks. No… they wouldn’t… would they?
But that last flicker of hope fades as Jaxton steps toward her, and she runs a hand up his chest. He leans down and kisses her, though it lacks the passion he shows me. Still, I’ve seen enough.
As my heart shatters, Liam sneers and turns away from the two, while Jaxton, smiling, talks animatedly with the woman before they part ways. She walks back to the trailer her friend entered, hopping up the steps without a care in the world. Jaxton and Liam walk off in another direction, gesturing animatedly, as though they’re arguing.
I can’t hold back the sob that bursts from my chest. Tears stream down my cheeks, reminding me of the apron still tied around me. By the time I compose myself enough to drive, they’re nowhere in sight, but it doesn’t matter.
The drive home is a blur. They have a girlfriend. They’ve had one this entire time. A mocking voice in my head taunts me the entire way, repeating I told you so. Of course, they were just messing with me. They’re two of the hottest guys I’ve ever met, not to mention the brothers they supposedly wanted me to meet.
I thought this was something real, or close to it, a whirlwind romance that might actually be the closest thing to love at first sight I’ll ever feel. Even their brothers—who I hadn’t even met yet—had a piece of my heart. Corny, maybe, but it was true.
Once home, I slam the door shut, taking a small satisfaction in the sound. Frustrated and heartsick, I striped down as I head to my room, done with this entire day. I feel foolish. I let myself believe in this fairytale, though we had an electrifying connection, but I was so wrong.
Finally calm, I lie on my bed, ready to close this day out and escape into sleep. Just as my eyes grow heavy, my phone rings. My heart leaps, knowing who it is even without looking.
I muster the courage to check the screen and confirm my suspicion… Jaxton. His picture, a silly selfie he’d taken and set as his contact photo, flashes across the screen. I stare at it, torn. Should I answer and confront him, or just ghost him completely?
Whatever the answer… I’m not ready to face it.
By seven, my phone had vibrated several times, each notification displaying their names repeatedly, waiting for a response. The tears have dried on my cheeks as I lie curled beneath my blankets, anger simmering beneath the surface. I shared my secret places with them—my sanctuaries—and now it feels like a betrayal.
With a rough tap, I open my messages, bracing myself to address their texts. They start out innocently enough. “Hey, Avery. Are you off work yet? Call me when you get this. Can’t wait to hear your voice.”
My heart clenches as I read, but I keep scrolling, wanting to see if they’ll admit to what I’ve learned. I imagine Crazy has already filled them in on her visit.
The next few messages are similar, with the same sentiments—"Can’t wait to see you," "Please call me," "Miss you." By the fourth message, though, there’s a shift. I hear the worry creeping into Liam's voice. “Avery, I know you keep your phone nearby at work. Are you okay? I’m getting worried. Please call me.”
For a moment, I feel the tug of his concern. But then I remember: it’s all an act. Determined, I delete the message and listen to the last one, from Jaxton.
“That’s it, Kitten, we’re coming over.”
His growl echoes through my phone, and I sit up, scanning the timestamp. Before I can fully process it, a hard knock sounds at my front door.
My heart pounds as their voices rise from outside, urgent and insistent. “Open the door, Bee! Your car’s in the driveway!”
My room is furthest away from the front door, so I can’t make out their murmurs, but their raised voices are clear as they shout.
“Kitten, if you don’t open this door or send us a text, we’re coming in!”
What am I going to do? For a moment, hiding under my covers seems like a perfect plan. But then I remind myself I’m an adult, and hiding won’t solve anything. Yet, I’m in no mood for this confrontation, so I decide not to answer the door, leaning back into my bed.
Then it hits me—I left the door unlocked. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I start to sneak toward the living room to lock it, but it’s too late. I hear the door open, and they rush inside.
“Kitten!”
“Bee! Avery!”
They call out, moving quickly through the living room and kitchen before charging down the hall to my room.
The door flies open, and they stand there, staring, slightly out of breath. “Are you okay?”
Liam asks urgently, dropping to his knees beside me, reaching for my hand. “Why didn’t you answer our calls?”
I instinctively pull my hand away, causing his brows to shoot up in surprise. “What the hell, Bee, what’s going on?”
His voice trembles, thick with nervous energy.
“No! You need to leave! Both of you!”
I shout, pointing toward the door.
They’re stunned, mouths opening and closing like fish out of water, until Jaxton finally mutters into his phone, “We will.”
Then stuffing it back into his pocket, his gaze now locked on me, filled with worry. “What? Why? What’s going on? Please just talk to us, Kitten.”
He takes a step forward, shaking his head as if refusing to accept my dismissal.
Well, they’re about to get a sample of my temper.