Double The Ache(20)

I’m not sure why I never thought about what everyone would say when they found out two star NFL football players shared a woman. I should have known it would be everywhere. But how does everyone know already? Wes, Dean and I haven’t even put a label on what we are. I’m sure athletes do all kinds of crazy, wild stuff. Why is this catching everyone’s eye? Why is it such a big story? Maybe because they have never been seen with a woman before and my dad owns the team they play for. Still, I want to know how everyone knows already.

“I’ll see you soon, Dad.”

I hang up before he can try and stop me. I can’t help myself. I have to look at some of the articles. I click back to the links on my phone and start reading. The fight. All off it was recorded and went viral. I cringe as I watch the video over again. If I’d never gone on that stupid date this wouldn’t be happening. I shake my head at myself. I don’t even feel sorry for that guy. He was a freaking slimeball and needed a good hit. I am, however, mad at myself and feel terrible I caused this mess for two men who have become my world in such a short time.

I click on another link. An interview with the hostess from the night before fills my screen. Apparently she overheard everything that was said—telling them that Wes and Dean wanted to run a train on me and the other guy wanted to join but they didn’t seem into sharing me. I can see the jealousy in the girl’s eyes. I close it out, feeling sad and humiliated.

There’s article after article about what happened. Most of it’s made-up crap, but some of it’s true. There’s a lot of speculation and I hate that people are shaming what Wes, Dean and I shared. People want answers to questions I don't even have answers to. I only just meet these men and people are talking about weddings and babies. Others are talking about sex clubs and swinging.

My heart flutters at the thought of babies and marriage, but my stomach knots at the mention of swinging and sex clubs. I don’t see Dean and Wes being into that, but what do I know? I lost my virginity to two men who were into sharing one woman. Who knows what else comes with that? They might be okay sharing me between them, but I’d never be okay with sharing them. Ever. The thought makes anger wash over me. I welcome it compared to the tears.

The taxi pulls through the gates and goes right up to the back of the stadium. I toss my money to the driver as I get out of the car, then head for the back door. Before I reach it my dad is coming out.

I barely get a hug before I’m being pulled inside and Wes and Dean are wrapping themselves around me. I melt into them, feeling better just being close to them.

“I’m sorry,” I mumble into one of their chests. I don’t know whose it is and it doesn’t matter.

“Little one. Everything is going to be okay,” one of them says.

“I don’t want you to get in trouble. This is all my fault. I never should have gone on that stupid date,” I say into Wes’s chest. I can tell it’s him now by how broad it is. Arms lift me up and I cling to him, never wanting to let him go, always by their sides. I feel safe here.

“We aren’t doing this here. Give us a moment,” Dean says, I’m guessing to my dad. Wes moves down the long hallway before stepping into a room and shutting the door. He sits me down on the counter.

“Your tears are killing me,” Wes grunts. Dean uses his thumbs to wipe at my face. I lean into his chest, needing his touch just as much as Wes’s.

“She just wiped her nose on you,” Wes laughs. I have to bite back a grin because I did.

“I don’t give a shit,” Dean says.

Hands run along my back. “How much trouble are you guys in?” I ask. I pull back and look between both of them. They have worried looks on their faces. “Oh god, it’s bad, isn’t it?”

“Slow down.” Dean cups my face before he leans in and kisses me softly and sweetly. When his mouth leaves mine, Wes is there next. I feel myself start to calm again. I keep working myself up.

Wes pulls his mouth from mine and I want to be back in their giant bed, hidden away and not being forced to deal with this. Last night was so perfect. Not even twenty-four hours together and we are having to deal with all this crap.

“Are you—”

Dean cuts me off. “We could get suspended for a few games.”

“Really?” I ask, hoping it’s not true.

“Maybe not.” Wes elbows Dean. “The guy isn’t pressing charges. Without charges, the league likely won’t come after us.”

“He’s not? Why? Does he want money or something? God, this is all my fault! I shouldn't have gone on that date. Worse, I shouldn't have tried to make you jealous.”

Wes wraps his hand around my braid, pulling it back so I have to look at him in his eyes. “Everything is going to be fine. We handled it. The guy is a prick with a prick past to match. Don’t even think about him.”

I nod. I shouldn’t be turned on in this moment, but I am. Wes’s full lips quirk in a half smile. He’s probably reading my face.

I feel a finger under my chin, turning me to look at Dean. “All that matters is that we’re together. The rest is shit that we’ll sort out one way or another. As long as we’re together, the three of us are the only team that matters at the end of the day.”

“I’m going to fall in love with you two if you’re not careful,” I tease.