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Thinking back on that day, what I was unprepared for was B’s honest desires coming through, especially without talking to or knowing what Phoenix wanted.

“I want a commitment between all three of us where I get to touch you, too.”

A shift in our relationship became clear with his admission, so when I reached out and rubbed his back, a thrill ran through me when he leaned into my side and smiled up at me.

Every morning since, we arrived at our favorite bakery after the rush of people had come and gone.

We noted Phoenix hovered around the front counter when there weren’t as many people as he talked and laughed with the man who we learned today was his best friend, Arthur.

We watched on without making a move and I taught myself the meanings behind each smile, and noted the things that made him happy; baking delicious creations and digging his hands into the soil as he repotted a new plant before finding a spot for it.

By the second week, I concluded Phoenix was an introvert; he had abundant energy when working in the kitchen or watering his plants, but he limited himself with social interactions. They seemed to tire him. He didn’t leave any space where someone he didn’t know could start conversing with him, and despite that, both B and I noticed he studied us whenever we stopped by.

The glances were never overt, and we never caught him, which made me hesitate whenever B suggested we approach him. We perceived his eyes on us, but when we looked, his gazefocused elsewhere. Despite having no reassurance that he would welcome our attention, we still hoped. And he all but confirmed it this afternoon when he blurted out he thought we were a couple.

I was watching his face, and I noticed when his eyes darted behind his closed lids.

“He’s waking up.”

B hovered closer, his leg shaking up and down as he nibbled on his thumbnail, a nervous habit from as far back as I remembered. When Phoenix blinked, he focused on me and then moved over to B when the man stuck his face against my cheek, and his lips tilted up in a soft smile.

Trying not to scare the man off, I dropped my voice to a whisper, which still rumbled when I spoke. “Are you okay, Sunshine?”

He nodded as his smile grew. “Yeah, why? My usual dreams begin with us already naked, and not sitting anywhere near a couch, but both of you are here, so, yeah, I’m good.”

“Hmmm, Petal, I’m happy to tell you this is real. You’re in Luka’s arms and while we’d love nothing but to get naked with you, all the blinds are open and our neighbors are nosy, yet hate to be scandalized. Hypocrites,” B said.

I growled and said, “No one else besides you and me B will see Phoenix naked. Ever!”

When Phoenix’s long, elegant fingers trailed from the side of my neck and down my clothed chest, a shiver of desire slammed into me, leaving me gasping for breath.

It was the first time he initiated contact.

When he opened his hand over my chest and pressed his ear against me to listen to my heart, I caressed his back as his body sagged against mine.

That was until he gasped and almost fell out of my lap.

“What?” I searched for any danger lurking nearby.

When I determined we were alone, my eyes went back to Phoenix, who was gnawing his lip, hands clenched in his lap. With jerky motions, Phoenix’s eyes jumped from one spot to another in the living room.

“Hey, Sunshine, you’re okay. You are safe. B and I promise we would never hurt you.”

His entire being froze as he held himself rigid on my lap. Then, in a performance that would have given Linda Blair stiff competition forthescariest expression, his head turned with excruciating slowness until his bright blue eyes narrowed on me. I heard the smack on my shoulder, the light sensation not registering because of the fear rushing through me.

“Luka?”

“Yeah, Sunshine?”

“When Burton issued the invite to spend the afternoon with both of you, I shook with anticipation. The last thing I feel, with either of you, is fear. Got it?”

With a stiff nod, I answered, “Loud and clear.”

Before I could ask him if he was okay, B sat as close to me as he could manage and maneuvered Phoenix until his upper body rested against B’s chest. I draped my massive hands over his legs, keeping in contact with him while savoring his warmth through the thin fabric.

“Not to sound indelicate, but I will, since I don’t have a subtle bone in my body. But why did you pass out?” B asked.

Another growl passed through my lips, but Phoenix reached for my hand and squeezed, making me relax back into the cushions.