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TWENTY-ONE

HAWK

“Wake up, dickhead,” I grump, reaching over Arden and shaking Jackson’s shoulder as he sleeps like he’s dead. After I got home last night, I took another shower before joining the two of them where they had laid out several blankets and pillows on the living room floor. Historically, I’m not a cuddler, but both of us holding her as we drifted off to sleep is definitely something I can see myself getting used to.

My anxiety bubbled to the surface during my run, every bad scenario playing over and over in my head as I thought about what I’d find when I walked in the door. When I left them alone, hoping they’d finally give in to whatever feelings they’d been harboring since long before I came into the picture, I second-guessed whether or not it was the right choice. Would they have sex and realize they didn’t want me around at all? Would they find out that they’re better as friends? Would it make things weird between the two of them…or all of us ? I couldn’t bear the thought of any of that, so I did my best to tune it out, focusing on the way my feet pressed into the sand along Daytona Beach and running until I was completely exhausted. But when I returned home to find them making out while a movie played as background noise on the TV, relief washed over me. And everything clicked into place when she reached out, beckoning me to join. We spent the rest of the night lounging as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Although Jacks and I agreed that we’re both completely unwavering in our decision to share Arden, I know we still have to talk about what the future looks like for the three of us going forward. But for now, I’m happy just existing like this.

“Dude, wake the fuck up,” I say again, slapping my open palm across his forehead. His face scrunches in annoyance and he groans, peeling his eyes open and immediately scowling in my direction.

“Leave me alone. I’m tired.” He rolls to his side, nuzzling his face into Arden’s tits as she snores softly between us. “Oh my God, I’m staying here all day.” His words are muffled against her skin, and I roll my eyes, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before pushing up to my feet. My back aches from the hard floor I’ve been lying on for the last eight hours, but it was definitely worth it.

“No, you aren’t,” I deadpan. “We have to be at the stadium in two hours.”

He looks up at me. “Tell Clyde I said thanks for the opportunity, but I quit.”

“Get up,” I reply, ignoring him. “I’ll make breakfast.” I stretch my back as I walk toward the kitchen and head to the refrigerator. Scanning the options, I reach inside for the turkey bacon, set it on the counter, and go back for a couple of avocados. I made two loaves of Arden’s favorite bread before we left for our road trip, but she wasn’t able to finish it, so I’ll use the rest now.

Pulling a pan from the cupboard, I get to work, knowing we probably only have about an hour and fifteen minutes before we need to be out the door. Although the game isn’t until much later, the media makes a bigger show of things during playoffs—especially since the series is tied and it’s a win-or-go-home situation. I try pretty hard to stay away from the cameras, but even I’m not immune to doing numerous interviews on days like today. I understand the need for them, but it doesn’t make me hate public speaking any less.

Just as I finish flipping the bacon, two small arms snake around my waist. I hum contentedly as Arden’s fingertips ghost across my bare abs, enjoying the sensations while she explores every ridge and valley like she’s studying a treasure map. It’s as if she knew what I needed, her touch calming the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that began swirling around when I thought about what awaits me at the stadium.

I set the spatula down, turn so I’m facing her, and dip down for a kiss. My hands immediately find her ass, making her moan into my mouth as I knead her soft flesh. I swallow every sweet sound, reluctantly pulling back so I can look at her. A sleepy smile blooms across her face, and my heart skips a beat at how happy she is. The fact that Jackson and I had a hand in that is a gift she’ll never even know she’s given us.

“You hungry, Hellcat?” I ask.

“Mhmm,” she replies, tilting her head up toward me. “I was kind of hoping for more muffins so we could sneak back into the pantry.”

I raise a brow, a devious grin tugging at the corner of my mouth as she bites her lip. Before I can tell her what a dirty girl she is, Jacks interrupts, entering the room wearing only the black boxer briefs he slept in.

“What’s in the pantry?” he questions, lazily pushing a hand through his messy brown hair. I chuckle darkly, focusing on the stove as Arden spins his way and pastes on her best innocent expression.

“Nothing,” she rushes out. I toss a look over my shoulder, and he catches it, folding his arms over his chest. I can’t help the laugh that bursts out of me as realization settles in. He stands there in shock, jaw practically on the floor as his eyes bounce rapidly between us.

“Please tell me you two didn’t do dirty, disgusting things on or around my Doritos.”

Arden’s hand flies to her chest in the most unconvincing show of exasperation I’ve ever seen. Her mouth opens and closes several times, but no words come out while she tries to fabricate an explanation. As much as I’d love to watch her backpedal out of this, we need to get moving. I refuse to be late for one of the most important games of the season.

“I fingered her and fucked her face while the chocolate zucchini muffins you completely demolished were in the oven. Nobody touched your Doritos,” I say dryly, setting a plate on the counter next to where he’s gaping like a fish. “Hurry up and eat. We have to go.”

His eyes grow even wider, sliding over to where Arden is looking everywhere but at him. “I’m not hungry anymore. And you,” he scolds, pointing an accusing finger in her direction. She turns, her chin dipping to her chest as her cheeks pinken in the most adorable way. “I’m fucking your brains out in there later.” He scoffs as though he’s appalled before spinning on his heel and stomping out of the room like a petulant child. I laugh under my breath, because of course he wants to outdo me. Some things will never change, even if we are sharing the same girl.

And I wouldn’t want it any other way.