Page 11

11

BARRETT

Upon entering the ensuite bathroom, Stetson’s eyes widened. We’d had the space renovated when we moved in. When I got drafted to the Hellbenders, my workout routine had taken a step up. The standalone shower was definitely big enough to fit three. The star was a jacuzzi bathtub situated in the middle of the room.

Levi warmed up the shower and guided us inside after I’d stripped out of my clothes. “Give me a minute and I’ll join you.”

Stetson wobbled, and I chuckled, supporting him with a hand on his waist. “Let me help,” I chuckled. “Turn around.”

He happily spun so we were chest to chest. He tipped his head back and I brushed his hair away from his face to get it wet. “You okay?” I asked.

“Mmhmm. I don’t really know how to describe what I’m feeling.”

“Splayed open for the world to see?”

He laughed, the sound spreading warmth through my chest. “That sounds about right.”

“That was a pretty intense scene. You need aftercare,” I explained. “I’ll start, but your Daddy will want to do most of it. It’s his favorite part.”

“I get aftercare for that?” At my instruction, he closed his eyes as I poured shampoo into my hand and massaged it into his blond locks. “All I did was lay there.”

I captured Stetson’s jaw between my thumb and forefinger, forcing him to look at me. “You get aftercare whenever you want. If anyone ever tells you otherwise, run. Run fast.”

The shower door opened again and Stetson sidled closer to me. “Cold,” he complained.

Levi laughed, leaning in to give me a kiss. “I’ve got it from here.”

We swapped places, and I handed his boy over. I admired the way Stetson settled right into his arms. In his element, Levi oozed confidence, wrapping his arms around Stetson like the boy couldn’t take him out in a single swoop. He was a little softer around the edges than me and Stetson. His muscles were less defined, but no one would ever hear a single complaint out of me. I loved his body. Stetson’s only complimented it.

I started washing myself, enjoying the laughs coming from Stetson when Levi tickled him with his hands or his lips. Once I was clean, I kissed them both and stepped out of the shower. “I’ll wait for you two in the kitchen.”

Instead of going straight into cooking, I started brewing coffee. From past experience, I knew that Stetson might crash soon, so food may have to wait.

I’d gotten lucky enough to snag a flight home in the early hours of the morning. Not wanting to wake Levi, I camped out on the couch. I’d grown bored of the game I was playing on my phone when Stetson tiptoed down the stairs. I thought for sure he would see me, but he went straight to the bedroom door. He hesitated briefly, but pushed it open and slipped inside.

I didn’t intend to intervene, but when I heard the soft voices trailing from the room I stood up. Then once I heard my name in the mix, my feet carried me to the door. Seeing Stetson on Levi’s lap? Well, I grew lightheaded from the rush of blood south, and I knew I had to join in.

I didn’t like to admit it, but Stetson Holloway made me nervous in a way I hadn’t been in a very long time. He was a damn good ball player, but he was also a new complication standing in the way of me and a title. Having him thrown into my life both on and off the field was something I never saw coming.

I wouldn’t change a thing. I hadn’t even laid hands on him yet, but I already knew that I’d spontaneously combust the moment I did.

My thoughts faded away as the bedroom door opened and my two men walked out, smiles on their faces. “You two hungry?” I asked, though I was already starting breakfast.

“Starving,” came from Levi. He pecked me on the cheek, doctored up his coffee, and took a seat at the table.

Met with silence from Stetson, I peeked at him out of the corner of my eye. “What’s wrong?” I asked, taking out the chopping board.

“Can I kiss you?”

The knife slipped and if I’d been any more careless, I could have taken one of my fingers off. I dropped it to the counter and took a step toward him. “You don’t have to ask.”

With a cocky grin, Stetson stepped forward. I relaxed into the kiss, tugging on his clean t-shirt to pull him closer. His hands threaded through my hair, and a shiver shot down my spine. He’d found my kryptonite without even trying.

“Why don’t you join me for my workout today?” I asked, returning to the abandoned vegetables. “I know you two have a lot to talk about, but I think we do too.”

Stetson glanced back at his Daddy, waiting for his approval. “I think that’s a good idea. It’s up to you.”

“Sure,” Stetson finally agreed. “Can I help you with anything?”

Levi murmured, “Good boy,” under his breath, and Stetson coughed to cover his gasp.

“I’ve got it. Sit down,” I said, amused. “But I do have one very important question for you.”

He eyed me curiously, slipping into a chair next to Levi. “What?”

“How do you like your eggs?”

The boy visibly relaxed, slumping into his seat. “You two really like teasing me don’t you?”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet, Rookie,” I laughed.

* * *

By the time breakfast was served, we were too hungry to keep teasing each other. We made small talk as we ate, Levi asking me about the game in Boston and Stetson about his next game in Louisiana. Then I questioned Stetson about his current workout routine. It felt nice, natural even. We’d never had this sort of comfortable environment with anyone else.

Then again, we’d never tried it with another athlete .

Stetson was completely enamored with Levi. I practically had to peel the two of them away from each other to get him out the door. Levi followed us out, buckling his boy in before giving us both a kiss and retreating . Stetson eyed me as I reached for my own seatbelt.

“Why didn’t he buckle yours too?” he asked.

“If I wanted him to, he would.”

“How did he know I wanted him to?”

“You didn’t tell him otherwise.”

Stetson shifted uneasily, eyes forward. “Do you think it’s weird that I let him?”

“Not at all. If it’s something that you enjoy and he’s happy to do it, who am I to judge?”

He scoffed. “His boyfriend.”

I decided not to address the attitude. It wasn’t my place. Besides, I could read between the lines: Stetson was worried about being singled out, that I would be the one to bring an end to things. I stayed quiet the rest of the drive, trying to find the best way to voice my emotions. Once the car was in park, I grabbed his arm to keep him in his seat.

“Stetson…” Blue eyes fell to the hand I had resting on his wrist. “When I told you we both wanted this, I meant it. If there was any doubt about us bringing you into our relationship, we would tell you.”

He sighed and let his head fall back. “I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s not even all the Daddy stuff. Managing a relationship on top of the game is hard enough. How am I supposed to do it with two people?”

I chuckled. “Your guess is as good as mine. You’re the first boy Levi’s been serious about.” My hand slid down until our fingers laced together, the feeling of his palm against mine sending me into overdrive. I’d been content to sit back and let Levi take charge that morning, but touching Stetson was electric. My heart raced with the promise of more. “We’ll figure it out together—all three of us. You can always talk to us about anything. And if you want a private conversation with one or the other, all you have to do is say so.”

Stetson stared at our fingers, giving my hand a slight squeeze and brushing his thumb over my skin. “I feel like you’re holding something back.”

I smiled, letting my head roll on the headrest so I was looking at him. “You’re perceptive.”

“What is it?”

“Doesn’t matter.” I made a move to get out of the car, but it was Stetson who stopped me this time.

“Barrett.” Damn it, even the way he said my name made my head spin. “This whole communication thing has to go both ways if it’s going to work. Well, three ways.”

Damn he was good. No wonder he was labeled as the MLB’s “One to Watch.” He was quick, he was bright.

I let the feeling of Stetson’s thumb brushing my skin soothe me as I readied myself for my confession. With a deep breath, I said, “I’m intimidated by you.”

“What?” Stetson spat in disbelief. “ Me ? Why? You’re one of the best players in the majors.”

“And I have yet to win a title. You breezed your way into the collegiate World Series without even thinking about it. You’re a natural on the field. That kind of skill can’t be taught, even with all the hours I’ve put in. Not to say that you haven’t worked hard, but I’ve had to fight my entire life, and I’ve got nothing to show for it.”

“You’ve got an impressive ten-year career behind you. Your stats are incredible. I spent my entire college experience killing myself to get numbers like yours.”

I let the silence linger between us, not ready to let him know that I was retiring. “Maybe having you on the field will be the inspiration I need.”

He shrugged, flashing me his signature grin. “I could probably teach you a thing or two.”

I tugged on his hand, bringing his mouth to mine. As if he knew what he’d discovered, those damn fingers twisted into my hair again. Our lips pressed together, slowly, gently, as if he were scared to break me. The boy was so damn submissive, even if he was a brat. A part of me wondered if I’d ever get to see him frantic, so desperate for a release that he’d ravage my mouth like an animal.

Stetson hummed, the sound buzzing against my lips as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss—and that was my cue to pull back, extracting a whine from him. “You’d better get that pretty little ass out of this car and in the gym before I throw you into the backseat and take you right here.”

“Is that supposed to be a threat?” he panted, trailing his tongue over his swollen, reddened lip.

“Yes.” I leaned across the center console, making him think I was moving in for another kiss, only to grab a fistful of that blond hair to hold him in place as I spoke against his mouth. “Because the first time I get ahold of you, I’m sure your Daddy will want to watch. Now get inside before you make me lose all control.”

I let go and Stetson collapsed into the seat, fumbling for the door handle. I sat back for a second, amused with the way his legs shook. He paused before entering the gym, glancing around and discreetly adjusting himself. I took advantage of the privacy of the car to do the same, making a mental note to do exactly as I said at the first opportunity that came my way.