Page 65 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

“Not the point.” Max moved into the living room, removing the distance he’d created by standing in the kitchen. “This isn’t about work or what other people think.”

Levi nodded, abandoning his ornament fidgeting to step closer. “It’s not like we’re planning to make out in the mall food court or announce our relationship status on LinkedIn.”

“But if wewantedto do those things… then what? If we’re out shopping, and I feel the urge to kiss one of you, I don’t want to have to ask permission or worry about being accused of enjoying leaving the other two out.” I looked at Ronan who cringed.

“I’m sorry I overreacted.” Ronan shrugged out of his suit jacket and threw it on the chair. “We’ve had our share of conflicts, and we always figure things out. But this is different than fighting over pineapple pizza or paper suppliers.”

“This is real complicated feelings that could blow up in all our faces like it did tonight. And I really, really don’t want to be the reason you three stop being friends.” I wrapped my arms around myself wishing it was one of them.

Levi stepped closer to me. “We all know how we feel about you.”

“And we’re not exactly strangers to complicated situations.” Max moved to stand near Levi. “Though I admit, this one’s a first.”

“Tomorrow we can sit down and layout some ground rules and expectations.” Ronan’s stern expression suddenly changed to one of glee. “We can have a weekly meeting and take turns preparing-”

Levi and Max both groaned loudly but started to laugh. I couldn’t help but cover my mouth to stifle a giggle.

“So, what are you saying?” I looked between them. “Are we really doing this? A real relationship?”

Ronan was the first to move, closing the distance between us with deliberate steps. “I think we passed ‘doing this’ somewhere between pinecone hunting and gingerbread houses. The question is whether we’re brave enough to do it right.”

“I’m all in. Have been since you walked into our lives and started singing Christmas carols.” Levi cupped my cheek.

Max completed our circle. “Me too. Even if it means dealing with more awkward family dinners and hiding our relationship when we need to.”

Ronan took my hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss my knuckles. “We need to be honest with each other. No more pretending or holding back when something bothers us.”

“Tonight we should have talked about how to handle my mother before we went.” Levi took my other hand and threaded his fingers through mine.

“Communication.” I nodded, trying to ignore how my skin tingled where they touched me. “Speaking of that… before we get carried away, we should probably talk about my living situation. I have enough to get a place now.”

“Like hell you are. You’re not going anywhere.” Ronan squeezed my hand.

“What Ronan means is that we want you here. You’ve made this place feel like a real home for the first time since we moved in.” Max glanced at the Christmas decorations surrounding us. “Though I think you figured that out when we let you turn our living room into Santa’s workshop.”

“But won’t it be weird? Living together while we figure this out?” I did like the idea of living with them, especially if I still had a space of my own to escape to.

“Sweetheart, we crossed weird somewhere around the time you started dating three of your bosses.” Levi kissed my forehead.

“We can renovate the guest area, make it yours. Or...” Ronan exchanged glances with the others. “We could figure out other arrangements.”

“I’d like that… my own space. Because let’s be honest, living with three men will mean I need to sometimes lock myself away and scream into my own pillows that don’t smell like gross men.” I suppressed a grin.

“Hey, we don’t smell bad.” Max lifted his arm to smell his armpit, and I couldn’t hide my smile any longer.

“So, it’s settled then. I’m staying.” I hadn’t let myself hope for it, but now that it was happening, I was more excited than a kid on Christmas morning after Santa came.

Ronan’s answer was to cup my face in his hands. “Welcome home.” He pressed his lips to mine in a kiss that felt like a promise.

When he pulled back, Levi’s hand slid around my waist, and he pressed a kiss below my ear. “You can decorate for all the holidays.”

Max’s fingers traced up my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “This is where you belong.” He captured my lips in a kiss that made my knees weak.

There was no more holding back, no more pretending this wasn’t exactly what we all wanted.

Ronan’s fingers tangled in my hair as Levi’s mouth traced patterns on my neck. Max’s hands slid down my sides, holding me steady as I melted between them.

“Beautiful,” Ronan murmured against my lips, while Levi hummed in agreement against my skin.

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