Page 93 of Triple Threat

“He…”

I hesitated.

“He told me he loved me,” I whispered.

“Did he now?” Roan sounded as surprised as I’d felt at the spontaneous utterance.

“Yeah.” I gave an uneasy laugh. “I’ve known for a long time that he did, you know? When we were kids, I mean. Before he went off to the Army.” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I just never expected to see him again, let alone that I would ever hear him say it.”

“And how does that make you feel?” he asked me gently.

“Blessed,” I answered, nearly on the verge of tears. “Also, a bit confused, and guilty.” Roan opened his mouth to speak, but the question came from across the kitchen.

“Why’s that?”

I jumped and turned, Kyle was lounging against the wall just inside the kitchen door, his glass of gin refreshed.

“Because I love Conan, too,” I said raising my chin in a bit of defiance, expecting his trademark jealousy or a fight.

Kyle’s dark eyes sparkled, but for once, it wasn’t with anger or mal-intent. His smile was… relieved, I think.

“Good,” he said nodding. “That’s good.”

“Why?” I asked, not understanding.

He smiled at us both, enigmatically, and said, “Make sure there’s popcorn for this thing, whatever we’re watching.” Then he backed out the kitchen door, turned, and walked toward the living room.

Conan and I looked at each other, our expressions mirroring one another’s with our mutual confusion.

“Before you ask,” I said, haltingly, looking after the kitchen door. “Yes, he’s always been like this.”

Roan chuckled and took the plate from my hands and dried it dutifully while I thought to myself the conversation was far from over on the topic. That eventually, Kyle would have to make his feelings known. It was our way, honestly. I just had to be patient or wait to pry. If I did it too soon, it would just end up in a meltdown. It always had; you know?

With the dishes done, Roan shooed me off to get into something more comfortable, which the sun dress I wore from our trip was plenty comfortable, but I readcomfortableto mean sleep or loungewear, and so I went out through the kitchen door, through the dining room and made to go past the living room.

“Hey,” Kyle called out softly from over by the window, the same spot as our first time. I felt myself blush as I paused in my step for him.

“Hey.”

“C’mere.”

I drifted over his way and he put a hand to my hip and brought his mouth to mine. I kissed him, my tense posture easing as he whispered against my mouth, “You’re not in trouble with me Shady… this was my idea, remember?”

“Yeah,” I whispered back softly. “I just don’t know why…” I looked up at him curiously and he smiled, and that smile held an edge of something akin to sadness.

“Because, I love yousomuch. Enough to recognize thatI’mnot enough, and Roan? He’s a good man, better than me, and if there was anyone strong enough to love us both, it’s definitely you.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead as I stood there stunned, staring up at him open mouthed.

“That has to be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,” I murmured.

“Yeah, well, I’m trying,” he said with an uneasy laugh. “Don’t get to used to it, I’ll be back to being the asshole you both know and love any minute now.”

I smiled and nodded slightly. “I know that you’re trying,” I whispered. “And I appreciate it. So much…” My smile turned mischievous. “As for being the asshole? You wouldn’t be you otherwise.”

He barked a laugh, a genuine one, and I smiled. He was so achingly beautiful when he smiled genuinely like that.

“Where you scurrying off to?” he asked.

“To change; Roan suggested something more comfortable.”

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