Page 74 of Detention with Daddies

Nick whistles low. “Well. I guess we should talk amongst ourselves then.”

NICK

Watching Olivia leave is hard. My heart cracks a little. Because as much as I’ve felt and shown her my intentions…I haven’t voiced them.

And I’ve taken a few missteps in the process.

I did know that she had some kind of involvement with Matteo, but I had no clue that Waylen was involved too. Even with her as his date. Not until I saw him with her earlier.

It’s all so obvious now.

Yet, I wish I could run after her, catch her, and wrap her up in my arms. To take away the apparent pain she’s feeling right now.

Maybe I enjoy holding her too much. I have this entire time.

If I know anything about Olivia, it’s that she’s got a kind heart. She’s thoughtful. She must really care for all three of us.

She’s always been honest and sincere with me.

I turn back to Matteo and Waylen. They seem to be spinning in their own private miseries. I bet they look a lot like my own.

The pain of this situation refuels me and my determination. Like it has with every other seemingly unattainable goal.

Because knowing Olivia has been with Matteo is one thing. Seeing her with Waylen and Matteo though…it’s something completely different.

Especially after what we’ve already worked through.

I want her. And fuck it, if that means sharing her…it’s not my first option, but I will if my only other option means losing her. I have to say as much to them.

“I want her. I’ll do practically anything not to lose her.” I meet both of their gazes, and I can see their truths reflected back at me. I’m not the only one that feels this way.

That’s terrifying. Because if we share, we have to decide on that together.

Matteo rubs the back of his neck, the pain clear in the furrowing of his brows. He’s a serious man, so I can only imagine how he feels about this. About her. “I think we need to take this slow. No more…making assumptions about what she needs.”

“What she wants,” I correct him. “Because I’m pretty sure her needs are the same as the rest of us. The need to feel in control. That she’s not in this alone. That we want the same things that she does. And that can’t happen without an open discussion.”

The silence that spreads between us is fraught with tension and awkwardness.

Are their minds spinning the same way mine is? Are they willing to let her go if she’s forced to pick one of us?

It will eventually lead to that. Won’t it? Unless we voice that other option.

Matteo’s features only darken as the minutes tick by.

Waylen, however, has this thoughtful look that gets my pulse pumping hard. He looks over Matteo, then me, and the wheels are turning in his mind. Are they spinning in the same direction mine are?

“I have an idea.” I run a hand over my chin. Neither of them are going to like this, but it has to be said. “None of us seem ableto stay away from her. Maybe that means something more than jealousy.”

I’ve been falling in love with her since she met my daughter. It’s only grown since then. The way she protected Ruby against Lisa. How fast she is to forgive, although I doubt she ever forgets.

Matteo’s shoulders slump, defeat written all over his features, like it’s already over before it’s really begun.

The twist of Waylen’s mouth looks like he’s ready to laugh.

Yeah, they’re going through their own shit, recoiling from this coming out the way it did. At least it wasn’t bigger.

Out in the open.

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