Page 24 of The Third Wheel
He tilted his head. "Okay, one day a week, you can wear leather and carry a flogger." His phone vibrated, and he looked down at it, laughing. "Want to see Gunnar's cum shot? You made your husband make a mess of the motorcycle he's working on."
Mira
I loved waking withColby and Gunnar in our bed, feeling the warmth of two bodies pressed against mine. I felt safe and cherished between them. Colby's gentle breaths tickled my neck, and his leg was wedged between mine, while Gunnar's brawny arm draped possessively across my waist.
Just when I was considering blowing off my responsibilities and staying in bed all day, my phone rang, shattering the peaceful moment. I reached across Colby's sleeping body to pick it up and silence it, but when glanced at the caller ID and saw Nori's name flashing on the screen, I knew I had to answer.
I tried to get up out of bed, but Gunnar stirred and threw a leg over my hip, pinning me down. Laughing, I flopped back on the pillow, and Colby's hand shifted up, cupping my breast. "Hey Nori, what's up?"
"Shit, Mira... Did I wake you guys? I've been up all night, but I didn't want to bother you." Nori's voice was high and tight, full of anxiety.
"Aw, sis, you don't have to worry about waking us if something's wrong." I kept my voice low, glancing towards Colby who stirred, opening his eyes and looking around, his hand tightening on my breast. I bit back a moan as he pinched my nipple.
"It's my asshole boss. We had a huge fight," she sobbed, her voice cracking. "I think I'm fired."
"Hey, Nori, just breathe, okay?" I sat up, brushing Colby's hand away. He frowned, watching me, his expression growing worried. "Tell me what happened. Are you okay?"
She recounted the argument in broken sentences, punctuated by tears. My heart ached as I listened, Colby and Gunnar's presence momentarily forgotten as I focused on offering support. "Nori, you don't deserve this. You're an amazing chef and a wonderful person. Don't let him get to you."
"He's just a power hungry, abusive asshole," she cried. "I hate working there. I've been trying to play it off like it's okay, but it's not."
As she continued to recount the head chef's abuses, I chewed on my lip, glancing towards Colby, who reached out and rubbed my back, his eyes full of comfort and love. On my other side, Gunnar stirred, hugging me close. For so long, I'd been jealous thatNori was living her dream, but she was so happy-go-lucky about everything that I'd had no idea how much she was suffering.
"What if you come to Hazy Cove?" I suggested, without even thinking. "Stay with us for a while and get back on your feet. You can escape all this drama and start fresh here." The thought of having my best friend close by filled me with excitement, and I knew it would mean the world to all of us.
"I don't know. Do you think I could make it work there?" Nori asked, a hint of hopefulness in her voice. "Are there restaurants that would even want me?"
"Of course. You're talented and ambitious, and I'm sure you'll find something here in no time. Plus, you'll have us to lean on. Gunnar and Colby grew up here. They have friends who run businesses. No one will listen to that asshole's reference if you have my men on your side." I smiled, glancing at Gunnar, who was frowning at me. He reached up and brushed my hair off my forehead.
"Nori?" he asked, and I nodded. "She okay?"
"I hope so," I mouthed back.
Over the phone, Nori heaved a heavy sigh. "You make it sound so easy. I'll think about it, okay?" Nori's voice was steadier now, and I could tell my offer had given her hope.
"Nothing a little Hazy Cove magic can't fix," I said, grinning. This town had brought me love, adventure, and self-acceptance. And maybe, just maybe, it could do the same for Nori.
I bit my lip as Nori hesitated on the other end of the phone. "I don't want to be a burden, Mira," she said, her voice trembling.
I assured her that she had nothing to worry about, as Gunnar's powerful arm slipped around my waist, comforting me. "We have a spare bedroom, and I'm sure you can find a job in Hazy Cove soon enough."
"Are you sure?" Nori sounded more uncertain than ever.
"Would I say it if I wasn't sure?" As I spoke, Colby snuggled close, and I stroked my fingers through his silky light brown hair. He looked up at me with those beautiful hazel eyes, clearly listening and concerned for my friend.
"Hey, um..." Colby started, his cheeks flushing. "I have a suggestion."
"Hold on, Nori," I said, putting my hand over the speaker. "A suggestion?"
"If Nori needs a place to stay, we could work something out. I've been spending so much time here that my apartment above the bookstore is empty most nights. You know, if you guys don't mind having me."
His words hung in the air, thick with unsaid emotion. My heart swelled with affection for this sweet man who was offering his home to my best friend, despite his own feelings of vulnerability. I leaned down and kissed his forehead, smiling.
"Thank you."
"It's nothing — like I said, it's been empty a lot in the last week." His blush grew deeper. "And only if you and Gunnar are okay with it, of course," Colby said, his gaze darting between Gunnar and me. It was clear he didn't want to overstep any boundaries.
"Of course we're okay with it," I reassured him, glancing at Gunnar for confirmation. He gave a gruff nod, his blue eyes softening just for a moment.
