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“Mightbe interested,” I corrected.
“Yes,might.” There was something almost electric that surrounded the two of them. They shared a connection that I couldn’t name, but I could feel it radiating from them. The bond between them was certainly stronger than the one between Reese and I, and I couldn’t help but feel soft pangs of jealousy.
I cleared my throat. It was easy to get swept away at their pace. “Requited is special to me, but,” I struggled to find the words. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure what to say.
I need to make more money so I can pay for my grandmother’s care, and also I’m in love with Reese but he does too much for me and is too kind and I can’t deal with it anymore? That only made me sound like an ungrateful ass. Maybe I was. My father surely thought so, and maybe he was right.
Sean knelt, settling onto his knees with a quiet expertise. “There will always be a time for us to move on. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” He set one hand in his wife’s lap, taking her hand, and the other on my knee. “It’s in our nature to grow and change. That’s why we’re opening this place.”
Camila brought his hand to her lips, giving it a gentle kiss. “Our vision for this space is to welcome those who don’t find themselves within the expectations of our society. For couples like us who love each other deeply and would like to find another to join our relationship. For those who like to explore beyond the limits of monogamy and heterosexuality. Everyone is welcome here, to find themselves. If you join us you would be helping us further that goal, and you might find yourself in the process.”
“What would I be doing, if I did come work here?”
“Pretty much what you’re doing now,” Sean answered. He switched into business mode so quickly that I almost missed it. “Work the floor, take drink orders.”
“People can’t help but like you Logan,” Camila finished. “They’re drawn to you, just like we are.”
“And however much you make at Requited, we’ll pay you double.”
Sean’s words whirled around in my mind, repeating over and over. I just looked at them, trying to make sense of what I had just heard. The seconds passed, and neither of them took back the words.
“You can’t be serious?” I finally asked.
Camila only giggled. “Of course we are. You’ve seen for yourself how popular this club is, and this isn’t our only investment. We have the resources to be picky with our staff, and you’re at the top of our list.”
I needed to get out of there, to get some fresh air and think. But there could only be one choice, right? It was obvious. Working with the Byrnes would solve my problems, or at least make a dent in them.
“You’re an asset, without a doubt,” Sean smiled up at me, and I noticed for the first time how sweet of a smile it was. “And I speak for the both of us when I say we would enjoy the opportunity to get to know you better and spend more time together.”
Ah. There it was. I had wondered about it before, but now it became clear. They were looking for a third, and they wanted it to be me.
I didn’t have any experience with ethical non-monogamy, but I wasn’t against it. On some level, the idea appealed to me. I imagined it took a lot of work, and a lot of communication, but maybe it was worth it.
Maybe.
There were so many maybe’s in my life I wasn’t sure of anything. I tried to force the wild thoughts from my mind. I needed to focus, and I couldn’t do that around them.
“I’ll need to think about it.” My voice sounded hoarse and grating against my ears.
“Take all the time you need,” Camila gave my leg a soft pat. “There will always be a place for you here.” She leaned back in. “And I look forward to seeing you at the auction. We’ll be bidding on you.”
I was half in a daze as I left Mirror House. There was too much to think about, even though I knew there could only be one answer.
But what would happen to me and Reese? I almost scoffed at myself. There was no ‘me and Reese.’ There was Reese, and there was me, and without Requited we had no connection to each other. Leaving would hurt but staying hurt too. Maybe after enough time, the distance would numb the pain.
My very being railed against the idea. Before I could make any decision I needed to see him. All this time I had loved him quietly, always careful to keep my feelings hidden. He probably knew, even so. But I needed to tell him. I owed myself that. I needed to face him, and myself, and tell him how I truly felt.
Chapter Ten
The moment I opened the door to our apartment he was on me, wrapping me in his arms and pulling me close. I froze, my hand still on the door, as Reese hugged me, so warm I felt I would burn.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I shouldn’t have pushed you.”
Damn him.
Damn him.
I didn’t know how he had expected me to react. Did he think I would cry? Or Yell? In the end, I did the only thing I could. I pushed him back and grabbed his hand, letting the door slam closed behind us.
