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Just moments before, my friends and I had discussed the potential for a more enduring relationship. Yet Zoey didn’t seem to be on the same page.
I felt a pang of disappointment, but our earlier sentiments stood—Zoey’s happiness was our top priority.
She lifted her gaze to meet mine. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, she leaned in and pressed a soft, reassuring kiss on my lips.
What were we going to do?
CHAPTER16
Zoey
The following weeks were the kind of whirlwind that Christmas stories are made of. From skiing down the soft, powdered slopes to enjoying warm cocoa by the fireplace and attending local festive events, every moment was painted with holiday cheer.
The snowy backdrop of Montana, the Christmas music, and the lights that adorned every nook and cranny of the town contributed to the magical ambiance.
And there was sex.
Lots and lots of sex.
Each night, I spent time with one of the guys individually when we went to bed.
These one-on-one moments allowed me to dive deeper into understanding each of them, unraveling layers of their personalities. Our shared moments, from candid confessions to heartfelt ambitions, became the fabric of our strengthening bond.
With Mason, it was the mutual understanding of past relationships and the need for genuine connection—something he never had growing up. With Liam, I found solace in shared aspirations of traveling and unexpected adventures, while Bodhi and I shared a love for art and creativity.
Our time was spent together during the day, and I took turns being alone with each of my guys separately at night. The time we spent together didn’t just strengthen my bond with each of them, but also fortified the collective dynamic of our relationship. It was a dance of four souls intertwining.
We only had a couple of days until my brother arrived, and I was growing more anxious by the day. We had come back from skiing. After showering, Mason, Liam, Bodhi, and I were cozied up on the couch, buried under a mound of soft blankets, watching a Christmas movie.
Another one of those cute but clichéd movies where you could predict the plot within the first ten minutes. The kind where the big city girl comes back home for the holidays, meets the rugged yet sensitive local guy, and they inevitably fall in love, all set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and carolers.
The scene on the screen had the lead actress dramatically confessing her love when my phone buzzed on the coffee table. It sang out its usual ringtone, indicating a video call, but the sound was slightly muffled by the popcorn bowl placed atop it.
Moving to grab it, Mason stopped me, who snatched it up with a grin. “Ah, ah, ah! No phone calls during a riveting scene.”
I laughed, rolling my eyes. “Oh, please! Like you don’t know she’s going to run off with the owner of the diner in about five minutes.”
Leaning forward, I tried to playfully snatch the phone back, but in the tussle, Mason’s finger accidentally hit the answer button. My eyes widened in surprise, and I felt a momentary panic.
The voice on the other end rang out clearly, “Zoey? Is that you? Are you with someone?”
Handing the phone to me, I took it from Mason and held it in front of me, so I was the only one on the screen.
Raising my eyebrow, I replied, “None of your business if I’m here with someone. What do you want, Adam?”
The man who had broken my heart only weeks earlier was on the other end of the video call. But hearing and seeing him now, I realized I felt no lingering sadness or regret. My desire to be with him was completely gone. I felt nothing for him.
I sensed the change in the atmosphere immediately. The playful energy had shifted to a tense one. The guys seemed alert, their gazes locked onto me, a mixture of concern and curiosity evident.
Adam’s voice softened, a hint of desperation seeping through. “Zoey... I want you back. I’ve missed you so much, and I made a huge mistake.”
Liam and Bodhi exchanged glances while Mason opened his hand in an attempt for me to hand him the phone. I could tell they were ready to jump in, but I raised my hand slightly, signaling them to hold off. I wanted to handle this. I needed to.
Drawing on my newfound strength from the past few weeks, I responded, “Adam, you had your chance. It took losing you for me to truly find myself and realize my worth. And now, I don’t think I’m the one who lost in the end.”
Adam stammered, “Zo, I’m so sorry. I want you back. Please. I promise I’ll change. I was such an asshole. I realize that now.”
“I’m glad you realize it,” I said evenly. “But I’ve moved on. I wish you all the best, but we’re done.”
