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Artie raises an eyebrow skeptically, but I can tell he’s just teasing me. And in any case, I know that I’m telling the truth.
Each of these men has their own special qualities and charms, and I’m grateful to have them all in my life. With Ed, there’s a powerful passion and intensity that’s impossible to resist. With Ollie, there’s a playful, adventurous spirit that always keeps things interesting. And with Artie, there’s a kindness and a warmth that’s both comforting and exciting.
I can’t imagine choosing one over the others.
Artie grins at me, then adds, “Well, I guess that means I’ll have to step up my game next time.”
I playfully roll my eyes at him. “Oh, please. You don’t need to compete with anyone. Just be yourself.”
Artie chuckles. “Yeah, but if I’m going to keep up with Ed and Ollie, I’ll have to bring my A game.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Okay, fine.” I walk over to him and give him a quick peck on his lips. “And I shall be looking forward to it.”
He looks a little dazed as I step back. “What was that for?”
“You’ve earned this one,” I say.
He smirks. “Just for helping you get your clothes? I think it was just an excuse for you to kiss me.”
“Oh really?” I say. “And why would I need an excuse to kiss you?”
He closes the distance between us. “You don’t.”
He picks me up in his arms and spins me around. I wince, and he notices my obvious discomfort. “You good?”
“I’m fine,” I say.
“You don’t look particularly fine,” he says.
“Just a little sore,” I reply, looking away. I can feel Artie’s arms tense around me, but then he relaxes. “I get it.”
“You aren’t jealous?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Maybe a little? But only because…” He takes a deep breath. “But I’m past that.”
I search his face. Artie seems sincere. “I’m glad, because the last thing I want is to cause conflict between you and your brothers.”
“Trust me, that’s the last thing you’ll do,” Artie says. “In fact, you coming here has been a nice change. You brought Ed out of his shell.”
I hesitate. “What’s his story?”
Artie sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated. He was in love with a girl—Fiona—and well, let’s just say things didn’t end good.”
“What happened?”
“It’s best if he tells you himself,” Artie replies.
The thought of Ed being in love with someone else digs under my skin.
“Is he over her?”
“I think so,” Artie replies honestly. “It was a long time ago. But you don’t have to worry about her, or anything else. You know what? I’ll draw you a relaxing bath. We have a big tub in the bathroom downstairs.”
“In this storm?” I ask, a brow raised.
“It’s a luxury we allow ourselves once in a while,” Artie says with a chuckle. “Storms like this trap us indoors more often than not, so I’ve simply found a way around it.”
My eyes widen. “How does that work?”
