by Reed, Autumn
Nicholas and Shane were already sitting on one couch, so I asked Cole to join them. “I have something to say, and I need to be able to look at all three of you.”
“Should we be concerned?” Shane asked.
“Maybe? I don’t know. You’ll have to tell me.”
I paced a few steps one way and then back the other, practicing my speech in my head. But, the words seemed to get more jumbled the longer I kept them bottled up. Finally, I halted and took my time looking each of them in the eye.
“The other day, I told you this was too difficult. Every time I’m with any of you, I’m worried about how it’s going to end. Because, it has to, right? I either have to choose one of you and break up with the others or say goodbye to you all.
“Here’s the problem. I know it’s too soon, and I can’t believe I’m saying this . . .” I inhaled, then slowly exhaled. “. . . But I have feelings for all of you. They’re real, and deep, and like nothing I’ve ever felt before.” Not giving myself a chance to back out, I kept going. “So, what if I don’t choose? What if I keep dating all of you, but instead of it being a temporary solution . . . it just is?”
A thousand more thoughts fought to spill from my lips. I understand if you think I’m insane. This is the most selfish thing I’ve ever done. It’s your fault for making the bet and starting this thing to begin with. I have no idea how it will work. But, I jammed my lips together and stayed quiet. I needed to give them time to absorb and respond.
Out of breath and energy, I sunk into the couch across from them. I longed to search their faces for a reaction, but my eyes seemed to be permanently affixed to their feet. Are they wearing matching shoes?
“Emma.” Cole’s voice was gentle. “Look at me.”
I lifted my head and kept my gaze focused on him.
“I can’t speak for Nic and Shane, but I would be happy to be one of your non-temporary boyfriends.”
“Do you realize what you’re saying, Cole?” Nicholas asked warily, and my heart plummeted when I saw the strain in his expression.
“I do. It’s not like I haven’t already considered it. Haven’t you?”
“Honestly, no.” Nicholas gave me a worried look, then turned back to Cole. “You know my family. This could get messy.”
“So, that’s it? You’re going to keep letting your family make decisions for you? I thought you were past that,” Cole said with exasperation.
“I am. I just . . . I don’t want Emma caught up in the middle.” He scrubbed his hands over his face in seeming frustration. “What are you thinking, Shane?”
Shane gave me an encouraging smile. "Strangely, it doesn't seem like a crazy idea. And, my dad and stepmom are all about the love, so they wouldn't freak out about it.”
I almost gasped. Love?
Calm down, Emma. That’s not what he meant.
I returned my attention to Nicholas and forced a smile. “It’s okay, Nic. I don’t want to pressure you into something—”
“No!” He jumped up and lifted me to my feet, tugging me close. “I meant what I said earlier. You are what I want.”
He absently stroked his thumbs over my knuckles, obviously debating what to say, what to do. With each second that passed, my hope faded to disappointment. I thought I was prepared for one, or all, of them to reject my suggestion, but apparently not.
Finally, Nicholas straightened, and a determined expression crossed his face. “Yes, it’s complicated, but I know that it’ll be worth it.”
Tears filled my eyes, from relief or happiness, I wasn’t sure. “Really?”
“Really.”
Cole came up behind him. “So, are we doing this?”
Nicholas nodded. “I think we are.”
Shane wrapped an arm around my waist, completing the circle, then checked his watch. “Um, which one of us gets to kiss you at midnight?”
I laughed, my smile widening from sheer bliss. Now, that’s my kind of predicament.
A Note from Autumn Reed
Thank you so much for reading Raising the Stakes! If you enjoyed the book, I would truly appreciate it if you would share your thoughts by writing a review. To learn more about the Risking It series, please visit my website or contact me at [email protected].
Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes details, and upcoming releases!
Autumn
Playing to Win (Risking It Book 2)
Defying the Odds (Risking It Book 3)
Other books by Autumn Reed & Julia Clarke
The Stardust Series
Phoenix
Draco
Pyxis
Chamaeleon
Vega
Polaris
About the Authors
Autumn and Julia met at work and bonded over their mutual love of historic homes, photography, and good books. While they didn’t plan on co-authoring a novel, what started as daydreaming transformed into brainstorming and then actual writing.
Together, Autumn and Julia make the perfect pair, balancing impulsive with indecisive and attention to detail with an eye for the big picture. Despite their different personalities, Autumn and Julia share a common vision in their writing and love bouncing ideas off each other. They see the creative process as a challenge, a game, and delight in living in a world of their own creation.