by Nikki Jacks
The idea of handling it on my own instead of letting three men take care of it for me was compelling, but my common sense reminded me that I had no tools and I wouldn’t be giving up my independence to accept help with something I had no clue how to do on my own.
“All right, you’ve sold me. I’ll allow you gentlemen to help me out. I do appreciate it. You’ll have to let me buy dinner as thanks, though. I assume Silver Springs has a decent pizza parlor? Everything is supposed to be delivered today but a bed. Those are on back-order for the foreseeable future. I’m going to have to pick up an air mattress or sleep on the couch for now.”
“I think we can agree to dinner, and Anthony’s is rumored to have the best pizza in town. Lotus, may I ask you something?”
“What is it, Mr. Kallyx?”
“Evan, please, Lotus. I was wondering if you would accept my bed for the time being? Don’t mistake me. I meant that I have four rooms in my house and the three guest rooms have been untouched for a long time. If you are willing, I could bring one of those beds to your apartment for you to sleep on until your new bed arrives. If you accept my offer, you won’t have to sleep on an air mattress or your couch while you wait.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to Evan. His offer was sweet. I didn’t want to sleep on the couch or an air mattress for an indefinite period of time, but I also didn’t want to be indebted to this man. I was on my own for the first time and wanted to prove my independence. How would I be proving that I could do this if I started out letting someone take care of things?
“Lotus, this is just an offer of a loan of sorts. I have no need of the bed, but you do. I just want to help you out so as you prepare to open your shop, you are getting proper rest. The bank can’t see a return on investment or have the loan repaid if you find yourself sick or dealing with physical ailments. These early days will be long and grueling.”
“Okay, Mr. Ka—uh, Evan. Thank you for your offer. I’ll gladly take it. The thought of sleeping on something other than a bed is not appealing.”
“Splendid. If that’s the case, I’ll leave now to get the bed broken down and loaded into my vehicle. I’ll meet you all at Lotus’s shop.”
Springing to his feet, Lance bounded to the door.
“Let’s go, Drake! You need to grab a change of clothes so you don’t tear your suit. Lotus said she’s buying pizza. The sooner we’re done, the sooner we get grub!”
Laughing, we all made our way outside. Drake assured us he had a gym bag stashed in his office and would be with us in a moment.
As we stepped outside, I shivered in the winter air and breathed deep. I’d made it to Silver Springs. I was headed to my new home and business, ready to start a new life.
12
Lotus
When we got to the shop, Drake led the way to the front door. With the afternoon sun shining through the windows, I could clearly see that the shop was clean. It hadn’t been in this condition when Drake and I had walked through it a couple of weeks ago. I stopped in the middle of the floor and just looked around.
I tamped down on my frustration that someone had taken care of this instead of letting me handle it and imagined what could be.
In my mind’s eye, I could see the glass-fronted cold case that would carry the ice cream. Right next to it, we could have a display shelf showcasing Lance’s creations. There was space along one wall where we could have a milkshake machine for those who’d rather drink their Flying Horse rather than eat it.
Snorting as I replayed that thought in my head, I kept looking at the place that was all mine. My business and livelihood, my home, my fresh start.
Just as I was picturing the types of tables and chairs I wanted for the seating area and if I wanted to add a soda fountain counter to the shop, I heard a rumble. A large SUV was pulling up to the shop. Evan got out, rounded the hood, and came inside.
Evan glanced around the main room of the shop and then cocked his head toward the door that led to the back. “Shall we?”
As I stared up at Evan, that little earworm I’d been humming for weeks started back up, louder than ever. I seriously needed to figure out the song so I could replace it with something new. I mean, it was pretty, but weeks of hearing it was starting to grate on me.
“Are you okay, Lotus?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. That earworm is making itself known again. I’ve really got to figure out the song so something else can take its place.”
“Isn’t it interesting how things can get stuck in our brains?”
“Interesting and annoying. Well, let’s head upstairs. I can get an idea of where furniture will go before the truck arrives.”
“After you.”
I made my way through the back of the shop to a door that stood open, revealing a narrow staircase. I pushed the door to start closing and looked at the side that would face inside the shop. There was a keyhole in the knob, but that was it. I knew Silver Springs was a small town, but the lack of anything sturdier did not sit well with me.
“Evan, do you think the landlord would mind if I had a deadbolt installed on this door? I’d feel more comfortable knowing that my personal space was a little more secure.”
“I don’t think it will be a problem, but let’s go up and talk to Drake. He’s the one who brokered this deal; he’ll know for sure.”
As we cleared the top of the stairs, I checked the door that closed the apartment off from the stairs. This door at least had a deadbolt attached. Speaking with Drake and getting the doors taken care of was a priority now. I knew I wouldn’t sleep well without added measures.
Sure, I was a witch, but my parents had made sure that the only training I’d had with my powers was to make slight enhancements to my appearance. I did not have the training or magical muscle to come up with something as complex as a security spell, and I needed more protection around me. I refused to go back to New Orleans.
Once I’d stepped fully into the room and made way for Evan, I stopped so I could just look. This apartment was mine. I had done it! I’d left New Orleans and was on my own. I was determining my future. No one was going to force me to do anything I didn’t want. I didn’t know if I was scared or excited at the moment.
I moved deeper into the apartment and saw Drake and Lance standing by the small bar that separated the kitchen from the rest of the room. They were talking quietly and gesturing around the room.
“We were just discussing the best placement for furniture. You want to make sure you get the most use of space since it’s a smaller apartment.” Lance sounded helpful and eager, but after being told I could supervise the placement of my furniture, I couldn’t believe they were just making decisions for me.
“Well, Lance, once I’ve had a better look around, I can think about where I want everything to go. The delivery truck will be here in about thirty minutes, if you guys want to get the bed unloaded and set up in the back bedroom.”
The guys all tramped down the stairs, and I moved to the bar. I turned to face the room and started making a floor plan in my head.
The living room was pretty basic and had enough room for a couch and a loveseat. I’d be able to use one wall to set up a T.V. stand and put a coffee table in front of it. I had thought about squeezing a breakfast nook table in the rear of the room, and decided I didn’t like the idea of being so cramped, so I’d ordered barstools instead.
Walking down the short hallway, the bathroom was on the left. While small, there was a decent sized tub. I’d have to see about some shelves to create some storage space for linens. Across the hall was one of the bedrooms.
I walked farther down the hall to the last room. The master bedroom was good-sized; it took up a third of the space over the shop. The one feature in the room that caused my instant love were the large bay windows and window seat that overlooked what would be the front of the shop. I stepped up to the windows and looked out. I could see Jewels Café across the street.
I could happily see myself in this window, talk
ing on the phone with Maryn or reading a book. This was also the perfect place for a morning cup of coffee before the day became hectic.
As I stepped back into the main room of the apartment, the guys were bringing in a massive headboard. The thing was a work of art. The wood was a dark color and carved with whorls, vines, and flowers. I could have stared at it for all night. It was obviously well cared for. I could smell the wax and polish used to keep it dust free.
“Oh my, Evan! This is beautiful!”
“Thank you. I’ve had it for years and can think of no better use for it.”
“Well, I really appreciate you lettin’ me use this bed while I’m waiting for one to be in stock.”
While the guys fitted the bed back together, I grabbed my phone and used Screech, the supe social media app, to get the contact info for Anthony’s. Knowing that Drake and Lance were shifters, I was sure we’d need a good bit of pizza, so I ordered six large Deluxe Supreme pizzas and the breadsticks I’d read were to die for. I gave my new address (inner squeal) and set up delivery for six o’clock to make sure we had finished moving furniture around.
Just as I finished the order, Lance’s gravelly voice washed over me. “Hey, Lotus, we’re done if you want to come check it out.”
I followed Lance down the hall. I stepped into the bedroom and couldn’t stop the gasp that left my lips. The bed had been set up parallel to the bay windows, so if I wanted, I could sit or lay in bed and look out the window. While that was incredibly thoughtful, I was left speechless seeing the bed in all its glory.
If the headboard was a work of art, I didn’t know what to make of the footboard. The king-sized bed was a sleigh bed. The footboard mimicked the patterning in the headboard, but someone had taken the time to inlay crystals into parts. The bed’s occupant could lay in bed and watch light play on the crystals. I imagined it would be mesmerizing. As I brought my focus outward, I noticed that the bed had linens on it, and looked at Evan.
“I use the Cleanly Den to keep my house clean, and all bed linens get cleaned weekly, used or not, so these are fresh. I didn’t know if you would have any, so I brought the ones that were already on the bed. I understand if you want to get your own.”
“No, I don’t have linens; so again, I appreciate it. You three have really gone out of your way to help me. The pizzas I have coming are nowhere near enough to say thank you.”
My phone trilled, and I looked down. It was the furniture company.
“Ready, guys? The furniture is here.”
The guys all grunted some type of acknowledgment and headed out to the main room. I went down and met the delivery driver. I explained there was a door in the alley. That would help the guys get things moved up to the apartment without having to walk all the way through the shop.
I asked Evan to stay downstairs and make sure everything made it upstairs while I headed back upstairs to let the delivery guys know where I wanted things placed.
It didn’t take long to get the furniture unloaded and into my apartment. I’d ordered a couple bookshelves and a desk that needed to be put together. Lance and Drake knocked those out easily. By the time the pizzas were delivered, everything was set up and Evan had brought my suitcase and the bags of items I’d purchased since I’d been in town up to the apartment.
Looking over the living room, I couldn’t stop the smile that stretched my face. I was standing in my home. It was furnished, and I was not in New Orleans. My parents didn’t know where I was, I had my freedom, and the first step in my journey to independence had been taken.
“Thank you, guys. Your help definitely made this process go quicker. Let’s dig into the pizzas before they get any cooler.”
As I started unloading everything, I realized I hadn’t ordered any drinks to go with dinner. While Jewels offered delicious drinks, I don’t think any of us wanted coffee or tea with our pizza.
“Well, shoot! I forgot to order drinks. I’m so sorry! The one thing we need more than the food and I completely overlooked it.”
Lance was quick to jump in. “No worries, I’ll go out and grab some beers. There’s nothing like a nice, cold beer after a day of work.”
I looked over at Lance and nodded. “Okay, I’ll give you some cash. I told you guys I was buying dinner, so you’re takin’ it, mister!”
The guys chuckled and followed me. I gave Lance a handful of twenty-dollar bills from my billfold with an admonishment not to skimp and be quick.
Once he’d left, I looked at Drake and Evan. “If you guys want to help me, those bags can all go back into my bedroom. Will you take them back and stack them against the far wall? I’ll go through them later so I can have a nice, hot shower before bed.”
Heat rushed up my cheeks when I realized what I’d said. While I focused on cooling down, I didn’t miss Drake muttering, “And now I get to think about that when I get home.”
13
Lotus
Anthony’s was some of the best pizza I’d ever had. We sat around on the new furniture, eating and drinking from the beer bottles that Lance had brought back. Just as I was starting to float in a rosy haze, I heard a throat clearing. I opened my eyes and saw all three guys looking at me.
“What? Do I have pizza on my face?”
“No, that’s not the case at all, Lotus. There is something we want to discuss with you.” Evan sounded nervous as he spoke, but Drake and Lance looked like he sounded.
“Ooookay… What’s up, guys?”
Drake cleared his throat and began, “Well, you know that I am attracted to you. I won’t apologize for what happened in my office the day we met. I will apologize that I didn’t try harder to talk with you about things. I want the opportunity to get to know you more, and not just in a sexual manner. I want to see where things could go between us.”
“I feel the same way. I’m sorry for letting my emotions get the better of me when I walked into my brother’s office. I was stunned and let my cat run the show for a bit. I felt the attraction between us when I met you at Jewels Café, and I want the chance to see what can develop between us.”
At Lance and Drake’s declarations, my buzz faded away. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Sure, I was attracted to the Anders brothers. And Evan. But what in the world? How were we having this conversation?
“Not to be left out or discounted, I want you to know that I am also attracted to you. If you are willing, I would like the opportunity to know you better and see if we have some compatibility.”
At Evan’s words, I goggled. “What is wrong with you three?! How in the world can you sit here with straight faces—in front of one another, no less—and tell me that you all have feelings for me and want to pursue relationships with me? What am I supposed to do with that? How would that even work out? Lance, you flew off the handle knowing that I’d been with your brother, and we hadn’t even had a personal conversation!”
Drake held his hands up in a placating gesture. “We know it sounds pretty crazy, Lotus, but please, listen to us!”
I canted an eyebrow and tipped my head. Drake took that to mean I was listening, and continued.
“Obviously Lance and I knew we were attracted to you, but we came to realize the same thing about Evan while we were taking care of things for your loan and lease. We think that if we go into this with our eyes open, we can make this work.”
Evan picked up the thread, “Yes. We are all adults, and if we are open and honest with one another, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the company of the three of us, and we enjoy yours.”
“So, what y’all are saying is that you want me to date the three of you. At the same time. And y’all are okay with this? What if I’m not?”
Lance scrambled to answer me. “We might have moments of jealousy, but that’s because our feelings are genuine and we all really like you, Lotus. As far as being okay with it, we are all okay with this instead of you telling us all no. Why aren’t you okay with this? What’s the problem?”
“Well,
Mr. Lance Anders, I’ll tell you what the problem is! I am one woman, and you are three men! There is no way that I can date the three of you and not have people talk about how big a slut I am or how I’m just stringing y’all along or using you. I refuse to give people the opportunity to make assumptions about me or talk about me. I just moved here, and I need the town’s business if I’m going to survive. And please, in the name of all that’s holy, tell me how it’s fair to you guys to have to share me?”
“Well, we’ve talked, and while it might be tricky, if we are intentional with our time, we can all spend time with you without anyone feeling jealous. We know you are going to be very busy opening the shop and there will be lots of long hours, but if we do lunches and reserve evening dates for the weekends or scattered through the week, we should all be able to get to know one another quite well.”
Drake’s response wasn’t too crazy, if I didn’t dwell on the three different guys aspect of all this.
Evan’s follow-up was also pretty logical and made me wonder how much the guys had coordinated this attack.
“We understand that as we get to know one another better our feelings might change, and one or more of us might decide that friendship or nothing is a better choice. This is just for now. An honest and open way for us to get to know you better and for you to get to know each of us.
As far as you being one woman dating three men, people in Silver Springs aren’t going to look at this as anything wrong, and they won’t say hurtful or disparaging things to you. As you get to know our town better, you will realize that polyamory is quite prevalent. No one wants to make you uncomfortable, and we definitely don’t want you to feel pressured. Please, just think about what we’ve suggested and we can all discuss it again in a few days.”