“Jared, do you think we could have a moment alone, please?” Hadley asked.
Her eyes were sad again, and I hated to see that look in them. I also hated leaving her. We'd promised her that we had her back, and there she was, asking me to leave. I reached out for her hand and squeezed it.
“You sure?”
“Yes, I think this would be a conversation we should have alone,” she said.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
HADLEY
“I'm sorry. You shouldn't have seen that,” I muttered.
I sat across from him, staring at my hands which were clasped in my lap. I couldn't bring myself to look at Gabe, I knew he was hurt. I caused that hurt too. I hadn't wanted to hurt him. He shouldn't have witnessed me fucking one of his brothers. That wasn't the way to start the conversation about us all being together.
Gabe's voice came out flatter than usual. “Well, it's not like we're together or anything,” he said.
“I know, but – ”
“But what, Hadley? You still love me?”
Yes,” I said as tears ran down my cheeks. “Very much so, Gabe.”
“But you also love Jared too, huh?”
I nodded, wiping my eyes.
“What about Evan?”
I nodded again.
“And you think the four of us can be one, big happy orgy?”
“Not an orgy, but – ” his words hit deep. “I was hoping we could be a family.”
“A family?” he scoffed. “Like we all live in a big house together, sharing a bed and fucking like rabbits?”
“Well, yes and no,” I said.
“Is that the type of home you want to raise Grayson in?”
His voice was rising higher and higher.
“Don't bring my son into this, and don't yell at me,” I said.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, and finally, I'd had enough. I managed to sit up and stare him straight in the eyes. It must have shocked him because he looked as if he'd been slapped.
“How can we not talk about Grayson? His life will be affected by your decisions, Hadley,” he said, his voice still louder than I cared for.
“Don't you think I know that?” I said.
&nbs
p; My own voice rose higher to meet his. I stood up and towered over him now. “Every decision I make is for that little boy. Every single one,” I said. “But personally, I think the more people in his life who love him – and love his mom – the better. I'm sorry you don't see it that way, Gabe, I really had hoped we could make this work.”
I was shaking, and when Gabe stood up, I naturally backed away. His temper could be claustrophobic at times, making you feel like you were being choked even though he stood several feet away.
“Come away with me, Hadley,” he said.