I really like this all a lot that I choose up a small token of my appreciation for them. A classic version of Sweet Land. Earlier than the subsequent hockey sport, I’m wrapping it for them when my telephone brays. It’s a neighborhood quantity—a well-recognized one, and it makes me freeze. A mixture of terror and pleasure programs by me unexpectedly.

It’s laborious to comprise my thrill on the hockey sport that night. Partly as a result of they’re profitable. However partly as a result of I form of really feel like I’m profitable at life proper now.

When the sport ends with one other victory for the Golden State Foxes, I’m that a lot nearer to telling the blokes the excellent news.

The decision originated from Steven’s workplace, however the caller was a lady named Zora, with a heat, husky voice. She stated she ran the impartial agency that dealt with the competition judging. After all he did this too, hiring a woman-owned agency like I’d instructed. Not that I’m sad. I’m glad Zora obtained the gig since she stated Cracking the Case of the Lacking O was eye-opening and genuine, although I really don’t know if Steven has been knowledgeable that Simply A Lady is his ex-girlfriend. In some way I doubt it. If he knew it was me, he’d have nixed my prize.

I tempo within the hall after the sport, ready for the blokes. When the three of them lastly arrive, I virtually vault into their arms, waggling my telephone. “I received the competition!”

Hollis scoops me up first, wrapping me in a heat embrace that seems like house. I catch a whiff of his clear showery scent. It makes my head spin. Rhys is subsequent, holding me like he doesn’t need to let go. My pores and skin tingles. Then Gavin embraces me, and his arms band round me, possessive, protecting.

After they let go, I really feel fizzy, frothy even. Like a bottle of champagne, effervescent over. I’m intoxicated by them. I don’t know that I can final for much longer simply being mates. I don’t know in the event that they’re prepared for greater than friendship although.

However I do know this—I’m. Lastly. Once I was with them within the cottage, I believed it was a mistake to become involved with three guys on the rival staff.

That was what I wanted to imagine as a result of I used to be afraid of being left once more, not like Steven did, however like my mother did a few years in the past. I used to be afraid of not being sufficient for somebody.

I’m not afraid anymore. I can deal with no matter challenges the “rivalry” would possibly carry as a result of that’s not the actual problem. It was by no means the actual problem. I used to be all the time robust. However I’m even stronger now that I do know myself higher.

There’s one other factor I do know too—I want them by my aspect, nevertheless they’ll have me. “There’s a gala this weekend for the awards. I don’t have a factor to put on. I’ve no clue if my ex shall be there or not. I don’t even know in the event that they’ll take away the prize when he figures out it’s me. However I actually need to go. I would like everybody there to know what actually makes a fantastic boyfriend. Do you need to include me? As mates,” I say rapidly since I don’t need them to be uncomfortable, however I would like them with me. Desperately.

Rhys’s lips twitch in a tease of a smile. “Sure.”

Hollis nods solemnly. “Undoubtedly.”

Gavin says, “It’s a plan.”

I hand them the wrapped sport of Sweet Land. “Thanks,” I inform them. “I couldn’t have completed it with out you.”

With out them, there’d be no boyfriend mission. However with out me, there’d be no piece. I informed the story. I put all of it collectively. I deserve the prize.

65

THAT’S IT

Rhys

Like hell are we settling for friendship.

66

PACKAGE PARADE

Briar

The following morning, the doorman buzzes me. “Bundle for you, Miss Delaney. It’s from some fancy division retailer. Need me to ship it up?”

“Sure,” I say, and a minute later, Donut’s making an attempt to leap the door open when a constructing upkeep man knocks on it.

I perceive my canine a lot proper now. I’m bouncing with pleasure as I yank open the door. “Thanks,” I say, taking the field.

As soon as I shut the door, I undo the white satiny bow then rigorously unfold the tissue to discover a shimmery pink costume with a plunging neckline and a halter high tie. It’s beautiful, and I’ve by no means had something prefer it earlier than.

Gingerly, I pull it out, maintain it up towards me, and peer within the mirror. My coronary heart gallops. “Wow.”

I’m amazed on the costume but additionally the reward. The care in selecting it. The best way I’m positive it’ll match. How they’ve as soon as once more solved an issue for me.

Once I set down the costume within the field, I spot a card within the tissue paper. I open it. Pink is your coloration.

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