I look away from her for a moment and nod, pretending like the idea of him not wanting to spend his birthday night with me doesn’t suck. I mean, it’s not really much different than every other year. He tends to like to spend the day more secluded, but he’s never actually not let me sneak in his bed in the middle of the night.
I take a deep breath. If I had a chance to get Aurora alone, I’d probably take it too. There’s no reason to be jealous. Besides, after having all these years with him, I can share him.
Feeling better, I finally answer her, “That makes sense.”
“I’m so sorry,” she whispers.
Looking back at her, I cup her cheek and shake my head. “Hey, you have nothing to be sorry for. Does it sting some? Sure.” I shrug. “But at the same time, I know the score. It’s not just him and I in the relationship anymore, it involves you too. And sometimes, we will want you all to ourselves. I can’t get mad at him for wanting something I do.”
“I just don’t want to ruin what you two have and come between you guys. You both are important to me.”
Leaning forward, I kiss her softly before pulling away. “You won’t, I promise. It won’t always be easy, but we will figure it out. We are all going to need to build our relationships together. I don’t want it to feel awkward for you to be with me or Drake alone, because we are always together. This is a good thing.”
“And when one of us has a concern, we talk to each other about it. Promise me.” She nods.
“I promise,” I tease. “Now come on, I’m sure Ezra is inside losing his fucking mind, wondering what’s taking us so long.”
Aurora laughs as she places her hand on the door handle. “I can see it now. ‘bloody hell Liam, how long does it take to go to the airport and pick someone up?’”
I laugh, shaking my head. “That was crazy accurate. Now come on, we have a house to decorate and a cake to make.”
We get out of the car and head inside. I hold Aurora’s hand as we walk inside.
“This is a beautiful place.”
“It is,” I say as I close the door. “I chose it because when I was a kid, I used to always pass it and think about the people who lived here. I wondered what lives they had and if any of them would accept me for who I was. My parents ignored me most of the time, so I spent a lot of time wishing I had new ones. I keep asking the owners if they are willing to sell, but they are still holding out.”
Aurora places her hand in mine. “You have people who accept you now. Don’t let those old memories haunt you. As for this house, if it’s meant to happen, it will.”
If only she knew how often they keep me awake at night.
The floor plan opens up to ocean views and Aurora looks over at me and smiles. “Of course you chose a place like this.”
“Only the best for us.”
Ezra rounds the corner and starts to rant when he sees us. “Bloody hell, Liam, did you get into an accident? Hit every red light? How long does it take to pick someone up from the airport?”
Aurora looks over her shoulder at me and winks as she walks toward him.
I bite back my laugh. “I’m so sorry. I must have gotten lost.”
Aurora approaches Ezra cautiously. “Hey, Ezra.”
I stand back, watching the interaction. I know he’s been working on making things better with her, but this is the first time any of us are able to actually see it.
“Are you going to stand all the way over there, or come give me a hug, Miss Blake?” He waits, his arms open.
I’ve never seen the man look more vulnerable. Aurora hesitates but then steps into his arms, letting him squeeze her to him. I watch the relief fill his face as he kisses the top of her head.
“I’m glad you made it safe. I hope you slept on the plane though. We have a lot to do. You too, Liam.” Ezra nods to me.
I smile, rubbing my hands together. “Where do you need me? Preferably between Rora’s legs.”
They laugh and shake their heads.
“Aurora will be baking in the kitchen while you help me hang the decorations she picked out,” Ezra advises me.
“We picked them out together, bossy pants. Go help him, Liam. I’ll come find you guys when the cake is in the oven.” Aurora presses a chaste kiss to Ezra’s cheek before walking over to me and kissing my lips.
