Killian closes his laptop and walks over, his expression serious.
“So…” he says, his eyes darting between me and Jayden. “Are you guys ready to tell Dylan she doesn’t have to pick just one of us?”
I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “Come on, man. I know we talked about it conceptually, but you know that’s not how things work. Dylan’s not just some girl we met at a club. This is different.”
Killian frowns. “Is it though? Some of us have shared before. Why would this be any different?”
My jaw clenches. “Because I want more than just a fling. Dylan could be something real for me. For us.”
Jayden mutes the TV and looks over, raising an eyebrow. “So you do want to force her to choose, despite everything we talked about? That’s a risky game, Noah. What if we end up pushing her away completely?”
I meet his gaze steadily. “Then that’s a risk we have to take. Better than living in some limbo where we all end up hurt.”
Killian sighs, raking a hand through his hair. “I don’t know, man. I think you’re playing with fire here. And I couldn’t bear to lose her just because one of us is being selfish.”
“It’s about clarity,” I say firmly. “Either we know where we stand, or we don’t stand at all.”
Jayden and Killian exchange uncertain glances. The tension in the room is palpable.
I stand, resolute in my decision. “I’ll talk to Dylan. It’s better if it comes from me. We’ll set up some dates, make it fair. But I need to know where I’m at with her. Who she wants. I’m not prepared to share her, even with you guys.”
Killian shakes his head slowly. “Just...be careful, Noah. We don’t want to lose her, not over this. And I’m pretty sure she’s not going to like your ultimatum.”
My heart pounds as I walk toward the kitchen. I know I’m steering us into rough waters, but it’s the only way I can see clearly.
I just hope we make it through the storm.
Chapter 38
Dylan
Idropmyrugbybag on the floor with a thud, rotating my sore shoulder right as Jonah sprints past, rubbing against my leg in a warm welcome. Practice was intense, and I seem to have aggravated an old injury that I haven’t had to deal with in a while.
The guys are already sitting around the dining table, shifting glances between each other.
Something’s up. Their body language screams serious conversation ahead. My stomach knots. What have we done? Are we getting evicted already?
Noah clears his throat as I grab a plate. “So, Dylan. We’ve been thinking...”
He pauses as if unable to speak any more words, and Killian jumps in. “Maybe you should go on individual dates with each of us. You know, to see who you really vibe with.”
My fork halts halfway to my mouth. “You want me to date all of you? Like some bachelor-style competition?” I narrow my eyes at Noah. “So I was right… you’re trying to force me to pick. But you’re doing it in some weird way that feels like a dating game show.”
Jayden fidgets with his napkin. “Not a competition exactly. More like... helping you figure out the best fit.”
I set my fork down, my appetite almost vanishing. After the drama at my old club, being forced to choose sides nearly crushed me. And here it is, happening again, albeit in entirely different circumstances.
Don’t they get it? This will only drive me away, not pull me closer.
But I’m tired of always making compromises. If they want to play this game, fine. Time to raise the stakes.
I force a sweet smile. “Sure, I’ll go out with each of you.” I pause. “Oh, and Kai, too. Just to keep my options really open.”
Killian’s eyes widen in surprise. Noah looks like he just chugged sour milk.
They glance at each other.
“Well, that’s one way to do it,” Killian finally says with an awkward chuckle.