After the trio departs my room, I find myself sitting on the edge of my bed, lost in a flurry of thoughts. The silence only amplifies the chaos in my head, leaving me feeling overwhelmed. What have I gotten myself into?
I start to unpack my suitcase and get comfortable in my new bedroom. I become aware of a faint noise emanating from the kitchen. Curiosity piques my interest and I make my way towards the source of the sound. As I approach, a tantalizing aroma of roasted chicken wafts towards me, making me feel hungry. Upon reaching the kitchen, I find Mike standing in front of the oven in a blue apron, intently focused on his task.
“Smells nice,” I state.
Mike gives me a playful wink and exclaims, “You know what I love? A succulent roast chicken.”
“Well, it looks and smells amazing. Where are Cain and Nate?” I ask.
Mike walks up to me, holds my hands, kisses my forehead, and explains, “They are watching TV. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes, by the way.”
I release Mike's hands, clear my throat, and say, “I'll go tell them.”
I walk toward the living room. The sound of the football game grows louder as I approach the door. I peek inside and see Cain and Nate sitting on the couch, their eyes fixed on the big TV screen.
Cain and Nate turn their heads towards me, momentarily breaking their concentration on the game.
Cain motions for me to come toward him with his index finger, and as I approach, he invites me to sit on his lap.
Cain's hand slowly moves over my thigh, sending shivers down my spine. Meanwhile, Nate takes a sip of his beer and looks at me. “Are you okay, baby?” he asks softly.
“Yeah. Dinner will be ready soon,” I explain.
Nate nods and goes back to watch the football.
Cain's lips meet my neck. He whispers, “It's a shame I have work tonight.”
I look at Cain. He leans back in and whispers into my ear, “I want a night just me and you again.” A sudden rush of excitement courses through me as I try to maintain my composure. Meanwhile, Nate starts watching us closely while sipping his beer.
I don’t know how to respond to what he said. I didn't want Nate or Mike left out, but the thought of having each of them separately still pleases me.
I kiss Cain and then slowly rise to my feet, my eyes wandering around the spacious lounge. I notice a few photographs hanging on the wall and one catches my attention. It's a picture of Nate standing alongside his mother from his childhood. He looks absolutely adorable, his innocent face radiating with happiness and joy. I can't help but smile as I gaze at the priceless moment captured in the photograph.
Nate notices and rises from his seat. He strides towards me and rests his hand on my back. “You're looking at my first day of school picture,” he says with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
“You look so cute. Look at those chubby cheeks.” I giggle, pointing to the picture.
Nate chuckles and dismisses the comment. "It was only a matter of time before I grew into my cheeks," he says lightheartedly.
Mike bursts into the living room with a pair of oven gloves, his face beaming with excitement. “Dinner is ready!” he exclaims, his voice echoing through the room. Cain immediately jumps up from the sofa and the three of us make our way to the kitchen.
The aroma of the roast chicken and vegetables fills my senses, arousing my appetite. The sight of the perfectly cooked meal makes my mouth water. Mike, being the gentleman he is, pulls out a chair for me to sit down as we all gather around the table. I gently kiss Mike on the cheek before I sit. Looking at the delicious food in front of us, I can't help but admire it. “This looks absolutely amazing, Mike,” I say with a smile, genuinely impressed by his culinary skills.
The sun begins to set and the evening breeze blows through the open windows as we engage in lighthearted small talk. The clinking of silverware and occasional bursts of laughter fill the room, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
“I’ve gotta get ready for work soon,” Cain states.
I take a bite of my food, chew it slowly, and then swallow it before looking up at Cain. “What time do you usually start and finish work?” I ask in a curious tone.
Mike's hand suddenly lands on my thigh under the table.
Meanwhile, Cain leans forward, resting both elbows on the table, and replies confidently, "Seven in the evening until five in the morning.”
I scoff. “All night? You must be so tired after those hours.”
Cain nonchalantly lifts his shoulders and responds, “It's something you get used to.”
Nate shifts his weight forward, his elbows resting on the table as he addresses me, “I was thinking, baby, we could spend the evening watching a film. You can choose whichever movie you prefer.”
I bring a small piece of chicken to my mouth, savoring its flavor as I chew with a nod of my head.
I open my mouth to suggest a movie, but Mike interrupts me, “she will pick out a really girly film.”
I give him a stern look, smile, and carefully place my fork down on the plate. With a mischievous grin, I reply, “Well, just for that comment of yours, Mike, I'm going to choose the most feminine movie I can find.”
Nate chuckles and responds, "Despite my rugged exterior, I have a soft spot for girly films. So jokes on you guys.”
Mike withdraws his hand from my thigh, leans back on his chair, and covers his face with his palm.
Cain looks at me and gives me a wink.
After savoring the last bite of his dinner, Cain rises from his chair and makes his way to the sink. He carefully places his empty plate inside it and turns around, saying, “I gotta get ready for work.”
After finishing dinner, I thank Mike again for his delicious cooking. Nate and I start washing the dishes while Mike clears the table and wipes it clean. We work together to clean up after the meal.
