Nicholas reached across the backseat of the town car and took my hand. “Are you sure you’re up to this tonight? I can have the driver drop you off at your apartment, instead.”

I’d told Nicholas that I had something important to tell Cole about Jeremy and didn’t want to say more. It was tempting to give in and go home rather than get into all of it tonight, but I didn’t want to put it off any longer. I’d already made a mistake by keeping what I’d seen in the alley to myself. I couldn’t keep the information about Jeremy’s baby a secret as well.

“I’m sure. Plus, I promised both Shane and Cole I would come over tonight. It is Valentine’s Day, after all.”

He laced his fingers through mine. “It’s going to be difficult to share you after last night.”

“Does that mean it will bother you when I’m with them?”

I watched him closely for any sign of discomfort. Things had undoubtedly changed between us. We’d come together in every sense of the word, and in the daylight, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was regretting everything. Particularly, agreeing to the torrid foursome to begin with. It was one thing to share my time. It was another to fully share my body.

His expression didn’t falter. “I’ve accepted that you’re sleeping with all three of us, if that’s what you’re asking. I only meant that I’ve enjoyed having you all to myself. Not to mention, I’ll have to return to taking regular cold showers.”

I rolled my eyes. “TMI, Nic.”

“You could promise to sleep in my bed every third night.”

I would have assumed he was teasing, but there was no sign of levity in his voice or expression. “I can’t stay at the townhouse all the time. You don’t even get home until after midnight most nights.”

“I’ll adjust my schedule. I don’t need to be at the club every night. It’s practically running itself these days, anyway.”

Why was I hesitating? When it came right down to it, I wanted to spend more time with the Ts. And with Snow there, I had even more incentive to stay at their house.

“What about a compromise? I promise to stay over more often, and we can work up to your every third night idea. How’s that?”

“I’ll accept it, for now.”

Noticing we were almost to the townhouse, I shifted in my seat to face him. “I know you three like to discuss me when I’m not around, but would you mind keeping last night and this morning . . .” I paused, remembering how he’d woken me up. “. . . to yourself?”

“You don’t have to worry about us comparing notes. We would never do that.”

“I believe you.” I chewed on the inside of my cheek, trying to decide whether to spit out the rest of it. I lowered my voice, hoping the driver wasn’t listening to our conversation. “But you’re the only one I’ve slept with, which makes things kind of awkward for me right now.”

A massive grin split his face. “I’m your first, huh?”

I smacked his arm. “It’s not a competition.”

He held his hands up in surrender, but his smile didn’t falter. “Never thought it was. Doesn’t mean I can’t bask in male satisfaction for a few minutes, though.”

I tried to resist laughing, but Nicholas made it impossible. “Get your basking over with quickly. We’re almost home.” I snapped my mouth shut, hoping he hadn’t noticed my slip. If he did, he chose not to comment.

We were walking up the driveway with our luggage when an unwelcome voice sounded from behind us. “Well, well, what do we have here?”

I spun to find Jeremy stepping out of a cab with a malevolent smirk on his face. “Looks like you two just returned from a weekend getaway, but surely that can’t be. Emma is Cole’s girlfriend.”

My stomach lurched. Although I figured Jeremy would find out eventually, I hated his condescending tone, especially after what I had discovered the day before.

“It’s none of your business,” Nicholas said, sounding indifferent.

“Maybe it is. Does my dear brother know about your little affair?”

Nicholas shrugged. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but we’re not having an affair.” Technically true.

Jeremy sneered in response. “Let me guess. You both happened to arrive at the airport at the same time and decided to share a car. How convenient.” He walked closer, his gaze roaming over me in that way I hated. “I knew there was something off about you, Emma, but I didn’t guess you were slutty enough to cheat on Cole with his roommate.”

My body heated with anger. “Says the man who deserted his pregnant girlfriend.”

He stalked toward me, and Nicholas stepped in front of him. Jeremy edged to the side and pointed a finger at me, glaring. “How do you know about that?”

Unwilling to be bullied, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Does it matter?”

“You little bitch.”

Nicholas started to say something, but the front door opened and Cole strode outside. “What the hell is going on out here?”

“Your girlfriend is a cheat and a snoop, that’s what.”

“Emma isn’t cheating on me with Nic.” Cole sent me a worried glance before continuing. “She’s dating both of us. And Shane.”

Jeremy’s stunned expression transformed into something even worse. “Well, then, how do I get in on it? I’d like to get a piece of that hot little ass, and she must be a freak in the sack—”

Out of nowhere, Nicholas stepped forward and punched Jeremy in the face before shoving an elbow into his gut. Jeremy doubled over, swearing, and Nicholas turned to me. “If you want to knee him in the balls, here’s your chance.”

Shocked, I stared at Nicholas and then Jeremy. Cole jogged to us and pulled me into his arms. “I’m so sorry, Em. I’ll take care of it. Go inside.”

“Cole, no—”

“Please?” Although his face was flushed with anger, his eyes were pleading, and I couldn’t find it in me to say no.

“Okay, but please don’t fight him. I’m fine, and you’ll regret it later.”

His gaze had already strayed to his brother, and just when I decided he wasn’t going to respond, he nodded. “Go inside.”

I left my suitcase in the driveway and reluctantly opened the front door. The dogs came running, and I immediately swept Snow up and hugged her to me, grateful for her calming presence. She was wearing an adorable pink sweater with red hearts all over it, and even Ace’s usual black collar had been replaced with a red one. Only Cole, I thought with a smile.

It faded when I heard muted shouting from the front yard. The reason I hadn’t told Cole about my suspicions in the first place was to avoid a scene like this one. I should have kept my mouth shut about Tammy. Clearly, antagonizing Jeremy had not been my smartest move.

Shane descended the stairs wearing sweats and a tee, his hair mussed. He yawned before giving me a kiss. “Hey, babe. Is everything okay? I thought I heard yelling.”

“There was a scene with Jeremy outside. Cole sent me in here.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Should I go out there?”

“I think Cole and Nic probably have it covered.”

The door opened, and Cole and Nicholas came in carrying the luggage. I scanned their bodies for injuries, but they both appeared to be in one piece. Behind them, Jeremy hovered in the doorway, his nose bloody and eye starting to swell.

Surprised, I held Snow tighter to my chest. I’d assumed Cole would lecture him then send him on his way.

“You didn’t tell me he got punched,” Shane whispered, taking Snow from my arms. He was probably worried I would crush her.

With a glare even more malevolent than before aimed at me, Jeremy spit out, “You need to learn to mind your own business. You’ve ruined everything.”

Cole froze. “What are you talking about? You said you wanted to apologize to Emma.”

“Like I would apologize to that interfering bitch.”

“Is it true?” Nicholas asked. “Did you leave a pregnant girlfriend behind in California?”

“What?” Cole yelled.

Shit, this was getting out of control even quicker than the scene in the driveway. “Cole, can I talk to you in private for a minute?”

“Yeah,” he sighed. He spoke to Shane and Nicholas while staring at his brother. “Don’t let him leave.” He led me into Nicholas’s bedroom and shut the door. “What is it?”

“Maybe you should let Jeremy go for now. I’ll explain everything, and you can talk to him tomorrow. Once you’ve cooled off.”

“No, if he’s been lying to me, I want to get it out in the open now.” He sat on the edge of the bed, suddenly appearing exhausted. “Why are you even involved in this, Em?”

“Um . . .” I stared down at my hands, not sure what to say now that I was on the spot. “I was suspicious and looked into him. I was planning on telling you everything tonight.”

“So, you’ve been lying to me too?”

I flinched at the steel in his voice. “No, I just wanted to figure out what was going on before telling you. I didn’t want you to get into it with Jeremy if I was wrong about him.”

“Tell me everything. Now.”

I quickly described my investigation—the phone call to Jeremy’s former employer, catching him in the alley with Mr. Snake Tattoo, and my conversation with Tammy’s neighbor. Cole hung his head and stared at the floor as I spoke, so I had no way to judge his reaction to the information. Was he angry at his brother? Me? Both of us?

“I’m sorry, Cole. I honestly hoped I wouldn’t find anything. I wanted you and Jeremy to work things out.”

He slowly raised his head, and his usually warm eyes were completely devoid of emotion. “You should have stayed out of it.” Then, he stalked out of the room and slammed the door behind him.

I sank onto the bed and tried to hold back the tears. Cole was absolutely right, and I had no one to blame but myself. I’d told myself a hundred times to let it go, but I didn’t listen. What right did I have to snoop into Cole’s family? At the very least, I could have mentioned my suspicions and let him handle it from there.

How had a day that started out so perfectly turned into this? Secrets and lies would do it every time.

After a soft knock, the door opened and Shane stepped inside. My stomach dropped in disappointment. I tried to hide my reaction, but judging by his crooked smile, he wasn’t fooled. “It’s just me. Cole took Jeremy and left.”

The tears that had been threatening for the last ten minutes finally started to fall. I’d screwed up royally this time, and I didn’t know if Cole could forgive me. Considering how his family treated him, it was understandable that he had his own issues with trust. Yet, knowing all about those issues, I’d betrayed him anyway. How could I be so stupid?

Shane sat next to me and wrapped me in his arms, which only made me cry harder. I didn’t deserve his comfort. I deserved to wallow in solitude.

After mentally completing breathing exercises to compose myself, I pulled back and wiped my eyes. I rubbed at the wet spot on his T-shirt. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine.” He stroked a hand over my back in soothing circles. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I messed up.” Tears pricked at my eyes again, so I closed my mouth, refusing to say anything else.

“Give him time to cool off. He’s more pissed with Jeremy than you right now.”

I stared at my lap, too ashamed to look him in the eyes. “I’m not so sure about that. You don’t know the whole story.”

Shane tipped my chin up with his finger. “No, but I know that if it has to do with Jeremy, whatever you did was in Cole’s best interest. Am I right?”

“Yeah, but—”

He stopped me with a kiss. I stiffened at first, then let myself get lost in the feel of his warm lips on mine. Right or not, I needed the distraction he was offering.

The doorbell rang, and I withdrew. “That’s probably dinner.” In lieu of a Valentine’s Day gift, I’d ordered a meal for the four of us from a restaurant I knew the Ts loved. Although it had still stretched my budget, it felt measly in comparison to what they gave me.

I pulled the pendant out from under my shirt and ran my thumb over the three diamonds. I hadn’t even had a chance to thank Cole before he left.

Shane stood and started toward the door. “Take your time. Nic and I will get everything ready.”

“But it’s my gift to you. I should be doing the work.”

He paused with his hand on the doorknob. “I think we can handle moving the food to plates.”

I sighed. There was no point in arguing with him, especially since I seriously needed to pull myself together before putting on my cheerful Valentine’s Day face. “Okay. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

By the time I washed my face and ran Nicholas’s brush through my hair, the table was set with candles and three plates and glasses of wine. Cole’s absence hit me hard, but I forced a smile. “That smells delicious.”

Nicholas pulled out a chair for me. “I can’t believe you ordered our favorites. How did you know?”

“I texted Xavier. He suggested the restaurant and remembered what each of you ordered at Cole’s birthday dinner.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. I’ve never met someone as observant as Xavier.”

“So, what happened last night?” Shane asked. “You two darted out of the party like a dragon was chasing you.”

My mind instantly went to the yacht, and it took effort to not physically react. Shane definitely didn’t need to know what happened after we left.

Nicholas snorted. “That was the result of an especially unpleasant conversation with my father, so the description fits.”

“I should have known.” Shane looked at me. “He wasn’t giving you a hard time, I hope?”

“No, he was trying to push Nic into a job at his friend’s company.”

“Emma told him off. It was incredible.” Nicholas smiled like he was replaying that moment in his head.

Shane’s eyes widened. “You told off the great Jonathon Hayes? I’m impressed. Few people have the guts to stand up to him.”

“Including me,” Nicholas said with a sigh. “I wish I had half your courage, Cinderella.”

I shrugged. “It wasn’t a big deal. I met him last night. You’ve been living under his thumb your entire life. Totally different situation.”

He nodded, but I could tell he was still bothered. Did that mean he was considering leaving the foundation to dip his toe into more design work? I wanted to ask him but decided to leave it for now. He would figure out what to do in his own time, and I would be there to support him. Support, not push, I reminded myself.

“Speaking of fathers, what’s going on with yours, Shane? Is the business crisis under control yet?”

“I damn well hope so. He’s hired more staff and closed a huge deal that’s been pending for months. Either way, I’m staying in town for the foreseeable future. I have way too much to do in the Vegas office to go running off to Pasadena again.” He gave me a puppy dog face, which looked totally ridiculous on him. “Any chance you’ve changed your mind about working for me, exceptional Emma? I could really use your help.”

I rolled my eyes and didn’t bother responding to his question. Now was not the time to get into that, again. “I’m glad you won’t be traveling so much.”

“Why? Did you miss me?”

The egos on these men. “No, self-important Shane. I just don’t want Snow White to feel neglected by one of her daddies.”

He shook his head and Nicholas laughed. But merely bringing up Snow induced a sense of melancholy once again. Cole should have been here with us. Instead, he was who-knew-where, believing I’d betrayed him.

I attempted to appear upbeat through the rest of dinner and dessert, but I had no doubt Shane and Nicholas saw right through my façade. When Cole still didn’t show up after we took Snow and Ace on a walk, I asked them to drive me home on the way to the club. I had to prepare for class the next day, and Valentine’s Day meant big business at Loft25.

Shane carried my luggage up to my apartment and stood inside the door, waiting. I wasn’t sure for what. Did he want me to invite him to stay? Would he skip work to be with me? Even if the answer was yes, I wasn’t up for it. The weekend had been exhausting even before my confrontation with Jeremy then Cole.

“Thanks for bringing me home.”

“No problem.” If he was disappointed, he didn’t show it. “Will you put me on your calendar for Friday night? I’d like to take you out.”

Friday was my birthday—did he know? Nothing about his inflection indicated he did, which was for the best. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, especially after the weekend with Nicholas and the extravagant gift from the Ts for Valentine’s Day.

“Absolutely.”

Instead of kissing me goodbye like I expected, he pulled me into a tight hug. “Don’t worry about Cole. You two will work it out. I’m sure of it.”

He pressed his lips to my forehead then left, and I collapsed onto the couch. What a whirlwind of a weekend. The ups outweighed the downs, but I wouldn’t feel better until I saw Cole again. I had to know he could forgive me.

* * *

If staring at my phone was an Olympic sport, I was officially a gold medalist. I hadn’t been too concerned when I didn’t hear from Cole Sunday night. He was upset—it was to be expected. On Monday, I was certain he would return one of my calls or texts. He didn’t.

Now it was Tuesday afternoon, and I still hadn’t heard from him. Even though I told myself I wouldn’t get Shane and Nicholas involved, I couldn’t handle the not knowing any longer. What if something happened? He could be in jail for murdering his brother for all I knew.

I started a group message, something I usually avoided at all costs, and texted Shane and Nicholas.

Me: Is Cole okay? He’s not responding to me, and I’m worried.

When I didn’t get an immediate reply, I started tapping my fingernails on the café table. Patience was not one of my virtues, especially when I knew they’d both likely seen the message within a few seconds. They had Apple watches, for goodness’ sake. It was impossible to miss a text with one of those strapped to your wrist.

“Hi, birthday girl,” Simone said with a cheery smile as she sat in the chair across from me.

I barely glanced up from my phone long enough to greet her. “Hey. And it’s not my birthday for a few more days.”

“Yes, which means we’re at least a week behind in planning something. What do you want to do?”

“I have a date with Shane.”

When she fell silent, I forced myself to look up. “Is that okay? I assumed you’d be fine with it since you hadn’t brought it up.”

“Yeah, okay. We can do something on Saturday instead.”

She continued with ideas about celebrating my birthday, but her voice was drowned out by whooshing in my ears when I read Shane’s response to my text.

Shane: Cole is fine. He went to California for a few days.

What? When? Where? Why?

I would have laughed at myself for mentally jumping to four of the six elements of effective journalism, but I was too perplexed to be amused. Cole went to California without telling me? What was going on?

My fingers fumbled as I tapped out my response. It took every bit of my restraint to not pry further. If Cole wanted me to know what he was doing in California, he would have taken thirty seconds to send me a text.

Me: I’m glad he’s okay.

Shane: Don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll be in touch soon.

I wasn’t, but I appreciated his attempt to reassure me.

Me: Thanks.

“Emma, what’s wrong?”

Having forgotten Simone was there, I put my phone away and gave her a sheepish smile. “Sorry about that. Boyfriend drama.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re going to have to do better than that. With you, ‘boyfriend drama’ could be a million different things.”

“Okay, but let’s get our food first. I’m starving.”

Once we had sandwiches in front of us, I spilled the entire story about Cole. Somehow, it sounded even worse than when I’d confessed to him on Sunday. My guilty conscience was a bitch.

“Well, you really stepped in it this time,” Simone said with an unconcerned tone.

“Thanks. That’s helpful.”

“You know what? This one time, I’m not going to offer any guidance. I think you need to solve this particular problem on your own.”

My mouth gaped open, giving her an eyeful of pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella. She shook her head. “Classy, Em.”

After swallowing, I couldn’t resist giving her a hard time. “What’s happening right now? Has your Dear Snarky persona answered too many e-mails? Are you all out of advice?”

“No, I just happen to think you’re at a crossroads and need to choose your own path.”

“Oh, I get it. You’re wise all of a sudden. You must be so proud.”

She threw a kettle chip at me, and it landed right in my cleavage, making her crack up. I scowled at first but eventually let out a laugh. “Nice aim. Now, can we talk about your love life for once? I feel like you’ve been oddly quiet about your man-hunting escapades lately.”

“Well . . .” She picked at her ciabatta bread. “You remember when I told you about my philosophy professor?”

I had to think back, but then it hit me. “The ‘smexy’ one?”

“Yeah.”

When she didn’t say anything else, my hand flew to my mouth. “No. Simone, tell me you didn’t!”

“I didn’t.” Her troubled expression transformed into one of utter mischievousness. “But you should have seen your face! You looked completely horrified. Classic!”

I threw a sweet potato fry at her, and it bounced off her shoulder and onto the floor. “Not funny.” If we weren’t careful, we would end up starting a full-on food fight in our favorite café and get banned for life.

“I don’t know. It was pretty hilarious from where I’m sitting.”

“So, you’re not seeing anyone?”

“Actually, Miguel and I have been getting together pretty regularly.”

“You finally gave in, huh? Simone and the hot bartender. I like it.”

She shrugged, but it was almost too casual. I had a feeling she liked him more than she was ready to admit. “He’s not just a bartender. He works construction during the day, and he’s trying to save enough money to start his own business.”

“I stand corrected. He’ll be the hot construction worker from now on. That’s a much more interesting visual, anyway.”

Simone smirked. “Tell me about it. And it doesn’t hurt that he seriously knows how to use his tools.”

I tried to keep a smile pasted on through the rest of lunch, but it was a struggle. The knowledge that Cole was intentionally shutting me out stung more than I’d let on. We’d made so much progress, I couldn’t let him give up now. He needed to give me one more chance—I would convince him of it.