Chapter 23

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Y ou’re Into Kinky Stuff

Ruby

“What did you say to him?” I ask Charlie as I begin to pace in the small space of my room.

“I told him you were in the bath but then you came into Finn’s room to talk to me, and then we all went into Mack’s room,” she says. “You know I’m not quick on my toes.”

“Do you think he suspects something?” I ask.

She shrugs. “I couldn’t tell.”

I pick up my phone and text Macklin.

Me: Luc just asked Charlie why I lied about leaving the bathroom. I think he suspects something.

It only takes a few seconds to reply.

Macklin: I’ll go talk to him. Don’t worry.

“What did he say?” Charlie asks.

“He said he’ll go talk to Luc. Should I be worried?” I ask her. Luc is the quiet one. I don’t have a good read on the type of guy he is.

“No clue. Let’s hope he can figure out what he knows,” Charlie says. “Come, let’s go make some food, I’m starving.”

I take a scrunchie and put my hair up in a bun then I follow Charlie to the kitchen. This day has been so amazing. I don’t want it all going to shit with my brother’s friends finding out before him that Macklin and I are together.

“What should we make for dinner?” Charlie asks.

“Do you mean what am I in the mood for? Because you know I am not cooking anything half decent on my own,” I remind my best friend in case she doesn’t remember.

“Okay, what are you in the mood for?” she asks.

“Comfort food. I need a good grilled cheese sandwich. Even though I ate waffles for breakfast. My diet has been shit.”

“We’re on break. We get to indulge a little,” Charlie says, which surprises me because she has been training to try out for Team USA, and she’s been very strict with her food intake.

“Thanks,” I say to her because I know she is going to eat grilled cheese because of me.

She goes to the freezer and takes out some thickly sliced bread. “I’ll just make it for all the guys, I’m sure they’re all hungry.”

“Did Aaron say anything about Mack and I staying behind?” I ask Charlie.

“He did ask why you guys weren’t joining us, but I told him Mack still had an exam and you were going in to train. He bought it and thought you’re really dedicated,” she says.

“This is bad. I feel terrible about all the lying and secrets,” I confess.

“I know where you’re coming from. Remember, that was me not too long ago,” she reminds.

“And it was eating away at you.”

“It was,” she agrees.

“I just need to get home and have Mack tell Hayden and Abuela we are together and hope for the best,” I say. “That’s if Luc hasn’t messaged my brother already. Then we are going to have to face a shitstorm and Hayden is going to be really hurt.”

The thought of hurting my brother sickens me and I just want Monday to come already.

With the sandwiches ready, Charlie calls all the guys to the kitchen.

They all come sit around the table and grab a grilled cheese sandwich. Charlie also washes some carrot sticks and celery so the meal isn’t completely unhealthy.

Macklin sits across the table from me and I end up between Finn and Charlie, which is awkward. Luc is sitting across from me, and Cade and Aaron are sitting on chairs across the table from us.

As I’m eating my grilled cheese, Luc is smiling at me weirdly. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I try to side-eye Macklin but he isn’t looking my way, but he is also grinning like a fool. I begin to wonder what is going on.

“Is everything okay, Luc?” Charlie finally asks him.

“Oh, everything is totally fine. I get it, the whole threesome thing. It’s hot,” Luc states.

Charlie looks at me confuzzled. My brows draw in and Finn also looks confused.

“What are you talking about, bro?” Finn asks Luc.

“The three of you,” Luc says. “It’s hot. I wouldn’t mind having a watch if you guys don’t mind, but I understand wanting to keep it to a threesome.”

My grilled cheese comes flying out of my mouth as I burst into laughter. Charlie follows into my fit of laughter, her food falling everywhere.

“I get it, girls. You don’t need to be embarrassed,” Luc continues.

I side-eye Macklin, and he shrugs sheepishly. Luc clearly thinks I had a threesome with Finn and Charlie, and Macklin did not correct him.

“Bro, just shut up,” Finn says, getting defensive.

Luc snaps his mouth shut. “Sorry, bro. I didn’t mean to intrude,” he backpedals.

Finn is muttering things under his breath. I realize it’s safer for Luc to think we are in a threesome than me being with Macklin. I hit Finn’s thigh.

Charlie reaches over to him and rubs his thigh. “Pookie, it’s okay if he knows. I’m sure he won’t say anything to anyone else.”

“You mean Hayden,” Cade blurts. “Your brother is going to lose his shit if he finds out you’re into kinky stuff.”

My stomach turns at the mention of my brother. This is getting out of hand.

“Cade, shut up. Just act like you don’t know anything. Hayden is going to come home and kick all our asses. I don’t want to know what any of you are up to, so just shut up,” Aaron snaps. He then winks at me. My mouth drops open because Aaron knows the truth. The lie about Macklin and I staying behind didn’t work.

I stare at Macklin wide-eyed. He clearly saw Aaron wink at me.

Macklin stands. “Okay, listen here, you fuckwads. Ruby isn’t having no threesome with Charlie and Finn. She’s with me. I’m in love with her.”

I watch Luc’s jaw drop. Cade’s jaw drops too, and then he looks at Aaron who shrugs.

“You better all keep your mouths shut until Hayden gets home. I will tell him about Ruby and me. You guys keep your traps shut until then,” Macklin demands, pointing at Aaron, Cade, and Luc.

“There are no threesome’s happening?” Luc asks disappointed.

“No,” Finn snaps. “And if you don’t stop grinning at Charlie, I will hang you up on the front porch by your boxers.”

Luc winces. “Sorry, bro. I read that wrong.”

“You sure did,” Finn retorts, shoving the grilled cheese in his mouth.

“Okay, guys, let’s enjoy these amazing grilled cheese sandwiches,” I redirect, and I get up from sitting between Finn and Charlie and I take a seat on Macklin’s lap. Everyone stays quiet and enjoys their sandwiches.

“Uh, guys, there is just one thing,” Luc interrupts. “Hayden said I could come home with you guys for the holiday. Now I’m thinking it’s going to be a bloodbath.”