Page 95 of Whirlwind

“Um…” They didn’t know how to answer that either. They weren’t opposed to staying, but they wanted to know where things stood.

“Come in here,” Ben finally grunted.

Dakota’s head jerked up.

“Please,” Ben added. “Please come in here.” He held out a hand.

Unsure, Dakota took it anyway. Even that one touch felt so good that they wanted to melt.

Ben drew them into the bedroom and sweetly pulled Dakota against his front so that they were both looking down at Parker.

Ben poked a finger into Parker’s exposed belly. Not exactly romantic.

Parker shook his head and squinted his eyes. “What?”

“Tell Dakota to stay.”

“Stay,” he agreed, closing his eyes again.

“Tell Dakota that they can’t leave.”

“Can’t leave, stay,” he mumbled.

“Parker!” Ben’s voice was sharper now.

“What?” Parker finally opened his eyes and took a moment to focus on the two of them.

No words were spoken for a moment, and Dakota was pretty sure that they were missing some meaningful looks between the two of them. Ben clearly gestured something, but Dakota only felt it as movement against their side.

What they fuck were they talking about? And how much should they be worried that the two of them already had a secret couple language?

Whatever they were communicating, it was clear that Dakota wasn’t supposed to be involved in the conversation, even if it was about them.

They turned, planning to break free of Ben’s embrace. This was too much.

Immediately, Ben’s arms tightened, trapping them to his chest.

“Parker, tell Dakota that they’re ours. That we’re keeping them.”

What? What? Like, what the fuck? Just like that?

Like, twelve hours ago Ben and Parker weren’t even a couple, and now Ben wanted Parker to commit to them being a… trio? A something that wasn’t a hook-up at any rate.

Hope and terror dwelt in equal measure within their chest.

Finally, Parker’s eyes met theirs. He looked a little worried, but determined.

He must have seen Dakota’s fear, because his gaze softened. “Is that what you want?” he asked softly.

Dakota couldn’t speak. But not speaking and losing the potential of what this could be would be worse.

They didn’t want to sound too eager, either. “I’m game for it,” they said with a shrug.

“Good,” Parker grunted. “Ours. Sleep.” His eyes closed again. After a moment, he added, “Thanks, Ben. Better at this.” His voice was slurred.

Ben chuckled. “Yeah, the feelings bit really isn’t Parker’s strength.”

“Feelings? You haven’t exactly been forthcoming yourself.”