Because of Us (My Best Friends Brother)

TWELVE | Pancakes & Bacon

POV | Belle

The morning after that night quickly came, and without a word, was gone. Questions swarmed my head wondering if it was the same as the night under the stars, or perhaps more. Yet when my mind raced for an answer, I shied away, afraid to rock what seemed to be a steady boat.

Waking up naked in those sheets with Landon’s arms wrapped around me, and the small reminder of Ethan on my skin, etched itself into my memories. The awkward tension I expected the next morning when I followed the two men into the kitchen, never came. Rather, it seemed normal. As if everything had settled into the right place.

Landon’s half buttoned shirt and un made tie, mixed with Ethan’s rugged bed hair and t-shirt clad chest, laughing as they chatted over their morning coffee, seemed oddly perfect to me. The soft smiles and short glances, each checking me over in their own way, didn’t feel weird at all.

Maybe I had grown used to Ethan’s presence here each day, or maybe I was just trying to convince myself from delving too far into the real reason he was standing there so early in the morning.

But now, a week had passed without mention of that night, my curiosity began to boil over. Staring at the time on my phone I anxiously rolled over to Landon, his sleeping silhouette being all I could see behind the dim light that filled the room. I had managed to wake myself before both his alarm and the sound of Ethan’s car pulling up out front.

In silent victory, I smiled. Slowly peeling myself out from under the duvet, I placed a soft kiss on Landon's temple before slipping out the room and into the kitchen.

What better way to get answers from these men than through their stomachs. Though it wasn’t the best plan, it seemed the most reasonable. With Landon so tired after work and Ethan’s scheduled departures, mornings seemed like the way to go.

Pulling the already prepped food from the fridge, I began cooking. It wasn’t long before I’d filled the bench with steamy pancakes and sizzling bacon. What may have been an odd combination, was a perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Admiring my handiwork I all but screamed feeling two warm arms suddenly wrap themselves around my waist. The scent of a freshly showered Landon hitting my nose, his lips skimming my neck before soon finding my own.

I giggled as he groaned looking back to the food “Have I ever told you I love you, because I fücking love you”

“I think that’s just your stomach talking” I teased.

Before he could grip my chin and profess his love, the front door sounded. Flashing Landon a cheeky grin I pried myself from his grip, running down the hall to greet Ethan.

“Morning” I beamed while taking the coffees.

His confused expression soon followed by a smile as he sniffed the air. With my free hand I held onto his, tugging him into the kitchen where Landon had already claimed a seat.

“Sit” I demanded, pointing to the empty chair.

“Yes ma’am” Ethan nodded, joining Landon on the opposite side of the island.

Placing the coffees on the counter I collected mine before nervously taking a sip, glancing between the two men who happily began to dig in. Their usual small chit chat flowed easily as I downed what would have to be my liquid courage. I tapped my finger against my paper cup, flicking my gaze between their moving lips. Only to soon notice, they were now still.

Lifting my eyes I found theirs on me, a blush crept over my skin at the intensity in their stare.

“What is it princess?” Landon asks.

“I uh…” I stutter, toying with the lid of my cup, at a sudden loss for words as all confidence vanishes.

I got them here, I had their attention, but I didn’t really think through how exactly to word my thoughts. Every question I had been meaning to ask, jumbled itself into an endless blur.

Before I could completely shy away, Landon leant forward, arms crossed over the counter while his eyes softened “Do you want to talk about what happened last week?”

Finally, the words I had been both dreading and wanting to hear so desperately, hit my ears. Landon’s gentle demeanor didn’t falter as he watched me process the question.

Yes I wanted to talk about last weekend, of course I did. But with my questions mixed up I didn’t know where to start.

Did I start with Landon? The way he controlled that night like he knew what he wanted, or was he doing it for me? Or did I start with Ethan, who folded into Landon’s touch and kissed me so gently I was begging for more.

My eyes flicked to Ethan who too, wore a soft grin. Blush crept over my cheeks remembering his bare skin beside me while Landon ran his finger through the mess he had made. I clenched my thighs at the memory.

“Belle?” Landon prodded.

Looking back to him I nodded in response, taking a breath to compose myself. The two men sat silently, patiently waiting for me to find my voice.

“Take your time Blue-Belle, we don’t have to talk about this today if you don’t want” Ethan offered.

With a shake of my head I let out a silent laugh “I can’t wait any longer, it’s driving me mad”

Ethan chuckled “Me too..”

I furrowed my brows, infused by his admission “Why didn’t you say anything?”

He paused, smile faltering for a moment as he looked to Landon who seemingly met his gaze before both sets of eyes returned to me. A serious expression crossed now adorning Ethan’s features as he spoke “To give you time Belle”

Glancing down to the coffee in my hands, reality finally sank in as I processed Ethan’s words. They were giving me time… The entire week, these two men were waiting for me to make the move.

They continued to watch cautiously as I looked at them in disbelief with a pointed finger. “You’re meaning to tell me, that this entire time you’ve both just been waiting for me to say something?”

Pressing his hands to the counter Landon stood, rounding the counter as he spoke “I asked Ethan not to say anything, unless of course you came to him. Irrespective of the past, when I asked Ethan to keep you company in my absence, it wasn’t for any gain of my own. Other than knowing you weren’t alone…

“…I can’t say the thought of something happening never crossed my mind, but it was never at the forefront of it. Your happiness comes first Belle, to both Ethan and I. That’s why we waited. We wanted this to be on your terms”

By the time he’d finished speaking, he was standing in front of me, taking the paper cup from hands to replace it with his own.

Of course they waited for me. These two big dummies cared more about my well-being than their own, especially when it came to something as intimate as this. Welcoming the warmth of Landon’s hands I intertwined our fingers.

The whirlwind I had been in for days, finally settled. That was one of the reasons I loved Landon, no matter what, he made me feel safe, secure. All insecurities of our past actions diminished under his warmth. His simple touch and loving gaze reminded me everything was okay. But there was something else here, an obstacle.

I could let go of the fear, I would let go of uncertainty. But I needed to know if this obstacle was one to desire, or one to be rid of. I couldn't fight the fact that I was attracted to Ethan, but now, I couldn’t hide it from Landon. And I don’t think he wanted me too.

The dreaded question that hung heavy over my head finally left my lips. “Is this the same as last time?”

“Only if you want it to be” My eyes flicked up, meeting Landon’s dark ones.

The answer to my question was already evident. This, was different. This wasn’t Landon showing Ethan what belonged to him, it wasn’t Landon taking control. Instead, he was giving it to me. But did I want it to happen again?

I looked between the two, the anticipation and heat in their gazes causing goosebumps to erupt across my skin. If I was letting go of my fear and uncertainty, then what was holding me back from saying yes. From admitting I wanted them both.

Before I could say a word, In perfect timing, Landon’s work phone began to ring. With a sigh he released his grip on one of my hands to pull the phone from his pocket.

Muttering a curse under his breath, he held it up to his ear, I smiled at his apologetic gaze. Ethan and I stayed quiet as Landon nodded, him providing short words of agreement before smiling widely.

“I’ll be there at ten” He agreed to the other party before pocketing the phone.

I furrowed my brows only for a moment before Landon’s hands caressed my cheeks. Holding me firmly, he lent down, pressing his lips to mine in a heated kiss.

I savoured his lips, moaning into his mouth when his tongue met mine. The affectionate show caused Ethan to chuckle beside us. Heat flushed over my cheeks as Landon reluctantly pulled away, Ethan’s eyes catching my own as he did, to which he gave me a wink.

“Good news?” He questioned, turning his attention back to Landon who stood smiling widely.

“We won the contract”

“You won?” I repeated.

Wrapping his hands under my thighs, Landon picked me up, pulling my legs around him. My arms snaked around his neck as he did.

I couldn’t help but admire his eyes, sparkling with excitement. All his hard work had finally paid off, all the long hours and restless nights, and he had finally won this damn contract.

“I won” He whispered before leaning in.

I giggled against his mouth as he pressed his lips to mine, cutting my thoughts short with a swipe of his tongue, begging for more. As much as I wanted to taste him, to enjoy the feel of his lips, I pulled back.

Pressing my head to his I breathed “What now?”

He smiled “You have till ten o’clock to show me how proud of me you are princess”

The last thing I heard was Ethan’s groan as Landon captured my mouth once more.