August sighed and folded his arms over his chest. He dropped his gaze back to the floor again too. “When Camden and I became more serious, I wasn’t interested in sharing him—or myself, for that matter—with anyone. My playtime days were over, and I feel that way to an extent even today. So whenever he carefully brought it up, or hinted at it, I stowed it away for down the road. He seemed to push for inviting another man to play with us for my sake, and I was happy with the way things were.”

I twisted the bracelet between my fingers in my pocket. “Was?”

He frowned to himself. “I suppose I knew that down the road was comin’ closer and closer.”

And Camden knew too.

“Opening our relationship still feels like a final resort,” he admitted. “Maybe I’m too set in my ways with traditional thinkin’.”

I was certain that was another thing Camden was well aware of, hence handling the pushing by himself.

“Did it ever occur to you that Camden’s happier when you’re happier?” I asked. “I’m not sure finding a second partner is as much about satisfying your needs as it is about completing your dynamic.” That was my impression anyway. Of course, August’s needs were a factor too, but I didn’t think that was all of it. “Without having anything to compare it to, I can only say he’s seemed very happy with our roles this week.”

August nodded slowly, deep in thought. “The whys and hows don’t matter as much anymore, either way. After meeting you, everything’s different.” Then he gestured vaguely at the Christmas wrapping on the island. “Things have changed for Camden too. Callin’ you Daddy is… That’s big for us, Anthony. You mean a great deal to him.”

I clutched the bracelet a little tighter in my pocket and felt the urge to apologize again. I just didn’t know what for. I’m sorry I got under his skin. I’m sorry the three of us have such fucking great chemistry. I wasn’t sorry for shit. I was only mourning the fact that I was going to lose it. The shoes I’d filled this week were a temporary thing.

“It’s mutual,” I replied quietly. “You gotta let me know if you need space, August. You and Camden have barely gotten a moment alone while I’ve been here.”

They’d elaborated a bit the other day on their one and only discussion about me. My first day here. I’d gone to shower in one of the guest rooms, and August had gone upstairs to shower and talk to Camden. Who had pleaded with August to talk less and do more. Let’s just see where this goes. If you’re attracted to him, run with it, Daddy. Just run with it. Go all in. In Camden’s words.