Odd Man Rush (East Coast, #2)

by Kristen Granata

“I’ve always been yours. It just took you this long to realize it.” He wraps me in his arms and speaks against my lips. “I love you, kókkino.”

“I’ve loved you since we were fourteen.” She sniffles as she rests her forehead against mine. “All I’ve ever wanted was to have the both of you, exactly like this. And now that I have you, I’m never turning back.”

“You’re ours,” Kourtney whispers in my ear. “We’re forever. We’re going to love you and care for you, and make you feel so good for the rest of our lives, baby.”

Memories from our past flash through my mind. All the times the three of us stayed up late watching movies in Jason’s bed in high school; the times we laughed until we cried; the way Kourtney curled up in my arms when she’d fell asleep in college.

Kourtney’s right.

We are fo...

We always hav...

Because with Jason and Celeste by my side, nothing could take my happiness away.

“I know this isn’t typical, but the three of us are in love. We’ve known each other since we were kids and I think, on some level, we loved each other then too.”

“Our commitment to each other isn’t recognized by the state, or any, for that matter, but I hope this team can recognize us regardless.”

“We’re committed to you, kókkino. This is more than friends with benefits. This is more than some agreement for a website. This is forever.” Jason takes my left hand and hovers the ring in front of my ring finger. “Will you marry us?”

“Yes.”

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what you call it.

Husband. Boss Man. Best friend.

Either way, they’...

My fa...

“When you first meet someone, you can’t tell what kind of impact they’re going to have on you, or what part they’ll play in your life. You don’t know if they’ll be there for a lifetime or for a season. Only a select few are meant to be in your life for the long haul. From the moment our paths crossed in high school, my life was irrevocably altered. I couldn’t see it at the time, of course, the magnitude of what our love would become. But I was changed by knowing you. You engraved your names into my heart, and even while we were apart, I still carried you with me.”

“I never want to be apart again. I never want to walk through life without you by my side. I know it took me a while to stand up and fight for what we have, but now that I’m here, I’ll never back down. I promise to stand by your side through all the joys and challenges that come our way, as you’ve stood by me through mine. We’ve found a love that goes beyond the confines of traditional relationships, and just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for being patient with me. I love you both more than you’ll ever know.”

“I’ve loved you both for what feels like a lifetime already. Kourtney, I love your kind soul, and the selfless way you take care of everyone around you. Celeste, I love your fierceness and your loyalty, and the strength in which you love someone when you open your heart. You two are my past, my present, and my future. I’m standing here today to promise you that I’ll continue loving you with all that I am for the rest of our time on this earth. I will always be your unwavering support; the shoulder you lean on in times of sorrow; your biggest cheerleader in moments of triumph; and the hand you hold through every challenge. You will never have to walk alone. You have me, my heart, and my soul. Gia pánta. Forever.”

We were friends and I was certain we couldn’t be anything more. But you both opened my eyes to a kind of love that I never knew was possible, and you’ve shown me what family truly means. You are my safe haven. You’re the reminder that I’m worthy of something in this world because you love me. I know the world isn’t ready for us, and it might be difficult at times. But I’ll be here to lean on, to lift you up, and to fight for us, because this love is worth fighting for.”