Page 24 of Pack and Forth
As lunchtime rolled around, Rex and Nash insisted that Kira join them at their house for a homemade meal. Kira hesitated at first, not wanting to impose, but the hopeful looks on their faces were impossible to resist.
“Come on, Kira,” Nash cajoled. “You can’t say no to Rex’s famous grilled steaks. They’re like little slices of heaven on a plate.”
Rex grinned, puffing out his chest with mock bravado. “It’s true. I’ve been known to make grown men weep with my culinary skills.”
Kira laughed, shaking her head in amusement. “Well, how can I say no to that? Lead the way, boys.”
When they arrived at Rex and Nash’s house, Kira was struck by how warm and inviting it felt. The walls were decorated with photos of the two of them and their families, the furniture cozy and well-worn. It was clear that this was a home, not just a place to sleep.
As Rex fired up the grill and Nash chopped vegetables for a salad, Kira couldn’t help but watch in awe at the way they moved around the kitchen. It was like a carefully choreographed dance, each one anticipating the other’s needs and moving in perfect sync.
Nash would toss Rex a seasoning bottle without even looking, knowing instinctively which one he needed. Rex would slide a cutting board over to Nash just as he finished chopping one vegetable and was ready to move on to the next. They worked together seamlessly, their banter and laughter filling the air.
Kira felt a pang of longing as she watched them, a sense of yearning for the easy intimacy and companionship they shared. She had never had that before, had never allowed herself to get close enough to anyone to experience it.
She told them about her love of puzzles and mysteries, about the thrill she got from unraveling a particularly knotty case. And in return, they shared their own stories, their hopes, dreams, and fears.
By the time the steaks were sizzling on the grill and the salad was tossed and ready, Kira felt like she had known Rex and Nash for years. They had a way of making her feel seen, of making her feel like she mattered.
As they sat to eat, the conversation turned playful and flirtatious, Rex and Nash trading quips and innuendos with practiced ease. Kira found herself blushing and laughing, her heart racing every time one of them fixed her with a heated gaze or brushed against her arm.
“So, Kira,” Rex said, his voice low and teasing. “What do you think of our house? Think you could see yourself spending more time here? Like forever?”
Kira nearly choked on her steak, her eyes widening at the implication behind his words. “I...I don’t know,” she stammered, feeling suddenly flustered. “I mean, it’s a lovely home, but...”
“But what?” Nash asked, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “Don’t tell me you’re scared of a couple of big, bad wolves.”
Kira huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. “Hardly. I just...I don’t want to overstep. I don’t even know what to call this.”
“This?” Rex prompted, his blue eyes intense and searching. “It’s a triad. A solid bond and connection between the three of us.”
Kira swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “I...I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’ve never felt like this, never wanted anyone the way I want you both. But...but we have a job to do, a case to solve. I can’t let my feelings get in the way of that.”
Nash reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “Kira, listen to me. What we’re doing, what we’re building here...it’s not just about the case. It’s about us, about the connection we share. And that’s not something you have to put on hold or push aside.”
Rex nodded, his expression serious and sincere. “Nash is right. We’re not asking you to choose between your feelings and your job. We’re asking you to trust us, to believe that we can have both. That we can solve this case and build something real and lasting, all at the same time.”
Rex took one of her hands and kissed her palm while Nash took the other and kissed the back of her hand. Her heart tripped over itself at the flood of emotions. They really cared. She didn’t understand it, but they did. She wasn’t sure how to come to grips with that.
As they wrapped up the day’s interviews, Kira felt an even stronger trust in Rex and Nash. Their dedication to helping her and genuine concern for Gerri’s plight was impressive and heartwarming. The bond between the three of them grew with Kira feeling more comfortable and open with each passing moment. She couldn’t help but start envisioning a future where she could be a part of their triad - a thought both thrilling and terrifying.
Back at Kira’s apartment, the trio reviewed their findings from the day and planned out their next steps. They compiled all the information gathered so far and strategized on how to approach the remaining suspects.
With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Kira was ready to tackle the next phase of the investigation. She couldn’t wait to see what challenges and triumphs the case would bring with Rex and Nash by her side every step of the way.
Just as Rex and Nash were about to leave, Kira remembered her plans with Nash for the evening - a date at the county fair. A thrill of anticipation ran through her as she ushered them out so she could get ready.
As the door closed behind them, Kira leaned against it and let out a contented sigh. The future was looking brighter than ever, filled with the promise of love, laughter, and endless adventures. She couldn’t wait to see where this journey would take her, but one thing was certain - with Rex and Nash by her side, anything was possible.
THIRTEEN
Rex leaned back in his office chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he finalized the details for the perfect overnight date with Kira. His heart raced with anticipation, imagining her reactions to the surprises he had in store. This was his chance to show her the depth of his feelings, to prove that he was more than just a commanding alpha—he could be the man she needed, the one who would cherish and adore her.
With a deep breath, Rex picked up his phone and dialed Kira’s number. She answered on the second ring, her voice warm and slightly curious. “Rex, what’s up?”
“Pack a bag for the weekend and bring your passport,” he said, his tone playful yet firm. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”
Kira laughed, the sound sending a thrill through his body. “I can’t just drop everything and go away for the weekend, Rex. I have work to do.”