2X The Heat (2X The Pleasure 1)

stop now. I’d just slept with them and I acted like I was without sex for years. I chuckled to myself, crossing the street in front of my hotel, but then some gloomy feeling filled me abruptly.

I reached my hotel room, and this feeling became worse. I walked in front of the mirror and looked at myself, noticing my exhaustion. All previous pleasant feelings disappeared in a matter of seconds and all that was left were loneliness and despair. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Caleb and Trent felt like a dream at this moment—something intangible and fleeting—because I could easily lose them like I’d lost everything so far.

I had no home. I had no possessions. I had no idea what I was going to do next. I couldn’t talk to Granny about this because she was already stressed enough, and I didn’t need to bother her with my insecurities. As much as I wanted to share my problems with Trent and Caleb, it felt a bit soon, and it would only make me uncomfortable. They had already helped me with money—not to mention the night of the fire when they successfully distinguished it and saved us all.

I felt lost, and I needed a way out. I hoped that someone would give me job soon and I could get a grip on my life.

I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes, trying to relax. I’d been so tense these last few weeks—so hard on myself—and I needed to stop doing that. I needed to learn to be more positive and believe that things could be alright. Maybe there was something good after everything that happened. Maybe I could do things right this time.

I wanted this to be my chance to start over—to go to college and start my life. I could work and go to college. It would be difficult, but I had to begin somewhere. If I always postponed going to college just because we were out of money, I would never finish it, so it was the time to make a leap of faith.

Whenever I contemplated about the future everything was so vague, and it scared me. I thought about Caleb and Trent, and flutters appeared in my stomach. How did they fit in the puzzle that was my life? I’d already fallen hard for them, and now I had to put them into the equation too.

I wondered what my life would be like with them. I’d never imagined I would get drawn to two men at the same time—especially not to the kind and sexy men such as Trent and Caleb. They were caring, considerate, brave, and too hot, and it was too easy to picture myself next to them.

We would share everything, and we would be one big family... I would feel safe next to them, and in return I would be their support and always be there whenever they needed me...

I pressed my hand against my chest, trying to calm down my racing heart. Indeed, it was too easy to imagine the peaceful future with them. Did they feel the same? Maybe it was too soon to speak about feelings, but if I only knew how they felt... It was clear that they needed me as much as I needed them, but was there anything else beyond that? Was this something more serious?

I wanted to reach out to them, but I stopped myself. I decided to wait a few days before I talked with them again.

I needed time to think about everything carefully. If I was supposed to finally put my life on the right track, I had to have some time alone to plan my next steps. It would be a good time to see how we stood and if there was something more to what we already had.

The phone in my room rang, and I flinched, surprised that someone would call me. Only Granny knew my room’s number, and for a moment a sense of dread filled me. Was she okay?

“Hello?” I answered.

“Hello, honey.”

“Granny. What’s going on? Are you okay?”

She giggled. “Oh Bree. You’re always worrying. I’m perfectly fine!”

I exhaled silently, relieved to hear this. “I’m sorry. You know me.”

“Yes. Always the worried one. Seriously, Bree. I’m perfectly fine on my own. I know you always want to be next to me and take care of me, but I wish you would take care of yourself more.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re always too preoccupied with me and my needs. I want you to live your life for a change. I want you to think more of yourself and your needs. Even if we weren’t together, I would be fine because I would know that you were giving your best to live your life to the fullest.”

I smiled, grateful to her for these words. “Actually, I was thinking about starting college soon. I’ve kept postponing it, but I have to stop that. If I don’t go to college now, I might never get that degree and do what I love.”

“Oh Bree. I’m so glad to hear this. I completely support you. For a moment there I wasn’t sure if you were intent on getting that degree or not... You will be an amazing teacher. I’m so sure of it.”

“Thank you, Granny. I needed to hear this.”

“Don’t you worry about anything. I’m always here to support you, and whatever you decide to do with your life, I’ll always be there for you.”

I closed my eyes again, feeling much calmer. An overwhelming peace settled inside of me, because her words helped me regain confidence. I could do this. It was difficult right now, but this didn’t mean that it would last forever. I was stronger than this.

“Just like always, Granny, you’re the best.”

We chatted for a few minutes before she ended the call, planning to watch some soap opera she’d started watching recently. This conversation with her helped me a lot, and I was sure I was ready to face whatever would come my way.

She was right. I had to think more about myself and try to live my life. Hopefully, Caleb and Trent would be the major part of it. Only time would tell.

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