“I’m just trying to be clear about things so neither of us ends up hurt. You’re my best friend, Ty, and knowing I hurt you would break my heart. The only thing worse would be losing you.”
“I understand where you’re coming from. But there’s something I want to know. If Zeke weren’t in the picture, would you and I have a chance?”
“Ty, don’t ask me that.”
“I am asking.” He squeezed her hand and gazed deep into her eyes. “Tell me.”
“Zeke is a little wild. A little … dangerous.”
“Whereas I’m like every other guy you’ve ever dated.”
“Ty, you mean the world to me.”
“But I’m safe? Predictable?”
“Of course you are, and that’s not a bad thing. You’re also kind, thoughtful, sensitive—”
“What if I was dominating and … dangerous.”
“Ty, that’s not it.”
“What is it then? Tell me.”
“I’ve already told you … There isn’t much more to it. Romantic relationships end. If I go out with you … and it doesn’t work out, then … I might lose you.” She stroked his sandy brown hair, her gut tensing at the thought. “I couldn’t bear that.”
“You’ll never lose me,” he murmured, then kissed her temple.
* * *
Ty strolled into the kitchen and started the coffee, then grabbed the eggs from the fridge. The fur-ball rubbed around his legs, meowing. He picked her up and stroked her back, enjoying the soothing purring sound emanating from the small creature.
He still couldn’t believe what had happened last night, and this morning. Making love to Marie … holding her in his arms … had been a dream come true. A dream he couldn’t bear to have come to an end.
He grabbed a cat treat from the little tin on the counter and held it in front of the cat. She sniffed it, then Ty placed the animal on the floor with the treat in front of her. She picked up the morsel gingerly, then carried it to the window to devour.
But Marie was dating Zeke, and if Ty stole her away, wouldn’t he be repeating exactly what Zeke had done when he’d stolen Ashley? Except that Ty had had his sights on Marie long before Zeke stepped into the picture.
Not that Zeke had known that. Damn, what an annoying situation. Marie was Zeke’s girl, but she should be Ty’s. But Ty couldn’t steal her away from Zeke because … that wouldn’t be right.
On the other hand, Zeke had offered to step aside. Could Ty really ask him to do that? Damn it, this was too important to let stupid male pride get in the way. If Zeke was willing to—
But then, Marie was a part of the equation. Ty wasn’t stupid enough to believe that he and Zeke could decide who Marie would want to be with. Only she could make that decision. All Ty could do was let her know how much he wanted her and see if he could get her over her fear of falling in love with him.
And hope she would choose him over Zeke.
To do that, he’d have to stay in the picture. Essentially, he’d have to be the third in their threesome. Just like Ashley had asked Zeke to be with her and me. The difference being that Zeke knew the possible outcome and was okay with it.
Damn, if this was going to work, he’d have to drop the animosity between him and Zeke. Ty had been angry for five years. Maybe it was time to let it go. He had to give Zeke credit for the fact he wanted to do the right thing by Ty and help him win Marie, es
pecially since he clearly wanted her for himself.
If Zeke could take that step, then maybe Ty could have the woman he loved after all.
* * *
Marie stepped into the living room, her hair still slightly damp from her shower. The sun shone brightly in her large living room window and soft rock music played on the radio. At the delicious aroma of bacon, she headed straight to the kitchen.
Ty stood at the stove stirring half-cooked scrambled eggs with a wooden spoon.