Pleasure Bound

“So would you consider being in a relationship with him?”

Marie shifted on the bench. Zeke seemed very casual asking all these questions, but Marie found the situation uncomfortable.

She took Zeke’s hand. “I’m in a relationship with you.”

“Sure, right now. I meant if I wasn’t in the picture.”

Right now? Was he tiring of her already?

She drew in a deep breath, pushing aside her feelings of insecurity. “No.”

He raised an eyebrow. “If he’s attractive and you think he’s a great guy, why not?”

“Because I like him so much.”

He shook his head. “You’re not making much sense.”

“If I went out with him, we’d eventually break up. When that happened, our friendship would end, too.”

“Why are you so sure you’d break up?”

She sighed. “Because every time I go out with a nice guy like him, it ends. I’m tired of failed relationships and I’ve heard that people tend to fall for the same type of person over and over again, repeating a failing pattern.”

“Do I fit in that ‘nice guy’ category?”

She smiled. “You’re better than nice. You’re hot and sexy.”

“Does that mean you think our relationship might last?”

She’d expected him to laugh and maybe tease her, but his tone was serious, and when she gazed into his olive green eyes, she saw a curious vulnerability.

She wrapped her hand around his raspy jaw and kissed him. “I think we’ve got a fighting chance,” she said, thinking maybe there was a happily-ever-after in her future after all.

* * *

Marie knocked on Ty’s door. A few moments later, he opened it and peered out at her … without his usual welcoming smile.

“Hi.” She felt a bit nervous. But maybe that look on his face was just because he’d had a bad day. “May I come in?”

“Sure.” He opened the door and stepped aside to let her in.

She followed him to the kitchen and they sat at the table, which had always been their favorite place to sit and talk.

“I talked to Zeke today … about the three of us. He thinks it’s a good idea, too.”

Ty shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. “Yeah, about that … I’m thinking that might not be such a good idea after all.”

Her pulse started to race. “But, you liked the idea yesterday.”

She hoped what they’d done this morning hadn’t damaged their friendship.

“Yeah, I know. I did think it was a good idea, but … I’ve had time to think about it. You and Zeke need time to yourselves. You’re just starting to build a relationship.”

“Sure, but … the three of us don’t always have to be together.”

Ty’s face turned grim, as if he didn’t like that idea. “Yeah, I get that. I just think … I’d be in the way.”

“Ty, is it because…” Oh damn, how did she finish that sentence? She couldn’t ask him if he had deeper feelings for her.