Darkwater
"Good night? What do you mean good night?"
I arched a brow and met the cool gaze of the pretty blonde glaring up at me. What the hell part of good night didn't she understand? "I mean good night as in I'm going home."
"Alone?"
Damn. She seemed determined to define the term dumb blonde. I nodded. "Yes. Alone."
"I have needs and expectations—"
"I told you when we met that I'd just ended a messy relationship and that I had no interest in an exclusive or sexual relationship."
"That was five weeks ago. If every man who spun me that line were sincere, I'd still be a virgin. You all claim you're only interested in friendship, but all jump at the first chance to bed me. This is yours. Take it while the offer stands."
"It's a charming offer and I'm flattered, but I actually meant what I said. I'm not interested in a sexual relationship at the moment."
"Fine. What about my needs and interests?"
"We're not in an exclusive relationship. I'm sure there are countless men who would love to make love to you."
"But not you?"
"Not at the moment."
"You know what? Fuck you, Darkwater!" She slapped me, walked inside the open door of her apartment, and slammed it in my face.
I shrugged and walked away. After several weeks of bedding numerous women, I'd decided that I wasn't going to be able to sleep Sherlyn out of my system. I'd have to do it the painful, old-fashioned way with the passage of time.
I went home, intent on swimming until I was sufficiently tired to fall sleep without lying awake half the night.
As I was about to dive into the pool, my cell phone rang.
"Call from Michael Darkwater. Say answer or ignore."
What the hell now? "Answer," I said, listened for the click and then spoke. "Hello Michael."
"Are you alone?"
I frowned. He sounded agitated. "Yes. I just said good night to my date," I told him, hoping to forestall any further interest in how many nights I choose to spend alone at home. "What's up?"
"We need to talk."
"So talk."
"In person."
"When?"
"I'm on my way. I'll be there in half an hour."
"See you then," I said and hung up.
Michael looked pissed when he let himself in and came out to the pool.
"What's wrong?" I asked as I climbed out of the water and wrapped a towel around my waist.
He shook his head and stalked along the length of the tiles twice before turning to face me. "She's dating."
Of course I knew she was Sherlyn. I swallowed slowly and sank into the nearest chair at one of the patio tables. "I'd be surprised if she wasn't."
"Is that all you have to say?"
"What do you expect me to say? As I've pointed out countless times, it's over between us and I'm dating. Why shouldn't she?"
He shook his head. "The difference is in who she's dating and the fact that she actually looked as if she were enjoying the experience. We both know the same can't be said of you and your sham dates."
Sham dates about summed up the state of my current so-called romantic life. "Why should I care who she's dating?" I asked, deliberately choosing to ignore the rest of his comment.
"I saw her tonight with Reddorn."
I frowned. "And? Surely you can't think they're cheating on Am. Even if she were into him, he's sure as hell not into anyone but Am. They must have been discussing some surprise they're planning for her."
"I didn't mean John. I meant his brother."
I stiffened. "She's...you saw her tonight with one of his brothers?"
He nodded. "They were smiling and gazing into each other's eyes as if they were the only two people in the damned place. She denied they were dating, but—"
"And you didn't believe her?"
He shrugged. "She might believe that but I saw the way he was looking at her. You have to get your ass in gear, Thomas."
"And do what?"
He stopped pacing to stare at me. "What the hell do you think? You have to make a move before she falls in love with him."
The thought of Sherlyn in love with one of John's brothers didn't excite me because it would mean seeing her with him at family functions on a regular basis or not attending such functions. Since I was the eldest, everyone expected me to stand in for our father. Dad had been big on family and rarely missed a gathering.
"I can't interfere with her personal life."
"What the hell are you on, Thomas? If you don't interfere, she's going to fall in love with him. And then what are you going to do? Sit around hoping he'll drop dead and you'll get another chance to win her back?"
I inhaled. "Are you implying I wanted her fiancé dead?"
"I'm implying you didn't lose any sleep when he died."
"You do know his death devastated her."
"Yes. I do."
"And you think I wanted her hurt like that?"
"No. I know you didn't want her hurt, but I also know that you were relieved when he was no longer around to command her heart and her attention."
"What the hell do you want from me, Michael?"
"I want you to face facts, admit how you feel about her, and then do something about it before you lose her again."
"I've already done that."
"That's only true if you make it true. What the hell is wrong with you?"
I shook my head. "I appreciate your concern, but I really am capable of deciding if it's over between us and guess what? It is. Now will you please let it the hell alone?"
"No. I'm going to keep at you until you come to your senses! You can't just stand by and let him take her from you. Despite what you think, Am assures me that she's still yours to lose. I know she hurt you, but let her know you think she's worth a little effort to win back."
"And why the hell would I do that?"
"Because there's no way he can take her if you make an effort to win her back."
"Why the hell would I want to win her back again?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe because you're in love with her."
I narrowed my gaze. "I'm not going to argue with you any more, Michael. It's over between us. If she's moved on..."
"If she's moved on what?"
"I’m happy for her."
"The hell you are!" Michael stared at me before he turned and stormed out.
After he slammed out and I heard his car engine start, I dried off and went to bed. Following a long, restless night during which I slept very little, I woke early in the morning and called Amber.
* * *
Sherlyn
Racked with guilt at how close I had come to betraying Janine's trust with Shane Reddorn, I tossed and turned most of the night before falling into an exhausted slumber. Sometime during the night, I dreamed of Shane. We were both naked in my bedroom. After several minutes of blistering hot kisses, he bent me over the chair in my bedroom, rubbing his shaft against me.
Without a moment's hesitation, I reached back to part my cheeks.
Groaning with pleasure, he quickly drove his big bare cock deep into my ass.
After the first few painful thrusts, I started to get into it. I pushed my hips backward and welcomed each movement until my nether cheeks and thighs shook and my pussy creamed.
He gripped my breasts and tunneled in deeper.
I rocked my hips backwards, lost in the wonder of giving him my anal virginity.
He slid a hand down to rub my clit, pushing me close to my climax. Just as we were only a few plunges away from bliss, Darkwater kicked the bedroom door open. Before neither of us could respond, he stormed across the room, dragged Shane away from me and knocked him out.
As I attempted to cover myself, he bent me back over the chair and then thrust his raw cock so deep and forcefully up my ass, that within a few hard thrusts, we both groaned and came. Knowing he was coming directly in me heightened my pleasure.
Then as I lay over the chair, feeling limp, he withdrew from my ass and pushed into my pussy.
I moaned and reached back to grip his hips.
Biting my neck and shoulder, he fucked me to another blistering mutual climax that was so powerful, I felt his cum trickling down my thigh.
When we recovered, he took my hand, stepped over Shane, and led me to the bed. As we stumbled onto the mattress, I felt a movement behind me. Without warning, Shane suddenly grabbed me by my hips and ruthlessly impaled my ass on his hard cock. When Darkwater objected, he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and continued fucking his hard cock deep into my welcoming but burning ass.
Unable to pull us apart, Darkwater positioned his body next to mine. As Shane drew his hips back to pull part of his shaft out of my stuffed nether hole, Darkwater push his hips forward, tunneling his bare, hot cock deep into the confines of my wet pussy.
Holy hell! Trapped between the two of them my pleasure sensors were on overload. Nothing else mattered except the exquisite delight I experienced each time one of their wonderful cocks channeled deep into my body. My heart raced, my pussy pulsed, and I exploded into countless tiny pieces as they continued fucking me with delicious symmetry before filling my pussy and ass with their seed.
As I lay sandwiched between them with their cocks still firmly in possession of my body, eager to start a new fuck-a-thon, my phone alarm shattered the sexy dream and rudely dragged me from the sweet dream the next morning.
Once fully awake, I lay feeling restless. I'd always been a one-woman man and had never fantasized about having two men inside me at the same time. For the few weeks Darkwater and I had been lovers, I'd never spent a second wanting another man. So why was I suddenly dreaming of a raunchy ménage à trois? Call me delusional, but I felt almost as if I'd cheated on Darkwater by dreaming of having them both fuck me.
To make matters worse, I was so damned tired, I longed to call out for the day and lie in bed until I fell back to sleep. However, I didn't dare. Not only did I have to talk to Janine, but with layoffs looming at work, calling out and leaving my unit shorthanded was a sure way to ensure I earned a spot on the potential layoff list if I wasn't already on it.
As I walked back into my bedroom after a quick shower with a towel wrapped around my body, my cell phone rang. Recognizing Janine's ring tone, I sighed and reluctantly pushed the speakerphone button. "Hello?"
"Oh my god, Sher! You'll never guess what happened. Oh, of course you will since it's your doing. Thank you! Thank you!"
I frowned. Janine's obvious good mood was going to make it difficult to tell her that Shane had no interest in dating her. "For what?"
"He called me, Sher. He just called me and we're going out tonight."
"Who called you? Who are you going out with tonight?"
"Shane! Who else? Oh, Sher! I'm so sorry."
"For what?" I asked, trying to reconcile Shane's insistence the night before that he had no interest in Janine with her present excitement.
"I had to admit that I didn't fully trust you. When you told me you were going out with him, I'm ashamed to say that I thought you were going to stab me in the back and take him for yourself, but I should have known better."
I sank onto the side of the bed and closed my eyes. Thank God she had no idea how right she'd been to doubt my loyalty when it came to Shane.
"I'm so excited I’m almost hyperventilating. I have to go. I'll see you at work," she said and hung up.
I shook my head, wishing I'd asked Shane for his number so I could call him and—
Call him and what? Jealously demand to know why he was going out with Janine instead of you? Ask him if he planned to sleep with her when he took her home? Ask him to make your dream a reality sans Darkwater?
After I dressed, I poured myself a cup of coffee and called Am. "I know it's early and you have things to do, but I need a quick word with you," I said when she answered.
"I have the day off so I'm all ears. What's wrong?"
I took a deep breath and told her about my evening with Shane—including how close we came to having sex.
"Oh, no, Sher!" She said. "No. Shane's a great guy, but..."
"But not worth betraying a friend over?" I asked, feeling even guiltier.
"They weren't dating and hadn't even met. I don't think you actually betrayed her, but that's not what I was going to say. Shane's a great guy, but then so is Darkwater."
"Darkwater?"
"Yes. You remember him. He's my big brother and the guy you kicked to the curb too quickly."
"What?"
"You didn't really give him a fair chance, Sher."
"I didn’t what? Excuse me, but what have you been drinking, Am?"
"Look, Shane is a great guy and if Janine hadn't seen him first, you couldn't do much better than him—unless you gave Darkwater another chance."
"I have news for you, Am. He doesn't want another chance, but even if he did, I have no intentions of—"
"What did he do that was so bad, Sher? I mean really? Yes, he called you a name, but that was only because he was hurt by the way you treated him."
"He was hurt by the way I treated him? Are you on drugs, Am?"
"I don't mean to sound confrontational, Sher, but let's not forget that you're the one who kicked his ass to the curb without any warning."
"And you know why I did!"
"Actually, Sher, I don't because you've never really wanted to talk about it and I haven't pushed it because I know it's a painful subject."
"I know he's your brother and I know your loyalties are stretched, but...but I expected more support from you, Amber."
She sighed. "I'll always be supportive of you, Sher, just as you've been of me."
"But?" I challenged.
"But I just don't understand why you're so determined to vilify him."
I sucked in an angry breath. "I don't have time to tell you what you should already know," I said and ended the conversation. I sucked in a breath, feeling hurt and angry. And a little scared. I'd just hung up on my best friend and when Janine learned how close I'd come to betraying her trust, she'd be pissed with me as well. I'd be manless and worse, friendless. And all over two men, neither of whom would want or need you as Don did. Nice going, Sherlyn.
To make things worse, I had to go to work where I'd probably encounter both Janine and Shane in the lobby. It was difficult to see how the day could deteriorate any further.
Steeling myself to face a long, frustrating day, I left for work.
As I had known, as soon as I entered the lobby, I found Janine waiting. She looked so happy and radiant my guilt doubled. Then, as we stood waiting for the elevator, she looked over her shoulder and suddenly grabbed my hand.
And I just knew Shane was behind us. I turned to find him just a foot or so away.
"Ladies." He met my gaze briefly before smiling at Janine and extending his hand. "Shane Reddorn and you must be Janine."
Janine nodded and frowned. "Reddorn...you're John's brother?"
"One of them. I'm looking forward to our dinner tonight," he said.
Her smile widened. "So am I."
The elevator opened behind us and to my surprise, Janine hurried inside, followed by several other people. I turned to join her.
Shane reached out and caught my hand. When I turned back to look at him the doors closed on Janine's frowning face. Great. Now I'd have to explain why he wanted to talk to me without her.
"How are you?" he asked.
I shook my head. "Confused. You're taking her out?"
"That's what you wanted me to do, isn't it?"
"Yes, but..."
"But what, Sherlyn? Afraid I might decide I like her after all?"
His words made me feel even worse than I already did because they hit too close to the truth; especially coming after that dream coming so close of nearly betraying Janine. The thought of his transferring his interest to Janine left me feeling petty and jealous.
"Why are you taking her out?"
"Because you asked me to and I decided I wanted to please you."
"So you haven't changed your mind about her?"
"No."
Damn. "Then why are you taking her out?"
"I told you: to please you."
"If that's the only reason you're taking her out—"
"It is."
"Then what are you going to say to her?"
"That's between us."
"She's very easily hurt."
"I promise you I have zero intentions or interest in hurting her."
"I'm going to hold you to that promise." I glanced at my watch. "I have to go," I said.
He caught my hand again. "Have lunch with me."
"You want to have lunch with me and dinner with her?"
"No. I'd rather share both meals with you, but I asked her out to please you."
I tugged at my hand until he released it. "I have to go or I'll be late for work."
He inclined his head. "Okay. Have a good day, Sherlyn."
"You too," I said and gratefully stepped onto the elevator as it opened behind me. I briefly closed my eyes. Oh, Lord, give me strength to face this day and all the difficult ones to come.
* * *
Darkwater
I was still at home, seated on my bedroom balcony with my laptop on the table in front of me assuring myself I'd get to work any minute when Am called.
"If you're going to make a move with Sher, Darkwater, now's the time," she said.
I sighed, sat back against my chair and closed my eyes. "I don't recall saying I was going to make an attempt to see her again, Am."
"What? Are you...let me be brutally frank with you, Darkwater. If you don't do something soon, you'll lose her to Shane."
"You told me they weren't dating when we talked earlier."
"When I talked to you, I didn't know how last night went. Now I do."
I didn't like the sound of that. I opened my eyes and sat up. "And how did it go?"
"I can't break her confidence, but he's very interested in her, Darkwater."
"Is she interested in him?"
"Judging by how interesting she said things got when he took her home, yes."
Fuck! "Did she sleep with him?"
"All I'm going to say is that unless you're totally disinterested, it wouldn't be a good idea to allow those two to be alone again."
"And if I'm totally disinterested?"
"You wouldn't have called me at the crack of dawn."
"Amber—"
"I know this isn't easy for you. I know you find displays of affection hard. I know you find it difficult to say how you feel, but she's worth a little effort and worth risking your heart for again. I also know that you can have your pick of women, but I don't think any of them will ever love you as deeply as she does."
"You mean did."
"Do I?"
"Are you implying she's still in love with me?"
"I'm saying that Shane is a handsome, charming man who has the potential to win her heart just as Don did. Now why the hell would you just stand by and let that happen again?"
"Has she slept with him?"
"You should ask her that because I'm not prepared to break her confidence any more than I already have."
"So she has slept with him."
"I didn't say that. Will you do something for me, Thomas?"
"If I can you know I will."
"Don't let him take her from you. He's a great guy and if you allow them to really get to know each other, you'll lose her for good. He's starting to get lonely and wanting something different than his ex-wives. If you don't make a move, I'm afraid they'll fall for each other and you'll lose any chance to win her back."
"You've been talking to Michael."
"Yes, I have. We're all worried about you."
"There's no need."
"There's every need. Please, Thomas. Try again with her before it's too late."
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. "I know everyone thinks I have no feelings, but I do and she..."
"She hurt you?"
I nodded. "I'm not eager to have her take another whack at my feelings."
"I can understand that, Thomas, but—"
"Thanks for calling, Am. I appreciate your concern. I'll talk to you later. Slap the hell out of Reddorn for me, will you?"
"Which one? John or Shane?"
"Both of their worthless asses."
"That's the spirit, Darkwater. Speaking of asses, get yours in gear. Love you."
"I love you too, Am," I said and hung up. And then sat taking slow, deep breaths trying to decide if I wanted to risk my heart again with Sherlyn or if I were okay with her ending up with Shane Reddorn. And seeing them together every time Amber gave some family related function.
* * *
Sherlyn
I spent an unproductive and unsettling day at work. I passed the morning waiting for Am or Janine to call me. Neither did and I felt too guilty to call them. After lunch at my workstation, I attended a meeting in the conference room where the H R manager informed us that layoffs were imminent and the company would be sending out the notices within the next week. Once given, layoffs would be effective immediately.
Great. Just before Darkwater and I started seeing each other, in an effort to lift my spirits, I'd bought a new SUV and moved into a larger, more expensive apartment in my complex. As I sat at my workstation, certain I'd shortly be getting a layoff notice, my phone buzzed.
After picking it up, I stared at the screen, blinked, and then stared again. T. Darkwater. Call me.
I admit that my first response was one of complete and utter joy and excitement. Finally he wanted me back. Then reality set in and I realized Michael had probably told him he'd seen me with Shane and...and what? Why would he care if I were dating Shane? Unless he objected to my wearing the choker he'd bought for another man. Too damn bad. He'd given it to me and it was mine to do with as I liked.
I'd call him seconds before hell froze over—maybe.
When I hadn't heard from Janine by three that afternoon, I called her.
"I'm too nervous to talk," she said. "I'll call you tomorrow morning before work to let you know how our date went, but I know it's going to go well. Don't you think?"
Oh, God! Should I tell her how Shane really felt or should I let her find out the hard way? I moistened my lips. "Janine—"
"I'll call you tomorrow morning," she said again.
"Janine, wait. I need to tell you—"
"I have to get back to work. I'll talk to you tomorrow morning, Sher."
Disheartened by how badly I felt, I bit the bullet and called Amber. "I'm sorry," I said as soon as she answered.
"For what?" She sounded distracted.
"For hanging up on you this morning."
"What? Oh. That. Forget it. I already have."
"Thanks. I can't talk long, but I wandered if you knew what was going on."
"With Janine? Yes. She just called me to tell me she's having dinner with Shane tonight."
"I know and I'm afraid how he's going to...what's going to happen when he tells her how he feels."
"I told her that she shouldn't expect too much because he was interested in someone else. Of course I didn't tell her that someone was you. You're the one who needs to tell her that."
I shook my head. "I won't need to because I have no intentions to going out with him again. I know it's cowardly but the thought of her knowing what almost happened makes me fear for our friendship."
"She won't hear it from me and I know Shane is a kind man—just as Darkwater is."
I sighed. "Since you seem intent on singing his praises as much as possible lately—"
"Why shouldn't I? He's a great guy and you didn't give him a fair shake."
"Strangely enough, I disagree, but you interrupted before I could finish my sentence."
"Knock yourself out," she said.
"What's going on with him?"
"What do you mean?"
"He texted me and asked me to call him."
"Thank God!"
"It was surprising. Do you know he's never done that before?"
"Done what?"
"Texted me. He always called. Sometimes he emailed me, but never texted me. So what did he want?"
"I'll go out on a limb and suggest he probably wants another chance to see you. What did he say?"
"I told you what the text said."
"No. I mean what did he say when you asked him what he wanted? I know he's averse to discussing his feelings, but surely he must have made some response when you asked him."
"I didn't ask."
"What do you mean...oh, Sher! You didn't call him!"
"No, I didn't, but there's no need to make that sound like a crime."
"Given how you two feel about it, it is." She sighed. "Look, Sher, I know this is hard for you. It's hard for him too. He's never had to chase a woman."
"And he hasn't started with me, Am."
"Look, if you want to know what he wants, call and ask him. It's the other line...hold on a sec...it's Mom, Sher. She wants to talk about Darkwater. She's worried about him. Are you okay if we talk later?"
I nodded. "Yes. Give her my love."
"Will do."
I hung up feeling no more knowledgeable than when I'd called her. Surely if Darkwater had really wanted to rekindle our romance he would have made an effort to do so long before now. With my luck he wanted to rekindle our sexual relationship, this time without the pretense of romancing me. And I just could not handle that from him.
Shane was another manner. The idea of a strictly sexual relationship with him excited the hell out of me. But I couldn't go there without hurting Janine. And you can not do that. So get over your lust for him already.
I struggled to spend what was left of the workday actually working. Just after five, I left, dreading a long, stressful evening. In the parking lot, I came to an abrupt stop several feet from my SUV as a tall, striking Native American male got out of a late model car at my approach.
Darkwater. Oh lord. He looked as sexy as ever. My heart pounded and my pussy pulsed. Regret for the relationship I longed for but knew we could never have, weighted me down. I took a quick deep breath and slowly continued to my SUV.
"Sherlyn." He smiled.
It was a warm, slow smile that seemed to reach out and surround me; making me feel sensual and irresistible. Seeing it again, reminded me of waking the morning after we'd spent the previous night making love to find him looking at me as if he couldn't get enough of gazing at me.
I inhaled slowly, longing to rush forward to toss myself into his arms. Would I ever stop wanting something with him I could never have?
"It's been awhile," he said.
Too damned long. "What can I do for you?" I asked unlocking my SUV.
"Did you get my text?"
"Yes."
"Strange. Did I somehow miss your call?"
"I didn't call."
"I noticed."
I turned to face him. "What did you want?"
"I was hoping we could talk, Sherlyn."
I shrugged. "Do we have anything to discuss?"
His gaze narrowed. "Clearly I do or I wouldn't be here."
I met his gaze, recalled how intimate we'd been at our happiest and then felt my cheeks heating up. "I'm on my way home. If you really think it's necessary, I'll call you when I get there."
He put out a hand to keep me from opening my driver side door. "Don't bother. I'll follow you."
I shook my head. "Actually,—"
"I'll follow you," he said again.
We stared at each other for several moments before I reluctantly nodded.
Having gotten his way, he smiled and turned away to get back in his car.
"Great. Why don't you follow me, Darkwater?" I called after him, making no effort to conceal my annoyance.
He glanced over his shoulder, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Do you have any idea how sexy you are when you're annoyed, Drake?"
I inhaled slowly. So I'd been right. His interest now was strictly sexual. Wonderful. I got in my SUV and drove off, aware that he was close behind me.
The forty-five minute drive to my place seemed endless. By the time I pulled into my parking spot, I still had no idea how I wanted to handle the coming "talk" with him. Things got even worse when I realized my second parking spot was already occupied by Shane's car. Oh hell. I panicked at the thought of the two of them coming face to face until I realized Darkwater would have to drive around to the visitor's lot. By the time he walked back I would hopefully have had a chance to get rid of Shane.
But when had Darkwater ever done what I expected him to? Instead of driving around to the visitor parking lot, he pulled into an adjacent empty space and got out of his car just as Shane alighted from his. As I stood frozen, the two men stared at each other in what felt like instant dislike. I'm sure they knew who the other was, even though they'd never met.
Seeing them both together, recalled that steamy dream. I felt my cheeks burning and found it difficult to look directly at either of them.
Darkwater finally turned to look at me with a cold look in his dark gaze. And damn if I didn’t feel as if I'd been caught cheating. Then he turned to face Shane. "What the hell are you doing here, Reddorn?"
Shane allowed his hand to drop to his side. "Well, damn. It's nice to meet you too, Darkwater."
"What are you doing here?"
Shane shrugged. "Probably the same thing you are. I'm here to see Sherlyn."
"As you can see, she's with me."
"Is she? I understood she was finished with you."
"You understood wrong."
"Really? Why don't we let her decide who she wants to see?" Shane suggested.
"Why don't you get the fuck out of here before I—"
I stepped between them, facing Darkwater. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Are you dating him?" he demanded.
"No, but if I were it wouldn't be any concern of yours," I reminded him.
He stared down at me, his eyes looking like twin pools of cold, dry ice. "I suggest you tell him to get lost before I kick his ass."
"What the hell!" Shane snapped and stepped closer. "I'd love to see you try that shit."
Deciding that Shane might be the easier of the two to convince to leave, I swung around to face him. "Please don't tell me you've stood Janine up to come here."
He shook his head. "I'm picking her up in an hour but I wanted to see you first."
If only Janine hadn't seen and fallen for him first, I would whole-heartedly have embraced every opportunity to see him again and to drown my sorrows in a sexual relationship with him. Lord, what a mess. "Will you do me a favor, Shane?"
"Name it," he said.
"Leave. Now. Please."
He inhaled and narrowed his gaze. "You told me it was over between you two."
"It is."
"Then why should I be the one to leave?"
"Because I ask you to."
"Why not ask him to leave?"
I had a feeling nothing short of divine intervention would force Darkwater to leave one damn minute before he wanted to. "Please, Shane? Just do me this favor and leave now. Please."
He compressed his lips, gave Darkwater a cold stare, and then deliberately bent to claim my lips.
I wanted to draw away from him but his lips were so warm and insistent. I was so lonely that his obvious interest boosted my morale. The fact that Darkwater was watching and might somehow be jealous fueled the warmth I put into my response. He kissed me with such passion that my knees shook. Struggling to keep my response from spilling over into outright lust, I finally pressed my hands against his shoulders.
After a moment of resistance, he allowed me to pull away.
With my heart pounding and thoughts of that dream on my mind, I found it impossible to meet Darkwater's gaze.
Shane had no such problem. He actually turned to smirk at Darkwater before moving towards his car. "See you soon, Sherlyn," he said.
Darkwater swore and stepped around me.
Not a good sign. I grabbed his hand. "Thomas!"
He pulled away.
I grabbed his hand again. "Thomas! You have a choice. You can either say what you want to say to me or you can start a fight with Shane. You can't do both. Your choice," I said and then turned away, praying he wanted to talk to me more than he wanted to punch Shane out.