The Dream - Whitney Dineen Page 0,59
I like the idea, but I also discover that being held by him is a lovely feeling. It’s comfortable and safe, and honestly, I think I could get used to it on a more regular basis.
Buck takes my hand and leads the way to the sofa. I think he expects Davis to get up so he and I can sit there together. Davis doesn’t budge, so Buck finally says, “Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” Davis replies as he reaches for me and practically yanks me down next to him.
Instead of accepting defeat, Buck pushes me over and sits down on my other side. The three of us are crammed shoulder-to-shoulder like meatballs on a bun.
“This is cozy,” I say when no one else tries to break the weird tension that’s taken over the room. Secretly, I have to admit to kind of liking the idea of men (potentially) fighting for my attention.
Davis finally offers, “I understand we’re having dinner with you on Tuesday night, Alexander.”
“You are?” my friend asks.
“You wanted to take him and Jessica out to thank them for their help on your article for Elegant Travel,” I remind him.
“Yes, yes I do,” Buck says as he brushes my hair off my forehead; a gentle sweep of the back of his fingers causes my nervous system to flutter wildly. “What’s the nicest restaurant in town?” he asks me.
Once I get my libido under control, I tell him, “Probably Filene’s,” though I’m not really sure. I know it’s not Shake n’ Burger.
“How about if we pick you up at seven?” he asks Davis.
“I live across the street from there. I can walk.”
“What about Jessica? Should I pick her up?” Buck wants to know.
“Why don’t you call her and ask her?” Davis suggests. Huh, that doesn’t sound like something a boyfriend would say, does it? Unless he’s a bad boyfriend which doesn’t exactly bode well for my future with him. Buck’s kindness is feeling more appealing. Agh!! This back and forth is going to drive me bonkers.
“I’ll do that. She did give me her business card,” Buck says like it’s a taunt. So, now Davis is the lead again.
It’s starting to feel ridiculous having the two of them talk around me. I stand up with the intention of moving to the chair myself, but when I do, they both grab me and pull me back.
Buck asks me, “How was work tonight, darling?”
“She didn’t work,” Davis answers before I can. “She had dinner with me and my family.”
“Yes, but she works for your family, doesn’t she?” my friend wants to know.
“My grandmother wasn’t there. Tonight was just a family dinner.”
I explain, “Mrs. Frothingham wasn’t up to leaving the nursing home.”
“I wish I’d known,” Buck says. “We have so little time together; I would have preferred you come home.” He leans in and gently kisses the side of my head. What’s going on here?
Davis notices my hand is still in Buck’s and he hurries to take my other one. This is getting ludicrous. I half expect one—or both—to start peeing on the furniture to mark their territory. I regain freedom for both of my hands and stand up once again before announcing, “I hate to be rude,” —apparently I’m the only one who feels this way—“but I’m beat. I’d like to go to bed.”
Davis and Buck look at each other like they both expect the other one to leave. When neither does, they both stay seated. Annoyed, I add, “Alone.”
That finally does the trick and they both jump up. When neither moves toward the front door, I announce, “Let yourselves out when you’re done doing whatever it is you’re doing here.” Then I turn and walk away.
I crawl into bed listening carefully for sounds of their departure, but I fall asleep before that happens. I half expect to find both men still sitting there when I wake up in the morning.
Chapter Thirty-Three
June 25, 2010
Dear Molly,
Buck is home from school and so far it’s been weird. He’s still the same Buck who forces me to dance with him all the time, but he’s taller and broader, and just between you and me, he’s become really good looking. The awkwardness seems to only be on my part though. He treats me the same way he always has.
I saw Davis Frothingham for the first time in a year at the store today. He was with his brother and they were talking about what he was going to major in at school. He said something about liking