eyes I say, “I’m sorry, but you never told us we would have to pretend to be something we all three are not. And if that is what this guy wants, then you need to get out now, man. You are what you are, Brance. He can either love that part of you or he can get the fuck out.”
Brance shakes his head. “Logan is it for me. I need you both to accept him. He is the best person I know. I can only strive to be the right man for him.”
“Wow, he must give great head because I have never heard so much bullshit—even coming from you, Brance.” I stand up to make Tess a plate.
“Reed… knock it off.” Tess turns to Brance. “What do you want us to do?”
“I already put my foot down about you, Pretty Girl. I told him you always come first. I am serious about going to Africa. I need to do this for my soul. I want to give back. It’s going to be a challenge, but at the end of it, I know I will be a better person.” He leans back in the silk-backed chair.
Tess nods, taking his hand. “It’s a wonderful thing that you guys are doing. Reed is going to donate a huge amount of money. How long are you going to be gone?”
He picks up his coffee and looks out the windows. “Three months and I probably won’t be able to contact you either. They have no internet or phones.”
“What? Oh God, I forgot about that. We talk every day.” Her eyes get teary.
“I know.” He puts his forehead on Tess’s hand.
“Christ, you two. Brance, pull yourself together. If it makes it easier on you, we will pretend we are poor. We don’t have to go to expensive restaurants or shop. Tess needs to rest.”
“No, Logan works all day at the yoga studio, so we’ll shop while he is working.”
I laugh. “Perfect. Anything else we need to lie about?”
Brance glares at me zeroing in on Tess. “I think it would be nice if you guys tried one of his classes. He is an amazing teacher.”
“No,” I cut him off. “No way! If he owned a boxing gym, yes. Yoga, no.”
Tess shoots me a glare. “I would love to go.”
“Thanks, Pretty Girl. I’m tired. I need sleep and a shower. I will see you guys later.”
“One more thing.” I stop Brance at the door. “Don’t fight over Tess. She has me, and I take care of what’s mine. Concentrate on Logan. He wants to be your number one, let him.”
Brance studies my face. “Thanks, Reed, but that is the way I’m wired. I have enough love for both. Tess will always come first if she needs me.”
“I release you, man. Go be happy with Logan, helping people. Tess has me!”
“We’ll see, Reed.” His black circles make him look older.
“Brance, go get some sleep.” I smell Tess’s delicious vanilla scent behind me.
He nods. “Tess.” He leans over so they can do their usual kiss-him-on-the-mouth stupidity.
Rolling my eyes, I say, “You two might want to rethink your public displays of affection. Logan doesn’t seem to be as understanding as me.”
“Logan will come around. He loves me.”
After Brance leaves, Tess turns to me, sitting down at the table. “Well, what do you think?” Her big eyes are full of concern.
I sigh. “Fuck if I know, but Brance is in love with this guy. I mean he’s changing himself for him.”
“That’s what concerns me.” She scoops a huge amount of cream cheese on her knife and slathers it on a bagel. I pour her some fresh coffee and orange juice.
“That’s his problem. I have my own problems.” She sets down her orange juice. Her eyes sweep my body, stopping on the erection that tents my sweats.
“Hmmm, does this problem have anything to do with your favorite part of my body?”
Reaching into my pants I pull him out and look down at him. As my eyes lift to hers, she is setting down her coffee.
“Yeah. I’m in desperate need of your help.”
She unties the belt of her robe, licking her rosy lips, and stands up.
My eyes feast on her, starting with her stunning face. Rubbing my tattoo, I sense that familiar tightening in my chest. Her eyes darken. For some reason, she gets turned on whenever I touch my tattoo. Biting her plump lower lip, she cocks her head. Fuck… she is my everything. My eyes travel down her slender throat, her pulse