Page 49 of Dark Cravings

“And what did Kenley have to say about all of this?”

“She didn’t tell you?” he asked, his brow wrinkling in confusion.

“No. All she said was that I needed to talk to you and that it would be worth my while.”

“She’s in, Shelby. If you’re in, so is she.”

“If I tell you I need time, are you going to bail again?”

“Not a chance in hell. I told you, I’m in this 100%. I’ll wait a lifetime if I have to.”

“Okay, I need to process all of this, Thomas. We’ll talk in a few days, alright?”

“Fair enough. Thank you so much for hearing me out.”

He looked like he wanted to hug me but I didn’t know if I could handle that yet. With a goodbye, I turned and walked out of his office. I didn’t stop until I reached my car and once I’d climbed inside, I leaned my head back and breathed deeply. Part of me had wanted to jump at the chance to really be in this relationship but the part of me that was protecting my heart wouldn’t let me. I knew it would be hard for them to wait for me and I was a little upset to be in this position again, but I owed it to all of us to give it a lot of thought.

Could this really work?

KENLEY

? ?? Hope through the storms … ???

Iwas a little surprised that Shelby had agreed to talk to Thomas. I knew she was still angry and she wasn’t generally open to people when she was feeling that way. I just hoped that the conversation went well, if for no other reason than they clear the air. Even if things didn’t work out for us, I hoped we could be friends. I knew damn well she would trust me before she trusted him but I had to hope for the best. I couldn’t wait any longer to find out what had happened with Thomas and Shelby. I picked up my phone and brought up Thomas’ chat.

Kenley: Hey, Thomas .

Thomas: Hey, sorry I haven’t messaged you yet. I was just processing what happened.

Kenley: Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Did you talk?

Thomas: We did. This time she actually gave me time to say my piece.

Kenley: So, how did it go?

Thomas: It went well, I think. Our conversation was very much like yours and mine. I told her I’d been kicking myself since the night I chose to play with someone else. She thought the conversation was to get past my guilt but I think I was able to convince her that was not the case at all.

Kenley: What did she say to all of that?

Thomas: She said she needed some time to process everything and asked if I would actually be sticking around this time.

Kenley: You’re really serious this time, aren’t you?

Thomas: As a judge. I’m cautiously optimistic.

Kenley: Thanks, Thomas, for talking to her. It sounds like it was a successful conversation.

Thomas: I really hope so. Listen, are you coming to the club tonight?

Kenley: I hadn’t planned on it, why?

Thomas: I thought maybe we could play.

Kenley: I told you I was in if Shelby was. We’re not going to play unless it’s all three of us next time.

Thomas: I understand. Let me know if you hear from Shelby and I’ll do the same.

Kenley: Okay, talk to you later.

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