Page 11 of Just the Three of Us

"You weren't completely honest with her. Why is that?" I ask my friend.

"I don't want her thinking this is some kind of fairytale where there's a happily ever after at the end of it."

"I know how you feel about her,” I say.

"The longer this goes on, the longer I get to know her and… love her. What if I make promises to her and then am not able to keep them?"

"You would move heaven and earth for her. I know that."

"I'm also being a selfish bastard because if she leaves me, I will be totally shattered."

"I don't think that's the direction this is going. But I do have concerns about the business being affected. The problem is that saying that 'life is too short' is true, and I really like the happiness we've found together."

"You think I need to tell her how I feel."

"I think it will help her navigate the relationship much easier because she will feel secure in the knowledge that you love her. Tell her soon because I don't want to sleep on the sofa more than I have to." I get up and start fixing myself some dinner.

Chapter 7

Sean

Igo to the master bedroom with my heart on my sleeve. Am I even ready to say those words to Shannon? I think I've loved her from the very first time I saw her, but I ran. How do I explain I was a coward? I knock softly on the door and try the doorknob. It's locked, so I knock again until she opens it. She goes back to sit on the edge of the bed, sobbing, and now my heart is breaking for her.

I come into the room and softly close the door behind me. Then I walk over and sit beside her on the bed, putting an arm around her.

"It's going to be alright, Shannon."

"How can you say that? I'm risking everything here, and you both think this is some kind of game."

"I told you, it's not a game for me." I pull my wallet out and take out the picture that kept me company for the past five years. "I've carried this with me since John sent me the wedding pictures."

I offer the picture to Shannon and she takes it gingerly. It's a picture of her in her wedding dress, looking radiant and bright. The photo is in bad shape because I've taken it out whenever I needed it for comfort. Let's just say it's been a lot of times. I need to get a new one.

"Why do you carry a picture of me in your wallet?"

"From the first time I met you, Shannon, it's been you for me. That day, I was a coward, and I left as soon as it was respectful to do so, and I signed up for another tour immediately. I couldn't deal with you belonging to my best friend when I'd been looking for you my entire life. So, I ran."

"You wanted me?"

"Yes."

"Is that why you've stayed away all this time?"

"Yes."

She turns to me, her big eyes focused on me, and takes my hand. "Why are you telling me this now."

"Because I want you to know how serious this relationship between us is to me. I want you to know…" I brace myself, "I love you, Shannon. My heart has been yours since that first day."

Her mouth drops open and closes. "What does this mean for us? You and me?"

"It means I'll do my best to make sure you're loved and taken care of. And that I'll be by your side as long as you'll have me."

I wipe her tears from her face and give her a tender kiss. Her lips are salty, and I don't push because I want her to take the lead right now. I need to know she wants me as much as I want her in my life. She pulls away a little and looks at me, desire in her eyes.

"I love you too, Sean. I want us to be together with John. I've never been happier than I have been during this time with you both."

She starts tearing up again because of the raw truth of her words. For me, this time has also been a true gift, and I cherish it with all my heart. I kiss her again, this time with all the passion that is raging inside me. She opens her mouth eagerly for me, giving entrance to my tongue. Our tongues battle for dominance, but she lets me win, my tongue fucking her mouth like I'm going to do with her pussy in a few minutes.

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