Page 39 of Saved By Two

Sometimes bonds form that are out of your control.

Me: I need to talk in private when I get home.

Noah: Gym?

I smile, as much as I’d love another one of those ‘talks’ that will have to wait.

Me: Yeah, see you soon x

Noah: xx

As soon as I enter the house, I’m greeted by the smell of steak. I find Noah in front of the stove, his back to Jessica, sitting at the counter, laughing at something he just said to her over his shoulder.

I take a moment to appreciate just watching the two of them. They’re yet to notice I’m here, and something about how much more relaxed Jessica seems to be in our home brings me joy. I only ever thought I’d care about the happiness and well-being of Noah, but somehow that shifted, and now that very much includes the happiness of Jessica.

I still get this deep-rooted need to go after her ex, but Noah anchors me. He’s right. I know he is. We need to bide our time.

But still…

* * *

After steak and chips, we all settled in the living room and watched a cooking show with Jessica before she excused herself to go to her room. I haven’t heard her as much during the night, so I think she’s finally getting the rest she needs—those dark circles under her eyes have almost faded, and I’d like to think Noah and I are the reason behind it.

“Did you want to talk downstairs, or is here okay?” Noah asks once we’re alone.

“Here is fine,” I reply as he pours two fingers of whiskey each, passing me a glass before sitting in the armchair opposite.

Taking a sip, I sit forward. “It’s about Jessica,” I say, waiting for a reaction. He tilts his head, cocking an eyebrow as he peers over the rim of his glass, waiting for me to continue.

“First, I want to preface this by saying I love you more than anything. So regardless of what I say next, if it’s a hard limit for you, I’ll understand, and we’ll work through this as a couple together like we do everything else.”

He smiles. “Duly noted.”

My pulse begins to race, somehow discussing this with him out in the open will make this all very real. “I think it’s obvious we both like Jessica, but I will admit the lines are blurring for me, and my feelings are no longer platonic. So, what I want to know is, how do you feel about her?”

He swallows his whiskey before swiping his tongue over his lips, licking a stray drop before answering.

“I think you already know, but I realise full transparency is necessary, so yes, I’ll admit my feelings towards her are developing beyond friendship.”

For some reason, hearing him say that out loud eases the tension in my gut and helps me breathe a little easier.

“But the question is, what do we do about it?”

I swirl the whiskey in my glass. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s something we can pretend isn’t happening or ignore how she’s making us feel. But I also don’t think she’s ready for one of us, let alone both.”

He nods his agreement. “It would be a lot to navigate for all of us, and that's only if it’s reciprocated.”

I can’t help but smile.

“What?” he asks, raising his eyebrows.

“The attraction is there, I have no doubt, but we need to tread carefully,” I reply. “I’d never want to ruin the trust and friendship we’ve built with her. My concern for her well-being will always outweigh my selfish wants and desires.”

“As will mine,” he agrees.

We’re already secure in our relationship. We like to play and have needs that we fulfil, but none of them have the emotional variety, they’re sexual, and we both know one another’s limits.

“So, I guess we need to talk to her,” he replies as he rests his leg on his thigh, swirling the amber liquid in his crystal tumbler, staring at the swirls of golden hues.

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