Page 32 of The Best Number

“Hey sex pest,” I reply with a sigh. “Propositioned anyone today?”

“Not yet, but hopefully very soon.” He calls the button for the lift and we head up to their floor.

Jack bangs his fist on Cassidy’s door when we get there. “Cass, open up. We’ve come to seduce you.”

I can’t help but laugh.

She opens the door with a giggle and a grin, looking adorable. She’s wearing a cute yellow sundress, and she’s bare-footed with bright pink painted toenails.No wonder he tried his luck yesterday.

“Come in, guys.” She pulls the door wide for us. I step in first, bending to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“I bought cakes and OJ,” I tell her, trying to score some brownie points.

“Oooooh, cake. What kind?”

“A selection. I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”

I head over to her couch area and put the bakery box down on the table there. I turn around to see Jack holding Cassidy’s head in place as he plants a kiss on her lips and dips her backwards. She’s laughing, which is lovely to see.

“I didn’t bring cake, but I brought myself, and I’m told I’m delicious.”

I roll my eyes at his antics, but secretly I’m relieved that there doesn’t seem to be any awkwardness.

“Sweet treats sound good. I made a snack platter which we can have first,” Cassidy says once Jack has released her and she’s upright again. “I’ll just grab it. Have a seat.” She gestures to her big, comfy, jade velvet couch.

We sit side by side and Jack throws his arm along the back of the chair, toying with the hair at my nape. I savour the affection.

I glance over and he’s looking towards the kitchenette where Cassidy is carrying through a wooden board covered in deli meat, cheese, crackers, grapes, nuts and pretzels.

“I wanted something easy. I hope it’s okay.” She places it on the table.

“It looks awesome, Cassidy. Shall I get some glasses for the juice?”

“Oh, no, it’s okay. I’ll go grab some.” She turns away and rushes back to the kitchen.

“She’s nervous,” Jacks says quietly, so she can’t hear him.

“No shit, Sherlock. Let’s take it nice and easy to help her relax.”

I look over with my eyebrow raised, expecting a sarcastic reply. But his face looks serious as he nods and whispers, “You’re in charge.” Usually I’d expect a grin after he says this, but he seems quite earnest. Guessing he feels like he fucked up yesterday.

“Here we go.” Cassidy places the glasses on the table next to the juice. I lean forward and open the bottle, half filling each of the glasses as Cassidy hands each of us a plate.

“Help yourselves. Dig in.” She fills her plate before sitting on the armchair closest to me. I pile a plate high and Jack does the same. We sit in companionable silence for a short time while we all tuck into the delicious food.

It’s not super awkward, but there’s something there. I thought it had been fine when Jack kissed Cassidy, but she seems a little skittish. “So, do we want to talk?” I ask as I look between them. Cassidy gives me a small nod. Jack says nothing.

“We’re all attracted to each other, right?” It’s stating the obvious, but I want to get everyone feeling comfortable.

“Yes, very,” comes Jack’s deep drawl.

“Uh-huh,” Cassidy breathlessly responds.

“And the friendship between you two is important?” Both of them nod, focused on me and not each other.

“I think that we’ve opened something up at the weekend and I’m not convinced it’s going to go away even if we decide not to take things further. I think not acting on the attraction could have just as negative an effect on your friendship as going for it.” I focus on Cassidy now. “And that’s not me trying to put any pressure on Cassidy. I want you to feel comfortable with any decision you make.”

Her gaze flicks between me and Jack. “I was thinking the same thing earlier. I think I’m fed up with playing safe. I want to have some fun, and as I said to you last night, Tom, I trust you guys. I know you’ll make it good for me. And hopefully I can make it good for you. And you’re not going to screw me over.”

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