Page 45 of Everlasting Love

Shane

I can see you read my message

I groan and Tristan sighs. “C’mon, I wanna get home at some point. Spill.”

“It’s just Shane.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Oh yeah. He was the best man at the wedding, right?”

“Uh, yeah.” I can’t believe he remembered, though I shouldn’t be surprised.

He studies me closely, and I can practically see his mind working to put the pieces together. Finally, his lips spread slowly until he’s beaming at me. “Don’t tell me the maid of honor hooked up with the best man.” He pushes at my shoulder gently, and heat races up my neck and into my cheeks. “You did. You dirty girl,” he says playfully while smirking at me. “About time you got back on the horse”—he wiggles his eyebrows—“or maybe I should say the D!” He bursts out laughing, and I whack his arm playfully.

“Cut it out.” But I can’t stop my giggles, and they bubble up at his hysterical laughter. “Such a damn comedian.” I roll my eyes at him. He struggles to get himself under control but finally manages it, wiping the tears from his eyes.Asshole. “I’m not talking to you about this,” I snip.

“Aww, why not? I’m hurt.” He pouts like the child he’s being right now.

“I don’t know how Nicole puts up with you,” I snark.

“C’mon, don’t be like that.” His humor fades away. “You can talk to me about this. God knows you had to listen to me enoughtimes after Nic had Noah. It really helped us. I promise I can be a good listener.”

That’s true and he didn’t hold anything back and it didn’t make things awkward between us. I liked that I could help him and Nic find their way through those early weeks and months. How much to share, though?

He rests his arm on the steering wheel leisurely, waiting for me to speak. Twisting in my seat, I face him. “I’m not telling you everything that happened, but …” The relief is almost instant, knowing I’m about to share at least some of what happened. I’ve felt as though I’m about to burst by keeping the events inside. “Saturday was an emotional day for me. I’m not sure why, but on and off, throughout the day I was close to tears. After all the formal stuff was over and we were dancing and hanging out at the reception, I got teary again and Shane pulled me outside away from the other guests. I guess so I could have my moment in private.” Tristan’s face softens, and he nods for me to continue. I look down at my lap because I don’t think I can look at him when I tell him the next part. “He pulled me in and hugged me and it was exactly what I needed. Before I knew what I was doing, I kissed him. Well, one thing led to another and before I could return the favor, he was gone. And I don’t know what to make of that. And now … now I feel weird.”

“Hang on.” His tone makes me look back up at his face. “Did he kiss you back?”

I think back to Saturday night. “Uh, yeah. Reluctantly at first, then I felt him give in and things went from there.”

“And then he walked away from you when it was over?”

Embarrassment floods me and I swallow past the rejection I felt when he left. “Yeah,” I murmur, turning my attention toward the windshield. “I was pissed, but mostly embarrassed.”

“Was he turned on or do you feel like what he did was out of some type of obligation to make you feel better?”

“Well, if the tent in his pants was any indication, I’d say he was turned on. He seemed to like what he was doing if his enthusiasm was anything to go by.” I slap my palm to my forehead. That was way too much information.

Tristan’s silent for so long that I glance at him. His expression is thoughtful as he rhythmically taps his fingers on the dash. “I think he’s fighting his attraction to you.”

My jaw drops. “Do you think so?” I’d hate to get my hopes up. Even though I’ve decided to pursue him, it’ll certainly make things easier if this attraction goes both ways.

“I do.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Uh, everything you just told me and the stuff you’ve told me about Shane in the past. From what you’ve said, he’shands-onwith you if you haven’t noticed.” I look at him in confusion. “Hecomfortsyou when you’re having a hard time.” He wiggles his eyebrows again. “And you’ve said yourself how great he is with Jas.”

Hmm, all true. “Why do you think he’s trying to fight his attraction? We’re both adultsandsingle.”

Tristan lifts and drops one shoulder. “Dunno. That’s what you’ll need to work out.” He climbs out of the car, then rests his arm on the door, and leans back in. “Maybe he thinks he’s not good enough for you.” He closes the door and I climb out of the car.

“Or maybe he doesn’t think I’m relationship material. I couldn’t keep my husband happy.”

Tristan stomps around to my side of the car before I can blink. Tension bunches his shoulders and he looks murderous. “Don’t ever let me hear you talk about yourself like that again. That was all on Allen.” I open my mouth to argue and he shakes his head. “I don’t wanna hear it, Vi. Whatever you’re about to say is bullshit, so don’t say it. Don’t even think it.” I deflate, myargument dying on my tongue with his no-nonsense tone. He wraps a strong arm around my shoulder and tugs me into him. “You were too good for him.” He kisses the top of my head and releases me but it’s nothing like the way Shane does it when he’s comforting me. “You okay? I need to get going.”

I nod and give him a shaky smile. “Yeah. Thanks for the chat.”

“Any time.”

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