Page 57 of Undone, Love Times Three

“Like what?” I ask, and my pulse spikes. I’m caught between panic and excitement.

“A friend has a gallery showing right now. He’s a photographer and is just back from Europe so he’s going to have some amazing work. I always buy something after one of his big trips.”

That sounds interesting. Not something I’d usually do on my day off. Against my better judgement, I agree, drawing out a smile from Daniel. Before he gets too carried away, I unlock the doors and pull them open.

Daniel doesn’t give me a chance to react, he leans in to kiss me goodbye. In fact, he lingers, running one hand through my hair while the other holds on to my hip, his fingers toying with the waist band at my lower back, so he touches my skin.

I almost lose my balance and hold a palm up to his chest to steady myself. The kiss deepens, and it’s only when I hear laughter that I remember where we are. Standing in the open doorway for everyone to see. They’re not laughing at us, but it jolts me out of the kiss.

Daniel is still close when we pull back, staring into my eyes. Something changes. Inside of me. It scares me. My head is telling me to pull back, refuse the date but my hand remains on his chest. His feels a little more possessive against the base of my spine.

Then he goes and does something that practically ends me. He kisses my forehead. My eyes close as he lingers a few seconds. He’s smiling when he pulls back and steps away.

“Wednesday?” he asks.

Curling some hair behind my ear, trying to get a grip on my emotions, I nod. He says he’ll pick me up at eleven, then leaves.

And a small piece of my damaged heart slots back into place.

Ease Into It Slowly

Daniel

Spending time with Blue is becoming addicting. She’s a drug I can’t get out of my system. Things are getting deeper than either of us planned. Only I can’t act on it because of the promise I made. Not that it’s that far gone. I like her a lot. Being around her is never dull.

The issue is Blue. She is still skittish. Sometimes I can’t figure out if she is trying to hide that she feels it too, or she doesn’t wantto let me down. Or is pissed that I’m on the verge of breaking that promise.

In my head, we’re casual. The ink on my divorce is barely dry. Even if Lauren and I have been separated for almost eight months now. Is that still too soon to jump into something new?

I will not talk about this with friends or family. That’s not a guy thing. Asking for advice about my love life isn’t happening. Not when I’ve been so closed off about the divorce.

Something changed between us at the bar a couple of weeks ago. When we went to my friend’s gallery, after the initial tiptoeing around one another, Blue relaxed. Once she did that, I could too. We had a great day. Watching Blue looking at the photographs in the gallery was a beautiful thing.

She even bought two of his pieces for the bar. We might come from different backgrounds and there are plenty of people in my family who would look down on her, but I don’t care about that.

I’m happy, for the first time in months. She matters to me. I care about her. She makes me feel things I haven’t felt in years. The way she looks at me, the ease with which we get on, not to mention the chemistry in and out of bed, it’s all adding up to something more.

She arrives for dinner at my place at seven on the dot. One thing about her I’ve come to appreciate is her need for punctuality. She hates being late, or having to wait for others who are.

My eyes sweep over her standing on the doorstep in a dress. It’s the first time I’ve seen her in one. It’s a toss up in my mind over whether I want to take her out and show her off or lock her up inside my apartment where no one else will see her. Because she looks stunning. I’m speechless.

In typical Blue fashion, she rolls, her eyes and walks around me into the house. I love she is comfortable enough to do that. I’ve only ever lived alone in this house. Seeing her walk straightto the bar to get us both a drink, without having to ask, only solidifies what I’m trying to hide.

I take the offered glass of wine and lean in to kiss her. “You look beautiful.”

“You could have made an effort,” she smirks. I’m wearing smart jeans and a polo shirt. It’s not exactly the sweatpants or shorts I’m usually wearing at home. Her hand comes up to toy with the collar of my shirt.

Taking hold of her wrist, I pull her a little closer. “I slaved in the kitchen for hours, don’t make me skip it.”

“Is that an option,” she takes a sip of her wine.

“Not until dessert.”

She bites her lip. I let her go before I get carried away and throw her down on the couch, inching up that skirt to find out what is beneath it. Blue follows me into the kitchen and takes a seat while I finish the final touches to our meal.

We chat about our day and then move over to the dining table to eat. The conversation flows, we never have a moment of being uncomfortable with one another.

“So tomorrow I have to go to the brewery in Clarendon Hills.”

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