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“Da,” he says. “I won’t hurt him. And not just because I don’t want to see my insides on the outside.”

“Good, glad we got that cleared up.”

“Thank you, James,” he says as he undoes his seatbelt and opens the door. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“Happy to help. You have my number, yes?” He nods in agreement. “Then call me. If you need to talk or anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll listen.”

He gives me a small smile and climbs out of the car. “Thanks, I’ll see you in a few days.”

I watch as Soren gets into his car, hoping he makes the right choice. And in doing so, realizes that with Ash, therightone isn’t always the easiest, or sanest.

The memory of Soren’s kiss lingers for the rest of the night. Not just that, though, but the way he took control so easily, like it was nothing. Stereotypically, Soren doesn’t look the type to dominate another, but I know perfectly well that’s bullshit.

It was easy to submit to Soren’s silent demands, to allow him to grab me and direct me to where he wanted. If asked, I would have probably done anything he wanted… It’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone like that.

James doesn’t count. He’s not only been my closest friend for the last decade, but he’s not built that way. Yes, he can get rough with me and put me in my place if he thinks I need it, or I ask, but it’s not the nature of our relationship. What I want—need—is more than he can give some days. I’ve never faulted him for that.

It might have been one kiss that didn’t last very long, but I felt the strength in Soren. Not just physically, but in the way he held himself back, not demanding more than I was willing to give up, even while taking what he wanted.

Maybe it’s simply been too long since I’ve had what I really need, but I don’t think so. Even after only knowing him for such a short period of time, I know Soren is different. I can’t be sure he’ll be able to give me what I need, but…I’m not opposed to finding out. Cristian might kill me for it, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

“Are you sure you want to go down that path?” James asks.

Looking over at him, I watch as he strips out of his clothes, unable to help staring as he undresses. It doesn’t matter that I’ve watched this scene play out many times over the last ten years, there will never be a time where a shirtless James won’t catch my attention.

“It would be so much easier if we could love each other,” I say instead of answering his question.

“Probably, but we’re not built that way. So don’t avoid me.”

Sighing, I throw myself backwards into the pillow, looking up at the ceiling. James snorts at my antics, but doesn’t rise to the‘dramatic bait’,as he calls it.

“I don’t know. It’s a yes and no answer. I felt something when he kissed me, something I haven’t felt in a long time. Like he could handle me. Which is stupid, isn’t it? It was one kiss, that’s not enough information to know if he’s right for me or not. Just because he gives off all the right signals doesn’t mean he’s aware of what he’s signing up for.”

James comes over to the bed but I don’t move, even after he settles next to me. “Everything’s a risk, Ash. No, he might not be everything you’ve been hoping for, but there’s nothing that says he isn’t either. I know he’s worried about the repercussions of starting something with you?—”

I laugh at that. “I dare Cristian to try to tell me what not to do when it comes to sleeping with someone who works with me. The Boss is a lot of things, but he's not a hypocrite.”

James shifts and throws an arm around me, making me smile as I set a hand on him, holding him to me. “No, he’s not. And if Soren is somehow the Dom of your dreams, you need to make him see that. You’ve never been afraid to go after what you want, Ash.”

Sighing, I tilt my head to look at my best friend. “He’s young, what would he want with someone like me?”

James rolls his eyes. “You mean an accomplished doctor, a well-respected man, and a pain in the ass? Okay, I can see how he wouldn’t want the last thing, but anyone who spends more than a few hours in your presence is aware of how you are.”

“Asshole,” I gripe.

James smiles and moves in a little closer, pressing a kiss to the corner of my mouth. “You kissed him, Ash. That tells me all I need to know about the situation. If you didn’t think he was worth it, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

I let the truth of that sink into my bones. Because he’s right, even if I didn’t want to admit it at first. I had already made up my mind about Soren. I just needed someone else to tell me it wasn’t a bad idea.

“I love you,” I say. “I wish I loved you romantically, but you’re mine either way, and I’m glad you’re here.”

My words earn me a kiss to the cheek. “I’m glad I’m here, too. And you know I care about you.”

I nod, aware that even a platonic declaration of love is hard for him. Not that I’ve ever needed the words from him. Just being here is enough to show how much I mean to him.

“So, Soren?”

“Yeah,” I agree, tightening my hold on the arm across my chest. “Soren.”

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