Page 74 of Crossing Lines

“Safe travel.”

“You’re shutting me down again?” he asks in dismay.

“I’m not in the mood.”

“Right. Okay. I’ll see you on Monday.” He marches out of the apartment and slams the door.

Locking it, I lean against the wood and stare at the orchids. I have to resolve the situation and put an end to this conflict. However, I’m worried I’ll make the wrong decision.

My thoughts kept me tossing and turning all night. It’s a wonder how I made it through Pilates.

I notice Trishell watching me out of the corner of my eye as we walk to our cars after class.

“What’s up? You barely said anything all morning and brushed me off all week. Didn’t want to meet after work either.”

Sighing, I place the mat on the backseat and lean against my car. “I saw Kross again.”

“Seems you can’t stay away from the man, huh?”

“It’s so hard, Trish. I don’t even know what I’m doing with Jamir anymore.”

“Has he brought up marriage?” she asks.

I shake my head. “I’m not sure I want that.”

“Oh?” She tosses her mat in the car and folds her arms. “So whatdoyou want? Phone sex with Kross?”

“Not funny,” I hiss.

“All right, sorry. I’m listening. Tell me how you’re feeling.”

“Conflicted. I don’t want to hurt Jamir or Iree.”

She scowls. “What do you mean? Isn’t Iree the chick you work with?”

“Yeah, Kross grew up in the same house with her and her big brother. She told me she loves him, Trish. Confessed the night before we left Paris.”

“Oh shit,” she sputters. “Does Kross know?”

“Iree asked me not to say anything.” I flick my nails. “I’m wrestling with my feelings. It’s driving me crazy.”

“You need to be honest with yourself,” she advises. “Do you want to stay with Jamir? Or do you want something fresh with Kross? You have to consider it carefully. As for Iree, I understand she’s your friend, and you don’t want to hurt her. But it’s you who Kross wants. She’ll understand eventually. You need to decide, though. Cause you can’t be out here sneaking around like a ho.”

“I know.” I bite my lip. “Kross makes me feel things beyond sexual.”

“Damn, cuz,” she mutters while shaking her head.

“Last night, we went for a drive, and it was so relaxing that I stopped thinking about Jamir and told Kross to take me home.”

“To fuck?” She dips her head and peers up at me.

“For something,” I breathe out. “But Jamir came by, and things became complicated again.”

Her eyes widen. “Was there a confrontation?”

“No, Jamir didn’t see us together. And Kross got upset because I didn’t ask him to stay. He wanted to have lunch with me today but changed his mind, and I’m mad about that because…”

“You want to spend time with him,” she discerns.

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