Free His and Hers and Hers by Nona Raines

tone softened as she gazed at Cassie. “What about you? What do you want?”
    Cassie licked her lips. “I don’t want it to be weird. I want us to stay friends, you, me, and Jordan, like it was before—”
    “Stop it, Cass. You know it can never be like it was before.”
    Of course not. They couldn’t turn back the clock. Cassie saw her own sad recognition of that mirrored in Kyla’s eyes.
    “Tell me what you really want,” Kyla insisted.
    Cassie’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “I want you both.”
    Kyla brushed Cassie’s hair away from her forehead. “Why does that make you sad?”
    “It can’t be.”
    Kyla’s jaw set stubbornly. “Who says?”
    Cassie had to smile. Ky didn’t like hearing no from anyone, but she didn’t understand how complicated three-way relationships really were. How hurtful for the person who was left out. Three was an odd number, and Cassie would always be the one out in the cold.
    Her phone rang, keeping her from saying more. “Excuse me.” She went still when she checked the caller’s name. It was Jordan.
    “Cassie?” His deep voice sent a jolt of fear and need spiking through her.
    “Ah—” She swallowed hard as her gaze slid to Kyla. “Yes. Hi.”
    “Cass, look. When you get off work, do you think we could meet for a drink or something? I’d really like to talk to you.”
    “You’d—what about Kyla?”
    Ky’s eyebrows lifted at the mention of her name.
    “She’s not—just the two of us, Cassie.” His voice trembled with nerves. “But don’t get the wrong idea. It’s just to talk.”
    “Jordan, I don’t know if—” Cassie broke off when Ky held out her hand for the phone.
    “Let me speak to him.”
    “Cass?” Jordan asked.
    Kyla took the phone and put it to her ear. “Babe, it’s me. Yeah. Just a little while ago. Because I needed to see her.” There was a pause. “Probably the same thing you wanted to tell her.” She went silent. When Ky spoke again, her voice was low, intimate. “I know. You don’t need to explain. You know I trust you.” Then, more briskly, “Where are you now? All right. See you soon.” She ended the call and handed the phone to Cassie. Their eyes met. “He’s on his way home. We’re meeting him there.”
    * * * *
    Cassie was reluctant to go to their place, but Kyla persisted. “He wanted to say sorry, Cass. Just like I did, you know? What we did was shitty, and we want to make it up to you. Please?” When Ky batted those big browns at her and gave her the sad-puppy look, Cassie couldn’t refuse her. Who was she kidding? She’d fold for Kyla anytime.
    Cassie followed Ky in her own car, and they walked together toward the house. But when Cassie reached the doorstep, her courage abandoned her. Kyla took her hand and drew her inside. “Come on.”
    Delicious aromas met them as they stepped in. Jordan was pouring wine into three crystal glasses on a dining room table set with china and covered with a linen tablecloth. The wineglasses had been a gift from Cassie the first time she came to their home. The heavy antique table was one she helped select at a flea market she and Kyla had visited. Cassie was a dab hand at recognizing the hidden beauty in something old and forgotten.
    Now the table, refinished by Jordan, looked like something from an exclusive antiques store. Still holding Cassie’s hand, Kyla sauntered over to him.
    “Mmm.” She kissed him hungrily. “Smells delicious. Pizza? Did you make it?”
    “No. It’s from Mario’s.”
    Kyla grinned. “Well, his is almost as good as yours.” She turned to Cassie. “You’ve got to taste Jordan’s homemade pizza sometime. It’s awesome.”
    Jordan handed Cassie a glass of wine, and his smile sent a bolt of lust straight through her. She was instantly wet. “Hey, Cass. I’m glad you’re here.”
    “Thank you.” She took the glass, her fingers trembling. If her friends noticed, they were too kind to say anything.
    Kyla hooked her arm through Cassie’s.