Free Cabin Fever by Stephanie Williams Page A

moment, you may never tell her. Just tell her. It’s simple.”
    “Seriously? Are you kidding? She’s already conflicted about sleeping with both of us.”
    Neither of them had expected a woman to test their friendship. “Patrick, I’m behind you, whatever you do. But this is the time we need to clear the air before we move forward.”
    “She’ll freak.”
    “You don’t give her much credit,” Sean said.
    “I have some experience with women too, and I know Sandra. She’s worried about coming between us.”
    Sean frowned and flicked a glance upstairs. “I see. Maybe I’ve been approaching this all wrong.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “I thought the reason she wasn’t interested in a ménage was because she thought it was too kinky. But now I see it’s because she cares so much about our friendship.”
    “So now what?” Patrick asked.
    “Let her come to us, when she’s ready. If she wants to go with one of us, let her be the one to choose.”
    “I can’t see that happening anytime soon,” Patrick muttered.
    “You don’t give yourself much credit either, my friend.”
    Patrick watched him leave the room. Could he tell Sandra he loved her more than life itself? She embodied everything he wanted in a woman. Smart, funny, adventurous, caring, and beautiful. She was always there with a kind word and supported every decision he made. She’d been there when his father died, and in the days and weeks afterward, she would come by his house or office and sit. Not say anything, but just sit, her presence comforting and calming.
    He recalled their conversation the day before. Would she freak out if he told her his true feelings? And what about Sean? She’d had an issue when he’d mentioned him. But more important, how did she feel about him ? Were his feelings one-sided?
    He plowed his fingers through his hair in frustration.
    Sean returned, zipping his jacket. “I’m going into town to check out a couple of the hardware stores I noticed on the drive up. If I’m lucky, I might be able to find another contractor or at least a recommendation.”
    It wasn’t until he got to the door that Patrick deciphered his words. “What? Okay.”
    “Man, you need to relax. It’ll all work out. Trust me.”
    “Watch your ass. The snow is really coming down.”
    “If it gets too crazy, I’ll come back.”
    He left Patrick staring at the flames. Why did Sean seem so sure about this? No matter the situation, his friend had a never-say-die attitude. Maybe it would work itself out, so maybe he should relax. After all, he really didn’t have a choice.
     
    ***
     
    Sandra prepared for breakfast and whatever else the day would bring. She’d done a lot of soul searching the night before, barely sleeping at all. In spite of that, she wasn’t tired. She had more spring in her step than usual. Coming down the stairs, she could already feel the warmth of the fireplace below. She spotted Patrick on the couch. “Good morning.” She rubbed her cold hands together. “Where’s Sean?”
    At first, he didn’t reply. He turned and stared into her in a way that made her skin prickle deliciously. Anyone who didn’t know him might see that as being rude. But he was thinking. She could almost see the wheels turning behind his eyes.
    “Good morning, Sandra,” he said, finally. “He’s on his way to the hardware store. How did you sleep?”
    “I didn’t. I did a lot of thinking.” She sat on the arm of the couch, next to him. She laced her fingers together on her lap and stared at them.
    “About?” He folded one of her hands in his and rubbed the back of it.
    “About what’s been happening in the past twenty-four hours.”
    “I see. Well, I’m glad you brought it up.”
    “Oh? Okay.”
    “Come sit down.” He scooted over to make room. “There’s no need to be nervous.” Patrick waited until she settled next to him, then took a deep breath. “Sandra…I love you.”
    “Patrick!” Her mouth hung open, and her