Chapter 12
Dylan
Shayla’s staring at Jett like he’s grown another head. I can’t really blame her. She couldn’t have shown up at a worse time. This is no way to get into what Jett wants to talk to her about, but it’s too late.
She still looks like she’s about to bolt any second. I don’t want her to go, but at this point they’re going to need to work something out between themselves before I jump in. And before everything gets beyond complicated.
So I settle in and marvel at the fact that Jett’s ex is my ex too.
Shayla. My first love.
Somehow, she looks even better than she did back then. Shayla’s always been hot. But now, she’s got something else going on. I don’t know what it is. Confidence, maybe. Something like that.
Whatever it is, it suits her.
Even now, when she’s fallen into the middle of something she couldn’t have expected, her eyes are blazing as she confronts Jett. She’s not backing down.
So hot.
“What are you talking about, Jett? You just said you and Dylan are together.” She gestures in my direction. “So that’s nothing to do with me. And since when do you fuck guys, anyway?”
Jett pauses, gazing at me as if he wants some help. I shrug. He needs to work this out with Shayla himself. I’ll only jump in if it looks like he’s going to fuck it up totally.
“Since now. And I want you both.”
She gives her head an exasperated shake. “You can’t have us both. That’s crazy. I don’t want to be in some kind of open relationship, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”
“No, that’s not it. What I want is both of you. I mean, all of us together. The three of us, all involved. I was going to see if that’s something you might consider too.”
Shayla’s laugh is quick and sharp. “What, so you’re bi now too?”
“Yes.”
Her eyes pop open. She must’ve expected him to deny it.
“Is that right.” Shayla gives me a death glare. “Is that what you’re into these days, Dylan? Some kind of crazy threesomes?”
“I wouldn’t put it that way. But yes. I’ve been involved with a woman and a man at the same time before. And it was the best relationship I’ve ever had.”
It’s not what she was expecting me to say. She’s staring at me warily now. “Really.”
“It’s the truth. I’m bi, Shayla. It’s the best of both worlds, and it can be so much more than being with just one other person at a time. Jett and I were talking and he told me you were coming here. And how he still feels about you. Since you and I have already been together, well. That would make it easier.”
It wouldn’t just be easier. It would be just about perfect. Another chance with Shayla? That’s like a dream come true. I was head over heels for her back then. Just seeing her again brings everything back in a huge tidal wave. Desire. Want. Need.
Love.
I don’t know if you can love someone you haven’t seen in years.
But I want to find out.
Shayla gets quiet, her head swiveling between Jett and I. I can’t tell what she’s thinking, although I can almost see her thoughts turning, jumbling around as she tries to make sense of what Jett’s suggesting. It would have been way better if we could have eased her into it like we planned to.
She squeezes her eyes shut, and the flood of emotions crossing her face is clear. She’s looking a little tortured. Shayla’s just been given a whole bunch of info she never had before. It’s got to be a lot to take.
I get it. It’s how I was when I tried to work out being bi. I had to go against everything and everyone who was telling me I wasn’t. Trying to force me to pick a side. Gay. Straight. So they could put me in a box and never have to wonder what to expect of me. My ex-best friend was the first among them. Saying I changed his world too much, and that he’d be more okay with me being gay than bi.
At least Shayla hasn’t run off yet. Jett takes a small step towards her, and when she doesn’t move away, he rubs at her arm.
“I never meant to spring all of this on you at once. Definitely not like this. I know it sounds crazy. But before you just say no flat out, I’d like you to think about it. Don’t leave. You’ve already made the trip here. I’d like for us to at least spend some time together.”
I jump in. “There’s no need to decide anything right now. Take some time, go on and get some sleep.”
“I don’t want to go.” My heart thumps at her words. “I mean, I’d like to get out of here. But not to be alone. Maybe we could go somewhere and talk. All three of us.”
“Of course. Anywhere you want.” Jett’s relief is palpable.
Even though Shayla’s holding back, she’s curious.
That’s good enough to start. Even though I want a lot more.