She released a long breath and closed her eyes.
He was just as handsome and likable as Mike and Jack. But she just couldn’t risk getting fooled again. She couldn’t. Besides, Peter would always be a concern she’d have. He had to screw up somewhere. He would get busted for the crimes he committed, and for what he tried to do to her. He had to, or she would never truly rest or settle down anywhere. The fear would be overwhelming.
Chapter 3
“So what are you going to do?” Alicia asked Marlena as Adele and Mercedes grabbed wine glasses and a bottle of wine.
They had all come over to Marlena’s house for Sunday dinner and to enjoy some time together. Plus Alicia was dying to talk to Marlena about Mike, Danny, and Jack and what she missed by not going to Spencer’s.
“I’m not going to do anything. I told you guys. I’m not getting involved with any men. I’m not ready,” she told them as she tucked her feet under her as Mercedes handed her a glass of Chardonnay.
“You are out of your mind. Deputy Spencer is so hot. The women go crazy over him. But then again, this sheriff’s department, from the man himself down to ranks in his command, is gorgeous. They’re also experienced and tough. Most of them were in the service. That in itself is sexy,” Mercedes said.
“That’s not what I need right now. These guys can get any woman they want. They more than likely have had their share of women, and might I point out are much older than I am. The last thing I need are three men trying to command my life and then lose it on me,” Marlena said and then took a sip of wine.
“Marlena, I know I’m the last person to stand here and give you a pep-talk about trusting men. I’ve declined offers of dates out of fear of getting hurt again. We’ve all had similar experiences from our pasts where we got hurt, or were even betrayed.” Adel swallowed hard and looked at the others then back at Marlena.
“But I have to tell you, the way Danny and Jack looked the other night, the way they talked about you and stood up for you when Vicky was spewing venom, wasn’t any bullshit. They like you. They care about you,” Adele told her.
“Hell, Mike spent more than his allotted lunchtime at the diner taking care of you when you got burned. He was late for a meeting with Sheriff Gordon, and that just doesn’t happen. But when he got back to the department and told him what happened, the sheriff was pissed off, too. Called me into his office to ask me to keep him posted on your healing,” Mercedes told her.
“Sheriff Gordon? Why would he do that?” Marlena asked.
“Because that’s how this town works,” Alicia whispered in her normal shy tone, appearing timid despite being here amongst friends. She was lacking in self-confidence despite how smart and beautiful she was, all because of a man.
“You know we’re being watched over by all the men in town. It’s for our protection. Don’t you feel it? The way whenever something seems to go wrong someone is around to help. There had to be a crowd of men wanting to help you at the diner when Vicky knocked that hot coffee onto you,” Alicia said.
Marlena nodded her head and laid her hand gently over her belly.
“It hurt so badly. I wanted to rip my blouse from my body but I felt someone undo my apron as I bent forward trying to pull the material from my skin. Danny, Mike, and Jack were around me but it wasn’t them. Now that I think about it, in all that chaos there were mostly men in the diner and a few women. It hurt so badly. I’m not really sure,” Marlena said and then looked at Mercedes, who smiled.
“Chance is different than any other town. We each found it, and found one another because it’s so special here. If you’re not ready to open up your heart to Mike, Danny, and Jack, because you’re not attracted to them, then so be it. But if it’s just because you’re scared of getting hurt, then it’s wrong. It’s not fair. What that guy did to you to hurt you back in Connecticut is in the past and you can’t let him ruin your future. I’ve seen how Jack, Danny, and Mike look at you. They care. They want to protect you, hell, they could already love you,” Mercedes told her.
“Me?” Marlena asked and the tears filled her eyes. They could all see it.
“Who couldn’t love you? You’re smart, beautiful, strong, and a great friend. Besides, if for some strange reason we’re all wrong and they do hurt you, the three of us will kick their asses,” Adele stated firmly. Alicia covered her mouth and laughed.
Mercedes made a fist. “Hell yeah.”
Adele reached over and covered Marlena’s knee. “You take your time, and you be sure. This type of relationship is way different then the norm. It’s intense, it’s heavy, and involves a major commitment on all ends.”
“Great, just scare the crap out of her, Adele,” Mercedes stated and took a sip of wine.
“What? It’s not like I mentioned the sex and having three men as lovers means all holes are open game for cock.”
“Adele!”
Alicia gasped and gave Adele’s leg a slap.
They all started laughing.
“Oh God, I don’t think I could ever do any of that,” Marlena said softly.
“Honey, with men like that who adore you, who want to protect you, care for you, and be your everything, the fear won’t matter. In a ménage relationship, the men cater to the woman’s every need. It ensures she is never alone or uncared for, and always protected and cherished. Haven’t you noticed the expressions of love, of satisfaction and contentedness on people’s faces around here who are involved in ménage relationships? The women are simply glowing and the men very possessive and caring. It’s magical,” Mercedes whispered then took a sip of wine.
“Sounds like you want that, too,” Alicia whispered.
“I think we all could use some catering to. Some men to take care of us, love us, and obsess over us after all we’ve gone through in our pasts. Will it happen? Will we each meet the perfect men and maybe fall in love? Who the hell knows? But if you asked me right now, if you dared me to take a shot at the possibility of finding true love in multiple men together, hell yeah I’d take that dare. I’d give this love thing a shot, and if it’s wrong, if I get hurt, then so be it. Life is way too short to not take chances. Besides, I’m not getting any younger,” Adele stated.