"You and James. You're both so different in your own ways and it confounds my mind to have to choose between you two."
She sounds exasperated from contemplation. Like she’s pleading to me for an answer.
I swallow back a bit of emotion.
"Just follow your heart, Alexa. You don't need to make a commitment to me. We can go out for fun, and I won't hold you to anything permanent," I say with all the strength I can muster.
Fuck. This isn't going my way at all.
"Thank you for that, but I do like you. I honestly don't want to be forced to choose, and risk hurting one of you," Alexa offers.
Recalling my conversation with James, I’m compelled to let Alexa in on it- if for no other reason than to level the playing field for myself. I want and deserve a chance to take her out.
"Alexa."
"Yeah?" She sighs heavily, as if the weight of the world were on her shoulders.
"I have something to tell you, and I hope it doesn't upset you."
I hesitate for a second, waiting for her to signal that she’s ready for me to continue.
"What is it?"
"The other morning, after we had sex, I called James. We met up, and we discussed our businesses, and your decision to expand into both of our venues."
"Why do I feel like there’s something more here?" She questions.
"Because there is. Alexa, neither one of us wants to back off from seeing you. We’ve shaken hands as men, agreeing that the best man will win your heart."
I draw in a quick breath, awaiting a shrill voice carrying with it an argument.
None came. Not a sound.
"This just makes it even harder for me. I don't want you guys fighting over me."
She almost sounds like a child that can't decide between vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Not wanting to relinquish my hold on her heart just yet, I speak again.
"Well, try this. You gave him another chance, right? So give me another chance to entertain you and take you out for a day as well."
I wasn't beyond begging for her to come out with me.
"Please, just give me a chance as well."
Her smile and backside were plenty enough to fight for and try to obtain. I love the way her ass feels in my hands. The way she moans is music to my ears that I could record and listen to over and over.
I want- no,need-this opportunity to try to woo her away from James.
Sure, we had a handshake and an agreement, but there were no terms set up, no limitations or definitions. There wasn't even a time frame for such a thing.
"I don't want things to be difficult between us- or me and him,” she finally explains.
I shake my head.
"All I’m asking for is one simple date. If you don't want to be entangled with me after that, then you just say the word and I'll erase your number and your face from my heart," I blurt out, unable to control myself.
Might be a little tough to do that, old boy.
With a little hesitancy, she responds.
"Okay. I guess you deserve the same chance that James got."
Later that night, a thought comes over me… all is fair in love and war.