“May I suggest an alternative?” Damien says. “Why don't we head back to my place? We can shower, get cleaned up, and I can put a couple of burgers on the barbecue.” He flashes me a grin. “Unlike Julian, I have hot water.”
Julian makes a face. “It's a wreck, I know.”
“Don't let him give you grief,” I tell Julian. “It's not easy juggling a job and renovations. It took us a full year to fix our house.”
Damien’s offer hangs in the air. Dinner with them. The three of us, alone in his home. Nobody else around. Nobody to stop me from my impulses. Would we open a bottle of wine? Undoubtedly. Knowing what I do of Damien, it’ll be something delicious. I’ll drink a glass or two, and then what?
There is food in my refrigerator. I should decline his offer and go home.
But I don't.
I take a deep breath and commit to the evening. I acknowledge my desire instead of denying it. For the first time, I admit I want this. I want them. I want to be open to the possibilities that scent the air we breathe. I want to see what might happen between the three of us.
“Let’s do it.”