Foundation for Three (36 page)

“Keep telling yourself that, girl. But seriously, how pissed was Thad?”

“Pissed is a mild word. He did move out, in case you didn’t notice.”

He nodded. “What do you suggest?”

“Be truthful then move on.” Guys weren’t into gushy talk anyway.

“Good idea. Since Thad is working, what do you say we dress and head to The River Wok for dinner?”

She groaned. “You sure you want to do Asian? We can have a pizza if you’d like.”

“I’m positive.” He slipped into his jeans and she watched as the material covered his perfect body. He stepped over to the counter next to the fridge and picked up her new pink purchase. “You got a stun gun!”

He didn’t have to act surprised. “You suggested I get one.”

“I did, didn’t I?”

“I plan to keep it on my desk at work. That should intimidate anyone from messing with me.”

“I can tell you’re going to be a heap of trouble, Dr. Donovan, but I’m just the one to keep you in line.”

Pete Banks had so much to learn.

*     *     *

After dinner, Pete said he should get back. “I need some time to think about what I’m going to say to Thad.” He dreaded the conversation. Eating crow never tasted good.

Zoey nodded. “If Thad asks what we talked about, I’ll tell him I made you crawl at my feet and bark like a dog before I let you make love to me.”

He cupped her soft cheek. “You aren’t going to make this easy for me, are you?”

“Hell no.”

Zoey was full of strength and wonder. He pulled her into his arms. “You sincerely think if I’m honest that Thad will forgive me?”

“I was easy. I don’t think Thad will be. You betrayed his trust.”

“I know. Then grovel it will be.” He didn’t want to leave her, but he and Thad needed to clear the air. “I’ll call you tomorrow. I’m sure Thad will give you all the details tonight.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Wish me luck.”

“Luck.”

Using all of his willpower, he slipped out. On the drive home, his mind spun as he considered different ways to approach the uncomfortable topic. When he parked and entered the house, every square foot screamed of loneliness. He almost hated this place with Thad gone. What had he been thinking walking out like that?

He inhaled to slow his racing heart and pulled out his phone to call Thad. No surprise, he didn’t answer. Leaving a message wasn’t his preferred choice of how to handle this, but he needed Thad to stop by after work. It didn’t matter the time.

“
After the beep, please leave your message
.”

Pete blew out a breath, praying he didn’t fuck this up, too. “It’s me. Look, man, I owe you an apology bigger than the whole town. I’ve messed up and I know it. Zoey and I have patched things, so if you can see past my stupidity, will you swing by the house before heading over to Zoey’s?” He disconnected before he said something to make things worse.

Now came the wait. He walked over to the wine rack and pulled out a bottle. “You’re fucking stupid.” He pushed it back in and drew water from the fridge. Without a coffee maker, he couldn’t even have the caffeine kick.

The only thing to do was watch some television, and wait.

An hour later, the doorbell rang. Thad had a key, so why not use it? “I get it.” As Zoey would say, his roommate was being passive aggressive. Pete didn’t care as long as Thad would wait around long enough to listen to his apology.

Pete opened up. Thad’s skin appeared sallow and his face drawn. He didn’t look like he’d gotten any more sleep than Pete had. “Come in. Thanks for stopping over.”

Thad glared at him then punched him hard in the shoulder, managing to hit the exact spot Alex had. Shit. Pete swallowed the wince.

“You suck, you know that? You also look like crap.”

Pete straightened his shoulders. “I fucked up.”

Thad strode past him into the family room, and dropped into his favorite chair. “Fucked up? No.” He blew out a breath. “That doesn’t come even close. The words to describe what you did haven’t been invented yet.”

In a way, Pete was glad Thad was willing to vent. Pete could only hope his friend would be his usual patient self and listen to his explanation. “So stupid, juvenile, selfish, and irresponsible won’t cut it?” Pete tossed in some levity only because his gut was churning so hard.

“Not even close. You’re a real shit. I don’t care if Zoey says everything is good between you. It’s not okay between you and me.”

Shit, shit, shit. “I’d like a chance to change your mind.”

Thad jumped up. “Oh, yeah? Doesn’t matter what you say. You’re still a fucking ass.” He strode up to Pete and poked him in the chest. “You might have been able to sweet talk Zoey into believing you’ve changed, but I don’t buy it.”

Jesus. This was not going down as he’d hoped. “What’s it going to take to convince you this will never happen again?” He’d do just about anything.

“I don’t know.” Thad turned his back, paced a few times, then faced him. “Do you even understand what a ménage relationship means?”

Was that a trick question? “We both love Zoey equally, or at least I do. For the three of us to build any kind of life, we need to take care of her and see to her needs?” Damn. Why did that have to sound like a question? He’d known the answer.

Thad’s lips pressed together, shifted, and twisted. “And you went to private school?” Thad shook his head. “You didn’t learn common sense, that’s for fuck sure. Listen. There’s so much more. There may come a time when I need to do undercover work, or I might land in the hospital because some punk stabbed me, or I just have to work late. I have to be positive that you’ll be there for both of us.”

“You don’t have to insult me.”

“Don’t I? From what I’ve seen in the last two years, every time the going gets tough, you crap out.”

What he said was true. “That was the old me.”

“Is it?”

While Pete deserved the put-down, there had to be some faith here. He wasn’t going to let Thad walk all over him. “I’m committed. What more do you want me to say? Alex finally knocked some sense into me. I get that my dad is the way he is because of things he’s done in his life. I never should have expected anything else from him.”

Thad chewed on his the inside of his cheek. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“How committed are you?”

“I’m all in.”

The lines around his mouth softened. “All right then. Let’s discuss exactly what that means.”

Chapter Thirty

T
had had come to bed around two in the morning, climbed under the covers, and kissed her forehead. When Zoey asked how things had gone between him and Pete, Thad said he’d tell her everything tomorrow. That he needed time to process what had gone down. From the lack of anger in his voice, she could only hope things went well.

At seven, when Zoey got up, Thad was already gone. He left a note saying he’d been called into work early, but that he’d make it up to her. She swore he was trying to drive her crazy. As much as she was tempted to call Pete and ask about his “I’m a shit” apology, it might be best to give him time. For now, she’d go with the concept that no news was good news.

At work, Zoey tried to keep her focus, but her sessions seemed more stressful than usual. She prayed she’d been able to help her clients.

When the last person finally left, she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes for a moment. As much as she wished she were in the men’s arms right now, not rushing into things would be wise.

“Get moving, Zoey,” she told herself.

Before she took off, she checked her calendar to see who she’d be meeting with tomorrow, as she liked to read the files beforehand to make sure she wasn’t missing anything. Just as she stood, her cell rang. It was Pete. Pleasure mixed with a bit of trepidation.

“Hey,” she said, fingers literally crossed. That action was a carryover from something her grandmother always did. “So?”

“Thad didn’t say?” Apprehension laced his voice.

“No. He had to leave before I got up.”

“Oh.” That didn’t sound good.

Just ask him. “How did the talk go?”

“As well as could be expected, I guess.” Pete detailed their rather rocky reunion, but Zoey got the sense Pete was keeping something from her.

She wanted to make sure she understood. “So he was angry, but he listened.”

“I guess that’s a fair assessment.”

Zoey could picture Thad pacing and working hard not to yell. He honored commitment and loyalty above all else, and Pete hadn’t been committed or loyal. “Do you think he understood how the clarity about your father’s issues has changed you?”

“I hope so, sugar.”

The relief in Pete’s voice helped lower her blood pressure. “So are you two good?” She wasn’t at the point to ask if the three of them had a chance of being in a relationship.

“Yes, but I had to promise that for the next twenty years of my life, I’d serve Master Thad.”

The tension finally released and she let out a laugh. “I love it.” From the lightness in his voice, he was kidding—or mostly kidding.

“We can talk more later,” Pete said. “How about you change into something sexy and casual, and I’ll pick you up at your house for dinner at five thirty? We’re going to meet Thad at Italiano’s.”

Excitement caught in her throat. “You already spoke with him today?”

“A few minutes ago. He just finished what he was dealing with and said he could get away.”

“Fantastic. I’ll be ready.” She loved how the men made it a top priority to find time to be with her. Zoey gathered the files she wanted to read and left. She was cautious as she headed toward the elevator. Until Gloria’s killer was behind bars, she wouldn’t take the stairs.

As Zoey crossed the parking lot, the cold air slipped through the heavy weave of her sweater and she hugged her folders to her chest. She loved Montana with its beautiful scenery, but she wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to the biting cold.

Once home, she only had a few minutes before Pete arrived. Italiano’s was casual dining, so jeans and boots were called for, but she made sure to put on a sexy top and great undergarments. Another shopping trip with Jamie was definitely in order.

Just as she finished applying her makeup the doorbell rang, and a thrill raced up her spine. She pulled open the door to find Pete wearing a hot-as-hell smile. The black eye, bruised jaw, and cut lip didn’t even detract from his good looks. From seeing his joy, every bit of fear she’d had that tonight wouldn’t go well evaporated. Without a word, she led him inside. A second later, she was in his arms, his chest pressed against hers.

“I’ve missed you, sugar.”

She chuckled. “It’s only been a day.”

“A day is too long.”

Ever since Pete banished his need to prove himself to his dad, he’d been relaxed and more fun. The kiss caused ribbons of lust to weave through her body so strong that her hand automatically slid to his crotch. His hardness made her moan, and Pete pulled back.

“We can’t start,” he said as he clasped her hand and squeezed. “Come on. Thad texted and said he was on his way to the restaurant already.”

“Really?” She’d worried that Thad might change his mind if they didn’t show up on time. Once she closed up, they rushed down the stairs. “You left the car running?”

“I wanted you to stay warm.”

“Aw. You are too good to me.”

“I have a lot of making up to do.”

As he headed downtown, she admired the lush trees that would soon be dropping their leaves when another winter descended. For now, she’d enjoy the scenery. Once in town, Pete had to drive around the block twice before snagging a spot close to the restaurant. She loved this part of town because the old buildings had been here for decades. Italiano’s in particular was as homey inside as it was out.

When they walked in, Thad was speaking with someone she didn’t recognize. He waved and pointed to a booth in the corner where three waters had already been poured. She slid in and Pete joined her on the same side.

Thad trotted over and eased in across from her. “Hey.” He smiled, though she didn’t miss the layer of concern.

She nodded to the solitary man. “Who’s that?”

Thad motioned his head in the man’s direction. “That’s Max Gruden, the man I’ve been working with.”