Pleasure Bound by Opal Carew

didn’t want him to feel used, but she didn’t want him to think they were more than friends either.
    She had been clutching her robe around her waist, not having wasted time tying it. Now she allowed it to slip from her shoulders, intent on keeping his full attention.
    “Zeke suggested what we did last night. But the truth is, I’ve been attracted to you for some time.”
    The robe dropped lower, and his gaze remained fixed on the sliding fabric. She allowed it to fall to the floor. His brown eyes darkened as he stared at her hardening nipples.
    “How attracted?”
    She noticed his cock rising.
    She stepped toward him. “ Very attracted.” She pressed her hand to his chest and pressed him back until he sat down, then she settled on the bed next to him. “But I think that’s a perfectly natural response. I mean, we’re very compatible as friends—there’s definitely a strong connection between us. And you’re a great-looking guy—”
    “And you’re a beautiful woman.” He put his hand on top of hers.
    She closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth.
    “But relationships come and go … For me anyway,” she said. “I’m still figuring out what I need in a guy. But I feel like our friendship is something that can last forever and I want to hold on to that.”
    He cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes. “If you think our friendship can last forever, then maybe a relationship could, too.”
    Uh-oh. This was going in the wrong direction.
    “I’m not willing to take that chance.”
    She saw a stricken look in his eyes, and knew she’d just hurt his feelings.
    “I’m just trying to be clear about things so neither of us ends up hurt. You’re my best friend, Ty, and knowing I hurt you would break my heart. The only thing worse would be losing you.”
    “I understand where you’re coming from. But there’s something I want to know. If Zeke weren’t in the picture, would you and I have a chance?”
    “Ty, don’t ask me that.”
    “I am asking.” He squeezed her hand and gazed deep into her eyes. “Tell me.”
    “Zeke is a little wild. A little … dangerous.”
    “Whereas I’m like every other guy you’ve ever dated.”
    “Ty, you mean the world to me.”
    “But I’m safe? Predictable?”
    “Of course you are, and that’s not a bad thing. You’re also kind, thoughtful, sensitive—”
    “What if I was dominating and … dangerous.”
    “Ty, that’s not it.”
    “What is it then? Tell me.”
    “I’ve already told you … There isn’t much more to it. Romantic relationships end. If I go out with you … and it doesn’t work out, then … I might lose you.” She stroked his sandy brown hair, her gut tensing at the thought. “I couldn’t bear that.”
    “You’ll never lose me,” he murmured, then kissed her temple.
    *   *   *
     
    Ty strolled into the kitchen and started the coffee, then grabbed the eggs from the fridge. The fur-ball rubbed around his legs, meowing. He picked her up and stroked her back, enjoying the soothing purring sound emanating from the small creature.
    He still couldn’t believe what had happened last night, and this morning. Making love to Marie … holding her in his arms … had been a dream come true. A dream he couldn’t bear to have come to an end.
    He grabbed a cat treat from the little tin on the counter and held it in front of the cat. She sniffed it, then Ty placed the animal on the floor with the treat in front of her. She picked up the morsel gingerly, then carried it to the window to devour.
    But Marie was dating Zeke, and if Ty stole her away, wouldn’t he be repeating exactly what Zeke had done when he’d stolen Ashley? Except that Ty had had his sights on Marie long before Zeke stepped into the picture.
    Not that Zeke had known that. Damn, what an annoying situation. Marie was Zeke’s girl, but she should be Ty’s. But Ty couldn’t steal her away from Zeke because … that wouldn’t be right.
    On the other hand, Zeke had