The Rules Regarding Gray by Elizabeth Finn

glanced up to his eyes as her brow wrinkled in concern. “I’m sorry. That was offensive.”
    He studied her expressionlessly, and then he nodded subtly. “There was a time…”
    “When?”
    His focus shifted to the ground as he started gnawing on the inside of his cheek. “Always.”
    “What’s changed then?”
    He just stared at her.
    “Is it me?”
    He shrugged. “You’re different than other women who we’ve… You’re at a different place in your life. You want different things from your life. It’s not the same with you. It isn’t casual. It can’t be.”
    “Is that a bad thing?”
    He thought for a moment. “Quite the opposite from my perspective. But my perspective is limited. Do you think it’s a bad thing?”
    “I don’t know.” She opened her mouth, but then she closed it again only to open it one more time. “I’m a relationship gal after all.” She shrugged.
    “I’m happy for you,” he responded with a smirk. He was trying to ease this tension.
    “I guess I thought Ian and I were in a relationship, but … I’m struggling to figure out how that’s even possible. I mean, can a person live their life this way?”
    He chuckled. “Like what?” He crossed his arms on his chest, appraising her.
    “You know what I mean. Sharing. And what happens when you’re in a relationship? Am I then sharing you with her while you’re sharing me with him?” She shook her head. “Does it just … go on perpetually this way?”
    “First of all, I’m not sharing you with him, because you’re not mine to share. He is sharing you with me . Second of all, I’m not seeing anyone else, Gray, so it isn’t really an issue at the moment.”
    “Maybe not right now. But some day you might. So … what then?”
    He shook his head. He didn’t like this. He didn’t like thinking about it or acknowledging it. “What you’re talking about is long-term stuff…”
    She nodded slowly. “I see.” Her lips tightened into a line, and she looked at the ground.
    He stared at her trying to decipher her reaction. He didn’t know what to say about this, and he didn’t appreciate the fact she was pushing the topic on him rather than her boyfriend. At the same time, he wasn’t sure he wanted her to discuss this with Ian.
    She shook her head, turning away from him, but then she turned back. “I don’t want to feel like… Like a toy or a prop being used in some ultimately meaningless game.”
    “Who’s the fucking prop here, Gray? You?” He shook his head, frustration flaring up quickly. “I don’t think so,” he muttered. But when she looked away and rolled her eyes, that frustration morphed to anger. “Look at me goddamn it,” he muttered. “I can’t even fucking touch you. I’m nothing more than my cock with you. And you think you’re the prop? My dick is the prop, dear.”
    “How’s it going, kiddos?” Ian suddenly remarked as he entered the room.
    Jas glanced to him, and Gray refused to look at him altogether. Ian studied them both for a moment.
    “Everything okay?” he asked.
    They both nodded. She clearly had no interest in perpetuating this conversation with Ian, and for whatever reason, Jas was not only relieved, but egotistically satisfied. He didn’t want her sharing these worries and concerns with Ian.
    “Then why do you look like someone just punched your granny in the face? Both of ya.”
    “It’s nothing. I’m leaving, so if you’re coming, we’re going now.” Jas was still muttering.
    “Come on, babe. How about a nightcap at Graystone?”
    Gray looked at both of them for a moment, and when her eyes met Jasper’s, they stuck. She swallowed harshly, and then she nodded subtly. His chest instantly released the suffocating tension that was strangling his heart, and as that tension loosened, he felt it in every nerve of his body.
    “Can I have a moment alone with Gray?” he asked Ian.
    “You sure do like your moments alone with my girlfriend,” he commented