Page 30 of The Best Number

Do I want too much?

And how will this affect our friendship?

If we all go in knowing it’s casual and just sex, then we can make it through the other side. Both guys said they were still friends with the woman they’d shared before me—they’re invited to her wedding, which has to be a sign they are all okay with it.

Could it work?

My thoughts are swirling and I realise that sitting here and overthinking isn’t helping. Should I go and knock on Jack’s door? Not for sex, but to talk it through? But then it doesn’t feel right to do that without speaking with Tom first. I don’t like theidea of doing anything behind his back—especially when he and Jack were a thing before I came along.

I decide to message them both in the group text and realise I don’t know where my phone is. I’ve been sat here, so caught up in my thoughts, that I hadn’t even noticed I’d mislaid it. I get up and retrace my earlier steps, finding it on the kitchen counter.

When I glance at my notifications, I can see that the boys have been chatting without me. And I also have a missed call from Tom. I frown as I look at the time—he should be at work now. It’s not impossible for him to text while he’s working, but it is unusual. I open up the group messages to see what they are saying.

Jack: Heads up Tom - I might have overstepped with Cass earlier. Cass - I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.

Tom the Dom: What did you do, Jack?*Eyeroll emoji*

I cackle as I see the nickname I keyed in for Tom show up in the conversation. It makes me smile each time I see it.

Jack: We went for a run together. I might have kissed her afterwards. She’s adorable when she’s all sweaty and red-cheeked. It reminded me of how she looked at the weekend after multiple orgasms.

Tom the Dom: Okay. What makes you think you overstepped?

Jack: After I kissed her, I suggested we head back to my place and hook up. She got angry at me. Thinking she was a replacement for you while you’re at work.And I might have suggested she was being overly dramatic about it.

Jack: I really am sorry, Cass. Please don’t hate me.

Tom the Dom: Jack! So you want to keep exploring this? Because I’m okay with you two getting together. But only if Cassidy is keen.

Jack: Well, obviously. I’m not going to kidnap her and have my wicked way with her. Unless you’re into that, Cass. Happy for a little role play action. I think I’ve got a pirate costume here I can wear.

Tom the Dom: You’re incorrigible. Why don’t you go and apologise?

Jack: I tried earlier. I thought it best to give Cass some space. But, Cass - I can come over if you want? I’m more than happy to grovel on my knees… But I can see that you’re not online and seeing these messages.

Tom the Dom: Cassidy, I’m here and ready to listen and talk if you want, but no pressure. I can keep Jack in line if you need help, but I’m sure you’re very capable of taking him in hand. (I’d go so far as to say he would enjoy it… If that’s what you’re into, Mac).

I chuckle at the last message. That was twenty minutes ago and I have a missed call from Tom fifteen minutes ago. There’s no voicemail, but there’s a separate direct message from him just after the missed call.

Tom the Dom: Hey Mac. Hope you’re okay. It’s quiet tonight, so I’m working in the back office. Call me if you need to chat x

I sit back for a moment.Should I call Jack? Or Tom?I think I want to talk to Tom first. In the short time I’ve known him, I get the sense that he’s going to be good at helping me get out of my head and figure stuff out. I take a deep breath as I return his call. I listen to it ring several times before he answers.

“Cassidy.” My name sounds wonderful on his lips.

“Tom, hi.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah, he took me unawares. I wasn’t expecting it and I didn’t know how I felt about it.”

“That’s fair enough, baby girl. I don’t think he meant any harm. Was just trying to push his luck, which is a pretty regular occurrence.” He chuckles darkly.

“It didn’t feel right to do it behind your back. Not after everything we all shared at the weekend.”

“It’s lovely that you thought of me, Cassidy, but I’m okay with it. Maybe if it’s something you want to explore, we can all sit down and have a chat, so you’re more comfortable.” I nod along at his suggestion.

“Is it? Something you want to explore?” he queries.