“As long as you don’t tell me the next time you screw a stranger.”
“Hey, I don’t screw strangers. I’m a gentleman. I learn names and sometimes exchange phone numbers.”
“Can we do this?” I ask.
“I fucking hope so.” His voice lowers an octave. “You, Samantha Ann, are a fantastic lay, but more importantly, you’re my best friend. You have been that person to me forever and I always want you to be.”
“So our new agreement stands—friends with benefits.”
“Best friends with benefits for always.”
He pushes the basket toward me. “Eat, honey.”
I stare down at the basket. There is at least half the burger and most of the fries left.
Marshal reaches for my chin and lifts my eyes to his. “What are you thinking?”
“I’ve been dieting and working out for the wed—this thing I had on my calendar.”
Marshal reaches for my knee. “Will you take some advice from a friend?”
“My best friend, always.”
“Do you like the burger?”
“Oh my God, it’s heaven.”
“Then eat it and if you’re worried about gaining weight, I have a vigorous workout I’d be happy to show you.”
Lifting the burger to my lips, I take a big bite. Once I swallow, I smile at my friend. “I think I should take your advice because if the workout is anything like last night, I’ll need energy.”
“You better eat it all.”
After our five-star dining at The Suds, my mind fills with all the times Marshal and I have been there for one another, the stories and adventures we’ve shared as well as laughter and tears. I reach over and lay my hand on his arm. “Thank you.”
“For my cock? You already did at lunch.”
I shake my head. “For being you and for being there when I told my parents. I’m a bit surprised at their reaction. And perplexed.”
“Perplexed?”
“It seems like everyone saw Jack differently than I saw him. How did I not see what everyone else saw?”
“You’re asking that of a man who has known you most of our lives and just realized what a fucking fantastic rack you have.” He took in a deep breath. “That doesn’t make me the most observant person in this car.”
I turn toward the window.
Marshal’s words fill the silence. “I think sometimes we see what we want to see.”
I look back with a grin. “And you didn’t want to see my breasts?”
He squeezes my knee. “Self-preservation.” His million-dollar smile shines my way. “You have a wicked right hook.”
Music fills the car and seeps from the open windows as Marshal drives us back to my place, away from Johnson and into Grand Rapids. Traffic increases as the scenery changes from fields, trees, and starry skies to stoplights and taller buildings.
Once we get to my condo, Marshal walks with me to the door.
“Does this feel awkward?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “No, Sami. It feels right, natural, comfortable, and fucking exhilarating all at the same time.”
Nodding, I open the door. As I reach for the light switch and flick it up, I’m face-to-face with Jack.
The next few seconds blur as Marshal steps in front of me and Jack takes a step back.
“Get out,” I say, holding the door open. “And leave your key.”
“Fuck,” Jack says, sidestepping Marshal. “I didn’t think Michaels would be here.”
“I’m here,” Marshal says, puffing his chest. “You heard Sami, get out.” He extends his hand, palm up. “And give me the fucking key.”
“Samantha,” Jack says, ignoring the wall of a man in front of him. “I’m sorry. I made a mistake, but that’s all it was.”
“Your mistake has a name, Jack,” I say. “Ellen is her name. I recognized her. She works at your firm. You introduced us at the dinner with the head partner at The Rooftop. Were you fucking her then?”
“No.”
My hand goes to my hip. “Tell me, is fucking interns part of the program your firm offers? I haven’t looked at the website. Is it spelled out or is that clause only in the fine print.”
“Samantha, stop. It’s not like that.”
I point to our—no, my—bedroom. “You screwed her in our bed.”
“Tell me what you want. I’ll do it.”
My lips purse as if I’ve tasted something sour. “You’re pathetic. The flowers were pathetic.” I shake my head. “I was so stupid.”
“Sami,” Marshal says, his voice supportive.
“No, Marshal, I was. I didn’t see Jack for who he is because I didn’t want to.” I spin toward my ex-fiancé. “Now I see what a pathetic excuse of a person you are” —I shake my head— “and I can’t unsee.”
“Samantha,” Jackson says, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I absolve you of your guilt. I actually want to do as Marshal did and thank you. Thank you for showing me your true colors before it was too late.” Stretching out my arms, I spin around. “I can’t tell you how liberating it feels.”
“It will never happen again.”
My gaze narrows. “You’re right. It won’t happen to me because we’re done. Thank you, Jackson. Now, for the last time, get the hell out of my place.” I see Marshal in my peripheral vision. “Or I’ll let Marshal do what he has offered.”
Jackson takes a step back. “Touch me, Michaels, and I’ll sue.”
“Jail time for a friend,” he says with a grin.
For a second, I recall offering to torch a house in Lansing.
Reaching in his pocket, Jack takes out a keychain, removes the condo key, and sets it on the table near the door. “Goodbye, Samantha.”
“It’s Sami,” I say.
Without another word, he steps through the doorframe and closes the door behind him.
Marshal gently reaches for my shoulders. “I know I keep asking you, but tell me, are you all right?”
“I will be after I have the locks changed and a new bed delivered.”
“Where are you going to sleep?”
I lift my eyes to his and shrug. “The couch, unless you have a better idea.”
“How about a sleepover at my place?”
“Let me pack a bag. Tomorrow I’ll call the maintenance office about new locks. Oh, and remind me to call the fire department.”
Marshal’s eyebrows knit together. “The fire department, why?”
“I’m burning the bed.”
“There’s my girl. How about I get the matches?”
“Partners forever,” I say as I go to the bedroom and begin to fill a bag with clothes and cosmetics for work in the morning.
When I turn, Marshal is leaning against the doorjamb with his arms crossed over his wide chest. There is something in his expression that I can’t exactly read.
“Now what are you thinking?” I ask.
“I’m sizing up your bed. Fire is a little drastic, but I have a saw.” He lifts a hand to me.
My hand seems smaller than before as I lay it in his.