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Levi listened but wasn’t sure Ryker was on target then, but now? Yeah, and he wouldn’t admit it to the man that he’d been right on. “See, I like a tablecloth on the table, and she’d eat lunch standing if it suited her needs. The two of you have similar tastes, lifestyles, and gruffness, and I see a longing for connection in both of you. I also see fear of letting go of your tight control. It is a hard thing to do but take the chance. It will be worth it. Finley might seem all hard planes and sharp edges, but she is also soft and squishy inside. Just don’t expect her to letyou in enough to see it. You will have to steal the moment to find out. I guarantee that once you do, you’ll know.”
Levi cocked his head to the side. “She’s less bothered with conventions, and you like them.”
“Well, more than Finley does, that’s for sure. Besides, I want a wife and a family. Finley would likely be fine with the wife part, but kids are not in her future plan. Not now, anyway.”
“She’s Storm’s nanny, so I get not wanting to have more to take care of. I’m not much of a kid person, either. I mean, I like them, but...” he shrugged.
“And that right there is a big reason why you will do well with Finley or someone like her. You like beer rather than wine. You love football and baseball, and I’m more of a soccer guy. I have even gotten excited about a chess game or tennis. Golf...” he just shook his head. “And there is so much more that connects you. She is an intelligent, kick-ass woman. I know she is intensely committed to Storm and his wellbeing. You will do great together. I wish you well.”
Levi grinned. “Thanks, man.” He sobered. “I think.”
Ryker grinned. “Besides, I don’t like to battle for the top position. Not that I have any experience with Finley, but a guy can kind of tell.”
“Eww, shit, man, TMI. But I can hear the insecurity.” Levi laughed. “A man that is confident in who he is doesn’t have to be on top.”
“Yeah, but he wants to be.”
And that was something he knew for sure he wanted, Finley, laid out waiting for him, but she wasn’t a woman that was that open with her sexuality. They fucked, but making love was a different thing. Would she like that? Would she even soften enough to enjoy sex with two? He could see her battling for dominance. He couldn’t surrender it all to her, so he hoped she would accept a shared position. Maybe. They both knewthere couldn’t be three leaders. Shit, who knew what was going to happen in this mess? Damn, Ryker had gotten him started thinking all sorts of things concerning Finley.
Now, with these shootings last night, things had gotten dicey. Finley didn’t seem at all fazed by the event, but she hadn’t heard the restrictions yet. She would definitely have something to say, and he didn’t relish the fight ahead. Maybe Jac would take that on before he had to. He was proud of her. Hopefully, life will get back to normal soon. Until then, since Cash was a ready target, she might give Cash a run for his money. Levi knew when to take a step back.
Today, things would go back to routine, business as usual. With no further incidents, there wasn’t anything else to do but resume everyday life. Cash watched Finley as she went about her daily tasks. She was organized, task-oriented, and decisive, and the world would see only those things, but he saw more. Levi was a lot like Finley in that he also took things at face value and tackled them head-on. Levi was learning to go beyond the written page and read between her lines. Cash already did.
Finley might not know it, but according to Cash, she was a tenderhearted woman who did whatever it took to meet the needs of those she loved. To her detriment, at times, like that bar incident a while ago. She was a fierce protector of Storm, and he did not doubt that his girl would die to keep him safe. She would attack all who threatened her friends, but would she stand firm for herself? He feared she wouldn’t. Not for long, anyway.
He and Levi had just had another long, raw talk about Finley. Levi hadn’t realized it entirely, but he was falling for her, and Cash already knew she was the woman for him. He would work on her softer side and bring out that nurturing attribute in their relationship when Levi struggled.
Cash had already had a menage relationship, and he had enjoyed it. He’d been single, and if he had found Finley alone,who knew how it would turn out? It didn’t happen, and he didn’t care. Levi was his best friend since forever, and Finley fit them. They’d talked the idea of a relationship out to get on the same page.
“Levi, have you ever had a committed relationship?” asked Cash.
“Once, I thought I was in one, but when things began to go sour, I ended it pretty quickly.”
“And she good with it?”
Levi sighed. “No. She made a scene, but we both knew it was over.”
“Did you talk about it?”
“Cash, I told you, we both knew. There wasn’t anything to discuss.”
“Wrong. What I’m hearing is you decided. You can’t do that with Finley.”
“I would never hurt her. She’s important to me, but she has always said she wasn’t ready for more. Neither was I until recently. I mean, I think I might be ready for more.”
“Levi, I’m confident enough to say she’s the one for me.”
“What the hell? How can you know?” Levi’s look of disbelief drew a smile from Cash.
“Man, I’ve been dating for as long as you have. It’s time. I want a permanent connection. I want a wife and maybe even kids. But a dog. I definitely want a dog.”
Levi leaned back in his chair. “But what if things don’t work out? Aren’t you worried about that?”
“No. See, I’ve never felt this way about another person. Never. I would walk on coals for this woman. I think you would, too, if you thought about it. If you allowed yourself the permission to care deeply... acknowledge that care.”
“Cash, are you saying you love Finley? After only a short time?”
“I’m saying I think I’m well on my way there. She smiles, and I’m putty in her hands. She sasses me, and I want to slap her ass then make love to her. Not fuck her. Make love to her.”
