Sarah opened the door and before she realized it, AJ had her in his arms, picking her up, and planting a *hot* kiss on her. He set her down and said, "Good morning, beautiful."
Laughing, she said, "You have lost your mind, ‘Bone’!"
"No, just my heart to you, baby," said AJ putting one hand over his heart. "Where’s the ‘D’ man anyway?"
As they walked to the bar, AJ still holding Sarah by the waist, Sarah said, "I don’t know. Kevin tried to call him but he got the answering machine."
AJ sat on Sarah’s stool and pulled her to him having her sit between his legs with his arms around her waist. One hand slid under her shirt to rest on her stomach while the other moved her hair off her neck as he began to place tiny kisses from her ear to her collarbone.
Kevin asked, "What time did you two leave the bar?"
AJ didn’t move far from Sarah’s neck and she could feel his breathe as he said, "Mmmmm, about half an hour after you. I took him to my place but he took off around ten this morning according to Mama."
That bothered Sarah as she looked at the clock on the microwave. "That was three hours ago. Kevin, do you think something happened to him?"
Putting a plate of French fries and a hamburger in front of her, Kevin said, "I expect he’s just trying to figure things out before he sees you. AJ, do you want something to eat?"
AJ reached for a fry from Sarah’s plate as he said, "I’ll just eat some of Sarah’s."
Sarah slapped his hand, "No, you won’t. Get your own plate."
"Oh, baby! After all we’ve shared, you won’t share your lunch with me?"
"NO!"
Kevin and AJ both laughed and Kevin handed AJ a plate too. The three sat eating lunch and talking. The events of the night before were never mentioned and they were all comfortable with their *new* relationship.
After lunch, the three went out by the pool and were horsing around when the doorbell rang. Kevin said he’d get it and left the two.
Opening the door, Kevin wasn’t surprised to see Howie standing there holding a single red rose and a bag. From past experience, Kevin knew it was Sarah’s. What did surprise him was the way Howie looked. His eyes were bloodshot and he hadn’t shaven. Trying to make this easier for Howie, Kevin said, "Hey, ‘D’! Come on in!"
When Howie spoke, it was in a whisper in an effort to mask the pain he was feeling. "Is Sarah up?"
"She’s out by the pool with ‘J’. I tried to call you earlier but got the machine."
"I heard the message," he said solemnly as they headed through the house to the pool.
The two heard Sarah yell, "Stop it, AJ!" and then a splash followed by AJ’s hysterical laughter. They looked towards the pool to see Sarah climbing out dripping wet. It lightened the mood as both men had to laugh as AJ made a bee-line AWAY from her.
Kevin grabbed a couple towels that were by the door as they went out and handed them to Sarah. "AJ, come on."
AJ and Kevin left as Sarah wrapped the towel around her. Suddenly, Sarah became extremely nervous and the relaxed feeling she’d had earlier faded away.
The two stood in awkward silence for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Howie said, "I brought you some clothes."
"Thanks. I kind of need them now thanks to AJ."
Howie smiled that easy smile that made Sarah melt. "I see. Go get changed and I’ll wait for you."
Sarah reached for the bag and as she took it, their hands touched. Oh, god! his hand. The hand that held hers as they walked on the beach; the hand that held her close as they danced; the hand that touched her ever so tenderly when they were making love. The hand that could start an inferno inside her like it was doing now.
Their eyes met and they both realized that the love was still very much there. They both relaxed and he watched her go into the house. He followed her so he could speak to AJ and Kevin before he and Sarah left.
"Guys, I just wanted to apologize. I’m the one who set it all up and I know you have feelings for Sarah too. Whatever she decides, I’ll respect it."
AJ asked, "Why did you stay?"
"More importantly, why did you watch instead of letting us know you were there?" asked Kevin.
"I stayed because I was worried about Sarah. I didn’t realize it would upset her like it did. And honestly, seeing her with the two of you turned me on."
"Then why did you get so ticked?" asked AJ. "You started tearing the place apart."
"I thought I’d lost her completely."
Sarah came into the room wearing a pair of denim shorts, a lacy black tank top, and her hair was in a ponytail. All three men had to catch their breathe when they saw her.
Howie asked, "Ready?"
"Yeah," she said hesitantly.
Kevin stood and took her in his arms hugging her. He whispered, "It’s going to be okay. Call me if you need me."
"Thanks, Kevin....for everything." AJ rose too to hug her good-bye but she glared at him. "Oh no! I’m mad at you."
AJ pouted. "But baby," he whined like Nick.
The other two groaned and Sarah said, "Acting like Nick is NOT going to get you forgiveness."
"Fine," said AJ as he took Sarah in his arms and hugged her. "Then I’ll get my hug by force."
Sarah laughed as she put her arms around him. "Now this is the AJ I know and love. Thanks, ‘Bone’."
AJ let go of her and Howie put his hand on the small of her back to lead her out. As the door closed behind them, Kevin and AJ looked at each other wondering what to do next.
AJ cracked, "Flip you to see who gets to take her out first."
Kevin wasn’t amused as he said, "It’s Sarah’s choice."