“I have an idea,” Theron said, entering the room as she finished her sentence. He was freshly dressed and appeared unperturbed by her words. He gave Connor an open mental link to allow him to see his thoughts.
Connor’s fears for Tally dissipated somewhat. Theron’s idea was sound. If they could pull it off, then she wouldn’t have the worries in her mind.
“What’s your idea?” Tally turned to Theron.
“We date.” He grinned. “It’s what humans do, right? Date to get to know if someone is mate material?”
She nodded. “They do, but wait, so this means the whole mate thing is off the table?”
“No!” he and Theron said at once.
“It means you need to be reassured and we are happy to do whatever is necessary for you. You’re our priority now. We want you to be happy and comfortable or we won’t be,” Theron replied.
“Well.” She frowned. “I still have this wedding to go to. I guess that’s as good a place to start as any. But that’s not until next weekend.”
“How about we start with something simple,” Theron suggested. “Come with me for a walk.”
Connor nodded when she glanced at him. “Go for it. I think spending time one on one first and then as a group could really help you see how much this can work.”
“Are you sure? Won’t that mess with the idea of being a...”She gulped. “A triad?”
Theron grinned. “Not even a little. Connor and I know each other well enough to know neither would ever try to push the other one out of the way. What we want is unity.”
“I’ll shower and change in your guest room,” Connor offered. He sensed she needed the time to be alone, to think about what they offered and to decide what she wanted. “We’ll go and give you some time to yourself. Tomorrow, Theron can come and take you for that walk if you’re in agreement.”
The last thing they needed was for her to feel like she was being pushed into anything. They wanted her ready, willing and able to be the woman for them. Though they already knew she was the one, she still had to come to that conclusion. No amount of pushing or pressure on their part would encourage her trust. That would come with time.
* * *
Theron glanced at Tally. She wore a long, sexy dress that hugged her curves like a second skin. It wasn’t tight, it draped perfectly over her large breasts, small waist and abundant hips. His mouth watered the moment he saw her.
She’d worn her hair in a ponytail that drove him crazy. He loved her curls and wanted to see them hanging loose down her back. She pushed a long strand behind her ear and adjusted her glasses. The prim, schoolteacher look had never been such a turn-on.
How was it possible that she did that to him? She was so unaware of her beauty. It would probably kill him if she continued to bite and lick her bottom lip for much longer. She hadn’t said anything of his holding her hand the entire time they’d been walking through the massive park. He’d deliberately brought her to one that bordered his land. It was silly, but thinking of her that close to his home brought a smile to his lips. If only he could do something to alleviate the confusion he sensed in her.
“What is it that concerns you about a relationship with us?” he asked.
She sighed loudly. They went a few steps more before she finally answered. “I’ve been married to the jerk you met a few days ago. I’ve dated so many men that only wanted to sleep with me or to find a woman to take care of them.” She stopped and turned to him. “Frankly, I’m sick of it. I’m not doing it anymore.”
“You shouldn’t have to. A partner should be someone who takes what you already have and makes it better. Someone who makes you happy to have them in your life.”
Her sad smile broke his heart. “That’s what we’d like to think. And that’s what men always advertise. I’m not sure I’m the right woman for you two. I’m too bitter.”
“You’re not bitter. You have just had some very bad experiences and I understand your hesitation.” He cupped her cheek and stared deep into her troubled eyes. “All I can ask is for you to give us a chance. No pressure. If at any point you feel the need to go or that this isn’t working, we understand,” he lied. They’d probably die without their third, but he wouldn’t tell her that. She didn’t need to be pushed. She needed coaxing.
She pursed her lips and turned back to strolling. “When I was a kid, I swore my parents had the most amazing marriage ever. I mean really awesome. They were always hugging and smiling and laughing. I wanted that for me.” She chuckled. The sound came out a pained laugh. “Then I grew up. I heard the yelling behind closed doors. I saw the bruises she tried to hide. I questioned her and do you know what she said to me?”