Surrounded

Chapter Five

"If I Was a Cowboy" - Miranda Lambert

     Sitting at the kitchen table, she savored breakfast that morning. She didn't get much sleep last night between the dream and the thoughts running through her head. She was thankful for those sleepless hours though because they gave her some clarity. She'd come to the conclusion that there obviously had to be something wrong with her to have these feelings for multiple men. And also that she was excited to see where this went. She knew that she had to come clean to them all, and keep the lines of communication open.

     When she brought another fork of eggs to her mouth and they were cold, she realized she'd been lost in thought much longer than realized. She just couldn't help daydreaming about her men all being okay with this, maybe even all coexisting in a weird love pentagon. She was startled when her phone dinged. After recovering, she flicked open and skimmed the message.

   Marcus 🎣

        "Hey, any plans today?"

   Laura

        "4:00, wallow in self-pity; 4:30, stare into the abyss; 5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one; 5:30, jazzercize; 6:30, dinner with me—I can't cancel that again; 7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing... I'm booked. Of course, if I bump the loathing to 9, I could still be done in time to lay in bed, stare at the ceiling, and slip slowly into madness. You know, the usual."

     Marcus 🎣

        "I was gonna go fishing. Wanna tag along?"

   Laura

        "That sounds perfect. I could use the peace and quiet."

   Marcus 🎣

        "I'll be there in 15."

     She scrambled to finish her breakfast, downed her coffee, and threw on some clothes. Glancing in the mirror, she didn't think she looked too bad today; a pair of cuffed light denim shorts, a grey tank, and some comfy sandals with her hair thrown into a haphazard bun. She grabbed her wallet and latest book and met Marcus as soon as he pulled into the drive. He got out to open her door, "Do we need to stop for snacks?"

"Uh, duh. You forget who you invited?"

He chuckled at her and walked over to slide into the driver's seat.

     Once they were stocked up on enough snacks to last a week, they parked in the gravel lot by the lake. She gathered her things and met him at the tailgate, watching him attempt to carry three different poles, a cooler, and his giant tackle box. She reached out and grabbed the strap hanging over his shoulder, placing it on her own and closing the tailgate. Once he finally chose a spot, she set down his box and settled in the grass, spread the snacks out, and flipped her book open.

     They shared a companionable silence, the only sounds to be heard were those of her pages flipping, his reel, and the breeze rustling through the trees and reeds. She was so absorbed by her book that she hadn't noticed he was sitting next to her until he reached across her body to grab a bag of chips. She jumped and pulled the book over her heart, "Holy crap! You can't do that to me!" "Why not, it's fun," he said clutching his stomach in laughter. She playfully swatted his arm before he regained his composure. "You think you can hit me and I won't retaliate?"

"You think you didn't deserve it after scaring me like that?"

"Oh, now you're really gonna get it." The devilish glint of his eyes in the midday sun made them appear almost golden. She had to pull herself from their depths because she couldn't allow herself to back down from the challenge in his statement. Leaning into him, she barely brushed the lobe of his ear and whispered, "Not if you can't catch me." She then took off, using his shoulders to launch herself up, and ran as fast as her legs would take her. She heard him growl when she reached the tree line, but she was too committed to give up now. She bounded over fallen branches, catching a few leaves in her hair before she felt his arms snatch her up.

     She giggled as she flailed about, accidentally smacking him in the face. She felt the growl this time in his chest, "There's no hope for you now." He playfully nipped the top of her ear and hauled her to the nearest tree, pinning her. Her chest heaved and her heart pounded, his hand on her exposed hip only making her warmer. He tried to keep his face stern, but she could see through it. His other hand tangled in her hair and brought her mouth to his in a passionate kiss. She couldn't help the giggle that escaped her as he trailed his fingertips up her waist and rib cage before circling her back. His hand flattened and pulled her flush against him, and she clung to his shoulders as if she'd drown without him keeping her afloat. He kissed down her jaw and her neck before nipping her collar bone, causing her to release a heated gasp. "Marcus, wait." He growled in response, stopping his lips, but not letting go. "Marcus," she pushed against him and he finally loosened up. "We can't just do this without some kind of communication."

"And what is it you want to communicate?"

"We agreed that we would be friends, remember? You broke things off to be with... her. And we agreed we would be friends."

"You know she's not around anymore. We split years ago."

"Yes, but we never renegotiated whatever this is."

Sighing, he released her fully. "You're right. I'm sorry. I got carried away, you know how much I like a chase."

She playfully shoved his shoulder, "Don't be such a dog." He shook his head and they began walking back to the pond. "I do need to tell you something though."

"What's that?"

"I saw both Arlo and Roland yesterday. And they may have both kissed me..."

Marcus stopped in his tracks. She knew that all of her men knew each other, but they'd never run in the same circles. He began walking again, "And how do you feel about that?"

"Well- Honestly, I didn't mind. But now I'm confused. I've always harbored feelings for them. Honestly, for them, you, and even Asher. You've all been such huge parts of my life and I could never imagine my life without you all. I'm just scared because I don't want to end up ruining my friendships with the four of you."

"Well, I can't speak for them, but you could never ruin what we have. Not just our friendship, but I'll take you any way I can have you, Laura. Even when I was with... her... you've been my ultimate. I'm sorry I hurt you in the past, but I want you in my future. No other woman, only you. And if I have to share you, I'll do it to make you happy."

     She couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips as she jumped into his arms, encircling him with her arms and legs. "Thank you for that, you'll never know how much that means to me! You'll always have a place in my heart. I do have to let you know that I don't feel comfortable with this going any further until everyone is on the same page though."

Chuckling, he kissed her lips before setting her down. "I'm not going anywhere, so take all the time you need. Just keep me in the loop."

     The ride back to her home was too short for her liking. Marcus did stay true to his word, simply walking her to the door and placing a chaste kiss on her lips. She found herself yearning for more, but she knew in her heart she was doing the right thing.