And One Makes Three (Carnal Coeds) Read Online Free PDF Page B

apologizing.”
    “No need. I was the one out of line.”
    He was out of line? “But I was the one—”
    “When do you get off work?”
    Lane stared at him for a moment. “Off work?”
    “Yeah.” Gabe averted his gaze. “I-I have something I want to talk to you about.”
    Lane blinked, then looked at his watch. “I have fifteen more minutes, but since there’s no one here, I guess I could close early.”
    “Good.” Relief washed over Gabe’s features, making Lane more confused than ever.
    “Just give me a minute.” Lane moved on instinct as he picked up his things and closed down the lifeguard stand. All the while he wondered what the heck Gabe could possibly want from him.
    “Did you drive here?” Gabe asked.
    “No, walked. I live close by.”
    “Ah, well, let me walk you home, then. We can talk on the way.”
    Lane hesitated. He didn’t like the idea of a stranger knowing where he lived, but he didn’t think he’d be able to get away from him without hurting his feelings. After the episode with Becca, Lane owed him at least one conversation. “Okay.”
    They started toward the boardwalk in an awkward silence. Lane felt like he should say something, but resisted the temptation. Gabe was the one to approach him, and Lane wanted to know why.
    Once they reached the crowded boardwalk, Gabe stuffed his hands in his pockets. “So how did you end up working as a lifeguard?”
    The question was innocent enough, but Lane didn't want to answer. It brought back too many memories. He didn't care how handsome Gabe was, or how lonely Lane had been since moving up North. He wasn't going to share his past with anyone, for any reason.
    He stopped walking and turned to face Gabe. “I'm not after your girlfriend,” he said. “And I’m not your enemy.” He flexed his fingers at his sides. “I swear to you—what happened on the beach was a misunderstanding.”
    “Oh, I know about that. I said not to worry.” Gabe waved his hand in the air between them. “That wasn't why I came.”
    “Then why did you?”
    Gabe glanced over Lane's shoulder at the store behind him. “Do you like to paddleboard?”
    “Sometimes.”
    “Come on.”
    He was avoiding the question. Lane’s confusion grew as he let Gabe lead him into the store to look at paddleboards, surf boards and other water sport accessories. Lane remained silent as Gabe talked on about his newly discovered passion for paddleboarding, and how he was trying to get Becca to try it, but she was hesitant.
    “She's always hesitant to try something new,” Gabe said. “Even in the bedroom. Normally once she tries something, she loves it though.”
    Lane frowned. This whole conversation was getting weirder by the minute.
    “What are you getting at?” Lane asked.
    “What if you really wanted something but were afraid to try it?”
    Lane shook his head. “I still don't understand.”
    Gabe slid his hand over his face and glanced up at the sky. “This is so much harder than I thought it would be.”
    Lane crossed his arms. “Perhaps you should just come out and say it.”
    Gabe stared at him for a long moment before responding. “Becca and I have been having difficulties—especially in the bedroom.”
    Lane threw his hands up between them. “Whoa, I've heard enough.” He exited the store and started down the boardwalk to his house.
    “Wait.” Gabe hurried to catch up to him. “Hear me out.”
    “I don't want to hear about your relationship problems. They don't concern me.”
    “But they could.”
    Lane stopped walking and stared at Gabe. “Explain.”
    Gabe sighed. “I love Becca, but we aren’t connecting.” He pushed a stray lock of hair from his face. “She keeps flirting with other men. When she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her staring at her best friend Hannah and her two boyfriends.”
    “ Two boyfriends?”
    “Yeah.” Gabe let out a long breath. “Long story, but suffice to say that Hannah is dating two Irish dudes. Exchange