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Dane suggested that he’d just tell Rafe he laid me off. I wasn’t comfortable with that, because you know that would cause huge problems between them, but … damn it, I was upset and things were complicated, and so Dane told me not to worry about it and to just go home and we’d figure it out. But I know I can’t let him do that. It would cause too many problems. I’ll just have to figure something else out.”
    Jessica bit her lip. “It’s too late.”
    Melanie stared at her. “What do you mean?”
    “I’ve already told Rafe. I confronted Dane right after you left and asked if he fired you, and he said he did. I then went over to Rafe’s, hoping he could get your job back.”
    Her eyes widened. “Oh, no. I’ll have to call and talk to him. Straighten this out. But what do I say?”
    Jessica shook her head. “No, it’s not your fault this all blew up. I’ll talk to Rafe about this. I think I can fix it.” She gazed at her friend. “I need to ask, though. If Rafe and I weren’t involved, would it make a difference?”
    “No. I’d just wind up back where I was before, wishing for something I can’t have. I really need to move forward.”
    Jessica nodded. She stood up, and headed toward the door, but then hesitated and turned around again. “Melanie, I know you don’t want to hear it, but I’m sorry I caused you all this heartache. And even though it won’t make a difference, I just want you to know that Rafe broke up with me.”
    Melanie’s jaw dropped open. “Really? But he was so in love with you. Did it have anything to do with the threesome?”
    Jessica’s cheeks flushed. “You knew about that?”
    “I wasn’t supposed to, but Rafe’s door was open when he and Mr. Ranier were talking yesterday afternoon and I heard just enough to get a gist of what they were planning. I also got the idea that you and Mr. Ranier do some dominance stuff.” She smiled. “You know, sometimes I really wish I were you. Two hot guys ordering you to do unspeakably sexy things. I wish.”
    “Yeah, but Rafe didn’t like the dominance and punishment. He’s really uncomfortable with it.”
    Melanie nodded. “So is that why he broke it off?”
    “That was part of it, but he also realized that he was never actually in love with me. I think he just wanted to be in love with someone, and I was there when he needed someone most. I also think he’s a little lost right now and needs to figure himself out before he can really connect with someone else.”
    “I’m sorry, Jessica. I know it must hurt. But at least now you can focus on your relationship with Mr. Ranier. Maybe it will develop into something deeper.”
    Jessica shook her head. “Afraid not. Dane broke it off with me, too.”
    “Oh, my God, girl. Your day has been even worse than mine. Get over here. We’re doing your nails.”
    *   *   *
    Jessica stood in front of Rafe’s apartment door for the second time today, her stomach fluttering. He opened the door, then tipped his head and smiled, showing his straight white teeth in a beaming smile. The one that always managed to melt her heart.
    “I see you’ve decided to forgive me after all.” He stood there looking exceptionally masculine, in his jeans, his chest bare and his hair damp. Whether he’d been for a swim or a late morning shower she didn’t know.
    She followed him into the living room and sat down.
    “I’m glad you came back. I didn’t want to leave things the way they were.” He patted the moth tattoo on his shoulder. “I want you to understand that this still means something. I will always be there for you. I know you’re mad at Dane right now, and frankly, so am I, but I’ll sort this mess out with Melanie.”
    “I’m not mad at him.”
    His eyebrows arched. “You aren’t? What changed?”
    “I had a long talk with Melanie. It turns out Dane didn’t fire her after all. Not exactly.”
    His brows furrowed. “What do you mean not exactly?”
    She leaned forward.