“That’s not really…” She sighed. “What are you confused about? I don’t claim to know everything about men, but I like to think I know a thing or two.”
I knew one place to start: “Why do they say things at the wrong time… or… don’t say things?” I was still confused, trying to figure out Daz and Kel at the same time.
“Ah… well,thatI might be able to address.”
I was curious and looked over at her.
She seemed to think, lips pursed, perhaps finding the right words before speaking.
“Men can be brave in the face of danger, but when it comes to women, they don’t know how to fight that battle. They’re feeling things most men don’t know how to put into words. It’s a lack on their fathers’ parts, not teaching them how to be true men and express their feelings. And when faced with a woman, they retreat and run for cover. They stumble over words. They say the wrong thing, or sometimes they say the right thing, but at the wrong time. And even more often, they say nothing at all when they should be saying the most important thing.”
That sounded exactly right.
“Men,” I muttered.
“Is there a particular man?” Veora asked. “Perhaps this Leo you have mentioned from time to time? Did he say something stupid, or nothing at all?”
Leo? “No… actually. Leo is a complete gentleman.” I gave a breath of a laugh. “Actually, when it comes to Leo, I’ve been theone who’s tongue-tied and awkward. I’d like to have a little fun with him, but… I don’t know how to say it. He’s a gentleman, and… I don’t know if he’d be up for a roll in the hay. I don’t think he thinks of women or sex that way. But… I know I can’t marry him. He’s a noble. So… I’d be up for a bit of fun, but… how do I tell him that?”
“Ah…” Veora said. “So… then, who was the man saying the wrong thing?”
“Men,” I said with a grimace. “Two of them.”
“Two? Twoothermen… other than Leo?”
I laughed. “Yes.” She made it sound like I had a whole court of men.
I sobered quickly. I really should talk to Leo. Lack of communication had led to years of pain between Kel and me. So, being honest with Leo seemed prudent.
And Daz had been very clear about his emotions, but I had yet to respond. Here again, if I didn’t tell him how I felt, it might lead to pain, for one or both of us. The trouble was, I didn’t know how I felt about Daz yet. I needed time, and I assumed he’d give it to me. I just shouldn’t take too long.
As for Kel… We’d talkeda lotlast night. Perhaps too much, but nothing had really been resolved. Did he think… there was still a chance for us?
Was there?
I didn’t know.
That meant I might possibly have three men who wished to be with me… and who I might wish to be with. That was… complicated.
Fuck me.
“Perhaps if you just tell me everything, I can help?” Veora asked.
So, as we walked, I laid everything out for her: Leo’s charm and how that made me feel. Daz’s admission of love and howthat had thrown me. Then, Kel… everything we’d learned and the truth of what had happened, and that I had no clue what to do now.
“Oh… my,” Veora said softly when I’d finished. “That is definitely complicated.” Veora looked at me before cocking her head to one side and smiling. “You don’t see it do you?”
“See what?”
“That you have at least two men, perhaps three, who are interested in you, who respect you and may love you. I know women who would kill to be in your position, having several handsome men vying for their attentions.”
“They’re not… vying.”Are they?
I wasn’t the sort of woman who’d have three men after me… and yet, I did.
Fuck me. How had that happened?
“And instead of being surprised and elated and overjoyed that you have a choice of men, you’re… upset?” Veora asked.
