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R acing into the kitchen , Lucy covered her face with her hands, shocked at her reaction. She felt, rather than heard, them come into the room.

“Lucy?” Sebastian’s voice was hesitant. Lucy heard fear.

Someone put their hands on her shoulders and turned her. Two hands pulled hers from her face. Sebastian’s countenance was filled with the same fear she’d heard in his voice.

Beyond him, his arm on Sebastian’s shoulder, Jack looked the same. “I guess you’re not ready to see two men kiss.” His voice sounded bittersweet.

At those words, Lucy burst into tears. She had no idea why. Normally, she didn’t cry. Maybe it was simply a stress release, but she cried like a baby.

Sebastian pulled her tight and she felt Jack’s arms come around her as well.

“Don’t cry, Lucy. If this isn’t for you, that’s fine. Please don’t get upset.”

“No...” She sobbed. “No.”

“No? Okay, we understand. Would you prefer us to go? Just don’t cry. “

Lucy wailed louder, grabbing his arm. “No!” She turned her face sideways and peered into Jack’s.

“It’s okay. If you want to cry, cry. Ignore him.”

Sebastian’s body wriggled as he laughed a little.

She tried to smile as she finally stopped crying.

Jack gave her a weak grin and kissed her nose.

Sebastian loosened his arms and held her apart, Jack’s arms dropping till he only had one hand resting gently on her upper arm.

Sebastian looked down into her tear-stained face.

“I think we should go. Thank you, Lucy, for letting us explain our lifestyle a little. If you ever want to come and have dinner with us, just shout. If you ever need us, we would honestly love to be friends with you.”

He kissed the top of her head and dropped his arms completely. Jack gave her a sad smile and squeezed her arm.

Any minute now, they would walk out of her life, all because she wanted them to kiss her and she’d run away! She couldn’t let that happen. She wanted a chance to taste that kind of love.

“Don’t go!”