Page 66 of When Ben Loved Jace

“What do you mean?” I say, turning to face Adrien.

He’s standing on the front stoop of his house with his arms crossed. “Don’t play games with me!” Adrien steps aside and gestures to the open door behind him. “Inside. Now. We need to talk.”

Ugh. I haven’t felt this way since the last time my mom grounded me. I’m led to the living room and instructed to sit, so I plop down on the pristine white couch.

Adrien settles into a chair across from the coffee table that’s situated between a houseplant and a floor lamp. Then he scrutinizes me. “Would you mind moving over a cushion?”

I shrug and scoot to the center of the couch.

“Thank you. I hate when things are asymmetrical. Now then… Let’s hear your side of the story.”

“Jace told you?”

“Mm-hm. Although, to be fair, I saw it all on his face. I didn’t know what had happened exactly until I asked him about it. So he didn’t come crying to me, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I shake my head. “That’s the least of my concerns right now.”

Adrien crosses one leg over the other. “I’m all ears.”

“I’m sure it’s exactly what Jace told you. I still have the hots for Tim, and when he made a move on me… I couldn’t help myself. But IswearI didn’t kiss him back.”

“What a relief!” Adrien says theatrically. “I’m sure that would have hurt Jacewaymore than seeing you guys rub your boners together as if trying to start a camp fire.”

I grimace. “He noticed that?”

“Yes, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I experienced some degree of schadenfreude. This is his just desserts for cheating onme. Which I still wouldn’t have known about if not for you. Jace finally admitted it after all these years. You were instrumental in that, so I intend to repay the favor now.”

I blink in surprise. “How?”

“To begin with, by putting your problem into perspective. I assume that you intend to remain friends with Tim?”

I take a deep breath before nodding. “I’d like to. But I’m not sure if I trust myself. Or him.”

“Nor should you. Tim obviously hasn’t moved on or he wouldn’t still be pissing on your fire hydrant. Andyou’reonly human. But at least you have a reason to hold back.”

“A really good one,” I croak. “I love Jace.”

“Then I suggest you encourage Tim to find someone just as worthy. That way, while tension will inevitably remain between you, you’ll both have enough motivation to keep it restrained.”

I perk up. “That’s a good idea!”

Adrien nods in satisfaction. “I’m curious… Do you have a photo of Tim?”

“Yeah!” I pull out my phone and rise while navigating to one of his modeling shots. “I have a bunch. Check them out.”

Adrien rises to meet me halfway, his eyes widening when he begins swiping. “You deserve more credit than I was giving you,” he says, handing the phone back. He sits again, composes himself, and clears his throat. “Perhaps there is another way I could be of service to you. Or to him.”

I laugh. “Want me to give him your phone number?”

“Do you think I’m his type?” Adrien shrugs. “I don’t really care either way. He’s sexually frustrated. I’d be more than happy to assist him with that, and if we happen to hit it off…”

“My problem is solved.”

“Would that bother you?” Adrien challenges.

I hesitate. “I don’t really know. But it’s for the best. I can’t have them both.”

“Agreed. I’ll text you some of my best photos. I’ll warn you now, a few of them are quite racy.”