They do

### Chapter 2: Tensions Rise

The days in Tampa drifted by in a haze of scorching sun and balmy nights. David had settled into the guest room, and his presence quickly became a fixture in James and Emma's daily routine. On the surface, everything seemed perfect, but beneath the facade, tensions began to simmer.

James awoke early one morning, the first rays of dawn casting a warm glow across their bedroom. He glanced over at Emma, her auburn hair splayed across the pillow, her breathing slow and even. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. He brushed a stray lock from her face and slipped out of bed quietly, not wanting to wake her.

In the kitchen, he found David, already up and making coffee. David was shirtless, his muscular frame glistening with a light sheen of sweat from his morning workout. His dark hair was damp, and he exuded an effortless confidence that James couldn't help but envy.

"Morning, James," David greeted with a grin. "Coffee?"

"Sure, thanks," James replied, pouring himself a cup. "You're up early."

"Old habits die hard," David said with a shrug. "I like to get a run in before the heat becomes unbearable."

James nodded, sipping his coffee. "How are you settling in?"

"Great, actually. It feels good to be here. Thanks again for letting me stay."

"You're family, David. You're always welcome here."

Just then, Emma walked in, her light summer robe tied loosely around her waist. She smiled at the sight of the two brothers, her green eyes twinkling with warmth. "Good morning, you two."

"Morning, Emma," David said, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

James felt a flicker of something – was it jealousy? – but he quickly dismissed it. "Morning, honey. Coffee?"

"Yes, please," Emma replied, sitting down at the kitchen island.

As they enjoyed their breakfast, the conversation flowed easily. David regaled them with stories from his travels, his charisma captivating Emma. She laughed at his jokes, her laughter a melodic counterpoint to his deep voice.

Days turned into weeks, and the routine remained the same. David's presence, while initially a source of excitement, began to cast a subtle shadow over James and Emma's relationship. James couldn't ignore the way Emma's eyes lit up when David entered the room or the way David seemed to gravitate towards her, always finding an excuse to be near.

One evening, James returned home later than usual from work. The house was quiet, a soft glow emanating from the living room. He walked in to find Emma and David on the couch, a bottle of wine open on the coffee table. They were engrossed in conversation, their heads close together, a shared intimacy that made James' heart ache.

"Hey," he said, trying to keep his tone light. "What are you two up to?"

Emma looked up, a guilty expression flashing across her face. "Oh, hi, James. We were just talking. David was telling me about his trip to Italy."

"Sounds interesting," James said, forcing a smile. "Mind if I join?"

"Of course not," David replied, scooting over to make room.

As they talked, James felt like an outsider, the bond between Emma and David palpable. He tried to engage, to be part of the conversation, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Later that night, as they got ready for bed, James couldn't hold back any longer. "Emma, is everything alright?"

Emma looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know," James said, running a hand through his hair. "It just feels like... I don't know, like things are different since David got here."

Emma sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "James, he's your brother. He's been through a lot, and he needs us right now."

"I know," James replied, sitting next to her. "But I can't help feeling like... like I'm losing you to him."

Emma's expression softened, and she took his hand. "You're not losing me, James. I love you. David's just... he's family. We're helping him get back on his feet."

James nodded, though the unease in his heart didn't dissipate. He kissed her softly, trying to reassure himself that everything would be okay.

But as the days passed, the tension only grew. David's presence became a constant reminder of the widening gap between James and Emma. And every time James saw David and Emma together, laughing, talking, sharing those intimate moments, the knot in his stomach tightened.

One Friday evening, James came home to find David and Emma in the backyard. David was showing Emma how to grill steaks, their laughter drifting through the warm evening air. James watched from the kitchen window, a mixture of emotions swirling within him – jealousy, anger, fear.

He stepped outside, forcing a smile. "Smells good out here."

"Hey, James," David said, flipping a steak. "We thought we'd surprise you with dinner."

Emma turned to him, her smile radiant. "David's quite the chef. I had no idea."

James joined them, trying to mask his discomfort. They sat down to eat, the conversation light and filled with laughter. But James couldn't shake the feeling that he was an intruder in his own life.

As the evening wore on, David excused himself to take a call, leaving James and Emma alone. James reached across the table, taking Emma's hand. "Emma, I need to talk to you."

Emma looked at him, concern etched on her face. "What is it, James?"

"I can't keep doing this," he said, his voice trembling. "I can't keep pretending that everything is okay when it's not."

"James, what are you talking about?"

"It's David," he said, his voice breaking. "I feel like he's coming between us. I see the way you look at him, the way he looks at you. And I can't stand it."

Emma's eyes filled with tears. "James, you're imagining things. David's just... he's just David. He needs us right now."

"And what about what I need?" James asked, his voice rising. "What about us? I feel like I'm losing you, Emma. And it hurts."

Emma stood, her expression resolute. "James, I love you. But David is family. We can't turn our backs on him."

James felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. "I don't want to lose you, Emma. But I can't keep doing this. I need to know where we stand."

Emma stepped closer, cupping his face in her hands. "James, you're my husband. My heart belongs to you. But we need to be there for David, too. Please, try to understand."

James nodded, though his heart was heavy. "I understand. But it's hard, Emma. It's so hard."

As they held each other, the tension between them remained, an unspoken barrier that neither could breach. And in the shadows, David watched, a knowing smile playing on his lips.