Page 8 of If Only You Hurt

“That was sort of fun,” Laney says with a giggle following. I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face.

We lean into one another, letting our foreheads touch, and I keep my hand on her cheek, my thumb stroking her skin.

“Thanks, Grantie.” And just those two words from Laney pull me out of whatever trance I was in. This was something she checked off her list, but it didn’t mean something to her in that way.

Laney has always been the center of my world, and tonight, I feel like something changed for me. Like she took a piece of my heart with that kiss. I don’t know if I’ll ever be the same, but I also can’t risk our friendship changing and possibly losing her in the process.

“I’m glad we could share that together.” I smile at her. Soon, we move from where we were just connected, and she sits on the ground while I stay on the bed. I try to fill in the silence because I have no clue how to move on from here.

Finally, I ask, “Want to see me kick your ass at Madden?” Laney laughs at my question, and all seems right between us. That kiss may have changed my life in some way, but I sure as hell won’t let it jeopardize my friendship with my favorite person. I doubt whatever that feeling was will stick, just as much as I doubt she felt anything beyond our friendship as our lips connected.

Chapter Four

LANEY

2010

Today is Grant’s last full day here in Saddle Ridge before we both venture off to our senior year of high school. To say I got heart palpitations when my best friend emerged at the arrivals area of the airport is an understatement.

Grant has definitely grown into a man in the last few months. Each time we see one another, it’s hard not to notice the changes occurring as we are both maturing into adults. But now, when I look at Grant, I see the hottest guy around.

He’s not built in a bulky way. He’s lean and muscular, much like he’s got the body of a surfer, if I’m being honest. He’s tall, although not as tall as my brother-in-law, and he’s got this ease about him as he moves through a crowd.

Things returned to normal after we shared our first kiss a few years ago. We’ve both dated since then, and I can’t help but admit that when he tells me of a new girlfriend in New York, my heart constricts, and jealousy courses through my body. I’m not sure if it’s from a friend’s point of view or the fact that he shared something with me. Since that kiss, I haven’t found anyone that replaces that feeling of completion he seemed to have planted that day. I felt sparks when I kissed Grant when I was just thirteen, while every other guy I’ve dated hasn’t even come close.

I’m downstairs making breakfast, my parents out working, while Grant is still sleeping. I didn’t realize how long boys sleep in. I’m a morning person, and I think my teenage years haven’t deviated from my normal early riser behavior.

I’m pouring orange juice when I hear Grant walking upstairs. I look up at the clock and realize it’s only nine-thirty in the morning. I take a seat at the table, and in walks Grant as if he hasn’t changed his day up by waking up at least two hours earlier than his usual.

“Morning, Bean.” He saunters into the kitchen wearing only some basketball shorts. Grant walks around as if he isn’t flaunting his muscles for me to ogle, and I can’t help but stare at his features. He’s beautiful.

I continue gawking, although I’ve seen him walk around like this quite a bit this summer, and let out a louder sigh than intended.

That gets Grant’s attention, and he gives me a full dimple smile. Damn him for being not only hot but cute with those dimples on his face.

“What is it, Laney? You like the view this morning?” His gruff voice pulls me out of my stupor while he’s moving his fingers through his hair. He knows he’s hot, and he’s messing with me.

“You wish.” I roll my eyes, but I know my blush is overtaking my face now.

“What’s on the agenda today? It’s my last full day, so I got up early to spend every moment with you. What should we do?” He grabs a few eggs and cracks them onto the pan. Next, he gets some bread into the toaster and returns to the eggs. Once done, he puts everything on a plate, and I already know from what he made, he’ll be hungry in an hour. That's not enough food to keep Grant satisfied. I’ve learned a growing boy needs about four times that amount. I’ve never seen someone demolish so much food and still feel hungry. Where is all this food going, anyway?

“Um, I thought we could hit up that mini golf spot that opened earlier this season and maybe hang out at the pool. Nothing crazy. Was there something you wanted to do?” I’m looking down at my phone at my Facebook account, scrolling through pictures of my high school friends out and about on vacations with their families.

“Yeah, that sounds good. Can we hit up the mini golf once the sun sets? It’s so hot right now.” I nod, and we sit in comfortable silence as we eat our breakfasts.

Once done, we begin our day out in our town. When Grant comes to visit, it feels like everything is right in the world. He fits into my daily routine seamlessly, and it’s hard to ignore how much we mold into one another’s lives without much friction.

While Grant’s driving us into town to grab some lunch, I decide to finally come out with my question that I’ve avoided all summer.

“So, Grant, I know you live far away, and it might be a huge ask, but I got my calendar from school, and I wanted to ask you something.”

“Sure, Bean. Ask me anything.” With that answer, I let out a breath, my nerves taking over. This feels like asking for our first kiss years ago but on steroids. I just need to come out with it already. I’ve held onto my question this entire visit, and now I’m down to the last twenty-four hours before he leaves. I just need to put on my big girl panties and ask.

“I wanted to know if you’d go to prom with me in May.” I look over tentatively to gauge his reaction.

I see the smile take over his face, and I can tell he likes my question. He looks over at me, and that smile nearly floors me. Yep, I’m in love with my best friend, and I have no clue how to cross that line without ruining everything we’ve built together. Damn my heart for being in love with the one person I could never jeopardize that kind of relationship with.

“Of course, I’ll go to prom with you. But only under one condition.” Oh gosh. What is he going to put out there?

---