Page 3 of We Never Kissed

“Right, I’m a player who likes the chase. Got it.”

“Yes, true. But there’s another layer to this mystery that you somehow missed.” She licked her full lips, and I got a glimpse of how much of a world-class jackass I was going to feel like going home alone tonight. “You haven’t made a real move in all these years because you fear Sammy’s disapproval. And you’re probably afraid he won’t think you’re good enough.”

“Bullshit.” But even as I said it, my chest tightened. Sammy wasn’t just my best friend; he was like a brother to me. My home life had been a disaster, and his parents had always treated me like one of their own kids. Still did.Damn, she’s right. It wasn’t just Sammy, though, but their parents as well. I’d never want to do anything to disappoint Sue and Denny. I glanced away from Lauren and stared across the restaurant. What I needed was a way to end this night and put us both out of this misery. When I felt Lauren’s hand on my arm, I turned back to her. “I’m sorry. You were just trying to help.”

She laughed. “I’m not some wilting flower you have to be careful around. I can take it. Besides, I’m not the one suffering.”

Suffering?Narrowing my gaze at her, I said, “I’m not suffering.”

“Okay, Romeo. She doesn’t even live here, and you can’t get through a date without pining over her? Maybeyour other women are distracted by that sexy dark mane of yours and that five o’clock shadow, which I would have enjoyed, thank you very much—”

I gave her a head tilt, and my best devilish grin. “There’s still time…”

Adding her own head tilt, she snapped, “Nice try.”

“Gave it a shot.” I shrugged, then added, “Plus, she might not live here now, but she is in town.”

“What!” Lauren shot a look around the restaurant, realizing she’d said that a little too loudly. “Why didn’t you say so? No wonder you’re acting like a lovesick school girl.” She winked, but it didn’t soften the blow.

“Thanks…”

“Okay, here’s what’s going to happen. The only way to salvage this waste of a night… Don’t give me that look, we both know it would have been incredible.” She seemed to shake off the thought. “Get out your phone. You’re calling her.”

Chapter 2

Ava

I sat on a barstool at the kitchen counter, drinking coffee and watching my parents make breakfast and flit around each other without saying a word—something that almost never happened. And since neither of them said more than a few words and a greeting when I got home yesterday, I expected a barrage of questions this morning.

“What’s going on?” I said to them both.

Dad glanced at Mom, then stuck his head in the fridge. “Anyone want juice?”

I cocked my head at Mom and lifted my brows.

“What, honey? We’re just making breakfast.” Her chin-length brown hair swished as she busied herself.

“Uh-huh. And did you both take a vow of silence or something?”

“No. We’re just giving you…space.”

I wrinkled my brow as my dad turned and seemed to be holding back a grin.

“Space for what? You guys are acting weird—even for you.” I laughed, but my suspicions along with the bad news on the tip of my tongue didn’t allow me to feel any humor.

My dad opened his mouth like he was going to say something, and Mom shoved a piece of bacon into it. “We’re just excited—and a little frazzled—about our big anniversary party. But since you’re here early, you can help us with all the last-minute preparations.”

Dad was nodding and chewing, then swallowed and said, “Unless, of course, you’re too busy?”

I gave them both the side-eye and then sipped my coffee. I noticed my mom’s stare homing in on my mug, and then her eyes popped wide. She shot a questioning look to my dad, who just skimmed his hand over the top of his partially gray crew cut.

What the hell is going on with them?

“Did you poison this?” I asked, setting down the mug.

Dad shook his head and gave my mom a pointed look. “Enough of this, Sue.” Then he turned to me. “She was looking for the ring, sweetheart. We facetimed with Marklast week, and we’ve been dying ever since. We assumed that’s why you came home, to give us the news?” His face froze with a goofy, expectant grin.

“Mark didn’t say—” I let out a breath. “Oh, my God. Did he ask for your blessing for—”

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