Page 43 of All I've Waited For

Friends?

Baloney.

He was still in love with Ashley Baker.

The revelation had smacked him like a two-by-four the second he’d seen her in that wedding dress, and he still felt numb from the hit while he stood outside the dressing room as she changed back into her normal clothes and flip-flops.

A stronger man would leave, but he stayed, leaning against the wall. Waiting. He took the opportunity to get his head on straight.

Because, despite his deeper emotions, theywerefriends. Had been for years. Definitely he could choose to focus on that fact.

Probably, at least.

Ashley emerged, eyes bright and hair worn back.

Friends. Friends.

She pulled up short. “I didn’t expect you to still be here.”

“Thought I could walk you wherever you’re going next.” He shrugged. “It’s dark out.”Real smooth.

“It’s Walker Beach.” A smile teased her mouth. “But I appreciate the thought.” She headed out the door and he followed, the cool air a welcome relief after the heat he’d encountered in the bridal shop.

Stopping at his Jeep, he tossed his purchased tuxedo inside. With its sharp edges and bow tie, the thing should have made him feel like Double O Seven, but he’d felt like a trussed-up penguin instead. “All right, you don’t need me to walk with you. But can I?” Great, he sounded desperate. “I want to apologize.”

“Well, if you want to apologize, by all means.”

Walking down the sidewalk between the buildings, they emerged onto the boardwalk and turned north. There were plenty of people out for an evening stroll, but not so many that it felt overly crowded. On instinct, he headed for the sand. They removed their flip-flops, hooking them over their fingers as they continued their trek down the beach.

Moonlight reflected off the water, which pulsed onto the shore, lapping at their feet. The wet sand squished between his toes.

“So, about this apology …”

“I was just about to get to that, Miss Impatient.”

Her giggles pealed over the water. “Anytime, then.”

Derek leaned down and flicked some water up at her.

She shrieked and jogged ahead out of the splash zone.

He caught up. “I shouldn’t have called you a doormat, Ash.” Taking a deep breath, he considered his words. “I’m really sorry about that. You’re just a much nicer person than I am.”

The stars gave enough light for him to catch the soft smile curving on her lips. “As much as I hate to admit it, I think there’s some truth in what you said. It’s something I’m going to try to work on.”

“You don’t have to change, Ash. You’re perfect just the way you are.” Her quick look seared him. Okay, probably not the right thing to say.Friends, friends.“We all have areas where we can grow, of course. But maybe I was too quick to judge you.”

“You’re not the first one to suggest that I may have a failing in my inability to say no.”

“Well, like I said. We all have our failings.” He grinned at her. “Except for me, of course.”

Now the water came flying at him, and he let loose a surprised laugh as the cold hit his face. He had to rein in the impulse to grab her around her waist and fling her into the water. “Watch it.”

“Just trying to keep you humble.” She laughed, then grew quiet. “Do I have a savior complex, Derek?”

“I thought that was me.”

“Maybe it’s both of us.” Ashley stopped walking and turned to watch the water for a moment. “Seriously, though. I’m always the first one to step up and volunteer if no one else does. I don’t refuse anything if someone asks, even when I probably should. Right now I’m swimming in responsibilities and yet if a family member or friend asked me to help them in some way, I’m not sure I could find it in me to say no.”

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