Page 72 of The Love Trick

“Maybe. But what if I didn’t meet your family’s expectations? What if we broke up? What if I lost you forever?” His eyes stay focused on his water. “What we have is too important to me to risk it all by trying to be something more. It was then, and it is now. You’re my best friend, Addy. And you always will be.”

“Blaze…” I say his name slowly, wishing more than anything that I didn’t have to say what’s coming next.

“Yeah?”

I meet his eyes, holding them. “I can’t be friends with you right now.”

He blinks. “We said we’d always be friends.”

“But Ican’tbe friends right now, Blaze,” I repeat, reaching out and grabbing his hand. “I have to get over you, and I don’t think I can do that like this. I can’t keep going on as if things are normal between us and still find some way to move on. My feelings are much too strong for you.” I bat away the tear that villainously slips down my cheek. But he’s left me no choice, and I have to be honest. And evenifhe has real feelings for me, they’re obviously not as strong as mine—because there’s no way that I canjustbe friends with him.

Definitely not right now.

Maybe not ever.

“I…” Blaze’s eyes are on his hand. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Clearly.” I sniffle, sliding off the stool as I keep batting my tears away. “I just … I have to move on, Blaze.” I feel like I’m rambling now. “Every guy I’ve ever dated since I met you wasn’t good enough, and while we were in Hawaii, I finally realized why. It’s because they’re notyou.”

“Addy…”

“No, it’s the truth,” I say, stopping him before he can come up with any more ridiculous speeches. “I know we’re like family, and maybe eventually we can be friends again, but I don’t think it’ll ever be like it was before.”

“What?! Why?”

“Because this whole thing has shown me that Iwantto find my person, and my person probably won’t like the dynamic of our friendship.”

Blaze’s head falls into his hands, and he doesn’t say another word.

“I’m sorry.” My voice is quiet. “I’ll get an Uber home.”

He lifts his head. “No, I’ll take you home.” He slides off the stool and then gestures for me to go ahead in front of him. I swallow the sob threatening to choke me and head for the door.

He’d rather lose our friendship than date me.

The realization slams into my chest like a sledgehammer, and I can’t look at him as we enter the elevator. I can’t believe it. Ireallycan’t believe it.

I stare at my freshly manicured toes as the elevator makes the descent to ground level, my head swimming with confusion.

As soon as the elevator doors slide open, I step out, keeping my eyes straight ahead as we walk to Blaze’s Jeep. We remain in a painful silence as he hits the unlock button, and I climb into the passenger seat.

This is probably the last time I’m ever going to do this.

I close the door and watch Blaze solemnly walk around to the driver’s side. He climbs inside and doesn’t even cast a passing glance in my direction.

“I could’ve Ubered,” I say, my voice coming out with an edge.

“Yeah, and I can drive you home just as easily.”

“You’re clearly mad at me,” I shoot back at him.

He huffs, reaching forward and starting the car. “No.” His biceps flex beneath his black T-shirt, and I hate how attractive he’s suddenly become to me. It makes everything hurt that much worse. I always thought he was out of my league, but now Iknowhe is.

Why am I wallowing so much?I roll my eyes and angle my body to the window, folding my arms across my chest.I knew going in there that this was a possible outcome.Despite that fact, I’m angry. I’m heartbroken. And I’m shocked.

Blaze makes the drive in complete silence, not even turning on the radio, which makes it all that much more awkward. I keep staring out the window, hoping the twenty minutes will pass a little faster.

Finally, he pulls up in front of my townhouse, and I take a deep breath, knowing this is it for me. Maybe I’m being too harsh, but at the same time, I’ve got to take care of my heart, right?

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