Page 60 of Catching Feelings

I do a happy dance in my kitchen then do what he said and lock my door.

?CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ROWAN

Kendall and Riley knew I went hiking with Miles a few weeks ago and no one made a big deal about it because we all figured it was just a friends thing. I never mentioned our dinner dates, and never said anything about our kisses because I worried they’d warn me off.

And all this makes me feel like a bad friend. I don’t like keeping secrets from them, especially about a guy. But if they told me that dating Miles was a bad idea, I’d have to take their advice or I’d worry about them being upset with me.

It’s my biggest weakness. Something others claim is a strength of mine; making others happy. I am an empathetic person and ninety-nine percent of the time I don’t mind sacrificing for the happiness of others. Conflicts and arguments are not my forte. I do everything I can to avoid them.

It doesn’t make me a doormat. Well, except with my family, but that’s inevitable. They’re inevitable. In my personal and social life, I surround myself with good people so it’s not really an issue.

“You’ve been awfully quiet tonight.” Kendall nudges my ribs with her elbow as we climb up the stairs of the stadium to meet the guys after the game. “Everything okay?”

“Tired, I guess.”

“It’s only four-thirty. What’s going on? Things okay with work?”

“I love my job. The other nurses and doctors are great too.”

“Soooo?”

“It’s nothing, really.”

“Row.” She tugs my elbow and drags me down a quiet corridor away from Jackson and Riley, who are arguing over who is Walker’s biggest fan. “You can’t bullshit a bullshitter. What’s going on?”

“I miss you and Riley.” It’s the truth. “We haven’t had a girl’s night in forever, but I don’t want to take you away from your families.”

“Aw, shit, Row.” Kendall wraps me in a hug. “We’ve been shitty friends. I’m so sorry. We’ll do something next weekend. Promise.”

“You’re not a shitty friend. I’m so happy for you guys. Really, Kendall, I am. And you know me. I like my alone time. After working full time and putting myself through nursing school for the past three years, I was stretched thin as it was. I need this alone time, but I love you both and miss our girl time.”

“We’ll make it happen. You’re always the first to drop everything for us. We’ll do the same.”

“I don’t want you to drop everything. Especially not your time with Nash and Paisley. They’re the center of your world, as they should be, and I get that it’s hard to find quality time together during football season.”

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