Page 63 of Her Infuriating Duke

“You can talk to me, you know. I want to be friends, and friends help each other or at least listen to each other’s problems if there’s nothing else to be done.”

“And I appreciate that, but everything is fine. Really.”

“But you’d tell me if you weren’t?”

“Of course, and you would do the same?”

“I would.” Felicity was quiet for a moment before she continued. “I want us to be close and to have a good relationship.”

“I want us to be friends too, but I’m afraid you are going to be disappointed if I understand what you are implying. As I said, there’s nothing of the sort going on.”

“I know. You told me.” But Felicity’s smile made clear she didn’t quite believe that.

Amber wanted to argue more, but it was clear she wasn’t going to get anywhere. “Have you been enjoying your time here?”

“Of course! I always do when I get a chance to go out. If I’m honest, I much prefer smaller gatherings like this to the large balls we often attend. It has been a wonderful change of pace.”

“I’m glad. I never asked. Who do you know here?”

“Quite a few people actually, but it was Mary who invited us. She said she thought you might appreciate having someone around who’s the same age actually.”

“Did she? I didn’t know that.”

“I don’t think she wanted you to, so please don’t mention that I said anything.”

“You don’t need to worry. Anything you say to me will always be in confidence unless otherwise stated.”

“I appreciate that. As I’m sure you know, some people have no idea when to keep something to themselves.”

The pair continued their walk in silence for a bit. Amber couldn’t help the way her mind stuck on what Felicity had been implying.

It didn’t make any sense. Why would she think that?

I wonder if I should talk to Christopher about it,she thought to herself.

But as quickly as she had the thought, she shook it from her head.

What am I even thinking? Of course he isn’t thinking like that. That would be ridiculous. Besides, it isn’t like I would even want him to feel that way. Christopher is the worst. I could never spend my life with someone like him. Felicity must just be seeing what she wants to see.

Yes. that was it.

“Um, Amber?” Felicity snapped her from her thoughts. “Are you sure you are all right?”

“Of course, sorry. I simply got lost in my own thoughts for a moment.”

“What were you thinking about?”

“Nothing!”

“Nothing,” Felicity grinned. “Then why were you blushing?”

“What?! I wasn’t!”

“You were! You can tell me you know. We are friends. I would tell you if someone was on my mind.

“No one is on my mind.”

“Are you sure about that?”

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